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March 6, 2024

This New Annual Pass Can Save You a Bundle on the Best Mountain Biking Trails

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:30 am

The concept that completely revolutionized the ski resort industry—the multi-mountain pass—is now getting the mountain bike treatment. For years, skiers and snowboarders have used Epic and Ikon Passes (sold by Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company respectively) as their open ticket to numerous ski resorts across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Now, a newly launched cycling pass—called Loam Pass—aims to provide similar multi-trail, money-saving benefits for destination mountain biking adventures.

An annual Loam Pass provides access to numerous resort trail systems as well as mountain bike shuttle operations. 

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It’s an idea that was hatched (on a chairlift) by bike industry professionals Rob Brown and Joey Foresta, who were inspired by the Ikon/Epic success stories, and felt they could be applied to their own wheelhouse—downhill mountain bike resorts.

Related: 7 Wild New Mountain Bike Trails and Destinations

“I just thought, why is biking being left out? Why can’t we have a multi-resort pass of our own?” recalls Brown, who pitched the idea to Foresta while riding a lift at Deer Valley resort in Utah in the summer of 2023. By the time they reached the top, they were both completely sold on the idea.

“We immediately started researching and putting a business plan together, taking our time to make sure we had a solid idea of how exactly it would work,” adds Brown. Focusing on improving the user experience for both resorts and consumers was at the heart of it.

Loam Pass’s 30 locations, with more on the way. One annual fee gets you two full days at each spot. “Use the pass six times and it pays for itself,” says Loam Pass co-founder Rob Brown. 

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Loam Pass went live on January 1, 2024, functioning much like its ski pass predecessors. One flat fee ($250) for the pass gets you two full days at each of the Loam Pass destinations. Currently, there are nearly 30 spots on the Loam Pass roster in over 20 U.S. states stretching from California to New Hampshire, with 10 more destinations slated for later this spring. 

“You get 60 days of riding on the pass, and the average ticket price at our destinations is about $44, so if you use the pass six times it pays for itself,” says Brown, who estimates the potential annual savings of a Loam Pass at around $2,400. 

The pass is targeting some of the best paid mountain biking trails and terrain across the country. Top recommended destinations include Ride Rock Creek and Kanuga in North Carolina, Big Rack Shuttles in Utah, Bryce and Massanutten in Virginia, and Cog Wild and Trans Cascadia Excursions in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond resort benefits, a Loam Pass includes access to pedal-friendly trail systems and mountain bike shuttle operations as well. 

Related: These Fat Bike Trails Will Make Winter Your Favorite Cycling Season

“We want the pass to be a tool for these places to receive more visitation and grow their businesses,” says Foresta. “They’re investing heavily in awesome trails, and we want to encourage these destinations to keep building them,” adds Brown.

Loam Pass is valid for a full calendar year. If you have ski pass prices in your head, an annual Loam Pass is a fraction of those at $250.  

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May 13, 2022

The Retrospec Koa Rev Is the Perfect E-Bike for Summer

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:07 pm

E-bikes have taken the country by storm. Not only are they buzzing up and down streets and bike lanes, but they’re hitting the trails and even whizzing down the sand at the beach. Haven’t had the chance to take one out for a spin yourself yet? Here’s the ultimate ride for your maiden voyage. The Koa Rev from Retrospec is our vote for the perfect entry-level rig to dive into the e-bike scene this season.

retrospec koa
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Having tested numerous e-bikes in all categories over the last few years, we have to say that the Koa Rev is about as versatile as it gets. It boasts a robust 750W rear-hub motor that can hit speeds of 20mph with six pedal-assisted levels—plus an ultra-responsive twist-throttle should you not want to pedal at all. Its 48V lithium-ion battery can pump out up to 48 miles of range, so you don’t have to worry about making it to (and from) just about any destination in town. A buttery front suspension makes for a hyper-smooth ride no matter what terrain you’re tackling. Those 4-inch-wide fat tires will roll you through sand, dirt, grass, and any kind of rough zones with ease.

retrospec koa
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For city riders, the Koa Rev offers all the reliable precision you need on congested roads, while offering up some bonus off-road muscle whenever you need it. The JAX Mechanical front/rear disc brakes are ultra-responsive, and the Shimano Altus 9S rear derailleur is super-smooth. Built like a tank (by e-bike standards) its nimble and lightweight enough to single-handedly load it onto a truck bed.

retrospec koa
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Its 26-inch frame is the optimal size for most people, and those ultra-capable fat tires will push through whatever the road throws at you. In other words, you’ll feel totally confident on this bike. It accelerates quick, stops on a dime, and—in case we haven’t mentioned it yet—it’s a total blast to ride. It also features a bright, intuitive handlebar-mounted LED screen for easy controls over all the bike’s functions, plus other critical intel such as battery level, mileage, pedal-assist level, and alternative power modes.

retrospec koa
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“Koa Rev is our most versatile e-bike. It’s incredibly powerful, great to ride on all terrains, and surprisingly ergonomic,” says Retrospec CEO/Founder Ely Khakshouri. “We call Koa Rev our ‘do-it-all’ e-bike because it’s ideal for commuting, cruising around the neighborhood, or adventuring off-road,” he adds. “No matter where you go or what you use it for, this e-bike guarantees a good time.”

retrospec koa
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From a design standpoint, the bike has a sporty yet sophisticated look—and it’s a definite head-turner (believe us). Price-wise, the Koa Rev from Retrospec is as reasonable as it gets for a brand-new electric bike in this class, whether it’s your first e-bike or the long-awaited upgrade from last season’s bargain bike. From the trail to the coffee house to the pub, this remarkably likeable bike is the ticket—and the competitive price tag is the greenlight you’ve been waiting for.

[$1699.99; retrospec.com]

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April 5, 2022

Küat Piston Pro X Two-Bike Hitch Rack: Rugged and Easy to Use

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:30 pm

There are a lot of bicycle-carrying hitch racks on the market. Some clamp onto a bike’s frame, which is a poor choice if you like your bike’s paint job and/or you ride a carbon rig. And most have plastic parts and awkward straps that tend to wear out or break over time. Küat’s Piston Pro X is different.

What it is

Not only does it have clean lines and modern aesthetics that make it look as good on the back of a Tesla as it does on a Tacoma, but its all-metal construction is durable and dependable—plus the rack is one-hand operable and user-friendly.

The Piston’s Kashima-coated arms caught our attention first. If you’re a mountain biker, you’ll recognize the gold-colored coating instantly. It’s used in high-end bike shocks and forks for the smoothest travel. The Piston’s OneTap hydro-pneumatic tire arms are coated with Kashima for seamless opening and closing. Squeeze the lever on any arm, and it springs open so you can load your bike without laying it on the ground to wrestle a strap open or closed. With the bike set on the open tray, it takes one hand to press the arms in from either side, which clamps the bike securely into place by its tires, not its frame. The rack holds bikes with 18- to 29-inch wheels, tires up to 5 inches, and bikes with wheelbases up to 53 inches. It’s approved for use on the back of an RV with bikes that are 42 pounds each or lighter.

Why we like it

Loaded hitch racks block taillights, which can make it harder for vehicles behind you to know when you’re slowing or stopping. This one has non-obtrusive, built-in LED taillights that are visible both when the rack is open and when it’s closed. They’re powered by a magnetic, quick-connect plug cable that attaches and detaches from the rack instantly when you put the rack on or take it off. If your vehicle doesn’t have a wiring harness, a mechanic can install one for you.

The highly engineered rack is not only good looking, but it can handle rough roads, too. Aluminum trays pair with a solid steel hitch to support bikes up to 67 pounds each without bending or breaking, so this rack can handle most e-bikes, too. A 12mm-thick, semi-integrated cable lock secures bikes to the rack. The rubber-coated cable wraps around multiple bikes—inserting into a locking receptacle in the rack frame—and stores inside your vehicle until you need it.

It attaches to your two-inch receiver with a lockable camming system that’s wobble-free. The install tool is integrated into the rack so it’s always with you. When the rack is locked onto your vehicle, the tool is locked too.

What’s more, the Pro X can handle all-weather, making it suitable for year-round use. Küat uses IGUS bushings in key pivots; a custom-formulated, no-fade powder coating; stainless steel hardware; and automotive-grade, 750-hour salt spray on steel hardware to prevent rusting for longevity.

Need to tote more than one bike? It’s expandable. The Piston comes with two trays with the option to add one or two additional trays to carry up to four bikes. The trays are stadium-tiered to keep them from hitting the ground when you’re driving rough roads. An optional e-bike ramp takes the back pain out of loading and unloading heavy bikes. A foot- or hand-actuated pivot on the two-bike version and an end pull handle on the add-ons make lowering the rack up or down less of an acrobatic task.

“This is by far our most ambitious project, said Küat president and co-founder Luke Kuschmeader. “We wanted to challenge what a bike rack can do and offer a rack like nothing else in the market. The Piston Pro X is the premier product in every category from safety, security, durability, details, and aesthetics.”

The Piston Pro X starts at $1,389. It’s covered by Küat’s No Worries Warranty, and if you ever do have an issue, the company has excellent customer service. For every rack sold, Küat donates to the National Forest Foundation’s Future Forest iniitative.

[$1,389; kuat.com]

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November 30, 2021

How to Spend a Weekend Full of Adventure in Palisade, Colorado

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:46 am

On the Colorado River, rugged Palisade is the perfect headquarters for a post-ride hang. The introduction of Palisade Plunge, an absolutely epic new mountain bike trail, is reason enough to visit the western Colorado town. Lucky enough, there are plenty of other great spots to get your fill of good brews, stoke, and relaxation.

BIKE

Rapid Creek Cycles offers rental bikes and a $35-per-person shuttle for the 1.5-hour drive to the trailhead. The nearby town of Fruita has fantastic desert single-track at 18 Road—Zippity, PBR and Chutes and Ladders are classic trails.

SHOOT

Cameo Shooting Complex is a 1,700-acre facility with electronic-scoring shooting and archery bays; sporting clay ranges; and 3D archery trail loops with life-size foam targets.

DRINK

There are 40 wineries in the area, including five within a mile radius of town. East Orchard Mesa, Talbott Farms and Talbott’s Cider Co. are early stops on the pedal-friendly Fruit & Wine Byway tour.

Men eating at brewery
Like the locals, Pêche and Palisade Brewing Company are hearty and eclectic. Courtesy Image

EAT

Palisade Café & Wine Bar bases meals around local produce and wine. Pêche. does everything from Thai-fried chicken and fresh lamb to port short ribs and charred ribeye. Like peaches? Sweet Cheeks Peach Stand serves seven varieties of organic peaches on 20 acres.

CRASH

Spoke & Vine is a renovated 1950s-era motel catering to trail riders with cruiser bikes, craft beer and cornhole. Within walking distance of town, its welcoming website banter—“If you’re ‘high maintenance’ this might not be the place for you.”—sets the tone.

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April 22, 2021

The Great Pandemic Bike Boom: Year Two

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 1:43 am

It’s hard to imagine how biking could become more popular than it was in 2020. But that’s just what retailers see happening.

“Last year left tremors in the industry,” says Heather Mason, the president of the National Bicycle Dealers Association, a nonprofit representing bike stores across the country. “We’re expecting another year of demand outpacing supply.”


According to NPD Group, a market research company, bike sales grew 75 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, as everyone took to two wheels to deal with the pandemic. Incredible numbers of people dusted off the old 10 speed, fixed up the broken mountain bike and shelled out for a new bike—to avoid public transportation and for the mental and physical health benefits. Bike shops and the supply chain, already winded from lockdowns and shipping issues, couldn’t keep up, says Mason. By the middle of the summer, many bike shops were sold out of everything but the priciest models.

Big Bike Sales, Big Picture

A slowdown in demand through the winter helped manufacturers and stores restock shelves. But it’s a false flat, says Mason. There were strong preseason orders, continued shortages in carbon fiber and other materials, and exceptional early-season demand. NPD says bike sales jumped 130 percent in January and February compared to the same pre-pandemic months in 2020. Wait times for pre-ordered bikes are now up to 18 months and some bike shops are returning deposits because they don’t think they will be able to deliver some models this year at all.

“The industry is going full-out trying to connect the dots to ramp up production,” Mason says. “But until manufacturing, delivery, and demand gets more normal, supply issues probably won’t change.”

She says things won’t go back to normal until at least spring 2022 or even 2023.


REI, one of the nation’s largest bike retailers, says all their stores anticipate strong demand throughout 2021 for its in-house brand and third-party bikes.

“We expect bicycles to go quickly when they do arrive to our stores,” says Courtenay Gearhart, the senior public affairs program manager. “In some cases we will probably temporarily sell out.”

While all kinds and price ranges of bikes will be hard to find, the most in-demand are kids bikes and ones costing less than $1,000, says Mason. Conversely, there are lots of e-bikes. The industry had anticipated strong demand before the pandemic and still has excess inventory.

For those still hoping to get something other than an e-bike this year, there is hope.

“Bike industry people are finding new bikes,” she says. “There are ways.”

Bike Shopping Tips

Her best advice is to figure out what you want and then be flexible. Look online and call retailers that carry the brand you want to see if anyone has the model you’re looking for. Increasing your budget will open up more potential, too. If you can’t find anything that works, visit a local shop.

“Tell them what you want and ask them what they would do,”  Mason says. “They might have a good alternative brand or model or a creative solution.”

It also gets them looking for you, in case a trade-in comes in or someone turns down a bike they ordered. If all that ends in a flat, she suggests ordering a bike and being patient.

“Conversations we’re having today about availability are changing tomorrow,” Mason says. “Don’t be afraid to wait for the bike you want.”

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January 29, 2021

Danny MacAskill’s Insane MTB Descent on The Slabs Would Make a Grown Man Cry

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 10:47 pm

When Danny MacAskill, legendary Scottish trials bike rider (and all-around god on two wheels), says at the beginning of his new short film, The Slabs, that what he’s about to ride is “pretty scary,” then you know goddamn well that it’s going to be a truly epic descent. One that would make mere mortals like us crumple to our knees, whimpering as we tearfully bail on the ride and slide back down the steep trail on our butts.


“I am a big fan of rock climbing and have been inspired by the various men and woman who set new routes and test themselves on some amazing faces around the world so I set out to find some challenging Slab Rock routes on my home Island of Skye with an aim to ride them in a continuous line and test what was possible on my bike,” MacAskill writes in the intro to the insane video.

He starts the show off by climbing to the top of The Slabs, located off the coast of Scotland, for his 1,600-foot ride down to Loch Coruisk below. The initial downhill seems fine, tame even. It doesn’t look that hard as you mumble to yourself. “Ah yeah, I could take that line, no problem.” And as it progresses, “I huck drops like that on [insert local trail here] all the time. No big deal.”

Then come the massive rocks and the gaps and the steeps. MacAskill goes from a languid but intense mountain bike ride down gently sloping side of a huge slabs of gabbro (a grippy, coarse type of rock similar to basalt) to dancing across boulders and bounding over huge gaps. The scale and steepness isn’t quite comprehendible until the drone shooting the descent starts to swoop and spin, showing the true angle with MacAskill silhouetted against the mountains behind him.

Craziness ensues as at one point he seemingly is about to run out of room on a precipitous knife-edge of rock that shoots down to the valley below. But MacAskill, being who he is, bounds up and out of the predicament, climbing like a goat and then continues to drop 650 feet down an even steeper, almost vertical, slope.


“I specifically picked lines that funneled me along a one-foot-wide ledge with cliffs dropping to the side,” said MacAskill in a recent interview with website UKClimbing. “It was quite a powerful feeling up there actually, I really quite enjoyed it,” he says. “Normally I’m used to doing tricks, so you’re maybe exposed for seconds at a time, whereas up there you’re doing a run where you’re exposed for a lot longer than that. It’s a bit more like climbing, I suppose.”

Check it out for yourself and bow down to the king of the death-defying stunts on two wheels.

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