English
NORCO NEWS
NOVEMBER 2007
NOVEMBER 2007
Just sitting here sipping my second cup of tea, and having a chill day at home. I’m going to try and rest for a few days after a fantastic tour in Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Alex and I had the official Crux world premier on the 15th. Here’s a short video of the evening compliments of rip.tv.
Then I hopped on a plane with Ben Boyko to check out United Cycles Bike Expo in Edmonton.
When I got home I quickly grabbed my truck and trailer and hopped on a ferry to the Island in what was the start of an 8 school Trials of Life mini tour. What a fantastic week of presentations, I had a blast and felt a great connection with the students. Big thanks to Mike at Russ Hays bike shop, Karl at Oak Bay bike shop, and Liz Wiebel, for helping coordinate and schedule schools and media for the week. Such a fantastic riding scene in Victoria!!
Talking about the riding scene, I agreed to go on the Oak Bay bikes Thursday night ride. Turns out it was pretty much a road/mountain bike race, and I got worked!! These guys have been doing these rides for 17 years, and never miss a Thursday. Whew, first time I bonked hard since my cross-country racing days over 11 years ago!!
We had another great Crux premier in Victoria at the Fernwood Pub, great venue that my old trials riding buddy Mike Colwill operates. Great turn out, good vibe.
Seeya!
-Ryan
Alex and I had the official Crux world premier on the 15th. Here’s a short video of the evening compliments of rip.tv.
Then I hopped on a plane with Ben Boyko to check out United Cycles Bike Expo in Edmonton.
When I got home I quickly grabbed my truck and trailer and hopped on a ferry to the Island in what was the start of an 8 school Trials of Life mini tour. What a fantastic week of presentations, I had a blast and felt a great connection with the students. Big thanks to Mike at Russ Hays bike shop, Karl at Oak Bay bike shop, and Liz Wiebel, for helping coordinate and schedule schools and media for the week. Such a fantastic riding scene in Victoria!!
Talking about the riding scene, I agreed to go on the Oak Bay bikes Thursday night ride. Turns out it was pretty much a road/mountain bike race, and I got worked!! These guys have been doing these rides for 17 years, and never miss a Thursday. Whew, first time I bonked hard since my cross-country racing days over 11 years ago!!
We had another great Crux premier in Victoria at the Fernwood Pub, great venue that my old trials riding buddy Mike Colwill operates. Great turn out, good vibe.
Seeya!
-Ryan
2007 Cycling BC Awards:
International Male Cyclist of the Year: Svein Tuft
International Female Cyclist of the Year: Catharine Pendrel
Male Road/Track/CX Cyclist of the Year: Christian Meier
The 2007 Cycling BC Award winners have been chosen from the nominations submitted from the Cycling Community. With so many incredible accomplishments made by Cycling BC members in 2007, it was difficult to choose only one Nominee for each category out of the many nominations we received.
However, the winners have been chosen and will be presented with their awards at the 2007 Awards night - 7pm Wednesday November 28th, at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
For more info: pedalmag.com
International Male Cyclist of the Year: Svein Tuft
International Female Cyclist of the Year: Catharine Pendrel
Male Road/Track/CX Cyclist of the Year: Christian Meier
The 2007 Cycling BC Award winners have been chosen from the nominations submitted from the Cycling Community. With so many incredible accomplishments made by Cycling BC members in 2007, it was difficult to choose only one Nominee for each category out of the many nominations we received.
However, the winners have been chosen and will be presented with their awards at the 2007 Awards night - 7pm Wednesday November 28th, at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
For more info: pedalmag.com
NSMB.com Reviews the Fluid 1 & Six 1
After I reviewed Norco's 2006 dedicated all-mountain bike (the Fluid One) I was a bit hesitant to take a run at the 2007 version. How much more can one say about a bike after all? Fortunately Norco didn't rest on its laurels and the Fluid One underwent a series of changes. When the 2007 catalogue was unveiled it turned out that Norco had decided to split their all-mountain line into two parts - all mountain free-ride and all-mountain xc.
In the 2006 review, I made no bones about my skepticism of what I viewed as marketing optimism. However, that year's bike had made me a believer after testing in demanding terrain and conditions all over the province. I expressed some misgivings over parts specifications and noted the cross-country bias of that year's Fluid One - but I was sold on its versatility. This time around I decided to hold a 2007 Fluid One and a 2007 Six One up to the light and see how they compare.
I've already talked a bit about the 2007 Norco Fluid One in a previous Gear Shots, so here now are my impressions on the Norco Six One. As context, I've owned some vintage Norco VPS 'big' bikes; from the red and black VPS 2, then the first generation 2001 edition Norco Fluid One, then last year's Norco Six. All my previous Norco big bikes have shared one similar trait; they were fun on the downhill but frankly mediocre climbers - all being 'big-boned' (high 30s to 40 lbs or so) and with too-slack head angles.
The 07 Norco Six One is different. It is slightly lighter weighing in at 35 pounds (the 2006 model was 36 lbs) and the adjustable height fork keeps the front wheel on the ground when the climbs get steep. The frame is still centred on Norco's tried and true FSR rear linkage. Weight has been pared with the addition of a hydroformed down tube and lighter weight seat-tube. Angles have changed so that the geometry for the 2007 Six One is now biased towards low-speed moves (steeper seat tube angle, increased standover height, slightly smaller rider compartment etc.).
To read the full review go to: NSMB.com
After I reviewed Norco's 2006 dedicated all-mountain bike (the Fluid One) I was a bit hesitant to take a run at the 2007 version. How much more can one say about a bike after all? Fortunately Norco didn't rest on its laurels and the Fluid One underwent a series of changes. When the 2007 catalogue was unveiled it turned out that Norco had decided to split their all-mountain line into two parts - all mountain free-ride and all-mountain xc.
In the 2006 review, I made no bones about my skepticism of what I viewed as marketing optimism. However, that year's bike had made me a believer after testing in demanding terrain and conditions all over the province. I expressed some misgivings over parts specifications and noted the cross-country bias of that year's Fluid One - but I was sold on its versatility. This time around I decided to hold a 2007 Fluid One and a 2007 Six One up to the light and see how they compare.
I've already talked a bit about the 2007 Norco Fluid One in a previous Gear Shots, so here now are my impressions on the Norco Six One. As context, I've owned some vintage Norco VPS 'big' bikes; from the red and black VPS 2, then the first generation 2001 edition Norco Fluid One, then last year's Norco Six. All my previous Norco big bikes have shared one similar trait; they were fun on the downhill but frankly mediocre climbers - all being 'big-boned' (high 30s to 40 lbs or so) and with too-slack head angles.
The 07 Norco Six One is different. It is slightly lighter weighing in at 35 pounds (the 2006 model was 36 lbs) and the adjustable height fork keeps the front wheel on the ground when the climbs get steep. The frame is still centred on Norco's tried and true FSR rear linkage. Weight has been pared with the addition of a hydroformed down tube and lighter weight seat-tube. Angles have changed so that the geometry for the 2007 Six One is now biased towards low-speed moves (steeper seat tube angle, increased standover height, slightly smaller rider compartment etc.).
To read the full review go to: NSMB.com
Norco/Symmetrics rider Christian Meier has had a spectacular season this year - culminating with a terrific second at the Vuelta a Chihuahua in Mexico. Here's his thoughts on 07, and what's next for 08.
It was a big year for the team--what are some highlights for you?
Christian Meier: Watching Svein win the US Open. I had just come home from a big training ride and caught the race as he attacked. It seemed surreal watching it on TV and for the first time in a while I was truly excited watching biking. I was excited, proud and mad at the same time; mad because I wasn't there with the boys pounding it out. (Meier was in Europe with the National Team.) Also, watching Will winning the White Rock road race. Will works so hard for all year for the team and he has wanted to win that race for so long...it was great seeing it. Not to mention how he won it---being in the break all day.
Also, this year has been full of great mornings drinking coffee and checking e-mails up at Kev's house. What else? We had our first World Cup team pursuit, ouch. Watching Kabush almost getting in a fight in Cuba with the guys who were stealing our water bottles and pushing the Cubans up this crazy climb; he is always good for a solid laugh on trips. Listening to Geoff Brown giving Cam a hard time about how big his suitcase is, every time. Classic.
What was it like riding with the white jersey of UCI America Tour winner Tuft?
It was like racing with the same Tuft wearing a different jersey, ha-ha. No, it was cool. You can't help but feel proud of him and the team. When you have a guy as strong as Svein on the team I think it motivates everyone on the team. I know it does so to me because I know there is a good shot he is going to be in a winning position in any stage race, and he counts on us to help defend. Svein being such a good friend, you don't want to let him or the rest of the team down. I think that's what motivates me most.
You ended the season off great with Mexico--talk about that.
Mexico was interesting. It had already been a long season--we started racing back in January on the track! As the season was coming to a close, there was the Worlds where we spent a month in Europe in the build up, 3 weeks of that being in France (which I am not going to lie isn't exactly my favorite place.) So after the Worlds were over I was ready for the season to be over---more mentally than anything else. The thing that kept me going though was that I had a vacation planned with my girlfriend Amber, that started basically the day I got back from Mexico...so she kept me motivated.
Read the Full Interview at: symmetricscycling.com
It was a big year for the team--what are some highlights for you?
Christian Meier: Watching Svein win the US Open. I had just come home from a big training ride and caught the race as he attacked. It seemed surreal watching it on TV and for the first time in a while I was truly excited watching biking. I was excited, proud and mad at the same time; mad because I wasn't there with the boys pounding it out. (Meier was in Europe with the National Team.) Also, watching Will winning the White Rock road race. Will works so hard for all year for the team and he has wanted to win that race for so long...it was great seeing it. Not to mention how he won it---being in the break all day.
Also, this year has been full of great mornings drinking coffee and checking e-mails up at Kev's house. What else? We had our first World Cup team pursuit, ouch. Watching Kabush almost getting in a fight in Cuba with the guys who were stealing our water bottles and pushing the Cubans up this crazy climb; he is always good for a solid laugh on trips. Listening to Geoff Brown giving Cam a hard time about how big his suitcase is, every time. Classic.
What was it like riding with the white jersey of UCI America Tour winner Tuft?
It was like racing with the same Tuft wearing a different jersey, ha-ha. No, it was cool. You can't help but feel proud of him and the team. When you have a guy as strong as Svein on the team I think it motivates everyone on the team. I know it does so to me because I know there is a good shot he is going to be in a winning position in any stage race, and he counts on us to help defend. Svein being such a good friend, you don't want to let him or the rest of the team down. I think that's what motivates me most.
You ended the season off great with Mexico--talk about that.
Mexico was interesting. It had already been a long season--we started racing back in January on the track! As the season was coming to a close, there was the Worlds where we spent a month in Europe in the build up, 3 weeks of that being in France (which I am not going to lie isn't exactly my favorite place.) So after the Worlds were over I was ready for the season to be over---more mentally than anything else. The thing that kept me going though was that I had a vacation planned with my girlfriend Amber, that started basically the day I got back from Mexico...so she kept me motivated.
Read the Full Interview at: symmetricscycling.com
Canadians tend to keep a low profile in the world of elite level pro cycling… that is if you can find ‘em… But when a rider wins a season long UCI tour – like Svein Tuft just did… people take notice. PEZ recently talked and rode with, the 2007 UCI America Tour champ.
This year saw the continued development of International cycling beyond the famed and cobbled roads of Europe. The UCI America Tour, combining events from Montreal to Santiago, Chile, is becoming a key breeding ground for top talent. But the 2007 circuit faced a new kind of dominance in the form of Canadian Svein Tuft and his Symmetrics Fuelled By FarmPure Cycling team. PEZ caught up with the recently crowned Continental Champion and was pleased to find his candid approach to the current situation in the sport mirrors that of the fans.
Read the full interview on: pezcyclingnews.com
This year saw the continued development of International cycling beyond the famed and cobbled roads of Europe. The UCI America Tour, combining events from Montreal to Santiago, Chile, is becoming a key breeding ground for top talent. But the 2007 circuit faced a new kind of dominance in the form of Canadian Svein Tuft and his Symmetrics Fuelled By FarmPure Cycling team. PEZ caught up with the recently crowned Continental Champion and was pleased to find his candid approach to the current situation in the sport mirrors that of the fans.
Read the full interview on: pezcyclingnews.com
The past 6 weeks has included a variety pack of riding experiences. The warm, sunny part of this title came from Outdoor Dirt Demo in Boulder, Colorado (part of the big Interbike trade show in Vegas), followed by a few days in Moab, Utah on our return drive home. The cold, wet, and mucky part is pretty much every week since we’ve been back here in Vancouver. Man, going from one extreme to the other sure challenges your motivation to ride. Right now, looking out the window, it would be way to easy to just hang up the bike for the season.
I’ve been pretty diligent in continuing my morning rides with my pup Molly. I’ve really only missed a few days, but let me tell you, when the garage door rolls up at 5:45 am and I am standing there in my helmet and headlamp looking out at the pouring rain, I’m still not so sure that I’m making the right choice. Molly is always keen. She stands there wagging her tail in her reflective vest, ready to rock. Pitch black, pouring rain… it doesn’t seem to matter to her. Dogs, you just gotta love them.
Speaking of fall riding conditions, I finally figured out what I don’t like! It’s the muck and water splashing up from off the tires I hate it way more than the rain coming down from above. You know… coming home totally soaked and covered in mud. Yuk! So, after battling through this the first week or two back, I finally broke down moved the parts of my older Six onto an ‘08 Charger hardtail frame. I now have a nice little “winter bike”. It has great mounted fenders front and back, a rear flasher, and a headlight. Sure it may still be raining, but I’m not going to get totally drenched and mucky anymore! I’ll probably end up using this bike from now through till next spring.
This past month I also had a great ride on the Sunshine Coast. For those of you living in the Vancouver area and reading this if you haven’t ridden over there DO IT. Scoot over on the ferry in the morning and spend the day exploring the Roberts Creek area or at the Sprockids Mountain bike Park in Gibson’s (just up the hill and to the right when you get off the ferry). You can catch an afternoon ferry and head home with a huge smile on your face. The ‘coast’ as they call it, has a very good ratio of very talented trail builders with not too many riders, so the trails are always in great shape, and the scenery over that way is world class too. Enjoy!
And finally, you have heard me ramble on about Moab time and time again. I’m not even going to apologize for that. For those of you that have been there and ridden there, you understand and probably enjoy the updates. For those of you that have not been there, you need to plan a trip there.
During this last visit, I was lucky enough to have 3 staff riders here that had never been before. It is always fun taking new people and it was a pleasure to show some of my favorite rides and spots to coworkers who all ride and who have always wanted to go. We only had 4 days to cover a lot of ground, but we filled them up pretty well with some great rides. We also had 2 friends from Vancouver that were down in the area at the same time that met up to stay and ride with us for the four days. They had been there before, but we still managed to show them a few spots they’d never seen.
If you want to check out Sharon’s stories on the different rides, I encourage you to take a sec and click on these links. It will give you a different perspective on what I love about riding down there.
Moab: Amasa Back
Moab: Hunters, Gatherers, & Pritchett Canyon
Moab: Geyser Pass
Moab: Porcupine Rim
So as we leave summer and head into the fall-winter, I’ll still wish you fellow riders some good rides to finish up the year. Remember keep on 2 wheels even if the weather is trying to tell you not to! It’s still lots of fun out there.
I’ve been pretty diligent in continuing my morning rides with my pup Molly. I’ve really only missed a few days, but let me tell you, when the garage door rolls up at 5:45 am and I am standing there in my helmet and headlamp looking out at the pouring rain, I’m still not so sure that I’m making the right choice. Molly is always keen. She stands there wagging her tail in her reflective vest, ready to rock. Pitch black, pouring rain… it doesn’t seem to matter to her. Dogs, you just gotta love them.
Speaking of fall riding conditions, I finally figured out what I don’t like! It’s the muck and water splashing up from off the tires I hate it way more than the rain coming down from above. You know… coming home totally soaked and covered in mud. Yuk! So, after battling through this the first week or two back, I finally broke down moved the parts of my older Six onto an ‘08 Charger hardtail frame. I now have a nice little “winter bike”. It has great mounted fenders front and back, a rear flasher, and a headlight. Sure it may still be raining, but I’m not going to get totally drenched and mucky anymore! I’ll probably end up using this bike from now through till next spring.
This past month I also had a great ride on the Sunshine Coast. For those of you living in the Vancouver area and reading this if you haven’t ridden over there DO IT. Scoot over on the ferry in the morning and spend the day exploring the Roberts Creek area or at the Sprockids Mountain bike Park in Gibson’s (just up the hill and to the right when you get off the ferry). You can catch an afternoon ferry and head home with a huge smile on your face. The ‘coast’ as they call it, has a very good ratio of very talented trail builders with not too many riders, so the trails are always in great shape, and the scenery over that way is world class too. Enjoy!
And finally, you have heard me ramble on about Moab time and time again. I’m not even going to apologize for that. For those of you that have been there and ridden there, you understand and probably enjoy the updates. For those of you that have not been there, you need to plan a trip there.
During this last visit, I was lucky enough to have 3 staff riders here that had never been before. It is always fun taking new people and it was a pleasure to show some of my favorite rides and spots to coworkers who all ride and who have always wanted to go. We only had 4 days to cover a lot of ground, but we filled them up pretty well with some great rides. We also had 2 friends from Vancouver that were down in the area at the same time that met up to stay and ride with us for the four days. They had been there before, but we still managed to show them a few spots they’d never seen.
If you want to check out Sharon’s stories on the different rides, I encourage you to take a sec and click on these links. It will give you a different perspective on what I love about riding down there.
Moab: Amasa Back
Moab: Hunters, Gatherers, & Pritchett Canyon
Moab: Geyser Pass
Moab: Porcupine Rim
So as we leave summer and head into the fall-winter, I’ll still wish you fellow riders some good rides to finish up the year. Remember keep on 2 wheels even if the weather is trying to tell you not to! It’s still lots of fun out there.
Svein and I had a pretty quick trip to Italy this past weekend. We travelled there the day of the event, so as you can imagine, we were both tired from the travel once we got there.
Upon arriving from the airport, Svein took a nap and I went out to get our shoes shined and take a walk of Como. Svein ended up waking up just in time to watch the end of the Tour of Lombardy on TV.
The UCI Gala was held at the Chateau Erba, a beautiful palace just 5 minutes walk from our hotel. We arrived a bit early and hung around, but we didn't recognize anyone at first. We had a drink and waited - Chris Horner showed up and we chatted with him awhile. The continental awards were given out first - and Svein was called to the stage to speak about his year, his highlights, and so on.
Check out the video and full article on: symmetricscycling.com
Upon arriving from the airport, Svein took a nap and I went out to get our shoes shined and take a walk of Como. Svein ended up waking up just in time to watch the end of the Tour of Lombardy on TV.
The UCI Gala was held at the Chateau Erba, a beautiful palace just 5 minutes walk from our hotel. We arrived a bit early and hung around, but we didn't recognize anyone at first. We had a drink and waited - Chris Horner showed up and we chatted with him awhile. The continental awards were given out first - and Svein was called to the stage to speak about his year, his highlights, and so on.
Check out the video and full article on: symmetricscycling.com