It's all Black and White with the Canzo

The black frame sure looks nice with all the white parts! Just got
these new wheels from Stan's using their new hubs. Pretty sweet so
far. Also running 2x9 with a 26t-36t front rings. So far it is just
right for the trails in Flagstaff.

Racing Gets Hot in Roslyn, Washington

Brutal. I’m talking about hot, muggy, end-of July central Washington weather. I’m also talking about how I felt by the end of my last lap on the Roslyn MTB Festival course this past Sunday (July 26): brutalized.

With proceeds from the race going to benefit the Roslyn Library, sweating a bit for only 18 miles (22+ if you count the practice lap) seemed like a minor sacrifice. Ah, the blissful optimism that gets crushed and kicked around by hindsight.

The place: Roslyn is a tiny town (population ~1,000) near Cle Elum, Washington (also a tiny town). Primarily known for its cameo in the "Northern Exposure" television series’ opening credits, Roslyn was hopping with cross-country mountain bikers this weekend.

The conditions: By 2 pm Sunday afternoon, the arid terrain was radiating heat. It was a mere 94 degrees, but in the thick of the woods, it felt like a stifling 110. By the time the pro/open categories got underway, the switchback descent portion on the backside was “technical” by virtue of it having become a dustbowl. But we aggressively-hydrating riders were game for it.

The course: Everywhere you looked, and everywhere you rode, there was dirt, dust and sand. Riding behind someone won you a lungful of fine dust, which you were sure to be coughing up later in the day. The first half to two-thirds of the smooth-rolling course traveled in the Up direction, but after the steep climbing sections and an intermission or two of snaking descents, you found yourself flying downhill, the dust flurries gusting off your wheels. One lap down. Repeat.

The race: After feeling strong for the first half of the race—maintaining the lead for most of the first lap and settling into a close second for another lap or two—the sun pointed its blazing finger at me and said, “Die.”

By the final lap, it was all I could do to keep making little circles with my feet while trying to convince my stomach it really didn’t feel that bad. I kept it together and finished the race in second—not as strongly as when I began the race, but stronger than how I felt when I began that last lap. Grimy and dust-covered, I sped down the final express descent, knowing my Sobo and I had put in a solid day’s work together. On the men’s side, Toby Swanson of Benaroya Research Institute placed first, and BRI teammate Eric Atwood came in second.

Post-race: On the drive back to Seattle, a friend and I stopped for dinner at Rogue Brewery in Issaquah, and my friend ordered one of the special brews called Brutal Bitter. As I tasted it, I felt quite satisfied. A brutal ride isn’t all that bad, once it’s over:)

Until next time: Angela + Sobo = :)

Angela Sucich,
Freelance Copywriter
angelasucich.com

Summer is Racing Along

Photo courtesy of Adam Leahy

Here’s how to start the week off right on your Voodoo Sobo:

· Sunday: a 15-mile race through wooded groves in Bellingham, Washington

· Monday: a 30-mile, get-lost adventure in central Washington’s West Fork Teanaway wilderness near Roslyn

· Tuesday: a climb up above 5,000 feet on Sun Top for a scenic photo shoot overlooking Mount Rainier.

On Sunday, July 12^th, the 17^th annual Padden MTN Pedal race at Lake Padden in Bellingham, Washington, brought out the local talent to frolic in the blustery, surprisingly cool weather. The half hard-pack, half-loamy course was roller-coaster fast, and the few short but steep climbs made this race a “roadie” fave—except for a few surprise technical sections. Thanks to all the nice men who pulled over to let me pass on the downhill side, and thanks to Mark Peterson and the course designers for including a few crucial sections of technical trail punctuated with roots and small drops, not to mention a thrilling sequence of switchbacks carved like smiles all the way down the mountain foothillJ

Photo courtesy of David Waugh

Local pro Russel Stevenson of BRI won the open men’s race, with Eric Tonkin riding into second place for Kona. The women made up a small but fast field, and after five undulating laps my hot, fire-truck red Sobo steamed in second, just a minute or so off the lead.

Then on Monday I took my Voodoo and went exploring near Roslyn, Washington, with some friends. Here we are, bushwhacking through a mountain meadow. Don’t let rainy Seattle fool you; central Washington is way drier than the Seattle side of the Cascade Range.

Although it doesn’t look like it from the hike-a-bike pics, I did, in fact, get on my bike during our ride. Here I manage to pick my way from stone to stone over one of several creek crossings without getting my feet wet. Surprisingly, neither of the gentlemen I was riding with offered to carry me across. Ah, the chivalry...

Finally, on Tuesday I headed south from Seattle toward Mount Rainer to climb Sun Top (over 5,000 feet) for some photo ops. Is this gorgeous or what? Just don’t look down.

Until next time—Angela + Sobo =J

VooDoo Nakisi Monstercross Spy Shots!

Here is the first look, we haven't even had a chance to build it up yet!!

Nakisi first frame sample. Similar to 2009 Agwe, Nakisi (and 2010 Agwe) has larger TT and more tire clearance. Also keeps horizontal TT for classic look with standard drop bars.

From Nakisi - Sacred Medicine

Nakisi front view. Will fit the WTB Stout 29"x2.3 tire front and rear. 50mm offset fork as well with a 430mm axle to crown.

From Nakisi - Sacred Medicine

Nakisi horizontal dropout with disc tabs.

From Nakisi - Sacred Medicine

Nakisi dirt drop specific stem with 100mm (4" rise) and 60mm reach. Sits on top of steer tube and has headset adjuster bolt stop welded in place. This stem looks goofy on the bike, but feels great when your hands are in the drops riding single track!

MSRP $399.00 frame and fork. Stem price TBD. Available late Summer / early Fall at BTI - Bicycle Technologies International in the USA. www.bti-usa.com.