The producers of the Belgian Waffle Ride series of gravel racing events announced today that they have signed on Specialized as their official bicycle and bicycle fitting technology partner for the Belgian Waffle Ride in Lawrence, Kansas October 29-31, 2021.
For the first time, Monuments of Cycling is bringing its iconic form of racing to Kansas, where a vibrant cycling culture anxiously awaits this new spectacle to be known as The Hell of the Mid-West. Now with Specialized onboard, the BWR KS promises a deep field and exciting support from the leading bicycle brand. The BWR, which is celebrating 10 years in 2021, will provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted roads, punctuated by dozens of off-road sectors over a 111-mile route throughout the northeast region of Kansas, giving the event its unique complexion.
For the official word from Monuents of Cycling, please follow the jump.
When Mike’s Bikes the “small chain” of 12 bicycling stores in Northern California was sold to the Pon Group in August many wondered what would happen to their deal with Specialized, seeing as the Pon Group is the parent company of Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Gazelle, and Focus, among others. Well, wonder no more. In an letter to Northern California cyclists, Specialized announced today (September 7, 2021) that their product will no longer be sold at Mike’s Bikes, saying:
. . . Mike’s Bikes has provided first-rate service to Specialized riders for the past 23 years. They’ve been a great partner, but our relationship with them has ended as they undergo new ownership by a European Cycling company. . . We’re working quickly to ensure that Specialized riders in Northern California not only remain supported but that their experience is better than it’s ever been before. We’re continuing to improve on online experience so you can shop with us how you’d like.
It couldn’t have happened to a nicer brand. Kind of fun to see Specialized getting the sharp end of the business stick every once in a while. But hey, now that Specialized has done everything they can to squeeze small bike retailers out of business, they’re kinda left with selling direct online. All we can say is, welcome to Canyon country, Specialized! Hope it all goes well for you, because, like most, we absolutely love your shoes!
The best costume party mountain bike race in the west is coming back to Southern California this October as the Quick n’ Dirty Filthy 50 returns on October 30, 2021 for its seventh race at the San Dieguito River Park and Black Mountain Park. Here’s the word from the crew:
We’re bringing back everything you love in an MTB race all wrapped up in a Halloween theme that’s fun for the whole family. . . Fun, challenging endurance course – yep! We’ve even got 2 distances! . . Kids race – you bet! Bring the groms and we have a special course for all abilities. . . Big time party in our expo area all day? You know it! Prizes, give aways and all kinds of stoke from the biggest names in the industry. . . Great food, groovy tunes all day and Sierra Nevada will be on hand as the sponsor of the costume contest to honor those that are most into the Halloween vibe. Race in it or party in it after, either way we want to see your fun self in costume at the ride! . . . Oh yeah, and there’s a big fat $5K cash purse with equal pay for the men and women expert categories thanks to TEAM BOOMBABY!
If you want to ride it or race it you better sign up now because it will sell out.
Looks like Peto Sagan is on his way to other (not sure if they’re greener) pastures as he will be leaving the Bora-hansgrohe team at the end of this season. His quote makes him sound not all that stoked: “I’m sure BORA – hansgrohe will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best in the coming seasons,” Sagan says. Hmm, we know Quickstep didn’t want his entourage. So where will he go? Who knows.
For all the details from Bora-hansgrohe, please follow the jump.
We all know locks are just to slow down the lazy and that the only way to protect a bike is to not leave it out there on the streets in the first place, but still, it’s kind of crazy how easy most locks are to get around. . . especially with the right tools.
It seems the BLOAT just can’t keep his hands off more cycling media brands as Outside buys mountain bike community Pinkbike (along with Cyclingtips and Trailforks). In a letter from the editor on July 16, 2021, Pinkbike’s “head of editorial” Brian Park explained exactly why selling out to Outside (formerly known as Pocket Outdoor Media) was such a great thing.
Pinkbike’s mission to be the pulse of mountain biking and to share the ride with the global mountain bike community doesn’t change, only now we have more resources and capabilities to take on even bigger and better projects. . . Our head office remains in Squamish, BC, and we’re about to move into a brand new office space with way more room to grow. We’ll also have access to new equipment and improved test facilities for more scientific, objective product evaluations.
Newly acquired media properties always seem optimistic about how “everything will stay the same, but we’ll have more opportunities to do all kinds of cool stuff” and rarely is this the case in reality. Big brands buy small brands so they can kill off competition and streamline efficiencies. But hey, let’s hope it goes well for Pinkbike et. al. Maybe the new Outside is better than all the media conglomerates that have come before. It could happen.
With their new Forerunner 945 LTE Garmin brings text, messaging, tracking and emergency alerts to their watches without requiring a phone.
“We are excited to bring LTE connectivity to the Forerunner line with the introduction of the Forerunner 945 LTE,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “For years, athletes have been able to leave their phone at home and still receive performance metrics, listen to music and pay for purchases with their Forerunner. Now, they can also access safety and tracking features right from their watch, making it even easier to work out without a phone and without worry.”
This brings Garmin one step closer to the Apple Watch for phone-free exercise. We’ve said the Forerunner is one of the best bike computers you can own, now it’s that much better. For all the official details from Garmin, please follow the link.
Atomik Carbon announced today (June 1, 2021) a new series of handbuilt aluminum wheelsets for gravel bikes called ALRG.
Starting at only $699.99 for a complete wheelset, the Atomik ALGR29 is the only handbuilt gravel wheel laced to American-made hubs at its price point. Designed to provide premium performance and unparalleled value for modern gravel riding, the ALGR is crafted from 6066-T6 aluminum for an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The ALGR29 is engineered to offer a more vertically compliant ride, making it the rim of choice for gravel riders who prioritize comfort.
For the official word from Atomik, please follow the jump.
Registration opened today, May 4, 2021, for a unique, new, cycling, music, and food festival from the people who bring you the Belgian Waffle Ride. It’s called Blazing Saddles: Rumble at the Ranch. And it will be held October 15-17, 2021 in Escondido, California.
“The festival was conceived during the downtime of Covid, when the riddle was posed: In 2000, if Coachella and Sea Otter Bike Festival had a lovechild, what would it be like today?” says Monuments of Cycling CEO, Michael Marckx. “It will be a festival to showcase Southern California’s thriving cycling, culinary, beer and music scenes and will be presented with an appreciation for bringing the world together again in a beautiful, idyllic and rustic oasis. In addition to 6-, 12- and 24-hour racing for both mountain bikers and gravel riders (for individuals and teams), BLAZING SADDLES, not unlike Coachella, will incorporate camping options with a seamless, interactive experience for all guests and be the first festival of its kind. We love festivals, but no one has ever brought all these complementary things together in one three-day extravaganza!”
Registration is open today. Click here for all the details, of follow the jump for more of the official word from Monuments of Cycling.
