Last year we organized cyclists in Operation Share The Ride and gave dozens of bikes away to kids for Christmas. You, as a member of pinkbike and as a member of the cycling community can be proud of doing something amazing for society.

This year we're going global. Join and support Operation Share The Ride.

Check out the website and videos.

Day 3:

We woke up at 7am to get the show started and had our first shower in 3 days… everyone was pumped. Harley and Corey met up with us last night and stayed the night so we had 2 more guys to join the posse.

CRUX defined: A particular point of difficulty.

Ryan Leech is back at it with his newest installment of trials riding videos, cleverly named Crux. This video is jam packed full of insane trials orientated riding, including crazy rail manuals, huge gaps, and yes, riding across a chain. Ryan stepped it up a lot this year, and this video definitely reflects it. Other amazing riders featured include Thomas Ohler and Dylan Korba.

Day 2:

Not able to feel my legs: I think I was dreaming about being paralyzed because Reid had been talking all last night about his good friend and the horrific story about how he got ran over by a car… or was it because I was completely freezing in my sleep. None the less I woke up to Nick calling me from inside the car (we slept in a parking lot and Mike and Nick got the Explorer and I got to sleep in the trailer), and then realized I didn’t quite remember where I was or what we did last night. It came back fast; we all wanted to go find some spot to crash the night but Reid wanted to go out for a night on the town.

KLUNKERZ will be playing this weekend at the Whistler Film Festival. The film stars all the pioneers (Ritchey, Fisher, Breeze, Sinyard etc.) of the sport, and the more obscure people and events that influenced them. The film has tons of classic images and footage of the pioneer's early road racing, cyclo-cross, and off-road exploits. Many of these images, and much of the footage, has never been published or seen before. The film won the 'Best Documentary' jury prize at the Durango Film Festival, and was nominated for 'Best Documentary' and 'Emerging Filmmaker' awards at the 2007 X-Dance Action Sports Awards in Park City, UT. during Sundance.

I hope you can make it to the Rainbow Theater in Whistler on Friday, Nov. 30th at 7:00pm to check it out.

Intense Cycles in an effort to improve the level of service to its dealers has partnered with independent reps in selected areas throughout the U.S. “Having quality reps in the field will allow us to react quicker to our dealer’s needs and will provide us with valuable feedback from the marketplace.” Intense is currently working with The Modus Sport group in the Pacific Northwest, Bay Area Cycling in Northern California, Michael Lax in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana and Breakaway Sports In New England. “We plan on adding more territories in the future and will be looking for independent reps or groups in key markets”

So how many times do you hear of North American riders doing Cali riding trips in the winter time? Probably a lot because Canada sucks in the off season if you are a biker (which is 8 months of the year), so we are going to make this one a little different.

We are sure you have read about thousands of different hidden trails, jumps, and riding spots, and how amazing they are for the riders that get to go to them; but how often do you get the lifestyle stories? As far as we are concerned that is the most entertaining and interesting so we will be giving you the best of the best, face to face for this entire trip which will be including the Atomlab Supersession 3. I’m not talkin’ about any fluffy stuff, I’m talkin’ about the parties, the people, the drugs, the money, the hustling, prostitutes and more! Haha, maybe I got a bit over exaggerated there but after all we do live like “rock stars” don’t we?

You guys want to live the dream? Well here is your chance. A job this summer at the number 1 mountain biking spot in all of British Columbia, Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

The reason behind the movie:

I wanted to make a movie that was different. No dirt jumping or slopestyle. And most of the time we ride street anyway. So, for over two months we just filmed. Every time we weren’t working, we rode and filmed, nights and weekends.

Today came the official announcement out of France that Team Lapierre DH Powered By Saab Salomon has engaged World Cup legend David Vazquez to be their lead rider for their brand new team. The 28 year old Vazquez, who has won many titles in his career, will be joined by one of the youngest riders on the 2008 international circuit, Danny Hart of the UK, in his first year as a junior racer. Also named on the team is endurance downhiller Greg Doucende of France. The team will be operated by the newly formed Pure Agency in France.

Luke Fulton is one of the most energetic people I've ever met. Any time Luke's around it's gonna be interesting. Fuelled by candy, this kid tears up the jumps, the mountains, you name it. Check out his promo video for the 2008 season. Expect to see much more from him in the near future. Watch the 5 videos inside!

Shot on digital, HD and 8 mm. Filmed through both sides of North America. 'Vicious Circle' pushes the limits of what can be accomplished on a bike and it's now in stock and shipping. Check out the teaser below!

Merry Christmas!

Frost has hit the ground & the Christmas tree is decorated marking the holidays are officially here at the Sombrio World Headquarters.

To celebrate, both the Sombrio Cartel and Sombrio Girl web stores are offering sweet Christmas Promos until December 12th, 2007.

19-year-old British downhill star Brendan Fairclough announced today that he has just signed a two-year deal with one of the most successful teams on the International Mountain Bike circuit, Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse. The signing of the former Honda Team G-Cross rider will see Brendan lining up alongside four time World Champion and defending World Cup Series Champion, Australian Sam Hill.

I just had the good luck to have tested the KHS Lucky 7 for the last 2 weeks. I tested it out in Crowsnest Pass - the only place with good riding conditions in the Alberta Rockies at the end of November.

DISASTER STRIKES !


See what happens when a call for trail building help goes out in the Kelowna area.

by Erik Thorvik

May is normally a month associated with green meadows, blossoming trees, flowers and, unfortunately where I come from, with the smell of fresh manure. This year, however, I spent a week in deep slushy summer snow. I was invited to Røldal to document the first test of North Legion’s SMX on fat skis.

The destination for North Legion’s test crew, Røldal, (pronounced Rurldal) is a remote village on the west coast of Norway. Røldal is usually free of any tales of spring until mid June. It’s not until summer that the sun finally gets the upper hand in the long lasting battle with several meters of snow. Røldal is home to a ski-resort by the same name. If you are a keen skier or snowboarder you may recognize the name Røldal from skiinfo.com where it has been topping the snow charts for the last couple of winters.

My idle hands have been itching for a build up again, so that is what I did. Since I am in no position to drop a lot of dough on a new bike, I decided to take my parts that were on my hard tail that isn't going to see any use this winter and look at squishy frame options to swap the parts to for a winter Vedder machine. I was looking for a short travel frame that was front derailleur capable, would accept a 135x10mm rear wheel and handle a 6" single crown fork all while stoking me out during this fall/winter riding season that is upon us.

Trail day for Giant Killer at the Woodlot on Sunday, 25 November. Meet at the bottom of the trail for 10am. Bring tools and gloves for yourself (shovels, rakes). We'll be continuing on with the work that was started at the last trail day.

Refreshments provided by Experience Cycling and Maple Ridge Cycle.

Rain or shine. Stay tuned to the FVMBA website for any updates.

The Gillard Trail Network needs big K-Town mountain bike love!


Recent wind storms have devastated the trail network, leaving just one trail rideable. The loose and baggy assortment of builders and riders known as the Kelowna Kollective are getting together this weekend to clear the Gillard trail network.

The Winner of the first Lizard Skins product giveaway is Luke - PB user contempt - from London Ontario Canada

Luke was selected at random from the many entries. He correctly answered the trivia question which asked "What anniversary is Lizard Skins celebrating in 2008?" Luke's answer of 15 years won him a Lizard Skins SOFTCELL Knee/Shin Combo and a SOFTSELL Mountain Elbow Guard combo. The very best protection on the mountain.

Last Saturday, the whole Aposteln-street in Cologne was crowded. One week after the German premiere in Munich, masses of people had come to see the eighth episode of New World Disorder. Over 800 people enjoyed the screening at the Gloria Theatre. A second highlight this evening was an auction of bike stuff for the benefit of Stephen Murray (www.stephenmurrayfamilyfund.com) and Tara Llanes (www.tarallanesroadtorecovery.com). Andreu and Lluis Lacondeguy showed up as special guests and pushed the after party a level higher.

FLi XXL Ltd edition 760mm wide Bar made by Reverse.

Since Sam Hill started doing wide spaced press ups everyone is jumping on the wide bar boat and these are no exception. What I will say is even those these said 760mm wide on them, when I measured them they came up 765mm, an extra bonus!

The Santa Cruz Syndicate is excited to welcome Greg Minnaar onto the Syndicate for the next two downhill racing seasons! We expect the addition of Minnaar to raise the bar even higher for the Syndicate and are eager to get the new Santa Cruz V-10 underneath him. Having Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie, and Josh Bryceland work and train together with Minnaar should elevate the playing field to new levels in the downhill arena.

(Fernie, British Columbia, Canada)-Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Holidays has just announced the details of a new 'deluxe' mountain bike adventure, set to debut in British Columbia in 2008. The Five-Star Singletrack holiday will feature 11 days of incredible British Columbia riding, with accommodation at deluxe back country lodges such as world-renowned Island Lake Lodge. The trip includes gourmet meals and additional activities such as float plane trips, hot springs and sweat lodge ceremonies.

Dirt jumpers, die hard single speeders, MTB fixers, biketrial riders, this is your hub. Innovative multi function construction allows for it to be used as a FIXED and FREE hub.

Freeride Entertainment's NWD 8 "SMACK DOWN" will screen this Wednesday November 21st at the Roadhouse in Calgary with special musical guests BC DC. Together again for the first time in years, BC DC and NWD 8 promises to make Calgary the penultimate stop of the "SMACK DOWN" tour. Poster signing with pro riders, slide show, lots of giveaway prizes and a chance to win the entire Freeride Entertainment DVD collection. $15 advance tickets can be purchased at Bow Cycle and the Roadhouse. Oh yeah, if you buy your ticket in advance the first drink is on us.

Let's get it ON!

We know that this is really super short notice, but the premiere of [L=http://video.mpora.com/ep/cw9UNSR02/]‘Earthed The Law of Fives’[/L] is this Thursday night, downstairs at the Walkabout Bar, Broad Street, Birmingham. Open from 7pm, with the film due to start at 8pm.

This Freshmeat has everything you need all served on one big platter. If you need a little extra stoke to get you out there on your bike this fall then pop a copy of Vicious Circle into your player, you'll need to hit the rewind button a few times when you see the 65ft double road gap! Before you head out, replace those toe-clips with a set of Axioms RoadGap pedals in white and get out there in the mud! The Germans are all over this platter with the 6" travel Magura Woton fork and Louise 8" brakes. After a big day on the hill you'll want to look your best while on the town so pick up the new Pinkbike T-shirt, cut the sleeves off and unleash those guns into the night!

DMC Moto-Trainer-

“You can not improve something if it can not be measured”

That’s true in all walks of life especially when it comes to your personal development and more specifically you riding on your bike.

Buying new pedals is such a tough decision to make due to all the options out there. Most of the time we have to buy a new set because the old ones are broke, worn out or just so beat up that you feel bad and really want to retire them. Here is a tale of making a set of old faithful pedals look good again and no spray can was needed.(ok maybe a sharpee was used a bit)

Enjoy the most anticipated PB Customs video yet!

e.thirteen components is proud to announce their fifth consecutive year as the Best of MTBR in the chain retention system category.

Howdy guys! Just got the new batch of Klunkerz DVD's in, along with the new Pinkbike.com T-Shirts. Check out the fresh goods.

Muddbunnies Riding Club is a Cycling BC recognized women’s riding group and race team based out of Vancouver, British Columbia and with chapters throughout the province.

Proceeds from the calendar sales will assist in our 2008 plans of riding clinics, race clinics, club rides and to further assist the racers of Team Muddbunnies.

Back in 2004, Greg Minnaar took delivery of his European race bike, the Honda RN01, and went to a local race in Spain. It was a round of the Andalucian Cup held in the southern coastal town of Motril. The race was covered by Dirt Magazine and it was there that the Honda won its first race outside of Japan.

Fast forward 4 amazing seasons later and Brendan Fairclough finds himself racing the Honda RN01 for the last time, and it's once again in Motril, Spain, for a round of the Andalucian Cup.

Extra, extra, read all about it! Push Industries is now offering Rebuild and tuning service kits for RockShox Reba, Revelation and Pike forks. This past weekend I got a chance to preview a Pike Dual-Air kitted with Push’s new Factory Fork System kit.

2008 Alpine Bikes Winter Downhill Series - Innerleithen in Scotland.

Confirmed 2008 dates:
January 26th & 27th
February 23rd & 24th
March 22nd & 23rd

For quite some time gravity riders have been asking for wider riser bars - many going as far as jury-rigging their own bars with extensions to make them wider.

Grab a bowl of popcorn, and put the kids to bed. Smackdown is on tonight, and no, we're not talking about WWF.

By Amber Zirnhelt, Brodie Team

Just last summer I was working with youth in the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni, BC on developing a youth vision and ideas for community projects. In just over one year from when the youth came up with the idea to build a mountain bike skills area and trail near their youth centre, their vision and dream has materialized.

Europe’s biggest Freeride Festival takes place from May 23 to 25 in Winterberg, Germany

The iXS Dirt Masters Festival enters year two: Next May Germany´s greatest bike park in Winterberg will be the host for Gravity riders from all over the world. In the center of the festival will be three of the biggest and most successful mountainbike gravity events, which started last year for the first time at this festival:

Ever wonder which cities support biking the most? Heres a quick list of the top cities for bicycling in the world. To no surprise Amsterdam is leading the way. How does your city compare?

While anticipation of the delivery of NWD 8 becomes unbearable here is a taste of some of the content you'll be getting when you purchase "Smack Down." Every film some of the riders end up with less than a full segment due to injury sustained earlier in the year. Some recover in time to get some more shots, some don't and some it's really close....Aaron Chase had a nasty accident earlier this year when he fell off of a North Shore ladder bridge at a Qashqai event and broke his back. He has recovered and is doing well. Geoff Gulevich had a couple of injuries plague him this year however he was able to come back near the end and pull out this sweet segment along with Aaron.

Teasers 1 through 5 of 6 are now live!

All these teasers will leave you asking for more. Just samples to wet your appetite for the full movie that will be available later this month.

Cleveland Rocks is open once again for another season.

For $15 more the trips now start from Toronto Greater Area and events t-shirts added into the package as well.
Future plans include Overnight CR tips, summer Blue Mountain Trips and summer Calabogie Trips.

Collegiate mountain bike racers are a different breed. Not only are they going to school but they are doing it without the support of their professors unlike the varsity sports. In between midterms and papers they find time to train like professional athletes and each year the level of competition increases. This year Banner Elk, North Carolina played host to the collegiate mountain bike invasion and let’s just say the event was better than ever.

The day before his major surgery on his left shoulder, Greg Minnaar took part in a televised celebrity car race, and blew away the opposition.

The WesBank Celebrity Blacklist Car race series, launched this year, allows national celebrities the chance to feel what it's like to get strapped into a full spec 2.0 litre VW Polo race car and push their driving abilities to the limit and race against the clock.

—Mud, rain, movie premiers and another two years of the Kona Clump Team and Paul Bas—

KONAWORLD—Kona Clump team rider Paul Basagoitia dropped into Kona Bicycles HQ in Ferndale, Washington this weekend for a whirlwind tour of the local trails and a packed schedule of events. There was the Bellingham stop on the New World Disorder Video Premier world tour, a wet and slimy night ride and a visit to the local dirt jumps. Amidst it all Paul Bas inked the deal for another two years as one of the marquee riders for the Kona Clump Team.

On a Friday morning, not unlike other Friday mornings, a crew of 7 co-workers set off to Madison Wisconsin… (I know what you’re thinking)… even the boarder guards wanted to know why anyone would want to go to Madison, Wisconsin…? To visit the Trek bikes head office/factory of course!

My main man Byron "Diddy" Kitt and I sat down the other day for some much needed catchup time. For you who don't know him, Byron is a local ripper who has been riding bikes for 7 years now, everything from hardtail, to bmx, from down hill to cross country. This kid has been around the block, and has the style to show it. Read on for our interview and check the video from our park session too.

Michael Hannah has asked me to release the following to the MTB press:

"It seems that some of the MTB media have picked up on a media release regarding my 2008 plans and my relationship with Cannondale. Unfortunately a lot of the postings have contained inaccuracies and have left me in a position where I feel I have to set the record straight.

First of all my contract with Cannondale is still current until the end of the year and I have full intentions to honor that, as Cannondale has always done the right thing by me."

After 32 years, the Banff Mountain Film Festival is one of the most prestigious mountain film festivals in the world. Presented by National Geographic and New Balance, the festival will be held October 27 – November 4, 2007 at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta. Through out the years the festival showcase some of the best mountain bike movies ever made and this year , Vicious Circle has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Banff Mountain Film Festival.

The smoke and ashes have finally settled…..this time last week, it was sketchy …but now it back to normal.

Our Dirt lab out back…AKA Whiting Ranch & the Luge are toast…they both look like they had a massive haircut. The good news is that everyone I know is ok and have their homes and families intact. I rode Laguna on Monday and it is good to go.

Intense Cycles continues to build its dealer and distributor network throughout the U.S. and abroad and in an effort to support the brick and mortar dealers around the globe, Intense has terminated relationships with several online/mail order retailers. “There are still places in the world where you cannot walk into a shop and purchase an Intense frame or bike, so we understand the reason for an online/mail order presence, but as we bring on more dealers, the need for multiple internet retailers is no longer there. The companies we have chosen to partner with have proven over the years to not only present Intense in a professional manner, hold our MSRP and provide after sales service and support, but have also promoted our brand through demo programs, race teams, open house and other events. In the short term this move may cost us some sales, but we believe that in the long term we will gain them back, and more, by supporting our dealer and distributor network”

-Intense Cycles Inc.