Canada Olympic Park will be the place to be this Sunday as Cyclemania , Calgary’s largest family event dedicated to safe mountain biking and cycling will be wheeling its way back to the Park for the third consecutive year.
Here is the Official Press Release .

For all of those of you planning to attend - make sure to cruise by the PinkBike booth. We will have video's/DVD's and all of the official PinkBike apparel on sale!

Don't forget, after the race action is done, Pinkbike will be hosting a Megla-Lounge party at 5400 Dalhousie Drive NW. Located at the corner of Dalhousie Dr and 53rd ST NW, parking can be found on street or across the street at Dalhousie Station. Local DJ's will be busting out phat beats for this all ages event. This will be the only place north of the border serving Red Bull mixed with your favorite spirits (for the over 18 crowd) and Yukon Brewing of Whitehorse has flown down some of their extra special brews. Festivities get under way at 8 pm and tickets are available at Calgary Cycle, the door or from Team Pinkbike members at COP. Let's get this season under way, the right way.

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After much deliberation, the judge's scores are tallied and we're proud to announce Dave Hesch as the winner of the Camelback HAWG. With over one gazillion original entries, it was no small feat to narrow it down. Some were great, some were not so much, while others were fun to read, but unprintable on our "family" website. After reading the many entries, one thing is clear, hydration is important and should not be taken for granted. Regardless of the trail, ride or weather, water is king, remember yours next time! We'll announce the winners of the Ridge helmets next week.

Read Top Entries

Of all resorts I have had the opportunity to ride, none have more raw potential than Golden BC's Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Rising over 3600 feet in just under 12 minutes, KHMR's deluxe Gondola gives you access to some of the sweetest terrain in western Canada. For 2002, Kicking Horse has committed to building trails for all levels of abilities, but I'm sure Pinkbike's readers are more interested in their expert level goods. Not wanting to be outdone by Mount 7, you can rest assured there will be some very sweet descending to be found. Just think, 3600 feet, and no shuttle worries!

Well, It's that time again, time to race some weekly Wednesday DH at COP. Whether it's your first time out, time to train for DH7 or warm-up for this years season, you are encouraged to come out and race, have a beer (or root beer), and win some prizes.
If you're 10 or older, registration ends at 6:45 with the race starting at 7:00 PM on top of the hill. The spring DH series is generously sponsored by Bow Cycle. Categories are as follows: Under 14, Junior (14-17), Senior and Women. Hope to see you there!

In other news, COP Mountain Bike Staff is pleased to announce that the trails on the west side of the park that were previously closed for maintenance are now open.

On the 22 of June 2002, the second annual Yukon Brewing Company 24 Hours of Light tears off through the mountains near Whitehorse, Yukon. Unique in that it is the only 24-hour race where you don't actually need lights on your bike, it runs from noon to noon, and pits teams of one to eight riders against a twisty 12 km loop through former World Cup ski trails. All the usual stupidity that accompanies a 24-hour race will be going on, accompanied by a generous supply of cheap hearty beer.

Ever broken a handlebar or stem? If not, maybe you've bent one or more? If you're into drops, DH or like me just plain crash a lot, this is the bar/stem combo for you. In the six months I have been testing these bars, I have suffered no less than 2 broken ribs, a broken finger and countless bruises and strains. Just ask my Active Release Therapist! Thankfully, the folks at On-One had riders like me in mind when they designed their Gimp lineup.

36 hours - don't stop - don't get tired. Test your mettle
in the Full Moon in June 36+ hour adventure race. Co-ed teams of
four compete non-stop for 36 hours in a variety of disciplines including
trekking, mountain biking, rope work, orienteering and canoeing.
The adventure is heightened by a moonlit, midnight start from a
secret location which is distributed a few days prior to the race.
Racers are only given partial course maps and have no prior knowledge
of their next event, so they must plan quickly to update their strategy
and keep their team moving. For regulations, AR workshops and other info, contact
info@fmij.com or
visit www.fmij.com. Challenge Yourself.

We had talked about it here and there for the past year, but we had never done it. Finally as the days started to warm up and biking actually became a possibility we decided that making a trek to Williams Lake to check out the local scene should happen. May long weekend was when we would go, we had no idea what we were in for as nobody had been there, we heard only heard rumors. As the time approached, a feature article in a certain bike magazine confirmed what we were hoping to: Williams Lake ripped.

In a tune-up for the World Cup's opening round at Fort William, Steve Peat and Tracely Moseley schooled the competition by over 8 seconds each. In a rain filled weekend, Peat bested a field that included top World Cup contenders, Chris Kovaric and Nathan Rennie in the new NPS' new 2 run format.

After a season of riding my original Hayes hydraulic rear brake linings were at their end, it was time to replace them. Knowing the cost of OEM pads, I wasn’t looking forward to shelling out fifty bucks (Canadian) for the micro sized friction linings when I can buy two sets of OEM brake pads for my pick-up truck for half the price.

That’s when I heard about Kool-Stop replacement pads for the Hayes hydraulic brake system. Competitively priced at sixteen dollars a set at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver B.C., I picked up a set and installed the pads in rear caliper of my rig. Here’s my initial impression and how to install them…

The results to the Bicycle Cafe Freeride competition on Saturday May 25, 2002


1. Jason Folkers (East St. Paul, MB)

2. Warren Dyck (Winkler, MB)

3. Ryan Jensen (Winnipeg, MB)

4. Leigh Schmit (Winnipeg, MB)

Due to the wonderful spring we have had, the snow on the main ski hill will
not go away. Due to this fact, the dual race course that was to be built in
the snowboard park area will have to be postponed for 3 weeks, or until the snow is gone and the ground is dry enough for machinery to move on the hill.

That's right, the Pinkbike DH team will be hosting a killer party in NW Calgary on Saturday, June 1st. You can pick up your tickets at Calgary Cycle or at the door for only $5. There will be plenty of cheap drinks and a DJ bustin out the beats. Keep checking the site for more info.

Three more days until the BICYCLE CAFE ANNIVERSARY BASH!

We hope you will come down and join us in the celebrations. WADE SIMMONS
will be arriving at the store at 2:00 on Saturday to participate in the
Freeride Competition.

Many of us here at pinkbike have really been focusing on our downhill
and freeride skills over the past couple years. We have almost forgotten
where most of us started - with cross-country mountain bikes that we put
more miles on in one ride than we've probably pedaled all season on DH courses.
Yes, maybe our riding has "evolved" in a way. We can sure laugh at the nastiest
terrain out there and do big hucks and ride the skinniest, wettest stunts
around. But after a couple seasons of this, I've felt something is missing
and have wanted to expand my riding.

As the days get longer the fun times will continue to roll into the shorts and t-shirt season at Canada Olympic Park, as Calgary’s best family choice for recreational activities will officially open the doors to its summer season, Saturday, May 18, 2002. Here is the
Official Press Release

For you French out there:
Une semaine inoubliable : 5 étapes et une épreuve chrono surprise.
Ce n'est pas une compétition! Mais une randonnée pour vététistes à la
recherche de sensations, de paysages nouveaux, de dépaysement total et de
convivialité festive.
Le tout au profit d'une association d'handicapés.
La forêt, les "djebels" et la mer ; le chaleur d'un accueil particulier à
l'odeur de Jasmin : celui de la Tunisie.
Les dates : du 28 septembre au 6 octobre 2002.

Contact : Association MOSAÏQUE
Tel 04 94 14 03 23
Fax 04 94 08 50 39
133, rue de l'Iseran 83200 TOULON
E-mail : associationmosaique@wanadoo.fr

Avec les conseils éclairés et sous la direction technique du Bamboule Gang à
Hyères.

Norco Performance Bikes, manufacturer of the North Shore famous VPS bike, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2002 TISSOT-UCI Mountain Bike World Cup “Triple Event,” which will run from July 4 to 7. Now in its second year, the triple event will showcase technically challenging races in downhill, cross-country and new to this year, 4-cross: a thrill-capped event pitting four athletes head-to-head on the same course. Norco will be putting its support behind the fast paced downhill action along with the new biker-cross on this leg of the World Cup stopover.

The Canadian season most resembling summer should get under way this Victoria Day long weekend. What better way to ring it in than racing? Summerland plays host to stop 2 on the BC Cup featuring the Action Quest XC and DQ Classic Downhill. They will be running Bikercross 4-up on one of the best courses in the country. With berms as high as 10 feet and a minimum width of 12 feet, action should be fast and furious with many passing opportunities. A $5 Big Air comp will also run over the weekend. Visit www.rideactionquest.com for more information or contact Bob Leslie at (250)494-4050. See you there!

In an effort to make you, the Pinkbike reader, a more educated consumer, I have built up Mitsou, a bright red Balfa Minuteman adorned with a bevy of thrash-worthy parts. Someone had to do it, and I drew the short straw. I mean, really, who wants to beat the crap out of high end bike parts all in the name of journalism?

Itching to hit the Landturn again?? Need a run on Dirty Little Secret? Want to go try to clean Pantywaste again??? Now you can! The Moment all you Calgarians have been waiting for! As of today, COP is officially open for summer mountain biking. The Early Bird Season Pass Sale originally offered until April 30, has been extended until May 17. $119 will buy you a family pass and singles can ride for only $59. Expect the PinkBike Trials Park and the Krazy Crew Dirt Jump Park to open in a few weeks. Enjoy!

For more details check out the Canada Olympic Park Mountain Bike Information Page

In a not-so-surprising finish, Anne-Caroline Chausson took the women's DH at Big Bear yesterday. Sabrina Jonnier finished 6 seconds back with Marla Streb, Tracey Moseley and Lisa Sher rounding out the podium. Top qualifier, Missy Giove crashed on her race run and had to settle for 19th place. On the men's side, it was Chris Kovarik taking top spot followed by John Kirkaldie, Canadian Dustin Adams (watch this guy for 2002!), Jared Rando and Mick Hannah. Top American was Colin Bailey in 6th place. The NORBA series resumes June 14 in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

In the final Dual Slalom of an NCS Series, Anne-Caroline Chausson (Volvo/Cannondale) of France, beat fellow Frenchwoman Sabrina Jonnier (Intense), but it was third place Tara Llanes (Yeti-Pearl Izumi) who scored the National Dual Slalom Title. On the men's side, Australia's Wade Bootes (Trek/Volkswagen) crossed the line ahead of top American, Kirt Vories (Haro/Lee Dungarees). All time race win leader and favorite for the event, Brian Lopes won the consolation round to take home 3rd place, but it is Vories who'll wear the 2002 Dual Slalom crown. Starting in Wisconsin, NORBA will follow the UCI's lead and introduce 4X racing to the NCS series. This will result in no "throw-aways" for the remainder of the season.

The Opening of the COP Mountain Bike park was delayed from last Saturday due to some late-season snow we got here in
Calgary. There is still 3-4 inches of snow on all the COP trails and stunts. The hill is north facing and therefore relies mainly on temperature instead of sunlight to melt the snow. The COP dudes are going to try for an opening this Monday. Summer is almost here!

In the continuing effort to raise money for Kelly Turcotte's cancer treatment, April Lawyer (MAVENN Clothes) and Leigh Donovan are hosting a benefit at the Big Bear National, starting 8:30 tonight at Mozart's nightclub in the village. Laneeight will be playing (featuring the industrys biggest crossdressers) Matt "DUDEFACE" Collins new video Evolution will be playing, and all proceeds go straight to Kelly, so come on and have some fun.

In an effort to protect at least 2 Pinkbike readers' grey matter, our good friend Jon over at Ridge Sport dropped by with a pair of helmets to be given to the best "Why I need that helmet" stories. Top story will take the $170 Cdn Ridge Rex full face, the same helmet ridden by members of Team Pinkbike and the 2nd place entry takes the crossover (board/dirtjump) Nix valued at $45 Cdn. Send your entries to info@pinkbike.com with "Helmet Giveaway" in the subject line. Entry deadline is May 25, and top stories will be posted here for all to see. Good Luck!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialized is voluntarily recalling about 2,200 bicycles. The rear seatstays, the tube behind the seat that connects the rear axle to the rear shock, can break, possibly causing the rider to lose control and crash. Specialized Bicycles has received 39 reports of the seatstays on these bicycles breaking. No injuries have been reported.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rocky Mountain Bicycles is voluntarily recalling about 660 mountain bicycles. The chainstay that holds the rear wheel in place can fail, causing the rear wheel to separate from the bicycle. This can cause the rider to lose control and crash. Rocky Mountain Bicycles have received one report of an incident where the rear wheel separated from the bicycle.

The foundation of a successful race starts with course inspection and using what is learned during the inspection to create a race plan. A through course inspection usually takes place over two to three days and includes riding and walking the course. Your race plan is a detailed plan of how and what you will do from start to finish of the race course.

Bikes Belong awarded $10,000 to help fund an off-road trail in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is the first off-road grant given in Bikes Belong's short history. The funds will be used to connect the community to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's trail system. "Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is excited by the success of the first phase of trails that were constructed this past summer. The increased amount of bicycle use was impressive and we expect the next section will create even more reasons why locals and visitors will want to hike and mountain bike on the system," said Jerry Blann, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's president. The funds will be used solely for construction of singletrack!

It seems as though Pinkbike's latest advertiser, Avro Rims has found 60 of their ZUM Eliminator rims in their warehouse and want to blow them out. Visit their blowout page for more details, and be sure to tell them Pinkbike sent you.

Every morning I wake up thinking about the next ride. Life is Great!!
I have had the pleasure of riding with some of the best riders in the worldand I have noticed that all these riders love to get a person stoked. They have such a positive attitude towards the sport we all love. It doesn't matter about the level of rider you are, they make you feel great about what you can do, and give you confidence to be better.

Kamloops is Mountain Bike "Mecca". With areas like Rose Hill and Sun Peaks, it has produced some of the best. That's where B.C. Unlimited comes in. I have put together Kamloops Bike Camp; it will leave you with memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance is holding their first annual raffle to be drawn on June 18th at Canada Olympic Park. First prize is a $2000 gift certificate good at 20 local bike shops, with a second prize of a $500 gift certificate. Tickets can (and should) be purchased at your favorite Calgary area bike shop for the paltry sum of $5. Only 2000 tickets will be printed. The CMBA represents mountain bikers – we support access for responsible riding on designated trails in Calgary and Kananaskis and are active in rider education and trail maintenance.

Want to see how close you are to Lance Armstrong's Profile?
Subjects are needed for a study examining the effects of RESPIRATORY MUSCLE
TRAINING on ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
At no cost to subject:

• Physiological testing with a detailed analysis of your current training status
  (VO2max, Anaerobic threshold, max heart rate, maximum aerobic power etc.)
  
• Identifying areas of weakness and suggestions for improvement
  
• Possible performance improvement from respiratory muscle training
  

Participation in this study will have minimal impact on you current training
program.
Please contact Sidd Thakore at 220-8949 or email at sthakore@ucalgary.ca if you
have any question regarding this study or if you would like to participate in
this study.

Alberta's controversial helmet law for cyclists aged 17 and under went into effect today. The law, which includes tykes on trikes, calls for fines of $50 to be levied against young riders not wearing helmets. Under Alberta Traffic Law, parents are expected to pay for offenders under the age of 16. Far cry from my younger days when kids were teased for wearing protective gear!

Wear your helmets kids!

With summer just around the corner (or so the Farmer's Almanac assures me) it's time to start thinking about hydration. Pinkbike.com and OGC Canada would like to give you the opportunity to win a Camelback H.A.W.G. valued at over $190 Cdn. Submit your hydration story (fiction or non) to info@pinkbike.com by May 20 and we'll select the best story for posting on the site. The winner will take the H.A.W.G. with a 3l Omega reservoir and 19l of carrying capacity. If enough entries are received, we'll find the space to post the top few and dig deep in our bag 'o swag for more giveaway goodies.