Did you see the recent report that the number of Americans driving is reaching historic lows? According to the Department of Transportation people traveled 11 billion miles less in March 2008, than March 2007. One reason is the rising gas prices and more people turning to pedal power and other modes of transportation.New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is looking for another round of volunteers who will trade in their car for a bike, an appealing prospect as gas prices continue to climb. Details on this year’s Car-for-Bike Trade Program are below. If you would like to talk with a car-for-bike volunteer from last year or a member of New Belgium about the program, please let me know. Cheers, Jenny TRADE IN FOUR WHEELS FOR TWO: NEW BELGIUM BREWING’S CAR-FOR-BIKE SWAP IS BACK AT TOUR DE FAT CELEBRATIONS Fort Collins, CO - May 27, 2008 - Your car guzzles gas money and pollutes, so ditch it and ride a bike. In fact, turn your car title over to New Belgium Brewing at Tour de Fat celebrations this summer and receive a custom New Belgium commuter bike. The second annual Car-for-Bike Trade program will take place in all 2008 Tour de Fat stops. For volunteer car-swappers willing to forgo gas for pedal power and want to show friends and neighbors the benefits of living car-free, visit http://www.followyourfolly.com/pdf/biketrade.pdf.   Through the program, one volunteer in each Tour de Fat stop will commit to live car-free for one full year. The dedicated individual will sign over their car title and receive a custom New Belgium commuter bike in exchange. The selected candidate will chronicle the trials and triumphs along their car-free journey. The volunteer is chosen after submitting a video or essay describing their desire to live without a vehicle. As part of the Car-for-Bike Trade Program, each Tour de Fat stop will have a funeral for the departed car complete with a Mardi Gras-esque funeral procession. This funeral will be followed, later in the day, by a celebration of the arrival of the Car-for-Bike volunteer’s custom commuter bike. Tour de Fat, New Belgium Brewing’s traveling celebration of all things bicycle, travels the country spreading the good word about the myriad benefits of cycling and celebrating mankind’s greatest invention… the bike. Over the last eight years, Tour de Fat has captured the imagination of thousands with record-setting parades, eye-popping entertainment, death-defying contests of bicycle skill and precision, and, of course, New Belgium beer. Tour de Fat 2008 will cycle through each of the following cities. To submit a video or essay for consideration as a Car-for-Bike volunteer, log on to http://www.followyourfolly.com/pdf/biketrade.pdf. June 21: Chicago, IL July 19: San Francisco, CA July 26: Truckee, CA Aug. 2: Seattle, WA Aug. 16: Portland, OR Aug. 23: Boise, ID Sept. 6: New Belgium Brewing (Ft. Collins, CO) Sept. 13: Denver, CO Sept. 20: Durango, CO Oct. 11: Tempe, AZ Oct. 18: Austin, TX For more information and to see a video montage of previous Tour de Fat stops, please visit http://www.followyourfolly.com/folly_tour_de_fat.html . About New Belgium Brewing Company New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

source: Jenny Foust

Partnership with bike shop and artists raises money for local charity.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 28, 2008) – Crumpler Bags is joining forces with One On One Bicycle Studio and eight local and national artists to create a limited edition series of messenger bags featuring one-of-a-kind graphics. The custom bag designs are the centerpiece of a weeklong event called “Imaginary Bags,” which culminates in a fundraising party featuring a silent auction to raise money for a local cycling-related charity.

Gene Oberpriller, owner of One On One, says the idea for the show came together in a conversation he had with Crumpler Bags employees at last year’s Interbike convention in Las Vegas. “One On One is a combination bike shop- coffee shop-art gallery, and we attract a pretty diverse group of customers. So we’re always looking for ways to bring the local bike and art scenes together. A show featuring custom messenger bags designed by local artists was a natural.”

Oberpriller took the idea to Charles Youel, a Minneapolis advertising creative who’s worked to stage other art and cycling events at One On One, including ARTCRANK, a bicycle-themed poster show. Youel put together a group of local and national artists to create designs based on the Crumpler Fux Deluxe messenger bag: Adam West, Aleks Stancevic, Amy Campbell, Katherine Lamm, Mary Fallon, Nicki McCracken, Sarah Nelson Forss and Steve Smith.

He then enlisted the aid of fellow creatives Erik Kvalseth and Toby Balai, who came up with the “Imaginary Bags” theme and campaign, including a web site (imaginarybags.com), video email, posters and postcards. Youel also introduced the idea of making the event a fundraiser. “Last fall, a Minneapolis resident named Mark Loesch was killed while he was out on a bike ride near his home. Erik, Toby and I live in the same neighborhood and ride on the same streets. Right from the start, Imaginary Bags felt like a good way to do something positive for his family.”

“Imaginary Bags” will open on Monday, June 2 at One On One, which is located at 117 Washington Avenue North in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. All of the messenger bag designs will be on display, and people will be able to place silent auction bids throughout the week.

On Saturday, June 7, the event will wrap up with a closing night party featuring live music, a runway show featuring the bag designs, and a chance to help “design” a custom messenger bag with paintball pellets. At the end of the evening, the sixteen bags will go to the highest bidders, and all proceeds will go to the Mark Loesch Memorial Fund.

According to Crumpler US Marketing Manager Bianca Dillon, “Imaginary Bags sums up the Crumpler marketing philosophy: Make some sharp-looking bags, throw a great party, and everybody goes home happy. In this case, we’re especially pleased that it’s being done for such a worthy cause.”

For More Information
Imaginary Bags: http://www.imaginarybags.com

One On One: http://www.oneononebike.com

Crumpler: http://www.crumplerbags.com

About
Crumpler was created by three bike messengers, Dave Roper, Will Miller and Stuart Crumpler in Melbourne Australia in 1995 in response to in direct response to the need for very durable (and visible) bags for messengers, who really give their equipment a good thrashing. This was also the answer to the hundreds of poor quality, anonymously designed black bags that were boring the hell out of the market at the time. Crumpler branched out into IT, photo bags and accessories, and the products became popular in Australia and internationally. Crumpler bags are available at their retail stores, online at www.crumplerbags.com, and through selected specialty retailers nationwide.

Source: Charles Youel

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., (May 28, 2008) − Freestyle, the original action sports watch manufacturer, announces today its sponsorship of Australian downhill mountain biker, Sam Hill.

When Freestyle Marketing Director, Chad LaBass, saw the intensity and fearlessness with which Hill rides, he knew that he would be a great addition to the team. “We couldn’t be happier to have an athlete of Sam’s caliber on the Freestyle Team,” said LaBass. “His full throttle style is a perfect fit for Freestyle. The guy just flat out charges and has the World Titles to prove it.”

Hill is the current defending UCI World Champion, 2007 UCI World Cup Series Champion, and is currently competing for a second World Cup Championship in the 2008 UCI Nissan Mountain Bike World Cup Series. Hill placed first in both the 2007 and 2008 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, placed second in 2006, and third in 2005. “It’s awesome to be on the Freestyle team, the light weight and durable Shark Watch has become a great tool in counting down my pre-race warm- up’s,” noted Hill.

Next up, Hill will continue to compete in World Cup races in Andorra, Fort William, United Kingdom followed by Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada; Bromont, Canada; Canberra, Australia and will end the tour in Schladming, Austria.

Hill’s other sponsors include Monster Energy, Ironhorse, Troylee Designs, FUNN, and Spy.

To learn more about Freestyle please visit: www.FreestyleUSA.com and to find out more information about the 2008 UCI Nissan Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano please visit: www.UCI.CH.

About Freestyle
Founded in 1981, Freestyle is a leading action sports watch manufacturer. The Freestyle watch collection includes a full line of performance and lifestyle choices for men, women and youth, all styles are water resistant to 100 meters or more and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. With roots firmly planted in surf, Freestyle proudly sponsors a team of highly respected surfers including Shane Dorian, Cory Lopez, Sage Erickson and 2006 ASP World Women’s Longboard Champion Schuyler McFerran. For more information, visit www.freestyleusa.com.

source: Lindsay Robinson, SnL Communications

May 26th to June 1st May 26th, 2008 ~ From May 26th till June 1st, Norco’s staff have taken on the Bike To Work Challenge! This spring the Vancouver Cycling Coalition threw down the gauntlet, challenging workplaces across the Lower Mainland to enter a huge (but friendly) competition to see who can get the most co-workers onto bikes for the trip to work. To help ease the process, some of our experienced cyckung commuters volunteered their time to teach ‘Gears and Gear’ seminars for any rookies or wannabes. We challenge YOU to consider hoping on your bike this week, remembering that change always starts with just one person! For more information on the Bike to Work Challenge, check out: Bike To Work Week 2008 Get the latest Norco News & Updates at: NORCO.com

About Norco Products Ltd. Whether you’re sportin’ spandex and cleats, or torn jeans and a bandana, if riding a bike is the highlight of your day, the one bright moment in your week, or that old faithful friend patiently hanging in your garage - then you understand what Norco is all about. We make great bikes, because we want to ride great bikes, it’s as simple as that. Check out NORCO.com to view our entire line of 2008 bicycles.

source: Trisha Petrella

 

Photo- Ian Hylands

NORTH VANCOUVER—Eighteen year old Canadian young gun Steve Smith has defeated a star-studded field to
win the US Open of Mountain Biking at Diablo Freeride Park in New Jersey.

“This is a huge result for Steve.  I am really excited for him heading into the rest of the season. He has proved that
he can ride with the best in the World.” said Gabe Fox, marketing manager at Cove Bikes.

In the Semi finals Steve secured a solid 3rd place finish behind 2-time World Champion Sam Hill and Andrew
Neethling of South Africa.

“The track was amazing, rough as ever, I love riding at Diablo, I can’t wait for race day” stated Steve Smith
after his semi final.

However, in the finals Steve stepped it up stomping onto the top of the podium for the first time this season.
Steve edged out Sam finishing 2nd and last years winner Bryn Atkinson in 3rd.

 

Photo- Ian Hylands

“I feel amazing I am so stoked to win with so many great riders at the open.” said Steve after his win.

It was a great weekend for Cove Bikes.  Steve’s team mate Andrew Mitchell took the win at Canada
Cup #2 at Mt Tremblant.  With the win he claimed the series leader’s jersey and secured a spot on the
National Team and will now be representing Canada at the World Championships alongside Steve next
month in Italy.

Cove Bikes is a North Shore based manufacturer of high-end freeride bikes. From its early  inception
as the core North Shore Bike Shop, to today as a cutting-edge bike manufacturer, Cove Bikes continues
to lead the industry in progression and innovation.

Cove Bikes Factory Team is sponsored by Cove Bikes, SRAM, Rockshox, Avid, Truvativ,

E-13, Troy Lee Designs, Dakine, Fiveten, Oakley, Crankbrothers, Mavic,

Obtaimium Performance Products, Maxxis, ODI, WTB

Steve is also sponsored by Red Bull.

Photo- Ian Hylands

source: Mathieu Dupelle

The annual cross country mountain bike event, held in Sheffield has received interest from every continent of the world. The charity event, which raises money for the Weston Park Cancer Appeal Fund is hosted by current downhill world mountain bike champion, Steve Peat in his local training grounds of Wharncliffe Woods. In it’s first year, 2006, the team managed to raise £5,800 for the charity but a more focused events management team are now hoping to quadruple that amount.

 

Recent improvements to their event communications has seen entries in all the top mountain bike magazines in the UK and some very well known mountain bike sites. As a result, their own website is now getting visited by people across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, with over 500 new visitors each week.

 

Steve Peat said ‘We are all truly amazed at the amount of interest this year’s event has attracted. I have utilized all my contacts within the mountain bike world to spread the word and cannot believe how many people have visited the site and are planning to attend the event. Our key focus this year was to penetrate areas of interest for this event with our web, email, poster and flyer campaigns. This is obviously paying dividends and we hope it continues.’

 

The event comprises of 2 categories. Firstly a fun race for children or the less discerning riders, many of whom will be in fancy dress. Secondly, a senior event which is for the more serious rider or fitness fanatic. In addition to the actual riding, there will be camping, food, local live bands and DJ’s on their purpose built stage, a pyrotechnics display by a James Bond Film set technician and many fundraising activities.

 

There are still plenty of places available for interested riders and people who may just wish to spectate or enjoy the other activities are gratefully welcome. The dates for the event are 4^th and 5^th August.

 

Website.

You will be able to download entry and sponsorship forms from the following website and get all the latest info on the race running up to the event.

www.wharncliffeweekender.com

Directions

The race is situated in Wharncliffe forest, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

From the North Come off the MI at Junction 36 turn right towards Sheffield, At the next roundabout (McDonalds on the right) take the A616 towards Manchester. Follow for approx 1 mile once you crest the top of the hill there is a left turn signed Wortley, Huddersfield, Penistone. Turn left then after 50 Yards take the first right on to Woodhead Road. Follow for approx 3 miles. You will pass Rainbow hills Dog Kennels on your left, take the next right on to a dirt track. Follow signs for event parking and camping.

 

From the south Exit the M1 Motorway at junction 35a follow A616 straight over first roundabout then straight over second roundabout (McDonalds on the right). Then follow above signs.

source: Steve Peat

London, May 24th: The 2008 Nissan Qashqai Challenge is in the books with plenty of surprises at the grand final to shake up the overall standings. The local boys stole the show in London, firing up the 50,000 spectators right in front of Tate Modern, one of the nation’s most popular art galleries. Colchester’s Sam Pilgrim took the win for the biggest result of his career, and Manchester’s Lance McDermott’s consistency scored him the overall title and the sport’s largest cash purse! A sporadic head wind picked up during the qualifying and affected some of the results. Two of the top three riders going into London, Martin Soederstrom and Brendan Semenuk failed to qualify for the final. This left the door open for some of the riders who didn’t place as well in Munich, and had an impact on the overall results.

In the finals young Sam Pilgrim chalked the highest score of the day and lit the place up with a very confident set up to a tailwhip, huge 360, back flip one-footed x-up, finishing with the biggest flair of the day from the left quarter to the dirt landing. Benny Korthaus moved into second with an x-up, to one-handed 360 tabletop, backflip, clean 360 tailwhip, and downside foot plant on the battle ship sub box. Lance McDermott put himself into the top three and overall winner with an E.T. to tuck no hander, back flip into a front flip finishing with a clean flair on the right quarter pipe. Phil Sundbaum had two clean 360 tailwhips in two runs and Paul Basagoitia rode very well for 5th on the day. Lance McDermott’s 4th place in Munich and 3rd place in London was enough to win him the overall title and the grand prize of 40,000 Euros. Benny Korthaus took second place overall with a 6th in Munich and 2nd in London only one point behind McDermott and earned himself 25,000 Euros. Norway’s Trond Hansen finished in the 3rd overall position with a 2nd in Munich and 7th place in London and took home 12,500 Euros.

Paul Basagoitia was 4th overall with two 5th place finishes, and Sam Pilgrim rounds out the top 5 overall with an 11th and 1st place. The 2008 edition of the Nissan Qashqai Challenge was a huge success, and there are big plans for 2009. Thanks to everyone who made the event such a great series.

London Results: 1. Sam Pilgrim GBR DIAMONDBACK 2. Benny Korthaus GER SPECIALIZED 3. Lance McDermott GBR SCOTT 4. Phil Sundbaum USA HARO 5. Paul Basagoitia USA KONA 6. Darren Pokoj AUS FELT 7. Trond Hansen NOR SPECIALIZED 8. Adam Hauck USA BLACKMARKET 9. Jamie Goldman USA SANTA CRUZ 10. Cam McCaul USA TREK 11. Kurtis Sorge CAN GIANT 12. Mitchell Chubey CAN NSMB.COM Overall Results: 1. Lance McDermott GBR SCOTT 2. Benny Korthaus GER SPECIALIZED 3. Trond Hansen NOR SPECIALIZED 4. Paul Basagoitia USA KONA 5. Sam Pilgrim GBR DIAMONDBACK 6. Phil Sundbaum USA HARO 7. Jamie Goldman USA SANTA CRUZ 8. Martin Soederstrom SWE COLORBIKES 9. Brandon Semenuk CAN TREK 10. Kurtis Sorge CAN GIANT 11. Adam Hauck USA BLACKMARKET 12. Andreu Lacondeguy ESP KONA

The competitions were broadcasted LIVE on Freecaster at: http://www.freecaster.com/live/1000006_1004347 You can also get the pictures, video, and results at: http://www.nissan.co.uk/home/modules/qashqaichallenge/index.html?ln=/en_GB Media and press can register for the “Press Room” on www.nissan-qashqaichallenge.com for background information and high resolution pictures. For event accreditation, please contact high@rasoulution.com . About Tate Modern: Tate Modern is the national gallery of international modern and contemporary art. Located on the banks of the River Thames in London, it is one of a family of four Tate galleries in the UK. About Nissan in Europe: Nissan employs over 12,000 people in its European design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. In calendar year 2007, the company sold 570,513 vehicles across 40 markets in Western and Eastern Europe including Russia. Furthermore, the company produced a total of 576,632 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants. For more information, please go to www.nissaneurope-newsbureau.com source: rasoulution

This weekend is the east coast’s premiere race event, the US Open, which will be held at Mountain Creek in New Jersey. Riders come from all over the world to compete in this annual event with one of the largest single-event prize purses. All eyes turn to New Jersey for this one weekend among the World Cup events.

e.thirteen is sponsoring video coverage of the US Open, which will be posted on Freecaster.tv each day during the event. Daily recaps of the practice sessions and race runs will be featured, as well as some technical segments with the Monster Energy/Iron Horse Team.

The unveiling of the first prototype version of e.thirteen’s Staccato 8 platform pedal will be introduced through the video coverage as well. Stay tuned to see what the Staccato 8 is all about.

If you’re attending the event, we invite you to join us in the e.thirteen rider appreciation tent (complete with videos running, plenty of seating, water, bike stands, and a ping pong table!) for a look at the new product and hang out for a while with our crew (and maybe even give Jonas a run for his money in the ping pong tournament).

In related video news, e.thirteen has published a new video about the direct mount bashguard on the YouTube page. You can also see all of the installation and assembly videos for all e.thirteen products on the page as well: http://www.youtube.com/ethirteenvid

e.thirteen components is a small, rider-owned and operated company that strongly supports dozens of grassroots races, series, contests and other riding events all over the world every year. Founded in 2001, e.thirteen’s innovative, functional, simple and lightweight chain retention systems have made them a world leader in this category, and the choice of top pro and amateur riders and mechanics alike. They support a worldwide distribution network and take great pride in offering devoted customer service.

www.e13components.com/

source: Aaron Lutze

May 16nd, 2008 ~ Although she’s only two races in, Fionn has already decided that standing on the Podium is her style. She started out with a great season opening double podium 3rd & 2nd spot at Sea Otter, and this past weekend she scored another deux with a 3rd & 4th at Maribor World Cup. Here’s what she had to say... Arriving in Maribor nerves were flying - new pit set up, new mechanic, new bikes and a fresh start to the season. The sun was shining and the track looked amazing, so we just fed off the positive energy and gave it our all. 4X racing started with a bang. Straight out of the gate Fionn was flying. She loved the track and qualified in 2nd place just behind Anneke Beerten. Heading into racing Fionn was focused on the task at hand. She won each of her rounds, working her way into the finals alongside Anneke Beerten, Melissa Buhl and Anita Molcik. Stuck between Melissa and Anneke in the gate, Fionn got a bit of a squeeze coming into the first corner. She didn’t let that get to her though and came out of the first turn in 2nd place. Fionn and Buhl battled it out until the 2nd corner where Molcik took advantage of an opening and moved herself into 2nd. From there the chase was on. Fionn blasted out of the 2nd turn trying to make up her lost speed and catch Molcik. But the gap would prove to be too much. Results: Anneke Beerten 1st Anita Molcik - 2nd Fionn Griffiths - 3rd Melissa Buhl - 4th Sunday. Race day. Fionn had been ripping up the DH track all week absolutely loving the speed and technicality of the course. She gave a strong qualifying run, making only a few mistakes on course and finishing in 6th. By the time racing came around Fionn was ready to give it her all. Bettering her qualifying time by over 7 seconds, Fionn finished the day with 4th place - her second top 5 finish of the weekend! Results: Sabrina Jonnier - 1st Rachel Atherton - 2nd Emmeline Ragot - 3rd Fionn Griffiths - 4th Also a special mention goes out to our new team mechanic - Paul Miles. Maribor was Paul’s first World Cup event and he did a wicked job on the bikes all weekend. For more information about Fionn’s season go to: griffithsracing.net/ Get the latest Factory Team News & Updates at: NORCO.com

About Norco Products Ltd. Whether you’re sportin’ spandex and cleats, or torn jeans and a bandana, if riding a bike is the highlight of your day, the one bright moment in your week, or that old faithful friend patiently hanging in your garage - then you understand what Norco is all about. We make great bikes, because we want to ride great bikes, it’s as simple as that. Check out NORCO.com to view our entire line of 2008 bicycles.

source: Trisha Petrella

Intense Cycles is exited to announce a brand new addition to their popular line of MTB frames. The new design is aimed at the growing trailbike market and will feature the next generation of the VPP suspension design. It will also incorporate a new lower bearing system with grease fittings to ease maintenance and prolong bearing life. The only thing missing right now is a name. Intense is asking for everyone’s input in naming the new ride. The contest will run online via the Intense website www.intensecycles.com . The winning submission will earn its owner, the first production version of the new frame, autographed by Jeff Steber.

source: Paul Cusick