by editors on January 31, 2019
American Media, the parent corporation of Men’s Journal, Radar, US Weekly and more famously the National Enquirer (you know, the company run by Donald Trump’s friend David Pecker) is reportedly purchasing all the action sporting brands from Bike Magazine’s parent company The Enthusiast Network. Employees were apprently informed today (January 31, 2019) during an all-hands meeting at TEN’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California.
Things may not be looking all that bright for current TEN employees. As one media executive who is not involved with either company told us, “I would assume this is going to be brutal. American Media has tons of debt, so I doubt they’re going to invest in anything. They probably see synergies and cost-cutting as a quick way to shape up the bottom line.”
According to a post on Transworld Motocross’s website (which has since been taken down) that magazine has been shuttered and similar things could be happening at other titles at TEN as well. Here is the entire note from TWMX’s Donn Maeda:
I founded TransWorld Motocross in November of 2000. At the time, the motocross magazine marketplace was crowded and we were the eighth title joining in on the fun. It was an exciting time, paired with my good friend Garth Milan and teamed with Revolution Advertising – a freelance agency that laid out the magazine – we built the foundation for what would become the world’s best-selling motocross magazine within only a matter of months.
It’s hard to cover all the highlights that I’ve enjoyed over the past two decades… there have been too many. We’ve produced over a dozen great motocross movies, successfully launched the largest local race series on the west coast…heck we even had a one-year stint helping produce TransWorld Motocross Japan. Most of all, the memories I treasure most are of all the places I’ve visited and the friends I’ve made. Watching racers I’ve met as mini riders grow up, rise through the ranks, and go on to be champions, has been a privilege…

Today, our parent company was purchased by another media entity that sadly, has no interest in moving forward with TransWorld Motocross, in spite of our overall success and profitability. That said, our magazine, web site, and race series are on hold. I say hold, because the same group of dedicated editors and salesmen who have built this brand alongside me are still committed to creating the same great content. We are actively working on a plan to resume business as usual.
So, as cliché as it sounds, this is not a goodbye…it’s a see ya’ soon!
Oh, and if you’d like to read the official press release from American Media about their purchase, please follow the jump.
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by editors on January 17, 2019
With an Instagram post of their Oakland, California store front and the words “We Out” Manifesto Bike Shop is calling it quits. Here’s what they said:
That’s right. After nearly 11 years in business, we are calling it quits. Out last day open will be Thursday, January 31. It has been a good run.
Though we never made it to the shop, it was always good to see what legendary Sacto skateboarder Sam Cunningham and co-founder MacKay Gibbs were up to with the shop. We’re certain they will be missed. Hopefully, Sam will let us know what’s next for him.
by editors on January 7, 2019
Garmin is bringing 4G LTE to the wrist with the all new vívoactive 3 Music – connected by Verizon . This new version of the vívoactive GPS smartwatch gives users a 24-7 connection to text messages, music downloads, and “incident detection” without having a phone along. As if that’s not all, the watch features five day battery life, Garmin Pay, and can be worn swimming or in the shower. Here’s how they’re pitching it:
“The vívoactive 3 Music with 4G LTE connectivity gives you everything you need from your phone – safety features, text messaging and the ability to download and listen to music – now on your watch, so customers can leave their phones behind with confidence,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Designed for customers who lead an active lifestyle, we’re excited to introduce these new safety and communication features to the Verizon-connected vívoactive 3 Music to give added peace of mind on the go, so leaving your phone at home can be a choice instead of a cause for panic.”
We’re kind of hoping they bring this same functionality to the Edge 520. How epic would that be? Fingers crossed. For the official word from Garmin, please follow the jump.
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by editors on December 20, 2018
Nothing better than getting holiday letters from our favorite brands. Here’s one from eliel.
This year was BIG. With a growing team, we collectively designed, developed, tested, manufactured, and launched 16 brand new products. We visited 11 US states and hosted 4 Rider House experiences. Hundreds of teams and clubs collaborated with our artists to produce 100% unique custom designs. And we started the official ELIEL Wednesday Ride in Encinitas, which has shared the road together for 41 consecutive weeks. Thank you for being a part of the journey, your support means the world to our team. With immense gratitude we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
by editors on December 18, 2018
Last year, on December 22, 2017 cyclist and racer Jason Lowndes was killed by a car while training close to his home in Australia. He was 23. To remember Lowndes and all the other who have been hit by distracted drivers Louis Garneau is making December 22 International “Don’t Text and Drive” Day.
This event is first and foremost a rallying at the human scale, no matter the way of life or means of transportation, in a great effort to bring awareness to this issue. Following this announcement, we will deploy a message chain on social media which, I hope, will touch millions of people around the world and which will be repeated every December 22, for the rest of our lives, in homage to my friend Jason.
For the official word from Louis Garneau please follow the jump.
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by editors on December 13, 2018
Waited until the last minute and didn’t grab your favorite cyclist a gift? Check these out. We lagged so hard we didn’t even make this list. It appeared fully formed in our inbox. Either way Amazon will have them to you well before Santa even fires up the sleigh.
ABUS Bordo uGrip Lite | $59.99 | Amazon Prime Link
Lightweight but sturdy, the uGrip Bordo is a folding lock made of hinged steel bars and a simple snap closure design. The lock is easy-to-use, compact, and tucks into your bag or pocket—so you can always have one with you for quick errands.
Showers Pass IMBA Jacket (Women’s) | $199.95 | Amazon Prime Link
From hitting the trails to running errands in the city, this 2.5-layer hardshell breathes and vents just enough to keep your sweat from sticking around. Support a non-profit with the ideal winter layering jacket, as a portion of the proceeds benefit the International Mountain Biking Association.
DZR Shift | $69 | Amazon Link
Good boys and girls might need two stockings to hold a fresh pair of kicks, but these DZRs will light up some eyes with their subtle good looks and comfort, enhanced by stealthy cycling performance thanks to a stiffened midsole for better riding efficiency without sacrificing walkability or style.
Mission Workshop Sanction | $205 | | Amazon Link
Compact and weather-proof, the Sanction is a sleek solution to protecting all the daily essentials on a cycling commute to work or school. Built to last a lifetime with military spec construction and waterproof compartments, it’s bound to be a holiday gift turned year-round favorite.
Silca Ypsilon Travel Kit | $80 | Amazon Prime Link
The mechanic’s favorite y-wrench gets an upgrade in precision and functionality. A variety wrenches for the most common use cases in cycling are now readily available in one tool, so you can ensure the bike mechanic in your life is prepared for anything this holiday season.
UAG Plasma Feather-Light iPhone XR Case | $39.95 | Amazon Prime Link
Did your favorite rider pick up the new iPhone, only to leave it unprotected? Give the gift of phone security with a lightweight and tough case from UAG.
State Bicycle Co Core-Line Singlespeed Bike | from $299 | Amazon Link
Anyone’s eyes would light up at the sight of a bike in their holiday gift pile. Any model from State’s Core Line of affordable and stylish single speed bicycles would make a memorable gift sure to make a star of the giver.
by editors on December 11, 2018
The 2019 Colorado Classic, August 22-25, will be the only UCI standalone women’s stage race in the Western hemisphere; raising the bar with quadrupled prize purse, team stipends, live streaming and longer, more challenging routes.
“From the inaugural race of the Colorado Classic two years ago, the organization has stood behind women,” said Kristin Armstrong, the most decorated female cyclist in U.S. history, having won gold medals in each of the last three summer Olympics. “The announcement today of a women’s-only UCI stage race truly shows the dedication and commitment the Colorado Classic has to women in sport. I was fortunate enough to have my start in a women’s-only event back in 2002 at the HP Women’s Challenge; I know first-hand the tremendous amount of impact this will have on women’s cycling by creating and providing opportunity for spectators and riders across the world.”
For the official word from RPM Events Group LLC, please follow the jump.
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by editors on December 7, 2018
As if bicycle retailing in general can get any worse Emerald Expositions, owners of among other things the Interbike and Outdoor Retailer trade shows announced on December 6, 2018 that they were canning the 2019 Interbike show in Reno.
Instead, the company will research alternative plans for 2020 and beyond, including the opportunity to launch events featuring bicycling and bike-related components within or alongside its various successful, multi-sport trade show franchises.
In other words, until Emerald Expositions figures out how to save their flagging business all bets are off. Likely, Interbike will be thrown in with one of the Outdoor Retailer/SIA Snow Shows in Denver, Colorado. This on the heels of their President and CEO David Loechner announcing a rather immediate departure from the company on November 1, 2018 doesn’t seem suggest that bright a future for the company nor trade shows in general. Follow the jump for the official word from Emerald.
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by editors on December 5, 2018
Looking for the perfect gift for the gritty toothed gravel rider on your list, look no further than GravelStoke.com. The website covers, promotes, and lives gravel riding, and has a solid collection of gravel soft goods that look good and feel even better. For all the details, click the link.
[Link: Gravelstoke]
by editors on November 28, 2018
¡Arriba, Arriba! Registration for the Cinco de Mayo edition of the 2019 Canyon Belgian Waffle Ride opens at 12:01am on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Don’t miss their lowest pricing offer ($160 Waffle/$125 Wafer), which will increase starting January 1, 2019, until they sell out (and they will). The race starts and ends in the heart of North County San Diego, California and has become one of the world’s best bucket list rides.
For the Hardwomen, the Waffle Ride has something extra-special this year. Women who register to race Waffle will automatically get a FREE Waffle entry code to gift to another female rider. More women, more power, more fun!
Looking to hit some gravel this weekend? Join us at Canyon Bicycles for our Open Reg Celebratory Ride also on December 1st. This event is being hosted by BWR, Canyon, and our new charity partner the San Diego Mountain Biking Association. Free coffee, free beer, and food trucks are just some of the highlights. Details can be found on our Facebook event page, please RSVP if you plan to attend. https://www.facebook.com/events/1414387392026086/
[Link: Belgian Waffle Ride
