If you live in BC, there is a pretty good chance you have heard about the whole HST debacle. The British Columbia Government will be charging consumers an additional 7% on bikes through the initiation of HST. There are some things that should not be taxed and Bikes are one of them. The only thing HST will do is deter people from cycling.

Come on out Wednesday March 3, 2010 to the Legislature in Victoria BC and show your support. Bring a bike, and stage at 12:00PM.

We'll see you there!



To learn more about the event and sign the petition please visit http://www.squeakywheels.ca/

With the amount I travel I do in so many cool places combined with how awesome my job is I figured that I could sail through life at full charge, ready to handle all the daily nuances without issue. Apparently this is not true and I found myself pretty burned out after an incredibly successful 2009 season went down. hmm what to do??

Read more at: norco.com/blog

What does a day of training look like for British Junior National Champion Bernard Kerr?

Through Cornering, Speed, Moto and DJ Bernard puts himself through the paces to get to the front.

Watch a video of Bernards training at: dirt.mpora.com

photo by Jacob Gibbins

The concept of training wheels as a learning tool is on its way out… The Runner is the new way to learn how to ride a bike. The Runner is a kids bike that has no pedals, no cranks and no BB. It is a bike that a child can use to push themselves around and learn balance at an extremely young age.

Watch the video at: norco.com/blog

Today was a typical day in the mountain bike world on Vancouver Island, and a testament to what makes our sport so great. My friend (and amazing filmmaker) Aaron LaRoque and I decided to go shred and film at Mt.Prevost in Duncan and, like usual, we had no idea how we were going to get to the top of the mountain.

Read more from Darcy at: norco.com/blog

Here at Norco, we love our bikes, but we also love the Olympic Games. Especially this year with the 2010 games being in our own backyard. The torch has now made it through our neck of the woods (Port Coquitlam BC) and tonight is the Opening Ceremonies.

Read more and see some pics at: norco.com/blog

The red carpet came out at the NW Film Forum in Seattle WA for the Women of Dirt: Awesome Land Film Premiere. Executive Producers/Filmakers Mark Brent and Miles Sullivan welcomed Darcy Turenne, Stephanie Nychka,Tammy Donahugh, Anna Wells, Katrina Strand, Cierra Smith and Leana Gerrard with white roses and a tasty keg of beer. I was even handed a jello-shot as the cinema began to pack in for the 'Sold Out' Worldwide Premiere. Here's the lowdown including some ripping riding at Duthie Hill MTB Park in Issaquah WA the next day.

read more at pinkbike.com

James van de Kamp is one of the new additions to the Norco Team for 2010. He was recently interviewed by pinkbike on his career so far and his goals for the upcoming season.

Check out the interview and video of James at pinkbike.com

It doesn't happen often but every once in a while I will admit I get caught on the trail without a tube. Not because I didn't have one, but because I either gave it away or flatted more than once on a ride. I am slightly ashamed to have admitted this but yes, it does happen. This past weekend I went out riding in Port Moody BC with a friend and it happened to be one of those rides. After Eric flatted once, I followed suit. That was no biggie as we both had a tube, but then Eric tried for round two. Three flats, two tubes, 0 patches.

As Eric got ready to start hiking I made a suggestion, one that is simple, easy and quite effective. Tie a knot in the tube and ride out. That is right, this trick is super simple and low tech but can be the difference between a long hike and finishing a great ride.



To fix this flat, you will need to start by finding the hole. Once you do, tie a knot with the hole at the end which is tucked through the knot loop. Pull the knot nice and tight to be sure that it won't come undone once inflated.



You will see that the tube is significantly smaller in diameter now that it has been tied. You will need to insert the valve, then stretch the tube around the rim before attempting to seat the tire.



Once you get the tube around the rim you can start to work the tire onto the rim. You should be careful that the last bit you are trying to seat is not at the knot as this area has significantly more bulk around it and could be difficult to work with.



Now that the tire is on, you can re-inflate.I wouldn't suggest inflating to more than 40psi as the tube is significantly stretched and fatigued. This is not a long term fix but should be enough to get you home. Once you start riding you will likely feel the knot as a bump in your tire. It may be a little rough but it sure beats walking.



If you have your doubts, give it a try.

Dustan

That is right executive chef, author and TV host Anthony Sedlak could be cooking a 10 course meal for you and nine friends. Not only that, it is all happening in your kitchen. This Feb. 1, Anthony is auctioning off the dining experience of a lifetime and one sweet Norco CRR2 High Performance road bike. Get the complete scoop at cyclebetes.com or you can email kim@cyclebetes.com with any other questions you may have.

Bid on the package at: ebay.ca