Archive for September, 2006

At Local Ride Bike Shop, we eat, sleep and breathe cycling. On our days off, we like nothing better than to hit the trails and roads on two wheels, and last weekend was no different. Our riders in the brick and blue Local Ride jerseys were on course and on the sidelines at the Cheakamus Challenge mountain bike race on Saturday. Sunday morning, the shop colours flew again at the Giant Cyclocross race in Vancouver. Meanwhile, in Maple Ridge, shop mechanic Dave led our Sunday Morning Ride. But we still hadn’t had our fill. Yesterday afternoon, Dave, Nona, Barry, Brad and Ryan enjoyed the fantastic trails on nearby Burke Mountain. So if you need anything to do with bikes (or you’d like someone to ride with), you can be confident that we can help!

Weekly Special
Specialized Body Geometry Bar Phat vibration damping handlebar tape for road bars is 20% off! The Bar Phat system revolves around four molded viscoelastic pads that isolate road vibration and increase comfort, while decreasing fatigue. This handlebar tape system is perfect for long-distance rides. The product is designed with input from doctors to help decrease the stress that hours of cycling puts on the body.

Featured Product
Sugoi’s Wired long-sleeved athletic top is this week’s featured product. This stylish and functional piece of clothing features an MP3 pocket and interior wiring system for music on the go. The top is manufactured with Sugoi’s famous quality workmanship and high performance wicking fabrics. It’s the perfect piece of clothing for autumn trail runs and bike rides and can be used for layering as the weather gets chillier.

Local Ride Racing Team
We love bikes so much, we actually choose to pedal so hard, our lungs feel like they’re going to explode. On the weekend, three of Local Ride’s racers covered over 70 kilometres of challenging off-road terrain in the Cheakamus Challenge, a classic B.C. mountain bike race which starts in Squamish and ends in Whistler and includes over 2000 metres of climbing.

Roy McBeth powered out the best result, finishing 29th out of 250 riders with a smoking fast time of 4:02:08. Steve Devantier cruised to 69th place after suffering some nightmarish chain suck (which forced him to break the chain in three places in order to get the chain out). Gord Cooper also had chain problems, but finished the epic race anyway in 182nd spot. Honourary team member and shop employee Sandra Walter finished 34th overall and third woman behind Canadian mountain biking legends, Alison Sydor and Trish Sinclair. Honourable mentions also go out to a couple of our favourite shop frequenters: Paul Craig was 85th on the long course and Dawne and Kevin Hughes placed 20th and 23rd, respectively, on the 40-kilometre Cheakamus Lite short course. Thanks to Barry and Jeanine for pro race support!

Yesterday, Robbie Bitz and Steve hit the cyclocross circuit at West Point Grey Acadamy in race #2 of the Giant Cyclocross Series. Despite the miles in his legs from the previous day, Steve placed a fantastic 5th in the B Men’s Category. Sandra finished fourth in the Women’s A pack. Robbie and Paul both had strong rides as well.

Look for the Local Ride Racing Team at these upcoming events:
* Giant Cyclocross Series, event #3, Surrey, October 7
* Giant Cyclocross Series, event #4, Delta, October 14
* Giant Cyclocross Series, event #5, Vanier Park, October 21
* Giant Cyclocross Series, event #6, B.C. Championships, Vancouver, October 28
* Canadian National Cyclocross Championships, Nanaimo, November 11

Sunday Rides
Come on out for a quality group road ride every Sunday with a bunch of fit, fun folks. Depending on numbers, we’ll try to split into an “A” and “B” group. The “A” Group normally averages around 30kph for 3+ hours, while the “B” Group averages around 25kph for 2+ hours. If you’re unsure whether you fit into one of our groups, join us for our flat, half-hour warm-up. Road bikes are recommended. Make sure you come for coffee before we head off:

Where: Starbuck’s at Valley Fair Mall, Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
When: Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. for coffee; ETD @ 9:00 a.m.

Super Sunday Ride — Abbotsford to Mt. Baker
We have an epic ride planned for next Sunday, October 1st – Abbotsford to Mt. Baker. The ride will be weather dependent, but the forecast is looking good. It’s approximately 150km there and back, so be prepared with lots of liquids, gels and bars. Also realize it’s a big mountain and it can be subject to extreme weather. Bring lots of layers, long-fingered gloves, a rain jacket and a garbage bag (just in case), ’cause even if it’s sunny and warm in the valley, it can be cold and hailing/snowing at the top. As a precaution, we recommend that you get medical insurance that’s valid in the U.S. if you don’t have any already. If you’d like to carpool to Abbotsford, let us know. There’s a ride sign-up sheet at the shop.

Where: Tim Hortons, 1255 Sumas Way, Abbotsford
When: Sunday, October 1, 9:30 a.m.

Fall Hours
Just a reminder that we are now closed Sundays, but we’re open later on Fridays. Our Fall Hours: 10-6 Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 10-7 Friday.

Barry, Brad, Dave, Steve, Brian, Sandra and Tanya!

Are you going to let the weather control your life? We didn’t think so! Don’t stop riding just because Mother Nature is throwing a little bit of rain and mud in your face. Fight back with the right gear and discover why Canada’s top cyclists love southwestern B.C. — it’s the only place in Canada where you can ride year-round. At Local Ride we can help you embrace the rainy season with the right clothing, tires, fenders and other gear to make riding in the wet stuff a breeze.

Weekly Special
Barry the Price Slasher went ape on the price of the 2005 Giant TCR1 road bike! This light, high performance road bike features an aluminum frame, Shimano Ultegra 10-speed shifters and derailleurs, a carbon seatpost, and an Easton bar and stem. Regularly priced at $2349.95, we’re blowing it out at $1699.95! We still have lots of sizes left, so if you’re looking for a great road bike at a great price, check out the TCR1. The rest of our in-stock bicycles are on sale too, so you’ll be sure to find something to suit your style at Local Ride.

Featured Product
Booties! Yes, you read correctly, we’re featuring “booties,” which are designed to fit snugly over your cycling shoes and keep your feet warm and cozy while you’re cycling. We have two great styles in stock: BBB’s heavy duty neoprene version for $39.95 and Sugoi’s Resistor model for $54.95. If you’re commuting, training or just itching to ride year-round, booties are a must.

Local Ride Racing Team
Congrats to Local Ride’s Robbie Bitz, ‘cross extraordinaire, who finished a smashing second in the Masters Category at yesterday’s Island Cyclocross Race in Nanaimo!

Look for the Local Ride Racing Team at these upcoming events:
* Cheakamus Challenge, September 23
* Giant Cyclocross Series, event #2: West Point Grey Academy, Sunday, September 24.

Sunday Rides
Come learn what many of the Lower Mainland’s cycling enthusiasts have already discovered: Maple Ridge is a great place to ride! Yesterday’s ride saw seven enthusiastic riders braving the showers. We’ll be riding regularly, no matter what the season and we’d love to have you out for a Sunday ride! Make sure you join us for coffee before we head off:

Where: Starbuck’s at Valley Fair Mall, Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
When: Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. for coffee; ETD @ 9:00 a.m.

Super Sunday Ride — Abbotsford to Mt. Baker
We have an epic ride planned for Sunday, October 1st — Abbotsford to Mt. Baker. The ride will be weather dependent. The ride is approximately 150km there and back, so it’s a big one. Stay tuned for more details. Let us know if you’re interested.

Fall Hours
We are closed Sundays. We hope you’ll use your Sundays for some quality cycling time and make sure you say “Hi” when you cruise by us on the roads and trails. Enjoy!

Congrats to Local Riders Robbie and Steve, who raced yesterday in the season opener of the Giant Cyclocross Series on their Giant TCX bikes. Six Sunday Riders made the trip to Aldor Acres in Fort Langley to cheer on the 98 racers who rode, ran and leapt their way around the short, exciting course. The event raised $1100 for MS.

Cyclocross or ‘cross racing is a fun cycling event that originated as a way for European road racers to stay fit in winter. They modified their road bikes with knobby tires and cantilever brakes with better mud clearance and raced around grimy courses, which included sections where running with their bikes on their shoulders was the only option.

‘Cross has seen a revival in the last couple of years and we at Local Ride are all over it. It’s fun to watch and even more fun to do. Local Ride is your source for ‘cross bikes, tires and accessories. Come see what all the fuss is about at the next event: West Point Grey Academy, Sunday, September 24.

Weekly Special
We’re blowing out our bikes! Come in and check out the smoking prices we have on all in-stock 2005 and 2006 models. There are definitely some sweet deals kicking around with bikes up to $600 off the regular retail price! If you’re looking for a deal, now is the time to go bike shopping at Local Ride.

Featured Product
Accelerade is an energy drink with a formula that includes protein to promote recovery. It is the only sports drink that contains contains carbohydrate and protein in a patented 4-1 ratio to help athletes perform better and recover faster. Accelerade also has the electrolytes your muscles need to function properly. Ditch the Gatorade and try Accelerade. $36.95 for an 868g container, which gives you about 28 servings.

Local Ride Racing Team
Look for the Local Ride Racing Team at these other upcoming events:
* Cheakamus Challenge, September 23
* Giant Cyclocross Series, September through October

Sunday Rides
Our Sunday rides are hip, happening and a great way to get out for a good ride with a fun group of people. We’d love to have you out for a Sunday ride! Make sure you join us for coffee before we head off:

Where: Starbuck’s at Valley Fair Mall, Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
When: Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. for coffee; ETD @ 9:00 a.m.

Super Sunday Ride — Abbotsford to Mt. Baker
We have an epic ride planned for Sunday, October 1st – Abbotsford to Mt. Baker. The ride will be weather dependent. The ride is approximately 150km there and back, so it’s a big one. Stay tuned for more details. Let us know if you’re interested.

Fall Hours
Just a reminder that we are now closed Sundays. We hope you’ll use your Sundays for some quality cycling time and make sure you say “Hi” when you cruise by us on the roads and trails. Enjoy!

Barry, Brad, Dave, Steve, Brian, Sandra and Tanya!

Just because you flipped from August to September on your calendar doesn’t mean summer is over. In fact, September is one of the greatest times of year to ride, with warm (but not too hot) weather, relatively long days, and dry roads and trails. Take advantage of as much sunlight as you can get, because you know how winter can get around here.

Weekly Special
All in-stock Kryptonite Kryptolok with 4′ Kryptoflex cable locks regular $49.95, now only $39.95! From one of the world’s best bicycle lock manufacturers, this product includes a strong U-Lock as well as a tough 4′ cable for double the security, all for one low price. Choose Kryptonite to protect your bike, while it’s locked up outside the video store or in your garage. The company also has a $1250 Anti-Theft Guarantee offer available.

Featured Product
LIN cycling socks come in a variety of styles and sizes that will fit your feet and also tell your riding buddies a little about you. For example, enhance your flowery personality by sporting the “Daisy Dukes,” or perpetuate your aura of mystery with the “Camo” design. Multiple TransRockies Challenge (7 days and 600+ km off-road from Fernie to Panorama, B.C.) finisher Paul Craig says these socks rock! Paul’s big toes constantly punch holes in his other socks, but LIN kept those big toes in check and covered up.

Local Ride Racing Team
The first Giant Cyclocross Series race of the season kicks off this Sunday, September 10 in Fort Langley. Click here for more details.

Look for the Local Ride Racing Team at these other upcoming events:
* XTC Off-Road Triathlon, September 9, Buntzen Lake
* Cheakamus Challenge, September 23
* Giant Cyclocross Series, September through October

Sunday Rides
Our Sunday rides are going strong, with another great ride in the history books. Last week a group of around 10 riders headed over the water on the Albion Ferry for a tour of some of Langley’s great roads. We’d love to have you out for a Sunday ride!

Make sure you join us for coffee before we head off:

Where: Starbuck’s at Valley Fair Mall, Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
When: Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. for coffee; ETD @ 9:00 a.m.

Super Sunday Ride — Abbotsford to Mt. Baker
We have an epic ride planned for Sunday, October 1st – Abbotsford to Mt. Baker. The ride will be weather dependent. Stay tuned for more details. Let us know if you’re interested.

Fall Hours
Just a note that we will now be closed Sundays. We hope you’ll use your Sundays for some quality bike time, ’cause we sure will. Enjoy!

Barry, Brad, Dave, Steve, Brian, Sandra and Tanya (who is rumoured to be in town — welcome back)!