Archive for January, 2006|Monthly archive page
For You Health Conscious Riders
Leave a CommentThe Washington Post recently informed us of two changes that will affect nutrition labels on food products. These changes started on January 1st. This will require companies to display two additional pieces of information on their nutrition labels.
The first change will be information on foods commonly linked to allergies such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts and peanuts, wheat and soybeans. These foods account for 90% of food allergic reactions. In addition, this information will have to be in ‘clear language.’
The second change will be that trans fat will also have to be displayed. Some say that companies will replace or minimize trans fats with saturated fat.
The Luna Team Adds Two New Members
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For 2006, the popular LUNA team will include two additions to their roster. The first addition, two-time olympian Jimena Florit will be helping the team race XC to defend their national titles. The second addition, Georgia Gould is labeled a “rising star.”
A [mountain biker/photographer]’s Best Friend
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Like many people, I used to have my camera stashed away in my Camelbak’s pocket. In order to use it I would have to take my camelbak off, take the camera out, snap some pictures, put the camera back in the pocket, and snap my camelbak back on. Not very convenient.
Awhile ago, Pete (pshloss on STR) and I bumped into each other at Turnbull Canyon. Among the many things he showed/taught me that day was a little camelbak pocket that attaches onto the Camelbak’s straps using velcro.
Simple and extremely useful, Camelbak’s “Phone Pocket” allows me to have my camera easily accessible at all times during a ride. This leads to faster and easier picture snapping and as a result, more pictures taken. The phone pocket velcro’s in 4 spots for very secure attachment. It sits a little below shoulder level, depending how you have your camelbak adjusted.
I got my phone pocket at Jax Bicyle shop in Long Beach in their little Camelbak section. Here’s a link for the REI product page – it’s $10. The new phone pocket looks a little different then mine, not sure if it’s smaller or larger. My camera, an Olympus D-560, fits snugly while measuring 4.2″ x 2.2″ x 1.6″.
If you like taking pictures while on the trail, this is a simple, inexpensive, and convenient addition to the gear you use.
Snow Riding
Yes, I know that we don’t get much snow here in Socal although there are some trails that do get it sometimes. BUT – snow riding sounds like a lot of fun and for those of you who don’t know much about it, I found a good news story from the AP’s Patrick Condon. In an effort to fully understand riding in the snow and ice, he tried it for himself.
But with the pain came a feeling of hard-won confidence, and it propelled me as my destination grew closer. I started to think, “This really isn’t that bad.” The last few blocks, I really hit my stride, and by the time I got to the office I wanted to keep riding. It’s a feeling, I discovered, that’s common to many winter bikers.
Fat Bikes from Surly
Fat bikes, also known as adventure bikes, have huge 4inch tires and are made to ride well in snow, sand, and mud. This bike from Surly is appropriately named “Pugsly.”
Dave Gray from surly claims that the massive tires increase traction and float on snow while distributing weight over a larger contact path – kind of like what snowboards do. In addition, the tires provide absorb up to 2.5″ on the rigid frame.
Although custom bike builders have been making these types of adventure bikes before, the Pugsley will be the first mass produced one.
New Article: Shock
So I cranked out another first aid article, this one covers shock. If you’re new to STR – I have been working on getting first aid articles written, geared for mountain bikers. I’m not a doctor but according to the Red Cross, I am a professional first responder.
Here are the links to shock and the previous articles.
Intro and Basic Care
Hypothermia and Frost Bite
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Shock
The POS hardtails we all love
The majority of mountain bikers start off with a hardtail when we first try out the sport. I know I did and so did a lot of the people I talk to. I started off on a Trek 3700 and although it is a POS compared to the Yeti 575 I ride now, it was a bike that introduced me to the sport. Sure I crashed a lot on the 3700, sure it shifted all funky, and sure it was a 33lb hardtail – but without it I wouldn’t of become a biker. And for that I love my POS hardtail and I’m sure a lot more riders love their POS hardtails for that same reason.
Porshe Mountain Bike
Not sure how many have seen this but stumbled upon it today. Porshe carbon fiber mountain bike called the FS Evolution. 140mm of travel from an upside down fork and 25.5lbs. And it can be all yours for a measly $10,612!
Man, 62, dies while biking
Ojai man collapses, dies during mountain bike ride
December 30, 2005
An Ojai man died of unknown health problems while mountain biking with a friend
Thursday, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said.Robert Smith, 62, and a female friend were taking a morning ride on Cozy Dell
Trail in Ojai when he suffered what might have been a heart attack, officials
said. The cause of death will not be determined until an autopsy is performed,
authorities said.The woman performed CPR on Smith while emergency personnel responded,
authorities said. A helicopter lowered a deputy and a paramedic to the trail,
where several attempts to revive Smith were unsuccessful, officials said.He was pronounced dead at 9:05 a.m. Thursday, sheriff’s Capt. Ron Nelson said.
3 IMBA programs and Shimano Assistance
The IMBA along with the National Park Service announced a new partnership that will
bring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamwork and to develop models for future collaboration
Three new pilot programs at Fort Dupont Park, Big Bend National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These programs will study mountain biking in the parks in an effort to learn about the effects and benefits of it.
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews also announced that they’ll be visiting up to nine national parks in 2006 to provide expert advice on trail etiquette and rider education, managing mountain bikes, trailbuilding and trail repair. The Crews will work with local mountain bike clubs, other trail user groups, community leaders and park staff to foster communication and collaboration.
The parks include:
- Big South Fork National Recreation Area (Tennessee)
- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (Minnesota)
- Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
- Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Cochran Shoals Unit (Georgia)
- Homestead National Monument of America (Nebraska)
- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Tennessee)
- Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (California)
- Mammoth Caves National Park (Kentucky)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
Shimano Provides Assistance
Shimano will sponsor the UCI World Cup in 2006 and also offer ‘netural technical assistance.’
From 2006 the changes of rules decided by the UCI will authorise ‘external technical assistance’ by mechanics during Mountain Bike Cross-country and Marathon events. Shimano will provide the neutral technical assistance service at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events.
