Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year

 

Christmas is over and there is only a few more days to splurge before the new year. That means it is time to start thinking about your New Year Resolutions! Just like Woodstock, our one of many resolutions is to get out and ride on our bikes more. 

Is your New Year's resolution to ride your bike more? We can help you meet that goal. It may be getting lighter every day, but it's still dark out there. That doesn't stop us and it shouldn't stop you!

Having good lights makes the difference between a night on the couch and a night on your bike. We have a variety of headlights and taillights available ranging from 8 lumens to 650 lumens! We even have open Thursday night mountain bike rides starting at 6pm every week for that extra motivational push.

Happy Solstice! Get Your Last Minute Gifts! Welcome Back Jacob!

Happy Winter Solstice! Here is a little something for you on this fine, brisk (world not ending) day!

 

 The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!

It's not to late to get the perfect gift for your special someone, family member, friend, or dog sitter. With all the dirt and grime these winter storms have been kicking up, our bikes have been taking a beating! A great way to spread the holiday cheer is to give your bike or other bikes in the family circle some attention. Give the gift of a bike tune up. It keeps you out on the road or trails, cycling smoothly and safely. If you just aren't sure what the cyclist in your life needs, get them a gift card! That way they can personalize their gift to meet their every need.


We also want to welcome back to Port Townsend Jacob and Christine! We are very glad to have them back!!!

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

It's time to tell Santa that HE better watch out, and that he better not cry. Your Project One Domane or Madone could very well be faster than his trusty herd of reindeer. Starting in 2013, your very own Broken Spoke bike shop will be a Trek Project One and Ride + dealer! So go ahead, personalize your ride and make Santa a little jealous of your mode of transportation.

Strider event in Seattle!

Stride on!

1st Annual 10K Run/Walk event on New Years Day

All Jefferson Trails Coalition and Larry Scott Trail Supporters:

After the roaring success of the Turkey Trot 5K Run last month in Port Townsend, we are now planning the 1st Annual 10K Run/Walk event on New Years Day starting and finishing on the Discovery Bay Golf Course and linking into the Larry Scott Trail, including the brand new beautiful section east of S. Discovery Rd. out to the new Milo-Curry trail head!

See attached flyers, registration form, and route map.  The golf course management have volunteered the clubhouse and the cart-paths to host this event. 

And if you've seen the new section of the LSMT, you know that this will be one of the most beautiful routes in the northwest.


  So let's spread the word and register today! 

Also if you know of a business or individual that would like to help sponsor the event, please have them contact me (385-0995).  We will need plenty of volunteers for course monitoring, water station, first aid, registration, timing, and other tasks, so if you can devote a couple of hours before, during, or after the race, please volunteer. 


Thanks, all.  Let's make this a premier annual event!
Cheers,
Jeff of the JTC

Jingle Bikes, Jingle Bikes, Jingle All the Way

Black Friday Yippie!!!

 
The Broken Spoke will be closed Thursday, November 22nd to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Thursday night mountain bike ride will return the following week on the 29th. On Friday, November 23rd, we will open our normal hours 10am-6pm, aka "Black Friday". For those of you who have not already been getting a jump on the holiday season we have got a treat for you. To take some of the stress out of your holiday shopping, we have assembled a convenient list of gift ideas for the cyclist in your life. Ladies and gentlemen, let the shopping begin.


Oh and don't forget to hang your stockings up for Saint Nicholas Day December 6th!

 

Stocking Stuffers under $20

1. Socks
2. Patch kits
3. Tubes
4. Bike bells
5. Multi-tools
6. Water bottle & cage
7. Seat bags
8. Tire levers
9. Nutrition supplements
10. Minni bike lock 

 

 Gifts under $50

1. Hats and Headbands: The best ones for cooler to cold temperatures for cycling are in the Endura Baa Baa merino wool collection. 
2. Jersey: Bontrager Rhythm and Solstice 
3. Mini lights: Lighting that can keep you safe doesn't need to cost a lot from Cateye and Bontrager.
4. Socks: A nice gift item that most people don't like to purchase for themselves. Favorites included Smartwool, Bontrager and Sock Guy, which support the cause of your choice.
5. Gloves: A windproof, water resistant glove at great value is the Endura Dexter. 
6. Grips: A good way to give your bike a little flare.
7. On-the-bike nutrition products or food: These items will always be used. Be sure to find out the drink or bar of choice for your cyclist. 
8. Over Shoes: The Endura MT500 overshoes is a great item with the colder weather.
9. Subscription: I'd love a one-year subscription to Trails.com or Bike magazine. 
10. Mini tools: I'm a commuter and the Crankbrothers Multi-17 is nice when you're in a hurry and broken down on the side of the road.
11. Scales for weight weenies: For those cyclists concerned, very concerned, with the weight of everything, these scales are used for bikes and bike parts. Several companies make inexpensive hanging digital scales. Topeak has the combined scale and bike stand system (putting this option into the next category). 
12. Patch kits: Great stocking stuffer, necessity for all riders, and a cyclist can never have too many patch kits. Pair with a Topeak Morph pump to keep your cyclist from getting stranded. 

Gifts $50 to $500

1. Gloves: The Endura Luminate commuter glove is waterproof and windproof
2. Rechargeable Lights: The Niterider Lumina series is a compact commuter light. It is USB rechargeable and super bright.
   
3. Merino wool Baselayers: The natural fibers are excellent for wicking moisture, preventing stubborn odors,  and keeping skin warm in cooler temperatures. 
4. Thermal Baselayers: These fitted base-layers wick moisture, are highly breathable and are fitted to keep you warm but not bulky.
5. Lightweight Vest: Perfect for layering when the mornings are cool, but packable when temperatures increase as the ride progresses. The Bontrager Race Windshell Vest is a great addition to any collection.
6. Jackets: Warm, waterproof, breathable and visible; who could ask for anything more?
7. Personal Coach: Giving your cyclist the gift of personal coaching is a real treat. Prices vary on this and certain options can bump it into the next category; but the equipment is nothing without a great engine. 

Gifts over $500

1. Racing wheels: It would be great to have a nice set of Custom built racing wheels.
2. Wind tunnel test: Get every speed advantage possible. Locations vary for this. Do an internet search titled "bicycle wind tunnel testing" to find a tunnel near you.
3. Bike trip to the Tour de France: Trek travel offers Trips to France, Italy and so much more.
4. New bike: Your favorite cyclist always has bike lust. 

If you are unsure of the specific items you should get, The Broken Spoke also has gift cards available as well as gift receipts.

Can't afford the items you want all in one purchase? The Broken Spoke has Layaway!! 

Sunday's Ladies MTB ride

Clear your schedule, this week Sunday, 18th of Nov, the women's ride will be at Capitol Forest in Olympia.  Deb, Sarah and I will be riding.  PLEASE, please please RSVP as soon as you can. All plans will be made by saturday afternoon. We can do a caravan if anyone expresses interest in going down; which will leave PT around 8am. No idea when we'll be home I'm guessing around 4 or 5pm.  

Check out this site if you'd like for more info:  http://friendsofcapitolforest.org  

Bring food, water, all your gear and everything else for the day. We will be stopping for a bite to eat before we head home.

For those unable to attend, we're sorry you can't make it.  The normally scheduled ride at 4pm will be cancelled. 

Keep your eyes peeled for another email with in two weeks with a few other special events/different ride times.

~Nicole

Don't have anything to do Saturday? Do the Turkey Trot!

Get ready for the family loving beast of a feast and join in the 1st ever Port Townsend Turkey Trot! Saturday November 17th 2012, you get to prepare your body for eating copious amounts of food and give back to your community at the same time.

Jefferson County Parks & Recreation in partnership with Jefferson Trail Coalition are happy to present the 1st Annual Turkey Trot on the beautiful Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend.


 All proceeds get dispersed between Jefferson County Parks & Rec and to various other local organizations.

Kiddy run/walk: Ages 12 & under (adults in strollers are welcome)
5k run/walk: All ages
Please no dogs, thank you!

 
 1st place in every age bracket wins a Turkey!!

Each 1st place winner has the  option of donating their winning turkey to a local organization in need!
2nd place in every age bracket wins a Pumpkin Pie!!
3rd place in every age bracket wins a Sparkling Cider!!

Age Divisions:
Male/Female (5-10), (11-19), (20-29), (30-39), (40-49), (50+)

Below are the registration forms:
 

        

Otherwise, you can Click Here for a PDF version of the registration form.  

~Pre-registration~

        $10 Kiddy run - $20 Kiddy run w/ t-shirt - $15 5k - $25 5k w/ t-shirt  

 ~Day of Registration starts at 8:00 am~

$15 Kiddy run/walk - $25 5K run/walk

                                  

            Bring 5 cans of food and get $5 off your registration. (Day of registration only!)

Want a T-shirt? They will be available for $10.

They will be limited.

                                            
Please mail all registrations to:
Jefferson County Parks & Recreation
623 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368

XR4 Tire special!

The XR4 team issue is your tire for rough trails, wet or dry. The aggressive tread design with deep, lateral cupped blocks, long shoulder blocks and buttressed tread block edges is ideal for loose and rocky conditions. It's a tubeless ready, all weather tire with a unique aero wing design to improve airflow where the tire meets the rim, so you use less energy to ride faster.

• Light and fast rolling
• Designed to out-corner any other tire on the market
• Engineered for XC and Trail riders in loose and rocky conditions
• Inner Strength casing (on TLR Team Issue tires) dramatically increases sidewall cut resistance and improves cornering stability
• Covered by our Unconditional Bontrager Guarantee

  

If you love your Kenda Nevegal, you'll love the XR4's even better. They offer the same mud gripping tread with an even lighter profile. The Nevegal 26x2.35 weighs in at 836g (+-35g) and the XR4's weigh in at 582g, saving you 254g! 

Not sold yet? How about $20 off? We know you will like them so much, we are selling them for $45.00 each instead of $65.00.

Get 'em while they last!!! 

Maintaining Our Beloved Larry Scott Trail and the Singletrack Around It

 "The Larry Scott Trail", An acrylic painting done by Larry Eifert

The Buckhorn Range Chapter work party this month will be on another important project, brushing the “horse” trail along the Larry Scott Memorial Trail.

We will be brushing the section of trail between Thomas Street (by the Mill)  and the SR20 overpass.   We will be meeting at 10am where the trail crosses Mill Road (turn by the Honda shop when coming into Port Townsend).   There are several places to park along Mill Road by the trail crossing, including by the dead fish head (which hopefully will be gone soon).    Be wary of chip trucks going to and coming from the paper mill.

Brush cutters/weed whackers and clippers are needed.   We will be working in both directions from Mill Road.   PLEASE try to be at the Mill Road trail intersection meeting site at 10AM on Saturday November 3^rd.   Workers need to be available for a small safety meeting, and once we spread out and start work, really late comers may not have much idea of where we are working.   Remember gloves and boots.

Let's get out there and help keep our local trails as pristine and we want them to be.

Tuesday, November 6th

Hope your Halloween was frighteningly fantastic! It was so nice to see everyone in their costumes for the windy Water Street parade.

**Please Note**

On Tuesday, November 6th, we will be closing at 5pm instead of 6pm. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Promoting and Preserving Our Youth and Our Trails

 

(Press Release found at http://www.pr.com/press-release/451282)

New Washington Student Mountain Bike League Gives Middle and High School Students a Fun Way to Get Active Outdoors

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is launching the Washington Student League next month to get more middle school and high school aged kids active outdoors and in the woods riding bikes. Kids are welcome to participate even if the have no desire to race. The league includes leadership and stewardship components as well.

Seattle, WA, October 27, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The non-profit Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has recently hired Lisa Miller, former Executive Director of the Washington High School Cycling League, as Executive Director of their new Washington Student Mountain Bike League. Unlike many youth mountain biking leagues, which cater solely to high school aged children, the Evergreen League will also be open to middle school students.

The new league will officially launch its 2013 season with a coaching conference currently scheduled for early December 2012, team practices beginning in January, a student leadership summit in February, and a series of races next March through May. More events for summer and fall 2013 are to be announced. League registration opens December 3rd at www.washingtonleague.org.

While the league will hold races, competitions are just one component, and kids do not have to race to participate in the league and join in on rides. A large part of the focus will be on building leadership skills and helping older participants become mentors to the younger members; as well as empowering the kids to take ownership, and be stewards of, the trails, forests and environment.

In two years, the NICA sponsored Washington High School Cycling League had grown to 22 teams representing 44 different high schools – showing a clear demand for this type of activity in an era when extracurricular programs are regularly being cut from school budgets. “I’m really excited about the opportunity that joining with Evergreen provides to expand the league to middle schools, and get younger kids started riding mountain bikes,” states Miller. “Cycling teaches all of us that goal setting, persistence and tackling one mile at a time can lead to unimaginable achievements – a great lesson to learn at a young age.”

“Evergreen has seen tremendous growth in our kids mountain bike classes, and with the uncertain future of the NICA league in Washington, we saw a need to offer young riders more opportunities to participate in the sport,” states Evergreen’s Executive Director, Glenn Glover. “Additionally, the stewardship component of the new league is a perfect fit with the work we already do; after all, you’re never too young to learn the value of giving back.”

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance currently offers classes for youth and adults, and has been a major participant in the annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event, which saw more than 180 children participate this year. The organization also engages in advocacy work; and in 2011 donated more than 7000 volunteer hours to maintain trails around the state.

For more information about the Evergreen Washington Student League visit www.washingtonleague.org

For more information about Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance visit www.evergreenmtb.org

Contact Information

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance Stacy Karacostas 206-524-2900 Contact evergreenmtb.org Lisa Miller 206-291-7773 lisa@evergreenmtb.org www.washingtonleague.org

Trail Riding Can Commence!

Good News: Port Gamble Trails Reopened! Pope Resources announced today that after the recent rainfall, Olympic Resource Management (who manages the company's timber-lands) has reopened all of the Hood Canal Tree Farm lands in Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason counties for public use.The trails have been temporarily closed since September 13 due to extreme fire hazard. This is great news for all our local trail users who once again have access to the Port Gamble area trails and other Pope Resources land. More information is available on their website. Also, Pope Resources recently announced a delay in the scheduled fall logging of 72 acres on the Port Gamble uplands block, through year end 2012. The reason for the delay is to allow time for continued negotiations by Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy) to acquire this portion of the Port Gamble uplands block, as part of the Kitsap Forest and Bay land conservation efforts. Thank you, North Kitsap Trails Association

Don't have anything to do this Saturday? Do the Turkey Trot!

Get ready for the family loving beast of a feast and join in the 1st ever Port Townsend Turkey Trot!  You get to prepare your body for eating copious amounts of food and give back to your community at the same time.


All proceeds get dispersed between Jefferson County Parks & Rec and to various other local organizations.

Kiddy run/walk: Ages 12 & under (adults in strollers are welcome)
5k run/walk: All ages
Please no dogs, thank you!

1st place in every age bracket wins a Turkey!!

Each 1st place winner has the  option of donating their winning turkey to a local organization in need!
2nd place in every age bracket wins a Pumpkin Pie!!
3rd place in every age bracket wins a Sparkling Cider!!

Age Divisions:
Male/Female (5-10), (11-19), (20-29), (30-39), (40-49), (50+)

Below are the registration forms:
 

        

Otherwise, you can Click Here for a PDF version of the registration form.  

~Pre-registration~

        $10 Kiddy run - $20 Kiddy run w/ t-shirt - $15 5k - $25 5k w/ t-shirt  

 ~Day of Registration starts at 8:00 am~

$15 Kiddy run/walk - $25 5K run/walk

                                  

            Bring 5 cans of food and get $5 off your registration. (Day of registration only!)

Want a T-shirt? They will be available for $10.

They will be limited.

                                            
Please mail all registrations to:
Jefferson County Parks & Recreation
623 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368


 

Get Ready, 'Cause Here It Comes

And by it, we mean the fall and winter weather.  We have a lot of pants, jackets, gloves, fenders and lights to keep you dry, visible and safe all winter long.  Do you have everything you need?


Here's what you NEED:          Helmet - You only get one brain, so keep it safe!

1. Headlights - 1 is required, 2 is desired. 1 light to “be seen” and one light “to see”.
2. Tail Lights - 1 is for the bike. Having a second is a good idea and can be run to the back of a helmet.
3. Layers - Waterproof jackets and pants and insulated layers so that you stay dry and warm.

Here are some extras that are nice to have:

1. Fenders -These will keep you dry from all of the water coming off your wheels.
2. Mud Flap - Most fenders come with a mud flap but larger mudflaps are available.
3. Rain Cover - These are a necessity if you are not using dry bag style panniers
4. Saddle Cover – If you’re running a Brooks saddle, a must-have item. but great for when your bike is parked in the rain.
5. Chain Guard - This will keep your long pants out of the chain. You can also use a pant clip or Velcro strap to keep your pants hole free.
6. Bell – Bells are the most under-rated bike accessory, particularly if you ride multi-use paths like the Larry Scott Memorial Trail.
7. Water Bottle – Don’t forget to hydrate in the winter too!
8. Bag – For carrying a spare tube, multi-tool, etc. This could be a handlebar, seat bag, or pannier.

We also have all of our rental fleet on sale for 20% off! Trek's Allant town bike, 2.1 road bike, and  EX 5 full suspension mountain bike. The sale goes through to the new year. Get them before they're gone!

And last but certainly not least we would like to remind everyone that even though it's getting dark and wet you should still get out on your bike! The Broken Spoke crew goes on night mountain bike rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday is a kinder/gentler ride and Thursday is a faster/more technical ride. We leave the shop at 6pm. Lights and helmets are required! We also do a women only ride every Sunday at 4pm. All rides are no drop rides and are intended to be encouraging and fun.

Why hibernate when you can be having fun? 

Breast Cancer Awareness Ride!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to help support the cause!!!!

Our Ladies rides are scheduled for every Sunday at 4 but this special Sunday we want everyone to be there! Trek wants to raise public awareness in an effort to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. Our ride will be a free and fun ride for all ages and abilities. Here are the details:

When: Sunday, October 14th, 4:00pm

Where: The Broken Spoke

Why: It's a good reason to wear pink, to ride your bike, and it's for a good cause so why not?

Route: From the Broken Spoke, we will head towards and then up The Larry Scott Trail. The ride from there will depend purely on the participants present.

 HELMETS AND PINK ATTIRE OR ACCESSORIES ARE REQUIRED. 

Don't have pink to wear? 

Come on the ride anyway; we've got you covered.

Can't go for the ride but want to help the cause? Donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation directly here:
https://donations.bcrfcure.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298

Ride for a cause

Calling All Gravity Riders!!!!

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day!

As if Kinetics Sculpture Race Weekend wasn't exciting enough, Saturday is International Mountain Biking Association's (IMBA's) 8th annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD)!

TKMBD is an annual celebration developed and coordinated by IMBA, striving to encourage communities around the world to join together and ride mountain bikes with youth. Besides being good, healthy fun, the goal is to develop a connection between kids and the natural world around them. 

To help support our youth and our trails, the Olympic Mountain Bike Team and The Broken Spoke Race Team are hosting a trail ride Saturday, October 6th for all ages and all abilities. The ride will leave The Broken Spoke at 2pm. Let's get today's children out on the trails so they can be tomorrow's decision-makers for important matters like recreation and access to public land.

To learn more, check out IMBA's site:
 http://www.imba.com/kids

Video: Alex Donnachie and Kerr Wilson

By Andrew Brady
bmx.transworld.net

Kineticly Moving Forward

Koming soon is the Kosmic Kahos of the 

2012 Apokalyptic Kinetic Skulpture Race!!!!

It is possibly the most kompelling event one will ever have a pleasure of experiencing. A world wide phenomenon right here in our bakyard. Here's the skedule for the whole krazy weekend:

To find out more about the event, check out their website:

 http://www.ptkineticrace.org/index.html

We will also have extended hours on Sunday, Oktober 7th until 6pm so you kan keep up with the racers and to help everyone keep kineticly moving forward.

(All misspelled words are kompletely intentional)

Super Beginner Female's Trail Bike ride 9/16 @4pm

Super Beginner Female's Trail Bike ride
Not interested in going on the Tour de Fermes on Sunday? Not a road rider? Are you a female? Well then, join Nicole of The Broken Spoke on our Women's Mountain Bike ride. This Sunday, Sept 16, we will be doing a SUPER BEGINNER'S TRAIL RIDE.

Here are all the details:
Sunday, 4pm, starting at Blue Heron Middle School
We will start out with a little skills work, then head out on a beginner trail ride

Everyone (female) is welcome! even if you've ridden trail before.
Bring water, and a snack. Heavy rain cancels otherwise bring adequate clothing!!

Please send this email to all your lady friends, and youth!, that have ever been interested in mountain biking but are hesitant to try.
See you there! Thank you.

~Nicole

Stottlemeyer trails temporarily CLOSED

The North Kitsap Trails Association wants to let trail users know that Port Gamble trails are closed temporarily due to extreme fire hazard. Here is a link to the Pope Resources website for more information. The NKTA website will have an update when the trails are reopened. Announcement from Pope Resources: Effective immediately, Olympic Resource Management, a Pope Resources Company, will be temporarily closing all recreational access to all its Hood Canal Tree Farm properties in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties. The closure will remain in effect until significant rainfall occurs. ORM regrets the inconvenience to those who enjoy and respect the property; however the dry conditions make for extreme fire hazard conditions and threaten private and public resources. Pope Resources owns and manages nearly 71,000 acres of forestland on its Hood Canal Tree Farm in Kitsap, Mason, and Jefferson Counties.

Thank you, North Kitsap Trails Association

Winter Hours begin October 1st

Greetings,
The Broken Spoke will be changing to winter hours on October 1st.  Winter hours:
Sunday 11am - 4pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am -6pm
Closed on Wednesday

Thank you for all your valued support.

We're still doing Thursday night mountain bike rides, meeting at the shop at 6pm.
Winter Women's ride schedule to be announced.

Cheers,
The Broken Spoke

Healthiest way back to school!

Back to School!

It's almost the start of the next school year. At The Broken Spoke we want to help you succeed in cycling to school; whether your goal is twice (both National Bike to School Days), once a month, or as often as possible. We also want you and your bike to be safe! Here are a few short informational images to boost your Bicycle Safety knowledge:

There have been a fair amount of bikes stolen in the last few months. The police have found a few, but it would be a good idea to lock up your bike!
If you do not have a bike lock it might be time to invest in one!

It is required by Jefferson county to have a headlight and a rear reflector. It is a good idea to have both front and rear lights so you can be seen easier by drivers, even if you do not bike at night.

 Make sure your helmet fits and is in good working condition!

Here is a short list of reasons to invest in a new helmet:

• if it is older than 5 years
• if the straps are fraying
• if it is cracked
• if it has been in a crash

To learn more about your helmet, check out the manufactures website, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Bicycles/Be+a+Roll+Model , or the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institutes' website : www.bhsi.org

October 3rd is our next National Walk to School day! It's only 37 days away, so start planning your safe route from home to school! Check out I Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day Organizations' website to help you map out the best route and to learn more!

Save the date!!! National Bike to School Day is  May 8, 2013!

http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/

Race season...

It's already August! Since you've been riding all summer, you are definitely in racing shape. If you aren't... here are a few great events to cheer on some great cycling.

Upcoming area races:

Captiol Forest 50/100 Miler    Hurry it's this weekend!   Saturday, Aug 25th   http://www.nwepicseries.com/events/aug-25-capitol-forest-50mile100mile
"Get ready for an epic ride! With over 160 miles of singletrack trails capitol forest is truly a mountain biker's paradise. The trails are well maintained, and most of the course is rolling, though there are some fireroad climbs and fast downhills. 80-90% of the course will be singletrack, with very little overlap due to the incredible amount of superb trails out there. There will be plenty of aid stations along the course and these will be fully stocked with fresh fruit, sandwiches, clif product (gels, bloks, bars), electrolytes (nuun, clif electrolyte), FRS, cookies, etc. The course will be well marked and accurately measured. Categories Male Open, Men 40-49, Men 50+, Female Open, Female 40+, Singlespeed."

  
Captiol Forest Enduro  Saturday, September 15!
 http://capitolforestenduro.com/ 
The Capitol Forest Enduro race will be made up of 4 timed stages which will be added into one combined time with 4 non-timed transition stages. 

To all who love the Larry Scott Trail

There will be another work party on the golf course connector trail serving the Cape George Rd. area this Sunday, 8/19. Sunday is forecast to be a bit cooler.  Grading will be starting soon and there is more clearing to be done in preparation.
  We will meet at the Discovery Bay Golf Course parking lot at 9:00 AM with brushing and grass/weed clearing tools, gloves, eye-protection, and your hydration needs.  The JTC will buy your lunch.  See... there really is a free lunch.  Well, in exchange for a little blood, sweat and tears. RSVP for an accurate count of lunches.

Hope to see you there,
Thanks

Broken Spoke Racing makes headlines

Yours truly, Kasper Dean, makes the headline of Stevens' Pass bike park's website. Go team!

Capitol Forest Classic

This weekend the Friends of Capitol Forest presents the sixth annual Capitol Forest Classic featuring the Northwest All Mountain Championships. All race proceeds go directly to building and maintaining trails in Capitol Forest. The whole weekend is packed full of events to participate, including two courses of 100% singletrack. Here's the line up:

Saturday, August 11, 2012:

• Cross Country Race
• Poker Run
• Youth Cross Country Race
• Lunch feast, included with registration
• Award ceremony

Sunday, August 12, 2012:

• Super D Race
• Youth Super D Race
• Lunch feast, included with registration
• Award ceremony

Members of The Broken Spoke Race Team will be there representing Port Townsend so go check it out or send out some good vibes to them and all the other participants!

Should be a beautiful and sunny weekend; what a great excuse to be out on your bike!!!

NW Cup Season Finale

Northwest Cup 6- August 3-5

If you know any downhill mountain bikers, they will probably be at Stevens Pass this weekend competing at  NW Cup 6, Series Finale!!!!! That’s where The Broken Spoke mechanics and Racing Team are going to be, and you should too! This race will be the first NW Cup event at this location and it should be a great Finale to the series. If you have other awesome weekend adventures, just send The Broken Spoke crew some good vibes, and enjoy your excursions.

Sunday Bicycle Scavenger Hunt!

Grab your bicycle and your friends and meet us for a fun afternoon at Gibbs Lake County Park! Sunday is our first annual bicycle scavenger hunt. There are two courses: Kids and Adult. Prizes, friends, FREE fun... See you there!

NW Cup #5

Northwest Cup 5- July 20-22

All your downhill mountain biker friends will be heading to Mount Hood in Oregon this weekend competing at NW Cup 5! That’s where The Broken Spoke mechanics and Racing Team is going to be! Send The Broken Spoke crew some good vibes, and enjoy your weekend excursions!

Seattle to Portland

Jason and Pete of Broken Spoke Racing Team road the STP this weekend with many other cyclists from Port Townsend. They are happy to be done and looking forward to more rides this summer.

Bicycle Scavenger Hunt!

Bagel Bob's delicious food will be available for purchase. Bike hard, Eat well. 

Waivers available for pick up at The Rec Center and The Broken Spoke. Or by clicking on the "picture" below and printing from at home. They are available at the event on the day as well!

Waiver for the day!

JTC Build Day, 7/12

Jefferson Trails Coalition will be having a work party to extend the Larry Scott Memorial. Meeting this Thursday at the Discovery Bay Golf Course at 10am the work group will be clearing a section of trail that is roughly 1 mile. This is primarily a section that was previously cleared an will involve cutting saplings, grass and overhanging branches. There will be a small section were virgin trail will need to blazed to gain access up a steep hill. Volunteers will need to gloves, sturdy shoes and work clothes, and water. If you have loppers, hand saws, brush cutters or weed whackers please bring them. The group will break to head to Rosa's Delicia Mexicana for lunch. Hope you can make it!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Hoping all you fine people are out enjoying the sunshine on your bikes this very beautiful holiday. 

(Plus, it's easier to find parking with your bike!) 

Have a great day and enjoy the fireworks this evening!

The Killer Whales-on their way to Nationals!

Congratulations to The Killer Whales-Olympic High School Mountain Bike Team for getting 2nd place at the State Championship! We are also pleased to announce that 6 of our riders will be competing at the USA MTB Cross-Country Nationals at Sun Valley, ID July 5-8. Over 1,000 competitors ranging from juniors to pros will be racing for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in cross-country, short track cross-country and Super D. Our OMBT riders will be indulging in a 18+ mile cross country course with other qualifying high school competitors in waves of 10-40 riders over the course of 3 days. 

The team members are heading out Monday, July 2nd for the event. 

Wish them luck and think happy thoughts for them for this week of pride and patriotism! Go, team, go!!!!