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Mountain Biking News - December 2008
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Wednesday, 24 December 2008The Original Bicycle Festival is a brand new festival of cycling, to be held in Dumfries & Galloway in 2009. From 9 to 24 May the packed programme of cycling themed activities and events will complement the World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability that is being staged in Dumfries from 12 to15 May. The Festival will celebrate the mountain bike and road cycling trails and rich cycling herit age of the south west of Scotland.
The sixteen day Festival will promote access and participation in cycling in the region through a varied and exciting programme of open mountain bike and road cycling events, guided rides and coaching sessions, youth and women's activities, a cycle expo, a film festival and music.
The festival will cater for both residents and visitors alike; people of all ages from families with children to youth groups and 'weekend warriors' to cycling commuters, the over 50's and those new to the sport but keen to have a go.
During the festival, venues throughout Dumfries and Galloway including the world renowned 7stanes mountain bike trail centres, Drumlanrig Castle, DG One in Dumfries - the Council's showcase Regional Leisure Complex, the Easterbrook Hall and Dumfries town centre will showcase the region to cyclists of all abilities.
Dumfries and Galloway is understandably proud of its cycling heritage, both old and new - from Kirkpatrick 'Pate' Macmillan, inventor of the first pedal bicycle in the 19th Century to the now annual arrival of the Tour of Britain. The existing programme of cycling events that take place in Dumfries & Galloway each year have not only acted as a catalyst for further cycling development in the area but have also showcased the positive contribution cycling, in all its disciplines, can make to the communities where it occurs. A number of events and activities during the festival will capitalize on this rich and long standing cycling heritage.
The Original Bicycle festival will be delivered by a solid partnership of government agencies, local government and community groups, sporting agencies and volunteers. Partners and stakeholders include Dumfries and Galloway Council - Economic Regeneration and Leisure and Sport, Forestry Commission Scotland, VisitScotland, Scottish Cycling, Steppingstanes (youth coaching voluntary agency) and Dumfries and Galloway Mountain Bike Business Network.
The full programme for The Original Bicycle Festival will be announced in February 2009.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008Encinitas, CA – The concept of "going green" is something that's been highly touted in recent years, yet the idea of the electric bike (or e-bike) has been around since the late 1800s, but has seen its popularity grow in highly populated areas like Japan and Europe. Now as bicycles are becoming more prevalent in American cities, the e-bike is also hitting big stateside.
Enter Paul Ros enbaum and his website www.ElectricBikesScooters.com.
Rosenbaum purchased an electric bike seven years ago and has often fielded questions about what he was riding and where one could be found. Finally, he decided to build his business around it.
"These bikes are great for exercise and they're easier to ride," said Rosenbaum. "Why get in an SUV to drive to the grocery store that could be five blocks away? Just ride a bike."
Rosenbaum launched his site in March 2008 and it has since become one of the most popular online destinations for people who are seeking their own electric bikes and scooters. For people who are in the San Diego-area, Rosenbaum also goes the extra mile, or at least he lets them go the extra mile by his "Test Ride" program.
"I set up testing on a local level," he explained. "I also ship around the United States and Canada, so someone in Burlington, Ontario can order a bike from me and receive it in a timely fashion."
As the end of the calendar year looms, Rosenbaum is looking forward to the new line of 2009 bikes and scooters he will be carrying. "There are quite a few improvements on some of the bike which includes a lithium battery and an increased speed," Rosenbaum said.
Having just added the 2009 line, Rosenbaum also looks to the new informational blog he's set up with www.ElectricBicycleBlog.com.
The blog offers up some of the e-bikes and scooters' environmentally friendly facts, as well as some other helpful tips about maintenance and general information.
Though e-bikes may not fully replace the automobile (that's what hybrids are for), they are sound investments for people who want to go on a nice ride without overexerting themselves or to be a little bit nicer to the planet.
Source: www.prweb.com
Tuesday, 23 December 2008Today Whistler welcomes millions of visitors a year with fantastic skiing, great restaurants and an array of excellent property rentals in whistler making it one of the most popular destinations in North America. Luxury properties for rent are located around Whistler village as well as nearby towns and villages catering for every need of the guest. Whistler chalets provide every amenity the disce rning guest could desire.
Whistler is a year-round leisure and meeting destination located 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is site of the alpine, nordic, sliding and Paralympic venues for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler has a range of accommodations totaling 3,200 hotel rooms, and more than 5,000 other tourist accommodation units including condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler offers a wide selection of restaurants, bars, spas, boutiques, galleries and activities ranging from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. Whistler Blackcomb mountains feature 3,036 hectares (8,171 acres) of terrain and receives an average of 9.14 meters (30 feet) of snow per year.
As thousands of people head to Whistler from all over the world for the world class skiing and snowboarding, it would be easy to think that the Whistler was a ghost town after the snow has gone. This is not the case however, an array of amazing terrains, the variety of trails and magnificent mountain vistas make Whistler a destination must for cyclists of all abilities. Here you can cycle terrain to fit your experience, ambitions and energy: glide along lakeside paths, sail through coastal forest or fly down mountain trails, dropping 1,219 m (4,000 ft) in minutes. Always known as a great Winter destination, Whistler is attaining a reputation as a mountain bikers dream. With Canada's notorious vast wilderness bikers would never get bored here.
Cycling is the number 1 past time in the Summer, cyclists can book a descent from the top of Whistler Mountain or carve out space along the 200 km (124 mi) of lift-serviced trails at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Guided tours can also be arranged for novice, intermediate and expert riders. These guides can be found all around Whistler Village.
The Valley Trail is a popular paved, 35-km (22-mi) multi-use trail that begins at Spring Creek in the south, extends through Whistler Village, and terminates at Emerald Estates in the north. Scenic and easy, it's a great way to get to know the Whistler area. Municipal parks, beaches and a number of more challenging mountain biking trails can all be accessed from the Valley Trail. You'll also find a fish ladder and wildlife viewing platform along the flattest portion of the route, which runs between Rainbow Beach and the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The Valley Trail is well marked and easy to find. The best time for cycling on the trail is April through October.
Another popular route is the Whistler to D'Arcy track. If the grueling climbs on the Whistler to D'Arcy route don't take your breath away, the views certainly will! It's classic Coast Mountain bicycle touring all the way: mountains, rivers, creeks and deep-green forest. The first portion of the route runs on Highway 99, which has wide shoulders for the most part. A few stretches have no shoulder at all, so exercise caution.
Luxury properties for rent in Whistler offer incredible value in the Spring and Summer with a luxurious condo complete with all amenities costing as little as $25 CAD per person per night based on 10 sharing. Properties for rent come in many styles and budgets for all guests and so summer in Whistler is fast becoming as popular as the Winter.
Source: pr-usa.net
Friday, 19 December 2008Outdoor event specialists No Fuss Events (Fort William) launched their 2009 programme this week featuring some of Scotland's most loved mountain biking events, exciting endurance challenges and possibly the world's craziest water sport. With nine events across the length and breadth of Scotland there's more than enough opportunities to: Get out more! Get on your bike! Get fitter, healthier and ha ppier!
Highlights include:
7 March 2009, The Wee Triathlon - Make twice the effort over half the distance!
The Benromach Three Tens Series - The epic 10 under the Ben (30 May) is again joined by 10 at Kirroughtree (11 July) and 10 More in Moray (22 August) as the much loved cross country mountain bike endurance series grows in stature.
18 July 2009, Glen Nevis River Race, Fort William - A wet and wild waterfall jumping, rapid rafting swim and scramble
01 August 2009, The Hope Endurance Downhill, Fort William - What goes up must come down…. again and again; as riders tackle the Fort William World Championship Downhill Mountain bike track as many times as they can handle.
19 September, The Big Ben Nevis and the Half Big Ben Nevis triathlon
29 September, Gallup and Grind Duathlon
10 -11 October 2009, Relentless 24 - A day long cross country mountain biking marathon
No Fuss Events do exactly what it says on the tin. Great courses and a fun and friendly atmosphere attract competitors of all ages and abilities. Every No Fuss event is geared towards both participants and families, with entertainment and music for all and an après event party for those who can still summon up the energy!
The full programme for 2009:
Saturday 7 March 2009 - The Wee Triathlon, Lochaber
Kick start your year with a half triathlon in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Competitors from 15 to 50+ will tackle a 400m swim, a 10 mile mountain bike ride and a 3 mile cross country run finishing in Fort William. Run in association with Off Beat Bikes the course is limited to 72 participants across four different categories attracting young and old alike. Would you believe it; The Wee Triathlon is fully booked and there is a waiting list of 17. If this reaches 35 No Fuss will run a second Wee Triathlon on Sunday 8th March. Watch the website for any announcements.
The Benromach Three Tens Series 2009
The three races are run on an endurance format with teams and individuals competing to see who can complete the most laps in the 10 hours. Participants can compete as a solo or in relay teams of two, three or four. All events are a real family day out with entertainment and music for all. For each event race registration and pre race party commence on the Friday evening, with the race scheduled to start at 0900 on Saturday; and an après race party going on late into Saturday night for those who have the energy!
Saturday, 30 May 2009 - 10 Under the Ben, Fort William
Now in its fifth year 10 Under the Ben is a must do for all mountain bike enthusiasts. 10 Under the Ben is the first of the three tens event series, an opportunity for recreational riders, racers, off road riders and weekend warriors to get out and get on their bikes. Riders will again be treated to an awesome course incorporating sections of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships cross country course as well as some stunning sections of singletrack and fire roads in the shadow of the north face of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Saturday, 11 July 2009 -10 at Kirroughtree, Newton Stewart
Galloway Forest Park is the venue for the second of the Three Tens event series. This venue, tucked away in the South West of Scotland, which is famous for its fast flowing singletrack and superb mountain bike trails, proved its reputation in 2007 & 2008 and the No fuss team expect record numbers to race in 2009. No Fuss has been working with Forestry Commission to ensure that some new natural sections of trail will make this event even better than last year.
Saturday, 22 August 2009 - 10 More in Moray, Fochabers
Number three of The Three Tens Event Series sees the No Fuss Team set up camp in the North East of Scotland. 10 More in Moray is based at Milne's High School in Fochabers. Ordequish Woods provides an excellent environment for this event; the climbs are just enough of a test and the excitement of the singletrack trails like the Haggis and the Soup dragon will put a smile on the face of any off road rider.
Saturday, 18 July 2009 - Glen Nevis River Race, Fort William
Re introduced to the Lochaber calendar for 2008, this event enjoyed a high profile in the past as a spectacle and as a good fundraising event (funds raised going to Lochaber Mountain Rescue, the UK's busiest mountain rescue team) and fits in exactly with the current profile of Lochaber as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The river race involves participants negotiating a 2-mile stretch of the River Nevis on an air-bed (Lilo), navigating the Gurgling Gorge, the Leg Breaker and the Lower Falls Leap!
Saturday, 01 August 2009 - The Hope Endurance Downhill, Fort William
The most extreme downhill mountain biking endurance race in the UK, perhaps the World, will be staged on the internationally renowned downhill track at Nevis Range near Fort William - home to the 2007 Mountain Bike World Championships. As one of the longest and most physically demanding courses on the international mountain bike race circuit, riders of this gruelling event will need physical strength, quick reflexes, superb bike control and an unerring eye for the right line as they speed down the 2.82km track. They will also need huge amounts of stamina in order to ride the track as many times as possible in six hours!
Saturday, 19 September 2009 - The Big Ben Nevis Triathlon, Fort William
The Big Ben Nevis Triathlon will offer competitors the opportunity to test their skills, stamina and endurance away from smooth, predictable tarmac and calm inland waters of other, more traditional 'tri' events. This triathlon will pit entrants against the choppy waters of a freezing cold highland sea loch, the long, loose climbs and fast singletrack descents of Glen Nevis, and the final, monster challenge - a hill run, up (and then back down) Ben Nevis, The UK's highest and most feared mountain. The Half Big Ben Nevis Triathlon which runs in conjunction with the Big One has nominally be awarded the inaugural Offroad Triathlon Championship status by Triathlon Scotland.
Saturday, 26 September 2009 - Gallup and Grind, Fort William
Gallup and Grind is a fourteen-mile duathlon - a three and a half mile run, jog or walk followed by a nine-mile cycle (any combination counts!) - on some of the most scenic trails and roads in the Outdoor Capital of the UK - in aid of Highland cancer care. All sponsor money raised will be split between both the Belford Hospital, Fort William and the Oncology Ward 2c at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Saturday, 10 & Sunday 11 October 2009 - Relentless 24
(24 hour cross country mountain bike marathon)
The Relentless 24 will take place on the world renowned Witch's Trail and recently constructed UCI Mountain Bike World Championships courses in Forestry Commission Scotland's Leanachan Forest with the event hub being based at Nevis Range, Fort William. Beginning with a Le Mans style racing start, more than 400 mountain bike riders from across the UK and beyond will battle it out on world-class trails, from Saturday lunchtime deep into the night, with the event concluding at 12 noon on Sunday 11 October.
For more details, prices and booking details go to www.nofussevents.co.uk or phone 01397 772899 / e-mail info@nofussevents.co.uk.
Friday, 19 December 2008Ten Events and MACPAC present the Mavora Max-out & Bike Wakatipu, plus "MACPAC Bike-200 EPIC" in association with Jamis Bicycles, Maxxis Tyres and Tineli Bikewear.
The Mavora Max Out, a 90km epic back country mountain bike race, will be held on January 24, 2009. Bike Wakatipu, a 110km classic adventure ride, is on January 25. The Bike-200 EPIC is for those who wish to ride both events – prizes awarded to lowest combined times from both days.
Mavora Lakes Park is an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussock grassland, recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu/South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area. It is a popular camping area during summer with opportunities for trout fishing, water sports, horse trekking, tramping and mountain biking.
The Mavora Lakes are located on State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau.
For further information, please visit www.bikewakatipu.co.nz.
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