Southeast Cycling

Eastern Thunderbird: Take Two

2012-01-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

I want to start off by saying that I am not a paid industry employee (As if that wasn't obvious enough.), I am nothing more than an average dude who loves riding my bikes. All of my bikes are paid for by myself with my own income. Moving on, I just received my new Rear wheel for my Thunder bird from Eastern Bikes, It's the Night Train wheel, so its no slouch in the performance department. Straight out of the box the wheel was bling, crisp, Fresh, etc... (Note on this year model Thunder bird had 14 mm Axles so Axle Adapters were needed.) After a quick wheel swap the bike was ready to get shreddy and that's just what I did. A few hot laps on my home trails to get warmed up, the first thing I noticed about the new wheel was how light it was, which really carried over into my feeling like I was Joe Pro! That's laughable, But every transition I mashed down on was rewarded by Air time. I quickly cruised over to my freshly built pump track and all I can say is...Really? With the massive short chain stays this bike loves to be manualed, flicked, and railed! Instantly feeling comfortable on the bike I started attempting tricks I normally wouldn't and I was shocked at how good this shred sled performed. Side note i think I made my neighbors nervous by all the hooting and hollering this thing caused. Getting back to the bikes forgiving nature, what I mean by this is take a DH bike. It has loads of travel and a huge margin for error, therefore The Thunder bird has DH Mountain bike Confidence inspiring characteristics . For example i have one particular jump that haunts me, It's a Tight step down in between two trees (named Field Goal). Field Goal was the first hit I took and can I say how smooth it felt, I had to stop and check the bike and landing because it felt too good to be true. Now this is only a short term review as of now, seeing as I have only had the bike for two weeks. I will be posting a long term review in the months to come, because, well I need time to abuse it. Another thing worth mentioning is, I grew up riding twenties and i was a little skeptical when i first purchased this bike. as I start to get older (age 30), I felt reluctant to go up in wheel size, Not sure about the logic behind it, But I'm super happy I did. I'd like to thank Eastern for shipping that replacement wheel out and getting it to me so fast. (seriously it was here in 2 days!) Hope this was helpful, check out the photos below.

RTP on the Verge of Elimination in U.S. Senate

2012-01-29T14:09:00.001-08:00

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation, known as MAP-21, that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost.
IMBA, with its coalition partners, has been working to identify key champions in the Senate. The goal is to get an amendment that restores dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered.
Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Take action! Contact your Senator today, and tell them to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program.
The key message is simple:

Unless the bill is changed, MAP-21 will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program.
Please amend MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP.

The RTP constitutes a tiny part of the massive federal Transportation Bill, but it's vitally important to mountain bikers across the country. RTP funding is a very effective, user-pay/user-benefit program and a proven success story. It serves as the foundation for state trail programs across the country, leverages hundreds of millions of dollars of additional support for trails, and boosts economic activity in hundreds of communities.
Now is the time to act. Email or call your Senators. Also make sure that your IMBA Chapter or club is engaged!
We need to show the U.S. Senate just how many Americans are committed to the Recreational Trails Program. If we don’t act, the very backbone of trails in America may be lost forever.
Don't worry about what to say. Use our script:
"Thank you for taking a moment to speak with me. I am calling to ask Senator (your Senator's name here) to support the Recreational Trails Program. In the current version of MAP-21, the Recreational Trails Program is effectively eliminated. Please amend MAP- 21 to include dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program."

Southeast Bike Expo to Benefit IMBA-SORBA

2012-01-29T14:08:00.001-08:00

The Southeast Bike Expo is partnering with IMBA and SORBA to benefit mountain bike advocacy in the southeast. This is the inaugural year of this event and we are hoping it will be a special one. If you like to check out new bikes and show your love for trails, this is the thing to do in 2012.
The event will be bringing manufacturers from all over the country to show and demo their products. Companies like Trek, Niner, Specialized, Scott, Jamis, Felt, Tifosi, Pearl Izumi, Ergon, Maxxis, Shimano, and SRAM will be there to show off their latest and greatest products. Many more have committed. Check the website for updates.
The expo is open to the general public and for just $20 (advance price) you will have access to the entire expo weekend. With your $20 advance ticket you also get registered to win all kinds of prizes during the weekend. The goal is to put on a fun event in a great location for very low cost to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
The Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia will be the location of the expo. The GIHP was the site of the 1996 Olympic Mountain Bike cross-country course and is being maintained by SORBA Atlanta. This gives you the opportunity to use some world-class MTB trails on your off-road demo. There will also be an area for road bike demos. This unique outdoor demo area has space for over 1000 vendors.
This new event gives you the consumer the ability to actually ride the new products and then talk with the manufacturers about them.
The Southeast Bike Expo will take place February 25th-26th, 2012.
To purchase advance tickets go to the following:
www.southeastbikeexpo.com

THULE INSTA-GATER

2012-01-29T05:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah I know, when you have a pick-up truck, a bike rack isn't your first concern. I mean you already have the bed of the truck, pad up the gate and sling your bike on... One thing has always concerned me, what if someone rear ends me? There goes your front wheel, fork, and most likely the back of your truck. Whilst shopping at GO-RIDE.com, I stumble upon this little gem, The Insta-Gater from Thule Thule secure and convenient Ratcheting Quick-Load system and you may fit up to 3 gaters depending on the size of your truck bed. I found this rack to be perfect for the average rider (I.E. yours truly). It literally took seconds to setup. Open your truck bed, Set the anchors in the crease and close the gate. Now the best way I found to find proper tension is to not over tighten the straps. You want the rack snug, but not fighting to hold on to the almost snowboard binding looking anchor. Now that your rack is secure, Load your bike up and GO-RIDE. Thanks to Go-Ride, Who always has the product and knowledgeable staff to get you what you need.

Solo ride

2012-01-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Who's big into the good old "Alone Time", Raise your hand. Well I am for sure a Solo shredder, don't get me wrong I'm psyched to get out with some homies and slice the brown pow, but something about being alone is so... Refreshing. That's probably why I have constructed a mini Mountain bike park at my residence, I have everything I need. Sure theres spots to get out and get a fresh perspective on the ride, but nothing like having a trail that you made to suit your style. Check out my Trail building 101 post, and remember, KEEP IT LEGAL!

Eastern Thunderbird

2012-01-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't ridden a Dirt Jump bike in almost 10 years, It was like Christmas when Fed-Ex pulled up to my door (at 10p.m. Might I add). I tore the box open, Plastic and cardboard flurried my living room floor. exactly 25 minutes later it was assembled and ready to shred. I quickly headed to the streets, Anxious to see how the thunder bird took to flat ground tricks. I'd like to interject here because I was amazed at how snappy the rear end was, 14.75" chain stays... Seriously! Flat ground 3's were a breeze and the bike is ultra confidence inspiring. One week later and I have taken it to the dirt, Side note I did case a set and blew the rear wheel up....Totally my fault, But Joe over at Eastern is sending me a fresh Night Train wheel. Check back.

Contour Roam

2012-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Contour Roam

Today I purchased my first POV cam for shredding purposes...I've always fancied myself a Still shot kind of guy. Being that My Canon 5D is not what you would consider a Shred cam, rather a Portrait and scenery kind. Let's see how it works, I will be updating with a full review as well as long term durability test. Check back soon!

Airborne Bikes!

2012-01-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

Are you in the market for a new XC race/Trail bike? Then you're in luck...http://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/97-goblin.aspx A super sweet rig and only $1,149.95!!!!!!!! Whats better, They sell Direct!!! In my opinion a SUPER sweet deal!

Support Your Local IMBA chapter!

2012-01-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

Are you a mountain biker? Check! Do you have a local trail system? Yes indeed... Well then why dont you cruise over to imba.com/ and check to see what area you fall in! If you in my neck of the woods you'll be apart of sorba.org/, and we'd love to have you. The southeast is rich in Singtrack society and are always looking for new faces to add to the already expanding crew. So what are you waiting for check it out, IMBA.COM!!!!!

Trail Building 101

2012-01-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

Before the Shovel: First Steps

As a trailbuilder with 4 years experience, I have worked on more than my fair share of mountain bike trails. I believe it’s every mountain biker’s responsibility to get involved with trailbuilding at some level plus it’s great exercise, you’ll meet cool people, and you’ll be giving back to the mountain bike community. Best of all you, and your friends get to ride your new creation! Getting involved with trailbuilding is easy if you look in the right places. I intend to show you the quickest and easiest way to start building the trail of your dreams. This article identifies the steps you need to take before you put a shovel in the ground.

Identify a Need

Chances are you have trail envy. You’ve seen or ridden trails far from home that you love, and you want to bring the best elements together into one super-trail close to home. Don’t be afraid to dream big when you picture the ideal trail. Grab a pen and paper and list all the features you’re looking for. Start with the genre of trail you want to build and then add more specifics. Here’s an example:

New Downhill Trail
- Road to shuttle/ride/hike up
- At least 500ft elevation drop
- Flowy
- Rock gardens
- Lots of jumps: step down, step up and gap
- Some berms
- No uphill
- Some pedalling
- Some steep sections
- Within 30 miles of home

These are just some examples of characteristics you might want in a trail. I will expand on definitions in article 2 entitled Choosing Your Line.

Now that you’ve identified the key features of your trail, contact people in your community with extensive knowledge of existing trails.

Contact the Local Experts

In order to find an area to build trails, contact your local mountain bike club. If your town doesn’t have a mountain bike club, go to the local bike shop and find out who knows the trails best. Once you’ve found your local expert, tell him about your riding interests and what your area is lacking. Say that you would like to get involved and build a trail to suit the needs of yourself and other riders like you. This is a good way to find out if there are already trails in your area that meet your needs and can help identify areas that are good for building.

Be open to helping the club meet their existing trailbuilding goals, especially if you are a novice trailbuilder. Often mountain bike associations will host trail build days. Attending these build sessions will help you maintain a good relationship with your local club, meet other people with similar interests, and learn basic trailbuilding skills. If you’re unsure as to whether you are ready to build a whole new trail, sponsored trail build days will help you decide. Mountain bike associations appreciate suggestions for trail improvement. Maybe they will use one of your ideas in their next build day.

Once you’ve attended some build days and improved your trailbuilding skills, ask your local association to give you some projects pertaining to your interests. Many mountain bike associations have long lists of trail maintenance jobs that need to be done as well as volunteer hours to fulfill. For many people, involvement in local build days is all the trailbuilding they want to do. For others, trailbuilding turns into a passion matched only by their enthusiasm for riding. These impassioned builders need a trail to call their own.

The desire to build trails comes from an unfulfilled need. Your local expert might not show any interest in pointing out areas on existing trails suitable for the modifications you have in mind. It is common for mountain bike clubs to hesitate in allowing trail features such as jumps, berms and steep sections, features that many riders enjoy. A good solution to this problem is to ask to build a new trail specific to the needs of riders like you. Now you must find a suitable place to build your dream trail.

Identify a Suitable Area to Build

First, ask your local mountain bike association if they can recommend an area to build in that will suit your needs. If there are trails in your area similar to the one you have envisioned, ask if you could build in the same area. This keeps trails centralized and allows others to more easily enjoy your work. If you don’t get an answer from one person, look for someone else who can help and be persistent. Ask your local mountain bike club, bike shop, riders and perhaps the best resource, other trailbuilders.

It is very important that you don’t build a trail anywhere you don’t have permission to. This includes private land and protected areas. Unless I have permission from the land manager, I only build on crown land. Crown land is a Canadian term meaning “taxpayers land” owned by the government. Crown land is public land with certain laws governing its use. Find out where the government owned land is in your area by going to library or geography department of a university and looking at zoning maps. You will likely find a number crown land areas suitable for your new trail. (note: US laws are often more strict regarding public land uses) It is always a good idea to contact the crown land manager in your area before building. Crownland.org is an excellent resource if you live in Canada. Google maps is another good tool to use to identify forested areas and topography using the satellite and terrain tools. Remember, illegal building hurts our sport and can lead to jail time!

Now that you have identified one or more areas suitable for your new trail, it’s time to brush up on your trailbuilding knowledge.

Review IMBA Trailbuilding Strategies

IMBA has a number of books packed with useful trailbuilding strategies. These books will help you envision your new trail. It’s good to read this before you go scout out the area because you will have a better idea of what natural features to look for.

Now that you have one or more possible places for your new trail, it’s time to lace up the boots!

Its been a while....

2012-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

A thought transfixed me: for the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth — that love is the ultimate and the highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love. I understood how a man who has nothing left in this world still knows bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved. -Frankl
I hold this close to my heart because its true, Life without love is like like without "Why". Riding Bikes is my love, its the reason I wake up in the morning, Its the reason I got a permanent smile on my face. riding helps me vent, helps me, think, solve, relax, rage out, etc... With that said wish me luck as i embark on a new journey, one that will bring new opportunity and insight.

2009-01-07T16:15:00.001-08:00

A New Intense

The 2009 Uzzi

Jeff Steber has obviously not lost his passion for mountain bike design. 2009 promises to be the most exciting year ever at Intense Cycles as Jeff continues to innovate.

Hot on the heels of the new Tracer VP trail bike and Spider 2 XC/enduro machine, comes the new 2009 Intense Uzzi. With amazing adjustability, it promises to re-define what an all-mountain/freeride bike can be.

The new Uzzi will feature the 2nd generation VPP suspension design for unmatched pedaling efficiency, angular contact bearings and grease fittings for maintenance, ISCG05/Hammerschmidt compatibility and a proprietary Easton EA6X tubeset.

In addition, the Uzzi will have adjustable travel from 6.5 –7 inches with an air shock and 7-7.5 inches with a coil. The Uzzi will also be the first Intense to feature the new G3 dropout.

The G3 has three settings, which will adjust wheelbase, bottom bracket height and head angle.

Superco The New Brooklyn Machine Works

2009-01-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

DHers & FRers alike who were apart of the early millenium BMW cult craze hold on to your seats for Doc's Newest creation. Set to hit the shelves Summer/Fall 2009 Superco Bikes HIGHLY Antipated DH bike.

The stats:
9 inch rising rate travel from 9.5” x 3” shock
True Temper Supertherm double butted 4130 tubing
Frame weight: 9.8 pounds with Avalanche 9.5 x 3 shock, 450 lb Ti spring, rear axle, floating brake mount
Complete bike weight as pictured: 38.1 pounds
Head angle: 63.5 deg
BB height: 13.5 inch
Chainstay: 16.5 inch
Wheelbase: 46.2 inch
Fast and nimble: yes
Bottomless travel: yes
Pedal bob: none
Brake jack: none

Rennie finds a new home for 2009!

2009-01-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

Gravity Group is pleased to announce their partnership with Morewood Bikes as bicycle supplier and co-title sponsor along with Kenda Tires for their World Cup Team. Team Kenda Morewood will be represented by two of the most famous names in downhill racing: Nathan Rennie and Mitchell Delfs.

27 year old Nathan Rennie, a former overall UCI Elite World Cup Downhill Champion and Junior World Champion, is a regular World Cup podium visitor, multi-time high-class events winner and is a pleasure to watch on the bike. After several World Cup podiums in 2008, with his highlight being 2nd place on his home turf at World Cup number 7 in Canberra, Nathan Rennie is a definitive contender for podiums in both the 2009 World Cup series and the 2009 World Championships in Canbera, Australia.

Nathan Rennie, Kenda/Morewood Team Rider Says:
“I am super happy to be where I am in 2009. Not to mention that 9 is my favorite number, I am especially happy to be working with new people and working with people I already know. I am impressed with everything so far and how fast the ball has got rolling. I’m stuck in training already and my knee feels good. It wont be long before it will be 100%. I feel like the change for me is for the better for all parties and just want to get racing again. See you at the races."

Nathan’s compatriot, 19 year old Mitchell Delfs is still one of the young guns on the World Cup circuit. After a good performance during the 2007 World Cup in Mont-Sainte Anne, Canada and a 4th place at 2007 Junior World Championships, Mitch was given the opportunity to participate in his first full World Cup season in 2008. Mitch has progressed from race to race and after 2 top 10 finishes in the second part of the season he has become a contender for consistent top 10 results in the 2009 season.

Mitchell Delfs, Kenda/Morewood Team Rider Said:
"I am super stoked to be working with Gravity Group again for the 2009 season. It’s going to be an exciting year, with a great bike and good factory support to race on. I’m sure there will be a few World Cups with my name on it. With a new team mate as fast as Nathan Rennie I know my riding will improve, which will make Team Kenda/Morewood the new power house team on the World Cup circuit."

The Morewood Makulu will be the downhill weapon of choice for Team Kenda/Morewood in the coming season. Nathan and Mitch will also use the Mbuzi, Shova and Ndiza for off season training and selected events.

Richard Carter, Morewood Bikes Marketing Director/Co-Owner
“Racing has always been a core value of the Morewood brand, so for us, the formation of a professional race team is a natural progression. It also further demonstrates Morewood's commitment to Downhill, and our commitment to further developing our products at the highest level of the sport.
Gravity Group has a reputation for running one of the most professional teams on the circuit, so the opportunity of forming a partnership with them was something we just couldn't pass up on, despite current economic sentiment.

I believe we have one of the most competitive packages on the circuit. Good bikes however are nothing without great riders, and we feel privileged to work with riders of Nathan and Mitch's caliber.
Filling the shoes of a team as successful and respected as Syndicate is a big task for anyone, but I believe Peter Siulczynski and the Gravity Group are up to the challenge. With the right support and infrastructure I know Nathan will be right at home in no time and ready to retake his place on the podium where he belongs.

As Mitch is already familiar with the team, we hope to build on and maintain the momentum he gained last season.

With the level of commitment and determination already demonstrated by Riders, Gravity Group and Sponsors alike, anything is possible"
Further Team News including Team Co-Sponsors and Team Schedule will be announced shortly.

For more information please email info@gravity-group.net

Winter Blues!

2009-01-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Yet another unfortunate inside ride also know as the trainer days, which in reality is not as bad as i've made it out to be. This is my first post and i'm sure it'll be boring and mundaine but this is my first attempt at real blogging, not like that janky myspace blogs, LOL. Anyways, why don't you pop in your favorite MTB flick mix up your favorite powdery substance (mine is the Pink Lemonade Cytomax, FORSURESY!) and jump on your trainer, stationary cycle, or even your tredmill, whatever does it for you, but most of all have fun people that's why we do this...right?