Archive for June, 2009

This past weekend was the Vancouver to Seattle edition of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. This two day journey started out at Gilford Mall in Surrey BC and traveled south ending at the University of Washington in Seattle WA. The Norco Pit crew followed the entire course setting up tech support stations to cure whatever technical catastrophe that may sneak up on a rider. From flat tires to broken spokes, missing bolts to seatpost shims, there was no bike that didn’t roll once we were done with it.

Approximately 140km into the ride camp was set up in Mt Vernon for Saturday night. it was here that 1701 riders and several hundred volunteers spent the evening camped out in some cozy confines.

Getting up first thing Sunday morning for a 6:30AM start the Norco crew headed further south to four more support stations on route. The day’s ride would go through at least three seasons worth of weather. Starting off in a light rain, it would soon clear up just enough to enjoy lunch. Shortly there after though, we would be pummeled with a hail storm and see some more of the wet stuff. But, don’t worry, soon thereafter, the clouds would part and bask the finish line with some most appreciated rays of sunshine.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer raised an incredible 6.9 million for cancer research and will help to take one step closer to finding a cure.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, thank you to everyone who contributed and welcome to anyone who has been inspired to come out next year. Get full information on the event at: conquercancer.ca

View more photos at: flickr.com/norcobikes

The Ride To Conquer Cancer started today. If you are unframiliar with the event this is an epic two day ride from Vancouver BC to Seattle WA. Traveling a cource of nearly 300km riders are putting their best pedal forward and raising money for an excellent cause.

This morning around 5:00 AM Gilford Mall was strangely busy for a Saturday. . . .  Over 1600 riders and hundreds of volunteers gathered for to hear the gun and head south. As the riders started off the first leg to the Peace Arch border crossing the Norco Tech Team was setting up just on the other side of the 49th. Manning four stations along the course, no flat was left unchanged, no wheel was left un-trued and no chains were left un-lubed.

It really is an amazing sight to see that many riders, bikes and supporters all gathered to help find a cure for Cancer. As of right now we are in Mt. Vernon and I must say it is an impressive sight, on one side we have a sea of bikes, all arranged for the night in a neat and orderly fashion. On the other side is a city of tents. Rows upon rows of tents that will house the tired legs and bodies of some 1600 ambitious souls.

See the photos HERE!

Dustan

This Past weekend the Norco Crew made the epic journey From Vancouver BC to Edmonton AB for Canada Cup XC #4 in Kinsman Park. The course was fast with quick ups and downs and some very technical sections. Two Norco Factory Team Riders came out from Ontario along with one Grassroots Rider, all in the elite categories.

Catherine Vipond made the trip to Edmonton for the race and battled through some stiff competition finishing 4th in the Elite Women. In the Men’s category Andrew Watson flew in with grassroots rider Zachary Hughes. Zachary finished a respectable 22nd in the large field of 39. Andrew Watson rode most of the race in an impressive 6th place a little more than 1 min off the lead. From the sidelines we were hoping for a podium finish as he gave it all on the last lap. We were astounded as he ramped it up and passed rider after rider. Over the course of the final 1 ½ laps Andrew made up the minute lead and climbed the ladder into first place. Andrew ended up winning the Race with a lead of 1:04. WAY TO GO ANDREW!

This past weekend was a great success for the Norco Factory Team. What is really impressive though are the overall standings in the Canada Cup Series. Catherine is currently sitting in 2nd place for the Elite Women while Andrew is wearing the leaders’ jersey for the men. In DH world, Norco Factory Team Rider Hans Lambert is leading the Elite Men heading into Bromont on July 5th.

Have a look at some photos from this past weekend:

Dustan

There comes a time in every cyclist’s journey when they get tired, lazy or indifferent and break a chain. Shifting under torque, whether intentional or not is a recipe for a bent or broken chain. This may seem like the end of a ride but chain repair can be completed quicker and easier than even a flat tire – if you have the right tools.

The only tool that you need to fix a broken chain is a chain break. Seems sort of ironic that you fix it with a break. . . . but we will have to roll with it. There are many different types of chain breaks and the image above depicts a shop quality too. You will find that many multi-tools are more convenient while on the trails.

The second piece of equipment that will make the repair much easier is a masterlink. These are available at your local bike shop for a very low price. Using a masterlink to repair a broken chain will result in a stronger link and much saved frustration.

Now onto the repair:

The first step is to remove the broken link. In the above picture you can see that one link is severely bent. This will need to be removed before the chain will be usable once again.

You will need to use your chain break to push out a pin on either side of the broken link. Try not to push the pin out all the way as this way it will be easier to keep track of the pieces. Push out the pins so that you will end up with two inner links.

The next step is to connect the masterlink. Insert the pin from each side of the masterlink into the chain from opposite sides.

Push the two sides of the mastelink together to make a single link.

Pull the chain along its length to lock the masterlink into place.

Voila! You have just repaired a chain.

Dustan

June 4, 2009 was the day to be at Different Bikes in North Vancouver British Columbia. Members of the NSRIDE were offered a chance to hit the Mount Seymour Trails on a shiny, new 2009 Norco Bike. From the Faze to the A-Line there was a bike for everyone ready to be ridden.

Check out the photos at flickr.com