Archive for April, 2009

This past Saturday marked the 5th annual Suburban Rush Adventure Race. Located in Port Moody British Columbia, this is a race involving trail running, mountain biking and ‘mystery challenges’.

Starting off with a running mass start, 250 participants sprinted towards a wall of a climb. The initial run was a total of about 8km gaining an elevation of several hundred meters. This gut buster gave a great idea of the leg workout that was to come. The run was painful and my placing made this extremely evident. If I was to move up in the ranks,  riding would have to play a major role. After a slow transition between running and riding I was starting off pedaling in about 15th place. The climb was continuing though so I knew that reeling in the competition must start now. Grunting up a loose fire road had its pluses and minuses. On the one hand it was painful and  the lactic acid in my legs was setting up camp early. On the other hand though, the long steady climb was a relief from the steep run, and the open road meant that the competition was in sight.

The next few kilometers involved a lot of pain and the passing of several worthy adversaries. Once to the top of the climb I knew that it was time to really start making up some time. The descent is where I knew I had an advantage. Flying down the descent the reeling in of the competition continued. But then, STOP! This is when I remembered the concept of a ‘Mystery Challenge’ scribbled on the event details. Quickly dropping the bike, and changing back into running shoes I was given a map and 7 checkpoints to hit before continuing. There was no marked course, no order to the mayhem, just me and the map. A quick study and a carefully plotted route meant that I would have to run another 4-5km.

After finding all 7 checkpoints I was shown an opportunity to figure out where I was in the field. 4th place, time to hurry! Changing back into my cycling shoes and hoping on the bike, I was determined to attempt another placing or two. Having no one in sight did not help this matter but it was the home stretch and I had nothing to lose. With about 4km left, I caught the 3rd place contender and pushed on to the finish.  Although I did not manage to catch the top two racers, third place is nothing to shake a stick at. A great run, a great ride and a fabulous way to spend a Saturday!

Thanks to all the organizers of Suburban Rush, see you next year!

Dustan

The Sea Otter Classic is a great Kickoff to the 2009 Race and Event Season. Featuring a full line of racing events as well as a consumer show, Sea Otter is a great event to catch some lightning fast racing as well as have a sneak-peek at some new products which are soon to be released. This year was no exception!

The Norco Crew included Factory Team Members Ryan Leech, Darcy Turenne, Ben Boyko, Nick Geddies and Catherine Vipond as well as 6 Norco Employees manning the booth, building bikes and supporting the team.

Ryan Leech came down to Sea Otter with his full trials setup. Over the four days he did an impressive 10 shows in the blistering heat and signed countless autographs.

Of the Factory Team members present, both Catherine and Nick were competing in multiple events. Catherine raced the Short Track and the XC while Nick completed the trifecta of  Dual Slalom, Downhill and XC. Catherine was able to pull off thirteenth in the XC Pro Women and Nick placed an incredible 2nd in the DS and 7th in the DH. Way To Go Team!

Back at the booth, Darcy, and Ben were busy for the entire weekend signing posters and talking about their signature models the Vixa and Empire.

The Big draw to the Norco booth besides the autographs were brand new for 2010 carbon XC and Road frames. These frames are gorgeous! The both frames are fully monocoque, feature integrated seat masts and BB30. The road frame is also using a tapered 1 1/8″th to 1 1/2″ headtube. Check out some of the media that have already been posted online!

http://www.bikeradar.com

http://www.roadbikeaction.com

http://www.bicycling.com

http://www.bikemagic.com

http://www.singletrackworld.com

http://www.cyclingnews.com

http://www.cyclingnews.com

http://www.pinkbike.com

See you out there,

Dustan

Today was day two of Sea Otter, but the first major day for the booth. Consumers, media and industry folk all gathered today to see the latest and greatest from the cycling industry and support the racers. The 4X competition also took place where Norco Factory Team Rider Nick Geddies placed an impressive 2nd.

This morning, I was lucky enough to participate in the Bicycling Industry Ride. This is where the sales and marketing teams from all companies get to get out and escape the expo for a 50mile ride through some of the nicest areas in California.

More to come,

Dustan

Most events in the world of cycling start with a long drive. Lately, through calling Vancouver BC home and growing in the US market this has also included the I5. The 20hr drive south to Monterrey CA started sunday afternoon and ended early this afternoon. We were able to leave early enough for this trip that a short ride along the sea wall in Santa Cruz was in order. A great way to start off what is sure to be an even better event.

More on The Sea Otter Classic to come.

Dustan

A quick flat tire in NorCal

Surfing in Santa Cruz

Ryan Leech Relaxing in Santa Cruz

Ryan and Jon enjoying the view

In its second year of existence Accu-Check Cyclebetes has launched an expanded and enhanced program raising money to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.Last weekend was the biggest fundraiser to date, a Spin-A-Thon at Rockridge Secondary in West Vancouver British Columbia. This was one of many such events spanning across the country getting people involved of all ages and walks of life. At this home event we were lucky enough to be able to participate alongside the Cyclebetes organizers and soloist/founder Willie Cromack.

With Norco being the official bike sponsor of Accu-Check Cyclebetes, we wanted to be involved not only in a sponsor role but also in a fundraising and awareness building aspect.To achieve this goal, 14 Norco employees/cycling enthusiasts came out to support a great cause. The Norco crew were split up onto a team of 10 riders and a second team of 4. Each team had someone riding for the full 24hr duration. Not only that, the bikes being ridden were equiped with cycle computers. The two teams together rode in excess of 1100km. In fact, the team of four themselves rode a total of more than 670km. That is an average speed of close to 30km per hour.

The school gymnasium housing the event was saturated with cyclists, positive energy and strong wills for the entire duration, but the greatest amount of work was completed outside the bannered Rockridge walls. It was the people that were not riding their bikes that contributed their hard earned money and managed to pool together more than $110,000. Not only did this total shatter the total raised in 2008 but also set an example of what can be done with a little hard work and perseverance. In an economic recessionhaving consumer confidence at record lows, 70 teams of riders were able to raise a substantial amount of money for a great cause.

Thank you to everyone that participated in a Spin-A-Thon or provided a donation to this great cause. With your help we can make Juvenile Diabetes history.

Dustan

Logan and Leisa Riding an early shift.

Willie rode for the full 24hrs raising $2400.

Late night the riders looked strong. (5 second exposure)

Late in the night we were all tired, but Logan was strong!

Four of the Fourteen Norco Riders