We liked the aluminium version of Pronghorn’s XC FS bike, now here it is in carbon fibre

Once again the Chain Stretcher race is upon us!

This weekend October 5th Blue Mountain Reservation will host the 2008 “Chain Stretcher” Norba sanctioned XC event.

The WMBA crew always picks the choice trails for the race and this year is no exception. The length of the track has been reduced to less than 8 miles per lap (racers request) and “My Favorite Trail” and the Peekskill sections have been dropped. Both Upper and Lower SIS, Stinger and a section of Mix Monster will keep things interesting.

DOWN Cycles is offering up $150, $75, $50 CASH prizes for any team riders who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place finishes! Just ride with the jersey and fly the DOWN colors for the race!

Speaking of prizes, DOWN Cycles is also donating some very cool swag for all race winners for the Beginner and Sport Categories! Pint glasses, filled with socks and or chain checker tools (I thought would be appropriate considering the name of the race), stickers, water bottles, T shirts etc..

Good Luck to everyone who signs up. I will be out there once again trying to fight off leg cramps. This year I’ll be on my EWR. Yes, I have decided to not race on my IF cross bike.

A heads up to everyone: The new section of Mix Monster is open! I rolled up Sunday ready to help with the new section and the trail was already done! I think the guys finished in like 4 days!

Anyway, I got some fresh tracks on some familiar terrain as the new section of Mix Monster crosses directly over some of the old renegade DH runs. This new section of trail rides best one way and is thrilling to say the least. I can’t say I don’t miss the wide open pinner section of old, but the new line has it going on with techy off cambers, some steeps and packed in rock gardens.

This trail section is not in the race,thankfully, as it need to be broken in and feels like you’re riding on flat tires.

A huge thank you goes out to the guys who dedicated their time and energy to build those stream crossing rock gardens! A lot of time was spent cutting in shelves to ride on as well.

My arch enemy Zach and I did an out-and back today, and it was excellent. Now I can comment on both directions:

Vernon, New Jersey’s Diablo Freeride Park will host the final round of the 2008 Domination Race Series on October 5, boasting a unique course crafted by the ParkLogic Trail Crew.

As Colorado’s riding season quickly winds down, Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park is gearing up for a major trail expansion designed to make it even more of a fat-tire destination by the summer of 2009.

Latest NWD film shows for first time at Roc D’Azur Festival on 10 October - Watch a trailer of the new film here now

Last week Mike Cotty rode the South Downs Double in just 19h 52m 26s. Now’s he’s recovered, here’s his account of the feat

Film Festival opens in London Barbican from 1 October

Somewhat to our surprise and bafflement we’ve been invited by Borders to have a “Meet ‘N’ Greet” session at their Manchester store.

CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation - has announced that it has acquired mountain bike training company OTC Training.