Category Archives: mtb
3 Reasons You Should Sleep More
Get enough zzz’s and you’ll…
Avoid the aches
A full night’s rest can end those I’m-too-sore gripes that make you skip Spin class. “Sleep is the most important part of physical recovery,” says Peter Walters, Ph.D., professor of applied health science at Wheaton College, who has studied sleep patterns in athletes. One reason: While you snooze, your body releases 80 percent of its total production of human growth hormone, the fuel created in your brain’s pituitary gland that repairs and strengthens muscles. Fewer aches mean you’ll enjoy exercise more and want to do it more often.
Get speedy
If you’re sleep-deprived, a 30-minute power nap in the afternoon can help you sprint faster during a subsequent workout, researchers at Liverpool John Moores University say. (Woo-hoo, higher calorie burn!) For optimal results, shake off any siesta grogginess by leaving a one-hour window between waking and exercising, the study’s authors recommend.
Sharpen your focus
Clocking two extra hours a night for six weeks helped basketball players up their shooting percentage by 9 percent, the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory reports. “No time!” you say? Even 30 minutes more each night may improve skills during activities that take focus and determination, scientists say. That translates to better performance, in a boot camp class or at the office.
Not a morning person?
Try a P.M. workout. If you are done two hours before bed, it may not disturb your sleep, a Finnish study suggests.
via 3 Reasons You Should Sleep More | Active.com.
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Review: Rudy Project WindMax Helmet
An incredibly light and easy to wear helmet
It’s been nearly 5 months since my Rudy Project WindMax helmet arrived at my door. As I said in my original post (Rudy Project WindMax Helmet at First Glance) I started to play with it right away to get it set up. Now, after 5 months of wearing the WindMax, I still stand behind what I said in December,“the WindMax is the best fitting and easiest adjusting helmet that I have owned.”
I’ve had other good fitting helmets, but the WindMax fits my head as if it was molded for me. Of course, getting the rights pads in there does it, but it doesn’t feel like I am making it fit my head. It just fits right. I have adjusted the straps and readjusted the straps to get the best fit that I can. That isn’t a problem because the straps on the WindMax are the easiest to adjust that I have encountered. Unfortunately, they might be a little too easy to adjust. I do find that I have to readjust the side slide adjustments every so often because they tend to move a little bit over time. But, I often use my mp3 player when cycling, so it could be me just messing with my earbuds. But again, the straps adjust so easily, it’s not an inconvenience for me to readjust.
The 21 vents keep you cool. The retention strap is easily adjustable with Rudy’s latest retention dial system RSR8. The retention dial allows you to “fine tune” the retention strap to aid in gaining the best fit and to keep it snug on your head. Another simple adjustment for the WindMax.
The Rudy Project WindMax is a very comfortable and good looking helmet. The WindMax is such an incredibly light helmet, you might actually forget that you have a helmet on. But don’t forget to put it on. 
Specifications
Retail: $299.99
Weight:
S/M: 8.8 oz / 250 grams
L: 9.5 oz / 270 grams
Size:
S/M: 54-58cm, 21.25″-22.8″
L: 58-62cm, 22.8″-24.4″
Retention:
R.S.R. 8 Disc
Certifications:
CE 89/686 EEC
EN 1078
CPSC 12.03
AS/NZS 2063
Specialized Body Geometry Riva Saddle: My best bike upgrade to date
Back in the fall I purchased a Specialized Phenom Body Geometry saddle from my local bike shop, Plaine and Son. I put it on my mountain bike to see if the Body Geometry saddles do what Specialized claims. After using it through the fall and into the winter, I can say YES, the Body Geometry saddle does exactly what Specialized claims it will do for you. I have since put this saddle on my road bike and purchased two Specialized Riva saddles for my mountain bikes. The Riva saddle has the same Body Geometry technology, Cro-Mo rails and has a bit more padding than the Phenom.
But what are the claims of the Body Geometry saddle? The Body Geometry saddles relieve pressure on the internal pudendal arteries, vastly improving blood flow in males. The saddle design also provides cushioning for the pelvis and relief for surrounding soft tissue. To put it simply, the Body Geometry saddles make a world of difference in comfort and performance.
My experience with these saddles is that I have never been more comfortable after two or three hours of being on the bike. The numbness that I have often experienced in the past is gone. Even in competition, the Specialized Riva saddle is the best saddle that I have ever used.
Features of the Specialized Riva saddle:
- Patented Body Geometry design is lab tested to assure blood flow to sensitive arteries
- Supportive tuned PP base provides all day comfort
- Medium density tuned foam for comfort and efficiency
- Light and super durable Cr-Mo rails
- Tough, light and water resistant Micromatrix cover
- Tough, anti-scratch side panels for protection in rough conditions
- Size 143mm/ Weight 275g
And, one of the best features of the saddle is the price. The Riva retails for only $30.00. The price alone is worth giving it a try.
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The much anticipated Airborne Guardian 29er’s are arriving
Airborne Bicycles has provided an update on the much anticipated Guardian 29er…They are almost here. They should be in the port in CA any day now for customs clearing. Here is Airborne’s update:
UPDATE: We just received word that the container of Guardians will arrive at the port on FRIDAY, 4/6. Allowing time for customs clearance, etc, that means we should be shipping out bikes sometime next week!!
Thanks to all who pre-ordered Guardian 29ers! The response was far greater than we could have ever imagined! Here is a quick UPDATE: We are waiting for the shipping container to land at the port in California. We are still holding out hope it will be this week. However, worst-case-scenario is that it will arrive next week. AS SOON as we get word that they have landed we will let everyone know so that everyone can be on the look-out for their bikes. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!
Press Release: Airborne to sponsor World Cup Downhill team for 2013
HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!!! I’m sorry, but I just had to share the gag. Well done Airborne.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Airborne to sponsor World Cup Downhill team for 2013, full-time position up for grabs.
Centerville, Ohio USA – April 1st, 2012
Airborne announced today that it will be sponsoring a 6 man professional team to compete in the World Cup Downhill Series for 2013.
“We know that the best way to continue to move our brand forward is to compete, and with the success of the Airborne Taka downhill bike the past two years, we feel that it is time to enter the World Cup” says Airborne PR Director Ty Webb. “We have been in final negotiations with a former World Cup Downhill champion to be Team Director for 2013. While it is too early to reveal her name, we can say that she rode downhill as fast as a missile, and will bring a lot of experience to the team.”
Airborne recently hired industry veteran Carl Spackler to come on board to develop the new Taka DH rig for 2013. “Look for the new Taka to put the team on the podium at every event in 2013. We will be the ‘Cinderella Story’ of 2013″ says Spackler.
In addition to the team, Airbone will be holding a contest for a coveted full-time race reporter position.
“We are looking for someone to travel with the team and cover the entire race season on our blog, complete with photos and video. This will be a one-year full-time position with all expenses paid, and a salary of $100K” says Webb. “Details regarding the contest to be posted on Facebook in the next few weeks. We recommend that anyone interested in the position to be certain to “like” Airborne Bicycles to ensure they don’t miss the announcement and details.”
Contact: Ty Webb at ty.webb@airbornebicycles.com
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Plattekill Gears Up For 2012 Season
The opening for the 2012 season of Plattekill Mountain Bike Park is just around the corner. They are set to open April 14, 2012. That’s the earliest opening they have ever had. Here is what is happening at Plattekill…
Get Your Bikes Ready to ROCK!
THIS WEEKEND: March 31-April 1
Volunteer Work & Ride weekend.
Work Saturday, Ride Sunday.
Open to anyone and everyone!!!
All who volunteer Saturday, will get:
FREE bbq, FREE camping, 1 FREE ticket
to ride this season and a FREE TICKET
on Sunday open exclusively for Saturday volunteers!
Sign in Saturday, 9am base lodge. Please bring tools.
2012 MTB SEASON PASSES are ON SALE NOW
D-i-s-c-o-u-n-t-e-d rates now thru May 1…PURCHASE YOURS TODAY!!!
Best way to save on riding this season — $279 now, $329 after May 1
ProGRT & Eastern States Cup Race #2:
May 24-28 – Memorial Day Weekend &
FIRST RACE on tap for the 2012 race season at Platty
More details to follow soon!
Season-long sponsorship opportunities available.
If interested please contact heather@plattekill.com.
USA Cycling to bring Mountain Bike 24-Hour Nats to Gallup
USA Cycling has awarded the 2013 and 2014 Mountain Bike 24-Hour National Championships to Gallup, N.M.
The event will be held on the third Sunday in June in each year in the Zuni Mountains in conjunction with 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest.
The 16-mile course is nearly entirely singletrack and starts at 7,850 feet of elevation and reaches as high as 8,350 feet of elevation, featuring 1,344 feet of climbing.
“There are a lot of great endurance races and experienced race directors out there,” Director of Zia Rides Lindsay Mapes said. “I’ve been thinking about Nationals for a few years. We thought we had a shot — New Mexico has never hosted this event, Gallup is poised as a mountain bike destination, our team of organizers is seasoned, and we have a solid course. We’re honored to have been selected and stoked about hosting in 2013-14!”
The two-year agreement between USA Cycling, the sport’s national governing body, and Zia Rides is expected to bring approximately 300 of the country’s best endurance mountain bike riders to New Mexico.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the 2013 and 2014 USA Cycling Mountain Bike 24-Hour National Championships to Gallup,” National Events Director Kelli Lusk said. “The course in the Zuni Mountains featuring so much singletrack and climbing will certainly challenge the best endurance riders in the country.”
USA Cycling has identified other locations for its 2013 and 2014 national championships, including the Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships.
Tread: The Movie – The Official Trailer
There are a lot a mountain biking films out there, but the original is STILL my favorite mountain biking movie…and you can get it here.
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Spring Training, Hill Climbs and Body Geometry
Well, spring has arrived…although it has felt like summer for a couple of weeks. That is until today. With the temperatures back down in the 40′s, I realized that we really did get spoiled the last couple of weeks for my “spring training”. So far in March 2012, I have logged more outside mikes on my bikes than I ever have in the month of March. Last week we had record high temperatures which got me up earlier than usual to get out on the road bike. This is the month for those dreaded hill climbs. Around here every ride seems like it’s hill climb day, but that’s what happens when you live next to the mountains. With only two weeks to my first race of the season, I do hope that this cooler weather will be gone quickly. My overall fitness isn’t bad for March, but it can and will be a lot better.
I have also made an investment in me. That is, my overall health on the bike. Last fall I purchased a Specialized Body Geometry saddle. I’ve read the science behind it, compared different saddles and decided it is worth a try.
Specialized’s Body Geometry ergonomic design alleviates pressure and provides plenty of support for super-comfy rides. It was a smart move on my part. I just purchased two more Specialized Riva saddles for my other bikes too. Not only does it feel good, the Riva costs only $30.00. I have ridden many different saddles through the years, and have had my favorites, but the Body Geometry is by far the best saddle for those long days in the saddle on my road or mountain bikes.
With more rides, more runs and lots of racing, it will be a fun and exciting season.
Airborne Bicycles Full Suspension 29er??? More Teaser Shots
Over the past year or so I have become a big fan of Airborne Bicycles. You might remember the first incarnation of Airborne, they were the ones with the titanium bike and frames for ridiculously low prices (for titanium). Then, they went away for a while. Then, the came back with a “bread and butter” line of mountain bikes. Over the past couple of years they have expanded the line and upgraded the line of bikes. Now Airborne has two of my favorite bikes and, in my opinion, the best deal anywhere for comparable bikes…the Goblin 29er and the Delta CX.
You may have read my post about a sneak peak of a new offering from Airborne that turned out to be the Airborne Guardian, a budget 29er. Now we have a new sneak peak of a bike that should be available mid to late summer 2012. While I have no insight to anything that Airborne is up to, I have to say that I am pretty sure that this new bike is a full suspension 29er. Take a look at the two sneak peak photos and judge for yourself.
**UPDATE** Well, it’s not a full suspension 29er, but it is a full suspension something. Again, we’re all guessing here so we’ll just have to wait and see.
