Ergon Newsletter: January 2009

BC3 BACKPACK AVAILABLE NOW
	After many months of high anticipation, the BC3 has finally hit the North American market! Below you will read and see just a small dose of the highlight features. 1. A cycling backpack built to take the punishment of a mountain bike stage race or your day to day commute. Coming in at 25 liters, it has double the capacity of our BD2 backpack. 2. The Flink® Link ball joint equipped BC3 features a lightweight frame and allows for natural freedom of movement for the upper body yet still provides optimal load distribution. With an adjustable shoulder harness, custom fit is certain. For added back country safety, the sternum strap clip has a built in whistle. 3. The BC3 utilizes a high-tech, heavy-duty water proof material (water proofed on both sides), with water resistant zippers, a helmet holder, internal compartments to keep you organized and a sleeve for a 70-100 oz hydration bladder. Also, the BC3 can carry your gear on an overnight mountain bike trip or your office clothes and laptop on an everyday commute. 4. The days of a sweaty back are gone. The cutting edge harness system allows the backpack to sit off the riders back allowing air to freely flow between the rider and pack. The only contact points on the rider are the shoulders and waist. With a MSRP of 9.99, look for the BC3 at local bike shops across North America, as well as select online retailers. more >>
ERGON ATHLETE PUA SAWICKI
	Pua has been an Ergon athlete since day one…almost 3 years now. As an endurance racer, Pua knew the added benefits that Ergon products were giving here on the race track. This has lead to numerous wins and National Championships. For 2009, Pua is switching her focus from the long distance format to the more traditional xc format. Ergon recently took a few minutes out of Pua’s busy training day to talk about 2008 and the up and coming 2009 season. ERGON: What was the highlight of the 2008 season? Where? Why? PUA: I would have to say that there were two highlights throughout the season this year. The first would be the American Mountain Classic which was a 4-day stage race that was held in Brianhead, Utah. The first day was a 6-mile prologue that was followed by 3 days of marathon type distances on incredible terrain and with incredible competition. With less than 3 weeks off of the 24 Hour Solo Nationals, I was super nervous that my legs would not be able to perform and withstand the 4-day beating that it was about to receive. I decided to be reserved on the first day during the prologue and finish in a decent position that would seat me well for day 2 and after that I never looked back. I managed to take 3 out of 4 stages and the GC win. The second highlight was my first National Cross-Country podium in Park City, Utah. I was riding a solid race from the start and just as I made my way into fourth and could see third right in front of me, my chain decided to jump and force me to stop. When I looked down, I saw that the chain managed to wrap around itself twice and as I was stopped trying to solve the problem I was passed and put into fifth. By the time I got things put back together, I was too far behind to put myself back where I was, but I crossed the line in fifth place and earned that last spot on the podium. ERGON: What event did you feel you had to dig extra deep or were tested to pull off a solid result? PUA: No matter what, I would have to say that the 24 Hour Solo is the one race that always makes me dig extra deep and beyond. It is an event that tests more than just your physical capabilities, it puts your mental toughness to a test to see how far you will go when you feel you are completely broken down and can no longer push that pedal one more time. ERGON: You have been on Ergon product for just about 3 years now. What is your grip of choice? How has it helped you achieve such solid results? PUA: My grip of choice would be the GX2 Carbon. Since the first day Ergon grips were put on my bike, I have never ever ridden without them and never will. The Ergon grips are a huge part to my riding. Whether I am racing a short track or 24 hour race, it is important that I give my hands the support they need and only the Ergon grips can provide that. If my hands hurt, then my arms are affected and if my arms are affected it does a domino effect to the rest of my body. ERGON: You are spending time in Southern California to get ready for next year. Why So-Cal and will you do any racing during your off season training time? PUA: The biggest reason is that I could never survive in the cold and I love to climb! I will be doing some racing during the off season at some of the local events in So-Cal, like the Fontana series. ERGON: 2009 is right around the corner, do you have a new focus? Any event you are looking forward to? PUA: I will be putting more focus on cross-country this year. Along with the cross-country series and Nationals, I will be doing the Marathon Nationals and 24 Hour Solo Nationals to finish off the year. The one event that I am definitely looking forward to (if possible) is the Marathon World Championships. ERGON: Now it is time for the “Quick 5″ What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to food? PUA: That would have to be dark chocolate. ERGON: Riding on East coast or West coast? PUA: West Coast ERGON: Favorite TV show or movie? PUA: I can’t say I have one favorite, but it would definitely NOT be Star Wars. ERGON: Patagonia or Gucci? PUA: Luckily it is Patagonia because I could not afford Gucci even if I preferred it. ERGON: Walk on the beach or hike over that 14,000 ft mountain? PUA: Definitely that 14er.
ERGON USA ANNOUNCES 2009 TEAMS AND ATHLETES
	Ergon USA is proud to announce its partnership with the following teams and athletes for the 2009 racing season. Look for them at adventure races, 24 hour races, XC races, and other cycling related events across the USA, Canada, and select International events. –Mountain Bike Teams– Team Low Riders Big Ring Racing Cannondale Factory Team (USA) Guinness MTB Team Ride Against the Machine Sorella Cycling Team Bach Builders Team Chainring Sports Team EVOMO Team EWR/FFRP Team EXPO Team Faster Mustache Team Gripped Films-Kenda Team Independent Fabrication Team Scott-Kuhl Team Troupe Racing Team Vassago Cycles Team Big Wheel Racing –Adventure Racing Teams– Team Dart-Nuun Team SOLE Team Yoga Slackers Midwest Cycling Adventure Racing –Individual Athletes– Hans Rey Monique “Pua” Sawicki Louise Kobin Adam Lisonbee Allison Mann Andrew Howe Arleigh Jenkins Brandon Harpster Carey Lowery Christopher Averett Dave Harris Dave Nice David Hall Derek Fish Erick Auger Ernesto Marenchin Evan Plews Greg Francis Harry Precourt Jason Mahokey Josh Tostado Justin Farmer Kurt Refsnider Luke Wiens Lynda Wallenfels Michael Mathers Mike Gore Mike Howard Nathan Drozad Peter Glassford Rebecca Stauber Rick Nelson Robb Kranz Ryan Geiger Sally Marchand Collins Scott Cole Scott McClave Steve Schwartz Tamari Prius The Steven’s Thomas Bender Travis Williams William Burleigh Results and happenings with Team Ergon USA athletes will be updated throughout the 2009 season on the “News” page of the Ergon site, and also the new Ergon blog. Check back often! It’s going to be a great season on the dirt! more >>
JANUARY CONTEST
	This is the episode number 6 in a series of contests called “Where are Fuzzy & Dejay?” The real question is, how well do you know your North American single track? As Fuzzy and Dejay criss-cross the country they will be sending Ergon random photos from their riding adventures. We will then take one photo per month and post it here for you, the consumer, to guess the location. First person to correctly identify the photo riding location will receive a select pair of Ergon grips for that month. - How to Enter - Send Entry to: jeff.kerkove@ergon-bike.com Email Subject line: “Where are Fuzzy & Dejay – January” Include your name, address, and photo location What we are looking for is the actual trail name and State. For example, Slickrock Trail, Utah or 401 Trail, Colorado. This months contest photo is posted to the right. - Rules of the contest - Please, only one entry per person per month. We will continue to take entries all month. The winner will be contacted at the end of the month. We have the right to refuse any incomplete or improper entry. Contest open to residents of USA and Canada only. This photo will be posted until the end of January. This months select pair of grips is the GX1. Good Luck! more >>
UP AND COMING ERGON EVENTS Below is a list of the up and coming events that Ergon will be attending. Stop by and say ‘Hi!”. At these events you can expect to visit with Topeak-Ergon athletes, purchase select Ergon products, demo Ergon product, and also have Ergon product installed on your bike(s). 24 Hours of Old Pueblo February 14-15, 2009 Tucson, AZ Topeak-Ergon athletes, product for sale, installation of product. N. American Handmade Bicycle Show February 27-March 1, 2009 Indianapolis, IN Product to show Seattle Bike Show March 14-15, 2009 Seattle, WA Product to show, product for sale Ouachita Challenge April 4-5, 2009 Mena, AR Topeak-Ergon athletes, product for sale, installation of product Sea Otter Classic April 16-19, 2009 Monterey, CA Topeak-Ergon athletes, product for sale, installation of product Whiskey 50 Off-Road April 25, 2009 Pescott, AZ Topeak-Ergon athletes, product for sale, installation of product.