Issue Number 5 : January 10’

PUBLISHER : Brandon Watts

EDITOR: Silly Anne (Priscilla Watts)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: CON Stephen Dempsey TRIBUTORS Lorraine Blancher Patrick Augustine Katie Lindquist Bill Boles Trevor Kaiser Brandon Watts Ryan Wilson TJ Gumz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mason Mashon Ryan Kirk Josh Poulsen Karen Myers John Goeller Todd Barber Wade Youngblood

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Trevor Kaiser, www.FineTunedSignatures.com

WEB MASTERS: Sean Hreha, PHP, HTML and Flash Man Wes Broadway, HTML and PHP Maniac

CONTRIBUTING SHOPS / COMPANIES: Rays MTB, Cleveland, Ohio Crater Cycles, Kahului, Hawaii Outspokin Cycles, Columbia, South Carolina Kent Eriksen Cycles, Steamboat Springs, Colorado New England Association, Acton, Mass.

OTHER SUPPORT:

Drew Reger, The GPS Store, www.theGPSstore.com

All rights reserved to FREEHUB Media, LLC. Copyright 2010.

FREEHUB MEDIA, LLC Bellingham, WA 98226 www.FreehubMag.com [email protected]

Freehub “Reader Photo Contest” winner [1st place] Photo by Ryan Kirk Todd Glasgow, of theBlack Rock Mountain Bike Association ripping Sicter Gnar atthis years Demo Day. Freehub “ReaderPhoto Contest”winner [3rdplace] Photoby WadeYoungblood

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the 2010the ClassicinApril. SeaOtter willbereleased at page annualthat 260 inthe lastcontent will bethe This IssueisourSHORT issue,and

THANKS!

our dream a reality,dream a our Tomake helped has everyonethat

TRAIL & RIDE REVIEWS Cleveland, Ohio by Rays MTB Kahului, Hawaii by Crater Cycles Columbia, Carolina South by Outspokin

RIDER RANTS Stephen Dempsey,Stephen XC Lorraine Blancher, Freeride & DH

CREATIVE PEEPS Trevor Kaiser

INDUSTRY HANDS Kent Cycles, Eriksen Colorado

FRIENDLY FRONTS Memphis, Tennessee Annual Only) (Printed

COMMUNITY New England Mountain Bike Association

RIDER . RYAN MEYERSN PHOTO .JAYSINCLAIRPHOTO.COM

ISSUE NUMBER 5 NUMBER ISSUE

CON TENTS

JANUARY 2010 JANUARY Indoor Playland CLEVELAND, OH

120,000 SQF of Ripping wood, dirt and rocks! Dirt Room, and Troy Lee Rhythm Room. This one of a kind fantasyland has the big jumps for the guy looking to rack up air miles, and the low skills skinny stuff to keep new riders on edge. As a matter of fact, there is riding in every corner of this eather can play a huge roll in the amount of time facility that rivals some of the best bike parks in the world. some riders spend on the bike, but for the “die W hards”, weather is never an issue. These guys are Ray, the man behind the idea started this park 6 years ago, in usually proud of riding in all conditions, but some of them an old rayon factory. He has grown the park each year with have a trick up their sleeve. This trick is Ray’s Indoor Moun- new additions to the facility, and expanded it into new rooms tain Bike Park! If you live close to Cleveland, or have read a of the factory allowing more space to flow. These dedicated biking magazine in the last year, most likely you have heard past years of business have left a really fun maze that is best about Ray’s MTB. If you haven’t, you are missing out on the observed through the cockpit of a bike, and is seldom seen little information that keeps a great deal of dedicated riders anywhere else. There are not many “institutions” like this pumping year round. anywhere in the world, but Ray’s business model has been adopted by a few other bike lovers, and is starting to catch on Ray’s could be seem as an amusement park for the biking among bikers. He has created a haven for riders all year long, junkie, and its variety of terrain our smack. This 120, 000 to ride, rip, and air through an amazing facility, all while riding square foot facility has an indoor dreamland built for every rid- with other people that are there to do the same. ing level and style across the board. XC riders can session the loop that wraps around the rafters and perimeter of the mas- So, whether you’re a pro to play in the park, or a new biker sive facility, or play in the skills and XC rooms. The 20 inchers looking to learn, Ray’s has got the spot to ride. Check them and dirt jumpers have their space to play as well, one being the out online at: www.RaysMTB.com Harbison State Ride From

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Words by Patrick Augustine Photos by Karen Meyers

or riders on the East Coast, it’s easy to fall into the temptation of thinking F of ourselves as trail-impoverished in comparison to our brethren west of the Mis- sissippi. Lacking the templar vistas championed by Muir and Mather, riders in the Southeast outside of the Appalachians can come to view their local haunts with the same disdain that some have for certain family members.

Mountain bikers in Columbia, South Carolina are disabused of this notion on a regular basis by both the variety of places - singletrack, doubletrack, & fire roads. Easy access to the soils and short loop that only runs for seven miles or so. I might not in such a confined space. Splitting the terrain dif- to ride and by the wonderful year-round riding weather that forest also means that bikers can expect to share the trails suppose it’s a sentimental favorite due to the large role it ference between Harbison and Sesqui nicely, Lynch’s Woods we (usually) enjoy. Smack dab in the middle of our fair state, with other users like trail runners and hikers during most played in my own education, but the sand has a lot of mixed pine and hardwood forest with some Columbia sits on what was, in prehistoric times, considered seasons. The different trail user constituencies coexist hap- that makes it annoyingly dry and boggy during the sauna-like sandy sections and road crossings thrown in. Expect to see the coast. The resulting geography and terrain of the ‘Mid- pily, and in tandem with campers, boaters, and everyday use . This also means that it’s perfect during our wet horseback riders in the warmer months too. lands’ lend itself to some fun and convenient trail riding. by the foresters. In many ways, it is this broad-based ap- winters when you might otherwise feel guilty about riding peal that has helped Harbison to weather challenges from at Harbison. An artifact of Roosevelt’s Civilian Construction Trail access is fortunately not a battle that many in SC have Nestled within the city limits, Harbison State Forest is the those out of touch with the necessity for public access to Corps of the 1930s, its simplicity and flow are worth discov- had to deal with very much, but the writing is on the wall largest such public green space anywhere in the eastern nature at the ready. Gov. Sanford’s proposal to sell the land ering or reacquainting oneself with. in terms of the need for a Midlands SORBA chapter in the United States and it’s our default locale for quick local rides, to private developers in 2002 due to budget shortfalls was near future. Both the Upstate near the North Carolina Its an 8-mile drive from downtown with easy highway access. a prime example of this Harbison’s proximity to the water Lynch’s Woods, located in Newberry, SC is a bit of a jaunt mountains and the southwest part of the state that bor- Harbison’s 20+ miles of trail are surprisingly isolated and can be a liability during the winter though, when increased north from Columbia on I-26, but even given the half-hour ders Georgia have their own chapters, but for now the only impressive considering that they are situated on only 2200 rains and flooding make parts of the trails unwise to ride. of driving it takes to get there, it would be unfair to leave it advocacy body that works for trail maintenance and access acres that abut the Broad River. Riders begin in a forest of off any list of South Carolina singletrack. Some local riders are the Friends of Harbison State Forest, which represents longleaf pines, but quickly find themselves among bottom- Fortunately, there are two other riding options in the im- even consider it their own personal ‘hidden’ trail, in part be- all trail users at the Harbison facility. land hardwoods near the river and even scrub oak stands on mediate area around Columbia for those hungry for their cause it sees so few riders and also because unlike Harbison, the bluffs which contribute most of the 1000 foot elevation singletrack fix. The first is Sesquicentennial State Park to it is not so beginner-friendly. The property comprises less Want more information about any of these trails, or riding in change on the most generic trail loop. Since Harbison is an the northeast of town, nestled atop one of those ancient than 300 acres, so the trail wends itself around like a seven- South Carolina in general? educational forest used to showcase good timber manage- sand dunes that betray Columbia’s former beachfront status. mile long rattlesnake sunning itself in the . Somewhat ment practices in a state where timber sales are the number Sesqui, as it is affectionately known locally, falls out of fashion unsurprisingly, the twisty nature of the trail provides its own Check out our Website or give us a call: one cash crop, riders are treated to a little bit of everything with each succeeding generation of riders due to its sandy set of technical challenges that a more flow-conducive route Outspokin’ Bicycles: www.outspokinbicycles.com I tried to keep up but just flat out lost it on a straight away. I’m glad Paul lent me all the pads between me and lava as I was racing along at twenty-five miles an hour. I limped back onto the bike and caught up to the others waiting down the trail.

Soon after that, I went down again. Hard on the other side. I was Haleakala Ride glad that Paul made me wear full gear and should have known better Crater Cycles when he showed up wearing a moto-cross chest plate. from “We’re almost to the end”, he said every mile or so. KAHULUI, HAWAII “Watch out for the drop at the bottom”, he yelled before disap- Words by TJ Gumz Photos by Todd Barber pearing into the woods. So where is the bottom!? There’s no sign!

I looked for the sign that read, “Hey, you’re almost at the bottom… “You’re guaranteed to crash,” Scott exclaims beware of a bone crunching lava flow into a pit of steaming doom!” to a customer who wants to rent a mountain bike for the ‘Skyline’ trail down the spine of Haleakala. Scott is a bike mechanic who, I don’t know where the bottom was. I had never been here be- days later, shattered his wrist to powder on a dirt bike. Pins, plates, fore. I could hardly remember the top. At this moment, I was very screws and wire hold what is left together; he still has no feeling in thankful that I was wearing a full-face helmet and goggles. “Oh, this his fingertips, a week later. When he says ‘crash’, you wonder what must be the bottom,” I’m said as I went over the bars again and I level of pain you’ll be in. “You’re guaranteed to crash.” thought …’What a beautiful view.’ Yeah, it’s so spectacular up here you notice the scenery as you crash. You hear the guys every once This mantra didn’t help me as we drove up the now dormant in a while say “I’ve never seen that before,” because it’s so dynamic, volcano, Haleakala. Switchback after switchback – that was the only always in flux, just like the new type of aching pains that throb every voice I heard. minute now.

I was invited to ride by Paul Parrish.who owns Crater Cycles After we dropped out of the lava and headed into some single track, Hawaii, Maui’s only all- shop. His dark hair is cut like I felt much better about being on the bike. The whole time I tried to a marine who’s been letting it grow out – kind of shaggy but with a let up on the brakes and burn through the track like I was on rails military heritage. His laugh carries over miles and it is heard often; but it’s really more like a third time felon in L.A. running from the he is just plain neighborly. Paul outfitted me with all the pads for the police in a shopping on cobblestones. ride and the helmet too – off we went. I was scared most of the trip, struggling to unclench my hands at Haleakala or ‘House of the Sun’ is just over ten thousand feet, so the end of each run. I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to open the atmosphere is thin. It’s an active volcano in an non-active state. my hand up after my death grip on the bars and brakes. Paul was There is cinder everywhere --harp, spiky, loose and unstable -- ev- laughing as he watched me wince and forcibly unlock my fingers. He erywhere. Imagine these sharp stones ranging in size from pebbles told me that I needed some disc brakes to alleviate the problem. I on up to basketballs. Mostly, they are a little bigger than fist sized looked around at the other bikes all equipped with hydraulic disc with just enough mass to cause both of your tires to slide out from brakes; mine looked like a starved pony compared to the others. under you. It’s like trying to keep course on a sand dune covered with chocolate cake mix topped off with -sized spheres of The fire road led to a single lane, paved road that accesses Poli-Poli spiky devastation. If you’ve ever mountain biked on Mars, you know State Park. We rode Waipoli Road for a little while before drop- what I mean. ping into some ‘trails’ that bisect the switchbacks. My rear tire was locked up most of the time in the loamy black soil. When I let go I was the first one to crash; it happened again and again. The guys of the brakes to clear some minor drops, I hooked a stump three would point to something sticking out of my helmet, shoulder or times. Stumps are everywhere. bike and laugh knowing that a crash had put it there. We all laughed; some laughed harder and more often than others. I got caught by Near the end of the ride they all went ‘hells out’ through a cattle stumps, branches, rocks, roots and other riders. Paul likes to ride up field. No road, no trail and no clue, just pick a line and head straight beside you when you can hardly stay on your line, let alone the trail, down to the target and blast. “Animals”, Rob said, more to himself and shout, “HEY!” which scares the bejeesus out of you. Then he’d than to me, just before he re-enacted exactly what Paul had done. pass me right before I crashed. I should mention I learned to ride in Florida where our highest point is 345 feet or so. Staggering, I know. As the trail of dust disappeared, we rode to the pavement down Waipoli road and into Rice Park just as the sun was setting. It was The beginning of the ride is loose lava rock over dust and ball bear- another amazing bi-coastal view from three thousand feet. We ings. Once we passed the first gate, they all rode flat out. These are loaded the bikes into the truck that Sue brought over and headed heavy guys with heavy bikes going downhill fast. Starting at around for home. I got into my car gingerly and headed back for supplies. ten thousand feet, we dropped three thousand feet to the begin- ning of the Mamane trail in Poli Poli State Park. An additional four So here I am at home, trying not to lay on my left side, right side, or thousand feet are lost at the end of the ride at Rice Park. The ride is my right elbow. I try not to strain my calf -- just relax. It hurts to lift eighteen miles from top to bottom. the beer but I can’t stop smiling! Photo by Josh Poulsen for DLP Photography, taken at the 2009 Kokanee Crankworx. Unknown Racer on Monkey.

SHUT TER

SPEED Freehub “Reader Photo Contest” winner [2nd place] Photo by Josh Poulsen Nickname: McDreamy

Hometown: Brighton, MI

Age: A young 25

Birthplace: Ann Arbor, MI

Favorite Trail: Pisgah, NC…all of it! But if only one, Black Mountain for sure.

Sponsors? Bell’s Brewery, Quirring Cylcles, Louis Garneau, SRAM, Stan’s No Tubes, My ever loving parents.

Favorite place to ride? In a Land Before Time

Favorite place to race? West Virginia holds a special place in my heart.

What sparked your interest in biking when you were young? The feeling of freedom, pure and clean. I was addicted STEPHEN from the start. When did you get into biking, and what form of biking was it? It was a two wheeled 12 inch when I was three, Dotty. That baby DEMPSEY had sweet coaster brakes, for extra long skids down the driveway. From there, it CROSS COUNTRY RIDER PROFILE was into the BMX Dirty Dirty. Digging holes and jumping them anywhere I could. I became fully addicted to the MTB scene since I was 16, and have been ever since.

Have you had any serious injuries while riding or competing? In competition, I broke my hand. How long did it take you to get back on the saddle? I was riding again 3 days after that, creating the world’s most rank (disgusting) cast. Cut her off a few week’s early and went along my marry way.

Who are your favorite Riders? In all seriousness, I respect anyone who pushes their threshold, no matter what class they race or ride in. Favorite riders are those whom get dain.

Charging for speed at Bishop Lake, in Brighton, MI SDXC

What events do you plan on attending or racing this coming season? Locally, All the Tailwind Series for sure. It’s Good training for some bigger Triple Crown stuff. The Ore to shore, Ice Man and the like as well. Might have to dig into the circuit too. Start with the Lumberjack 100, and possibly the Leadville too.

What are the biggest Podiums thus far in your racing career? The box only stood 1 and half feet off the ground. How big are they were you are?

Is racing more mental or physical for you? Why? Both. All XC races are obviously a physical challenge. If you do things right, the physical will bring you 75% of the way there. It’s the next 25% of the race that makes you a man. The only way through it is a sick mental game.

Steve catching air at Bishop Lake, in Brighton, MI SDXC Do any other sports influence your biking or style? I love soccer and . The ball and foot requires precision and focus, so that crosses over to biking. Snowboarding is a release of freedom and pumping sick lines. Life is all about pumping sick lines.

What is your biggest goal for this coming season? And the following season? This season, become the fastest man in Michigan. From there, I might have to work on a ride departing from the international space station. Keep em’ lofty right?

What do you do to occupy your time when you’re not on the bike, besides work? Spending time with the ones I love. trips and open men’s leagues where every dude you play relives the glory days and thinks it’s a World Cup Semi- Final match

If you were to give one piece of advice to new kids on the block, what would it be? Shit, I am the new kid on the block, so don’t listen to me. If you set the goal firmly in your mind, work tirelessly to attain it. Eliminate the waste in life that might hinder such an achievement.

If you could ride you bike with an inspirational figure from the past or present, who would it be? What would you talk about? Jesus for sure. I would try to get him to do all the talking and I would just listen. I’m sure his stories are way cooler than my 25 years of meandering.

What is an aspect of your biking that you want to work on, or perfect? Becoming more ambidextrous to start with. Line up lips with both left and right foot forward, having ideal body positioning in the hard whips and X-Ups. One footed corners, been practicing those as of lately. I’m still learning to judge the speed right to break both tires loose w/o the tapping the brakes.

Steve hitting a berm at Bishop Lake, in Brighton, MI “...it’s one of the most versatile and adjustable downhill bikes on the planet...”

COR_CrownAd_2p.indd 1-2 4/23/09 8:55 AM Hometown: Revelstoke, BC – the best mountain town EVER!

Age: 34

Birthplace: Vernon, BC

Favorite Trail: Hmm, probably Olleros in Peru. Imagine descending a super fun, fast and flowy singletrack trail for almost 12,000 vertical feet!

Airtime or speed? I love quality airtime! My favorite is sending high speed booters like the Crabapple Hits (Whistler) and Pipedream (Silver Star).

Sponsors? Rocky Mountain, Raceface, FOX, WTB, Hayes, 5.10, ODI

Favorite place to ride? The many different mountains and bike parks of BC, I could ride here forever! Whistler, Silver Star, Kamloops, Revy and all over the Okanagan top my list.

Favorite place to compete? Japan. They treat you like royalty and the lush mountains on the west side are amazing!

What sparked your interest in biking when you were young? Probably my big brother. When we were little we would ride our bikes everywhere! My favorite place to ride was the “Duke Trails”, a cool little area not far from our house in Vernon. I remember tagging along with him on my little 24” coaster brake bike, aka “Blue Lightning”, and doing huge 1 foot jumps. I think I was 8.

Have you had any serious injuries while riding or competing? I just had my first major injury this summer while competing at Crankworx in Whistler. Bummer! I totally blew my right knee. For those who know knees, I tore my ACL, MCL, RIDER PROFILE medial and lateral meniscus and also damaged the cartilage in my femur. Good thing we live in a time of advanced technology and amazing surgeons. Lorraine How long did it take you to get back on the saddle? Six full weeks till I could do smooth bike park jump runs. Although, a month later I had to properly repair it with an operation that will bench me until early spring. Again, BUMMER! BIG thanks to the amazing surgeon and physio Blancher team as I’m making a strong recovery.

Who are your favorite Riders? Anne Caro is one of the most impressive mountain bikers of all times. I’m sure she still rides and is killing it!

Photos by Mason Mashon Continued favorite Riders... I know it’s going to be one of my favorite days when I ride with Kidd, Boles, Mashon, Jelly, Romo, Kinrade, EB or Swenson. These guys rule. They love to shred and have mad style. Riding with them keeps me inspired and progressing. Thank you! I’m just as stoked when I ride with the young rippers like Garret Buehler, Casey Groves and Casey Brown. These kids are solid and are the future.

What events do you plan on attending or racing this coming season? Crankworx, US Open, Sea Otter. It’s still early and I’m just putting all my travel plans together. I’d love to make more filming and articles happen too!

What are the biggest Podiums thus far in your racing career? Crankworx Gala Champ, World Master DH Champ, Canadian National DH Champ

Filming with the STUND crew this fall might not be a traditional “podium” but I felt like I won something big.

Is racing more mental or physical for you? Why? Mental, I can sometimes be super hard on myself when I just need to let it happen.

Do any other sports influence your biking or style? Dirt biking for body positioning and big mountain snowboarding for flow.

What is an aspect of your biking that you want to work on? Jumping and berms. It’s an art, I can keep progressing and working on those skills forever!

What is your biggest goal for this coming season? And the following season? I just want to show everybody what girls are doing through quality movie segments and magazines…I have big dreams!!!

What do you do to occupy your time when you’re not on the bike, besides work? My knee injury has unleashed my inner chef and baker! It’s been a lot of fun to have friends over for new creations and big feasts. Otherwise, it’s all about ski touring, big mountain snowboarding, dirt biking, , wakeboarding, camping, or anything else that’s fun. I’m also excited to be L working with the City of Revelstoke to create a community pump track/DJ park.

If you were to give one piece of advice to new females entering the sport, what would it be? B GO for it! Dream big and make it happen. We need more inspiring images of girls sending it and progressing the sport.

Photos by Mason Mashon Trevor ARTIST INTERLUDE Kaiser

Name: Trevor Kaiser

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO Plans for the future: Current Location: Eventually take a commercial flight to space, strat a The Emerald City boutique design firm, buy a ferrari, buy a house in Costa Rica and Colorado, have at least 2 children (at Current Occupation: least one boy names Salvador Manila, we’ll call him Design Hustler Sal), visit every Major art museum in the world, and retire somewhere tropical. Hobbies: Drawing and Painting, creating kewl letters, Aerosol Last Song I listened to on iTunes: Art, Collecting absurd DVDs, Playing records, Making Eddie Murphy “Party All The Time” Moves, working 60+ hr. work weeks, making ninja weapons, making very non-pc jokes, making moves, and Last Movie I watched: working more long work weeks. BeetleJuice

Likes: Favorite Passtime: Art (real art, not crappy work that is backed up by the Watching movies with my fiance and eating “Its Abstract” excuse), Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food ice Norwegian desserts cream, murals, typography, and Will Ferrell movie (minus Melinda Melinda), Tattoos, My Future wife, Favorite Movie: debating and arguing (only in good fun and with the Fletch right people), laughing to the point of tears, Cigars, Shooting guns, history, sleeping, Exotic Cars and My Favorite Song: family. hhhmmmmmmm... “Shook Ones, pt. II” by Mobb Deep Dislikes: Pain in the ass clients, delinquent clients, clients that Favorite Food: constantly change their mind and don’t want to pay for Mackerel Sashimi the changes, smelly hippies, paying taxes, Korean Food, gristle, shitty drivers, Oklahoma, pain in the ass clients, Favorite Quote: Atlanta, Seattle winters and Hillary Clinton. “arrest me for what babe? bein’ awesome...” ent Eriksen Cycles is the tools came next; this enabled Erik- latest venture for this sen to fabricate his new line of ti- K pioneering frame builder in tanium bikes. The company started Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Erik- with Eriksen’s wife and partner, sen moved to Steamboat Springs in Katie, an extraordinary frame 1974. At age nineteen, he started a welder, Chris Moore and Bo Ran- bike repair and retail shop known as dolph. Today, Randolph and Moore Sore Saddle Cyclery. Five years later, remain on staff as key employees. Eriksen built a new shop utilizing a Over the next two years, Eriksen lumber mill bark burner, and moved it Cycles hired two more employees to its current location. It was inside who were encyclopedias this cone shaped, three story building of everything ‘bike’, Chad Eskins where Eriksen began fabricating frames un- and former Moots employee and right hand man, der the name Moots. The name Moots came from Paul Campbell. This original team remains on staff a pre-Mr. Bill gumby-like, 2-inch rubber alligator that at this mountain shop, producing bikes of all styles. Eriksen had had since the 3rd grade. The first bike out of Eriksen’s shop in 1981 was one of the first The business model here is simple: Kent is the mountain bikes ever built! Kent designed his own product for sale. The company encourages cus- off-road bike, simply to navigate the trails around tomers to call and talk with Kent directly. This his home, a tree house located miles from town, sur- means that you actually talk with him directly, rounded by National Forest land. perhaps on the first ring. In a time of third party answering services, Eriksen’s philosophy is simple Moots cycles developed into one of the finest -- answer the phone. The staff here is tuned in to frame manufacturers. It has a worldwide reputa- the customer; they know what turns them on in a tion for attention to detail, function and design buying experience and they employ that awareness and is known for its meticulous welds. Under new in their customer service -- a formula works. ownership, Moots moved to its current location, increasing production with a much larger staff. Simplicity flows through the entire process. Making After 25 years, Eriksen decided it was time to go a purchase at Eriksen Cycles is simple. Most sales back to the roots of his passion, designing frames typically start by talking with Kent himself, or Chad one customer at a time. Eriksen Cycles was born. It and Katie, if he is busy. Together, they collect the is a signature frame building shop where customers information needed to get a BikeCAD drawing de- work directly with Kent, and go on to co-design signed for your frame ideas as well as a precise fit. and build the bike of their dreams. Normally, a conversation with Kent, a tape measure and your current bike will yield a drawing. Kent Eriksen moved the cone, the original Moots loca- may seem clairvoyant however, it is his 35+ years tion, to downtown Steamboat Springs. Dedicating of experience working with avid cyclists, his love machines, building jigs and creating new hand-made for the sport, and his own experience of riding that make him a master designer.

ride his own bike a bit more. “I do not plan to out-source my own job; rather I plan to be the frame builder here”, Eriksen states. “That’s why it’s called Kent Eriksen Cycles”.

About our logo and headbadge…

Eriksen’s riding pedigree goes back to his teens. Originally he resilient making it the ultimate material for frames. It is and more. Eriksen is a pioneer in the Mt. bike big wheel The Eriksen head badge design is in honor of Kent’s Dad, rode for fun, then for transportation and eventually traveling un-obtanium! All frames are finished cleanly with a simple movement from way back, designing a 29’er for Don Cook, Leif. Leif passed away as he started his new venture. Want- North America by bike after high school. Eriksen is not only bead blast which is both beneficial to harden the titanium, curator of the Mt. Bike Hall of Fame. Today, Eriksen is ing to memorialize his Dad, Eriksen used his surname for a riding legend in Steamboat Springs but he has ridden and and environmentally friendly compared to paint booth toxins proud to promote not only 29” wheels but also the 650B the company. He was able to symbolically represent Leif’s competed on an international level as well. In 1983, Steve and employee exposure. All a customer needs to do is pick (27.5 inch) wheel size as well. Full suspension bikes are heritage in the head badge design. Researching the history Tilford rode one of Kent’s bikes to victory in the first ever a decal color and your frame is finished! also in the Mt lineup; they utilize exiting suspension tech- of the explorer Leif Eriksen, Eriksen found many interesting NORBA National race which eventually landed him in the nology from Yeti and Ventana. Eriksen states, “Why re-in- leads on potential designs. What he came up with is a con- Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Eriksen surprised everyone at Eriksen hopes to make the experience of getting a custom vent the wheel? These companies are already doing a great glomerate of the various sail designs found on Viking ships. the 1984 NORBA Nationals by competing with the best, fin- frame fun, easy and exciting. Eriksen Cycles strives to de- job with rear end suspension designs and both Yeti and ishing 4th in the elite field. This did not land him in the Moun- liver a product that customers are proud to call their own. Ventana are gracious enough to let me utilize their tech- These ships were used to sail into battle over heavy seas. tain Bike Hall of Fame; he did that with his frame building. In fact, most customers have their named etched onto the nology, so I can work on creativity”. Sails were colored with red stripes to symbolize blood, frame. Eriksen plans to make 150 frames maximum per year intimidating the enemy upon approach. The Bird in their Even Eriksen’s wife Katie boasts an enviable resume. She is as well as building up to half of these frames into com- Eriksen designed a seat post so sweet that it is nicknamed design is a rendition of the bird also found on many of the a former 24-hour solo World Champion and currently races plete bikes. In-house bike-guy, Chad coordinates the builds the ‘sweet post’ around the shop. Since its introduction, this Viking sails. Eriksen modernized this bird to give it life, at an elite level today. The two met when Kent sponsored for customers; Eriksen offers an unlimited choice (within seat post has reached cult status and is a big seller. Simple, flight and movement. The bird species depicted on the her for the 2000 and 2001 Race Across America (RAAM) reason) of components to choose from. You are not limited elegant and easy to use it is available in layback or straight badge is yet to be classified, but apparently around the events. Clearly he has experience with all types of riders! to a pre-set group of components; rather, customers select designs, and in 27.2 or 30.9 diameters (add a shim to fit shop, it is called a “crow- magpie”. what they want and it is ordered up direct from suppliers. other sizes) and it comes in eight great colors! Eriksen Cycles fabricates frames with titanium. It is his For general pricing and info check out their website at signature material because it welds, shapes and bends beauti- Frames are available for all styles of riding including road, Eriksen plans to keep the business small and manageable. www.kenteriksen.com fully, lasts forever and needs no paint. It’s light, strong and cross, mountain, commuter, touring, tandems, randonee Hopefully, he can take some time to enjoy life, and maybe

NEW ENGLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION Words by Bill Boles Photos by John Goeller

Origins

Boston is both the capitol and the population center for the state of Massachusetts. Since the 1600s, it’s been pretty well built out, with two notable exceptions. Just to the north of Boston, there’s the Middlesex Fells Reservation and off to the south, you will find the Blue Hills. How these two large areas, totaling some 10.000 acres, escaped development is a story best told someplace else. Suffice it to say that in the late 80s, when some political groups wanted to ban mountain biking from these areas, local riders were upset. There was literally no place else to ride.

While attending a public meeting that would decide their got out about NEMBA membership, calls for help began fate, Heidi Davis got up to speak. One of her friends tugged to come in from everywhere. It quickly became obvious on her arm and said, “Tell them that you represent The New that a local group, no matter how motivated or dedicated England Mountain Bike Association.” Heidi did and made a couldn’t be everyplace that was needed. So, while NEMBA’s good presentation in which she explained that mountain membership was still counted in the hundreds, it was bicyclists were really no different than hikers except that decided to reformulate the organization into local chapters. they choose to explore the woods accompanied by a bicycle The feeling was that nobody would be more concerned with instead of a backpack. local trails than the locals.

After the meeting, a number of people came up to her; they NEMBA, which by then had become a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wanted to join NEMBA. So Heidi decided that she’d better organization, became the central office. They handled take down some names. membership, created and distributed the newsletter and answered the many calls for help that were flowing in from That humble beginning was the start of the New England around New England. Mountain Bike Association. But it would be some years before NEMBA began living up to its name and actually It was obvious that this could no longer be done on a become the “New England” mountain bike association. volunteer basis thus, an Executive Director, Philip Keyes, was hired to manage things. Philip’s dedication was inspirational. While Heidi and her friends were fighting the battles of the He was a part time employee on part time wages working Fells and the Blue Hills, trail closures were being proposed a more than full time job. And under his leadership, the around the state and all around New England. As the word organization began to grow.

PHOTO> Rider: Jen Secor with her pooch. NEMBA is the only mountain bike group in the country to own and manage its own property. This lets them build trails the way they want too – as well as work to make them safe. NEMBA has put its money where its mouth is with land conservation. Becoming a Regional Powerhouse Buying Vietnam Riding into the Future

Fast forward 20 years and NEMBA has 20 local chapters NEMBA’s most notable accomplishment perhaps has Their goal is to provide a welcoming presence at many In 2010, NEMBA chapters will put on 10 large Mountain all around New England, a well paid Executive Director been its land purchase. “Vietnam” is a very popular riding of our region’s State Parks. They hand out maps and Bike Adventure Rides around New England. These events are and even a part time staff. But more than that, NEMBA’s area in the towns of Milford, Holliston and Hopkinton, sometimes spare inner tubes, give directions to the lost, run as benefits for local state forests or land management mission has grown. We’re still involved in access issues, Massachusetts. It contains some of the best cross country report dumpsites or trail damage and act as the eyes agencies. They consist of marked loops and guided rides for of course, but over the years we’ve become regionally and freeride trails in the region and it was threatened by and ears of the local land manager’s staff. These NEMBA all ages and abilities. recognized as trail construction and maintenance experts. development. NEMBA was able to raise enough money to volunteers contribute thousands of hours a year to their We conduct trail schools every year, and NEMBA has even purchase a pivotal 47 acre parcel of this land. By working local riding areas. One might conclude that mountain biking is safe in New been hired by government entities to teach trail care skills with the Conservation Commissions of the surrounding England. Nothing could be further from the truth. NEMBA’s to their employees. Last year, NEMBA chapters held over towns and the State, it permanently preserved over 800 In 2009, CT NEMBA received a Special Achievement Award main mission is still to keep us out on the trails, to put out 150 Trail Maintenance sessions and will probably do even acres of pristine trail dense woodlands from developers. from the Connecticut Greenways Council and the State DEP fires before they happen, and to build the mountain bike more next year. for all their hard work and dedication that the chapter has community into an effective voice for preserving trails for Recently, gambling concerns offered NEMBA an option to donated to the State of Connecticut for Trail Maintenance, riders and everyone else to enjoy. In an effort to get more people out on the trails, buy its land for more than 10 times its original purchase Trails Advocacy, and their Trail Ambassador Program. NEMBA’s “follow the leader” rides and skills sessions price which amounted to millions of dollars. NEMBA And the Fells and The Blue Hills -- well, we’re still riding offer members and non-members alike over 1000 refused their offer. Increasingly, communities and land management there, and we’re still attending meetings to make sure that opportunities to ride every year. And our NEMBA organizations around New England are coming to NEMBA we always will. Explorers kids program is getting whole new generation Over the years, NEMBA Mountain Bike Patrols and other looking for assistance in designing community trail networks of riders out into the woodlands. Trail Watch groups have sprung up around New England. or to repair and improve existing trails. Check out: www.nemba.org

PHOTO> Rider: Bill Hannigan on one of this year’s new trails. The “Tuesday Night Trail Crew” (sponsored by Sinister Bikes) comes out weekly to massage and care for the property, as well as build some killer trail.

INSET PHOTO> Rider: John Vosburg, Chair of NEMBA’s Vietnam Land Management Committee. Owning their own property has given the group insight into working with land managers (because they are one!). (3*1.03& $-*1-&44

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