In my one long and grueling (at times) ride aboard the Fuel EX 9.9—top of the line model with SRAM XX parts—I came away pretty darn impressed with both the efficient pedaling and technical capability of the EX. I haven’t ridden a bike this light—something like 23 lbs. with pedals—in ages and had forgotten just how wonderful they to pedal.

When the trail turned technical and/or pointed downhill the EX continued to be an eager player. The combination of the DRCV rear shock and the new fork tuning certainly seems to play well together, though I hesitate to base too much of my opinion on a fork that really hadn’t even had a chance to break in yet. Full Article

The United States Senate has passed the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, better known as the miscellaneous tariff bill, or MTB (H.R. 4380).

Bicycle companies will benefit from lower tariffs on tubing, speedometers, road and hydraulic disc brakes and certain rims and cranks.

“This bill will make it cheaper and easier for American small businesses and manufacturers to make their products here at home and compete around the world,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) “This legislation is exactly the kind of smart, targeted relief U.S. companies need to create and maintain good-paying American jobs.”

As reported, the bill restores duty relief for a cornucopia of sporting goods, including bicycle parts, outdoor footwear, snow sports equipment, volleyballs, rubber basketballs, leather basketballs, synthetic basketballs, and golf bags that expired on Jan. 1, 2010. The bill also included several duty suspensions on waterproof breathable footwear, ski and snowboard equipment and footwear.

Read Full Article

Many trails are already on the system including the Ester Dome Single Track and the Goldstream Sports Classic Ski Trail.

100 People Donating $100 Needed ASAP

We have an opportunity to increase our original plan for the summer from 5 miles to 6.6 miles but we need more funding. We have flagged the entire 6.6 mile loop but will need to cut the length if we do not receive more funds.  Please donate now. Larger donations are welcome, as are smaller donations.

People interested in donating money to the project should make a donation via PayPay (http://www.alaska-trails.org/get_involved/onlinemembership.html) or send a check to Alaska Trails; P.O. Box 100627; Anchorage, AK 99510. Alaska Trails is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group, so donations are tax deductible.

Volunteers are also still needed for the project. Volunteer work parties are being held Thursday evenings. To be put on the notify list contact Geoffrey Orth (geoffrey.orth@alaska-trails.org). Joel Buth, owner of Goldstream Sports and another organizer of the project, is leading weekday sessions behind the dozer and excavator Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. People interested in helping with those should give Joel a call at 455-6520.

Tell the world who you ride for.

Unite to fight cancer

Lance and Team RadioShack ride for awareness

Throughout the 2010 race calendar, Lance and Team RadioShack will be riding for LIVESTRONG by featuring the names of individual cancer survivors on their bikes. The customized “I Ride For” stickers are a show of strength and designed to raise awareness of the personal nature of battling cancer. Join us by telling the world who you ride for as we continue the fight against cancer.

Unite Now

Tell The World Who You Ride For

“I Ride For” Sticker Kits

You can ride with your survivor’s name by customizing the same “I Ride For” stickers that appear on Lance and the Team’s bikes. All proceeds go directly to LIVESTRONG as they fight to create a cancer-free world

Customize your stickers

The Red Loop is under construction. The heavy lifting has been contracted out but we need help with finish work. We are looking for help Thursday nights at 6pm. Meet at the trail head. We also need volunteers Mon, Wed, Friday 8:30 till 11:30am. If I am not at the trail head when you arrive give me a call and I will direct you to where we are at, some times I get an early start. 460-1166

We have an opportunity to add 1.6 mile of trail to the original plan but need you financial support to fund the additional mileage.  You can make donations through  Alaska Trails

If you have questions call Joel at 455-6520

**  Remember, Alaska Trails is a 501(c)(3) so those dollars are tax deductable  **

Use the button at the bottom of this link (http://www.alaska-trails.org/get_involved/onlinemembership.html) to make a donation via PayPal or snail mail to:

Alaska Trails
P.O. Box 100627
Anchorage, AK  99510

Every one is welcome and the first night is free.

 Practice nights are on Mondays from 6-8 and races Wednesday 6-8. Helmets, long pants and long sleeves are required.

More information at the Far North BMX Blog

• United States 385
• Germany 588
• Netherlands 1,000

Percent of urban travel accounted for by cycling

• United States 1
• Germany 12
• Netherlands 28

Percent of adults who are obese

• United States 30.6
• Germany 12.9
• Netherlands 10.0