I’m on a mission this week to wring out a 29er on my local rides—work, babies and weather permitting—and see how it suits my style. Expect a full write-up when I return this test bike. Today’s quick report: Bike Specialized Stumpjumper Comp 29 with upgraded wheels and cranks, plus my 70mm stem, flat pedals and […]
The 2011 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships continued Saturday as the riders contested the short-track cross-country and the downhill races.
OK, OK. After last weekend’s Texas high school MTB coaching adventures on a Specialized Camber 29, I see why so many people are moving from 26- to 29-inch wheels. Last weekend the 29s made the rough trails smoother, and they helped me battle the technical climbs with way fitter/stronger riders. The question is, would a […]
Lee, We’ve just completed another track here in Toowoomba—and it has heaps of steep switchbacks on loose material. Now, your book had a fair chunk of detail on descending these types of things, and I’m achieving moderate success. Climbing them—I leave much to be desired. Can you give a few additional recommendations on how to […]
The menandrsquo;s and womenandrsquo;s cross-country races opened the 2011 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships Friday at the Angel Fire Bike Park in Angel Fire, N.M. Inclement weather two days prior to the start of the event left eight inches of snow behind forcing the riders to contend with muddy and icy sections of the cross-country course.
Man, I gotta get some CrossFit freaks to help me build pump tracks. They’d love the punishment. Keep reading for the WOD … We’re currently in the dig-it-up-and-move-it-around phase of my pump-track build. You’re looking at a lot of pick work. This Sunday’s WOD is called Fiona, after my youngest twin girl. • 20 strikes […]
Last weekend, as part of coach training for the Texas high school mountain bike league, I got to ride new trails on a new bike. This is a quick-hit review of the trails and the bike, plus riding a 29er and other stuff. Resuming the braaap at Reveille Peak Ranch. Riding in Austin, TX Is […]
The 2011 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships begin Friday, Oct. 28 and continue until Sunday, Oct. 30, at Angel Fire Bike Park in Angel Fire, N.M.
Last weekend’s SoCal and NorCal high school coach coaching sessions were exhausting and excellent. I worked with 55 coaches, many of whom have 20, 50 or even more kids in their programs. “This, class, is how one rips.” Photo from NorCal director Vanessa Hauswald. This weekend I’m off to Austin, TX to teach the first […]
Yes, my backyard pump track is finally underway. The property is steep, the contour promising and the trees intriguing. I’ve been too busy to tackle this on my own, so I’ve engaged The Man Himself—James Hall, the best shaper in the northern hemisphere, soon returning to the southern hemisphere—to help make this dream real. Requirements […]