Why a Hitch Rack is Worth Getting a Trailer Hitch
Guest post by Matt Sklar from Evo. Ever since mountain biking was invented, people have been coming up with creative ways to get their bikes to the trailhead. Sure, the best way to get there is to just ride your bike, but we don’t all live a short pedal from the trail system. So we have to figure out how to load our bikes into or onto our cars securely, just so that we can unload them, ride for a few hours, and then repeat the whole process to get home. If you’re got a truck, it’s a little more straightforward, just throw the bike in the back, and make…
The Space Around Us Will Never Be the Same
We’re well into COVID-19 lockdown in much of the world now , and so far I’ve resisted writing too much about it as I’ve wanted to remain positive during a time that has been negative for many. But now, almost two months into lockdown, I’ve had time to think about some of the positives that have come out of being at home. For me, one of the clearest benefits has been a new relationship with space. No, not the space of astronauts, shuttle launches, and little green men. I mean the wide-open space here on earth, the distance and space I’ve taken for granted. As the space around us has…
The Trail Dog Chronicles: Puppy Training Gear List
Training is key for any mountain bike trail dog, and starting their training as a puppy will help to ensure a great start in life. I don’t believe in the idea that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I do believe it’s easier to do when they’re young. I also believe it’s easier when you have the right gear. Mountain bikers take great care in selecting and buying just the right bikes, clothing and accessories for their adventures. And gear for puppy training shouldn’t be any different. Without the right kit, there is less chance that training can be successful. A few key pieces of puppy training…
Bike Parts and Beer: What the Updated NAFTA Means for Mountain Bikers
With all of the COVID-19 talk on the news and elsewhere, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Canada recently ratified the new updated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It was the last of the three countries (Mexico, Canada, USA) to do so and it paves the way for implementation in all three countries. And among other things, it will affect online shopping for mountain bikers. We all win when we can easily get our bike parts, beer, and even the odd souvenir across the border as quickly and easily as possible. There is a large and ever-growing amount of goods crossing the border through online shopping. On top…
5 Winter Cycling Activities to Help Keep the Pedals Turning All Year Long
Every year, without fail, winter visits us all. For those of us at higher latitudes, the days get shorter and the temperatures drop—sometimes dramatically. If this sounds like where you live, and you are a mountain biker like me, you may have a strong urge to hibernate and not show your face again until spring. For many, winter is a time to rest and recharge and cycling activities take a back seat to other warmer (mainly indoor) endeavors. Author John Geddes sums up how many people feel as summer comes to a close and we think about putting our bikes away and begin to recharge for the next riding season.…
The Trail Dog Chronicles: Our First Mountain Bike Trail Dog!
They’re the subject of videos and photos all over the internet. Bounding down the trail, tails wagging, tongues and ears flapping—not a care in the world. I’m talking about a mountain bike trail dog and they’ve worked their way into mountain bike culture, becoming favourites on social media and at trailheads alike. And it’s no wonder. Dogs and humans have a special relationship. We’ve relied on dogs for thousands of years to help us hunt, haul supplies, and everything in between. They’re called our best friend for a reason, and that notion applies to mountain biking as much as any other job or activity. They’re called our best friend for…
The Rocky Mountain Freeride Awards: Preserving the Spirit of Canadian Freeride
Canadian Freeride? The term lacks a solid definition. Maybe it’s more of an idea or way of life than something that can be defined in a sentence or two and it can mean something different to everyone who rides a mountain bike. Canada is known as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking and the movement has made British Columbia a mecca for riders from all over the globe. But to some, the spirit of Canadian Freeride is fading, being sidelined by new styles of riding and trail building. None feel this more than the Calgary-based freeride group called The Flannel Crew. In fact, they feel so strongly that they’re launching…
AdventureMom Insurance: Doing Things Differently
It’s become pretty commonplace for people to groan or roll their eyes when they hear the word insurance. But like it or not, it’s part of almost everyone’s lives. We all pay for it, but wish we didn’t need it. Just the mention of it conjures up thoughts of dense, monotonous stacks of paperwork that no one can understand. And then there’s the perception that when you really need to make a claim, it’ll take a team of lawyers on your side to collect any money. As mountain bikers, we lead a high-risk life and that makes having the right insurance coverage important. But that can be hard to find.…
Red Bull Freezride: A Look Back In Time!
Back in 2002 I was in journalism school. Even then, I was obsessed with mountain biking. I tried to make it to as many events as I could. One of those events was the Red Bull Freezride, and at the time it was so new and exciting I decided I wanted to write an article about it for one of my classes. It was being held at the Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana. As luck would have it, Red Bull was accommodating and gave me a media pass to the to 2002 edition of the event. I wrote the article and it ended up in my school or class paper…
