PROJEKT ROAM: Destination Whitefish Bike Retreat

Landscapes is a film series that celebrates and depicts the fruit of the earth's time and toils with the elements that have helped to create and shape the terrain we mountain bike across today. Volume 3 of Landscapes captures the charm and range of Whitefish, MT. Throughout this rugged and tumultuous topography, trails abound. Ripe for exploring, this town is a treasure cache of mountain biking diversity.

It was one of those brilliant and crisp late summer mornings. Bird calls resonated throughout the forest, harmonizing with the hum of bike tires, creating a relaxing background melody. The two of us were exploring the Whitefish Trail system, dodging bears and spying on bushy tailed foxes, when we stumbled upon a small, strategically placed sign and side trail. Whitefish Bike Retreat, the sign read, with an arrow pointing off through the trees in a different direction. Intrigued, we diverted along the smaller path and quickly made our way along more staple, Montana single track.

The end of our route deposited us in front of a huge and inviting converted barn, nestled in the heart of the growing Whitefish Trail system. Lofty pines bordered the drive as we made our way up to the bunk house, the main building of the Whitefish Bike Retreat. Peace and serenity radiated from the surroundings. We couldn't believe we had stumbled upon this incredible haven in the middle of the forest, amidst a trail system full of amazing single track.

Our impromptu side trip could not have been more impeccably timed as well. As we rolled to a stop, gaping in wonder at our surroundings, an adorable Heeler dog bounds up, taunting us playfully with a ridiculously large stick and wagging tail. Just mere moments later we were greeted warmly by the smiling proprietor, Cricket Butler, who just so happened to be heading up to the bunk house and was more than happy to give us a tour of the place. Curious to find out what exactly we had stumbled upon, we gladly accepted.

It was love at first sight. As soon as you step into the foyer, you are greeted with a spacious open floor plan, while exposed wooden beams and supports lend solidity to the structure. Upcycled bike parts of mismatched origins tastefully and creatively adorn the interior of the Bike Retreat, providing functionality in many instances as well. Comfy couches and an assortment of movies are tucked away in one corner for evening relaxation and down time. Everything about the place was so well thought out; tasteful accompanied by a touch of Montana rustic, with a flair for modern. It was quickly proving itself to be an amazing place to stay while you were on a bike-cation.

As we conversed with Cricket she inundated us, in a good way, with a list of all the amenities her Retreat provided. The downstairs portion of the main bunk lodge was equipped with a communal kitchen, separate mens' and womens' full baths with showers, and a very roomy indoor common area. Upstairs boasts private rooms, gender specific bunk rooms, and a half bath along with picturesque views of the evergreens outside.

Complimentary, secured indoor bicycle storage is available and if you need to tune up your bike in preparation for the radically good biking times your about to have, there is a clean, well stocked bike workshop to get your stuff dialed; all open and available for guests. For a full compilation of all the wonderful things the Bike Retreat has to offer, including shuttle services, take a few minutes to peruse their website www.whitefishbikeretreat.com.

Tranquil tent sites, tucked away among fragrant pines, are available for guests looking to go au natural and camp outdoors. A bonus of camping here is the communal indoor and outdoor amenities and services are open to camping guests as well.

After taking a moment to wash off the remnants of a stellar day of riding from your bike in the last of the sun's warming rays, the full weight of the relaxing atmosphere sets in. The outdoor rec area, with its toasty fire pit, beckons. The grill awaits. Yet another perfect touch to wrap up a sensational day.

I wasn't surprised to hear that a common theme among guests, ourselves included, is how taken aback everyone is at how much the Whitefish Bike Retreat truly has to offer. From the aromatic scents of freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee and baked goods greeting you in the mornings, to the shuttle services and a growing trail network right out the front door. It's a complete package, a wonderful place to stay and really feel comfortable and at home.

As amazing as that all is, I think it is the genuine hospitality that wholly envelopes you during the entire stay that really stands out. This friendly and welcoming atmosphere that emanates from the cozy hostel permeates the entire town as well; from the populace you bump into on the abundant trails to the locals that greet you with a smile and wave downtown.

It's easy to discern why Cricket decided to permanently call Whitefish home in early 2012. "...Whitefish has always felt like home to me-from my first visit 20 years ago. I am attracted to the remoteness, severity of weather, the wildlife, and boundless wilderness areas here. There is no other place like Montana and I really wanted my sons to grow up with all this!"

And speaking of Cricket's two young sons, she has to be doing something right, for they are quite adept at helping Mom to run the place; proving themselves to be budding business entrepreneurs as well. If you're fortunate enough to spend some time here, you just might encounter them running the on-sight mini general store that provides basic essentials, including maps, snacks, and quick fix bike gear.

Overall, the Whitefish Bike Retreat was one of my favorite places to be when I spent time in Montana this past summer. I knew we would be returning to the Retreat time and again regardlessly, but when Cricket mentioned she would be offering fat bike rentals for biking in the snow, I knew we would be heading back in the snowy season as well. How awesome is that going to be considering the area has a local ski resort, to get a bike and board fix all in one trip!?!

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Whitefish, MT and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com.

If you are interested in being featured on Destinations, we would like to hear from you, please contact us: info@projektroam.com

Words: Jessee Maule

Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (August 2013)

Riders: Colt & Jessee Maule

For more work by Projekt Roam:

www.facebook.com/projektroam

www.projektroam.com

www.gravityrideguide.com

Introducing The New Cobalt, Iodine, And Opium Wheelsets From Crankbrothers

When the founders of crankbrothers, Carl and Frank (get it? Carl + Frank = crank), first began developing a wheelset back in 2005, they wanted to create a wheel that had a more thoughtful design. In order to make something that is either stronger at the same weight, or lighter at the same strength, you have to use materials in a better, more efficient way. Carl and Frank wanted to completely pair up the spokes because paired spokes form a triangle, and triangles are the strongest geometric shape. This thought process lead to the design of the iconic and unique ::twinpair spoke wheelset, which was originally launched in 2008. Since then, we have continued updating the wheel design based on athlete feedback. In 2010, the 2nd generation wheelsets were launched with a new freehub design. Now, we are excited to share the newest generation of crankbrothers wheels.

Introducing the new cobalt, iodine, and opium wheelsets from crankbrothers.

Over the last two years, the engineers at crankbrothers have been focused on improving our wheel collection by redesigning the rim profile. With a design focused on strength : weight, the new rim profile is tuned for durability, lateral stiffness, and vertical compliance. We partnered with some of the world’s best athletes during our development and testing process to ensure that our wheelsets will exceed the demands of the most discerning and aggressive riders. With the addition of a 27.5 diameter, reduced prices on level 2 and 3 wheels, and full axle compatibility, the crankbrothers wheelset collection is an ideal upgrade to any mountain bike. As Hans Rey says, “crankbrothers wheels have been my loyal companions on many rides in the most remote corners of the globe.” Where will crankbrothers wheels take you?

“When we test new wheels, we train, practice, and race on the prototypes in all kinds of real world situations. The wheels get used hard, maintained, and replaced, so we can see where the weakest points are and report our findings and feelings on performance. The original MY 2008 opium wheels were pretty good for entering the DH wheel market for the first time. There were a few flaws with the freehub bodies, but those issues were resolved in the next generation hub. The MY 2010 opium wheels had the hub figured out, but the rims were too weak. This lead to a total redesign of the rim for MY 2014. Everything was considered: rim width, shape, height, material, joining, etc. With the redesign, we wanted a better seal for tubeless, more stability, a black option, as well as a rim that wasn't so hard and stiff it would flat, but that it could also hold up in rocks and big hits. These wheels have held up amazing with both tubes and tubeless, on a wide variety of terrain at speeds and under pressure. I think crankbrothers found a balance with the stiffness and width that takes impacts really well.”
- Jill Kintner, Norco International DH Team

Over the last 2 years, the engineers at crankbrothers have been focused on improving our wheel collection by redesigning the rim profile. With a design focused on strength : weight, the new rim profile is tuned for durability, lateral stiffness, and vertical compliance. We accomplished this by focusing on three key design elements in the rim profile: 1) internal lateral widths have been increased by 2mm on each model, 2) all sidewalls are 1.7mm lower, and 3) all rim depths have increased. We also focused on reducing weight in four key areas, including removing the original central I-beam, tapering sidewall thickness, reducing bead hook width, and reducing sidewall height. The reduced bead hook width and sidewall height, along with the curved tire well and non-perforated tire bed, also make the wheels incredibly easy to setup tubeless. After thorough FEA stress analysis, extensive machine testing, and hours of ride testing, we are certain that you can have confidence in the new collection of crankbrothers wheelsets.

Tech Specs

ArtsCyclery Now U.S. Importer of MarshGuard Products

ArtsCyclery.com is proud to announce its new partnership with MarshGuard to serve as the U.S. importer of MarshGuard products. Followers of UCI World Cup Downhill racing or the Enduro World Series are already very familiar with MarshGuard’s outstanding fork mounted mudguards. Designed by Greg Minnaar’s World Cup DH race mechanic, Jason Marsh, this simple and effective fender is lightweight at 32 grams and inexpensive at $14 USD. Any mountain bike that sees action in wet conditions deserves a MashGuard, available for purchase now at ArtsCyclery.com/MarshGuard.

•       Actual weight 32 grams (without zip ties)

•       Zip ties included with fender

•       Designed by World Cup DH mechanic Jason Marsh

•       The choice of World Cup racers

•       $14 USD

MARSH GUARD

USGP of Mountain Biking Postponed Indefinitely

Dear Mountain Bike Friends,
 
After much reflection, I have decided to postpone the US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking until further notice.  I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support through my time with the Pro GRT and into the USGP of Mountain Biking.  Unfortunately, my plans to help rebuild the US race scene by combining downhill, enduro & other disciplines have yet to bear fruit.   Although I do believe that program I developed can be & will be successful, it will have to wait until a further time.

Don’t worry…  I’ll still be around.  You can’t get rid of me that easily!   I will continue to grow my race team - the “ARMA Energy MTB” professional mountain bike team – into one of the premier race teams from the U.S.  In addition to national caliber downhill racing, we will be expanding into Enduro and World Cup racing for the 2014 season.  I will also be focused on my bike shop(s) – the “BIKE VAULT” & “T.RYX Recumbent Trikes” based in Escondido, CA.
 
I urge you to continue to support U.S. racing, as we will be.  Until a true national caliber series can be developed & be sustainable, there are plenty of regional and local events to support.

Thank you all once again for your support.  I will see you at the races!

Best regards,

Jeremiah

PROJEKT ROAM: Landscapes Vol. 2

If it wasn't for the colorful and diverse landscapes that decorate and geographically define our country, where would we ride? Landscapes is a film series that celebrates and depicts the fruit of the earth's time and toils with the elements that have helped to create and shape the terrain we mountain bike across today. Volume Two of Landscapes showcases several sides of the multi faceted trail systems found in Durango, CO. This elevated, mountainous country provides a plethora of variation and trail options for any mountain bike adventurer to explore.

Situated at 6,512 feet above sea level in the lush Animas River Valley, Durango, Colorado is a town that is as rich in culture, history, and outdoor recreation as the surrounding ore laden San Juan Mountains. The former mining town has it's own quirky, laid back vibe; an eclectic mix of mining town meets mountain town meets the west.

With a long standing reputation as a bicycling mecca, Durango turned out to be an optimum choice for us to spend time exploring on two wheels. Spiraling outwards from the hub of downtown, the countryside is magnanimous.

The ever present contour of rugged mountain peaks that define Colorado's high country seem to be synonymous with the horizon in nearly every direction.

The riding found in the higher elevations can be grueling with arduous ascents, sometimes leaving you thinking that your oxygen just might have been stolen from you like a thief in the night. But it doesn't really matter, because the descents and the surroundings, along with the whole experience, completely overpower those minute grumblings. Especially when you blast down the mountain with an ear-splitting grin while your entire focus and being are trained on the trail as it flashes by before you and still winds downward thousands of feet below you.

We spent some time wandering through the high country in the outlying mountain passes sprawled around Durango, it was as if you're taking a step back into time.

Abandoned ghost towns, ripe with dilapidated wooden buildings, endure the harsh winters and picturesque summers slowly succumbing to the inevitable forces of nature and time.

Old abodes, equipment, mines and mills in various stages of decomposition are often in view, blending in with the natural surrounds, silent and weather-beaten monuments of a time passed.

These artifacts of a different era made for remarkable, exploratory stops during our adventures in the high alpine single track wonderland.

Many of Durango's different riding areas provide trails that make their way through twinkling groves of aspen and meadows stippled with an abundance of flowers that range from every colour under the sun. This scenery is definitely more noticeable when you stop for a ride regroup.

There are numerous trailheads and trails to be found scattered everywhere about the city, it seems. An added bonus is that all of these different, local riding locations are unique unto themselves.

Rocky terrain and scrub brush dominate the landscape with clay coloured earth cushioning the tires' tread in some of the trail riding regions.

One of the things that makes this mountain biking haven stand out was the ability to spend a day on a trail that carried you through stands of pine passing an occasional crystalline lake if that is what you were in the mood for.

Or if you wanted a completely different ride the next day, it wasn't a problem to hit up a trail with manmade features including jumps, drops, and berms.

We happened to be in Durango during the summer months in which monsoon season dictates the weather pattern. Once this tumultuous weather hits, many a trail day can turn into an electrifying adventure.

A ride would start out with perfect, textbook weather. Over a matter of a couple hours, our senses would become bombarded with brilliant flashes of light accompanied by the sounds of roaring thunder.

The thunderheads sometimes brought moisture that turned the dirt into tacky trail heaven, or on other occasions, completely saturated us and the trail completely with torrents of rain. Whatever the ensuing weather brought, we knew we were always in for a thriller, hair-raising time.

Whether it's after spring snow melt, during the warm, sunny months of summer, or in the autumn, Durango is definitely a place with a genuine multitude of trails to ride and enjoy on a mountain bike.

 

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Durango, CO and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com.

Thanks to our sponsors for some great product and to all of our new friends who have helped us out along the way, ride on.

Words: Jessee Maule

Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (Filmed May 2013)

Riders: Colt Maule & Jessee Maule