PROJEKT ROAM: Virgin, UT
It seems nearly impossible to attempt to capture the essence of the riding terrain found in Virgin, UT with mere words. Little forgiveness is to be found in this harsh landscape; there is a reason this site calls to extreme mountain bikers from all around the world.
We met up with Will White, Kyle Madden, Nick Simcik, and their fearless overseer, Gypsie, for a week long trip to explore this rugged landscape and for the guys to train for their upcoming competitions.
The weather seemed to be as unforgiving as the landscape itself, with endless wind and frequent storms. A fair amount of time was spent huddled in our shelters, passing time swapping stories between the more violent bouts of Mother Nature's springtime wrath.
The downhill trails this particular domain provides are full of chunk and rock, strewn with off camber and technical sections, overlooking the vast desert landscape below.
There is also no shortage of exposure or steep vertical drop-offs. Talk about a pucker factor in some places! I was even nervous filming the crew as they navigated their way down the rugged trails.
The main attraction, the freeride area, was nothing short of a virtual, outdoor playground. It seems as if big hits and crazy lines are nestled in every nook and cranny of this robust riding region. Standing at the bottom, gazing upwards, it can be difficult to delineate where many of the freeride lines even begin. Just outside your camp door, endless riding opportunities await, beckoning to be explored and test any rider's mettle. Right down to the flickering flames of a sparking campfire, Virgin is an experience to be had.
Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Virgin, UT and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com
Words: Colt & Jessee Maule Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (Filmed March 2012)
For more work by Projekt Roam:
projektroam.pinkbike.com
www.projektroam.com
www.gravityrideguide.com
www.facebook.com/projektroam
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Member since Oct 29, 2010
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You can ask Cam at TBC ---- he used to work for Kona many moons ago.
ever seen the video they put out? Dr. Dew goes through it with you with a prototype sitting on a bench -- they rig the device, with sorta an on/off switch somehow... it's been a while, they actually came up with a catchy "kona" branded name for it. (l think it was D.O.P.E?) we used to be a Kona dealer about 4 years ago so, pardon me... l forgot the name they gave it. they pedal the bike really hard and then slam on the brakes, without the device, the rear wheel slams up and fwd into the frame (built without a shock), they do the same thing with the device "on" and the same tail end doesn't budge.
all fine and dandy but, to me.... that's a big flaw in the design. maybe it's a little over the top considering the bike doesn't have the weight of a rider on it nor does it have the rear shock in place. we have sold a bunch of TBC's --- l never heard anyone complain about how they handle in reference to "forward rear wheel travel path".
P.S. lm not knocking Kona -- great brand, for sure very popular. they did well for us until the economy took a dive and shipping rate went sky high. them being on the west coast only for distribution -- it just wasn't a cost effective brand here at little ol' Pshop.
Lastly, there's no way to prove who is top shredder here so I will swing by Orem and pick ya up and st George boy can meet us in Virgin and show us the ropes. Lunch on me. Deal?
and about to buy a Tr450(if you have any used 450 or 250, hit me up please) hahah
~ride on