2010 Here We Are!
January 07, 2010
Was it just me or did 2009 fly by? A lot has happened in the past 12 months, there were highs and lows, victories and losses . A few points stand out like gas prices hitting record heights—yet we still love our vehicles, air quality is still degrading—yet we still love our vehicles. We all know riding a bike is a good thing—yet it hasn’t become part of our day to day actions for most people. Don’t worry, this isn’t meant to be a sermon, just some rambling thoughts.
Out of interest I went back and looked at last January’s e-news. There was also a discussion on “fresh tracks” but I haven’t had the joy of riding in fresh snow yet this year. Wow, what a difference that has been—last year I had snow at my house from early Dec till mid March – more than 3 full months, and for a good chunk of that I couldn’t even ride if I wanted to! This year, one quick dusting that turned to rain within hours.
Way back in December (last month) I discussed “chasing your dreams” and that, I have been doing. Spending time on these long, dark, wet evenings pouring over maps and the internet I have been planning excursions out onto the road and off into the desert. I have a few fun ones lined up already and another few simmering away on the back burners.
Also, I’m not one to be full of New Year’s Resolutions, but I did look back at last year’s comment that I wanted to “ride more and enjoy getting out on 2 wheels regardless of when or where”. Cool. That I think I achieved! Looking back on where I rode in the past 12 months, I consider myself very, very lucky. Many mountain bike trips and road bike rides were intermixed with lots of other “cross training” (what I call running and moto’ing). My early morning rides were and are still “my time”… and I enjoyed those tremendously.
For me, looking back on 2009 is like the rear-view mirror on a dusty gravel road—it’s just a big swirl of dusty clouds. Those areas back there were fun and scenic while I was going by them, but now that they are behind me I’m way more interested in all the beautiful sights, interesting stuff and new adventures to be had up ahead. I’m keeping it wide open coming around this sweeper and onto the next straight stretch. 2010 here we come!
Steak Sauce
The 2010 Norco Team - Better Than Ever
January 07, 2010
The Norco Team has some new faces for 2010. We are proud to announce the addition of 2 new riders for 2010 along with an entire road team. Between the wide array of Norco riders, every discipline is covered from Road to Track, Slopestyle to DH, XC to Cyclocross and Street to Trials. There is a Norco Rider for each and every discipline of cycling.
The Newest addition for 2010 is the H&R Block Road Team. Since 2006 the team has been competing at the Elite National level and will look south in 2010 at expanding into the US. Check out more info on the team at http://www.norco.com/team or http://www.teamhrblock.ca/
The rest of the Norco Team consists of:
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Ryan Leech is starting his 15th year wearing a Norco jersey. For 2010 he will continue to amaze spectators with his amazing trials show as well as inspire youth with the Trials of Life education program |
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Jay hoots is starting his 10th year in the Norco family. Through freeriding and Park Building Jay will travel the world and turn it inside-out along the way. |
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Dylan Korba is Norco's 'if it has two wheels I will ride it' team member. Dylan can be spotted riding street, freeride, slopestyle, trials or anthing else that resembles a bike. Maybe next year he will launch his road career? |
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Mislav Mironovic a.k.a the Croatian Sensation lives on his bike. In Europe Mislav competes in slopestyle and dirtjump competitions, watch for hhim though in North America this summer around Crankworx time. |
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Darcy 'smiles' Turenne. Between competing, filming and riding Darcy will make the rounds in 2010. Watch for her at major events such as Crankworx and Sea Otter; if you spot her come over and say hello! |
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National XC champion Andrew Watson is back for 2010 and will be ripping up the National Circuit again this year. Watch the leader board for Andrew's name to pop up |
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Catherine Vipond is racing the National XC circuit for 2010. Coming off a great season in 2009 Catherine will be fighting her way to the front of the pack all across Canada. |
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Young Gunner, Nick Geddes is racing the DH/4X circuit and not looking back. Keep your eyes on the Junior Podium and you may just find Nick rising to the top. |
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Newcomer Sam Dueck is a new addition to the team for 2010. With a 2009 season including Goatstyle, Crankworx Colorado and Crankworx Whistler, watch for Sam to make a splash in the 2010 Slopestyle circuit. |
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Ben Kaufmann is new for 2010 and is the first BMX rider to join the Team. Ben will be competing in events on the East Coast of Canada and may even come out to say hi in the West. Ben adds a new flavour to the team and will bring new energy for 2010. Watch for more on Ben coming soon! |
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Fionn Griffiths is taking on the world once again with the Norco World Team, watch for her travelling the world cup circuit again for 2010. |
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Bernard Kerr is moving up in 2010. Coming off a recent title of British Junior Champion, Bernard will be stepping up to the plate on the Norco World team trying his hand in the pro category. |
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A Year of Blogging - Top 10 of 2009
January 07, 2010
The Norco Blog has now been online for one full year. That is right, 365 days have passed since that first post on January 5th 2009. The year has had some great events, incredible rides and even some technical training along the way. In my biased opinion, these were the top 10 events of the year through the eyes of the blog
Number 10 - Jan. 5, 2009 - The First Post
From the Vancouver deep freeze of January the Blog was launched under a blanket of snow...
Number 9 - July 8, 2009 - Blackrock Demo Day
Riding in Blackrock is like another world. Match that with the largest consumer demo day in the West and you have a great day of riding ahead of you.
Number 8 - June 22, 2009 - Ride To Conquer Cancer
The Ride to Conquer Cancer was an epic ride from Vancouver BC to Seattle WA. 1701 riders partook and raised $6.9 Million
Number 7 - Jan. 30, 2009 - California Road Trip, Bike and BRAIN
Day 6 of the California Road trip was riding with friends from Bike Magazine and Bicycle Retailer. Nothing like Southern California in the dead of winter.
Number 6 - March 19, 2009 - How to Adjust a Rear Derailleur
Adjusting a derailleur is not easy, here is a guide on how to do it yourself.
Number 5 - July 23, 2009 - 2010 Norco Product Launch
The 2010 Norco Product Launch was held in Vancouver British Columbia. A select few from around the world were chosen to have the first look at the new bikes.
Number 4 - Aug. 19, 2009 - Crankworx Whistler
Crankworx 2009 included highlights such as Fionn Griffiths winning the Air DH and the Open Enduro for the Elite Women.
Number 3 - April 12, 2009 - Cyclebetes Spinathon
14 Norco employees participated in a Cyclebetes Spinathon held in West Vancouver. The event raised $110,000 towards finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
Number 2 - Oct.7, 2009 - Riding in Moab Utah
After Interbike 2009, we were lucky enough to have a week of riding in Moab Utah. What a place to ride!
Number 1 - Aug. 5, 2009 - Riding in Whitehorse Yukon
I was given the opportunity to ride in Whitehorse this past year with Ride Guide TV. I didn't know what to expect going in and was blown away with the riding, the people and the scenery!
