aintnorunt

@SJP: I would say that flattening or the more extreme tacoing or bending a rim is a result of a rims inherent strength and resistance to deformation from direct blows. Yes the lower spokes bend (compress) but the force to bend the lower spokes is much less than force you have to overcome to stretch the upper spokes. In other words, the upper spokes are suspending the hub and hence supporting the bike and rider weight. Metals are stronger in tension as compared to concrete that holds up better to compressive forces. Try taking a spoke on its own and compressing it 1mm. You can get the ends 1mm closer together very easily because the spoke bend slightly. Try and stretch a spoke 1mm... Can't be done by hand!

1. Aaron Gwin 2. Loic Bruni 3. Danny Hart 1. Tracey Hannah 2. Manon Carpenter 3. Tahnee Seagrave

Men 1st Troy Brosnan 2nd Danny Hart 3rd Aaron Gwin Women 1st Tracey Hannah 2nd Rachel Atherton 3rd Manon Carpenter

Just stumbled on this story - missed it when initially posted. Having lived near Cleveland for 3 years, and being a newbie to mountain biking I can attest to the friendly nature of the park for people of beginning levels. It also looked like people with way more skills than me were having a blast too. When I first entered the building it was initially intimidating with the sheer volume of obstacles that seem to be never ending in every direction you look. I had a mechanical problem as I was about to head out on course and so right off discovered the friendly support from the staff and the stash of tools they have for people to use if needed. Once fixed I headed out, still with a little trepidation, but that feeling was extremely short lived and replaced by major fun factor. It is unbelievable how many "miles" of tracks there are twisting through the different areas of the warehouse. The variety of obstacles is mind blowing - it seems every obstacle is different than the next one. So much imagination everywhere including the great technical sections. It is obvious Ray is "addicted" to creating challenging and fun riding. Time flies - you just want to keep going whether exhausted or not - and there are many sections that will suck you in as you try to ride it better, smoother, further than the time before. The feeling from the whole experience is 10 times better than what I though of Disneyland as a kid. Ray's MTB Park oozes with the passion of riders. I wish Ray, Trek, or any one else building something like this the best of luck. I have since moved away from Cleveland to a spot where nothing like this exists and find myself wishing for a Ray's MTB Park again.