Ride the National Bike Challenge

The National Bike Challenge – May through August 2012

The National Bike Challenge is an opportunity to challenge yourself to ride more often.  Record your rides, and add up the miles you’ve ridden, the calories you’ve burned, and the gas money you’ve saved. You can connect with other riders in the challenge, or embrace the spirit of competition by winning points for your employer, your community, or your state. You also become eligible for prize drawings after you’ve logged just three days on your bike.

You’ll be part of a team of more than fifty thousand riders logging over ten million miles, demonstrating the power of the bicycle to build healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy planet.

Participation is free, and open to anyone in the United States, or who is employed by a participating U.S.-based company.

Everybody wins when we get people riding more, but hundreds of participants will win gear in our monthly prize drawings, including:

Early Bird Prizes: Join before May 1, and you could be 1 of 12 winners of a National Bike Challenge Commuter Kits, including a National Bike Summit tote bags, a Planet Bike taillight and bell set, a Bikes Belong water bottle, League of American Bicyclist socks, and more.

Monthly Prize Drawings: With just three days of riding, you become eligible for monthly drawings, and as you ride more, the prizes get better.  Bronze level prizes include hats, water bottles, and multi-tools.   Log more miles, and you could win a helmet, jersey, or event a bike.  The Grand Prizes, drawn from the riders a the top tier, are bike trips in Napa or Moab.

Take Home a Trophy: There are National Challenge plaques for the businesses, individuals, communities, states, and teams that rack up the most points.  Compete against Facebook, Trek, Specialized, Mars, and other businesses of all sizes.

Join now, start logging your miles, and become eligible for earlybird prizes!

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Review: Rudy Project WindMax Helmet

Rudy Project WindMax

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

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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.

Specialized Riva Saddle

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. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Posted in cycling, mtb | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Partyin’ And Pedaling: A People-Powered Limo

RENO, NV – What has four wheels, ten sets of pedals, one driver and 14 passengers who seem to be having a lot of fun? It’s called a cycle pub and it could be coming to Reno streets soon.

Think of it as a portable party, both vehicle and venue for a gathering of good friends. Ladies night, beer crawls, wine walks, bachelor parties. You get the idea.

It’s kind of like hiring a limo, except it doesn’t move unless it’s passengers provide the power.

“I always jokingly tell people to choose their friends well because if your friends are in pretty good shape you’ll have a better time,” says James Watts who says he’s found success with the cycle pub on the streets of Bend, Oregon.

As soon as he and partner Mike Ball can get local licensing they hope to be hiring this vehicle out to local groups for a quick turn around town.

Yes those are drink holders in what seems to be a bar in front of each passenger perched on a bicycle seat.

Truth be told that’s half the idea, but the company doesn’t serve drinks. It’s strictly a BYOB proposition.

Their driver stays sober and responsible and this isn’t the kind of ride you can hail from the sidewalk.

“We don’t want people running up and trying to jump on either,” says Ball. “So you’re going to be booking your tour, two hour tours at a time.”

One can imagine with a dozen or so close friends aboard it could be a lot of fun, if tiring. After a block or two of pedaling you appreciate a red light.”

In any case,it’s a sure bet those who book it for the evening will be making frequent stops at local watering holes.

Altogether it doesn’t take much thought to imagine what a night out on the town would be like.

“I like to call it your own personal parade because you just can’t help but grab people’s attention,” says Watts. “You get people honking and waving and people on the sidewalk are running down the sidewalk taking pictures of you. So it’s certainly a lot of fun if you like to be the center of attention.”

That much is clear.

You can’t book a tour just yet. Ball says the cycle pub is licensed in Carson City. Licensing in Reno is pending. He and Watts figure it will take a couple more weeks.

Two hour tours will cost $300. For a capacity group of 14 that figures out to be about $20 a head.

via Partyin’ And Pedaling: A People-Powered Limo.

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Bethlehem, PA Car vs Bike Crash Hit and Run

This is an attempted hit and run accident that occurred on the Fahy Bridge in Bethlehem, PA on 4/2/12. The offending driver, a juvenile, attempted to pass a bus on the left and struck a bicyclist from behind. As the driver fled the scene, the bus driver blocked the bridge to prevent the person from fleeing. Another citizen also blocked the offending car’s path. The driver was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including Pennsylania’s latest law to protect cyclists that went into effect on this day.

Posted in cycling, video | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

More Cycling: Good for Everyone — Not Just Cyclists

(Streetsblog.net) – Next time you’re just minding your own business, riding your bike, and someone drives by and shouts something at you, perhaps the best reply is to smile, wave, and say “you’re welcome.”

Even if you never push a pedal, an increase in cycling can lower your healthcare bills and improve the air you breathe. Photo: Sharable.net

As Jay Walljasper at Shareable Cities reminds us today, more bicycling is good news for everyone — not just cyclists:

Read the full story here-> More Cycling: Good for Everyone — Not Just Cyclists | Streetsblog.net.

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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!!!!!!!!!!

Airborne Guardian

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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.

March 30, 2012

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!

Plattekill Mountain Bike Park

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.

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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.

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