Shimano Zee is gonna hook some groms

My love for Shimano began when, at 10 years old, I begged for and received a Shimano MLZ-10 ultralight spinning reel. That thing ran smooth as butter, and it had a huge Teflon drag washer that could beat 10-pound fish on 2-pound line. I rocked that reel all over the place — including Baja where we took on yellowtail, dorado and small tuna. That mini reel could do anything.

When, as a young adult, I became a serious saltwater angler, the Shimano reels were just killing the competition. They were faster, stronger, ran smoother and required less maintenance. Sort of like their bike stuff.

Shimano is about to hook a bunch of groms with its new Zee value-priced gravity group.

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Fabien Barel hangs and rides with Cedric Gracia

“Fabien Barel Presents: Ripping with Cedric Gracia in Andorra ”

Watch Fabien shred with CG. This video has a fun, positive vibe, plus it’s instructive to watch these two world class riders just out having fun. Watch how expressive they are — and watch how they load and unload their bikes. Sine waves!

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Flowing with Judy Freeman


Yesterday I ripped some pump track and pumped some big rocks with Crank Brothers pro XC racer Judy Freeman.

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Hucking with Erin Huck


Fun session this week with Tokyo Joe’s pro XC racer Erin Huck.

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Day one on the 2012 Demo 8 II


Yesterday I picked up a new 2012 Specialized Demo 8 II. It’s been years since I rocked a downhill bike, and I was honestly worried about the size and slackness. I mean, the last time I rode a head angle like this, the bike was a Honda 250. Could I handle it? Would my years of pump track and indoor trainers make me unable to ride the big bike?

Well …

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Big sine waves


I sold my DH bike before the babies came, and I’ve regretted that decision since before I dropped the box at FedEx. I love riding all bikes, but I miss the absolute impunity that comes with a downhill bike. Not to mention the big sine waves.

Well friends, the game is back on.

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The day after a private MTB kung su session

Emails like this get me stoked.

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Skills clinic this Saturday at Valmont Bike Park

The conditions are perfect! Come rip it up with me this Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. I also have spots Wednesday, June 6 and Saturday, June 9. Braaap!

Public clinics at Valmont Bike Park

A big day at the bike park


It’s official: The Bugs are now mountain bikers.

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5 benefits a pump track will bring to your city

A guest piece from Shawn Wilson, owner of Epicenter Cycling in Aptos, CA and designer of the original Epicenter Pump Track.

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Designing a pump track for Stafford Lake Bike Park


Hand tools are stacked in the garage, but the Mac is fired up. I’m working on a pump track design for the Stafford Lake Bike Park in Marin.

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Are there diminishing returns from ongoing pump track use?


This is one of the best questions in a long time. That’s why it got buried in my email.

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