Super Bowl Sunday Preview

Wondering what it will be like for this Sunday's 30th++ edition of the Super Bowl Sunday Ride? We sent out our roaming reporter "Old Man Freeride" to Shenandoah Mountain on a cold morning to evaluate the conditions...Here is his report!

Ice happens when it is 13 degrees!

Ice will probably greet most riders. Intially this will  be spitting out of the rocks bands up the steep cuts next to the road...but expect things to change a little as you get close to the "Bob Turn" about two miles from the Briery Branch Gap.  At this point the road is mostly covered but completely rideable, a nice packed in surface thanks to those vehicle explorers trying to get up to the mountain.

I brought my bathing suit for nothing!!

At the saddle there still might be a few vehicles in the "Long Term Parking" spots but I image they will be moved then by either the owners or new vehicle owners. At the saddle sits about 5" of very dry snow, lacking the moisture needed for a good mid ride snow ball fight.

One of two vehicle hibernating at the saddle. 

From the saddle for the next 3 miles as you make your way to  Flagpole Knobup the snow should stay pretty consistant with a solid ice layer underneath the white stuff.  Even with the cold mountain temperatures and "West by God Virginia" winds the bright sun will bring out dirt on the south facing slopes.

As usual the last 1/4 mile to the highest point in Rockingham County will have some snow drifts and making the final push to the group photo epic!

The downhills? I imagine the top portion of the descents will still have some deep snow and ice but this will quickly break and dirt will appear as the sun hits the south/east facing descents.

Fresh Tracks on the last pitch to Flagpole... Freshies!!!

So, load up your packs, deflate your tires, bring warm layers (think wool!!) and plenty of food because it is time for another great edition of Harrisonburg's oldest annual mountain bike ride!

-SBC's roaming reporter, "Old Man Freeride".

Minimo: similar to dynamo in both words end in mo

So the first minimo is in the books! What is this you ask? Its an exploratory ride conceived by the 2 handsome devils below that takes place any time day or night done on whatever bike you like with the focus on snacks and fun of course. So leave your heart rate monitors and GPS things at home and join us. Don't forget the twinkies!

Birthed In The Basement

Shop guy Matt here. So, when I'm not at The Shop, I'm usually either outside or tinkering in my basement.  This little pile of tubing is what I've been squeezing out of my free time. I have been practicing and destroying things and learning about what not to do. That seems to be the hard way, but when you're talking about fire and metal descriptions can be a little murky. Do you  have any idea how many shades of red hot steel can be? Have you ever looked at a brass rod as it goes through all of the transitions from solid to liquid and back again? It feels a little like magic. Doing all of that with the end result being a vehicle for exploration seems like a worthwhile way to spend some time. 

Join us This Thursday for a Bicycle Camping Workshop

Please join us this Thursday, January 29 at Walkabout Outfitters for an evening "workshop" to talk about Bicycle Camping, Bike touring, Bikepacking, or whatever else you may want to call it. We had 4 fun and adventurous Bicycle Camping trips last year and are very happy to announce 4 more for 2015. Our two spring dates are set for Saturday April 18 and Saturday May 30.

The workshop is free and open to everyone so please join us at 6:30pm at Walkabout Outfitters in Downtown Harrisonburg. We will have our very own Matt Hassman, bicycle camping extraordinaire, on hand with a fully loaded touring bicycle to show you what it looks like to fill your bags and head to the mountains. We will also have Paul Hansbarger, a recent addition to the Friendly City, Paul has his own frame bag company where he can sew you custom frame bags for your bike touring needs. Paul's company Wanderlust is off the ground and running so make sure to check it out.

Bring your questions, and we will bring some answers. What to bring, wear, eat, how to cook, where to go, how to carry your gear. This is the first of two workshops so be sure to mark Thursday February 19 on your calendar for our second workshop, this time at Shenandoah Bicycle Company. 

Clearing Trails for the Shenduro

Panorama of Death Star, Snowy Shenandoah To the East with Wild and Wonderful to the West!

Wootten and Watters went West to clear wood from a seldom ridden ridge, Sugar Run Trail, also known as 1025 or "Death Star".  The ridge dives West off Shenandoah Mountain and pokes out towards Sugar Grove.  The secret satellites from the NIOC-Naval base are within plain sight (hence the name death star).  What's the bigger secret is how rad this trail is.  We're blowing the whistle on this one at the next Shenduro on March 15th!  Come on out and enjoy it!  

The first chute on Death Star.  Relatively easy to ride slow.

Few folks get on this ridge because it is so remote, you can tell when you are out riding.  The trail begins with a fast double-track descent into a basin with minimal evidence of an actual trail.  You have to follow the yellow blazes to stay on track, but you eventually pop out on the ridge where the trail is obvious and well marked.

Collin hard at lurk, creepin towards the listening station.  (seen in back)

Collin rides the second complex chute on Sugar Run.

Blowdowns are not only a bummer on a ride, but can be hazardous at speed, so its always a good call to throw that folding saw in your campbell pack and do your friends a favor if you've got the time.

Sawing logs not sleeping on the job.

Notice the blade guard.  An easy to transport trailwork implement.

After some sawing, tree removed.

Evidence of trailwork from years ago.

We're lucky to live in a place where Skiing and Snowboarding go hand in hand with riding bikes.  After Wootten finished riding, he rolled over to Massanutten Resort to do some slope sliding.  The classic Mid-Atlantic packed slush was perfect for retrieving his old tricks in the progression park and forgiving enough to teach some new ones to Dr. Nonnemacher.

Multisporting so hard.  Snowboarding, Trailwork, and Shenduro Prep!

Blue Ridge Gravity D-Cup Series

Our gnarly neighbors to the South in Roanoke are putting together a winter/spring community race series similar to the Six Pack Downhills that we all enjoy every Friday in the Fall.  The events are always on Sundays.  Racers are expected to be at the start line (at the top of the mountain) at Noon.

A tradition we are excited to see bubble up with the D-Cup series; the winner gets to ride the Klunker for the following race.

Unfortunately, the first race is on the same day as the Superbowl Sunday Ride...  Hopefully we'll rally a crew from Harrisonburg to make one of the events!

Here's a video of the race course for the first event on North Mountain.  Go to Blue Ridge Gravity for more information about the series.

My Life in Socks

My Life in Socks

Anyone can tell you in the shop that socks are a great investment. When you put so many miles into intensively riding each week, you want something that won't crap out on you. 

Fabric that fits well, doesn't rub the wrong way and keeps your feet dry are a must.

Since your feet don't physically hit the ground when you cycle and your ankles stay in a relatively stagnant position, blood can sometimes not circulate properly in your feet. This can expand the size of your feet in uncomfortable ways and make cycling painful. 

However, good socks have applications even outside of cycling. I did not explore the full potential of a good clean wool sock until I started travelling.

  

  

Two years ago, I got the opportunity to go to Alaska. The trip itself was AMAZING, but between biking from Canada to the US, hiking, glacier walking, and multiple plane rides, my feet went up an entire half shoe size!

I had this same issue in Dominica this past year, when I traveled there for 10 days for a service trip.

         

So, for my grand adventure to Iceland this summer with my family, I decided it was time for a change. I splurged on two pairs of wool socks and it was worth it!

    

I rode a horse, learned what a fjord was, traversed glaciated mountains, and saw volcanic activity all with size 9 woman's feet (not a swollen size 10). I definitely know what to pack for my next adventure.

- J

Wednesday Nights-A perfect night ride!

On Wednesday night there was another addition of the SBC Wednesday evening night rides.

The Wolvhammer shoes did not need the fire but it is good for the soul after a night ride!

With the temperatures below freezing it was time to reenter Hillandale Park and play in our favorite town trail system. The cold weather took a little toll on Tom Coopers seat rails.  Even with a broken seat rail he enjoyed a few laps in perfect conditions; frozen ground, dry rocks and a layer of snow on everything. It was great having Jake Hall join us, with Hilladale in his back yard he was a rock star in the trails and a great riding partner. After our first lap we hooked up with Ritchie and her dog riding partner. More riders mean more lights which equals more fun!

Join us next Wednesday for another addition. We will either be at Hillandale again (if conditions permit) or west of town if Hillandale is too wet. See the ride on Facebook.

-Old man free ride - Thomas

Shop Diggity Dog

Hey friends, if you haven't been by the shop in a while, there is a new face at the shop.

This is Wicket. He is super friendly and loves to meet new people. He is almost four years old (28 in "dog years") and enjoys long rides around Narrow Back and sleeping on the couch. Next time your in introduce yourself.

Do I look hungry to you? I promise my dad feeds me!

Winter Overhaul Service Specials!

Winter overhaul service specials are now running at SBC until the 21st of February! Don't miss out on these specials and discounted pricing for all types of service. Offering targeted, focused service for hybrids and townie bikes, road, cyclocross, and touring bikes, mountain bikes,suspension forks, shocks and dropper seatposts. There is a special that fits any bike and its need for service. Let us style your bike and get it ready for the 2015 riding season! Check out the details below and on our website for more specifics,and by clicking here. And of course, call the shop with any questions 540.437.9000.

In case you didn't see, FREE SBC T-shirt to the first 20 bikes brought in!

SBC Wool Socks

Woolen woven SBC socks are now available! Represent the shop on your feetsies!

Winter time exploring...At a cross roads!!

View from the Wild Oak Trail...Mountains for Miles and Miles!

When temperatures hit single digits, I explore the depths of the National Forest.   Winter is my time to get off trail, see things I won't see from my bike. A time to dream about future two wheel fun. Plus, nothing heats you like crawling on the forest floor or slipping on 60degree side hill, hoping you don't fall again!

At a cross roads!

With a Forest Service deadline for flagging some new trail options approaching fast I found the time and weather right to do some needed last minute ribbon hanging.  This was also a great opportunity to get my 13 year old woods dog out for some running, she is also my safety net if shit hits the fan.

The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition is looking at some potential large trail projects on the Wild Oak Trail. One of these projects would include a reroute of the steep eroded section on Dowell's Draft. The new proposed route will be a great addition to one of the finest downhills in the GW. But before any of this can happen the Forest Service will send out the Biologist and Archeologist to make sure we are not disturbing the remains of Big Foot or some old ancient burial ground.  I have yet to find either during my many off trail hikes in the GW National Forest but I have seen spectacular views, great rock outcroppings and places that just scream out, Trail, Trail, Trail! 2015 and 2016 might have some great new trail options coming to a forest near you!

The beginning of a great descent...to only get better

Embroidered Dickies Jackets at SBC

Men's and women's quilted Dickies jackets are now available at SBC emblazoned with our logo on the chest and the town we all hold so dear on the back. Thanks to our model, Grayson.