This year, the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer went from a successful event to a outstandingly successful event. 2009′s impressive total of over 6 million dollars was increased by more than 50% to nearly 10 million. What an impressive amount for a two day event. The really impressive part is that given a participation rate of about 2400, that is more than $4000 per person!!!!
With all this fundraising, spirit and enthusiasm it is easy to forget about the 250km ride from Vancouver to Seattle. Over the span of two days, some 2400 riders rode a combined total of 600,000 km. That is an equivalent distance of riding to the moon, then turning around and riding nearly the whole way back. That seems pretty impressive to me!
Norco’s participation in the event was from a technical assistance position. Teaming up with Obsession Bikes and La Bicicletta there were a combined 14 mechanics that changed an estimated 250 flat tires, put air in more than 1000 tires, adjusted 500 sets of gears and offered thousands of encouraging words .
Check out some photos from the event on Flickr and watch this time lapse video of the event!
The bicycle chain is a staple and a standard for the bicycle. It has been nearly commoditised with its genericy and now, could it become obsolete? Don’t get me wrong there is something to be said about a quality chain but really, it is pretty boring. Isn’t there another choice?
The chain has evolved over the past few decades, it has become, stronger, lighter, narrower and longer lasting but really there has not been a major technological breakthrough since the early 80s. Comparing something like suspension technology to that of the chain is like comparing a Large Hadron Collider with cavemen using tools… both had their 15 minutes of fame but one is slightly more impressive than the other.
I have recently been given the opportunity to try out a 2010 Norco Judan which is using the Gates Carbon Drive system. The idea of a 29er singlespeed bike using a belt is to say the least – a little bit of a foreign concept. I thru in the towel on hardtails the better part of a decade ago and thought I would never go back. Well, I am, and I am kind of excited about it. The idea of a singlespeed 29er entices me. It will be fast, it will be quiet, and it should be pretty much maintenance free – after all there isn’t really anything to go wrong.
I am a couple of rides into my testing so far and I must say, I am starting to like it. At first I was a little bit detered by the gear ratio. Some of those hills were a little intense for my liking and I was tempted to walk up a couple of steep bits. But, I pushed through and had a blast on the descents. The big wheels can seemingly roll over anything, the frame has the comfort of steel and the belt has been flawless. Only time will tell though if this is the new flavour for 2010. The belt is the first viable option to a traditional chain. There are a few limitations but only time will tell how far it will go.
More Updates Soon… What do you think of the belt? Good Idea? Bad Idea?
The 2010 Norco product launch took place this year in our own backyard, Vancouver BC. This stellar location boasted some of the best riding in the world but also showcased Vancouver, the 2010 Olympic City!
The Launch started off at the Sheraton Wall Center where retailers, distributors and media from around the world assembled to see the new lineup for 2010. The evening kicked off with a Ryan Leech Demo. Ryan never dissapoints and with a little bit of improv-trials he even used some of the local art in the show. That was not planned . . . .
Day two of the launch involved bike presentations and a ride on Vancouver’s North Shore. Riding some of the classic trails was a real eye opener as there are not many places around the world where the riding is this good.
The third day of the launch was busy on bikes. Starting off with an Urban ride around Downtown Vancouver lead by Ryan Leech and Dylan Korba kicked it off. The bikes on the ride ranged from hybrid commuters to fixies, electric bikes to trials bikes. There was a taste of everything along the ride. Riding through the false creek area, Ryan and Dylan were on entertainment duty while the rest of us enjoyed the scenery and experienced the Cycling lanes on the Burrard St. Bridge. Way to go Vancouver on opening this up to cyclists!.
After the Urban ride and a quick lunch we headed off to Burnaby Mountain, home of Simon Fraser University for a taste of All Mountain terrain. Burnaby is a great area to ride offering a little bit of everything. It was a beautiful day, great trails, and a BBQ waiting at the end. The perfect end to a great launch.
