Thursday, July 31st, 2008
I should be sleeping but I had to post my weekend plans before I drive away at 3 AM.
Drive 3h 37m using highways 405, 5, 14, 395.
Arrive in Lone Pine at Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center to pickup Wilderness Permits at 7 AM at junction of highways US 395 & SR136 (1 mile south Lone Pine). Head to pancake breakfast in Lone Pine.
Drive backdown 395 to Olancha (21 miles), head west into the Sierra’s towards Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. Begin hike 9 AM, Friday morning.
First night, South Fork Lakes.
Second night, Cottonwood Lakes.
Hike out on Sunday morning to Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead.
Photos will be up on Monday.
Matt Smart
outsideallday contributor
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
(Photo courtesy of KEN STEINHARDT at The Orange County Register)
A long time ago in a far away place I went to Journalism school. So now when I read headlines about boring newspapers cutting staff I get nostalgic. And then this morning I found this great article by Katherine Nguyen in the Orange County Register – that sadly doesn’t include our favorite bike shop – Rock N’ Road Cyclery, with four convenient locations in Orange County. Putting that aside this article discusses how people are picking the bike back up with the rise of gas prices. Click here to check it out.
Matt Smart
outsideallday contributor
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
The latest Competitors Radio Show is up on their iTunes podcast and Web site. The topic: Johan Bruyneel. As you all know he was the team director and mastermind behind Lance Armstrong’s seven consecutive Tour de France titles.
Matt Smart
outsideallday contributor
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Product for Review:
Pivot, Mach 4
Size: Medium
Geometry: (100MM Fork)
Seat tube: 18.5″
Top Tube (effective): 23.25″
Head Tube: 4.5″
Head Angle: 70.8
Seat Tube Angle: 73
Chainstay: 16.75″
Bottom Bracket Height: 12.8
Stand Over Height: 29.5
Product Strengths:
Aesthetically (Its Looks): Amazing and the anodized finish is great on a mountain bike so one does not have to worry about paint chipping and little nicks that are always happening.
Rear suspension design- This bike has the stiffest rear suspension that I have felt in a four inch travel bike. I loved Chris Cocalis’ original creations, the Titus Racer-X and Moto Lite, but this bike is on a new level in comparison. This beefy rear suspension system allows a rider to really rail the bike in corners and ride much more aggressively than one would normally do on a four inch bike.
The rear suspension system used also allows the bike to stretch out/grip or grab the ground better from its dual pivot controls. This was the one of the best features that was noticed in comparison to the Titus, Racer-X. One can really climb and descend on this machine.
Direct Mount Front Deraileur- The Front derailleur mount used for this bike is also a plus as it creates one of the fastest and definitely the strongest shifting experiences on a mountain bike. The mount allows the derailleur a lot of backbone so that it gets its maximum potential because of the stiffness provided from the frame.
Integrated Bottom Bracket- The bottom bracket is stiff. It allows the bike to put out the most power possible with each pedal stroke and again help provide a nice solid base to the frame when turning and pushing down on the outward pedal.
Product Weaknesses:
Weight- If you are a weight weenie sorry but it’s on the heavy side. If the bike is being built for racing one might get frustrated with a bike that is 23-24lbs. This is about the average wight of our builds composed of Shimano XTR and Sram XO components, Stan’s No Tubes Wheelsets, and a lot of other expensive carbon/weight weenie junk.
However, if you think about the frame and how it comes with a front derailer, bottom bracket cups, and headset 6.14 lbs is not too heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Racer-x (4″ travel)
Titus Motolite (5″ travel)
Pivot Mach 5 (5″ travel)
Pivot Mach 429
The Bottom Line:
The bike rips! It’s a 4inch bike on steroids… It can be ridden like a trail bike with its slack angles and fantastic suspension system.
Rating: 1-5
For more information go to: www.pivotcycles.com
-DSheek
This bike makes me love riding!
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
American Mountain Classic Announces “Gas Relief” Entry Fee Incentive Program
Press Release
July 29, 2008:
Sho-Air Internationalis pleased to announce a “Go-Green” entry fee incentive/relief program for all
competitors in the American Mountain Classic Stage Race in Brian Head, UT set to run August 21-24.
In light of the recent escalating prices at the gas pump and the slowing economy, event title sponsor Sho- Air International is extending a rebate incentive program to all currently registered riders, plus any new rider who sign up for the event.
“Its no secret that prices at the pump and the sluggish economy makes traveling to the races more taxing on the wallet these days” reflects Sho-Air’s marketing director Ty Kady. “As a result of early entry’s exceeding expectations for an inaugural event, we want to give back to the person who wanted to race in America’s most prestigious MTB Stage Race, but was feeling the pinch in their pocket book. We hope that the $50 rebate can be spent towards gas or some other event related costs. We are also encouraging people to car pool with a friend, hence why we created a “buddy” rebate program for new registrants that sign up with a friend. Remember to Go-Green when ever possible!”
Effective July 29 through August 19th all currently registered athletes that get a new registrant to sign up for the American Mountain Classic will receive $50 refund on their entry fee, along with the new rider. Additionally any new rider who signs themselves and a friend up, who are not currently registered for the event, will each receive a $50 rebate off each their entry after proof of purchase.
To be eligible for the “Gas Relief” incentive program, all athletes must sign up on Sports Base Online at
the following link-https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=2346.
Upon completing registration, all registrants who qualify should contact Ty Kady with their entry receipt
for a rebate access code. Ty can be reached at Ty@shoair.com or 800-227-9111.
Friday, July 25th, 2008
If you happened to pass the Portola Arby’s this morning then surely you would have heard two grown men laughing – all the way up the canyon. At six we dropped into the sand pit called Whiting Ranch and took two laps away from those who were still sleeping. Andy is getting my race tactics in shape for the Tinley Mountain Bike Tri.
I followed him through one lap of the newly minted racetrack and then he called me past him giving me ten yards. He caught me time and time again. But, I rode with reckless abandon. Now you see why we need to wake up so early. We would have bummed out the running crew. And quite frankly with all the mountain lion signs – they have more courage then I do – so we give ourselves a head start.
After two hours we headed over to Tully’s for some quality wakeup drinks. We covered Tour race tactics, OutsideAllDay, and I even got some coaching tips. Andy was in great form today – even at the coffee shop. The 100% compostable coffee cups are sweet.
Matt Smart
outsideallday contributor
