My Area 106

Win Bob's Swag #5

 

Here's your chance to win an "after Christmas swag" item that happens to be a cool "Helmet Hero" digital camera/video unit ($169 value). I'm looking for interested riders that will use this, capture some good pics(or video) on rides/cycling events and then share with me and possibly other web sites (maybe your own?).

You don't have to be from the 106 to win this swag (everyone is eligible).

Reply with "a comment" to this post stating why you want to win this cool digital camera and how it will benefit "My Area 106". Please keep the comments clean and to a simple paragraph. I'll pick a winner on or after January 9th.

Here's some bullets on the Helmet Hero camera:

• 56 minutes of video when using a 2GB SD card (you'll need to purchase card; not included)

• Auto photo every 5 seconds mode

• adjustable sound recording levels

• waterproof to 100' and shockproof

• mac and windows compatible

• helmet strap included (bike mount sold separately) 

On a side note, in case you're wondering why I'm wearing an Arizona Cardinals cap; because my local team the Cleveland Browns suck (still a expansion franchise) and I'm trying to fool myself into thinking the local temps are similar to that in Arizona right now. I bet the mountain bike trails in Tempe (South Mountain) are spectacular right about now. A man can dream can't he?

Good luck and Happy New Year! - Bob

Did you get a Visa Gift Card for Christmas?

   

Well, if you did you might want to use that cash for a new pair of Bontrager Rhythm Cycling Gloves. If you're a fan of a lightweight, breathable, full finger glove that can be had for under $40, then you should take a serious look at this new glove. The glove has some really key features, such as a Kevlar crash pad, a Lycra mesh abrasion resistant breathable top, a "Clarino" palm, wrap around finger construction (less blowouts), silicon gripper on palm and finger tips, and the all important absorbent fleece on thumb for great wiping of the nose action. I also like the B dot pull tap to aid in pulling the glove on. 3 cool colors to choice from: Black, white and a chocolate brown. These gloves have just arrived.

   

Also, thought you might like a look at the new "Sonic" helmet in the team Fisher color-way. Sonic is a pro level lid that comes in 3 sizes for a more exact fit. A lot of ventilation and a lightweight helmet. Also features the Zip Tite adjustment system. The sonic sells for about $90. The other cool thing that comes with all Trek helmets is a 1 year crash replacement offer. That's right, you crash it (smack your melon hard) within 1 year of purchase and Trek will give you a replacement helmet for no charge (you need to ship helmet directly to Trek for this replacement offer). Only cost to you is the UPS shipping charge to Waterloo, Wisconsin. Details can be found in each Trek helmet box.

Bob

2009 Fuel EX 9.8

    

With the holidays upon us, I'm taking a few days to prep a couple bikes which will be used for this upcoming season at our Trek/Fisher Demo events and in store clinics. Props to Carrie as she correctly guessed at the contents of the box. The numbers on the box is actually the bikes individual part number, which was the main clue. Boy, do I feel clever.

Indeed, the first bike that just arrived is the new 2009 Trek Fuel EX 9.8. Pete stopped over last evening to help bring the new ride all together. We both marveled at just how striking the bike is, with the shapely lines and colors that are tied in together. The new Bontrager bar, stem, saddle, seat post and wheels really set the bike off. I especially liked the new Bonty lock on Race Lite grips which are a bit thicker than the other "Bonty Earl" style of lock on grips (I personally prefer the thicker style of grip).

I think most people that know me know I'm a huge fan and advocate of the 29er platform and the benefits of the bigger wheels. I'll be posting real soon some pictures of the new Gary Fisher Superfly within the next few days. In the 26" world though, this new Fuel EX OCLV bike is one of my favorite to ride. Not that I'm leaving out its sibling (the new Top Fuel) that is getting a lot of press and will be raced by many this upcoming season throughout the cross country race courses, but the fact that I personally prefer more travel and the EX delivers.

My mystery box delivered by whom?

My new mystery box arrived by none other than UPS, not by the Schwans guy. Even though they get to cruise around in one mean set of wheels, I didn't get a visit from him (wait, maybe my wife did).

This Schwans vehicle was spotted around my neighborhood which prompted much speculation that my surprise was a box of frozen chicken patties and not a cool new bike.

Stayed tuned...

Bob

What's about to take shape?

Don't bother adjusting your computer monitor. The picture you are seeing is controlled by me. It is meant to be blurry. Sorry, I don't want you to think your in need of reading glasses just yet.

What could this be? "Stayed tuned for what will soon be exposed" .

Bob 

The Pony Express

Did you make it to this years Punk Bike Enduro (pics courtesy of Dirt Rag) event in Pittsburgh? Well, just in case you didn't make it out I thought I would share Michelle J.'s (Michelle is a friend of the 106) great costume which earned her a free Trek 69er (compliments of Trek).

Word had gotten out that this year a free bike was going to be the top prize for the best rider in costume. I'm fairly certain that Michelle spent a lot of time putting this together. Michelle told me that she had so much fun riding the Punk Bike event that she really had forgotten all about the Pony Express she was riding atop. I think she's planning on making this her racing kit for next season.

I guess sometimes great things really do happen for great people. Michelle is beginning to amass a stockpile of bikes; soon she'll have a bike for each day of the week.

Congrats Michelle!!

Bob

Something very cool will be arriving soon

I have a surprise or two enroute to my home over the next few days, so stay tuned.

Leif Garrett Sighted at Columbus Fit Seminar

     

Leif Garrett (former Rocker and teen idol) was caught here attending this past weekends Trek Fit Seminar in Columbus, Ohio. Leif was widely known for his hit record "I was made for dancing" but now a days finds himself posing for pictures with fans at local engagements.

Naw, I'm just kiddin'. Ryan Sheldon (pictured on the right) is with Eddy's Bike Shop and looks like he may have been seperated at birth with the former teen icon. Leif is pictured at the left with one of his teen fans? I guess she's a bit older these days, hey?

Ryan is shown here with his cool new Gary Fisher Presidio with his fit team looking on (Chris T. and Jim W.)

Bob

"Gettin' Schooled"

I went to school (Michael Sylvester's Fit School) along with about 20 retail sales associates from in and around the "106 area" over these past couple days.

Michael Sylvester is a top bicycle fit expert that hails from Portland, Oregon who has teamed up with Trek Bicycle and some of our top retailers in an ongoing education in understanding the human body, the bio-mechanics of such and the intertwining of the two to give a rider the best fit possible on the bike.

The Fit Seminar began Thursday morning sharply at 8:30am, with a quick overview of the program and a biography of Michael. Along with being a top expert in bicycle fit, Michael is also a certified Yoga instructor and employs various yoga movements in a manner to better understand the anatomy of the human body; each individuals amount of range (flexibility), and how all these interlock with one another to create the ultimate bicycle fit. I got to say, it was a big wake up call for me personally as I have a very limited amount of flexibility. I also could feel in certain movements just how much the bike accident I suffered over a year ago has effected my range of motion.

Michael was joined by Dr. Mark Timmerman, M.D. (Madison, Wisconsin) who has been working with Michael and Trek in the bicycle science of fit, comfort and technology. Dr. Timmerman has been very instrumental in the development of the "inform" science of fit and function with the new Bontrager Inform Saddles and recently released Bontrager Cycling Shoes. Dr. Timmerman spent over an hour speaking to us on the anatomy of the body and getting a better understanding of the many muscles, bones and joints and how these work in relation with the bike and our personal performance and comfort on the bike.

"Bring on those Snow Flurries"

25 degrees that felt more like 11 is what the weather channel was touting. They didn't mention the 20 MPH winds and a good amount of snow flurries.

As I headed out the door for my ride today it didn't appear too bad. So, I opted for the Soho SS and to put it through its paces. I quickly realized heading out of the housing development that maybe the single speed wasn't the greatest choice today, but didn't want to turn back.

I live in pretty much an old farm area on the south side of the city of Massillon. It is exactly 2.6 miles from my garage to where the city limits begin and I can take shelter from some of the wind from the homes and business buildings as I enter the city confines. I pretty much freeze for a bit against the wind and snow, but begin to warm up as I get in among the buildings. Got to love urban riding this time of year.