Now here's something you don't see every day - video footage of one rider interviewing another rider. Check out the video and blog Ryan wrote about Fionn:

While down at the Sea Otter Classic, I had a few moments to catch up with my team mate Fionn Griffiths.

She is a 25 year old pro DH and 4X racer, and after 7 years on the pro circuit, she’s at the top of her game. The 2nd place DH finish and 3rd place dual finish at the Sea Otter is a testimate to that.

If you’d like to hear more, have a look at the 10 minute interview below - though I appologize for the poor audio - it was hard to find a quiet spot, the helicopter half way through didn’t help either.



Ride On!
- Ryan

Fore more of Ryan's blogs, check out his new website: ryanleech.com

Double Podium, Silver and Bronze at the Sea Otter Classic!

Sea Otter Classic 2008 has been a huge success for Fionn and Griffiths Racing! Coming into the season opener Fionn felt fit and ready to prove it. The Sea Otter tracks are renowned for being pedally and putting your off-season training to the test.

So how did Fionn shape up? It was a double podium weekend for our British rider taking 3rd in the Dual Slalom and 2nd in the DH!

The weekend started with the weather finally cooperating for riders, showing some sun and keeping the temperatures to a reasonable level for all those hanging in the pits. DH practice was smooth and enjoyable Thursday and Friday with Fionn enjoying her new Norco Six, which would prove to be the perfect bike for the Sea Otter DH. In past years Fionn has struggled with bike choice between her 4X and her Team DH, but the Six eliminated those questions! She was ripping it up all week with a smile on her face.

Racing started Saturday with Dual Slalom. With Sabrina Jonnier, Anneke Beerten, Melissa Buhl, Mio Suemasa and Rachel Atherton all on course (just to name a few) Fionn had to set the pace straight away. She came out and qualified hard, putting herself 4th fastest. Racing was tough. Her draw was Leanna Gerrard and with some fast pedal action Fionn was able to advance. Kathy Pruitt was ready for Fee next round and pushed her hard to the line every time, but with long time friend Tara Llanes watching Fee at the bottom, she dug a little deeper and took Kathy on both courses. Next round was Sabrina Jonnier. The current World Champion has won the Sea Otter dual 4 years running and would prove to be too much for Fionn, narrowly knocking her out in both heats and sending Fionn into the small final where she would face UK rival Rachel Atherton. Rachel is a fast, powerful rider out of the UK and Fionn had her work cut out for her. First heat was a close call with Rachel just edging Fionn out for the lead. However the final heat was a mix-match of sprints and errors which left the girls battling for the lead right to the bottom. Fionn was able to edge Rach out just enough to make up the differential and take the bronze medal for the day.

Results:
Sabrina Jonnier – 1st
Melissa Buhl – 2nd
Fionn Griffiths – 3rd
Rachel Atherton – 4th

DH

DH was just as exciting with all the ladies pushing their legs and lungs to the limit. However it would prove to be Melissa Buhl’s legendary sprint that would set the bar for the Ladies DH. Melissa took the win by just over a second with Fionn busting a lung right behind her.

Results:
Melissa Buhl – 1st
Fionn Griffiths – 2nd
Sabrina Jonnier – 3rd
Racheal Atherton – 4th

All in all the weekend was a HUGE success. We are now on our way to the UK to prep for this next weekend’s UK National Series race. Thanks to all our sponsors for the help getting Fionn and myself ready for racing.

A special thanks to Kevin Haviland from Norco for all his help wrenching!

For more information about Fionn's season go to: griffithsracing.net

We were trying to review primarily new for '09 products, but a few of the '08 goodies we already knew about caught our eyes anyway.

We've already been testing the brand new for 2008 Fluid LT (long travel) 2.0 from Canadian bike company Norco. Look for a review in the September issue of Mountain Bike magazine. After our first few test rides and a visit at Day One of Sea Otter with Norco's Pat Mulrooney and Peter Stace-Smith, we had to give you some of the goods.

This bike rocks and there is a really good reason why. It is the creation of the 120 or so passionate riders/ employees that work at Norco. Their time in the saddle and experiments on the R and D floor resulted in the Fluid LT line for those who are left wanting from an all-mountain rig with less than 6-inches of travel.

Check out the full article at: bicycling.com

First Carbon-Neutral Pro-Mountain Biker

Ryan Leech has taken his role as an environmental advocate one step further this month by signing on the first professional mountain biker in the Suzuki Foundation's 'Play it Cool' program.

'Play It Cool' is an innovative environmental program that teams high profile summer and winter athletes concerned about global warming with the David Suzuki Foundation. These athletes are committed to making changes in their lives to reduce their climate impact, and to inspiring others to do the same.

'I am working with the David Suzuki Foundation to distribute information at events, primarily encouraging people to take The Nature Challenge,' wrote Ryan on his newly updated website (ryanleech.com), 'I distribute David Suzuki Foundation info to all the schools I visit for my Trials of Life presentation, and make reference to Global Warming in my speech.'

What does Carbon Neutral mean for athletes such as Ryan?

Flying, driving, and heating buildings all produce polluting carbon emissions. These emissions create a heat trapping blanket in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

Carbon neutral means having no net impact on the climate. The most important solution to global warming is for all of us to reduce the size of our carbon footprint - by driving less, flying less, and switching to renewable energy sources.

To learn more about Ryan's involvement in environmental advocacy check out: ryanleech.com

Check out this short utube video Darcy just sent us from Woodward West. She told us she's gotten quite close a couple of times. If she lands it, she'll be the first women to ever pull off a 360.
You go girl!!

Devin Leggett, one of Norco's key web and graphics design staff recently gained some recognition for his work on Norco's Dirt & Street series bicycles. Here's what 'Lost In E Minor' had to say:

'This illustration by Devin Leggett is one of several he did for a bike model for Norco Performance Bikes. ‘This particular model is inspired by the geography and wildlife of Alaska. There are some tiny 64s in the illustration, which combine to create the map of Alaska. The 64 also represents the year that Norco was established’.'

For more go to: lostineminor.com

Be sure to check out Darcy in this month’s edition of Men’s Journal (Harrison Ford graces the cover).

'I am really excited to be featured in Men's Journal alongside some of the best female action sports athletes in the world. These are women I look up to on many levels, so it's a huge honour.



I also feel really lucky to be representing mountain biking alongside more mainstream sports such as surfing and snowboarding. I defintely got lucky on this shoot because it was shot on probably the one day of the year where I wasn't covered in bruises or torn to shreds. Good timing!'

Ryan's website, ryanleech.com has gotten a facelift. Here's what he had to say on the subject...

With this new site I’ll be making my official entrance in to the blogosphere, and I have to admit, I’m excited. I will strive to keep my posts about what I perceive to be things that matter in this world…all said with a certain cycling slant of course ;-)

I have back dated some of my old e-newsletter posts to get some content going, and will continue posting articles, travel stories, video blogs, and things I see around the web that are of interest. Of course everything I post will be through my own unique filter, which is different from blogger A, and blogger B; I think that is what makes this e-revolution so interesting, no single opinion or worldview is quite the same.

So I invite you to bookmark this blog, share it, and add comments; and I thank you for reading, otherwise I wouldn’t have an excuse to write, and I’d be stuck with this jumble of random thoughts in my head!

I also should acknowledge that the net can be addicting, so before you get sucked in to the monitor, make sure you’re good and tired from a good ride!

Big thanks to the web masters (Devin & Mark) at Norco bikes for making this site a reality, and designing it in such a user friendly way, for both myself and for the viewer.

Peace to you, and Ride On!!
- Ryan

The Full Report From Symmetrics Cycling

Cam Evans took a fantastic win for the S-Team this past weekend in San Dimas, California, beating Tour de France rider, Oscar Sevilla by just one second.

Symmetrics Cycling headed to San Dimas, California with a strong 7-man team hoping to try and beat some of the top International talent for stage wins and a high overall placing. Racing began with the tough 5km hillclimb time trial—won by Tour de France standout Oscar Sevilla, now riding with Rock Racing. Sevilla was barred from racing in European racing after doping allegations, and still rides under a cloud of suspicion with the Rock Racing Team. He is most known for Sevilla winning the young rider's jersey at the 2001 Tour de France at just 21 years old, and finishing second at the Tour of Spain. On the day of Sevilla's win, the op rider for the S-Team was Evans, who took 17th.

After the hillclimb, it was time for the road race, a 134km ride which featured a tough climb. The powerful Rock Racing team—which employs several top Tour de France riders—did its best to control the race by thwarting breakaway attempts, in order to retain Sevilla's lead. The S-Team did its best throughout the race to break away and spoil the parade, but to no avail. Evans did however, make an attack which was a definite sign of what was to come--the Canadian champion put in an escape which put the Rock Racing team to the test, and he was caught with just a km to go. The race ended in a bunch sprint which saw Andrew Pinfold start his 2008 season well, with a 7th place in a chaotic finish.

And so it came down to the criterium stage on Sunday—a 90 minute stage which would feature tonnes of aggressive, high-speed racing. The team knew well that it had a chance of pulling off an upset, after some solid attacks in the road race yesterday. Kevin Cunningham, team co-owner, explained that 'We were confident going into the crit we had a good chance of winning, or catapulting Cam to the podium at least. We focused the time bonuse—and so did Rock Racing, but we managed to get Cam clear.'

Once Evans got clear with two other riders, the rest of the team worked hard to make sure he stayed away. Evans, riding well with his breakaway partners, knew that he needed just over half a minute to spoil Rock Racing's day—all 12 riders---and dethrone Sevilla.

At the finish, Evans had 38 seconds on the pack, which was 37 more than he needed. Evans won the overall by one second and showed that after a tough winter, Symmetrics is hungry.

'It was a great day today,' Evans said. 'I knew the legs were good after the road race and to win by this close of a margin over such a top rider is great. I hope we can keep the energy going and keep on winning at Redlands.'

Did you know that Cam is rode a Norco CRR SL to victory? Check out Norco's Symmetrics edition race bikes in CARBON and M6 ALUMINIUM

Source: Symmetrics Cycling

Norco Announces 2008 VPS-Fest Dates

If you haven't booked your vacation time or planned a roadtrip for this summer, NOW is the time! Norco Performance Bikes is proud to announce the return of its one-of-a-kind Rider Appreciation Days: VPS-Fest.

For the 6th year in a row, Norco will say, 'Thanks!' to our riders by providing FREE* lift-accessed riding, FREE tech support by World Cup Mechanics, FREE flat and wheel repair, and the chance to win over $5000 in prizes.

This year Norco will host an eastern event at BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT in Ontario on July 12th and a western event at SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN in BC on August 2nd.

On top of all this, rumour has it that many of our team sponsors are planning to be on hand to provide their expert advice, a peek at upcoming product, and MORE SWAG!

Keep checking back for updates on pre-registration, contests, special offers, tech seminars, Factory Team rider appearances, and much, much more.

Another Dreaded Adventure With Jay Hoots

February is usually a laid back month when I start to consider hitting the gym (once the resolution seekers drop out) and think about getting back in shape after my 2 month season break. So, when I got the call for yet another 'trip of a lifetime' to Jamaica, I was a bit worried that my skills would be off and my gut big and jubbly.

However, ready or not, I wasn't about to pass up a trip with my trusty steed (Norco Six) and Pro Mountain Bike rider Robbie Bourdon to check out the Jamaica Fat Tire Festival and film with Cory for another action-filled Ride Guide episode. With sponsors and Tourism Jamaica at the helm, our schedule was set. We had 10 days to get it all done, a tall order even if the weather held sunny and dry.

We experienced some tight security entering Jamaica with all of our gear but thanks to our versed Tourism official and our knowledgeable driver we made our way to Ocho Rios tired but smiling.

We hooked up with the folks from the Fat Tire Festival , got 'the goods' on the upcoming events and then planned our next few days (which included trail riding and the Bicycle Bash.) With a boat load of enthusiasm and some sun screen I got my bike built and gear prepped for some dready adventure!

Go to NSMB.com for the FULL STORY

Another early start at the airport...

6:50 - Zagreb to Paris (Air France) 2 h flight
10:25 - Paris to Atlanta (canceled because of wind 13:30) 10 h flight
20:28 - Atlanta to State College 2 h flight
22:30 – Drive through State College
23:30 WOODWARD EAST - TAKE TWO!!

As you can see my current location is Woodward East in Pennsylvania, USA. It has been two years since I first came here and I can say that I was waiting anxiously to come back for the entire time.



What is Woodward? …heaven! A huge place full of skateparks (indoor and outdoor), dirt jumps, FMX jumps, resi ramps, foam pits, gymnastic equipment, and Pro riders like Daniel Dhers, Jamie Bestwick, and Antony Napolitan. Oh…and me?!

Coming here from where I live something that is hard to explain. Croatia is place with no dirt jumps, no foam pits, no resi, and no skateparks. So, when a person like me, who loves riding so much, comes to such a place for the first time. . .you cannot might be able to understand why I’m so passionate to use all my time here 100%.



Unfortunately, there was small problem ...my bike and gear didn't arrive!! I spent the first day planning out everything I would do when it showed up. Luckily, after two days, my bike finally arrived so I was able to rock and roll!

Although it might seem strange, I actually learned all the tricks that I wanted to in first day! First try! It was crazy to work on one trick all year in Croatia and then come here and clean it first try! It makes me sad a little because I know that I have spend years trying to learn tricks in crazy conditions, and here, with the right equipment and gear, it was so simple.



I tried a backflip tail-whip and did it first try into the foam, then took it to the resi and did it second try. I learned so fast, it was like, “ok, Next?!”

After three days of riding like crazy, my friend and I where invited to have dinner in Don Hampton’s house and see the DH Production office.



It was very cool and a great way to end my ‘spring training’.

Before I sign off, I’ve got to say thanks to Don! Don Hampton is amazing person and has been a great friend from the first day that I met him. He helped me a lot, and introduce me to a lot of great riders like Aaron Chase. So, THANKS DON!

I can’t wait to go home and keep working on all the great tricks I learned. See you all this summer!
- Mislav

I just read an interesting article in an outdoor magazine about the stereo-typing of fishermen. Yes, it was interesting! (my co-worker is chuckling at me)

It talked about how quickly people would judge the type of fishing a guy was doing based on whether the fellow showed up with matching and coordinated vest/hat/hipwaders and pulled a rod out of his BMW vs. the guy in the stained tanktop and a plaid shirt off-loading a beat up boat he drags behind his ’87 Chev ½ ton. Based on clothing alone, the other fisherman said they could very quickly tell which one was going fly fishing and which one was fishing for sturgeon.

K. . .here’s the best part – the gear the guys used immediately created an 'apparent or perceived' class difference between the two men, even though they were both engaged in the same sport and may share the same passion and love for fishing.

This got me grinning as I thought it was only OUR sport that had these goofy sweeping generalizations. You know what I’m talking about. . .

We all enjoy rolling on two wheels but it’s always pretty tough for me to get a roadie to wave back if I’m riding on a mountain bike. Or how Triathletes only seem to see or acknowledge other ‘wedge-head’ helmeted riders on bikes equipped with aero bars.

. . .and geeze! Don’t even get me going on those dread-locked baggy-clothed, skate shoe wearing dirtbag mountain bikers you see high fivin’ each other in the lift lines. They probably just use the chairlift and their bikes to go check on their crops. Right!?

COME ON NOW, THIS IS ALL WRONG!

Some of the nicest mountain bikers I know sport dreads. Some of the most unexpected ‘looking’ people are wicked talented riders and people who you would be (and I am) proud to hang out with, to ride with, work with and travel all over the world with!



So, why is it the longer some people are in this sport the more snobbish they seem to become? Not everyone of course. . .not you! I’m talking about those other guys. I’m sure you still say HI to a slower rider as you pass them on your road bike or stop and ask them how their day is going when you meet them on the trails. I’m talking about 'all those other guys' that don’t do that. You know, riders that are too busy to take two minutes to make the simple acknowledgment from one rider to another that we’re all out here having fun.
Together!

I think that is why I like riding with beginner-intermediate riders so much. ‘Cause they still LOVE the sport and are just so stoked to be out there doing it, but they don’t care what they wear, or if their bike has the best fork. They are out there acting like little kids and just riding for the fun of it. Like we ALL should be.

So, promise me this OK? When you finally drag your bike out of the shed and dust it off to go for a pedal remember to wave to the other riders out there. Give ‘em the smile that acknowledges you both are out there for the same reasons.

For 2008, no more sweeping generalizations! Go Have Fun! Fire a few more high fives around, even if it is to that dread-haired hippy dude beside you in the lift line! Don’t judge that book by its cover. You never know, asking him or her how their day is going may change your whole out-look on riding.

Enough rambling, gotta go ride!

What a way to start 2008. Canada’s three-time Olympian Eric Wohlberg did what he does best—took a great win—to start the season off for Symmetrics Cycling.

The legendary time triallist did what has worked well for him for almost almost 15 years: solo away to victory. Wohlberg rode alone for almost 40km, finishing ahead of Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) and Anibal Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home.) 2008 was a veritable improvement on last year’s—Wohlberg tried the same thing but was ultimately caught.

Wohlberg made his move from a lead group of 25, which was full of heavy hitters—all of the top American teams ready to show off their stuff: from the infamous Rock Racing team, Colavita/Sutter Home, Bissell, BMC, and more.

'I am happy for myself and the team. We’ve had some tough times lately with losing some sponsors but I hope that the win signals a healthy year ahead,' Wohlberg said after the race. 'Cam Evans and Andrew Randell also had good legs so I’m hoping we can carry this form into the other California races.'

Read the FULL INTERVIEW at symmetricscycling.com

Yesterday, Canadian champion Cameron Evans (Symmetrics/Norco) took the win by over Rock Racing's Oscar Sevilla by just one second.

Evans slipped off the front of the peloton in the criterium with eventual stage winner Luis Amaran (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) to gain a total time of thirty-eight seconds, enough to knock Sevilla down to second overall. Third place in the overall was taken over by Ben Day (Toyota-Untied) who captured the first time bonus sprint for ten seconds.

The winning breakaway riders played a tactical game on the final lap to decide the stage victory, but after the close sprint Amaran emerged as the winner of the stage while Evans claimed the overall race victory. Emile Abraham (Team Type 1) won the field sprint for third place.

'It's certainly a good feeling to have won San Dimas especially because Sevilla is obviously a great bike rider,' said Evans who acknowledged that this was his first career stage race win. 'With half a lap to go I was thinking about the stage win and the overall. I didn't want to get my hopes up too much and I was a little bit stressed.'

Evans admitted that his breakaway goals were centered around collecting time bonus sprints to move further ahead in GC, but he did not anticipate gaining so much time on the peloton, given that Rock Racing had controlled the previous day's race to protect Sevilla's lead.

'I was kind of going into today thinking that the best way to get time back was to go for some bonuses, which is why I started a break,' said a delighted Evans. 'Amaran ended up being very strong and we worked well together. With fifteen minutes to go, I knew we were going to stay away. Although I was thinking about the finish of the criterium, I was also thinking more about moving up on GC, but I didn't think about actually getting the overall win so it worked out alright.'

Source: Kirsten Robbins / cyclingnews.com