Norco Returns as Bike Sponsor for 2008!

The Camp of Champions, always leading the way in finding cool new ways to enjoy summer in Whistler, is pleased to announce MTB Pro Camp.

MTB Pro Camp is The Camp of Champions Mountain Bike Camp stripped down to the bare essentials to save you money but still making sure you still have everything you need to have the best time ever in Whistler and in the Bike Park.

The Camp of Champions MTB Pro Camp is the amazing mountain bike vacation in Whistler designed to get you onto a top of the line Norco DH bike, into the Bike Park, and into accommodation as economically as possible.

Included with The MTB Pro Camp is six day lift tickets for the Whistler Bike Park, a Norco Park Edition A-Line to ride, guiding on your first day in the Bike Park, seven nights double occupancy accommodation in two bedroom suites at “The Dorm”, a Camp of Champions T-Shirt and COC/Sigg Water bottle. Bike Damage Insurance, Cancellation Insurance, and transfers between Vancouver International Airport and Whistler can be added for an extra charge.

The Camp of Champions MTB Pro Camp is $950.00 Cdn for each eight-day session. Throw together 2,3 or 4 sessions for a longer stay. Stay too long though and you’ll never leave. Space is extremely limited so pick your session or sessions and sign up today and get ready for the best summer of your life.

To get the more info on The Camp of Champions and their industry leading line up of summer camps go to: The Camp of Champions

Apparently, standing on the podium once per weekend isn't enough for Fionn anymore. Following her double-podium streak this season, Fionn took yet more medals home, this time with two 1st place finishes in the DH and Dual Slalom at the US Open.

DH practice on the Friday went well although conditions were extremely un- predictable. 'with the track as rough and rocky as it is here at Diablo Freeride park, the conditions in practice were unforgivable, just finding yourself slightly off line in the wet rocks will more than likely end in tears or at least with a quick nature appreciation visit to a nearby tree.' Fionn escaped a fairly big crash on the wet rocks without major injury, just a couple of bumps and bruises to show for her efforts.

Friday afternoon slalom qualification went as well as it could. Fionn had good runs on both courses and took the qualification win convincingly. The 2nd place Kathy Pruitt and 3rd place Joanna Petterson were both riding well. It was a milestone in events for the crew here at Diablo Mountain with their first Dual Slalom event being held here this weekend.

Saturday was literally a whole new day, with Blue skies and a constant breeze both tracks were drying up quickly. DH qualification went off without a hitch, and made for some close racing. With a time of 3.13, Kathy Pruitt nudged Fionn out at the line by 1/10th of a second for the lead and less than a second from that was the South African Joanna Petterson in 3rd.

Slalom Finals got underway fairly late in the evening, with the sun setting it was becoming more and more difficult to see but racing was tough fought to the line every time. In the semi finals Fionn met Katie Holden the 4th place qualifier and easily advanced to the finals where she met Kathy Pruitt.

Both Kathy and Fionn charged out of the gate in hopes of opening a time margin which Pruitt did taking the win in the first run. Even with Kathy's time margin it would not be enough to hold off a frustrated Griffiths in the second. The end result would turn out to be the same as qualification.

Slalom Results:
Fionn Griffiths 1st
Kathy Pruitt- 2nd
Jonanna Petterson- 3rd

Sundays Downhill event took place in front of large crowds lining the rock sections of the track and the lower portion of the mountain. With the Pro's racing for the top prize of $5000 everyone looked slightly nervous.

'I was all good at the start, got focused and went for it out the gate but in the second turn I noticed Jo walking back up the side of the track, she had left the start house only one minute before me so I thought it was kind of weird but carried on anyway. I got maybe another 45 ft before an official jumped into the track and stopped me.'

After having a re -start due to an accident on course it came down to who could get their head back in the game. Joanna Petterson had a great run beating the fastest qualifying time from the previous day in 3.12, but it was not enough to hold off Fionn who followed with a time of 3.03. Fionn anxiously awaited the arrival of Kathy at the finish but it was not to be Pruitt's day as she rode in with a time of 3.06.

'The Norco was working really well for me on this rocky track today, I loved every second of it. I just had fun riding my bike and the rest came together for me.'

DH Results:
Fionn Griffiths- 1st
Kathy Pruitt - 2nd
Joanna Petterson - 3rd

Next stop is Andora for round two of the World Cup tour. For more information about Fionn and the Norco World Team, check out: griffithsracing.net

From May 26th till June 1st, Norco's staff have taken on the Bike To Work Challenge!

This spring the Vancouver Cycling Coalition threw down the gauntlet, challenging workplaces across the Lower Mainland to enter a huge (but friendly) competition to see who can get the most co-workers onto bikes for the trip to work.

To help ease the process, some of our experienced cycling commuters volunteered their time to teach 'Gears and Gear' seminars for any rookies or wannabes.

We challenge YOU to consider hoping on your bike this week, remembering that change always starts with just one person!

For more information on the Bike to Work Challenge, check out: Bike To Work 2008

Building upon the success of the new Fluid design from last year, the LT offers more travel and burliness to handle anything you can dish out...

I’ve been reviewing Norco bikes for several years now. The crew at Norco is super-friendly and their bikes are always good for a ride–especially downhill rides. The first Norco I reviewed was the 2004 Norco Shore… a capable freeride rig that could still climb if prodded properly. It’s very evident that Norco designers value the downhill above all else because every bike I’ve ridden since has been a scream on the down.

For that reason, I’m always stoked to get on a Norco. They may not be as well-known here in the States as they should be, but that shouldn’t stop you or I from wanting to get on one.

This year’s test bike is the all-new Fluid LT 3–the entry-level bike in the new Fluid LT lineup. Building upon the success of the new Fluid design from last year, the LT offers more travel and burliness to handle anything you can dish out. Lets see how it fared after I doled out some punishment on the local Utah singletrack.

Read the FULL REVIEW at feedthehabit.com

Norco and signed up for 2008 as the official bike supplier of the ESC Bike Camps.

ESC Bike Camps have been around since 1998 teaching young rippers how to become the best riders they can be. They originally focused on DH training and high performance biking, but quickly realized how important grassroots programs are to the Mountain Bike Community. Over the last 10 years, ESC has helped more than 6000 riders learn the basics and discover the joys of freeriding or improve their time on a DH course. ESC has also produced over a dozen highly skilled MTB instructors through the ESC Instructor Certification Program started in 2005.



The BC Bike Park Road Trip also called FRT Tour de Bike Parks has got to be the most outrageous adventure that ESC has ever put together. Seven days of touring in the legendary Huck Wagon, camping and riding BC’s best bike parks summarizes it pretty well. Then there are Freeride Team Camps- overnight (Interior) and local (North Shore) adventures. And for those still learning the ropes ESC has spent the last 10 years creating a line up of programs proven to build confidence and develop skill on two wheels: Little Rippers for ages 5-7 and Extreme Riders for 8 and up!

This year ESC celebrates 10 years of creating riders- join them on one of their rides camps or clinics! For more information check out' escadventures.com

Fionn Scores Two Top Spots at Maribor World Cup

Although she's only two races in, Fionn has already decided that standing on the Podium is her style. She started out with a great season opening double podium 3rd & 2nd spot at Sea Otter, and this past weekend she scored another deux with a 3rd & 4th at Maribor World Cup. Here's what she had to say...

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Arriving in Maribor nerves were flying - new pit set up, new mechanic, new bikes and a fresh start to the season. The sun was shining and the track looked amazing, so we just fed off the positive energy and gave it our all.

4X racing started with a bang. Straight out of the gate Fionn was flying. She loved the track and qualified in 2nd place just behind Anneke Beerten. Heading into racing Fionn was focused on the task at hand. She won each of her rounds, working her way into the finals alongside Anneke Beerten, Melissa Buhl and Anita Molcik. Stuck between Melissa and Anneke in the gate, Fionn got a bit of a squeeze coming into the first corner. She didn't let that get to her though and came out of the first turn in 2nd place. Fionn and Buhl battled it out until the 2nd corner where Molcik took advantage of an opening and moved herself into 2nd. From there the chase was on. Fionn blasted out of the 2nd turn trying to make up her lost speed and catch Molcik. But the gap would prove to be too much.

Results:
Anneke Beerten 1st
Anita Molcik - 2nd
Fionn Griffiths - 3rd
Melissa Buhl - 4th

Sunday. Race day. Fionn had been ripping up the DH track all week absolutely loving the speed and technicality of the course. She gave a strong qualifying run, making only a few mistakes on course and finishing in 6th. By the time racing came around Fionn was ready to give it her all. Bettering her qualifying time by over 7 seconds, Fionn finished the day with 4th place - her second top 5 finish of the weekend

Results:
Sabrina Jonnier - 1st
Rachel Atherton - 2nd
Emmeline Ragot - 3rd
Fionn Griffiths - 4th

Also a special mention goes out to our new team mechanic - Paul Miles. Maribor was Paul's first World Cup event and he did a wicked job on the bikes all weekend.

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

Svein Tuft Takes Four Golds, Bell A Silver

The Norco-sponsored Symmetrics Cycling Team had an unbelievable week in Uruguay last week, taking an unprecedented haul of medals. Competing against all nations of both North and South America, Symmetrics had Svein Tuft and Zach Bell on both road and track.

Svein Tuft started the trip off well when he won the Individual pursuit--taking the gold by three seconds over Jose Antonga (Argentina). Tuft had a day off before competing in the points race--where he snagged another gold over American Daniel Holloway. Bell just missed the Bronze, taking fourth. The stage was set for an incredible madison the next day--where Tuft and Bell did not disappoint. Finally, the two riders were allowed to show off to the country what a great pair of madison riders they are--the S-team riders won beautifull over Gonzalo Miranda / Luis Sepúlveda (Chile). Zach Bell ended the track portion of the Pan Ams off well by taking a second in the five event Ominium event.

Next up, Tuft and Bell hit the road portion of the Pan Ams. Although the road race was difficult because of their being marked due to the success on the track--the time trial was another unbelievable day for Tuft and Bell. Tuft won convincingly, averaging 50kmh for almost an hour--and Bell finished in a solid fifth.

Go to SYMMETRICS CYCLING for more information.

This is the third edition of the Norco Fluid that I've reviewed. I loved the 2006 version, I gushed about the 2007 version and (big surprise), I'm just as stoked about the 2008 version.

This year Norco has entered the long-travel all-mountain fray with the Norco Fluid LT (Long Travel). I was given the Fluid LT One to test - which I will occasionally refer to as the Gucci or Pimp edition bike - for reasons that will become clear as we discuss the component specifications.

What more can I say about the Fluid line of bikes? I really like Norcos. Indeed, the gentle reader can be well-justified in questioning my objectivity. Having said that, it's hard to argue with a bike and part spec that continues to deliver top-quality bang for the buck year after year after year.

Check out the FULL REVIEW on NSMB.com

As Slopestyle contests go, Crankworx 2007 won’t go down as one of the best in memory.

Marred by crashes and injuries, most riders never got their groove on the course. Many said it lacked flow and riders would traverse – often detouring for trannies and stunts – in a desperate attempt to find a line they liked. After the first round of the finals there was very little suspense – Ben Boyko made sure of that.

One of the biggest critics of the course, Boyko went out and put together a solid run anyway. It appeared his lead would be insurmountable as rider after rider fell or under-performed in round two, and indeed his victory was sealed before he arrived at the drop in for his second run. I figured Ben would just style it out and treat his descent as a victory lap but apparently that’s not his style.

Run two was just as burly and had fewer flaws in the eyes of the judges putting more distance between himself and the rest of the competitors. The crowd went ape when he again spun three off the huge final drop to end the contest and further cement his victory. Finally a Canadian had won the Crankworx Slopestyle.

In the off season Ben was kind enough to answer some of my questions about life as a pro rider. Check out what he had to say below as well as epic photos and sequences by Harookz.

Read the FULL INTERVIEW on NSMB.com

Norco-sponsored Brothers for ALS kicks off Trans-Canada Tour in Vancouver.

Bring a picnic lunch and come ready to run, walk, bike or roller blade around 5km of Stanley Park in support of the Mike, AJ & Adam Teeter as they begin their bike ride across Canada!

Come with a friend & a donation for the ALS Society.

For more info: brothersbike4als.com

Ok, so maybe we won't have to hire Norco-sponsored bodyguards, but Mislav is definitely making his mark.

Check out his latest triumph – a four page story AND mega-pull out poster! (mega-mega!)

VPS-Fest is Norco's one-of-a-kind Rider Appreciation Day. In 2003 we created our first VPS-Fest event as a fun way to give back to the riding community and a great excuse to get Norco riders together for a great time.

Since our first event, VPS-Fest has grown and expanded into a much anticipated event on many Norco riders' calendars. This event gives us the opportunity to say, 'Thanks!' to our riders by providing FREE (or half price) lift-accessed riding, FREE tech support by World Cup mechanics, FREE flat and wheel repair, the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes, and much more.

To learn more about Norco's Rider Appreciation Day, VPS-Fest: Check out vps-fest.com

If you are wanting to attend the event: Don’t miss out, register for VPS-Fest now!

Norco Signs On As Event Sponsor

If you have kids and you live in the Vancouver area, plan to come out to the Langara Family YMCA on Sat, May 31st.

See the Events Poster for more info!

All events, activities, food, and refreshements are FREE for everyone!

Norco has been around for over 40 years, and anyone who has been riding as long as I have has seen Norco bikes change from fully rigid no-nonsense bikes to sophisticated high performance machines. Since the introduction of the first VPS bikes in the late '90s, Norco has been a force in the world of big mountain bikes. With the launch of the newly redesigned Shore chassis, Norco's commitment to the continued improvement and evolution of their long travel full suspension bikes is clear.

Read more of the Gear Shots #40 article at nsmb.com

Source: nsmb.com

If you live on the Sunshine Coast you should be celebrating. Recently, our very own Jay Hoots teamed up with Sprockids to rebuild the Sprockids park outside Gibsons, BC. To make this all happen, Hoots harnessed the energy of the enthusiastic class from the Cap College Mountain Bike Operations Progam. Here's the result (straight from the man himself)...

It has been a few years now since I first helped build in the Sprockids park and I have been back every year to refurbish. I am stoked on the vision from the MBO students in the new park and I look forward to working with the Sprockids program at every opportunity.

The 2008 Sprockids Park build was awesome! It was great to be such an active part of the park refurbishment in my capacity as an instructor for Capilano College. It was also great to fire up the chainsaw and shape some sick jumps!!!



I have been involved with the yearly redevelopment of the park over the last 4 years in different roles and even though the park had fantastic riding opportunity, 2008 was the time for overhaul.


I am stoked on IMBA Mark’s vision and the efforts and creativity from the MBO students in the new park and as always I look forward to working with the Sprockids program at every opportunity.





After a really good start in the first semester of the trail building course it seems that the guys have a good grasp of basic sustainable trail building but I know everyone is just itching for advanced building techniques in semester 2 and their final project, the rebirth of the Sprockids Park.





Design submissions were presented by the students and myself who approached projects in group format. Each design was evaluated on progression, safety, creativity and of course ‘the plan’ by the lead instructor Mark Schmidt Canadian Director of IMBA Canada.







Once everything was set, the class set out to the park and in under 4 hours the entire existing Skills Park was leveled! All reusable timbers and materials were stored and all junk was piled waiting for removal.




As with most Skills Parks a limited budget was available so the class got straight to work with a local contractor setting base grades and sorting out all the major excavation needed for their projects. Each group got machine time and had to use it as effectively as possible in order for everyone to benefit.





Over the period of 5 weeks the students worked on the park with scheduled supervision from both Mark and myself. It was great to see the enthusiasm, the stress and the pride that these guys all went through… Through the build Mark and I helped with actual construction as well as advice and the new Sprockids Bike Park began taking shape...






One of the courses in the Mountain Bike Operations Course (events management) empowered and challenged the students to learn and prepare for running a volunteer day. With that course under their belts the students organized 3 full volunteer trail days, 2 serviced and maintained local trails in Roberts Creek and the third was a volunteer day held at the Sprockids Bike Park.



In true Sunshine Coast fashion over 80 people showed up for the student organized Volunteer day in the Bike Park and a ton of work got done putting all features within striking range of finished for their final evaluation scheduled 2 weeks later.




The event day ran smooth and lots of industry support stoked the locals! Naturally there was some riding, just to make sure that th bike park was on the right track.

With the blessing from Doug Detwiller and the meticulous eye of IMBA Mark everyone passed their projects and the new age Sprockids park is now ready for riding!




Year 2 of the Mountain Bike Operations Program held by Capilano College has produced a group of incredibly prepared individuals whom I would consider hiring on the spot.



The intensity of the students matched with their desire to learn and of course their passion for riding makes them extremely employable and I believe all but one person is now working in the bike industry. Bravo! Our sport takes yet another huge valuable step towards legitimization!

- Hoots!

For more info on how Hoots is transforming BC into skills park heaven check out: hoots.ca

So, spring is FINALLY getting here, at least in our area anyway. We can still find snow as soon as we head too far uphill, but at least it has been melting fast and with the weather improving, riders are dragging their bikes out and hitting the trails.

I don't know about you but I sure enjoy mountain biking. I consider myself very lucky to be located in an area where there are cool trails 2 minute from my door, and big-bad world class 'shore type' trails within 10. I've been riding most of these trails now for more than 15 years. New ones sprout up here and there when some keen trail builder puts in the hundreds and hundreds of relatively thankless hours and makes this priceless contribution so that all us riders who hear about it go ride it.

But then the cycle begins... understandably the trail builder who probably just spent half his last season would rather go RIDE than shovel, but his new trail starts to get beat down with all the new traffic, and most of us just start complaining about how buff and pristine it used to be. You know -- how the first few times there wasn't any wheel sucking holes after the steep rolls, no mucky blown out sections, or washed/eroded away corners.

Spring is the worst time for that. We remember how great the trails once were while at the same time roll down trails freshly opened after a winter that may have been quite tough on them. Finding blown down or fallen trees across the trails is common this time of year. Sometimes the trail is almost hidden from washouts, broken off branches, sticks or other debris. If you are going to get a branch stuck in your derailleur or tear your hanger off, mark my words, it will probably be in this next month. Oh... so this has already happened to you once or twice eh??? Ahhhhaaaaa.

Maybe, JUST maybe this is karma telling you that you need to do your part. To give a little love back to your favorite trails.

Can I suggest (without sounding like I'm preaching here) that on your next ride, and every ride this year to take a few minutes to give back. Rather than just bombing a trail from top to bottom, swing a leg off your ride and take a minute here or there to clear that fallen branch or log, to dig a trench to help drain that low spot that is collecting water. Heck... even find some good sized stones and do a little rock work to fill in the holes on the trail that want to make your front wheel disappear.

Maybe I go a little too far, but I have been carrying a small saw (Sandvik folding saw available at Revi or Home Depot for less than $20) on my rides. With one of these, it takes just a sec to clear the branches or downfall once and for all. You would be amazed at how quickly you can go through a pretty good sized downed tree, even big ones up to 6 or 8' in diameter.

So, as you hop on your bike think about doing your part. If each one of us did even a little work to our favorite trails every ride, these trails would last and last. . . they may even begin to improve with age like a fine wine.

Better yet, get out for a local trail day. These are awesome! A great way to meet other riders and build up HUGE Karma points.


Happy trails,

The May edition of the 2008 Norco National Flyer has been released! See your Norco dealer for great deals on Norco bikes, parts, and accessories; and a chance to win a 2008 Rival. You can download the Flyer below, in english and in french.

Disclaimer: We reserve the right to limit quantities. Product may vary from store to store. While we strive for accuracy in product description and pricing, it may be amended without prior notice by the manufacturer. We cannot be held responsible for technical or typographic error which may appear in this flyer. See in-store for contest rules and regulations.

Corrections for the National Flyer (English)

Corrections for the National Flyer (French)

Download th 2008 Norco National Flyer (english)

Download the 2008 Norco National Flyer (french)

See Participating Dealers (english)

See Participating Dealers (french)


Rules and Regulations (English)

Rules and Regulations (French)