Stoked: I just delivered specs for a pump/jump/flow/race track that Hilride will build at Stafford Lake Bike Park in Marin.
This track is designed for all levels of riders — and for head-to-head racing! Here’s the overview:
My love for Shimano began when, at 10 years old, I begged for and received a Shimano MLZ-10 ultralight spinning reel. That thing ran smooth as butter, and it had a huge Teflon drag washer that could beat 10-pound fish on 2-pound line. I rocked that reel all over the place — including Baja where we took on yellowtail, dorado and small tuna. That mini reel could do anything.
When, as a young adult, I became a serious saltwater angler, the Shimano reels were just killing the competition. They were faster, stronger, ran smoother and required less maintenance. Sort of like their bike stuff.
Shimano is about to hook a bunch of groms with its new Zee value-priced gravity group.
“Fabien Barel Presents: Ripping with Cedric Gracia in Andorra ”
Watch Fabien shred with CG. This video has a fun, positive vibe, plus it’s instructive to watch these two world class riders just out having fun. Watch how expressive they are — and watch how they load and unload their bikes. Sine waves!
Yesterday I ripped some pump track and pumped some big rocks with Crank Brothers pro XC racer Judy Freeman.
Fun session this week with Tokyo Joe’s pro XC racer Erin Huck.
Yesterday I picked up a new 2012 Specialized Demo 8 II. It’s been years since I rocked a downhill bike, and I was honestly worried about the size and slackness. I mean, the last time I rode a head angle like this, the bike was a Honda 250. Could I handle it? Would my years of pump track and indoor trainers make me unable to ride the big bike?
Well …
I sold my DH bike before the babies came, and I’ve regretted that decision since before I dropped the box at FedEx. I love riding all bikes, but I miss the absolute impunity that comes with a downhill bike. Not to mention the big sine waves.
Well friends, the game is back on.
Emails like this get me stoked.
The conditions are perfect! Come rip it up with me this Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. I also have spots Wednesday, June 6 and Saturday, June 9. Braaap!
It’s official: The Bugs are now mountain bikers.
A guest piece from Shawn Wilson, owner of Epicenter Cycling in Aptos, CA and designer of the original Epicenter Pump Track.
Hand tools are stacked in the garage, but the Mac is fired up. I’m working on a pump track design for the Stafford Lake Bike Park in Marin.