Norco News

Cali Video Update – Chiquito Trail, Cleveland National Forest

March 4, 2009

On my recent California trip with Ryan Leech and Darcy Turenne, we met up with the Crew at Bike Mag and rode an incredible trail. Riddled with long descents, rocky chutes and a few climbs the trail was one to remember.

We were lucky enought to ride with Alan and Ryan from Bike Mag. Plus, Ryan brought along his helmet cam. A video has been posted on btrails.com of Ryan and I on the Chiquito Trail in the Cleveland National Forest. Watch the video and you too will want to ride this trail!

http://btrails.com/trails/southern-california-chiquito-trail-cleveland-national-forest

Dustan

California Road Trip – Day 6 – Bike and BRAIN

January 30, 2009

Today was day six of the Norco Road Trip to California. One day, two fabulous rides. We started off by meeting up at the Bike Magazine office in San Juan Capistrano. We were given a quick tour then whisked off to ride at the top of Bluejay Canyon. After arriving at the top, we parked the van and started yet another epic shuttle. Alan and Ryan from Bike Mag along with local rider Travis all joined us for the ride down the mountain. The trail involved some steep decents, countless rock gardens and a whole lot of fun. Taking approximately two hours to get down with a few climbs speckled throughout, the trail has become another favorite. If you are ever in the area, head on over for a ride, but; Make sure you stop in at the Candy shop along the way. After the ride we headed down for some burritos with the crew before moving on for the next venture.

Our second ride of the day was with Nicole and Jason from Bicycle Retailer. For those who do not know, Bicycle Retailer is an industry magazine that is distributed in both the US and Canada to manufacturers and retailers. The mag discusses industry trends, government legislation, new products etc. etc. Basically anything that affects the back end of the Cycling industry. Anyway, Jason and Nicole took us out for a ride in the Laguna area to what is called ‘The Top of the World’. This was a steady climb to an extraordinary view of the California coast followed by a fast, burmed descent to dinner below.

Two more great rides, One amazing day.

Dustan

Bike Mag Ryan Testing a Fluid LT

The other Ryan. He ripped his shirt shortly after this!

Ryan riding the rock line

Nicole from BRAIN

It must be hot if there are Cacti.

Nicole, Jason, Ryan

Nicole overlooking Laguna

Laguna Vista

California Road Trip – Day 5 – A breather. . . . almost.

January 29, 2009

Today was a bit of a breather, after two rides yesterday and minimal sleep over the past week, rest was a welcome opportunity. This morning, we headed back to Mountain Bike Action for a photo shoot of Ryan with photographer John. Watch the upcoming issues as you may see Ryan’s smile popping up.

Mountain Bike Action is a subsidiary of Hi-Torque publications which publishes a total of 8 different magazines including Motocross Action, Dirt Bike, Road Bike Action and BMX Plus. Over the next year watch for possible Norco bike reviews in Mountain Bike action, Road Bike Action and BMX Plus.

After spending the morning in an office environment, a quick pedal was in order. A quick half hour or so on the pump track was an excellent stretch of the legs before the drive south to San Juan Capistrano. First though, we made a pit stop to say hi to the crew at Marzocchi USA. With Darcy and Ryan both running Marzocchi on their bikes this was great time to stop in and give them a big thanks. After this slight detour we headed further down the I5, We headed south of LA just outside of Laguna to San Juan Capistrano. This is the home of Bike Magazine and Bicycle Retailer. With two rides tomorrow we are looking at another epic day. I cant wait!

Until tomorrow,

Dustan

Ryan and Darcy at the pumptrack

Ryan riding the track

The Fluid LT seems to be getting a bit of a trials workout

Showing up at Marzocchi

Marzocchi knows how to do it right, espresso for everyone!

California Road Trip – Day 4 – Mountain Bike and Mountain Bike Action

January 28, 2009

There are many cycling stories that closely resemble the hyperbolation* process of fish stories. What started as a two foot drop can easily become five or six in a very short period of time. There are other stories though that can not be expressed by words. No matter how hard you try, the dramatic affect of the experience is lost in translation. The 20lb salmon appears as a minnow to anyone outside. Today was one of those days where my description will not do justice.

Spending the night in Valencia CA meant that for the first time we did not have a long drive before a day of riding. At 8:00am we met up with Ron Koch and Waylen of Bicycling and Mountain Bike Magazines. From here we drove out to the next valley over and rode an awesome technical, rocky singletrack trail called Butterfly. There were some rocky climbs, some fast descents and some spectacular views. This trail is definitely worth riding.

This first ride with the Mountain Bike crew was enough to please even the pickiest of riders. We are spoiled though. Upon completing our ride and heading out for some burritos, I gave Richard Cunningham a quick call at Mountain Bike Action. Richard had lined up what he described as an ‘epic shuttle ride’. Driving a little more than an hour out of town and up a winding road to an elevation of more than 4000ft we dropped into one of the best trails I have ever ridden. with about 3000ft of descending, taking over an hour to complete, it is an understatement saying that we were all smiling from ear to ear the whole way down. Riding here was rocky, fast, hardpacked and loaded with switchbacks. If this is what California has to offer. We will be back. . . We will be back soon.

Before we start planning our next trip though, two more days await, who knows what they will have to offer?

until tomorrow,

Dustan

Ryan has been preparing his video-blogs - watch for new posts soon.

Ryan is always ready for a good climb.

The three of us - It is hard not to smile.

Ryan trying some 'Long Travel' Trials

Ryan Dropping off on his LT

Darcy Riding down Butterfly

What a view!

Winding down the switchbacks.

Running out of light just made the view better.

* I realize that hyperbolation is not a word, but it should be!

California Road Trip – Day 3 – Decline

January 27, 2009

Today started off in a similar fashion to previous days. An early start and a long drive. Starting off in Santa cruz and heading to Valencia is about a 5 hr drive. Along the way there are some great views, a beautiful lake and if you are lucky, maybe some snow. (we were that lucky)

I should also mention, the Buttery Cafe in Santa Cruz. . . . Spectacular, the start of any day should be as good as this!

After a fairly long drive we arrived in Valencia and stopped in at H3 Publications, home of Decline and Road Magazine. After saying hi to the crew here and having a quick tour we were given a taste of the local trails by gear editor Mark Jordan. We were hoping that editor, Scott Hart could come along too, but last week he had an unfortunate encounter with his wrist and a brake rotor. (there was also a heli-evac involved) – watch for future video blogs at ryanleech.com

On the trail Ryan, Darcy and I chased Mark up the climbs and held on for dear life on the descents. The riding was fast, groomed and a nice break from the wet muck of the British Columbia winter. Next time you are heading south through Valencia towards LA. make sure you look to the east and think about heading to the hills of for a pump of the lungs, and a healthy dose of adrenalin.

Dustan

Salt Lake, Heading South on the I5

The Decline Warehouse - Full of the latest and greatest.

Mark Jordan - Decline's Gear Editor

Ryan Flying Down

Darcy - The sun is setting

California Road Trip – Day 2 – MTBR

January 26, 2009

Today was the start of something great! As we woke up the sun had not yet emerged over the horizon. The sky was growing a brighter blue with every passing moment and the anticipation was building for a great day of riding. First thing first, we headed out onto the I5 to drive from Redding to Santa Cruz. Once we arrived, Adam from MTBR.com and his friend Nelson were ready to show us the ropes.

Santa Cruz is made up of some smooth, fast trails. Weather you are an all-mountain warrior or a world cup racer, their is something for everyone to enjoy. With some fast singletrack, railed burms and a few kickers along the way. it is easy to see why some of the best riders in the world congregate around the Santa Cruz area.

Have a look at some pictures and you too, will see yourself ready for a trip to the area.

Dustan

Darcy, Enjoying the trails

Those are some OLD Trees

A Santa Cruz Local, Flying High!

Ryan Interviewing Adam, The tables are turned.

Ryan. . . I am pretty sure he can ride anything on his Fluid.

No ride is complete without a celebration Burrito.

California Road Trip – Day One

January 25, 2009

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

The Van is packed, Ready to Roll

January 24, 2009

The Van is packed and we are ready to start our road trip. The bikes are loaded, the ipod is full and the sirius radio is tuned. First thing tomorrow morning, Darcy, Ryan and I will head out on our media adventure.

Check back tomorrow for a progress report and hopefully some great pictures.

California, here we come!

Dustan