A Weekend Without Biking!?

What do you do when it is cold and grey outside, you just spent last weekend super muddy at a great SVBC Superbowl Sunday ride, and you need a break from the bike? A trail run!? Not just any trail run but The Wild Oak Trail Run (often referred to as T.W.O.T.). It is not your ordinary run but a special and unique event that embodies everything that many of us have grown to love about our mountains, our trails, and our trail community. The Wild Oak Trail Run is not a race or at least not really. Consider that 50+ people started but only four "finished" that is because those four finished all four laps for a whopping 100+ miles of Wild Oak Trail. Most others were only participating in the "fun run" portion of the event which involves 26 miles and a bunch of uphill. Mountain bike events and bike events in general could learn an awful lot from the spirit of these free "fun run" events. Kyle got out for the Wild Oak Run and then a Sunday hike to a waterfall in the Shenandoah National Park with former SBC employee, Whitney March.

The rules for the Wild Oak Trail Run are one of our favorite things about the event and nothing sums up the event more than these ten rules. While not for everyone, this type of run/ride/hike/ski/name any other form of human powered mobility and endurance is food for the soul. 

(From the T.W.O.T. Run site)

Who is Invited
Since this is a semi-invitational, here are some guidelines to help you determine if you are "invited". Actually, most of the following determines who is not invited.

• If you are even the least bit worried or concerned about getting lost, don't come.
• If you have questions, don't come.
• If you need a crew, don't come.
• If you need toilet paper, don't come.
• If you expect to be pampered in any way shape or form, don't come.
• If you're a whiner, don't come.
• If you're a freeloader, don't come.
• If you're seeking fame and/or fortune, don't come.
• If you're thinking about writing a report about your experience at Wild Oak, don't come.
• If you crave abuse, if you yearn for abuse, if you are addicted to abuse in any way shape or form (be it physical, mental, sexual, verbal, mathematical, artistic or whatevah) BY ALL MEANS, BE MY GUEST. (This applies to abusees only. Abusers are not welcome. The only abuser allowed is the trail.)

Mountain Biking in Winter is Awesome!

Getting out in the mountain in winter for a trail ride is a blast when the sun is out and there is a light dusting of snow to provide for amazing scenery. The only dilemma  is which trail to ride. I found my self faced with this decision on a ride to Reddish Knob and Timber ridge at the intersection of Lynn and Wolf Trails. Which one to ride? Both have their own style , both are ripping fast, decisions decisions.  It was Wolf on a Wednesday this time!



Winter riding can take its toll on the equipment, so if you have been getting out there shredding it up in the mud, rock and snow don't forget to give back to your bike that gives you so much joy on the trail. It is the LAST week of our Mountain bike Winter Overhaul Package sale! Take advantage of this service to get your rig styled and dialed if you have been on the trail or getting ready for spring rides to come! Check out the details below and if you have a mountain bike with suspension check out Front and Rear suspension overhaul specials to keep your fork and shock buttery smooth. Ride on!

Sunday is FUNday

The Superbowl Sunday ride was amazing with classic winter conditions. While all of us on the ride were adding layers of warm clothes to avoid frostbite and hypothermia, our friends in the warm red rocks of Sedona, Arizona were trying to stay cool. Tim has made his voyage to the desert sun and red dusty trails of Sedona for a few weeks of riding. Here is a photo looking out from the High Line trail on the Bike and Bean weekly shop ride. Thanks for the photo Tim, let the good times roll, and watch out for that vortex!

Super Bowl Ride...The game where we are all winners!

The conditions for Sunday's Super Bowl Ride were about perfect considering it is February and the ride goes to the highest point in Rockingham County. The Fat Bike crew made it to the top of the 4360' peak first, the 100 plus riders that followed them had the pleasure of assaulting the mountain with friends from all around! The icy fire road conditions made for some sketchy moments but the falling snow created a scenic winter wonderland! Thank you to all the riders who keep making this annual tradition such a blast, the ride must be getting close to 30 years old....

Marsahll, Roland & John trying to beat the traffic!

Pre Work for a weekend of Fun!

The Super Bowl Sunday ride dates back to before most of us found our way to Harrisonburg and even before some of us were born. The ride first happened in the mid 80's by early Harrisonburg mountain bike pioneers and has turned into an annual event.   Thanks to the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition members for a Sunday of trail work to open up the trails off Shenandoah Mountain.  Hone Quarry/Big Hollow/Red Diamond and Pond Knob are ready for your own personnal adventure and those other 100+ folks who will ascend/descend the highest point in Rockinghman County! Don't forget to join us on Saturday night for the screening of "Reveal the Path" at Court Square Theater.

[caption id="attachment_2099" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Matt Smith loaded to clear the Super Bowl Trails![/caption]

 

On to the Next One!

Rumors of a Mid-Season "Dynamo"

Did I hear someone mention the possibility of a mid-season Dynamo? This 100+ mile over-night bumpy road ride typically occurs in October, but the recent warm temperatures this January have spurred a few anxious riders to mutter the “D word” lately.  Check out the Dynamo blog for more details.  Ok, well the last blog post dates 2007, but there is a sweet poem to get everyone stoked.

Winter Weekend for Riding

We hope you were able to get out on your bike and enjoy the warm temperatures.  The mountain trails are all cleared of snow but soft conditions still exist.   Pick the rockiest trails for the most traction.   Perfect road moisture made it ideal for thin tire fun on the county gravel roads.   Dreams of future Harris Roubaix rides were dancing in our heads yesterday as the bumps of the road transferred through our wrists and up to our brains.  Mark your calendar for this years Harris Roubaix on April 7th!

[caption id="attachment_2059" align="aligncenter" width="426"] Gravel Road Riding....make sure you hold on with two hands![/caption]

See you tonight at Clementine for the monthly SVBC social! 7:30 Rubys!

Reveal the Path is Coming to Harrisonburg February 2

Winter Maintenance Clinic: Setting up and Caring For Suspension

Proper setup and care for suspension on mountain bikes is an important topic that can save you money and improve the quality of your ride.  Don't miss the next installment of the SBC winter maintenance clinic on January 10 at 6:30 here at the shop.  Bring your mountain bike and we'll show you how to pimp your squish.

 

SBC Winter Overhaul Special: Road, Touring, and Cross Bikes

Today begins the start of our two week Road, touring, and cross bike Winter Overhaul package. Remember this special ends in two weeks on January 21 so get your trusty steed down here. Don't have a road bike? Never fear we will be running overhaul packages for all types of bikes this winter. Check out more information.

Setting Tracks for 2013!

2012 was a great year for SBC and the local bicycle community!  We thank all of you for your support.  SBC is heading into its 14th year and we are proud of and grateful for our customers, staff, and Harrisonburg's vibrant community.

Whether you are a first time rider or a seasoned professional, please let us know how we can help you make tracks in 2013. We are in the business of supporting all your two wheel adventures.  Whether you're riding to work, doing a century, taking the kids on a ride or planning a  bike adventure you've always wanted to check off the bucket list, we are here for you.

We love bicycles.  More importantly we love what they do for  individuals as well as the community.  We wish you the best of luck in 2013 and hope we can continue to serve your cycling needs.

Thomas & Tim
Owners of SBC!

Ride Me! I'm Electric! T80+

The T80+ is an electric pedal assist bike with some great features.  It's heads up design is perfect for commuting in comfort with suspension seat post and front fork.  A front and rear light are built into the bike and integrate with the electric assist system.   The rechargeable pedal assist system will save you money and will make your urban commute tons of fun!

SBC/Pulp Bottles!

Check out the new SBC/Pulp water bottles!  Don't forget, all SBC goods are 20% off until 2013!  GET SOME!

 

Maintenance Clinic Cancelled

Tonight's Winter Maintenance Clinic is cancelled. The scheduled topic, Bearings, will be pushed to the next scheduled clinic on January 10.

Mountain bike skills development: Pump Track

Ever wonder why the fast riders are so fast and smooth?  They use their legs and body for more than just pedaling and turning.  They use body movement to gain and maintain speed without pedaling by creating acceleration and momentum.  Riding the pump track is a great tool for learning how to use legs as suspension, corner acceleration and pumping down-slopes while flexing extremities upwards on the up-sloping terrain.



National Brownie Day Pumptrack from Adventure Seen on Vimeo.

SBC has demo tubeless road wheel sets!

That's right, TUBELESS road tires!  This technology is going to improve everyone's road riding experience.  Running tubeless will nearly eliminate your chances for getting flat tires.  You will also be able to run lower pressure for more supple ride.  The wider rims give the tire a wider profile which increases the footprint of the tire on the road surface, which means more traction.  Come in and demo these new wheels, you'll be surprised how awesome it is.

SBC Staff Favorites - Collin's Pick for 2012

The giving season is upon us, no matter what particular holiday you celebrate, it's the holiday season. With that comes the sometimes not so easy task of finding that special something for  your friends and family.  Here at SBC we would like to assist with gift ideas to help you find that new shiny two wheel related present . With that each one of here at the shop would like to highlight our "favorite" item of the year! My choice , Shimano's 10 Speed Shadow Plus rear derailleur. The On/off Clutch systems nearly eliminates forward cage movement while riding which means no more noisy chain slap on the descents or chain dropping off the chainrings when boosting that big air. And it's not just for full suspension bikes, the shadow plus system quiets down that noisy hardtail bumping down the trail.  Thanks to this little piece of art trail riding has become  much more fun, with less noise and trail side mechanicals one can find themselves lost in the beauty of the wilderness. Available in XTR, XT, SLX, Saint, and ZEE models to fit any budget or riding style!

[caption id="attachment_1896" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Shimano XTR Shadow + 10 Speed Rear Derailleur[/caption]

Collin approved Componentry.

 

Holiday Shop Hours

If you need to do some last minute holiday shopping or have your bike serviced over the holidays, FEAR NOT!  We'll be open the following hours for the upcoming winter holidays:

December 23      11:00-4:00

December 24     11:00-2:00

December 25     CLOSED

December 26     CLOSED

December 27     11:00-7:00

December 28     11:00-7:00

December 29    9:00-4:00

December 30     Closed

December 31    11:00-5:00

January 1          Closed

January 2         Resume regular business hours.

Thursday Night Bicycle Maintenance Class! Brakes!

Don't forget about the third of six bicycle maintenance clinic coming up at 6:30pm on Thursday December 13, 2012!  Bring your bike and learn how to work on your brakes!