Falling the week before the Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem offers the classics specialists one final opportunity to hone their form ahead of the biggest one-day race in Belgium. At 260.8km with gruelling cobbles and multiple ascents of the infamous Kemmelberg, it is one of the most attritional races on the calendar! Biniam Girmay made history by winning in 2022 but who will claim this year’s race?
From TheAcorn.com
I have lived in the Conejo Valley since 1993. I have raised my two sons here and ridden my horses for over 25 years all over our Santa Monica trail system.
I know Paramount Ranch, Malibu Creek State Park, Chesebro Park and Sycamore Canyon trail systems as well as I know the inside and outside of my own home.
Bike riders and equestrians have been trying to share these incredible trails for as long as I can remember. Rarely are there days when we do not encounter each other.
A few comments in a recent letter to the editor by Jonathan Stewart need correcting. Equestrians always have the right of way on any and all trail systems anywhere in the state of California. A quick fact-check will work for anyone interested in researching that. In fact, the order stated in trail etiquette everywhere is that bikes yield to hikers and all hikers, runners and bikes yield to horses at all times.
When a horse is startled it typically results in a horse rearing, bucking, spinning or bolting despite the very best of training.
Regarding damage to the trails, all bikers and all equestrians need to stay off of them until they are dry. On that, I feel we can all agree.
Additionally, Mr. Stewart, I don’t believe there is one horse owner who is jealous of a bike rider of any kind. Owning these incredible animals and having the privilege to see our trails by horseback is not easily described here.
Photo by Lucia Macedo on Unsplash
From BicycleRetailer.com
PeopleForBikes and the League of American Bicyclists will launch a new electric bicycle rider-specific safety curriculum this summer. A first-of-its-kind campaign, the curriculum will help new and experienced riders understand best practices specific to riding an e-bike.
As electric bicycle sales continue to outpace all other types of electric vehicles, more Americans are enjoying the benefits of this environmentally and health-friendly mode of transportation. This recent growth in electric bicycle ridership highlights the need for safe, convenient, and easy-to-understand guidance on safe riding and responsible ownership, particularly for riders who may be returning to or are new to bicycling.
The e-bike rider education curriculum, which will launch in July 2023, was created in partnership by the bike industry and bicycling advocates and will offer clear, simple, and actionable steps anyone can take to increase their knowledge and confidence ahead of their next e-bike trip.
“The League is thrilled to be able to expand our cycling education curriculum to include tips and lessons tailored to meet the needs of people riding e-bikes,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “By empowering more people to be able to ride an e-bike safely and skillfully, we can help more communities realize the benefits of a nation in which more people ride bikes. We’re grateful to PeopleForBikes for their partnership on this important initiative.”
Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash
New groupsets from Asia are hitting the market and posing a serious challenge to the current big three manufacturers. But should Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo be worried about the likes of L-Twoo and Sensah? Alex and Ollie discuss, as well as bringing you the final of our Most Desirable Bike competition, new Lazer x Red Bull helmets and a whole lot more from the world of bike tech!
From BikePacking.com
By Logan Watts
SRAM just dropped another innovation bomb on the mountain bike world with the new SRAM Eagle Transmission, a wireless drivetrain based on a hangerless direct-to-axle frame mount. We got a hold of the new X0 group for this first-ride review. Find that plus weights, prices, and details on the groups here…
My, how quickly things change. It was only 11 years ago when SRAM was the first to ditch the front derailleur with the introduction of XX1, the first mainstream 1×11 mountain bike drivetrain. Then, in mid-2016, SRAM launched Eagle, the first 1×12 MTB group, which was a full-on attempt to make the front derailleur a thing of the past. And with a 10-50T cassette that matched the range of most 2x drivetrains, the industry took the bait.
SRAM went for cables next with the release of AXS in 2019, the first wireless mountain bike drivetrain. Today, SRAM is putting a hit out on the derailleur hanger with the advent of the SRAM Eagle Transmission, a new drivetrain that connects directly to the frame via a hanger-free axle connection. Is it progress for progress’s sake or worthy innovation that improves performance? We had the chance to try out the new Eagle Transmission—or E.T. as we’ve been calling it—to find out in this first ride report.
Image courtesy of SRAM
From BikeRadar.com
The bill would provide tax credit on new electric bikes under $8,000
By Stan Portus
Federal lawmakers in the USA have reintroduced a bill that would give you a tax break on the purchase of a new electric bike.
The Electric Bike Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act would cover 30 per cent of the cost of an electric bike, up to $1,500.
The refundable tax credit would apply to new ebikes under $8,000, which is double the $4,000 cap proposed in president Joe Biden’s scrapped Build Back Better campaign.
The bill would provide the maximum credit of $1,500 to people with incomes up to $150,000 for a single filer or $300,000 for a joint filer.
Cycling UK has urged the UK government to follow the USA’s lead, stating subsidies are a cost-effective way to maximise the carbon-reducing potential of ebikes.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing when looking back at the error of our ways! But what are the bits of kit & tech the team at GCN wishes they had got sooner? Alex is here to share all so you can get a step ahead and not miss out on the GOOD STUFF!
From TravelAwaits.com
By Tom and Kristi Flick Manus
Oceanside is more than picture-perfect sunsets. Palm tree-lined streets, beach vibes, and blue skies draw visitors looking for a relaxing break. So Oceanside should top your list if you’re dreaming about a perfect warm-weather getaway that happens to include jaw-dropping sunsets. And it happens to be a great place to bike, too.
Exploring Oceanside by any kind of bike (e-bike, hybrid, fat-tire, and beyond) is a fantastic way to experience SoCal’s laid-back vibe. The League of American Bicyclists distinguishes Oceanside as a bike-friendly community.
Located in northern San Diego County near the California border of Mexico, Oceanside’s average temperatures are 67 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months and 74 in the summer months — ideal weather to “tan your hide in Oceanside,” according to Oceanside’s 1960 tourism slogan.
From PSU.edu
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With the start of spring and warmer weather around the corner, many Penn State students, faculty, and staff will more regularly use bicycles and other personal mobility devices to get to, from, and around campus.
Transportation Services and University Police and Public Safety are sharing the following safety reminders based on recommendations from The League of America Bicyclists to help riders reduce the risk of accidents and injuries:
Photo by Jack Alexander on Unsplash
100 miles (roughly 160 kilometres if you don’t do imperial!) is an important milestone for many cyclists. It can feel daunting or difficult, whether you’re targeting a sportive, a charity challenge or just wanting to break that magic century mark on a weekend ride. Luckily for you, Hank knows a thing or two about long distance cycling, so here are his top tips to smash your first 100-mile ride!
