How To Save a Busted Race with Google Earth
“We’ve just lost our venue!” “What?” I replied, hearing the edge of panic in my race director’s voice. “The owners have sold the property, where are we going to hold the event?” For the last four years I’d assisted with marketing for the Solstice Chase fat bike race in St. Croix Falls, WI, and watched …
Showers Pass Refuge Duffel Bag Review
Depending on the venue for fat bike races, you might be stuck dropping your gear off against a fence post as you head out to hammer in the powder. Imagine returning shivering and shot to find the mid-day sun has heated up the snow enough to leave your bag sitting in a dirty puddle. That post-race chill is …
The Quickest Way To Ruin a Great Ride: Listening To a Complainer
I’ve done a lot of group rides over the years. Sometimes I’m among the faster people, and sometimes I’m the one everybody’s waiting for at the designated stops. When you’re the slow person, the conversation is always the same. You smile and say, “you don’t have to wait for me.” To which everyone replies, “no, …
Nalini Phantom Green SS Jersey Review
I’m always happy to test out new jerseys, so I was excited to get the offer from Nalini to test their Phantom Green SS jersey. Nalini is Italian, and there’s just something about Italian-made cycling clothing or equipment that makes you feel a little bit more legit when you’re out there pushing the pedals. I’ve …
Nalini Miles MTB Baggy Shorts Review
Nalini calls the Miles their “baggy” mountain bike shorts, and I’m always excited to get more pairs of shorts like these. I use my bicycle every day to pick up my 5-year-old from kindergarten, and I already get funny looks from the parents and the staff. Somehow, I think they’d be even less accommodating if I …
Commencal Ramones 14 Red Kids Bike Review
I have two little girls, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, and I haven’t had any luck getting them to ride the push-bikes I bought for them. Push-bikes have been the rage lately, but every time I’m in a bike store my girls go right to the pedal bikes. When the beautiful red machine pictured above …
Mammoth Gravel Classic Launches 2016 Gravel Season
Scheduling your gravel ride for mid-April in Wisconsin can be a bit of a risk. In the 5 years that the Mammoth Gravel Classic (MGC) has been running, it has been rerouted once due to snow, and canceled entirely on another occasion. There’s nothing worse than going out and marking 200 miles of trail, only to …
Opinion: Don’t Permit Instances of Anti-Cyclist Rage
Editor’s Note: Walter Rhein is a cyclist who rides road bikes, mountain bikes, and everything in between. He’s also a father, a husband, a son, and a friend. The opinions expressed in this commentary are Walter’s alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Singletracks.com. Spring can be infuriating for cyclists. The minute it …
“No Refunds” – Why Races Can’t Return Your Money
Mountain biking events have a very unique business-to-customer relationship. While it’s true that athletes that participate in a given event are “customers” of that event, purchasing a race entry is not like purchasing some furniture at IKEA. It’s difficult to predict customer satisfaction when you’re essentially selling a few hours of torment. I’ve been to events …
Opinion: Why You Should Always Pre-Register For Events
Editor’s Note: Walter Rhein is a race organizer for the Gandy Dancer Trail Marathon and the Solstice Chase fat bike race. While Walter is a regular contributor to Singletracks.com, the opinions expressed in this commentary are his alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Singletracks.com. In addition to chasing my kids around and just being …
Racing 75 miles in -20 Degree Weather at the Tuscobia 75
In cold weather endurance riding, survival is the chief concern. In the midst of the 2016 Tuscobia 75, Dallas Wynne, cyclist and member of the Woolly Bicycle Club, arrived at Ed’s pit stop in Birchwood, grateful for the chance to warm up and refuel. A tough three-hour ride from the previous checkpoint meant his body had …
News: 2015 Solstice Chase a Blast!
December 19th marked the 3rd running of the Solstice Chase fat bike race, the first event in the 2016 Great Lakes Fat Bike Series sponsored by 45NRTH. 300 riders set off in pursuit of a $500 cash prize for the top man and woman. The 42k event was won by Jeff Hall of Farmington, MN for …
