Retailers and exhibitors pleased with the energy, participation and organization of Interbike’s inaugural east coast demo-style even

San Luis Obispo, California, Sat. October 54, 2007:

This year’s Jeep 48Straight finals brought out some of the world’s top-ranked mountain bikers, from ALL disciplines; Greg Minnaar from DH, Adam Craig from XC, Kyle Strait, Cam ZInk and Cam McCaul from freestyle and Brian Lopes from 4X and did I mention celeb snow-boarder Shaun Palmer came out for a cameo.

The well-rounded bunch showed off there skills in a course designed by seasoned racer Eric Carter. The course nuzzled in the mountains at the Madonna Inn proved effective in weeding out the true prospects during the qualifying run. Lopes demonstrated to be up for the challenge as he qualified with the fastest time, followed closely by series-point leader Cody Warren. Warren who was eliminated early on by Mike Harderer, as well as Petr Hanak, were two of the 3 potential series champions. Leaving Carter as the sole contender for the overall title.

Both Carter and Lopes eliminated their opponents skillfully, meeting up for the final round. With over 60 years of combined racing experience and a long-standing racing rivalry that dates back to BMX days, Lopes and Carter went on to put on a good show for the fans and TV cameras a like. Lopes making the step-up jump look easy and Carter hamming it up for the crowds.

The end results proved mutually successful, as Lopes took the win for the race and Carter the overall!

Congratulations to EC and Melissa Buhl for their overall win!

Big thanks to JEEP and 48Straight for elevating the sport and bringing it to homes nationwide via CBS Sports!

MEN FINAL RESULTS
1. LOPES Brian (Oakley/Ibis)
2. CARTER Eric (Mongoose)
3. MINNAAR Greg (Santa Cruz)

For more on the race got to brianlopes.com.

source: Paula Lopes

By: mtb_Canuck

Date: 10-24-2008

For the last few weeks the October issue of National Geographic Magazine has been tormenting me. On the very first three pages, is an advertisement for the new Hummer H3T. In the ad is a picture of some dude riding a Specialized Enduro in the some of most incredibly scenery I had ever seen? The main caption says ‘Welcome to the open’. The smaller print said:
BENTON, CA
Riding along the crags of Banner Ridge Loop grants views of the White Mountains, the surrounding high desert, and the forests of pinyon pines.

Then it lists some very ambiguous directions to get to the crags. Banner Ridge Loop I thought? I had never heard of such a trail… and my research on Google led me to believe that no such place existed. Yet there it was every time I opened that magazine. Curiosity eventually got the better of me and I decided that I must investigate for myself. If there was some epic unknown trail out in the Eastern Sierras waiting to be discovered I wanted to be the first to ride it…

The Hummer Advertisement

The scenery on the way to Benton.

In search of fall colors.

Silver Lake

A duck ruins the reflection.

page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 page 8 page 9 page 10

source: Lindsey Vories

You are invited to the inaugural Northern California Bicycle Expo and Swap at the Cow Palace on November 29th and 30th, 2008. It is shaping up to be an exciting event! The Expo and Swap is about everything on human powered two wheel machines and related. Exhibitors include everyone from bike manufacturers, eco-friendly vendors, bike shops, teams, and advocacy groups.

This is your chance to participate. You may find that deal on that hard to find part or want to move some
of your gear or upgrade to a new bike.

We are also currently scheduling various bike demos and shows highlighting a wide spectrum of the sport including a Kids demo course, BMX demos, trials, and even Pixie races. There will also be a massive raffle that will spread over 2 days. There will be something for everyone!

Get all the details at www.rideSFO.com

source: rideSFO

While the team is taking a bit of time off after the busy season and I am working on the teams plans for 2009 Chris is already back home in Australia taking advantage of the new race season there. Thanks to Chris’ girlfriend Claire Buchar for this race report.

Chris Kovarik took home the win at a local race on the Gold Coast in Australia this past weekend, crowning him the King of the Coast. The event, put on by Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club and Two Wheel Promotions, was a 3 race combined time format held at 2 different venues over the weekend.

With 3 races to pack into 2 days, it was a busy weekend. The weather was hot and dry so riders had to be smart with staying hydrated and it made for some dusty loose conditions.

On Saturday, riders attacked the world class track at Illinbah(venue for up-coming November Australian National round and put in as a bid to host a future World Cup). Racers were able to get “wide open” on this track, the majority of it being fast, wide and open! Chris began his lead here with a 6 second plus win over Jared Graves and the rest of the field.

Sunday held 2 short races on 2 tracks in the Twin Peaks area just down the valley from Illinbah. Shuttles began bright and early at 8am and the first track was tricky with lots of rocky technical sections. Again, Chris dominated winning by 3 plus seconds on the 1 minute 40 second course. The second track had a different feel with lots of drifty roosty corners, lots of fun for the riders and exciting for the crowd. Chris sealed the deal with another consistent run, winning all 3 races and taking the overall by 12.582 seconds.

“Although I’ve just finished a hectic season of traveling and racing, it’s good to come back home and support the local races, catch up with mates and enjoy the typical laid back Aussie race atmosphere”, Chris commented on the podium to the crowd after thanking the organizers for hosting the event.

Both riders and spectators were thrilled to see international riders Chris Kovarik and Jared Graves’ displays of skill and support for the grass roots scene. Even Nathan Rennie, not riding due to a sore knee, came out to be present and show his support.

For full results and more info, visit www.twowheelpromotions.com.au

Cheers
Nigel Page

source: Nigel Page

Hello Racers and Support folks,

Just  a quick update for the upcoming November 15th race. There is lot of things happening for this race that has never happened before. We are hosting quite a few major bike industry companies out at the venue. For the first time that in a long time in SoCal we will have Intense Cycles, Ellsworth, and Turner Bikes all having full setups to include full demo fleets. It is an amazing event to have 3 of the top frame makers in the world available for our racers and spectators to demo and get on site info about. We will also have a couple of smaller more custom frame builders on site for demos and info. They are Vassago, Siren, and Russ Denny. Also on the card will be The Trek WSD ( womens Specific Designs ) tour and demo trailer.

I want to mention a huge contributer to the November race! Hammer Nutrition has come on full bore with unbelievable support for the racer series. We will have Hammer nutrition products all over the venue to help our racers and support crews survive and thrive the day! Look for Hammer Heed in the water station jugs and hammer gels and bars at the start finish area to help power you through the day!

Also look for theses following companies to be an hand to support throughout the event:
Cycopath Bike shop - for repairs and bike needs - Also Cycopath will be donating a really cool bike to our mega raffle! Thanks Les
Niterider lighting - Niterider will have the trailer setup for charging and sales.
Crankbrothers
Spinergy - Of course long time partner Spinergy wheels will be on hand. This time they will have demo wheels for you racers and they will be donating a set of wheels for our mega raffle.
VSI Products - which include THE, Intense Tires and Vigor Helmets will be on hand with all the latest and greatest and of course a huge selection of helmets back packs and tires to give away at the raffle. Thanks Toby and Gman.
AyUp lighting - Darren from Ayup will be out with us Showing the latest and Greatest from the Australian based Lighting company.
Pro Motion Sporstwear - Just so you guys know Scratchy (MIke) has been a crucial supporter of our little race series. If it werent for mike and his efforts we wouldnt have the cool event tshirts that you get. Plus the Tshirts for the kids race. Scratchy I truly appreciate your support!

Mureita Chiropractic - Dr Meyers will be on hand helping with any Kinks you may have as the day wears on!
ESI Grips will also be on hand with the lightest grips on the market. Comfortable to boot. Gary Is the man behind the grip!

I am super excited to anounce the involvement of Weins winery. I have been trying for along time to get the local wineries on board and low and behold here they come! Thanks Weins!

Also a big thanks to Nimbus water company. Anthony has been with us from the start and I appreciate the support. Nimbus will be doanting some Mini RO water systems for the raffle.

Just a quick shout out to let everyone know we will be supporting the new Southern California Scholastic High School Mountain Bike League www.socaldirt.com

The importance and need for this league here in Southern California is crucial. It is another avenue for our kids to be involved in the passin of cycling. The Leagues vision and dedication are going to be a amazing avenue to get kids involved in a sport that I love. We will be collecting donations to help support the  SoCal League. So Please bring a couple of bucks extra and help us out! The “12 Hours Of Temecula” will be donating a portion of our proceeds to help out the League.

We will also have Renaud catering coming down from Santa Maria to feed us some world famous Tri tip. Plus Juice It Up and Wetzel Pretzel will be on hand to help fill the void bettween your neck and waist! HEHE

The Raffle for the race is going to be the biggest of all time. All these companies have helped out with donated swag plus a bunch more from companies who couldnt be with us! It may take along time to raffle a bunch of this stuff off. But I know you arent going any where till its done! Some of the prizes include a Vassago frame, Ayup Lights, Niterider Lights, Spinergy wheels and much much more!
There will be special raffle prizes going to racers who have been with us for all 3 races this year. I personally am donating 4 coupons worth $150 apiece towards race fees for 2009. But that is only the start there is much more! To Include a bike giveaway!
All in all we will have over $10,000 in cash and prizes being given away at the November Race.
The course is set and it is going to be super fun and fast. So bring your game face and battle cry and lets get ready to end the 2008 year with a bang.
I look forward to seeing you all out at the race!

A quick note. The 2009 race calender is up. January registration is open and ready for your commitment! Get r’ done! HAHA

http://www.12hrsoftemecula.com/

source: Jason Ranoa “12 Hours Of Temecula”

Sponsored by Presenting & Founding Sponsor: Presenting Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Media: October 21, 2008 New Registration Promotion! Hallowe’en is just around the corner…and forget the tricks ’cause we’ve got treats!  That’s right, if you’re looking for a little more bang for your registration buck, this new promotion might be just what you’re after! How does a beefy $325CDN per person bonus sound?  During this limited time offer, register a new team of 2 for the 2009 event and each teammate will receive a great promo package valued at $325CDN including a DAKINE AMP hydration pack, DAKINE Ventilator gloves, crankbrothers Candy C pedals and a BCBR race week Tune Up and & Lube. This is a limited time offer, so don’t delay! Click here for full promotion details - including product photos - and to register! Got Greenbacks? Go far in Canada! For those of you living south of the Canadian border, now is a great time to take advantage of the declining Canadian Dollar - the exchange rate is shifting into your favour! Just one US dollar will net you approximately $1.22 CDN - the time couldn’t be better to treat yourself to The Ultimate Singletrack Experience here in Beautiful BC next July! Check out the registration details…and a handy currency converter! La Ruta is Just Around the Corner! From Andreas Hestler… Good Luck to my friends at La Ruta Nov 12-15, 2008 is the 16th running of La Ruta de los Conquistadores. For the last two years I have earned the right to call myself a “Conquistadore”. This incredibly hard race, one of the hardest in the world, challenges even the best. Last year Dean Payne, the founder of the BC Bike Race, came to play and this was the year that they also changed from 3 days to 4 - four days of immense climbing, mud, jungle and pain. This year I will miss La Ruta, but our teammates from the BC Bike Race, Dave Howells and Melissa Pace, are all fired up to cross Costa Rica, from the Pacific to the Caribbean, to challenge the course and to find out if they will become the next Conquistadores. Dave and Melissa - good luck at La Ruta…dig deep and find your courage, this will be an awesome adventure! BCBR Joins Forces with IMBA BC Bike Race - The Ultimate Singletrack Experience has joined forces with IMBA - the International Mountain Bicycling Association. In its young life, BCBR has donated time and money to a number of trail projects along the spectacular BC Bike Race route…and now this partnership with IMBA represents a unified goal of acquiring, maintaining and developing mountain bike trails both globally and right here at home. We are delighted to join the task force that is known as IMBA to attempt a bigger and better co-ordination of all of our efforts to acquire, build and maintain trails for now and for the future. Read more! 2008 BCBR Participants Survey Winner! Thanks to all of you who participated in the 2008 BC Bike Race and gave some of your valuable time to complete our post-race survey. Your input is hugely important to us as we’re constantly striving to ensure that BCBR is truly The Ultimate Singletrack Experience! And, without further ado, congratulations to Bruce Thompson who will receive a package of $300CDN in BCBR swag… —————————————— That’s all from the BCBR homefront for now…Happy Hallowe’en and see you next month! For additional information, visit: www.bcbikerace.com

source: BC Bike Race

Kona’s Simms In First Place After A Handful Of Wins, Canadian National Champ Title And 8th Place At First UCI Event, ‘Cross Racer Sits On Top KONAWORLD (October 22, 2008) - In the competitive bike racing category of cyclocross, which is historically dominated by European racers, Kona FSA-Factory CX Team rider Wendy Simms has changed the norm. Simms, who recently captured the Canadian ’Cross National Champion title, is currently perched in first place in the UCI World Cup points standings in the 119-racer women’s elite cyclo-cross category. After a handful of back to back wins in North America and an eighth-place finish at the first World Cup cyclocross event of the year in Kalmthout, Belgium, Wendy is in the lead with 309 points. Daphny Van Der Brand of the Netherlands sits in second with 300 points. Simms will try to mainatin her top position this weekend at the second UCI World Cup race in Tabor, Czech Republic. Then it’s on to races in Boulder, Colorado (Nov. 1) and the third UCI World Cup event in Pijnacker, Netherlands Nov. 9. Keep on pedaling Wendy!

Kona Hires Team Mechanic

- New Wrench Dusty LaBarr To Keep Factory Team Riders’ Rigs Running Healthy -

KONAWORLD (October 20, 2008) - Kona has a new team bike mechanic. His name’s Dusty LaBarr. He’s got experience. Lots of it. And he’s also fond of long walks in the park and bubble baths.

Dusty’s been around bikes and racing for a long time. As Kona’s team mechanic, he’ll be tuning bikes, greasing chains, adjusting shock pressures and putting back celebratory beers with the gang - among other things.

Before becoming the newest member of the Kona family, he started driving the NMBS circuit in his old white van five years ago. Dusty and his now wife, Georgia Gould, were dirty privateers funding their racing through team sponsor Tamarack Resort, a Kona Bikepark located in northern Idaho.

For the last two years, Dusty worked with Trek/VW as their team’s head mechanic. Now, he’ll be rolling with the Factory Team for the remainder of the cyclo-cross season in North America and Europe, as well as the mountain bike season making sure the team has what they need to continue to win races and spread the Kona love. Dusty and Georgia reside in Colorado.

With Dusty, we have kept our Factory Team mechanic gig in the family. Georgia raced on our ‘Cross team in 2005 and Dusty has been getting dirty alongside our mountain bike team for the past few years. He already has a great working relationship with our athlete’s and is a familiar face to most of us at Kona.

Welcome Dusty!

A Film about Downhill Mountain Bike Lifestyle in Ireland

Sharon Kennedy and Andy Yoong from Northern Ireland Production Company Honcho Designs, have teamed up with 10 of the best Irish Downhill riders including Irish Downhill Champion Colin Ross, Masters World Silver medallist Meave Baxter, and Irish pro Ben Reid to bring you a Downhill film with a difference.

With most downhill Films focusing on racing, Break the Cycle instead aims to give you an insight into the lives of these top riders, while showing off some of the amazing Irish Landscapes.

Most of the best downhill riders lives revolve around their bikes – their friends, their family, even their jobs. By shooting them at the places they ride, train, work and live, it will look into how these riders have used their bikes to ‘break the cycle’ of everyday life.

The site, which is updated regularly, is fully loaded with rider profiles and behind the scenes clips and photos. Check it out and subscribe online for updates at www.breakthecyclefilm.com

source: Sharon Kennedy