Do You Mountain Bike?

[roxy]

Northstar XC and DH Schedule for 2008

2008 Northstar Thursday Night XC MTB Series ($15/race or $70 for all 7 races)

July 10
July 17
July 24
July 31
August 7
August 14
August 21

2008 Northstar Downhill (DH) MTB Series ($30 / race)

June 15
July 20
August 10
September 14
October 5

***************

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT IMPROVES MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK OFFERING FOR SUMMER 2008

Resort to Introduce Beginner Terrain, Increased Lift Capacity, Instructional Riding Clinics and More

TRUCKEE, Calif. – April 7, 2008 – As the summer season quickly approaches, Northstar® Resort continues to build on the success of its popular mountain bike park, the largest in Northern California, with significant improvements to its downhill and cross-country offering. This summer, the resort will provide increased lift capacity, a new beginner trail, a jump park, instructional riding clinics and more.

“For the first time, this summer Northstar Resort will offer downhill and cross-country terrain suitable to all levels of riders,” said Andy Buckley, director of resort experience at Northstar Resort. “This, coupled with new riding clinics, guide service and other improvements to our existing infrastructure will offer riders of every level an exciting riding experience.”

This spring, Northstar Resort will begin construction on a two-mile beginner trail that ranges from four to six feet wide, and runs from the top of the Gondola Express located at mid-mountain down to the Village at Northstar ™. Suitable for all ages and ability levels, this family-oriented trail will give new riders an opportunity to experience the bike park at their own pace.

And, for those just starting out or who want to improve their riding, Northstar Resort will introduce riding clinics and guide service on weekends and holidays this season. Specializing in downhill and cross-country skill development, these clinics will be offered by advance registration only.

In response to the popularity of the opening of LiveWire last summer, Northstar Resort’s advanced almost two-mile long signature trail that is fully irrigated, this summer the resort will double the lift capacity on the Tahoe Zephyr Express, its six-pack express chairlift, allowing even more riders to quickly get up the mountain. The resort will also continue to develop its trail irrigation management system in an effort to continue to be able to offer riders smooth trails with a tacky surface for superior traction, and will upgrade the existing trail network under the Vista Express chairlift in order to create better flow and a sense of continuity among the trails.

Northstar Resort’s Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open Friday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2008), weather and conditions permitting, with a kick-off demo event sponsored by Giant Bicycles on Friday, May 23, 2008. Following that weekend, the bike park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays until June 20 when it will open for daily operations through September 1, and Friday-Sunday until October 12. Daily operating hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Helmets are required for all riders, and can be rented along with bikes and other equipment at the resort. Daily lift tickets are required for lift access and can be purchased for $39. For those who want to ride all season, Mountain Bike Park season passes are available for $229 and can be purchased online at www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com or at the Season Pass & Tickets office in the Village at Northstar .

In time for the kick-off of the bike park’s official opening for daily operations, Northstar Resort will serve as proud host to the Tour de Nez, one of the country’s top professional bicycling stage races, June 18-21, 2008. The race’s move to Northstar Resort will enable the event to expand to include six days of pro, amateur and enthusiast events. For amateur riders with a competitive edge, Northstar Resort will again host the Downhill Race Series and the Cross-Country Race Series this summer, open to riders of all ages. Race dates and additional information can be found online at www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

Beyond the 2008 season, Northstar Resort’s five year plan includes more trail irrigation using the existing snowmaking infrastructure, additional on-mountain dining options, daily clinics, the hosting of national and international race events, the continual building of new trails and the upgrading of the existing trail network and infrastructure.

The resort also has plans to construct a trail similar to LiveWire, it’s first signature downhill trail that features an irrigation system top to bottom, that will be geared toward intermediate riders. Taking guest feedback and that of Northstar Resort’s team riders, the trail crew will build another fully irrigated trail that will entice non-expert riders to enjoy the ride.

For more information about the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park, please visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com or call the Plaza Bike Shop in the Village at Northstar at 530.562.2268

 

[roxy]

Mikey, tell us about the Giant demo

 

[sjensen]

Mikey, tell us about the Giant demo

the dudes were cool. the bikes, not so hot to me. tried EVERY bike they had in my size, we spent the day out there, and was underwhelmed. But, it reinforced the fact that fox 36 floats feel way better than any other fork ive tried, and i will be procuring one for the enduro shortly. i can actually afford parts now that i dont have a second money pit anymore (ie-girlfriend)

 

[roxy]

the dudes were cool. the bikes, not so hot to me. tried EVERY bike they had in my size, we spent the day out there, and was underwhelmed. But, it reinforced the fact that fox 36 floats feel way better than any other fork ive tried, and i will be procuring one for the enduro shortly. i can actually afford parts now that i dont have a second money pit anymore (ie-girlfriend)

Care to give us your detailed review of each bike you tried?

 

[MrCrash]

Lisa and I rode a pair of Reign X1's. We did Big Trees, Cinderella, and Sinawik before taking them back. I forgot how much fun and confidence inspiring a slack long travel bike could be, and enjoyed the smoothness of the Fox Vanilla 36 fork. Lisa tried a small, while I tried a medium.

As much fun as I had, the bike was a little heavier than something I'd like to use on a regular basis. It's possible that the Reign X0 - with its Fox DHX 4.0 Air shock and 36 Float RC2 fork - might work a little better as a DH-biased all-mountain rig for me.

I was comparing the geometries of the Reign X and the Enduro SL - the two bikes are surprisingly close. Head angles and horizontal top tube lengths are identical - ideally I'd want something with the Enduro's weight, the Reign's travel and compliance over rough terrain, with the slacked out geometry (and front end lightness) of my Jekyll.

As it stands, it's sort of in the middle - not quite light enough to be the kind of All Mountain bike I want, yet it doesn't have the travel that I'd want in a dedicated DH rig

We had another kind of unexpected surprise for the day. Dropping into Big Trees, we came across a bunch of guys doing a photo shoot - turns out it was a group from the Santa Cruz Syndicate, with none other than 3-time World Cup champion Steve Peat present. Lisa has spending lots of time checking out my MTB video collection, and was a little star struck - it was funny!

 

[MrCrash]

I just checked the results of the Napa Valley Dirt Classic - looks like Gregory is held his own in his return to XC competion! Looks like he finished close to some fast Downieville XC Beginner class guys.

Looking forward to hearing stories and ride reports - I hear the climb at the end of the course was a killer! Looks like Weir could only manage a midpack, while Downieville All Mountain champ Jason Moeschler was one of the last pros to finish - did they both have problems out there? Tough field? All of the above?

 

[sjensen]

Care to give us your detailed review of each bike you tried?

dont have time for big details, but the fork seals were shot on the reign i tried. bikes were just really heavy, i would guess that the reigns were round 35 lbs? felt like a tank compared to my enduro. def nice to be on fox suspension though, huge diff there. i think i tried the trance as well. was light, but set up a little to XC for me, and scared myself a few times on chaparral. bike didn't pedal well at all, compared to what im use to at least. though the glory DH was a medium, i tried it anyway, trying to find the hype behind them. i couldn't find anything to great about them. rear end seemed flexy, def didnt hold corners like my sinister, despite the lower BB height. along with this, i was giddy to ride a bike with a fox 40, as i have only parking lot tested them before. though it was light (claimed to be the lightest dual crown), it really didn't feel as good as many marzocchi's i've tried. Now zoke just needs to knock some weight of their forks. OH YA, i somehow managed to blow the rebound cart on the 40, giving me pogo stick for half the ride down chap. that was fun. also a known problem with 40's, and why they are deemed "race forks" and require a alot of mait.

 

[fawndog]

I'm going to try a Reign X1, the regular Enduro was looking good too. the SL is great but I don't think it will take regular hucks.

 

[kubiks]

Cannondale Demo

Anyone see the Cannondale tents up at Skeggs on Tuesday?
I was up there riding the roadbike (yea, haven't touched the mtn bike in months) and stopped off to put more clothing on.

I don't know what the event was but there were two trailers and a bbq going. And the dude's dogs licked me as I was putting on my leg warmers. Felt good since it was so effin' cold up there on Tues.

Maybe someday I'll actually have the skills to ride at Skeggs

 

[Ducky_Fresh]

On a Tuesday huh?

Might have been a team just practicing up there..?

 

[MrCrash]

On a Tuesday huh?

Might have been a team just practicing up there..?

Here's all I could find:

From http://mikesbikes.com/page.cfm?PageID=300

Now's your chance to test the best!

For three days only, Mike's Bikes is bringing in the best bike companies in the world for an exclusive road and mountain bike demo. This is your chance to get a good hard ride on the bike of your dreams, before you make that crucial purchase. You are welcome to bring your own shoes and pedals, and we do require a valid CA driver's license and major credit card to demo the bikes.

Demos will be happening for three days only: Friday, April 11th, Saturday, April 12th, and Sunday, April 13th. Don't miss your chance to ride the latest and greatest models from Cannondale, Specialized, and Rocky Mountain Bicycles!

Friday, April 11th
10am-4pm
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
(Park at the Granite Beach Parking Area)

Saturday, April 12th
10am-4pm
Fairfax, Camp Tamarancho
(Park in downtown Fairfax; Access the trails via Iron Springs Road, and follow the signs to the demo. Note: Day Passes are required to ride the Trails at Tamarancho. Passes will be available on site, and cost $5.00. Mountain Bike demos only.)

Sunday, April 13th
10am-4pm
Half Moon Bay, Skegg's Point
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
(Park at the Skegg's Point Parking Area)

Nothing about Tuesday on either the Mike's Bikes site or the Cannondale site though.

Kubs, you've got to make it out there with us sometime! You might get a kick out of the XC races they have out at Fort Ord. The courses don't have anything really techy on em - most of the fast guys are on lightweight hard tails wearing their roadie gear.

 

[kubiks]

Here's all I could find:



Nothing about Tuesday on either the Mike's Bikes site or the Cannondale site though.

Kubs, you've got to make it out there with us sometime! You might get a kick out of the XC races they have out at Fort Ord. The courses don't have anything really techy on em - most of the fast guys are on lightweight hard tails wearing their roadie gear.

Hmm. Perhaps. When are you going next?
Thing is...well there's two.
1. I'm training for this: http://www.mountainlakeschallenge.com so that's why I'm putting in mostly road miles (though I just crashed in Santa Cruz on Sat so it needs a little repair).

2. My shoulder is effed up and I need surgery. I was trying to hold out until the end of the summer. But 3 weeks ago I bit it on a jump on the mini moto track at Metcalf (complete with me getting stuck under the bike and a little kid asking me if I needed help) and further messed it up. I haven't ridden off-road since. I'm going to ride up montebello on Friday and drop down onto the Indian Creek trail so we'll see if my shoulder will allow me to even control the bike.

Assuming I can ride trails again this summer, I would like to check out Toro. originally I had wanted to do Sea Otter...yea, that's not happening.

 

[roxy]

Santa Cruz Hellride Returns

The Hellride is back:

"The Fifth annual Santa Cruz Hellride, which takes place neither in Santa Cruz nor Hell, will return to the rugged steeps above Downieville, California, August 1st-3rd.

What has in the past been an opportunity for two unlucky souls to get mugged by Mark Weir and Rachel Lloyd for about 12 solid hours, with the chance to limp away at the end of it all with a new Santa Cruz Nomad for their efforts, is taking a new twist this year.

This year, applicants will be narrowed down to a field of about 32, who will then be voted by the internet public down to a final 8 (4 men, 4 women), who will then be invited to Downieville. They will then compete against each other, as well as Hellriders Weir and Lloyd, in a series of feats of strength (think 'American Gladiators' meets 'jackass') to gain hopeful time bonuses for the following day's Hellride.

The Hellride itself will take in somewhere between 65 and 75 miles of prime high country riding, mostly singletrack, with anywhere between 12,500 and 15,000 feet of climbing. The contestants will race each other, as well as the pursuing wheels of Weir and Lloyd, in battle where attrition and willpower will feature as strongly as fitness and bike handling ability, in the hopes of winning a brand new Nomad, kitted out with SRAM and Rockshox finest, valued at more than $5500.

Entries are being accepted now, at: www.santacruzbicycles.com/hellridefive. Entries will close on June 1st, and voting on finalists will begin on the same site the next day. The final 8 contestants will be announced on July 1st." (Via Bikemag.com)

Sounds painful....

Worth the $4000 to just buy the Nomad??

 

[EC70]

I was riding accross Skyline on Sunday and saw the tents at Skeggs

It looked pretty busy

 

[MrCrash]

The Hellride is back

Worth the $4000 to just buy the Nomad??

Hell, Scotty almost did those numbers on the MTBR ride @ Demo a few weeks back - as far as I know, all he got were a few beers

 

[sjensen]

Hell, Scotty almost did those numbers on the MTBR ride @ Demo a few weeks back - as far as I know, all he got were a few beers

no kidding. i already entered for the hell ride, and made sure to make a lot of smart ass comments, hoping they will pick me. ill be at riding demo, from aptos this weekend. prob do around 50 miles, if anyone feels daring.

 

[Ducky_Fresh]

I'd do it, but I've got plans Sat and Sun from 9-6.

In other news, Saratoga Gap was beautiful from 4-6.

 

[fawndog]

Enduro SL and the Reign X

This is a close comparison of two all mountain bikes, I even went as far as using control components.
When you sit on the Reign X it squats, the feeling is soft plush, unlike the SL which is more firm. I also realized that the BB is 10-15mm lower on the Reign X so there are some real differences. This build was a X1 and came in at 33.8 lbs, the same componets on SL weighed 32.2 with differences in only the RD (Reign uses a med cage) and chainrings (Reign uses 2 Race Face + rock guard). The Reign X feels shorter and the ergos put you more upright. I felt that the SL was really on the XC side of AM after riding them back to back.

Cinderella - It is knocked down and dry, but fast and has good traction. The Reign X was put into the air carefully over a few of Cindy's kickers, I needed data not hang time. The Reign X is bottom heavy, a contrast to the SL which carries weight higher in the frame. This made it easier to land giving the feeling of less air after the jumps. It felt like I bottomed 6.75 because the stroke was so long, but it showed later that I only used 80% of it. The enduro SL always felt tall and gave me a teetering feeling. The singletrack was handeled with more confidence on the Reign, however the low BB caused a few pedal strikes. Pedaling back up was similar to the SL feeling just a tad softer. My adjustment to 24 36 chainrings was more noticeable than any pedal bob.

I liked the Reign X, It pedals well and the weight in the frame stabilized my crappy inputs, I already have a XC rig so there is no need for a 6'' version.

Also a real measurement of the HT angle showed 67* for the EnduroSL and 66* for the Reign X

med Enduro SL for sale

 

[CHUM]

The Hellride is back:



Sounds painful....

Worth the $4000 to just buy the Nomad??

it is......i made the top 10 last year.....know the guy who *won*......but, it sounds like a hoot....you should go for it!.....it's only like 13K ascent .....ugh...

be creative on writing....and send in a ridiculous pic....Good Luck!

 

[sjensen]

Enduro SL and the Reign X

This is a close comparison of two all mountain bikes, I even went as far as using control components.
When you sit on the Reign X it squats, the feeling is soft plush, unlike the SL which is more firm. I also realized that the BB is 10-15mm lower on the Reign X so there are some real differences. This build was a X1 and came in at 33.8 lbs, the same componets on SL weighed 32.2 with differences in only the RD (Reign uses a med cage) and chainrings (Reign uses 2 Race Face + rock guard). The Reign X feels shorter and the ergos put you more upright. I felt that the SL was really on the XC side of AM after riding them back to back.

Cinderella - It is knocked down and dry, but fast and has good traction. The Reign X was put into the air carefully over a few of Cindy's kickers, I needed data not hang time. The Reign X is bottom heavy, a contrast to the SL which carries weight higher in the frame. This made it easier to land giving the feeling of less air after the jumps. It felt like I bottomed 6.75 because the stroke was so long, but it showed later that I only used 80% of it. The enduro SL always felt tall and gave me a teetering feeling. The singletrack was handeled with more confidence on the Reign, however the low BB caused a few pedal strikes. Pedaling back up was similar to the SL feeling just a tad softer. My adjustment to 24 36 chainrings was more noticeable than any pedal bob.

I liked the Reign X, It pedals well and the weight in the frame stabilized my crappy inputs, I already have a XC rig so there is no need for a 6'' version.

med Enduro SL for sale

nice little review there. to me, its ,more like a full blown mini dh bike, that maybe why i wasn't so attracted to it. i need an XC bike that can still handle the DH's, and be large enough for me to pedal. reign didn't come anywhere near that unfort. But after riding roxy's lyric and the fox 36, im hooked like a large mouth bass at the bass master classic. those 2 forks just felt to good compared to what im on now. I've been looking for weight's and i think a float 36 and the lyric will both come out lighter than the specialized fork i have now. plan is to go for the solo air or float rc2, as their the lightest and lack travel adjust, which i never use anyway. Anyone have a lead on a lyric or float with a 8 1/2 steerer at the minimum?