Cycle 2007- Earls Court LDN

Just settling back into normality after 3 days at 'Cycle' in London - a massive orgy of bikes and clobber. I spent Friday mooching round with camera and press-pass then Saturday and Sunday touting on a stand to the masses.

Was a bloody good but bloody tiring weekend and i'm now thoroughly overdosed on bike parts. Not looking forward to trying to make sense of a mountain of photos and business cards for a proper write-up!

Sadly there wasn't too much new or exciting stuff but after a bit of a dig around a few gems popped out. I'll go in to 'em in more detail in WO5 and pop some photos up on Facebook but a few highlights were.... Hope's CNC'd and Carbon 24" kids bike, pink calipers and flowery disks. SE's 24 year old race bike (NEVER ridden!). The Intense M6 and SS. Charge's top notch stand, seeing Hans 'NO WAY' Ray... Loads of stuff actually.

Two companies that really stood out were Diamondback and Riding High UK, both of which seemed genuinely interested to chat about their bikes and really happy to be at the show. Diamondback team rider Lex was zipping about all weekend with his new signature street bike and product manager Mike was keeping a VERY close eye on the Sabbath gear-box bike.

Over at Riding High the guys were showing off loads of tarty Spank product, Bergamont (including another Gear-box ride) and some rare as white dog shit Canfields. Again, they were really keen and had a couple of their team riders on hand to talk about actually riding bikes rather than just selling them.

All good stuff anyway. I'll post again when my gig of images are online. If you fancy a look at something a bit more in-depth check out Jim's repo at http://www.ftmb.net/

Klunkerz

Word up from Billy Savage about his new film called "Klunkerz"; a history of mountain biking. Some footage going back in time to when some of you were wrapped in pampers and a true one-man project from the man himself. After release at Interbike in Las Vegas on September 27th, "KLUNKERZ" announced the sale of the film to VAS Entertainment for world-wide distribution.

At interbike some of the guys came out lend their support, sign a few autographs, and meet their fans. I can't thank these folks enough for all of their continued support on the movie. If you every run into these guys, remember to just say 'thanks'. James McLean, Joe Breeze, Tom Ritchey, Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, Billy, Donnie Koski, Mike Sinyard
InterBike 2007 Shimano booth 'Klunkerz' autograph signing.

Photo: Gary Newkirk
Check out www.klunkerz.com for more info and watch this space for a review soon...

FINAL NPS at Innerleithen, GET TO IT!

In addition to the reminder below from the boys at npsdh.com ...JUST YET ANOTHER REMINDER that THIS weekend (SAT 13th/SUN 14TH October) is the FINAL round of the 2007 NPS downhill season. Race prizes, season end frolics, free films, hungover magazine editors, the lot!

See you there (looking rough)!

Thanks again to Alan Whitelaw for the EXCLUSIVE flyer. Well, have you seen it anywhere else?!!!!

NPS GRAND FINALE!

Rider - Josh BrycelandPhotographer - Jon Beckett

This weekend is the final round of the successful Chain Reaction Cycles British Downhill Series at Innerleithen near Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of October 2007.

The Innerleithen course is great for both spectators and riders offering a unique mixture of high speed sections with large jumps and drops broken up by super steep, tight and technical wooded sections. Throw in plenty of roots, rocks, screaming spectators and some of the Worlds top riders and you are at the best National Series in the World!

Fancy a spot of XC riding? Innerleithen has a killer XC/Enduro loop for you to ride. Stop and rest at several view points and watch the racing unfold before your very eyes. Then head back to the race village and checkout the retail stores and talk suspension tech with the likes of TF Tuned and Mojo.

The Sombrio Film Festival on Saturday evening is free and open to all and will be showing the U.K Premier of "Make it Happen". Bring your own chair and a beer and sit down and enjoy!

Refreshments will be on hand with our caterer continuing their Themed Nights, this week it’s "Chinese" so bring your chop sticks.

Fenwick’s the bike cleaner people will be running a bike wash with free use of their jet washes and cleaner and we will have our fully trained Park Tool Mechanic looking after your ride, all free of charge!

Hang around for the Podium and shout and scream to receive some signed goodies from the top riders. Then see the top 5 in each category receive customised trophies from Hope Technology.

Schedule:

Saturday 09:00 - 17:00 Open Practise 18:15 Riders meeting 19:00 Sombrio Film Festival Sunday09:00 - 12:30 Practise1 3:00 - 16:00 Racing 16:30 Podium

What more do you need to know? Parking and spectating is FREE!

Many thanks again to our title sponsors: Chain Reaction Cycles and our co-sponsors: Loctite - Offering a track day for 4 riders in their Formula 3 BMW’s. Fenwick’s - Making your ride sparkle. TF Tuned - £200 to the rider winning their category by the biggest margin.Ancillotti UK - £100 to the fastest rider of the day. MFX Air Art - Offering 4 custom helmet spray jobs. Action Cameras - Awarding hands free waterproof cameras. Shimano - Providing course tape.Parktool - Tool ChestBalfa - Danger Boy products. Ticket2RideBC.com - Holiday for two in Whistler!

We look forward to seeing you all trackside. Steve Parr and Si Paton.SPS Events.

Pump Urban Wear News

Some news from our friends at Pump Urban Wear... They've got a sale, green fingers and some good things happening on the high street.

Click the image to view full size, then visit their site here

Fat Face Edinburgh Urban Downtown race

Headed into Edinburgh (very hungover) yesterday for the worlds first ever night time downhill race. Awesome is the word!

Fearingout Race Team rider Ste Larking was on fire in the HT category, a baw hair off of 1st in his seeding run. What would have been like with two brakes?! An awesome field of about 300 competitors meant 3 runs and a seeding run squeezed in during daylight, followed by the race run in the dark gave an action packed day.

I camped at the bottom of the hill catching the final section of steps, the tricky fast right berm and car jump at the finish straight. Seeing some of the guys manual and double the bottom section of steps made me glad i wasn't racing, nevermind the crashes!

More coverage soon on wideopen and I'm sure Ste will post soon too. I only got decent pics from daylight, but more soon from our contacts...!

From memory Pager won Masters, Rachel won womens, Gump won Junior and Gee pipped Stanbridge in the elite. Ste came a very good 4th in the HT, if only he'd had 2 brakes!

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NPS finale

Check it out Race Fans. This weekend you can catch the first ever night race in Edinburgh. I know I will be. Crate of beer in one hand and a torch in the other!

The race season is hitting finale time, with downtown races, post season celebrations...but hold your breath...the NPS aint over til the fat lady sings. Who is the fat lady? Answers on a postcard to...haha.

Seriously, check out this exclusive suave flyer from Alan Whitelaw at npsdh.com. Cheers to Alan for that (and well done on his first cover shot!). The rearranged round on the 14th October is back where it all began, Innerleithen. It's sure to be a season end highlight, I'll be there with a different crate of beer and maybe no torch.

See you all there. 2 weekends of top racing, get in!

New designs from Twoand8

I met Twoand8's front man Adi a few months ago when I moved to Bristol. Everytime I've bumped into him riding BMX on the mean streets of Brizzle I'ved asked how Twoand8 is doing and what he's got in the pipe line. Everytime he tells me things are pretty quiet but new designs are gonna blow any second...

Well....Great news, the wait is over and fresh Twoand8 product is here!

Check out the designs below and visit http://www.twoand8bmx.com/ to support a truly pedigree UK clothing company.

2008 ODI Grips - First Look

Hot off the email from Matt at Ison are sneek pics of the latest ODI grips for 2008. They were only unvelied at Interbike in Vegas so are fresh as you like!



New Additions are:
Ruffian Lock-On Kits in Ltd Ed Gold.Ruffian Lock-On Kits in Ltd Ed White.
Rogue Lock-On Kits in Brown.
X-Trainer Lock-On Kits in Brown.
Longneck ST's in Gold.
Longneck ST's in White.
Subliminal BMX grips in Purple.
"O" BMX Grips in Purple.
Brand New Tangent BMX Lock-On Kits in Black -
Super slim lock-on BMX racegrips.
New Alu End Plugs in Various Colours.

They should all be available before Christmas. Click the image to check 'em out in a shady montage style!

ODI Grips online

Fat Face Night Ride - Edinburgh Saturday 6th October

From Chris at Nakedracing:

We're now into the final few days before the race, new stories in the local news papers have started and there is a real buzz going around the city about the race.

The Expo and team area is now full with some great companies and the Uk's best test teams, with the Athertons, MBUK and many many more.

The Bike Chain is now the Co-Sponsors to the event and will be providing free repairs with there team of mechanics for all riders in finish arena. There shop in Rodney Street will open as normal over the weekend to buy all the latest goodies.

A map will be on line on Wednesday night showing all the parking places for riders very close the finish line.

£4000 worth of products!

All the categories have been sponsored and we have amazing £4000 worth of goodies to give away to the top 3 in each category and there will goodies from the guys & girls at Fat Face.

The list of categories sponsors

MTB Direct Hardtail
Sealskinz tyres Juvenile
Madison Youth
Knightrider Junior
Kona Senior
Chainreaction Master
661 Veteran
FUNN Expert

The Pro prize purse is £3000 in cash to share between the boys and girls all these will be presented in the finish arena straight after the race.

Race HQ - Friday & Saturday

The Beehive Pub in the Grass Market is race HQ for the weekend, from Friday afternoon you can sign on and collect your race number and see the track, you will be able to walk the track on Friday night if you wish.

You will also get your drink and food wrist band which you can use anytime during the day in the Beehive all thanks to Fat Face, tell them and all our sponsors how good they are for helping to provide such an amazing support for this race.

More updates later in the week.

See you all in Edinburgh next weekend.

2008 NPS Dates

Rich Cunynghame - Photo by Huw davies.

Hot off the press, 2008 NPS Dates for your diary

*Please note the middle three rounds will all have UCI Points!

Rd 1 April 20th
Rd 2 May 25th*
Rd 3 July 6th*
Rd 4 August 10th*
Rd 5 September 21st

Venues are still to be confirmed, for any further information on the NPS, please checkout www.NPSDH.com

Garlands injured as well now....

How bad has this season been for injuries?? Matti, Minaar, Peaty, Gracia, Sam Dale... God knows who else.

Just spotted on Southern-Downhill that Dave Garland of Stendec has managed to bust himself up racing the 4x National at Hamsterley.... He'll be off for a while nursing a shattered Femur and is under going under the knife any second now. Click the link above and give him your best wishes.

Second get well soon of the day... Heal fast mate, the suspension of the UK needs you!

Matti Lehikoinen Injury - Update

Image from http://www.ms-racing.at/

The latest on Matti from 23Degrees:

"The doctors have confirmed that Matti will not need an operation to stabilise the fractured vertebrae. This is great news for Matti who has been dreading the idea of a major operation.

Due to the position of the breaks (no.4 has one fracture and no.5 has two fractures), it would have meant operating from the front, going in through the chest cavity, which is obviously a much more delicate and complicated operation. The doctors have confirmed there are no floating bones pieces, which is also good news. However, they have said that should the vertebrae shift in position, they will need to review the matter.

"Obviously I have to keep my back straight and not bend forward or do anything to risk the movement of the vertebrae. Yesterday I was vomiting from the painkillers and it was the most painful puke ever! I had to keep my back straight and it was pretty bad, but last night was my first full night of sleep, so things are getting better," said Matti this morning.

It is anticipated that Matti will be transfered from hospital in the coming days to a recovery and rehabilitation centre. Matti has been overwhelmed by the number of messages and well wishes. This morning Matti received a call from former Downhill World Champion, Vanessa Quin, who called form New Zealand. This meant a lot to Matti as Vanessa has had more than her fair share of neck/spinal injuries and was able to give Matti some very reassuring words.

Matti is keeping a diary, and when he's able to, will keep everyone up to date through a blog on his new team's web site, at http://www.ms-racing.at/"

Get well soon from Wideopenmag!

Pearce Cycles Series Results!

Image by Jim at ftmb.net. Check it out for loads of images and repos from the whole series.

The epic battle for Pearce Cycles Summer DH Series champion came to a close yesterday at Bringewood.

Scott Beaumont took fastest time of the day for the chaps and Aimee Dix for the girls. Just waiting on the word from Pearce for the series champion... stay tuned!

Results are here.

Pearce Summer Series Round 4 - Bringewood

This weekend is round 4 of the brilliant Pearce Cycles Summer DH Series, to be held at Bringewood.

Straight from the Pearce site:

"Hopton has been ruled out, as the quota of 3 'major events' allowed to be held there each year has been reached, an agreement made between Forestry Commission and Hopton Castle Parish Council some years ago.Bucknell has been ruled out as Forest Enterprise could not make a decision within the time available to build a new course.

Therefore, we have decided to make the best of what is available - taking into consideration the recent bad weather. The original 'National' course will be used starting from the trig point, it's a track that hasn't been raced for a number of years and should provide more variety at the venue. If riders, who have entered, do not wish to race at Bringewood, a full refund will be given. But let us know ASAP as there is a long reserve list!

Entries are fully sold out but get down and do some cheering!

Avast! It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Yaargg!

Ahoy me harties! It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Be sure to all talk like scurvey sea dogs all day and offer to send anyone to DAVIE JONES if they dont do the same! Yaaarg!

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

Issue 4 update...

Producer James has just sent round the first proof of Wideopen Issue 4...and it's looking damn fine indeed! It's another big one with loads of travel writing, race repo's, interviews and some amazing Emulsion images.

Were a little way off launching yet due to the worlds but we'll keep everyone update on Facebook and through the mailing list. Plan is early October at the moment...

Keep your eyes on your inbox...

2008 Shui first looks...

Check out a quick first look at some of the new 2008 Shui tees coming out just in time for Xmas (yes, it is THAT time already!), pre orders now being taken from uk and euro distrubutors www.riderruncompany.co.uk, check out the designs below...



Happy shopping :)

Just back from the Worlds...

Short(ish) and sweet as you can read the antics in ISSUE 4 (out soon-ish).

Arrived on Saturday having left home at 6AM (yes, thats commitment) and saw the final DH practice runs. Met up with Milki who was buzzing from a week's snapping. Then headed to the pits and had a chat with Kathy Sessler, Col Williams @ mtb-direct.co.uk (cheers for the grips dude), Gee, shook Peaty's hand and wished him luck (he was 10 deep in autograph seeking kids!) etc etc.
Sunday was epic, up early again, then saw final runs of practice and then BANG, it all went off. AWESOME atmosphere, Fort Bill does it again. The British and Irish riders were getting great shouts, I lost my horn (but hey), and lots of cheering with the bottom arena SOOOOOO loud.
Here, an Irish rider gets my "shot of the day" award (from me to me!) as he heads into the arena...

Upmost big up to Gump, Rachel, Katy and Gee for getting us some medals, and unlucky to those who lost saddles etc. Sunday night was party in a tent in Fort Bill....think I remember saying "hi" to rachel Atherton whilst pissed, Hic!...as below shows....

I was also up for some riding with some of the fearingout lads, so we did Wolftrax on Monday in gourmet sunshiiiiiiiiine, but Phil fractured his arm (rode on with it, rrrrrrrrespect) then Tues we went to Balnain bike park and realised we weren't Northshore pros (lol). Then....the big one, yesterday with the boys on the road back to England, I headed to the World Champs Dh track. I got my gondola pass and up I went. I was bricking it! Did 4 runs, the first very slowly at 12 mins, then got my shit on and got down to just over 9 minutes, with 1 stop, cos my arms and hands ached so much! Awesome track, love it. The Stinky at the bottom after 4 runs...

Top "long weekend" all round.

Watch this space....

Timo Pritzel 'Atmosfair' clothing incoming from Ison...

Ison just got in touch say that they we will be distributing dirt jump supremo Timo Pritzel's new clothing company Atmosfair.

The range is designed in conjunction with world reknowned graff artist Skism (Lodownmagazine) who also helped Timo with his Signature TSG helmets for 2007 and 2008 and featured in Dirt a couple of months back.

The range should be available in October through your local bike shop. They've got caps, sweats and tees so there should be something for everyone.