The World Of Rocky Mountain Bike

Rocky bikes are embossed with innovation, quality and value with exceptional design, fabrication, CNC-machining, paint and pre-assembly done in-house in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rocky mountain bike is one of the leaders who realized that future biking is going to rely heavily on full suspension. They are the one who bought out the 3D Link multi-pivot linkage design years ago. There were bikes for huge downhill travel and free ride bikes. The want was of middle one, a lightweight design for more travel.

ETSX Or Energy Transfer System

The quest ended with ETSX. This is a featherweight package weighing 12.9 kilograms for the 19” size and literally you can do ANYTHING with this bike.

This is geared with a double A-arm design, which as per the claim of Rocky Mountain is derived from Formula 1 racecar suspension. The design is beautiful with light and small suspension components. The main pivot point lies above the crank and just in front of the seat tube.

Moreover, there is really no chain stay, which can get in the way of the drive train. Sealed bearings at all of the pivots make the construction superb. By and large the rear wheel stays firmly planted onto the ground and the extra special traction is smooth under all conditions. Now great news! You can flip a quick release and alter the travel from 3.5 to 4.5 inches for a good ride in rough terrains for long travels and for an easy climb to the top of the mountain.

Some Other Specialties Of ETSX

1. The frame is prepared with Easton Bi-Oval RAD tubing

2. The welding is rock solid and big

3. The Fox Float RLC front fork has a very efficient lever on top of the right fork leg to control the spring tension

4. Two bottle mounts, one above and one below the down tube are there

The Part Mix Is Scrumptious. The List Goes Like This

1. Shimano 515 clipless pedals

2. The hubs, cranks, disc brakes, shifters and front derailleur are from Shimano XT

3. Thermo SP headset and Deus stem

4. Handlebar from favorite Easton Carbon Monkey Lite

5. Tires are from marvelous Hutchinson Mosquito

6. Wheelset is Rockies in house built Wheeltech, which includes Mavic X223 Disc rims, and DT spokes

At present, ETSX has three models.

Finding The Right Bike

Size does matter! And the best way to get the perfect size is testing several sizes in person at a Rocky Mountain bike dealer.

Warranty Coverage On Rocky Mountain Bike

Read the owner’s manual carefully. The shop from where you bought the bike will provide with initial information. You can also check out the “Warranty Inquiries” section in the website of Rocky Mountain Bicycles to get detailed info on warranties and guarantees.

Say good-bye to a bland life. Say hello to a daring journey on a sturdy beast, the Rocky mountain bike.

Mountain Biking At It’s Best In California

Let us find out what is so special about mountain biking in California. Biking here is wonderful especially up and down the coast. San Luis Obispo County is THE place where biking is immensely popular. You will find that the trails are not only better but also diverse and the best part is that this place is less crowded. These are just the ideal ingredients that can make your ride even more fascinating.

You will be fascinated with the uneven old roads that run deep into calm mountains and if that’s not enough then you can also try your hands at some technical tracks. It is a fact that San Luis Obispo County is quite known for it’s diverse topography. Well, some moderately flat coastal roads, gentle climbs, and of course a mass of extinct volcanoes adds that bit of variety to the terrain.

When it comes to scenic beauty then hold your breath for the Valencia Peak out of Montana de Oro State Park that boasts awesome views of the ocean, coast, Morro Bay as well as the Chorro Valley. While riding on the Santa Lucia Mountains, you can take a loop round western town of Pozo through Navajo Canyon.

Now, you can fetch your bike here and begin mountain biking all by yourself. Setting up your own tour is one option while the other is to indulge in a customized bike tour. The tour operators make sure that their local expertise and experience can see you through your tour successfully. They may also cater a package including lodging and transportation.

Californian bike tours witness countless riders each year. It is true that having a ride along the beautiful coast here is quite irresistible. And the benevolent weather, thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the long distance ride is a thousand times more enchanting.

The rural roads here are present with no traffic at all, making it much easier for you to venture into the forests, meadows or vineyards. You can also feast your eyes at the beach towns and seaside agricultural areas while riding.

Much to the convenience of the Mountain bikers, Mammoth Mountain in California’s Eastern Sierras is one of the many ski resorts here. You will find extensive trail network that is well maintained. And how about, the water coolers, restrooms and phones made available at most points.

It’s about time that you realize your dreams in California. If mountain biking is your passion then California is the right place to be in. What you get is more than what is told here.

History

Since their invention, bicycles have been used on all terrains, including rugged mountainous territories. However, it was not until 1970s that biking in the mountains became an organized sport. Groups of bicycle-riders from different parts of the United States played a pivotal role in the evolution of this thrilling biking-sport – experimenting with bikes of different makes and modifying them so that they could take the rigors of riding in the uneven, craggy mountainous lands.

The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, however, bestows the honor to a group of bikers in Marin County, California. The group (consisting of famous names in this field like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others) undertook bike-ride down Mount Tamalpais (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and 40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with advanced brakes and fat tires.

The first ‘proper’ mountain bike was built by Joe Breeze in 1977. The present-day mountain bikes are based on the bicycle first marketed by the MountainBikes Company. The frame of this particular bike was built by Tom Ritchey and it was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly.

Types

Bikers usually engage in four different kinds of cycling tours in the mountains:

1. Cross-Country (or XC) biking is the most familiar type mountain riding sport and naturally has the maximum number of followers. The sport involves riding between points or in loops. It includes ascents and descents on different terrains. (Cross-Country racing competitions are different from cross-country biking). A typical XC bike weighs some 22-28 lbs and it has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.

2. Freeride is the other popular type of biking in mountain trails. It restricts the biker with no specific rules rather allows the rider to do ‘anything and everything’ – downhill rides (without clock), jumps, stunts – that require skill and are hence meant for professionals. Freeride biking requires the rider to assemble the bike as per convenience and style, but these bikes are a bit heavier (weighing between 30 and 40 lbs) and are amply suspended (generally has 6 inches of suspension front and rear).

3. Downhill, as the name suggests, involves riding mountain bikes downhill. It is generally associated with racing-oriented downhill riding. Downhill biking does not require the rider to pedal up the hill. The bikers along with their bikes are transported up the hill with the help of a truck or ski-lift. The downhill climb is indeed challenging including jumps and drops as well as physical hindrances. Tough mentality, physical strength, swiftness and mounted heavy bikes weighing some 40-50 lbs make you eligible for these races.

4. Trials riding, which is quite similar to skateboarding, involves hopping and jumping over obstacles with your bike. It demands great sense of balance and control. The riders make use of special bikes that make use of 20″, 24″ or 26″ wheels fitted to small, low frames.

The following tips will prove helpful if you are planning a bicycle-trip in the rocky, hilly terrains for the first time:

1. You must have stamina and endurance to bike down a mountain.

2. Selection of a superior quality bike, especially one that perfectly meets your type of mountain riding is also very crucial.

3. You cannot avoid minor cuts and bruises but you can certainly prevent major mishaps by resorting to precautionary measures, buying yourself some protection in the form of helmets, knee-caps and elbow-caps. A good pair of goggles will also prove handy.

4. Special competitions are organized by various mountain bikers’ groups and you can join in with them. If you choose to go on your own, you will need to collect all relevant information – routes, rules, et al.

5. Whether you go with a bikers’ group or go biking all by yourself, you must remember to carry your equipment kit so that you can take care of all your bicycle-repairs.

Source of Water: Do you know that the mountains are major sources of water to all living things on Earth? If you don’t, know it today. The mountain is the source of the major rivers we have on Earth today. Since water is life, mountain is very important for the existence of life on Earth today.

A Habitat for Wild Life: The Mountains have very nice vegetation that supports wildlife. Wild animals like lions, tiger, snake, etc live in the mountain.

Conservation of Wildlife: Since most mountains are not easily accessible to man, the mountain helps in the conservation of wildlife on Earth. It prevents man from encroaching into mountainous wildlife. Without mountains, most species of plant and animals would have long been extinct.

Aesthetic Beauty: The appearance of mountains around our environment makes it naturally beauty. We can always find entertaining waterfalls, caves and ornamental plants in mountainous environment.

Recreation and relaxation: After the hustle and bustle of the day, some of the mountains within our reach can serve as center for recreation and relaxation. Recreational activities like mountains climbing and walking are very interesting and entertaining.

It appears as if the mountains are of no use to humanity today. Day by day, man continues to destroy the magnificent splendid beauty of the mountains through the daily routine activities like farming, mining, deforestation and so fort. I hope this article will help change the minds of those who are destroying our mountain. We can’t really live without mountains.

Just as with a physical mountain, there are a number of alternative routes to get your setback behind you. One way is to pretend that it doesn’t exist, wishing that it was all a bad dream and, if you close your eyes, it may just fade away. Alternatively, you could circle the mountain, climb over it, tunnel through it, or fly over it.

Be careful not to fall into despair and eventual depression. If you mull over the problem, keep wondering ‘why me?’ and constantly speaking about it, you magnify the mountain instead of God. The mountain will seem much bigger than it is and, instead of going directly to God for the answer, you may try to solve it your way, blaming others and even Him for your misfortune.

Let’s consider a professional mountain climber. First of all he has a goal. The vision of a victorious outcome becomes so strongly embedded in his spirit that it drives him onward without wavering. Secondly, he trains extensively to be as fit as possible. When all the preparations are ready, he hires a guide who knows the terrain intimately. Lastly, he challenges it with words like: “I am going to conquer you!”

Major setbacks require a lot of preparation. It’s impossible to just walk onto the high peaks and expect instant victory. As in the physical example above, you need to first see and know that, if God declares that you can beat your mountain, then it is so! Secondly, you need to exercise your faith. This starts by trusting Him for the small things. As you recognize His daily blessings, your faith will grow accordingly. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide. He will comfort you, lead you to faith-building Scriptures, and provide wisdom regarding the source and outcome of the dilemma. Then, constantly speak out loud the verses of victory over your situation, expecting the victory.

Jesus states: “if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Mat. 21:21-22) He’s affirming that in His strength, you can do all things! (Phil. 4:13)

I’m reminded of three personal experiences. Travelling by train from Italy to Switzerland, I remember angst welling up in me as a massive peak loomed up right in our face. It seemed like an inevitable crash was about to happen! Then, with a sudden start I realized we were in the Mt. Blanc tunnel! I did not know the route was taking us that way, but thankfully the train engineer did! What a marvellous experience to greet the sunshine after that smooth fast ride!

Another time in Spain, we were on a winding, narrow road hugging the very edge of a precipice. The closer we came to the top, the more worried I became about negotiating the steep descent in the lightly falling wet snow. Out of the blue, a beautiful landscape stretched out before us! There was no sign of a mountain anywhere! I burst out in song, thankful that this mountain had such a smooth outcome.

My third experience was even more exhilarating than the previous ones! In a glider plane with my instructor, there was no motor, no noise, and not a care in the world to distract me. Relying completely on my instructor, I was utterly thrilled to feel the wind updrafts gently lifting the tiny craft up and over the surrounding hills and settling us gingerly back down at our destination.

Have courage! The more you know God, the more you will trust Him. Take Him at His Word, and stand on His Promises. He may lead you swiftly through it, help you climb over it onto smooth terrain, mount you right over it as if With Wings As Eagles (Isa. 40:31), or clear it out of the way in one fell swoop. It shall be done according to His purpose and your level of faith.

No matter how you attain the victory over your mountain, you have the assurance that He will never leave you nor forsake you! (Heb. 13:5) You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! (Rom. 8:37)

Although I’ve been told many times that I cannot leave Japan without climbing Mt. Fuji, this was another adventure that never really sparked my interest. Why would I want to climb Mt. Fuji? Everybody does that. Then one day I came across information about a 1/2 marathon Mt. Fuji Mountain Race. Perfect. Let’s do it! .

According to the race website, the 21 kilometer race to the summit starts in Fujiyoshida and climbs a total of 9,770 feet, finishing at the summit, 12,388 feet above sea level. Challenging, but something I hoped that I could manage.

It’s been 3 years since I entered this race, but as I recall the first 5 miles weren’t too bad. Well shaded on a nice trail, with the exception of the first kilometer, all uphill. I remember thinking just set the treadmill at an 8% or 10% incline for a few miles and you’ll get the idea what this is like. The stretch between 5 and 10 miles proved a bit more challenging, with some short little climbs over steps and rocks. No big deal.

My time at Station 6 (10 miles give or take) was 1 hr 57 minutes, and little did I know that the fun part of the course was still ahead. At that point all running was replaced by slow, steady, uphill, never ending climbing/walking. The pace wasn’t bad, but I kept looking up, where as far as I could see was a winding trail of people disappearing into the clouds. People that I had no hope of catching.

Below me was a similar image, only they were passing me one by one. I was supposed to be in a race, yet here I was falling farther and farther behind.

With the idea of racing all but over, I focused on reaching that still invisible summit, chatting with hikers carrying their precious walking sticks along the way. Forgetting place and time, I just wanted to get this one over with.

Finally, right at 4 hours, I crossed the finish line! I was happy to beat the 4 hr 30 minute cut-off with a half hour to spare, but then it hit me that I still had to get down. That took another 2 hours.

Was it worth it? I’ll remember this race for the rest of my life, so I guess so. Could I have done better? Sure, if I’d done a lot more uphill running and Stairmaster training. It was harder than I’d imagined, but not as painful as running a full marathon. Will I go back? You know what they say about Mt. Fuji. “One who never climbs Mt. Fuji is a fool, and one who climbs it twice is twice the fool.” That bit of wisdom certainly applies to the Mt. Fuji Mountain Race.

This year, the 59th running of the Mt. Fuji Mountain Race will be July 28th.

All that’s required of you is that you like walking in the nature. You don’t have to be super fit for every trek, but the better shape you’re in, the easier your trek will be. The top season for trekking in Nepal is October-November and February-April. In the summer months the monsoon clouds obscure the grand views most of the time and in the winter months the high mountain passes are closed by heavy snow-fall. But with the right knowledge, you can always find a good trek in Nepal. Just browse through this list to get an overview of your options.

Nepal’s Western Region

1. Simikot, HumlaYou can fly in from Nepalganj and maybe read –Spy on the roof of the world– by Sydney Wignall before you go. Permits are 90$ /person /week.

2. Rara Lake4 days walk from Jumla to this the largest lake in Nepal. Getting to Jumla though is either a plane/helicopter trip or a several days long jeep ride on a mountain road that’s still under construction — and will be for any foreseeable future.

3. Upper DolpoFirst of all, see the movie –Himalayan Caravan – L’Enfance d’un chef– (Eric Valli 1999, Oscar nominated). It’s mandatory! Might want to pick up one of his books as well. Having done that, you’ll want to go to the Phoksundo Lake, which you can do in 1 week or as part of either the 15 day Dolpa Experience Circuit or the 20 day Dolpa Heritage Trek, all out of Juphal –airport–. Another couple of one-week’ers are the Sundaha Nature Trek and the Sahartara Tour. Expensive permit are required, as in Upper Mustang it’s $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days. No lodges. Annual number of visitors are in the low hundreds.

4. Lower DolpoPermits are 10$ /person /week. You might have to fly in from Nepalganj. Don’t expect lodges here, so bring your own camping gear.

5. Upper Mustang10 days. Home to the ancient kingdom of Lo, still in existence – sort of. Hefty permit required north of Kagbeni, $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days.

Annapurna Region

6. Dhaulagiri 20-30 days to complete the circle around this 8000+’er. Bring good boots and sleeping bag!

7. Annapurna Circuit2-3 weeks minimum. This is where everyone goes. Except me. In the high season it gets rather crowded and is more appropriately named the Annapurna Circus. Lodges and tea-houses are everywhere. The Thorung La high pass (5400 m) usually closes down in the end of November. If you bring your own camping gear, there’s also good possibilities of doing side trips off the beaten track. ACAP entry fees stand at 2000 rupees.

8. Jomsom & MuktinathYou can fly into or out of Jomsom, a days walk from Muktinath, and hike to or from Pokhara in about 1 week. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site nestled at 3800 m. It’s on the Annapurna Circuit.

9. Annapurna Sanctuary & ABC10-14 days, 2000 rupee ticket. Another popular option, since it’s shorter and a little less demanding than doing the full Annapurna Circuit.

10. Ghorepani, Poon Hill5 days out of Pokhara, it reaches 3200 meters and is accessible all year round. Famous for it’s views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and rhododendrons in the spring.

11. Panchase Peak & GhandrukAnother holy mountain, this one a couple of days walk west of Pokhara. Ghandruk is 3 days further and it’s home to the Annapurna Conservation Project and a whole lot of Gurung people.

12. The Royal Trek4 days out of Pokhara. With altitude no higher that 2000 meters it’s open all year round.

13. Siklish, Begnas Lake, Lamjung1 week return trip from Pokhara, 10-12 days through Lamjung to Besisahar. Lodges should be available, 2000 rupee ACAP permit required.

14. Manaslu3 weeks, circle around this 8000+ m twin peak that can be seen all the way from Kathmandu. Pass over Larkya La at 5110 m. There’s no lodges and the mandatory permit stands at almost $100 /person /week.

Central Nepal

15. Trishuli – GorkhaThe easy way: 4 days along the route that Prithvi Narayan Shah took in 1768. Apparently has village lodges and stays under 2000 m all the way. The hard way: 2-3 weeks on remote, off the beaten track. Passes over Sing La (3570 m) and by the Jogeshwar kund (4500 m). Camping gear required.

16. Ganesh HimalNo lodges, rough and remote. But wow, wouldn’t I like to go there! The highest peak is well over 7000 meters, and it’s prominent view from Kathmandu makes it all worthwhile if you like to brag about your adventures when you get back to civilization!

17. Tamang Heritage Trail8 days, lodges still under construction.

18. Langtang & Gosaikunda / Panch Pokhari1-2 weeks minimum. Third most visited in Nepal, after Annapurna and Everest. Fairly easy, not too crowded, especially the Gosaikunda lake area (4400 m) which is arguably the most scenic. Langtang Valley has lodges every hour or so all the way to Kyanjing Gompa (3900 m), the Gosaikunda trail has fewer, but still enough for short days. Gosaikunda features the annual Janai Purniam festival and from there, you can walk back to Kathmandu in 2-4 days. Entry fee 1000 rupees.

19. Helambu½-1 week, more jungle than mountains but still a rough trail. Tea-houses available if you don’t get lost like that Australian guy. Distant, but awesome mountain views before you get too close to the mountain bases. –Walking distance– from Kathmandu, circuit from Sundarijal to Nagarkot (4 days).

20. Namobudda1 day, one of the few quickies you can do when the noise and pollution of Kathmandu starts to get on your nerves. Take the bus to Dhulikel and start walking.

21. Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar2 weeks or so. Get up close and personal with Gauri Shankar (7130 m) and it’s glacial lakes. Good view of Everest etc. Unspoiled landscape, permission still required but check with Nepal’s Tourism Board when you get here. There’s rumors that they’re making this one permission free.

22. Chitwan Chepang Hills7 days in the Middle Hills. No Himalayas and no higher than 2000 meters so it could be a good winter trekking possibility. Good view of the (distant) Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Gurja Himal and Manaslu, but the main attraction is the nomadic Chepang people who live as hunters and gatherers. There’s also a fort, a waterfall and some caves along the route together with 400 bird species. Start in Hugdi on Prithvi Hwy, end Shaktikor in Chitwan. Homestays are on the route.

Everest Region

23. Everest Base Camp & Kala Pathar2 weeks out of Lukla, 3 out of Kathmandu/Jiri with return flight from Lukla. If you don’t have a spare $50.000 lying around for an Everest climb permit, you can just settle for this Base Camp trek. Most people seem to choose the Tengpoche route to KP, which stands at 5630 m.

24. Mera Peak2-3 weeks out of Lukla, 6500 m. A popular expedition/climb that requires some basic mountaineering skills, but without being too technical. Long march in, 2 high camps.

25. Island Peak3 weeks out of Lukla. At 6100 meters, this trek is not for everyone. Although not very technical, it is a demanding snow climb. Views are everything you could ever dream of.

26. Gokyo Lakes, Peak & Renjo La2 weeks out of Lukla. High pass at 5400 m. Lakes at 4800 m, peak at 5500 m. Some lodges along the trail. Great Everest views.

27. Pikey & Dudhkunda Trail1 or 2 weeks in the less -much less- visited southern part of Solukhumbu. Both the Chiwong and the Thuptenchoeling Buddhist Monasteries are world renowned, the former famous for the Mani Rimdu Dance Festival, the latter is the biggest monastery in Nepal.

Nepal’s Eastern Region

28. Arun Valley – Makalu Base Camp3 weeks out of Tumlingtar/Khadbari. You’ll get up to 5000 meters and still be 3500 meters short of the summit! Either go same way back or climb a couple of 6000′ers into the Khumbu region.

29. Kanchenjunga3 weeks out of Taplejung, 3rd highest mountain in the world. Don’t rely on finding any lodges here. Permits are 10$ /person /week.

30. Pathibhara1 week out of Taplejung. The Pathibhara Devi shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is lodges along the route.

The richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. We have to work twice as hard to accomplish our goals and sometimes it leads to nowhere. I always have faith that one day all of my dreams are going to come true, no matter how hard it gets and how many down falls I have to overcome. If you really want to be successful deep down in your soul it’ll happen, it might not happen when you want it to, but like my momma always say and I quote “It always comes right on time”

I love a challenge, it makes me want to work harder and I don’t like anything if it’s too easy there’s no fun in it. I’ve been climbing trying to reach the top of the mountain for years and there’s always something trying to push me down, but I won’t let it. I’ve had down falls in my business, tragedy in my family, losing my home, money, and was on the verge of losing my sanity. The devil almost had me.

The only thing that keeps my going is looking at my children’s faces and seeing all that innocence and joy in them. With all the craziness going on in this world, kids are always happy and always can make you realize the good in this messed up world.

I’m still climbing to my dreams, I’m still facing obstacles that get in my way, but I never give up. I dedicate myself to be all that I can be and to be to show my kids a good example of getting what you want, nothing comes easy. Take a breather, it’s ok to rest as long as you don’t give up you’ve have to reach to the top of that mountain.

It’s hard I know; think about what’s best for you. Whether you’re in an abusive relationship, lost a job, or lost a loved one in death or with drugs. It’s up to you to turn your faith around and make it better for you, no one else just you. When we pray and our prayers do not get answered, I know the question that comes to mind is, did God here me? If he loves me why am I still suffering? He heard you he carries you through all of the storms. You just haven’t realized it yet.

Remember the Footprints saying? This is what god says.

Footprints: My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you. He’s always there when you least expect it. Always have faith and faith will carry you.

Climbing to the top of the mountain isn’t as hard as it seems. You’re there already because you have family, hope, love, and most of all God. How does it feel to be at the top of that mountain? I’m there and I feel like there’s no stopping me, get out of my way or you’ll get ran over. I have faith, I have love, I have success because I am loved and I’ve finally climbed to the top of my mountain.

Love Life, Love You