Meanwhile in Hawaii - New Dakine Products by Shovelpick

Miles ‘Shovelpick’ Sullivan goes back home to Hawaii over the break to ride trails, test some new Dakine gear and shoot some video with his good buddies on the Islands.

Read on to see what he thinks of the new Dakine gear and to watch his island adventure on 2 wheels:My good friends at Dakine were kind enough to let us try out some of the '09 bike gear on this trip. All the riding gear proved to be well thought out, with the kind of seamless performance that we've come to expect from Dakine. Here are some details about the goods we were riding in:

Rasta Nomad pack:

The new breathable Dri-mesh back panel and shoulder straps make the pack lighter and noticeably cooler. Standard Features include a 100 oz reservoir with quick disconnect hose, molded back panel with Air Channel Ventilation, full face or XC helmet carrying spot, armor carrying straps, internal organizer pockets, rolling access side pockets, fleece sunglass pocket, tube/pump sleeves and an MP3 pocket.

Covert gloves

These are solid gloves with great feel and performance, but not a lot of protection.

The Dakine Dirt Jump jersey is definitely a new favorite.

Here's my good friend Matt stylin' in the Grape Patches jersey and 8 Track shorts (Little known fact: 8 Track shorts are named after a trail in Post Canyon that is also brand new for '09 due to recent logging activities)

This is what Matt has to say about the Dakine gear he was testing out on the trip:

The jersey is great. Lightweight, very breathable, and good looking, with sleeves that are broad enough to fit loosely over your pads. The subtle graphics aren't too "in your face," like other jerseys out there. The sunglasses wipe stitched to the inside is a nifty touch as well, possibly a good emergency toilet paper for those long enduro rides.

The Syncline shorts are hands down the best riding shorts I've ever ridden in. They fit well and are very lightweight, yet heavy enough in the spots that take the most abuse. With pockets all around and belt loops, they work just like your everyday struttin' shorts. With these you can do a few runs on the hill then ride down to the bar without having to change and what not, unless of course you're a smelly rider. The Syncline shorts also have very incognito zippers on the inseam that, when unzipped, let airflow through the mesh and cool off your most heated body parts. This feature encourages you to ride faster thus giving you a greater cooling sensation. Mmmmm, we love that don't we?