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This weekend is the start of the 2010 event season for Norco at The Seattle Bike Expo. This  is an annual event hosted by the Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle, Washington. The show should draw in excess of 200 exhibitors and thousands of consumers over the course of two days.

If you are in the Seattle area over March 13th – 14th, head on down to the Seattle Cruise Ship terminal and say hello. Norco will be there showing off 2010 bikes, giving away a Norco Hades Bike and Factory Team rider Ryan Leech will be conducting Trials Demonstrations throughout the day.

We’ll hope to see you there!

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

Today was an early morning. Long before the crack of dawn, I felt my way down the front steps while nursing a coffee for the warmth and caffeine. Both were necessary as it was 5:30AM and my world was covered in a blanket of frost.
Heading towards the border I made two quick stops to pick up both Darcy and Ryan then we were off to the border. Needless to say, traffic is not an issue at this unfortunate hour. . . .

A quick 12 hours or so on the I5 later, and we have progressed. Through Bellingham, Seattle, Portland, and Grant’s Pass. Next stop Redding CA. Redding will be home for an evening before heading on. Santa Cruz tomorrow. . . Our First Day of Riding!

Check back tomorrow for riding photos and more. (not that driving isn’t exciting)

Dustan