Every year in early spring, Saas Fee turns into the center of the Swiss mountain biking community. The most famous Snow downhill race takes place in the heart of the Swiss mountains.Unfortunately the race was canceled this year, because of the bad weather conditions.
But there are some sweet pics of the Funpark session who take place, Friday before the race day!

So after a gripping first round of the World Cup, matched with some surprises in the Top 10, we’ve got a fairly spread out league in the Pinkbike Fantasy Downhill.
I hope you’re all enjoying the lovely spring weather. It was a cracking race, with the Top 10 riders putting in some great runs.

Marin Bikes of Marin County California has been working on their DH race bike in various stages of prototypes for the last few seasons and Shaums March even won a world Master’s DH championship on one of the protos. Here you can check out the goods and get the details on the final product. We also talk to Andrew Taylor about his new program at Marin Bikes and with Mark Vanek about the new CXR.
Check out the videos and pictures inside:

Schwalbe tires is looking to crack into the DH tire market in a bigger way with their newest offerings, the Dirty Dan and the Wicked Will. Partnering up with the Fox / Yeti team is going to be a great way to gather that all important real world testing and development too. At the Sea Otter we were able to sit down with Henry Horrocks and talk about the new 2010 offerings.
Check out the pics and video inside:

Veterans of the race scene, Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson have gone privateer for 2009. They have one bad ass Sprinter Van and all the sponsor support a team could ask for going into this season. One of their newest programs is with CrankBros and their new wheel sets. Both Jill and Bryn will be running and testing Crankbros. wheels through out the 2009 season.
Check out the wheels, new team bikes and the Sprinter Van inside:

Words and photos by Mark Steinebach
Sunday April 26, 2009 saw the Vedder Mountain Trails Association (VMTA.ca) host the annual Vedder Mountain Trails clean up and trail maintenance day. VMTA representing the interests of Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, Back Country Horseman of BC, Vedder Running Club, Chilliwack Outdoor Club and Cascade Offroad Motorcycle Club on Vedder Mountain coordinated the efforts of nearly 100 volunteers to revitalize the well used and well loved trail network.

Source: Peter Appleton, Sirbikealot Racing.
Where: Kelso Conservation Area (Milton, ON), May 2nd and 3rd
Well the birds are singing, the snow has melted (well most of it) and it’s time to get dirty! As with every O-Cup DH season we kick it off at Kelso in Milton, Ontario. This time honored venue is close to the GTA and always has the biggest crowds. Racers are excited to see friends, compare their new bikes and best of all, see who’s been training hard in the off season.

The Canmore Nordic Centre is hosting a week-long workshop on trail building, maintenance, and the future of trails in the Canmore Nordic Centre, including two proposed downhill trails.
While the Nordic Centre has long been a fantastic cross country venue, this workshop promises to have a significant downhill component. Of particular interest to downhill riders will be May 10th when a discussion on two proposed downhill trails takes place. This could add two more SANCTIONED downhill trails to the Nordic Centre, bringing the total up to a whopping 4 (that’s right, …

Source: Grassroots Cycles
Casey Groves taking the win at the second annual Ranchstyle! With Andrew Taylor in second and Tyler MCcaul in third, Tyler also taking best trick with a tailwhip over the 40 footer!

GRAND OPENING MAY 2ND!
Fresh Air Concept is Kelowna’s newest retailer for the outdoor enthusiast. With a focus on the freeride aspects of mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, as well as carrying road bikes and snowshoe products, this shop will have something to please everyone. As well, there are some surprises and innovations behind these walls as well.