9/29/2016

4th Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival at Lebanon Hills October 1st


The 4th Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival is coming up on Saturday, October 1st from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan.  This fun-filled free event is made possible through Dakota County Parks and a partnering with MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists), local area bike shops, businesses and organizations.


Join in on the fun and celebrate one of Minnesota's best mountain bike trail systems and the many hours of volunteer work that MORC members have put in to maintain nearly 12 miles of single-track.  This event is not only for the avid mountain biker but also a fun and festive way to introduce new riders to the sport.


"This is event is ½ fun community festival trying to introduce mountain biking and the fantastic amenities at the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills Regional Park to a greater audience and ½ recognition for MORC for the many MANY hours their volunteers put in making that system possible." - Katie Pata, Park Operations Coordinator for Dakota County Parks

Scheduled activities are FREE and include:

Mountain Bike Skills Clinics
11 AM Mountain Bike Skills Clinic (Learn correct riding positions and more)
1 PM Mountain Bike Skills Clinic (Learn correct riding positions and more)


Fix-it Clinics
NOON Basic Bike Repair (Flat tires, shifting and brake adjustments and more)
2 PM Basic Bike Repair (Flat tires, shifting and brake adjustments and more)
 


Training Clinics
11 AM How to Improve Performance Out of the Saddle
1:30 PM How to Improve Performance Out of the Saddle
2:30 PM How to Improve Performance Out of the Saddle
 



Group Rides
10 AM Advanced Men Group Ride
10:30 AM Intermediate Men Group Ride
11 AM Levo Electric-assist Bike Demo Group Ride
11:30 AM Intermediate Women Group Ride
NOON Beginner Teen Group Ride
12:30 PM Beginner Women Group Ride
1:30 PM Beginner Men Group Ride
2 PM Levo Electric-assist Bike Demo Group Ride
2:30 PM Open to All Beginner Group Ride
3 PM Open to All Beginner Group Ride
 


Kids Activities
11 AM I Spy From My Bike Up High
Noon Kids Bike Races
1 PM I Spy From My Bike Up High
2 PM Bike Games for All Ages
3 PM Kids Bike Races
3:30 PM Adults-on-kids-bikes Race



Ongoing Activities
All day Bikes to Demo (Bring your own helmet, drivers license and credit card)
All day Chair Massages
 
 



Food and beer will be available for purchase all day from the Blue Door Pub.  They'll be cooking up mini Blucy's and serving craft beer from Indeed Brewing Company.

Updates for the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival can be found on the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival Facebook event page.

 
Event parking will be available at the West Trailhead and at the School of Environmental Studies just a couple of blocks to the south on Johnny Cake Ridge Road.  Overflow street parking is also available along Galaxie Avenue with entrance to the bike trails.  Overnight camping at the Lebanon Hills Campground (located just across the road, and south about half mile from the event grounds) is an option for those needing accommodations.  Camping reservations can be made by visiting the Dakota County Campgrounds page.

9/26/2016

Interbike 2016 Press Round Up

Image Credit: Bill Randen

Now that Interbike 2016 is over, you may not have seen all the press and news reports from this year's show.  I have been following all the updates closely since I wasn't able to go this year and have compiled a majority of the news I have come across.  These reports include content from some of my favorite sources, lots of videos and even several podcasts.  I've done the work so you don't have to to keep up on all the latest the bike industry has to offer.

Whether you're a mountain biker, fatbiker, roadie, freestyle BMX enthusiast or just the casual rider, there will be something in this post that will catch your attention regarding new products or bikes coming to a local bike shop near you soon.

I will list some of my favorite sources from the internet in an easy to navigate format so you can go to the posts that interest you most.

Press Coverage






New Pumps, GPS Units From Lezyne - Interbike 2016

What People Are Saying - Interbike 2016

Hey, Where Did Everybody Go? - Interbike 2016

Outdoor Demo Randoms - Interbike 2016

Brake Power Meter Prototype - Interbike 2016


Patrol's 672 All-Mountain Bike - Interbike 2016
 
Alchemy's Less Expensive Arktos - Interbike 2016  

 Kali Releases Multiple Impact Helmet: The MacDuff - Interbike 2016


Fresh from the Show Floor – Interbike 2016

Interbike Outdoor Demo – Day 2
 
Interbike Outdoor Demo – Day 1

Interbike Outdoor Demo 2016


TOGS Interbike 2016

New and cool from 9Point8, Rohloff, and Maxima

Lupine Lighting Interbike 2016
 
Ellsworth Interbike 2016
 
Syncros Interbike 2016

Maxxis Interbike 2016

Park Tool Interbike 2016

Push Industries Interbike 2016

Bulls Bikes Interbike 2016
 
Marin Bikes Interbike 2016

SKS Interbike 2016

Stan’s NoTubes Interbike 2016

New products from Phil Wood and Hope

Interbike Preview Highlights: G-Form, GoPro, Abus, Polar and Now helmet

Prototype power meter measures braking forces

2016 Outdoor Demo Mega Gallery


Interbike highlights: Cheap GPS, pro tires, natural fuel

First Ride: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100

Interbike Liveblog: Day 1

Interbike Liveblog: Day 2

Interbike: Five curiosities spotted at Outdoor Demo


Who Has The Best 360 In BMX?

Interbike 2016 – Haro and Premium

Interbike 2016 – The Shadow Conspiracy & Subrosa Brand

Interbike 2016 – S&M, Fit Bike Co. & United
 
Interbike 2016 – Mutant Bikes
 
Interbike 2016 – Cult
 
Interbike 2016 – Deco

Interbike 2016 – Stolen Bikes and Fiction BMX

Interbike 2016 – Profile Racing & Madera  

Interbike 2016 – Fuse Protection

Interbike 2016 – Flybikes

Interbike 2016 – Wethepeople & Eclat


Rotor spins out direct mount Q-Rings and new mountain cranks

Wolf Tooth Components out-gears SRAM and Shimano

Fuji Rakan 27.5+ 3.1 first ride review



Interbike Award Winners: Best Mountain Bike, Race, Shop, and More

The Magicshine 90X Series Claims up to 8,000 Lumens for Under $250

Topeak Uses Your Bike to Pitch the Bikamper Tent

Advocate Cycles Hayduke 27.5+ Test Ride Review

The New GoPro Drone Is Even More Amazing in Person

Marin Rift Zone Pro Test Ride Review

Interbike Day 1: The GoPro Drone, Yakima Racks, and Tents!

Transition Smuggler Test Ride Review

Fuji Rakan Test Ride Review

OutBraker Converts Hydraulic Disc Brakes to Single Lever System

Fuji Bighorn Test Ride Review

Lamere Dopamine: World’s Lightest FS Fat Bike?

First Look: Patrol 671 Enduro Bike

KTM Scarp Prime Test Ride Review


BEST XC AND TRAIL BIKES FROM INTERBIKE

COOL NEW PRODUCTS FROM INTERBIKE – STUFF YOU’LL BE RIDING IN 2017

INTERBIKE: BEST ALL-MOUNTAIN, ENDURO AND DOWNHILL BIKES

LATEST AND GREATEST NEW PRODUCTS FROM INTERBIKE DAY 1

OUTDOOR DIRT DEMO: NEW PROTECTION, HELMETS, CLOTHING AND MORE

20 PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FROM OUTDOOR DIRT DEMO INTERBIKE 2016

NEW 2017 PRODUCTS TO DROOL OVER – INTERBIKE DIRT DEMO DAY ONE


The Massive Interbike 2016 Photo Gallery
 
Podcasts





Video

 





Interbike Favourites – The Best Bikes On Show

Video: Weird and wonderful Interbike tech

The Future Of Electronic & Smart Bike Tech | Interbike 2016

The Year Of The Gravel Bike? | Interbike 2016    

 

Interbike 2016: SKS RideAir and TL Tubeless Tire Inflation Solutions

Interbike 2016: Stan's NoTubes MK3 and S1 Wheelsets
  
Interbike 2016: Bulls Bikes Dail-E Grinder, Lacuba EVO E8 and E-Stream EVO 3 Carbon 27.5+




Interbike 2016: Syncros XR1.5 Stem and Integrated XR MTB Garmin Mount and XR1.0 SL Saddle


Interbike 2016: Maxxis Rekon, Forekaster, Griffin, Minion FBF and FBR Tires

Interbike 2016: DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline One, XM 1501 Spline One and XR 1501 Spline One

Interbike 2016: Marin Pine Mountain 1, Attack Trail 7 and Hawk Hill 

Interbike 2016: Magura Raceline MT8 Brakes, Boltron Fork and Vyron Seatpost 

Interbike 2016: TOGS “Thumb-Over-Grip System”

9/21/2016

How to Follow All The Coverage From Interbike 2016


Interbike 2016 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV starts today and if you are a bike tech geek like me you're going to want to watch the media coverage closely if you are unable to attend.  I would be blogging from Interbike like I did last year but other commitments kept me from attending this week so I will be closely monitoring all of the coverage on the Internet.

This is where companies from every corner of the bike industry will be debuting and showcasing their products to bicycle retailers, importers, distributors and the media.  With more than 1,400 exhibitors, it is the largest show of its kind in North America.  For bike people, it's like being a kid walking into the biggest candy store ever.


Over these next three days many new products will be creating buzz in the bike world.  Some of these products will be seen for the first time at Interbike and the media coverage is always excellent at the show.  Below I will post some information and links so you can also keep abreast of all the cool new bikes, accessories, gadgets and apparel from Interbike.


With so many brands at Interbike you may want to view the Exhibitor's List to see who is going to be there this year.  Use the Exhibitor List Search to narrow the results.  Once you know who the exhibitors are you can do Google searches with the brand name and "Interbike" to bring you to the media coverage, photos and news for that brand.

Bike websites and blogs have staff reporting from Interbike daily with all the latest news and photos from the show.  Below is a list of some of my favorite sources that you can check out over the next week to keep updated on all the great new offerings from bike companies and manufacturers before they show up at your local bike shop.








Use the following hashtags for Interbike 2016 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to also see the latest reports from the show.

#Interbike16
#Interbike2016
#Interbike

Following the extensive Interbike media coverage will keep me on top of the latest bike tech.  Seeing the new bikes, gear and gadgets months before they show up at my local bike shop is pretty cool.  There are always a bunch of things that catch my attention at Interbike and I'm really looking forward to see what this year's show brings to the table.

9/17/2016

Become a New Member or Renew During the MORC Member Drive at Surly Brewing

Image Credit: Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists

The Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) are holding their annual membership drive at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis on Sunday, September 18th from 11:30am to 5:00 pm.  If you are a current MORC member or would like to become one here is a great opportunity to meet other MORC members and talk about the great trails they maintain here in the Twin Cities. 


There is plenty of bike parking at Surly Brewing located at 520 Malcolm Ave SE in Minneapolis so make a day of it, get in a ride and support your local IMBA Chapter by renewing or becoming a member of MORC.


If you are one of the first 100 mountain bike enthusiasts that wants to support the organization that gains and maintains trails in the Twin Cities by becoming a member or renewing your current membership, you will receive a free pint of fantastic Surly beer.


While you're there joining in on the camaraderie with your fellow MORC members, grab some of the awesome food from Surly's menu.  There is something on the bill of fare to please every palate.

9/12/2016

45NRTH Introduces New, Redesigned and Plus Winter Tires

Image Credit: 45NRTH

45NRTH introduced a couple of new aggressive studded tires for fatbikes as well as 27.5+ bikes and a redesigned tread on a couple already in their lineup.  The announcement came over social media and their new website on Thursday, September 8th.   Below I go over some of the details of these new tire offerings to choose from for this Winter.

Wrathchild 26X4.6 Studded Tire

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Wrathchild is a new more aggressive studded fatbike tire in the lineup that has 224 XL concave studs with deep lugs and an open tread pattern designed to shed snow.  45NRTH touts this tire for use "From loose snow to icy freeze-thaw and everything in between, Wrathchild craves the best and worst winter conditions."  Wrathchild's tread design and concave studs seem to make it an ideal all-around Winter tire that is going to provide plenty of traction for cornering, braking and the icy stuff.

Wrathchild will be available in a 26x4.6 studded-only version with a 120 tpi casing and a tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.

Wrathchild 27.5X3.0 Studded Tire

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Wrathchild will also be available in a 27.5x3.0 version for plus bikes.  It has deep, aggressive lugs that dig in with tall side lugs for cornering traction and XL Concave Aluminum Carbide studs for icy conditions.  This new tire will give 27.5+ bike owners all-conditions traction this Winter whether it be for commutes to work or rolling fast on the packed, icy singletrack.

Wrathchild will be available in a 27.5x3.0 studded-only version with a 120 tpi Ultralight casing and a tubeless ready bead.  Fits 35-50mm rims.

Dillinger 4 26X4.0

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Dillinger 4 gets a tread redesign for 2017 that includes taller side lugs and an improved center tread.  Studded versions will have 240 Concave Aluminum Carbide studs(120tpi), Steel-Carbide (60tpi) for ice gripping traction.  This new tread upgrade is designed for improved cornering, speed and rolling efficiency.

Dillinger 4 will be available in a 26x4.0 studded/studless versions with a 120 tpi Ultralight casing or 60 tpi casing both with a tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.

Hüsker Dü 26X4.0

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Hüsker Dü also has a redesigned tread pattern for 2017 with a reduced lug count and taller should lugs for what 45NRTH calls one of the fastest snow tires available.  45NRTH recommends this tire for hardpacked groomed singletrack because of its "perfect balance of low rolling resistance and traction".

Hüsker Dü will be available in a 26x4.0 version with a 120tpi Ultralight or 60tpi tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.












Images Credit: 45NRTH 

Look for all of these tires to be available at your local bike shop soon.  Pricing has not been revealed yet.

9/08/2016

2016 MN Cyclocross Events

Image Credit: Gal Alon

Cyclocross racing season has begun with the Wednesday Night CX series to get riders prepped for the upcoming Fall race calendar.  Details for some of the races in this post are still being worked out as their status with USA Cycling may still be pending or in the permit process.  Below is a list in chronological order.  Race and event organizers, if you would like your cyclocross event listed, please send me an e-mail (or visit my contact page).  I will continue to update information and add events to this post as it becomes available.

Wednesday Night CX-Race #1-August 31, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page

Wednesday Night CX-Race #2-September 7, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page 

Wednesday Night CX-Race #3-September 14, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page 

Wednesday Night CX-Race #4-September 21, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page

Wednesday Night CX-Race #5-September 28, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page 

Revocross-October 2, 2016
Clearwater, MN
Online Registration 

Wednesday Night CX-Race #6-October 5, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
Facebook Event Page
CX-MN Facebook page

Wednesday Night CX-Race #7-October 12, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park,MN
CX-MN Facebook page

Image Credit: Gal Alon

Green Acres Premium Cyclocross-October 15-16, 2016
Lake Elmo, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration  

Bandit Cross: Hobo Camp Course: The Last Wednesday Night-October 19, 2016
Bryn Mawr Softball Fields
Minneapolis, MN 

Velo CX-October 22-23, 2016
National Sports Center
Blaine, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Angry Cross-October 30, 2016
Carver Lake Mountain Bike Trailhead
Woodbury, MN 
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Fulton Star Cross-November 5-6, 2016
Aquila Park
St. Louis Park, MN
Facebook Page
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Theo With Cyclocross Classic-November 12-13, 2016
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

MN State Championship CX-November 19-20, 2016
Crystal, MN

Cross Fer Tots-November 27, 2016
Cambridge City Park
Cambridge, MN
Facebook Page

For more updates on USA Cycling cyclocross events in Minnesota visit the USA Cycling events search page.
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