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Show l,pi,..)!-ll.r1- mh tage On Two Wheels By Ron Georg Calculating the value of biking Ron Reliable statistics on bicyclings value to Moab are hard to come by. Values are subjective, and yours may differ from mine. But one thing is sure activity among bike shops and touring companies suggests the boom continues in 1998. While Western Spirit Cycling closed their shop at the end of last season, their goal is to focus on the continued success ofWestern Spirits touring operation. A bike shop on the way to' Slickrock may seem like a great idea, but Western Spirits Anne Claire Erickson found otherwise: If youre not on Main Street. mursoay, umutB-rujgptiaig- tu be nearly promotional. I was surprised ONeill didnt Chile Pephand me a neatly-space- d per Manifesto. What I didnt count on is local bicycle businesses arent really scrounging for publicity. With things going well, most are looking for ways to serve their stream of customers better. For ONeill, that means focusing on one of modem cyclings weak links suspension. Coils, elastomers, air, and oil serve to cushion and dampen Moabs textured landscape. But all those moving parts need servicing, and poorly maintained shocks can be dangerous. The biggest surprise for most people is suspension maintenance is based on hourly usage and you should do regular maintenance every eight hours," ONeill said. Yeah, but my 98 Rock Shox only has about five okay, maybe four hundred miles on it. And that cant have taken me more than, well, I prefer not to think about how many hours a ride takes. My way is more pure, and its less embarrassing. Also at Chile Pepper, look for a new line of Cannondale products, as well as selected offering from Moots, an exclusive manufacturer of Titanium bikes. In fact, if youd just like to see a bike thats worth more than your car (if your cars anything like mine), even just for kicks, stop by. While youre there, you can get some excellent bike ride advice from Team SynergyPoison Spider rider Karen Guzman for the price of a cup of coffee or maybe a tall latte. A pedaling periodical of bicycle-relate- d news and views by Georg guest writer vLHg With that in mind, Ill start my informal local industry survey on Main Street, with the bike shops. Starting at the south end of town (closest to my house): Chili Pepper Chile Pepper Bike Shop, 702 Wasnt I supsouth, Main Street posed to do something for you, Sean ONeill asked when he spotted me with my notebook. Well, yes, Sean. You were supposed to come up with some plugs for your business. This week is a freebie; this is the first, hopefully annual, Bicycle Marketplace special. This is the time On Two Wheels will Allen Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month March, 1998 Kaibab Bike Shop Kaibab Bike Shop, 391 south, Main Street I n case I hadnt mentioned it, I work for Kaibab. Ill always try to avoid any major conflict of interest in this space, but I plan to work as a bicycle guide for some time. Anyway, Kaibab may be the ultimate beneficiary of the Anne Claire Main Street Theorem. For most visitors, especially for camping cyclists, all roads lead to City Market and even a few take a wrong turn into the Kaibab lot. But manager Rich Cleveland wants to see more familiar faces in the door, so hes created an interesting take on the traditional locals deal. For a $20 fee, Kaibab will offer a lifetime of free flat-tir- e repair as well as a 15 percent discount on everything. You will have to offer evidence of your residency Dewayne Gwinn was chosen "Employee of the Month" for March. non-cyclis- ts Dewayne has been with us only a short time, but has made a big difference in the Engineering Department. He has high work to raise their level of work standards and expects his to conform. His team is pleasant, friendly, and competent. Work requests are handled promptly and done right the first time. Dwayne's quiet sense of humor is appreciated by all. He well deserves this award. one-tim- e, CONTRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US AT AMH! Anofiher m cable rate increases? Then turn on DIRECTV and find out what 3.3 million subscribers already know. DIRECTV offers the most movies and sports of any other mini-dis- h service or cable Buy now Total Choice Platinum USSB Entertainment ri gear-head- s Thats shocks. because cal service sta- shocks. After tiring of de- lays from the Noleen shock warranty department, he learned to do the work himself. Of course, some of you may never make it into Kaibab for service. Thats because youll find mechanic John McCool out front, under the little tent. Kind of like a pizza guy spinning dough in a picture window, McCool will be out there with the public, believing with all his might that there are no stupid questions. You may also want to stop by Kaibab to take advantage of their new downhill program Whether guided and shuttled or out on your own, you can try some of Moabs terbike derain on a downhill-specifi- c signed to soak up the big hits. Rim Cyclery Rim Cyclery, 94 west, 100 North Everything is truly beautiful and special as it has always been, Rim Manager Dave Montgomery asserts. Thats easy for him to say. Rim n is the only Street cycling success. Maybe its the legendary status of first bike shop in Moab, or maybe its being across from the non-Mai- (the i Unlimited absolutely TIE Huron CUANKEN 1SL trtivpt&s, LP yO 7. Bloomberg flLIVIIION . V Pegasus sendee temiory only k new rmdentnl astomen n desnaind y LU imsdKtDSSirodifc CranKMoreudi Pnmn and nmrannvnm sheet Offw ovadabie Sk ainilKIVkc f dw remcM 112596 convnerad a ini ad GM lodnig K h liw t mrndtkmx, wrl fc Cabls must be DIKOV.IIISH to Book, ocfMMd and Wrnw wrfhm 21 FtitwHi dtrs from duto mao sated Miin UtahraW DC dsde $199 fwTI OufafeM pnc tnOF Im tan and imm spun uopxmm ywOSSiwwiiwhoimciidfcolinltari bcanse oeentarts Comrarft9ndi(had)0dfc(jk&aindpOTdli6sWCT(idDSSfliiin0ks wkh ivpropnatB Nidmk b a kndmil; kc. USSB s a rannd kadeimk o Unmd Sues SatgCo BiaadciEing EhOKncs. Canficny, f Pirastt " ftrtun, Lf ttutaiwttimisoKkf loailions Hughe HvSa chmnakm Calm, W1 g e Bike Touring Companies Here I am, past deadline, beyond my space limit, and still writing. Fortunately, the touring company update is quick and easy theres plenty of business to go around. Dreamrides Dreamrides is the tour company with perhaps the most international visibility thanks to the recent release of the IMAX production dealing with Everest. In one three-minut- e segment of this sensory-overloa- d show, mountain bikers frolic in the Moab area. The shoot was a big score for Lee Bridger, owner of Dreamrides. With the film opening last month in 25 IMAX theaters internationally, Lee says hes gotten calls from all over. Ironically, he prefers to focus on small, environmentally friendly While tours and projects. Dreamrides does court Hollywood, Bridger says his goal is to promote the area for its beauty, not for its Rim Tours Rim Tours owner Matt Hebberd says this is the best season in the history, and that companys seems to be the consensus. Despite El Nino fears of weather devastation, people are signing up in droves to spend time outdoors on their mountain bikes. Rim has added a trip called Jurassic Track to their itinerary; the trip starts in Fruita with a visit to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Rim will also be heading into Zion and Bryce, a natural extension of their work near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Kaibab Bike Tours has hired Andrew Davison to help with the giant-scree- Continued on Page A5 big-nam- resiliency TELEVISION OfitfCTV sotmcss dur-in- time). bicycle moto-cros- s ySs, yijV, A Couch Corner uith guide hooks, brochures and maps friendly, f(noaifedyahfe Staffaiding to talk about routes, camping, as aell as the (atest in gear. Rentals, Accessories, Clothing, Repairs Come in and hang out or (few. . vmiTtmmftTXiYti "A McDonalds Main St. E Chile Pepper , t Jensen Orthodontics Alan C. Jensen, D.D.S., M.S. 570 West 400 North Moab, UT 84532 Call for an appointment or 259-245- 5 259-223- 2 SPECIALIZING IN BRACES Will be in Moab April 16 and 17 is a 824 NEW CHANGES sprint around the course in a pack. Jumping and bumping are part of the game in this exciting facet of bicycling. It is the natural extension of most every childs riding experience, following the curbs and driveway ramps kids use for bicycle thrills. Poison Spider recognizes the value of this outlet, and the shop offers the BMX series to show support for the local kids. This is our way of giving back to the community, Mead said. Before he got too Michael Landon on me, he added theres a benefit to the cycling community. It also helps the kids parents realize mountain bikes A ((area's Cafe Cefo inside and an the patio form of riding which usually takes track laced place on a man-mad- e with jumps and comers. Riders usually younger people, due to bone PEGASUS SATELLITE racers times at the shop (Saturday morning, for instance, would be a high-us- e Rim Cyclerys biggest changes are on the sales floor, where Rims selection of e outdoors goods have been stocked according to brand instead of type. I know, thats a snooze, but I already noted Im trying to avoid conflicts. Im trying to offer equal space, and Montgomery is trying hard to take advantage of the offer. So, to leave you with a strong impression of Rim (remember, this is the rare promotional offering), lets get to a juicy quote from Dave. Rim Cyclery sells a good number of BMX bikes to local kids, and he sees this as part of the sports future. Many of these kids will develop a g love of cycling, and theyll likely take up mountain biking as their horizons expand and their BMX 800-405-372- of- fers bicycle service for low-us- der. , jII shop also Market), or Mead was pretty much at a loss when I asked him what theyre doing to get customers in the door this season. I believe he wanted to say, We sell bikes, bike parts, bike clothes, and we fix bikes. Is there anything else I can explain, sharp guy9 Instead, Mead was eager to push the BMX series. The shop was people in tap packed with lycra-cla- d shoes waving gold cards, and he wanted to talk about kids who ride with one brake and think $500 is a lot of money for a bicycle. Things must really be good for Poison Spi- COURTv i backcountry touring. And as some return customers age, they are looking to bring their kids along. According to Anne Claire Erickson, Western Spirit designed at least one new trip, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, with families in nind. Shorter days, easier rides, and exciting views should keep kids interested. Western Spirit will also be expanding their season by adding trips in the Tucson area. The tion. maybe its that sign on Main Street. He was referring to donations Rim had made to the prize purse of Poison Spiders local BMX points series. Poison Spider Manager Greg FREE! DSS prices starting as low as $199. See your local satellite dealer today adventure, outfitting has taken some of the rough edges off Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 Another thing north, Main Street Dave Montgomery said about BMX was: But dont mention that; I dont want to take away from Poison Spi- CNBC. Cl anti-Cit- y Wester Spirit Cycling The series is informal, so stop by Poison Spider for informa- companies suggests the boom continues. nitrogen-- charged Co-o- p Western Spirit Cycling is also looking at a new market family tours. While mountain bike trips were once a sort of activity among bike shops and touring claims status as the only lotion for the end of the month. starting at sure Cleveland imT companys marketing efforts. With new tours going to Zion and to the Blue Mountain Singletrack in the Abajos, Kaibab is working on expanding into new markets. Kaibab also has a number of big changes yet to come this season. Values are tive, and yours may differ from mine. But one thing is will note that I left nitrogen out of my list of cushioning for agents i" so bad. Old ranchers kids are out there racing, and they say, hey, those bikers are okay. BMX races will be held Saturat days Spanish Val- ley Arena, subjec- der. to take a hike. tflSJyiKTnBOftgOndromridffft goatheads in your tires. Excessive arent Poison Spider and we'll give you one month of and status, which means youve lived here for a year, and youll be here long enough to get a couple of nmTi i ibao But first, before they turn a mature eye toward bigger wheels, Montgomery warns they have to leave the nest: They discover cars and sex, and we lose 'em in a big way. And they say bike seats cause impotence. As one added attraction at Rim, if you ever wanted to actually ride a bicycle thats worth more than your car (okay, my car), Rim Cyclery is renting a Merlin titanium bike. your cable company to take a hike instead. and poor picture quality? Get DIRECTV and tell your cable company Mpm a, y nnnniwriyii wririiijiiiiyiwii knees stiffen. Tell provider? Why put up with rising rates, limited programming lu life-lon- Cable Retie Hike? Tired of f CALLED 'TAX RELIEF." (And you didnt' think the government had a sense of humor.) Real tax relief comes when you sit down with us. Lat year we got over 10 billion dollars back for our customers. Working together, we'll help you get everything you have coming. H&R EA BLOCK Someone You Can Count On Nancy Thompson, 551 E. Bittle Lane - Moab Hours: 9 - 5:30 f- 1 - - "qmifrinn wiinwirm 259-664- 0 Fax M-- 9-- 12 Sat. 259-383- 3 J ijy iijiiii |