Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Endurance Gear Review: Trek Remedy 9 29er - Fun and safety maximized.


I'm regularly asked why I've chosen the Trek Remedy 9 29 for VES events and as my daily whip and the simple answer is that it's a mountain biking fun maximizer. Pinkbike concurs:

"I was a pretty big fan of Trek's aluminum Remedy 29er when I reviewed it back in September of last year, with the bike surprising me with just how capable it is. Such was the chrome machine's adeptness that I didn't hesitate to put in 70km death marches with 9,000ft of climbing on a Saturday before heading to Whistler on Sunday. Sure, it wasn't the best at either task, and it isn't intended to be, but I can honestly say that it might have been the most fun for both jobs. You can't say that about many bikes, can you?"

The other very important aspect for me is that I do *not* like crashes & injuries. I'm closing in on 45, so I
don't recover from injuries as quickly as I used to, but I still enjoy riding technical backcountry gnar. The more slack angles of the Remedy (67.5° head angle) combined with it's 140mm of dialed-in travel result in a bike that helps keeps me out of trouble ... and the Remedy often saves me when I inadvertently ride myself into a situation beyond my skill set.


While the Remedy 29 is not a climbing KOM killer it is a very capable and comfortable ascender. Leave the rear suspension in Trail mode and climbing traction and stability are incredible. You'll find yourself riding technical trail climbs that you've never cleaned before and you can comfortably climb and climb and climb ... staying on your bike more, pushing your bike less.

A truly unexpected and fantastic surprise for me was how well the Remedy 29 rides tight switchbacks - especially uphill. The bike turns back on itself with stability and control like no 29er I've ridden. 

The only subtle handling mod I made to my 21" Remedy 9 29 was swapping out the stock 750mm handlebar for a Spank Spike EVO 777 and in my opinion the slightly wider bar nicely compliments the Remedy's layout and handling. I opted for a white and black 777 but Spank makes a chrome and black version that would be a crazy perfect match for the bike's oem aesthetics (if you're into that).

Tire clearance is absolutely outstanding on the Remedy 29. When Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.35s are mounted
to American Classic Wide Lightning rims (look for a full review of these wheels in the coming weeks) the casing width measures a massive 2.407 inches and the Remedy 29 easily accommodates these large aggressive tires with gobs of room to spare!


Since Trek's Remedy 29 introduction earlier this year, the rave reviews and its popularity speak volumes for the bike, but I highly recommend taking one for a test ride at your local dealer or during a Trek Factory Demo Day near you. 

Bottom Line: The Trek Remedy 29 enables people to ride longer with more comfort and ride technical terrain with more confidence and safety ... which conflates into very high levels of mountain biking fun!

For 2015 Trek is adding lighter carbon framed models to the Remedy 29 lineup. Click here for a preview from Pinkbike.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

6.22.14 Big Schloss Epic | FREE Event #6 in Virginia's MTB Endurance Series



Full resolution PDF: http://is.gd/G32t0V
36.49 miles / 6596 feet of climbing

This incredible VES route features the northernmost section of the VA MTB Trail http://virginiamountainbiketrail.com/ and finishes with the legendary Big Schloss downhill.

Start Time: 9am

Start Location: Little Stoney Creek 571 Trailhead on Route 92 http://is.gd/2jEG7p

[Alternate Start Time / Location = 7:45am / Wolf Gap Campground. It's a 5 mile sweet singletrack ride from Wolf Gap to the official start location above. Map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cvaprzqkt3ynv1i/camp_to_start.jpg]

GPX File:
2014 Drawn File: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8fazojlutxrj2d4/Big_Schloss_Epic_v2014_%28Drawn%29.gpx
(Note: this GPX includes the additional trail sections to and from the Wolf Gap campground. Drawn GPX files are not as accurate as actual GPX data files.)

2013 Route *DIFFERENT from 2014* Actual (Ridden) GPX:
Note: this actual 2013 GPX is a good navigational reference for portions of the 2014 route.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2923rxy2b78i88/BigSchloss_v2013_ridden.gpx
2013 Strava: http://www.strava.com/activities/957623062013 Route Description: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3plnado5l004783/VES%20%239_Big_Schloss_Map_11x17.pdf


CAMPING: Wolf Gap Campground. Campers wishing to pedal to the start from the Wolf Gap Campground simply ride up the 1004 Mill Mt Trail for 2.75miles to the 415 Big Schloss Cutoff DH and downhill to the ride start. Riders also have the option of taking the short spur trail to check out to Big Schloss proper 1004A! Info on Wolf Gap Campground: LINK

Critical Note: The Big Schloss Epic route is VERY challenging from start to finish. **Please come well prepared.** Bring a water filter, plenty of food, bring all gear needed for basic bicycle repairs and a first aid kit (minimally, something like this http://youtu.be/YIZLMouV3j4). In 2013 an exceptional group of more than 20 cyclists attempted a variation of this route, moving time was roughly 7 hours, elapsed time was 9 hours ... and it was an awesome day of epic backcountry adventure mountain biking!!




3 Shorter Options. All start and end at the same location:


Monday, May 5, 2014

6.21.15 SVBC Project Showcase - Lookout, Wolf & Narrowback | FREE Event #5 in the Virginia Endurance Series


PICTURES FROM THE 2014 RIDE
(If you have pictures to add to this DropBox folder please email robertissem@gmail.com and I'll add you as a contributor.)

Date: Sunday June 21, 2015
Start Time: 9am
Start Location: Wild Oak Trailhead Parking http://goo.gl/maps/bZXEM
PDF Map w Cue Sheet (ideally printed on 11x17 paper): LINK

Mark your calendars, this VES features 3 route length options (13, 30 & 43 miles) and some of the very best mountain biking anywhere!

Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) continues to make a huge impact on trails all over the Harrisonburg, VA region and particularly in the George Washington National Forest. Through SVBC's model partnership with the USFS, some amazing results have been produced. SVBC's work in the North River District of GWNF is ongoing, with the club maintaining even the remotest of trails. Also, monetary contributions secured through the RTP and other sources have funded projects a grand scale and optimized the riding experience.

Great article on the riding in this region of VA: Virginia's new mountain biking mecca | GrindTV.com


Support the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coaliton Recreational Trails Program! from Shenandoah Bicycle on Vimeo.

3 Length Options: All Start at the Wild Oak Trailhead Parking area.
Install the MTBProject APP on your Android or iPhone: LINK and download each of the above rides!

What does it do?
            • Complete maps, vertical profiles, descriptions, and photos for every Ride and Trail
            • Send a Ride or Trail to the phone, and it will be there next time you open the app
            • Sync your To-Do list & Check-Ins
            • Out on your ride, your location appears right on the trail - you will never get lost!
            • Works with no cell signal, including all mapping and geolocating features








Friday, April 18, 2014

DOUBLE DAWG DARE Update

we DOUBLE DAWG DARE you to ride this...

New and improved starting location, same great ride with a bonus Old Farm start/finish!

This is a 2 day VES event. Folks will start to roll into the beautiful Slamhouse located at 2700 Meadowbrook Drive, Blacksburg on Saturday afternoon. Sharing this amazing location are our hosts this year Graham, Tommy and Stephan. In addition to the sweet events on the flyer we will likely be rolling a 10-15 mile road bike party (road bikes not required) on Saturday as well. NO pace lines, NO bitchin about terrain choice. Also, bring your game for some dual slalom downhill slopeside racin behind the barn next to the pump track as well.

If interested, bring food for the grill for after the delicious ride on Sunday. We have volunteer(s), JP Gannon (the oh so liberal croquet official himself) that is willing to get the goods ready as we finish up the ride! Bring what you like, he'll "allow it".

See you there!


We hope to pull together an updated VES quality map soon...

Monday, April 14, 2014

Thank you! And, I'm thrilled to announce ... jerseys that are even cooler!!!

Thanks so so much to everyone that came out to the Terrapin Mountain Predicament. I especially want to thank Bill Hazlegrove our VES cartographer superhero and the legend Kyle Inman, the creator of the TMP route.

I can't tell you how many revision, enhancement and tweak requests Bill has to endure and parlay into a thing of beauty for every VES. The Narrows map was the most beautiful we'd made at that point, the TMP map is even more gorgeous AND it adds a number of outstanding navigational assistance features which enable mountain bikers to only carry this map and successfully navigate loads of unmarked backcountry trails. There's no way to thank Bill enough for the massive amount of time he invests / volunteers so that we all can have a blast in the woods on our bikes.

And, a little over a year ago Kyle Inman crafted the TMP route expressly for the Virginia Endurance Series by masterfully linking together rides that he and his friends have secretly enjoyed for years. I trust Kyle like none other when it comes to course creation. He knows what's best, he knows where it is and his routing optimizes the experience of the rider. Don't take my word on this though, go race the XXC at Kyle's "Middle Mountain Mamma" on May 4th http://www.mountainbikevirginia.com/MiddleMountainMomma.htm

I've been telling everyone that we're going to do another order of VES Factory Team clothing, and we are, but since we're moving toward the hottest months of the year, today I asked Bill Hazlegrove to create a new design using white as a primary color expressly to optimize rider comfort and performance during hot weather.

Not only did Bill deliver, but he took the bold, distinctive good looks of the VES Factory Team jersey to another level of "cool". I couldn't be more excited to introduce the 2014 VES Factory Team "Cool" Jersey:
The *new* VES Factory Team "Cool" design jersey has also been FREE upgraded with 4-way stretch lycra side panels (the same material used in the F1 Aero jerseys) by Starlight to further optimize rider comfort and performance when its hot outside.

And, we're also re-ordering shorts and bibs. These will be unchanged (see below) and will look phenomenal with all three VES Factory Team Jersey designs. 

This round of VES Factory Team clothing will just consist of the "Cool" jersey design, bibs and shorts. Women's, Men's and Youth sizes are available, and all items are club fit. 

Regarding fit, we want you to look fantastic and for your gear to fit and feel exactly the way you'd like, therefore I highly recommend stopping by Starlight Bicycles (1502 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 2401) and getting fit / trying on their club fit gear. Also, I will be bringing a fit kit to the 4/28 Double Dawg Dare VES Event so you anyone interested can try on items.

We would love for you to be part of the VES Factory Team. 
The VES Mission = reveal and celebrate the very best backcountry mountain biking destinations in Virginia | offer FREE monthly ride events in these destinations, with volunteer ride leaders and various distance options (something for everyone) | GIVE riders the maps and information they need to explore these areas | help create, enhance and preserve Virginia’s great mountain biking experiences.
Our VES Factory Team is a completely inclusive group of riders, adventurers and titans of mtb fun! If the VES mission sounds and feels good to you, then we would love for you to join the VES Factory Team and you're welcome and encouraged to order team clothing at cost. VES Factory Team members can also be on other club, shop, race, junior or high school teams.

In addition, for every VES clothing item purchased, Starlight Custom Cycling Apparel will donate $5 to IMBA the International Mountain Biking Association!

PRICES: (All prices are cost and Starlight will donate $5 to IMBA for every VES clothing item ordered.)
  • SS Jersey = $50
  • Bibs = $65
  • Shorts = $60
To order, email robertissem@gmail.com, include the items, quantities and sizes that you want and a shipping address if you would like the item shipped to you upon arrival (shipping is $6).

This order will be placed Monday 4/29, the turn around time is roughly 4 weeks, so we should have our "cool" new jerseys before the end of May!

Thank you so much for your support! Let's Ride!!!!!


DATE CHANGE: 4.27.14 Double Dawg Dare | FREE Event #4 in Virginia's Mountain Biking Endurance Series

Date: Sunday, 4.27.14
Link: DDD Facebook Event Page





    The route connects the incredible trails of the Rowdy Dawg and Dirty Dawg mountain bike races, showcasing many of the best trails in the Blacksburg area.

    Friday, April 11, 2014

    Endurance Gear Review: OneUp Components 42T+16T Wide Range 10-Speed Cassette Upgrade [Initial Impression]


    I believe the new wave of 42T cogs is hugely applicable to adventure / endurance / backcountry mountain bikers who are often riding trail, all-mountain bikes or enduro bikes, carrying lots of gear, and, attempting to ride steep extend climbs to get to bliss-inducing ridgeline rides and downhills tears.

    You know the feeling. You're struggling to stay on your bike on a tough climb, it's looking like you're going to have to submit, to get off and push the rest of the way, you press the shifter hoping that somehow there's another gear ... but there's not, and in a few more feet you're off the bike and pushing.

    Enter the new wave of 42T cogs and that extra gear IS there. You're now able to stay on your bike longer, you sit and spin and ride! You're not going to be flying up the climbs in a 42, but you are going to stay on your bike longer - ride more, push less.

    I've been riding / testing the Wolf Tooth GC 42T (Giant Cog) and just today I received the newest gear from OneUp www.oneupcomponents.com. 

    OneUp's offering is unique in that it now comes with *both* 42 and 16T cogs, enabling users to remove both the 15 and 17T cogs and replace them both with their 16T.

    Previously both OneUp and Wolf Tooth instructed riders to remove the 17T to make room for the 42T, BUT, that left a 15T to 19T shift, which was the worst on the cassette and I personally felt like it was an uncomfortable shift gap.

    The alternative (which I did) was removing the 11T and purchasing a 13T final cog and a larger lockring. I sourced both from Miche at a cost of roughly $10 each. This does result in fantastic shift performance across the entire 13-42 cassette, but, for many riders losing the 11T is far less than ideal.

    Enter the new custom 16T OneUp final cog. Keep the 11T, add the OneUp 42T, replace both the 15 and 17T cogs with the OneUp 16T, and ... enjoy a no compromise wide range 11-42 cassette.

    In theory, OneUp has just created the most user friendly, functional and cost effective 10-speed cassette upgrade that's on the market today ... effectively OneUp-ing all of their competition.

    Check back soon for my ride / trail / torture test report on the brand new OneUp 42+16 setup.