Intense Canada riders will be racing on the Canadian national downhill mountain bike race circuit, in provincially sanctioned races and in select international races. This team of young riders has some impressive experience including that of Danice Uyesugi who took third place overall in the Canada Cup Series for Pro/Elite women in 2011.

Vaea Verbeeck returns to racing after her promising 2011 season was ended prematurely due to injury. Vaea is excited to be back on her bike again and is looking to build on her 2010 success when she won the Bromont Canada Cup. Vaea is now racing in the Senior Elite category

On the men’s side, Intense Canada riders Matt Beer and Dexter Robson are both keen to start racing this year and to build on their experience acquired in 2011. Matt brings with him seven years of racing and will compete in the Pro/Elite category this year. This will be Dexter’s first year racing in the Pro/Elite category and he is excited to get the season started.

According to OGC Marketing Manager, Sylvain Bossé, “We’re excited to see all four talented riders returning for 2012 and we anticipate a strong season from the Intense Canada downhill team.”

Intense Cycles are distributed in Canada by OGC. To learn more about the bikes and the team as well as the other brands distributed by OGC, visit http://ogc.ca. Further information about Intense Bicycles can also be found at: http://www.intensecycles.com/

ZM Cycle & Fitness, located in community of York in Toronto (Just north of St. Claire W and Dufferin), has been open since 2005, and is a very community-oriented shop. Ziggy Martuzalski, owner and operator, has been extremely involved with the York community ever since he arrived there, hosting rides and races, as well as creating a cycling club.

Supporting local riders is another thing that the shop has started to do. This year the guys at ZM Cycle & Fitness have teamed up with local shredders Brayden Barrett-Hay and Nick Clarke to help them achieve their goals for the 2012 FMB season.

Brayden is also riding for the Morpheus factory team and Deity components this year as well, and is excited to have the added support of a local shop to help him this season!

Brayden with a big ol' CanFlip

Brayden – clicked 360 x-up

Nick has the support of Dartmoor bikes and components and X-Fusion suspension for 2012 as well. This is Nick’s first year on the FMB tour, and is glad to have the support of ZM to help him make the jump into the pro level events!

Nick Clarke with a blown knee pad

Nick throwing down with this impressive front-tuck

Nick Clark – Truck Driver

Be sure to follow the ZM Cycle & Fitness team on the FMB World Tour this year! Good luck guys!

For more info on ZM Cycle & Fitness, check out their website: www.zmcyclefitness.com

Hours of Operation:

• May 18 to 21 – 10 AM to 6 PM
• May 25 to 27 – 10 AM to 6 PM
• June 1 to 3 – Closed for Met Con Blue Adventure Race (race course spans across much of the resort including the Bike Park area)
• June 8 – Regular Seasonal Operating Hours resume

We can’t tell you to take a sick day, but we can suggest that you kick off the season properly at Ontario’s largest Bike Park. See you on the trails!

2012 DBX Comp III Medium X3 MSRP $620    RFG Sale $379.99
2012 DBX Comp III Small X2 MSRP $620    RFG Sale $379.99
2012 DBX Pro Carbon Medium X1 MSRP $1000  RFG Sale $579.99
2011 DBX Ride Small X1 MSRP $440   RFG Sale $249.99
2011 DBX Comp Medium X1 MSRP $550 RFG Sale  $ 289.99
2011 DBX Comp Small X1  MSRP $550 RFG Sale $ 289.99
2010 Adventure Small X2 MSRP $440 RFG Sale $219.99

LEATT SMALL PARTS

DBX Comp 3 Padding Red X1  MSRP $90 RFG Sale $ 49.99
DBX Comp 3 Padding Green X1 MSRP $90 RFG Sale $ 49.99
DBX Comp 3 Padding  Blue X1 MSRP $90 RFG Sale $ 49.99

ALPINESTARS BRACES

Bionic Neck support Medium X1  MSRP $480 RFG Sale $239.99

ALPINESTARS SMALL PARTS

BNS strap assembly X3 MSRP 23 MSRP $24 RFG Sale $9.99

http://www.cycle-solutions.com/

***Must say you are a Riding Feels Good member.  Kingston Store only while quantities last.  When they’re gone, they’re gone.***

2012 Specialized Demo 8 II (size small)

It’s the product of countless R&D cycles and feedback from some of the world’s top riders.  That level of commitment and constant refinement to an established design such as this, is what produces a bike of this caliber.  FSR suspension is one of the most tried and proven platforms to date.  It has been licensed and implemented successfully by countless bike manufacturers but Specialized, the patent holder, has turned it up to eleven with the Demo series.  This bike, originally raised under the “send it” flag, has become the go-to whip for gravity pilots around the world.  With three downhill World Championships under its belt already, this is an out-of-the box, race-ready bike.

2011 Junior World Champion, Troy Brosnan (Specialized/Monster Energy Team)

Former Specialized rider, Brendan Faircloth logging some air miles on his Demo

Sam Hill (Specialized/Monster Energy Team) on his way to winning the 2010 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships at Mont Sainte Anne.

My bike was delivered to one of my favorite shops in Toronto, Cycle Solutions.  Matt Faulkner was the wrench in charge of the build.  He has undergone training by Specialized at Morgan Hill and was the perfect guy for the job.  He was meticulous with the assembly and had some killer tips and insights into the bike.  Thanks Matt!

Now only a thick cardboard box lay between me and my steed

Even with most of the packaging still on the bike this thing looks sexy

The 'Horst link' was originally designed by Horst Leitner in 1991. It was then purchased and renamed FSR by Specialized in 1998.

The 2012 Demo 8 II comes equipped with the infinitely adjustable Cane Creek Double Barrel shock

This handy card comes with the manual to help you get started with the shock setup

Unlike traditional FSR designs, Specialized uses individual links to specifically handle different aspects of the suspension.  This allows for better shock placement as well as weight savings.  The lower link is the one responsible for driving the shock while the upper link controls the wheelpath.  This allows them to place the shock lower in the chassis, effectively lowering the weight distribution in the frame.  The upper linkage is now dedicated to the wheelpath, making it possible for it to be built lighter.  Long and low is the name of the game and Specialized has it dialed.  The Demo has an optimal center of gravity and superior stand over height.

Specialized's manipulated M5 alloy FSR frame with Mag Link which delivers 8" of rear wheel travel.

Magnesium alloy upper link plate

Matt checking the torque on the Specialized 40mm Direct-Mount stem

This frame screams ‘attention to detail’.  It’s highly customized and well thought out.  It’s obvious that input from World Cup level mechanics, not just riders, has been solicited and implemented.   Things that were once one-off solutions for pro’s bikes have now trickled down for the masses.  Everything from the molded, bolt-on stay protectors to the meticulously planed cable routing with custom mounted frame guides has been thought of.

Seat tube portal to ensure adequate insertion of post in the frame

Proprietary cable routing guides

Unique replaceable derailleur saver

Custom Avid XO carbon blade with tool-less reach adjustment. Trick Specialized lock-on grips as well.

SRAM XO DH, 10-speed, short cage rear derailleur

RockShox Boxxer World Cup

With flush welds, the Demo's headtube is one of the most compact out there (112mm). This allows for a lower front end and greater overall adjustability. Forged headtube badge is pretty cool too!

Easy to align with shim system – Avid Code XO World Cup calipers

Specialized Benies, low profile pedals with removable pins

My 2012 Specialized Demo 8 II.

Thanks Matt and Cycle Solutions!

My first impressions about this bike are that it is well thought out with a solid spec on a proven platform.  It’s rare that a bike is spec’ed exactly how I would build it myself but this bike is very close.  Normally a build is followed by rerouting cables better, swapping out undesired components and playing with the setup but this bike is as ready to go as a production rig can be.  You can buy it on a Saturday and race it on Sunday.  She’s ready to roll!

I hadn’t planned to ride the bike until the following weekend but it was just too hard to resist.  This is just the first part in our two part review of the bike.  The full ride impression, thrashing and assessment will follow but I can already say from my short test of the bike that it feels unreal.  I have thrown a leg over enough bikes to know that you can tell right way if the bike will work for you.  I didn’t need to adjust a thing to immediately feel at home on it.  I have been fortunate enough to ride many four-bar bikes over the years, going all the way back to the AMP days, and can say that this bike is like none I have ridden. I was blown away by how this thing rides.  So nimble and snappy. It’s honesty hard to believe it’s a DH bike until you sail effortlessly through a rock garden with it.  It feels like my 6″ trail bike, agility-wise.  I cannot wait to gets some serious runs in on this bike.

Geometry

Complete specifications can be found here: http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=61543&scid=1100&scname=Mountain

Plants are starting to blossom up everywhere in Ontario

Mother’s Day overlapped with the second stop in the circuit this year, which was very apparent with the huge turnout of women, both racing and spectating. It’s really great to see the sport expand its female categories, helping it progress to new levels.

I had an opportunity to pre-ride the roughly 8km long course on Saturday evening to figure out my shooting locations for Sunday’s race.  This course does not disappoint. The variety of terrain that Woodnewton offers is astounding, showcasing everything from fast and flowy singletrack to one brutal climb, to some technical sections, including a massive rock garden. The general feel around the pits was that this track had something fun for everyone.

I arrived just in time for the 9:00 a.m. start, which includes both the youngest and newest riders in the series. This gave me some time to play around with the spots I had decided on. Be sure to watch out for some of these young guys in the coming years, they were ripping it up!

Running these races is a lot of work. It takes passion, which Adam Ruppel has in spades.

The Trek riders dominated the elite podiums, seeing the number one and two spots in Senior Elite Male category go to Peter Glassford and Mitchell Bailey, as well as top spot in Elite Female going to Cayley Brooks.

Haley Smith (Norco Evolution) hot out of the gate

This section was one of the best places to recover. Big, long and flowy decent

Newcomer to the Female Elite category, Elyse Nieuwold pushes through the second and final big climb of the loop

Kate Kaikkonen (Team T1C/London Honda/Village Cycle) on her way to a third place finish in the Senior Expert (19−29 yrs) Female class

This little guy was flying through the singletrack!

Mike Garrigan on his way to a first place finish in the Master Expert category

Senior Elite Female:

1. Cayley Brooks – Trek Canada
2. Haley Smith – Norco Evolution
3. Mandy Dreyer – Lapierre POC

Senior Elite, Under 23 Male:

1. Peter Glassford – Trek Canada
2. Mitchell Bailey – Trek Canada
3. Steven Noble – Opus / OGC

Complete results can be found here:  http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_pages/results/20120514-150309-12oca12.html

The pace was high as ever, and the first major breakaway group of the day gained a good half of a minute advantage by the half way mark of the race. This group contained multiple race winner Jeff Schiller of London and Peter Morse of Toronto, but with some strong pulling at the front of the main Peloton by several riders from teams that weren’t represented including our team members Adrian Jackson, Justin Rogers and Mike Steed this group was brought back to the fold. Immediately that this group was brought back some more attacks came with groups moving ahead. Steve McKee and Lawrence were active in these groups but all the racers came back together. As the race was drawing to a close with only 3 laps remaining Lawrence Akot got himself into a fantastic move with a select group moving ahead by about 10 seconds. They, unfortunately were brought back into the peloton with only one lap remaining and the stage was set for ‘last lap mayhem’. There was lots of bumping and desperate struggles for good positions during the last lap with riders trying to not be right at the front so that they have the burden of being first into the wind and giving others shelter but also not too far back that it would be difficult to move up on the narrow roads that are only around 10 feet wide. Also, everyone was super alert to being ‘swarmed’ as in this situation it’s so easy to be in a great position one moment and the next, you’re trapped as large groups pass on one side and hem you in. Luckily two of the team managed to stay in fairly good positions coming into the finish. Kevin Davis was desperately trying to follow Jeff Schiller and was hoping that his team mates would be keeping the pace very high to discourage late attacks. As Schiller seemed to drift back too far with about 300 Metres remaining, Davis passed him to move up in the group as he was starting to get trapped. He had to fight to untangle from a few riders as the final sprint for the finish line started with about 200 Metres remaining and some other riders managed to get the ‘jump’ on him. He found clear road and started his sprint at around the same time as Schiller, who appeared at his side with about 150 Metres remaining. Schiller has an incredible acceleration which has won him many races in the past including the prestigious ‘Queens Park Grand Prix’. He used this acceleration to good effect and quickly gained a 3 Metre advantage on everyone else. At 50 Meters remaining Davis had also got up to his full speed using the top gear ratio on his Norco, and was ahead of the rest of the field trying to catch Schiller. Too late and Schiller got to the line first with Davis second over the line and finishing first M1 rider.  Steve McKee was just behind 9th over the line and 7th M1.

Master 1 podium in the 2012 'Springbank' criterium. Chris Wood 2nd, Kevin Davis 1st, Greg Cavanagh 3rd.

]]> http://www.ridingfeelsgood.com/race-report-from-springbank-criterium-in-london/feed/ 2 http://www.ridingfeelsgood.com/plastiglas-xc-ontario-cup-round-2-only-days-away/ http://www.ridingfeelsgood.com/plastiglas-xc-ontario-cup-round-2-only-days-away/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 17:51:17 +0000 FastTimes http://www.ridingfeelsgood.com/?p=3263 May 7, 2012 – The Plastiglas Ontario Cup Series returns for round two this weekend at Woodnewton, just south of Uxbridge.

Originally created from scratch for the 2010 Ontario Provincial Championships, Woodnewton is back for its 3rd year to thrill riders with its mix of twisty single-track and demanding double-track climbs. Pre-registration closes May 9th and event day registration is available on-site. Racers are invited to pre-ride the course on Thursday and Friday evenings between 4 and 8pm. To participate, racers will need a licence or a one-day permit for Sport, Youth and Beginner Categories. Licences are available for purchase online through the Ontario Cycling Association at www.ontariocycling.org. For a guide to the licensing system check out the OCA Licence Guide.

Woodnewton is the second stop on the 2012 Plastiglas Ontario Cup circuit. Favored by racers for its pristine single-track and close proximity to Toronto, it has quickly established itself as a top-class venue. Since their inception, the trails at Woodnewton have been continually evolving and this year is no exception thanks to the tireless work of course designer Sean Ruppel. “This will be the first year for 2 brand new, expert only trail options that are sure to challenge some of Ontario’s best”, said Ruppel. Not to be forgotten, beginner riders can test their fitness in the Try-an-OCup category featuring a shorter, less challenging course. Please note that Woodnewton is a private venue and pre-riding is only available on advertised days. Please keep in mind that on Saturday, May 6 pre-riding will not open until 12 pm as Chico Racing is also hosting a 6 and 12 km Tread Trail Running Race.

In past years Woodnewton has played host to some exciting racing. Past winners include World Cup superstars Derek Zandstra, Amanda Sin and Cameron Jette (Scott/3Rox), as well as Catherine Vipond (Norco Factory Team).

For more information and to register, please visit www.chicoracing.com.

Chico Racing Inc.
Voice: 905.852.0381 Fax: 905.852.0379
Email: info@chicoracing.com
www.chicoracing.com

Here’s the link to the Facebook event of our first stop @ ZM Cycle & Fitness in Toronto, Ontario.

So if you guys want to have a great time with Alexandre Paradis, Louis Lhomel, Samuel Croteau, Stéphane Bélanger, Kent Woods, Ryan Korpikoski and more, you gotta remember these dates below!

May 12th – ZM Cycle & Fitness in Toronto
June 2nd – To Wheels in London
July 21st – East Side Cycle in Kitchener
August 18th – Back Peddling in Guelph

www.lamacycle.com

When it came to Team Norco International’s Jill Kintner and her dual slalom bike the engineers at Norco Bicycles had to take a look at the drawing board and start from scratch. While a slalom specific frame is not in the current product lineup, taking key features from existing bikes and applying them to a custom design looked to be the ticket to the fastest bike on the track.

The idea was to take Norco’s technologies such as A.R.T. Suspension, hollowform linkarms, tapered headtube, post mount brakes and hydroforming processes then apply them to a new design making a totally unique racing machine.

The specific needs of Jill Kintner in this project do not resemble that of a typical bike. This frame needed an extremely short rear end, unique leverage curve and low center of gravity. After crunching the numbers a design drawn up and YESS Products was brought in to help with the manufacturing.

YESS was able to take the measurements, design and pieces then assemble them into a finished product. This process involved machining existing tubes, CNC Machining new parts and welding it all together into a completed frame.

Following the manufacturing process the frames were powder coated then had decals applied before assembly.

The custom slalom frame is one of the smallest productions ever done, a slim 5 frames were made in total. This allowed for Jill’s race bike plus a few sizing options and additional frames for testing purposes. The niche category of slalom this is not a bike that is highly demanded in the marketplace but the need is there nonetheless. Giving Jill a custom frame with key Norco technologies is necessary in order for her to meet her true potential.

The 2012 Sea Otter Classic saw the bike unveiled for racing. Jill’s  Norco Frame was outfitted with gear from Fox, Shimano, Crankbrothers, Renthal, Maxxis, Fi’zi:k, e*thirteen, and Canecreek. This bike was ready to race!

Through four rounds of racing Jill fought through the field of competition and took home a medal resembling the colour of her bike. Jill’s winning run left Melissa Buhl chasing behind for a second place finish.

Jill has put so much into her season and she has the tools necessary for success. Congratulations Jill on a spectacular victory and a great start to the 2012 race season!

Have a watch through the design, production and racing of Jill’s custom bike.