Cane Creek Announces the 2024 Pisgah Project Bike Raffle
PRESS RELEASE: Cane Creek Cycling Components
For the eighth consecutive year, Cane Creek has united a group of top-tier cycling component manufacturers to build an iconic bicycle in support of a very compelling cause: the preservation of Western North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest.
Organized by Cane Creek Cycling Components and backed by remarkable partnerships with REEB Cycles, Industry Nine, Thomson Bike, Michelin Tires, Crankbrothers, and Endless Bike Co. this year's “super-bike” has the potential to bring the total amount earned to over $275,000!
THE CAUSE
 | By supporting this year's Pisgah Project Bike Raffle, you're not just entering for a chance to win an iconic hand-built bike (painted Sam Moody!)—you're also contributing to the health, sustainability, and overall well-being of the Pisgah Ranger District! |
A primary goal of The Pisgah Conservancy is to enhance the recreational experience of visitors to Pisgah while protecting the rich natural resources that attract them in the first place. Construction and maintenance of infrastructure in the district, including trails, trailheads, buildings, monuments, parking lots, and other facilities will play a central role in accomplishing this mission. A unique aspect of The Pisgah Conservancy is that it unifies the community. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, backpackers, fishermen and the rest of the user groups all have a voice.
Win this Bike - Support the Pisgah National Forest
The 2024 Pisgah Project raffle will run from 9 am (EST) Friday, May 10th, through Saturday, June 29th, 2024. Riders will receive one entry into the raffle for every $30 they donate to the Conservancy. The drawing will be held, and a winner will be chosen at random on Saturday, June 29th at 5:45pm (EST) on Cane Creek Cycling Components Facebook live from The Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, North Carolina. Sign up for the raffle via RallyUp - 2024 Pisgah Project Bike Raffle
BUY YOUR TICKET(S) HERE
THE BIKE
Retail value of over $11,999.99
Sam Moody Original / Slimepup Press
The Custom Paint:
Truly one-of-a-kind! Inspired by the natural beauty and wonder of The Pisgah National Forest - Asheville's very own Sam Moody hand-painted some of her favorite flora that can be found throughout the Ranger District's diverse ecosystem.
Artist Bio
Sam Moody, a graduate of UNCA with a BFA in Printmaking, runs a home studio in Asheville, NC, operating under Slimepup Press. Her artwork delves into the world of flora and fauna, utilizing various illustration and printmaking techniques to accentuate fine detail and contrast. Her repertoire includes letterpress printed prints and cards, screen-printed apparel and stickers, as well as block-printed pillows and prints. Additionally, she finds joy in taking on custom illustration projects, such as pet portraits, custom bike painting, and logo design.
REEB Cycles
The Frame: The SST is a steel, 29″ wheel, full suspension bike hand built in the USA to be light, stiff and strong. The SST features 4130 Chromoly tubes paired with SLM 3D printed hollow stainless steel chainstay yoke, seatstay clevis, and rear dropouts. The result is a stronger, stiffer, lighter, and more elegant trail bike.
The REEB SST is a steel short travel (120mm) “SST” trail bike that blends the custom steel tubeset from Jeff Lenoskys signature Redikyelous hardtail with the design, fabrication and abuse testing of Adam Prosises groundbreaking BREWser. Pairing the suspension technology design from the critically acclaimed Sqweeb and utilizing innovative aerospace-grade SLM 3D printed frame components, the SST embodies the rowdy and playful character of REEB’s proven steel hardtails while providing enough suspension to hit the big lines.
FEATURES:
• REEB proprietary 4130 Chromoly tubing/3D printed 316L stainless steel, Handmade in Colorado
• 120mm rear travel, 185x50mm Trunnion
• Coil or Air rear shock compatibility
• Designed for 130-150mm forks
• Clearance for up to 29″ x 2.5″ tire
• 148x12mm rear spacing
• 120mm rear travel, 185x50mm Trunnion
• Coil or Air rear shock compatibility
• Designed for 130-150mm forks
• Clearance for up to 29″ x 2.5″ tire
• 148x12mm rear spacing
• Integrated ISCG tabs
• 44mm headtube - ZS44 Top/EC44 Bottom headset
• 73mm threaded BB shell
• 31.6mm ø seat post, internal dropper post routing
• Max dropper length: XS-150mm / S-180mm / M-210mm / L and XL-240mm
• Custom builds available
• 44mm headtube - ZS44 Top/EC44 Bottom headset
• 73mm threaded BB shell
• 31.6mm ø seat post, internal dropper post routing
• Max dropper length: XS-150mm / S-180mm / M-210mm / L and XL-240mm
• Custom builds available
Cane Creek Cycling Components
The Suspension: This year’s bike is equipped with fully hand assembled suspension components from Cane Creek with the NEW TIGON: AIR-CHARGED COIL shock and a 140mm HELM MKII coil front fork.
Receiving the latest innovations from Cane Creek. Including the pioneering Tigon rear shock - An entirely new DB Twin Tube shock that combines the sensitivity of a coil shock with the tunable support of an air spring – to fuel your most creative and playful riding yet.
Tigon tracks the ground and grips like a coil shock, but thanks to our new patent-pending RAMP Tube Technology it also offers the mid-stroke and bottom out support that is often required from an air shock. Both of these benefits are now delivered in an entirely new layout that better withstands side-loading and buckling forces that can harm traditional coil shocks.
Up front is the HELM MKII Coil 29" fork. Helm MKII includes a newly designed damper featuring a new compression and mid-valve circuit for increased support and control while a new SKF oil seal head and 2.5 weight Motorex damper oil reduce friction and provide a more supple ride-feel.
The Bottom Bracket: The silver Hellbender 70 Chroma Studio bottom bracket utilizes bearings made of 440C stainless steel, providing exceptional ride quality and reliability.
The Headset: A matching premium headset the Cane Creek Hellbender 70 Chroma Studio headset is machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum with a brilliant silver anodized finish, and features a low-friction upper bearing seal and a double-lip lower bearing seal that combine to completely seal the cups from external contaminants.
The Hellbender 70 also includes our premium stainless-steel Hellbender bearing – specifically designed and tested to withstand heavy-duty use and extreme environmental conditions.
The Cranks: eeWings are as light or lighter than premium carbon options, but offer far more durability and impact resistance – not to mention industry leading stiffness and power transfer - eeWings titanium cranks
Industry Nine
Every ride, every mile, every jump, barrier, root section, climb, interval, berm, and drop... Industry Nine delivers unyielding performance with style. Manufactured and hand built in Asheville, NC
The Stem: Industry Nine’s A318 stems are crafted from aluminum billet into a svelte design of equal form and function. Every A-Series stem is machined, anodized and assembled entirely in I9's Asheville, NC facility and available in a variety of lengths geared for modern trail bike geometry.
The Wheels: A level 3 custom laced set of Industry Nine Enduro 300 wheels with the revolutionary Hydra Series freehub design.
Faster pace, harder hits, less worry. It is not what's on the outside, but what isn't on the inside that counts. This was the approach when Industry Nine developed the all-new Hydra Enduro 300. At first glance, nothing stands out. However, the real magic is hidden from view - inside the rim itself. Enduro 300 features an aluminum triple-cavity rim featuring a Hollow Bead Wall designed to shrug off impacts and make pinch flats a distant memory.
Paired with I9's 32 spoke system chassis propelled by the Hydra hub's near instant .52° engagement, riders will revel in unrivaled control in the tech with an open invitation to put the power down at any moment. When the dust settles, Enduro 300 wheelset emerges as a true best in class contender for aggressive riders.
Paired with I9's 32 spoke system chassis propelled by the Hydra hub's near instant .52° engagement, riders will revel in unrivaled control in the tech with an open invitation to put the power down at any moment. When the dust settles, Enduro 300 wheelset emerges as a true best in class contender for aggressive riders.
MICHELIN
The Tires: MICHELIN provided a set of their latest innovation with the New "Wilder Than Ever!" Enduro Racing Line front and rear specific tires for this year's bike build. Both front and rear tires provide optimum grip and reliability thanks to MICHELIN'S Magi-X Technology - A tire compound that was developed from technology used on MotoGP motorcycles. The front wheel is set up with the confidence inspiring 2.5 wide Wild Enduro MS Racing Line tire and out back is the new rolling efficient Wild Enduro Rear Racing Line tire spec’d in a 2.4 wide trail size.
Thomson Bike Products
The Handle Bars: The Thomson Titanium 31.8mm MTB handlebars provide a ride quality second to none. Unlike most companies in the bike industry, Thomson has a background in aerospace - where there’s zero room for error, to this point comes an extreme amount of safety protocols, material checks and written procedures… aka 9100 aerospace certification.
Crankbrothers
The Pedals: The STAMP 11 pedal is the gold standard for flat pedals - featuring Titanium spindles for weight reduction, optimal surface area for maximum grip, minimal profile for less pedal strikes and serviceable premium bearings & seals for long-term use.
The Seatpost: The Highline 11 is built without compromise - combining premium materials with Crankbrothers tried-and-trusted hydraulic IFP cartridge system, resulting in an extremely light dropper post. Featuring a carbon quill and titanium hardware, the Highline 11 sheds up to 100 grams over our Highline 7, all without compromising on any features or construction. The post maintains all of your favorite elements such as infinite adjustment and a reliable hydraulic IFP. Built with every rider in mind, from cross country racer to weekend enduro rider
Endless Bike Co.
The Brakes & Drivetrain: This year's bike is built up with premium Shimano XTR mechanical M9100 series derailleur and 12-speed shifter paired with Endless Bike Co. Direct Mount Ring for a super reliable, durable and stylish drivetrain. While XTR 4-Piston hydraulic brakes provide incredible stopping power.
The Brakes & Drivetrain: This year's bike is built up with premium Shimano XTR mechanical M9100 series derailleur and 12-speed shifter paired with Endless Bike Co. Direct Mount Ring for a super reliable, durable and stylish drivetrain. While XTR 4-Piston hydraulic brakes provide incredible stopping power.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Oskar Blues Brewery
OB has traditionally been considered a Colorado Company; however, since their East Coast Brewery settled in Brevard, NC they have stake in the conservation of the Pisgah Ranger District as they are next door neighbors. Since establishing in NC they have been heavily involved in the local community by supporting events, funding non-profit initiatives, providing local jobs, and creating a great informal atmosphere for a post ride beer! In addition to the bike the winner will receive an Oskar Blues Brewery gift certificate
The Pisgah Conservancy
The Pisgah Conservancy will support the environmental, social, and financial sustainability of Pisgah’s trails for a variety of recreational uses. This means, among other things, working with federal, state, and local agencies and other interested parties to maintain trail stability, reduce erosion and flow of sediments to waterways, prevent unacceptable impacts on wildlife and cultural resources, ensure that trails and trail shelters are not in disrepair and are supported by user groups and volunteers, make sure that they serve a meaningful purpose within a trail complex (or, if not, support their decommissioning), promote user safety (including through improved signage), help open and maintain approved scenic vistas, and contribute sustainable funding for the trails. Where appropriate, TPC will support improvements to and maintenance of trailhead complexes and Forest Service roads to help improve parking, sanitation, and access to trails.
Pilot Cove
Experience the majesty of the forest! Directly bordering Pisgah National Forest at the Highway 276 gateway, Pilot Cove offers unrivaled access to Pisgah's renowned trails, roadways, rock walls, and trophy waters. In addition to the bike the winner will receive a two-night stay at Pilot Cove in Pisgah Forest, NC*
THE SCHEDULE
May 11 - Oskar Blues - Brevard, NC
May 12-16 - The HUB - Pisgah Forest, NC
May 17-20 - D.D. Bullwinkels - Brevard, NC
May 21-24 - Liberty Bicycles - Asheville, NC
May 25-26 - White Squirrel Weekend - (Downtown) Brevard, NC
May 27-29 - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Mills River, NC
May 30-June 4 - The HUB - Pisgah Forest, NC
June 5-9 - Ecusta Brewing Company - Brevard, NC
June 10-12 - Motion Makers Bicycle Shop - Asheville, NC
June 13-17 - REI - Asheville, NC
June 18-20 - Piney Mountain Bike Lounge - Greenville, SC
June 21-24- The Riveter - Mills River, NC
June 25-28 - D.D. Bullwinkels - Brevard, NC
June 29 - 5:30pm EST - Cut off for ticket sales
June 29 - 5:45pm EST - Raffle drawing at Oskar Blues - Brevard, NC - Drawing will stream live from Cane Creek Cycling Components Facebook page
THE FOREST
A primary goal of The Pisgah Conservancy is to enhance the recreational experience of visitors to Pisgah while protecting the rich natural resources that attract them in the first place. Construction and maintenance of infrastructure in the District, including trails, trailheads, buildings, monuments, parking lots, and other facilities will play a central role in accomplishing this mission. At the time of the founding of TPC, a substantial majority of the trails on Pisgah do not satisfy the National Quality Standards for Trails. For as long as TPC exists, our goal will be that 100% of the trails are upgraded to meet those standards - Protecting Pisgah’s natural resources and supporting the fantastic recreation that our forest and community fosters.
Pisgah Ranger District Facts
• Managed Acreage: 162,000
• Acres of Wilderness: approximately 25,943
Elevations:
• Highest peak is Richland Balsam – 6410ft
• Black Balsam – 6214ft
• Tennent Mountain -- 6056ft
• Cold Mountain – 6030ft
• Shining Rock -- 6001ft
• Mt. Pisgah – 5721ft
• Devil’s Courthouse -- 5670ft
• Pilot Mountain – 5072ft
• Looking Glass Rock – 3970ft
• Lowest point is near the NC Arboretum -- 2000ft
THE RULES
▪ “The Pisgah Project Raffle” entries will be available for purchase for $30 each starting at 9:00 a.m. EDT on May 10, 2024 at http://go.rallyup.com/pisgahproject2024
▪ “The Pisgah Project Raffle” online entry purchases made until 5:30 p.m. EDT on June 29, 2024 will receive one entry in the “Pisgah Project” drawing per $30 entry purchase. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual can purchase.
▪ The drawing will be held and a winner will be chosen at random on June 29, 2024 at 5:45 p.m. EDT on the Cane Creek Cycling Components Facebook live stream from Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC.
▪ “The Pisgah Project Raffle” is open to anyone 18 years of age or older.
▪ “The Pisgah Project Raffle” contest rules adhere to North Carolina raffle regulations.
▪ You do not have to be present to win. The winner will be contacted by telephone and/or email.
▪ Should the winner’s contact information prove incomplete, illegible, discontinued, or should the winner fail to contact The Pisgah Conservancy to claim the drawing prize within 7 days, or if the winner is deemed ineligible to receive the prize, an alternate winner will be selected at random from the remaining entries.
▪ The winner will receive the 2024 Pisgah Project raffle bike, a two-night stay at Pilot Cove* (Pisgah Forest, NC), and an Oskar Blues Brewery gift certificate. Dates are subject to Pilot Cove availability*
▪ The winner assumes all risks and will be responsible for all costs associated with claiming and transporting the drawing prize.
▪ No warranty on the custom painting, finish or decals on the frame and/or front fork. A RideWrap Dual Suspension MTB Frame Covered Protection Kit will be provided to the winner (uninstalled).
Tickets available only at: http://go.rallyup.com/pisgahproject2024
THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT
Thank you for supporting the Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. Through the funding provided by the Pisgah Project raffle bike and efforts of The Pisgah Conservancy, we can continue to enhance the recreational experience of visitors to Pisgah while protecting the rich natural resources that attract them in the first place.
BUY YOUR TICKET(S) HERE
Author Info:
Member since Sep 14, 2012
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Think carefully about what this means before buying a ticket...
The standard they mention is ~6-7% grade trails with rolling grade reversals, largely no features aside from minor rock armoring, and dead smooth. We simply lack the quantity of natural rock and soil type to make anything otherwise, so any re-route work done will be the same. The trails here are appealing because nature made them the way they are over the course of decades and due to their grades. All of the trail work TPC, SORBA, and the USFS are directing will do away with this in favor of mellow grade flow trails that lack character. They largely exist as funding vehicles for the forest service and will decimate what it means to ride here if they get enough funding. Go ride the Butter Gap re-route then ask yourself if you want to fund that type of work.
Do not support these organizations until they demonstrate they can rework a trail in a way that makes it appealing to ride and characteristic of Pisgah.
I really enjoy riding my hardtail! but as WNC born & raised, I don’t think any trails need to get ANY easier. that’s not what Pisgah is for, and that’s not what good trail work does, either.
We can be as vocal as we want, but all we'll hear is "volunteer and donate so we can build the trails you like", blah.. I don't know what the answer is, but something needs to change.
Trust and respect aren't given, they're earned, and these local groups aren't earning either of these from a large group of riders who they desperately need the support from. We constantly hear "we can't keep up with the maintainence of our exisiting trails without more volunteers" and "donate and volunteer so you have influence on trail design", yet they refuse to go back to the drawing board and accept the fact they need to change their methods in order for this to happen.
Black was proposed by the USFS over a decade prior to it being reworked. Butter at least 7 years prior. Avery about 8-10 years prior. If you attended SORBA meetings at this time, which I regret I wasted my life doing, you would have heard about these projects YEARS in advance. Some of these did require mitigation to protect the watershed, both Avery and Butter were major sediment problems (note I'm not advocating that the work done was the correct answer to this, just that something had to be done). Despite SORBA saying so on repeat, Black was not a sediment problem and they were told this by USFS rangers repeatedly in meetings, but decided to run with that anyway because presumably it's an easier story to tell.
The USFS lays the standards for the trail that is being built: grade, feature, surface, and most importantly, alignment. The alignment has to be studied for archaeological or environmental impact. It's a very rigorous and burdensome process. They will never approve a trail with greater than a 7% grade and they will limit the types of features that can be built. The terrain is also limited, we don't have soil types to sustain steep grades decades into the future and we lack natural rock to be used in building trails. The only way to make it gnarly is truck in rock, which is expensive and time consuming, plus it'll only be used for water mitigation, not building features.
So why are all the reworks shit? They are shit because the USFS lays the standards for the trail. SORBA, TPC, et al have little say in how they are built. We can argue with these groups until the sun dies but they aren't the issue, it's the forest ranger(s) who are responsible for recreational management making the decision to do these re-routes. Once it is decided, the trail is as good as dead, even though there seems to be considerably internal conflict on whether or not the work should be done. They do not care about how it rides, they don't care if it's fun, and I'd say they don't even care about how it impacts the local economy given they are federal employees tasked with managing the land. Basically their only goal is to mitigate the "problems" these trails present and manage the land, nothing else matters and recreation is secondary.
SORBA fits into this as a funding vehicle for their work. Their hobby is winning grants. It doesn't matter if the end result is good, they'll see it as good because (insert Obama giving himself a medal) they raised the funds via grants to make the trail and can't see past their bias. Some see through this there, some don't. They view every grant as a victory even if it means the trail is terrible like the new Butter is. It also isn't their fault entirely. They get told what is going to happen by the USFS and have little direction themselves. It would be nice if they recognized the negative impact this has on the riding here, but I understand why they don't publicly do so. They also don't seem to recognize that their completely asinine behavior during the whole Black fiasco marginalized and cast out a large part of the community, but I think recent management has really helped to dial that back and seem to be listening more, but I think the damage is done. Either way though, it doesn't matter, they can listen or agree with us all they want, it's the USFS directives that matter.
It's a losing battle, sadly. We can show up and volunteer all that we want, but the forest rangers decide when and what is happening with these re-routes and we have no say. If you want to kill these re-routes it has to be done in the crib when they identify a trail that needs re-routed, but we have little visibility into this process and even forest rangers working in the ranger station can't seem to prevent it. I met one years ago who fought to save Butter then but couldn't. They also have to cater to other user groups, many of which do not like bikes.
I know it's pessimistic but I've just come to accept any trail work done will be to the same level. It's not SORBAs fault aside from them acting as a funding source, the USFS ranger(s) responsible are largely the ones making the decisions. Private parks will save riding here, so think about getting monthly passes to Kanuga and Rock Creek, we need more of that.
You made a great point about how important these private parks are for this area, and it's evident that people are becoming more interested in paying to ride these parks than they are donating to SORBA or TPC. That's the challenge that those organizations needs to address, and do it in a way that isn't just guilt tripping non-supporters into giving them money.
I'm just one person so I don't have the answer, but the divide is already wide and getting wider. Selfishly, I think myself and others want to see those truckloads of rock armoring brought in before we fully place our trust in SORBA. Until then, I suspect we'll lose a piece of Pisgah everytime substantial trail work is done or reworks are completed. Time to face reality.