Migration Photos

Beads of sweat poured down my face as I trekked up the sloped hill looking for the best photo shoot location. I was back shooting sports again after my short sabbatical. Today’s photo shoot was at the California Golden State Championship mountain bike event in Fontana, CA on May 15th.

The cross country mountain bikers flying down the rocky trail on the multi-lap course I’d seen before, or at least, most of them. Today, I preferred to shoot the MTB riders looking good on the downhill portion of the course. A race volunteer advised that most of the mountain bikers were walking up the tough uphill portion.

This was the third race in a four event series put on by SRC and major sponsor Kenda. With the Fontana sun blaring down, it was a reminder that the next SRC summer event in August would be more challenging for these mountain bike riders.

The multi-lap course was a mixture of rolling fire roads and single track trails with one major climb and descent. Near the top of the course on the big downhill section, the mountain bikers navigated an almost 90 degree turn before shooting down the rocky fire trail. Many of the MTB riders smiled for the camera, but after the first few laps, most had no energy for a pose.

David Santos captured 1st place in the XC mountain bike race in 1:29:07 with 2nd and 3rd place going to Griffith Vertican and Garnet Vertican in 1:34:07 and 1:41:05, respectively. For the women’s race, Heather Rose took 1st place and a fourth overall finish against the men in 1:53:12.

For the women’s downhill competition, Gabriela Williams captured 1st with Kelly Damschen taking 2nd place. In the men’s division, David Klaassen VanOorschot was the fastest of the day with Rich Houseman and Ryan Egusquiza picking up the 2nd and 3rd place slots.

Heather Rose, the women’s XC mountain bike winner, captured another victory in the women’s Super D. The men’s division leaders were Ryan Equsquiza in 1st followed by Eric Bierman in 2nd place.

For Mountain Bike Information, check out Keith Rejino’s website at Dreamscape Images mountain bike website for mental training tip, mtb news and sport nutrition guidelines.

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Tags: bicycling, bike, bike riding, cycling, exercise, fitness, mountain bike, mountain bike race, mountain biking, mtb, sport, sporting event, sports

Whether you ride competitively or just for enjoyment, we all seem to love gadgets on our bicycles. Some items offer extra convenience and some a bike rider should not be without. Here are our top 5 bicycling gadgets.

The extra items you put on your bicycle will depend on how you ride your bike. Are you a hard-core rider, going on trails for hours at a time? Or do you just ride for an hour here and there at a leisurely pace?

1. Bike rack

If you want to explore different locations, you’ll need some way to get your bike there besides riding it. Your bike rack needs to be able to carry more than one bike especially if you ride with family. For competitors, you can bring a spare bike for practice or in case of problems. What you are looking for is one that secures the bikes without too much wiggling of the wheels or handlebars. If you choose a rack that sits on top of your car remember the increased height when going under overpasses or through tunnels.

2. Bike computer

Some may think this is excessive, but it really is a handy tool to have if you want to track how far you have ridden. A bike computer can keep track of speed, mileage, elapsed time of the trip, and clock time, among other things. Some computers are more sophisticated than others and track more things.

3. Water Bottle

This comes as a standard on many bicycles today, but if you don’t have one, you need to add it. The first time you take a long drink after a hard ride, you’ll be happy you added it.

4. Pedal Clips

Clips are very useful for keeping your feel from slipping off the pedals. It may seem that this makes it more difficult to stop, especially to a new bike rider, because you have to take your feet out of the clips before putting them down. But in reality, pedal clips make it easier on your feet.

5. Bicycle Panniers

These are bicycle bags that attach to the bike. They are much better than carrying stuff in a backpack because they leave the rider free to concentrate on the ride instead of worrying about the bag shifting and making the rider unbalanced. You can put all kinds of handy things in them such as your phone, a first aid kit, a tool kit for unforeseen repairs, food, and a jacket (you never know when a storm will come up suddenly). Having all this gear on the bike itself allows the rider to just enjoy the ride.

Dan Goulski knows the importance of biking gadgets, such as the cycling water bottle. That’s why he created a site all about it, called http://www.cyclingwaterbottle.org.

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Extreme sports requires special gear. Appropriate bike shoes are the absolute most significant piece in addition to a helmet when riding a mountain bike through grueling terrain.

Historically, the material for this sort of footwear was made from sturdy leather. Later on, it was changed because a good amount of bikes no longer had the toe clip or strap, which is very kind of like the hard rubber found on mountain bike tires.. Tough stuff!

Because the facility in pedaling originates from the ball of the foot, it is only correct for engineers to make certain that the sole is slightly curved and very cushiony and spongy. This is for the reason that there will be times that you will have to get down and carry the bicycle. When this happens, the mountain bike shoes happen to ideal for hiking until such a time which it looks safe to cycle once more.

Astoundingly, this characteristic still makes the pair very durable and will last a few months before being replaced with new ones.

There was even a point in time which mountain biking shoes had laces the same as most sporty footwear. Here were removed later since the lace had a knack of getting wrapped up with the pedal. This single-handedly has caused a lot of undoubtedly avoidable accidents, the laces for that reason had to be replaced with the velcro strap.

Here are a few thoughts that you simply must contemplate when buying a pair of mountain biking shoes.

1. It is important to check on the hardness of the sole. A lot of bike shoe makers say which the kind of material which was utilized in making it makes it more resilient. Not factual. You can ask what material it’s made from but for a biker it ought to be ideally made from carbon.

2. The mountain biking footwear should be each comfortable and breathable. A good amount of bikers can be on the path for more than two hours plus it’s definitely right that the pair purchased is in a position to give you reasonable amount of air flow.

3. The last thing to consider is the shoe’s heaviness. It ought to be lightweight so you will not have a tough time in the future going onward as you journey long distances with the extra weight of your shoes on the journey.

Apart from an excellent pair of shoes, you should additionally get a bike helmet, a jersey, as well as a pair of shorts. Nothing should hinder the biker from bycycling onward especially when pushing uphill.

Every one of these items can be found at a area sporting product store or on the web thus you will be able to join a growing club of folks who also have the will to be close with nature and their bicycle.

Northwave Biking Shoe and Northwave Bicycling Shoes

categories: Bicycling,bicycle,mountain biking,bikes,bicycling,shoes,shoe,sportswear,footwear,extreme sports,sports,recreation,feet,general

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Tags: bicycle, bicycling, bikes, extreme sports, feet, footwear, general, mountain biking, recreation, shoe, shoes, sports, sportswear

Today, mountain biking is the primary recreation choice for millions of people worldwide, young, old and in between. It offers fun, excitement, and a good workout. Definitely the best way to see the countryside.

Naturally, popularity brings more choices and with more manufacturers, brands and different types of bikes available, it can sometimes be quite difficult to choose correctly. In this article we will discuss what you have to look for when shopping for a mountain bike.

The first thing you should decide on is your price range. You can spend a few hundred or a few thousand dollars on a bike. To keep things under control you should determine your price range and look at bikes within that range.

The next important step is to decide what kind of bike is right for you. There are different types of bikes for different needs. You can choose from all mountain, cross country, freeride, downhill or trail. Each type is designed for different terrain and riding style and has its own pros and cons.

One of the most important part of buying a new bike is choosing the right size. If the bike doesn’t fit you, you will be uncomfortable and won’t feel safe. Sizes usually refer to the frame sizes. Here are the most common frame sizes depending on your height: 17″ is for people between 5′4″ and 5′11″, 19″ for those between 5′11″ and 6′2″, and 21″ and up are for people that are taller than 6′2″.

If you choose the right time to buy a bike, you can save quite a bit of money. You should avoid the peak buying season - spring and summer. The best time to buy is fall and winter. In those months sales dip, plus next year’s models come out, so you’re more likely to get a good deal on older models.

And finally, don’t forget about safety and comfort. Helmet, water bottle, gloves, glasses and one of the most important pieces of biking gear you will ever buy - padded biking shorts.

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Today, mountain biking is extremely popular all around the world and still increasing in popularity. It’s fun, enjoyable, exciting and it keeps you in good physical shape. What’s there not to like?

Of course, with popularity comes more choice, but with so many manufacturers and brands and types and whatnot around, it has become quite a complicated task to choose the right mountain bike. Hopefully, this article will help.

The starting point of buying a mountain bike is to know what kind of riding will you do, so that you can choose the appropriate type. Because bikes are designed for different types of riding (casual, downhill, off-road, and so on), you need to know which type will suit your needs the best. Full suspension, front suspension or no suspension at all?

One of the most important aspects of buying a new mountain bike is choosing the right size. Size is important and it affects how you ride. Here are some general guidelines based on height: People shorter than 5′4″ usually go for 15″ or less, people between 5′4″ and 5′11″ are most comfortable with 17″, people between 5′11″ and 6′2″ prefer 19″, and people taller than 6′2″ choose 21″ or more.

When you’re buying a new bike, you probably want a decent-quality bike that will keep you happy for awhile. Something not to expensive and not to cheap either. You must know that during the year prices can notably fluctuate. The best time to buy is September, because next year’s models come out and prices go down.

There are many different parts of a bike. When looking for quality you have to check out the frame material, quality of the important components such as brakes, derailleurs, shift levers, suspension fork, and so on. As always, you get what you pay for, so don’t be to cheap. A full-suspension bike for less than $200 is not quality.

When you eventually buy a bike, don’t forget on other important pieces of biking gear - helmet, water bottle, tire pump, bike shorts (your behind will be grateful), gloves and glasses.

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Tags: bicycling, biking, cycling, exercise, fitness, mountain bikes, mountain biking, recreation

In the last decade, mountain biking exploded in popularity. It’s healthy, fun, exciting, and a wonderful way to see the outdoors and keep you fit. It’s enjoyed all over the world by people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels.

Naturally, more demand brings more choices. Today, when there is so many manufacturers, brands, types, shapes and sizes, it can be quite difficult to choose a bike that suits you the best. Hopefully, this short guide will help you out.

The first thing you need to decide on is what type of bike will you buy. Will that be for off-road riding, will you need full suspension, front suspension or no suspension. Bikes are designed for different terrains and purposes. Before buying you should know what kind of riding will you do.

What size bike do I need? Simply put, you need a bike that fits you. Never buy a bike that doesn’t fit you. Common sizes are: 15″ or less (for people shorter than 5′4″), 17″ (for people between 5′4″ and 5′11″), 19″ (for people between 5′11″ and 6′2″), and 21″ and up (for people taller than 6′2″).

When is the best time to buy a mountain bike? If you can, try to avoid buying during the most popular seasons - spring and summer. Prices always fluctuate, depending on the season. The best time to buy is September, because new models arrive and the old stock is discounted. But don’t be to cheap, you do want a decent-quality bike. Remember, mountain bikes are not created equal.

When looking for quality, you have to pay attention to important components like brakes, brake levers, derailleurs, shift levers, suspension, etc. Without quality components you won’t get very far. And just so you know it, a full-suspension bike for $150 is not what you could call a quality product.

Biking gear is also essential. Don’t forget a helmet, water bottle, speedometer, gloves, glasses and a decent pair of padded biking shorts. Trust me, your behind will be thankful.

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Tags: bicycling, biking, cycling, exercise, fitness, mountain bikes, mountain biking, recreation

Today, mountain biking is one of the top ranked recreation activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of size, age or ability. It certainly is a great way to keep fit and it can take you to places you probably would never have discovered otherwise.

When did bikes begin to be build as special bikes for off-road riding? Mountain Biking first appeared during the 1970s in California. Tom Ritchey, Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager, and many others were the pioneers who modified chunky bikes and ride them down mountain tracks.

In the early days, mountain biking was perceived as quite a risk. In fact, it was. First mountain bikers were purely downhillers. They would race only downhill, to get up a mountain they used a truck. Because the slopes were more than those first bikes could handle, they started modifying and improving, which lead to the first real mountain bikes.

The first real purpose built mountain bike is generally credited to Joe Breeze. The year was 1978. Other giants in mountain bike development like Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey and Charlie Kelly soon followed.

Since the 70s much has changed. Technology and popularity has improved tremendously. In the 90s mountain biking really exploded. Few of the pioneers who rode down the rocky trails of Mt Tamalpais, would have believed how widespread their passion would become. Are you aware that mountain biking is an Olympic sport? It is.

Mountain bikes have really improved over the years. From the disc brakes, which are actually quite similar to the brakes on a car or a motorcycle, to sophisticated suspension. There are affordable mountain bikes for any kind of terrain - downhill, cross country, all-mountain, trials or freeride. Depending on your interest and goals, you have many choices today.

It’s true that bicycles have been ridden off-road since their invention, but it wasn’t until the invention of the mountain bike that off-road biking became wildly popular mainstream activity.

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Mountain biking is growing fast into an excitingly popular sport possible for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Mountain Biking is for everyone, young, old, or in-between. It’s a great way to be outdoors and to stay fit. A wonderful activity for the whole family.

Mountain biking was born in the 70s on Mount Tamalpais, better known as Mt. Tam, in California, USA. A group of enthusiasts consisting of famous names like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others, started modifying the heavy Cruiser bikes to be used for riding down the mountain trails. The mountain bike was born.

In the early days, mountain biking was perceived as quite a risk. In fact, it was. First mountain bikers were purely downhillers. They would race only downhill, to get up a mountain they used a truck. Because the slopes were more than those first bikes could handle, they started modifying and improving, which lead to the first real mountain bikes.

The first real mountain bike made with all new components was build in 1978 by Joe Breeze. Other giants in the field like Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey, Charlie Kelley and Charlie Cunningham just to name a few, soon followed.

By 1986 the mountain bike was outselling the road bike in the US. Soon it exploded worldwide. When the first mountain bikers propelled down the mountains in California, few would have believed how popular this new sport would become. Today, it’s an Olympic sport.

In the last decade or so, mountain bikes have improved immensely. New materials and technology really enhanced the performance on every level imaginable. Today you have affordable bikes for any kind of adventure. You can choose from downhill, cross country, all-mountain, or trials. There is a mountain bike for just about everybody.

Mountain biking is a relatively new sport and recreational activity. From a bunch of enthusiasts to a mainstream sport, mountain biking is still growing and is here to stay.

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Washington State’s John Wayne Pioneer Trail follows the former railbed of the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad two-thirds of the way across Washington. The light gravel pathway offers hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, wagons and cross-country skiers a chance to travel along the historic Milwaukee Road right-of-way on a gentle, easy-to-negotiate grade.

The 100-mile portion from Cedar Falls (near North Bend) to the Columbia River near Vantage is managed as Iron Horse State Park.

Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad abandoned this corridor and it was later turned into a trail in the 1980s when Washington State Parks acquired it. In the past, the Milwaukee Road was a vital trade link between Seattle and the Midwest. This article is about the trail between exit 38 East of North bend to exit 54 at Hyak on the Eastside of Snoqualmie Pass.

With the tracks removed and the area turned into a state park, some people call the trail the John Wayne Trail, while others call the entire trail the Iron Horse Trail or even the John Wayne Trail in Iron Horse State Park.

The trail is most often used by mountain bikes. It’s an easy ride that runs along the freeway about 300 feet above, to avoid the noise of the trucks.

As you can see from a map there are two Exits 38: Exit 38 west and Exit 38 east, about two miles apart and connected by a side road. You can access the trail from either exit. At the time this trip was documented, the trestle over Hall Creek, about a mile East of Exit 38 west, was broken and could not be crossed, although plans were in the works to fix this trestle in the near future.

The river between the Interstate and the trail is called the Snoqualmie River. The trail itself is approximately 16.5 miles to Hyak and rises steadily from exit 38 to an elevation of approximately 2500 feet. This is high enough so that one can expect snow here in the winter.

Because of snowfall high in the mountains, the builders of the railroad decided to make a tunnel through the mountain at Snoqualmie Pass. So, at its peak elevation, just after Humpback Creek, the trail enters Snoqualmie Tunnel (a 2-mile long tunnel).

NOTE: The ride through the tunnel can be extremely DARK. At two miles in length, the far end is just a small pinpoint of light. Be sure to have a good light and where a jacket. The tunnel is very dark, wet and cool inside. As for the trail its self, the gravel path is level and smooth making for an easy ride. Also, the tunnel is usually closed from November 1 to May 1.

Once through the tunnel at Hyak, its time to return to the trailhead. The return is all downhill making for a quick ride (the whole trip is approximately 33 miles, round-trip).

For another option, you can take a short ride on the old railroad grade East to Lake Keechelus for a nice lunch spot.

For directions and current conditions check out the Washington State Parks website at http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Iron Horse

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