Commencal Supreme DH WC Ltd Edition‏

Look at this bad ass. To celebrate Gee and Rach's double World Champ massacre the chaps at Commencal have put together a one-off Supreme LTD edition. It's as close a replica to their race winning bikes as they can get. That's a no compromise, no expense spared, no mercy World Cup destroyer.

Save your pennies now cos they'll be available in March 09 in super limited numbers. If you aint going fast on this thing you aint going fast on anything!

£ TBC
Sizes: S/M (42/16.5) L/XL (44/17.3)

Spec:
Frame – New Supreme DH
Rear Shock – Fox DHX 5.0 (Atherton Setting)
Fork – Fox 40 RC2
Headset – Chris King 1” 1/8
Stem – Sunline V1DH Direct Mount
Bars – Sunline V1 Low
Grips – Sunline Logo Lock-on
Brakes – Shimano Saint 203mm/203mm
Shifter – Shimano Saint r/h
Chain Device – E13 LG1
Rear Derailleur – Shimano Saint short cage
Bottom Bracket – Shimano Saint
Crankset – Shimano Saint
Chain – Shimano
Cassette – Shimano 12-25T
Wheels – DT Swiss EX1750
Tyres – Maxxis High Roller 26 x 2.5”
Seatpost – Thomson Elite
Saddle – SDG Fly RL Titanium

Dig more trails

Spent the day down at George's pump track today helping out with some spade work. It's a crazy little spot just down the road from my house that's chockablock with smooth flowing lines. The pump track is an endless mix of hips, doubles, berms and even a new bowl which is going to be nuts. If you can hack 'em there's also some BIG trails. After a couple of hours we got a berm fixed up and a new take-off on the go. Summers gonna be good.

Cheers to George and crew for their hospitality and to Emily for the excellent carrot cake. Here's a few snaps... look out for more in the next issue of Wideopen.

Secret Track...

Chances are you've seen this already on Pinkbike but if not... give it a whirl. I bumped into Sam in our local woods a few months ago and everytime I see him he's working on a sketchy new line or a bloody massive gap. Super keen rider, fast as hell on his hardtail, works in the local bike shop. Lives for bikes i'd say.

The trails in this vid here are his latest effort and are hidden away somewhere in the South of the UK. Nice work mate.

Back to School...

First night ride of the year for me was rewarded with a frozen beard

Happy new year one and all - hope your Christmas was jam packed with food, drink and bikes!

Wideopen HQ is now open for the new year and we're cracking on with Issue 9 - it's gonna land early March if we can get our arses in gear. We're slack beggars at the best of times but '09 is going to see more issues of the mag, more updates to the website and maybe some deadlines being met. We'll see how that one works out...

We're also going to be keeping the website updated everyday with heaps of junk. Videos, pics, mini-interviews, articles, comps. You name it. Hopefully it'll be some quality stuff that you won't see anywhere else so stay tuned.

That's all for now. If you aint read the latest issue yet you can check it out here!

Rennie and Delfs on Morewood

Just saw this over on the Dirt website, which was seen on the littermag website....

Gravity Group is pleased to announce their partnership with Morewood Bikes as bicycle supplier and co-title sponsor along with Kenda Tires for their World Cup Team.
...
TEAM KENDA MOREWOOD will be represented by two of the most famous names in downhill racing:
Nathan Rennie (AUS) and Mitchell Delfs (AUS).
27 year old Nathan Rennie (AUS), a former overall UCI Elite World Cup Downhill Champion and Junior World Champion, is a regular World Cup podium visitor, multi-time high-class events winner and is a pleasure to watch on the bike. After several World Cup podiums in 2008, with his highlight being 2nd place on his home turf at World Cup number 7 in Canberra, Nathan Rennie is a definitive contender for podiums in both the 2009 World Cup series and the 2009 World Championships in Canbera, Australia.
...
Nathan’s compatriot, 19 year old Mitchell Delfs (AUS) is still one of the young guns on the World Cup circuit. After a good performance during the 2007 World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada and a 4th place at 2007 Junior World Championships, Mitch was given the opportunity to participate in his first full World Cup season in 2008. Mitch has progressed from race to race and after 2 top 10 finishes in the second part of the season he has become a contender for consistent top 10 results in the 2009 season.

The Morewood Makulu will be the downhill weapon of choice for TEAM KENDA MOREWOOD in the coming season. Nathan and Mitch will also use the Mbuzi, Shova and Ndiza for off season training and selected events.


...
Richard Carter, MOREWOOD BIKES Marketing Director/Co-Owner. Racing has always been a core value of the Morewood brand, so for us, the formation of a professional race team is a natural progression. It also further demonstrates Morewood’s commitment to Downhill, and our commitment to further developing our products at the highest level of the sport.
Gravity Group has a reputation for running one of the most professional teams on the circuit, so the opportunity of forming a partnership with them was something we just couldn’t pass up on, despite current economic sentiment.
I believe we have one of the most competitive packages on the circuit. Good bikes however are nothing without great riders, and we feel privileged to work with riders of Nathan and Mitch’s caliber.
...
Further Team News including Team Co-Sponsors and Team Schedule will be announced shortly.

For the full length press release head over to www.littermag.com

P.S. Happy new year everyone!

New MRP G2's - in White!

MRP have released new White G2's and White Mini G2's! Available in January 09.

Moelfre training days...

News in from Matt Simmonds...

In collaboration with Borderline events and Rob Smith, Matt will be helping to raise money to re-vamp the 4X course at Moelfre.

Having visited there for the last time the Nationals were all held together in 2006 I can say it was an awesome venue and a good cause. Take a look...

http://www.borderline-events.co.uk/training.asp

Wideopen Issue 8 is ONLINE!

AXO is back

Chris at Riding High UK just sent over some sneak pics of the new AXO range. AXO have been around for nigh-on 30 years and started out making kit for MX racing before spreading out into mountainbikes. The new kit will out early next year and has been developed with the help of freeride veteran Richie Schley. You'll be able to see the Astrix Europe showing it off next season.

You can only get this stuff online through their upcoming website which will be at http://www.axo-mtb.co.uk/

Victory Trailer 2

You may have seen this already, but I just found this new trailer for the MTBCUT.TV movie 'Victory'. Can't wait to see it!

Dirt School DVD!

The DirtSchool DVD is now available from the website: www.dirtschool.co.uk

It's a very slow paced gentle affair with some good tips from Chris Ball on the basics of trail riding. Even if you're a seasoned rider (like me) there are a few nuggets in there and one thing is for sure, it's worked for the Scottish youth DH guys!

At less than £20 it's also a damn site cheaper than paying for a coaching session! I'll be trying to put some of it to use over the Christmas break, expect a full run down in Issue 9 along with a few words from the man himself.

Foot out Flat out DVD: get it HERE!

Check it out! The 'Foot out Flat out' DVD has landed and we're selling it HERE for a dirt cheap £12.99 (RRP £16.99).



Featuring the very best in style and undiscovered raw talent, Foot Out Flat Out brings you the most in-depth look at the British race scene ever. Packed with big names, and some you may never had heard of, hand picked from around the UK for their amazing bike skills. The film follows the 2008 NPS season, Fort William World Cup, Dragon DH and some UK BMX action.

Click here to order using our safe and secure paypal shop.

661 Mini DH: Forest of Dean

The 661 Mini-DH went down last Sunday at the Forest of Dean. Rowan Sorrell took the win for the chaps and Emma Wareham for the lasses. It was a great day out with some close racing down a shorty, twisty and frozen track. Massive thanks to Chris Roberts and the Naked Racing team. Look out for the next one at Chicksands in Feb.

Genesis Alpitude - new longtermer...

A MAHOOOOOSIVE box arrived for me here at Wideopen towers on Friday - inside was this beauty, a 2009 Genesis Alpitude, as previewed on this site exclusively a few months ago... courtesy of the good chaps at Madison.

First impressions on equipment and quality of finish are excellent. I look forward to hammering it around the Peak District and a few trail centres over the next few months.

Full photo set on Facebook - if you've not joined the group yet then why not?

Note - the forks are not pumped up yet hence the steep head angle and tiny travel!

Llandegla trails closed!

The trails up at Llandegla are all closed today thanks to ice. The visitor centre and walking trails are open for business though!

Stay tuned to www.oneplanetadventure.co.uk

Pump Urban Wear Christmas Shopping

Our friends over at Pump Urban Wear are celebrating Chrimbo with a bit of a price drop. All organic cotton tee's are now £16 and hoodies £32.50.

Save yourself trawling the high-street for prezzies and give em a look here.

Mono's latest.... Empire and Ben Deakin

Our resident video expert Mono just put the finishing touches to these two beauties. Pop the kettle on and enjoy...

RLS4X - Leamington 4x racing

The Leamington Spa 4X track locals have just formed a club and will be putting on some 4X races in early 2009.

The club is called RLS4X and is headed up by seasoned racers Jonny and Rich Cheetham. They're BC registered, supported by the council and (best of all) will be running regular races and gate practice at the track asap.

You'll be able to join the club early next year but in the mean time check out their webby at http://rls4x.com/

Meta 55 UK Ltd Edition

News of the latest instalment to the Commencal 2009 range:

Following on from the runaway sell-out success of the 2008 Meta 55 XT (a limited edition, UK-market only collaboration with Shimano celebrating the 25th anniversary of the XT groupset) Madison are pleased to introduce the limited edition Meta 55 UK – with sensible UK-friendly upgrades some of the most up-to-date kit currently available (Fox Float 140RL QR15 forks).

The bike once again features all-Shimano running gear, with a mix of the best parts of both the existing XT and new SLX groupsets. The frame is finished in a special black/green colourway and features all the 2009 Meta 55 frame updates; stiffer linkage, refined hydroformed toptube offering increased standover height, a stiffer swingarm, a slacker headtube angle and an integrated headset. To help keep things fresh the first batch will come through with white fork lowers whilst the later models will come through with black lowers.

These strictly limited edition bikes will be landing mid December and priced @ £2153.18srp (15% VAT).

For you local dealer please visit: www.commencal.co.uk

£2153.18srp (£2199.99srp @ 17.5% VAT)

Available: Mid Dec 08
- Fox RP2 Rear Shock

- Fox Float 140 RL 15QR Forks

- Shimano XT Servo-Wave Disc Brakes (180/160mm)

- Shimano SLX Shifters

- Shimano XT Shadow Rear Mech

- Shimano SLX Triple Chainset

- Shimano XT Hubs (15mm front)

- Maxxis High Roller 2.35/Larsen TT 2.00 Tyres

- Sun Ringlé Equalizer 27 White Rims

- SDG Bel Air SL I-Beam Saddle/SDG Micro I-Beam Seatpost

Wentwood Trophy - South Wales DH racing is back!

Racing is ON at Wentwood in South Wales!

It's going to be on Sunday 01 March 2009 at Wentwood forest in Monmouthshire. Entry is a bargain at £25 and you don't need to be a BC member to race!



Here's the basics:
- BC points.
- Great track.
- No uplift at this one... get pushing.
- Run to BC rules.
- 2 timed runs. Best run to count.
- Hardtails in age group categorys but with their own podium.
- First aid cover by Extreme Medics.
- Entry fee includes 'Parking' and number boards, no hidden extras.

Si reckons the track drops around 190m and takes about 2 min if your super fast! We popped over a few months back and loved it. Fun trails and super friendly locals. Well worth a visit.

Enter NOW at http://www.simplydownhill.co.uk/

Joe Barnes Blog

Just got a quick email from MTBCut.TV rider Joe Barnes.

He's off to New Zealand for a few months to escape the 'orrible Scottish winter and do some racing. He's leaving on Friday and will be keeping us up to date with how it's all going on his new blog.

You can check it out here: http://joebarnes.tumblr.com

Nike 6.0 'Writing on the Wall'

Add Writing on The Wall to your page

The Decors! Massive blunder on Foot Out Flat Out

I just need to make this massive apology to The Decors, one of the bands featured in Foot Out Flat out. The extras section featuring Will Soffe and Kris Rogers doesn't have a credit for the music which is actually "DROPKEY" by a band called 'THE DECORS".

Check out their MySpace page here: www.myspace.com/thedecors and give them some support as their music is pretty flipping rad!

Again, massive apologies to Jim and the guys and thanks again for their help with the music which was probably the hardest thing to do regarding the DVD (finding decent music)...

THE BEST OF BRITISH, EDINBURGH FILM NIGHT

Wideopen team rider Pete Scullion and I (together we are Steve Pete) are putting on the first Scottish screenings of Wideopen supported film Aaron ‘Mono’ Bartlett’s FOOT OUT FLAT OUT, and Callum Swift’s THE UPRISING. Watch Britain’s finest riding talent make their assault on the 2008 season through the lenses of two of the best new action sports film-makers.
The event is taking place in the Bongo Club in Edinburgh on Thursday 4th December. Doors are at 7pm with the first film starting at 7.30pm. Entry is £4 on the door. U18s are welcome and ID will be required at the bar.

Not only does your £4 allow you to see these two films, but every entrant will be automatically entered into a prize draw for goodies courtesy of Hotlines Europe.

Details of the venue:-

The Bongo Club
37 Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
EH8 8BA
0131 558 7604

Any queries can be directed to ste@wideopenmag.co.uk

The Welsh Downhill Mountain Bike Association

Great news for the future - the all new Welsh DH Mountain Bike Association is now up and running. Here's the press release:

We would like to announce that the Welsh Downhill Mountain Biking Association has been formed.

The WDMBA is a not-for-profit association, set up by riders from South Wales and has been established to promote the sport in Wales and surrounding areas. We aim to run in a similar way as Scotland’s SDA and will be running a Regional downhill series in place of Dragon Downhill for 2009. Other goals will be to give beginners and people on a low budget access to the sport, to allow riders to get hands on and give something back to their local tracks in a regulated manner, to raise the profile of the sport, to hold some great events and get riders together on a regular basis.

We are currently busy working towards arrangements for next years season, which is our main priority at the moment. But when thats underway we will be looking to find new areas to ride and working on promotion of the sport. keep an eye on our site, www.wdmba.co.uk for more information. We should be releasing some tentative dates in the next few weeks so watch this space!

James Tennant: Chairman WDMBA.

A few words from Jason Carpenter: Dragon Downhill…..
“Dragon Downhill wishes the WDMBA the best of luck for it’s future endeavors - I recommend a Volunteer Association to run DH in Wales based on the model laid out by the very successful SDA. I expect all DH riders in Wales to assist the WDMBA in it’s endeavors with Volunteer support across the board of event management and in Governance. In this way, the workload will be spread out ensuring that things are able to run efficiently and no one person gets lumped with too much work. Also, all income generated from the events can be ploughed back in to grow the sport in Wales. Dragon Downhill will continue to assist the WDMBA wherever possible. We have the hills, so lets go, ride them. Jason”

www.wdmba.co.uk

www.wdmba.co.uk

www.wdmba.co.uk

NPS4X 2009 Dates

Check it out - here's the dates for next year's NPS4X series... Venues to be confirmed.

April 19th Rd1
May 23/24th Rd2/3
June 13/14th Rd4/5
July 4/5th Rd6/7
August 9th Rd8
September 13th Rd9

And some big words from Chris Roberts:

"We want you to have great time racing so now its your chance to have your say on the forum Do you want more or less let us know so we can shape the 2009 season to the best ever.
2008 we had more riders then ever before with record turn outs, we expect this to grow even more in 2009,the nps4x series still represents the best value National mountain bike series in the country."

Hardtail Nation Update

http://www.hardtailnation.co.uk/
http://www.hardtailnation.co.uk/
http://www.hardtailnation.co.uk/