by Steve Devantier

If I could have just one bike, it would be my cross bike. The rides that the Local Ride Crew goes on with these bikes have got to be some of the best times I have on 2 wheels. I don’t know if there is a whole lot of training benefit to them, but I don’t really care either. They are just plain fun. Take this weekend for example. We did close to 75 km – click here for my Garmin Data – and barely touched a major road. I guess we’ve been lucky this September to have wonderful weather, it’s still warm enough to tackle a few river crossings, which makes stringing a loop together easier. We are also lucky to have an abundance of cross ridable trails in Maple Ridge, with Golden Ears, Thorn Hill, and the dykes in Pitt Meadows. It’s all there- hard loose climbs, technical twisty descents, flat windy exposed straight stretches- it’s not easy, but it’s there calling for those with 700c knobby tires and a need to push the limit of body and machine. I for one love the challenge and promise to never give up my cross bike.

While Barry, Sandra and Jean Ann are having fun in the neon lights of Vegas – competing in Cross Vegas, riding bikes at the Dirt Demo and checking out 2010 products at Interbike – Steve, Mike and Brian have realized they are not in the City of Lights, and that it’s starting to dark earlier on those evening cross rides. To compensate we are offering a special deal on all in stock Night Rider Ultra Phazer 5.0 front lights and TL 5.0 rear lights. Come on by between September 24th to 30th and get the combo for $39.95 a 15% saving over individual pricing.

What’s New at Local Ride Bike Shop?

A whole lot, that’s what’s new! 2010 bikes are arriving weekly and most 2009 bikes are on sale. For 2010, Giant has nailed it, with new in house components, paint schemes and matching anodized accessories. Don’t believe me? Come take a look at the new Trance X3 or Seek 0, in store now. Bikes are not the only new product; Gore Bike Wear’s beautiful and functional fall line up is here and ready to keep you dry and warm when the weather turns.

We may not be in Vegas, but the weather in Maple Ridge has been absolutely spectacular, so get out there and ride a bike; we surely will be!