Fogel's Summer Adventure 3

The saga continues, with another unreal summer of road tripping around North America! It started with spending a few days at my buddy Christian Wright's house in Auburn, shredding his local trails and backyard set-up. I continued east to Vail, Colorado for the Teva Mountain Games, which was a good time as always. Cody Gessel showed me around for a day in Utah, and I continued up to Victoria before Camp of Champions started in Whistler. Camp was amazing, making a ton of new friends and riding the mountain everyday until we couldn't anymore. They even got a wicked night session going at the compound, which was a nice escape from the heat! Colorado Freeride Festival was next on the list, with Sam Dueck and I shredding down there in the ol' Ranger. The weather was crazy, but they were able to run the contest, and the next weekend everyone met up on the Island for the Bearclaw Invitational. Reece Wallace, Paul Genovese, and I made it into the Pro slopestyle after competing in the Am comp, and we had a blast on the big course. My result there got me an invite to Red Bull Joyride, which was exciting to say the least, so it was gladly back to Whistler for the final chapter of the trip. It was great chilling and riding casually for the week before slopestyle, but soon enough it was here and the nerves set in. I ended up qualifying for the big show, but unfortunately couldn't manage to get a clean run down when it came to it. I took a good spill on my last run, and was ready to finally return home. Right when I got back, my Dad took me out sailing and Eddie Money happened to be playing at the beach!
The whole trip went absolutely perfectly and I'm grateful for every bit of it! I'm thankful to be surrounded with so many supportive and great people to share it all with! I took my trusty GoPro along for the ride, and just finished editing all of the clips. Click full screen, sit back, and enjoy!

Fogel's Summer Adventure 3 on Pinkbike

Jack Fogelquist - Let it Roll

Keegan and I spent most of the winter building and filming for this, so it feels unreal to finally release it!  I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Link to the Pinkbike Article

Jack Fogelquist - Let it Roll on pinkbike.com

Fogelsode Season 3 #10: Bend is Awesome

Once the dust settled from the Sea Otter Post Office Jam, Carson, Howey, and I trucked on up to Bend for UDUG. We spent a bunch of time at Jamie's place, digging, ripping dirt bikes around, and riding! His yard's all time, and was that much more fun when everyone showed up for the contest. It was nothing but good times, riding with homies, listening to live music, and chilling at the bonfire! Most people left right after UDUG finished, but Carson, Howey, and I were there for a few more days before making the journey to Colorado. Carson took us on the tour, showing us all the riding spots, some great places to eat, and we even spent an afternoon atop Pilot Butte. One of the funnest trips I've gone on for sure!

Fogelsode Season 3 #10: Bend is Awesome on pinkbike.com

Mike Zinger Photo

Fogelsode Season 3 #9: Super Sessions

On Friday the 23rd, Keegan, Ray, JR, and I caravanned down south to Woodward for Super Sessions! The whole weekend was nothing but good times, shredding with all the guys that we don't normally get to ride with. They put a lot of work into getting the dirt jumps running, and despite the strong winds, we had a solid sesh. The wind finally got too strong, and didn't seem to let up for the big step-up session. It was fun nonetheless and some good crashes were had, thankfully with no big injuries! Exhausted, everyone cruised home the next morning, most paying a visit or two to good 'ol In N Out Burger!

Fogelsode Season 3 #9: Super Sessions on pinkbike.com

Fogelsode Season 3 #8: Morgan Hill

With a stormy week, Ray, Keegan, and I decided to cruise out to Morgan Hill to check out our buddy JR's new spot. We didn't know what to expect, but were blown away when we pulled up! There are a few sweet lines, a mulch jump, and a foam pit! It was good times all round, putting some lines together on the main set and having a big session on the mulch! Everyone ended up landing something new, and we ended the day with some awesome bbq at Trail Dust.

Enjoy!

Fogelsode Season 3 #8: Morgan Hill on pinkbike.com

Fogelsode Season 3 #7: Trail Rippin

I got my short-travel all built up, and what better way to break it in than some trail rips with the homies! Keegan, Luke, and I got out for a few days, getting stoked on the wet dirt. We decided to mix it up a bit with some trails that we hadn't ridden in years, along with some of our favorites.

Enjoy!

Fogelsode Season 3 #6: First Try Friday

With the new Nuke Proof built up, the Fogelsodes are back! OnlyMTB has their "First Try Friday" series, where you have to send a banger on your first run of the day. It looked like a good time, so Ray and I gave it a go at the good 'ol step-up. Check it out, along with some other footage from throughout the week!

Enjoy!

Shot in Decline and “Firsts” Interview!

Was flipping through the new Decline and I got a shot in the AT’s Showdown article by Long Nguyen!

Also, check out this interview I did for getabmx.co.uk about my “Firsts” of 2012!

Fogelsode #5 and Goodbye Banshee Video

With school and the holidays coming to a close, there's a ton more time to ride! As per usual, Post Office is the place to be around here during this time of year, and it becomes an oddity to see a vacant roll-in during sunset.

Photo: Davin Pena

Also, with the new year means I will be parting ways with Banshee. I'm absolutely grateful for the support that they've provided during these past two seasons, and I put together this compilation of footage from my time with them.

Happy New Year!

Off The Radar

I had the pleasure of having Zinger and Howey stay at my house for a couple weeks at the beginning of the month.  We rode a bunch, and Zinger was hard at work behind the lens, coming out with this banger!

Fogelsode Season 3 #4: AT's Showdown and a Wind Down Sesh

It's been an eventful past couple weeks! AT's Showdown never fails to disappoint and this year was no exception! I always look forward to this contest, not only for the good times that it brings, but because it brings friends from all over to the area, making for some rad days of riding before and after the comp. The contest went perfectly, with few injuries and exciting finals that the "head to head" format brought. I ended up finishing 8th, so I'm stoked on that!
We got a bunch of rain in the days following, so it was back to the good 'ol step-up for some lighthearted sessions--a nice change of pace!

Fogelsode Season 3 #3: Bridge and Teva

Christian Wright and I had the pleasure of riding the Bridge Jumps, with Brendan Howey behind the lens with his broken ankle. We were joined by Dennis Langenstam, and later Eric Lawrenuk, Mark Matthews, and Kurt Sorge, making for some good times! With contests filling up everyone's schedules, it felt awesome to have such a chill day riding such flowy jumps! I threw in some footage from our trip to Teva Games as well!

Enjoy!

 

Fogelsode Season 3 #2: Game of B.I.K.E.

When Christian Wright and I were on our way up to Jump Ship in Victoria, we got to stay at Brendan Howey's house for a few days. With time to kill, we had some fun little seshes on his mulch jump, and Christian had the idea to play a game of B.I.K.E.! As you can see, it was a tremendously strict and serious game, with progression being the only thing on our minds...

Fogelsode Season 3 #2: Game of B.I.K.E. on pinkbike.com

Fogelsode Season 3 #1: Average School Day

Season three is here, with new episodes every two weeks!

For most of September, I found myself in a constant routine: load up my bike/gear at night, go to school in the morning, grab a burrito, and head straight over to Post Office for a little sundown sesh. Sometimes a bunch of people would be out there, other times it was just me. It never really mattered too much though, as any ride turned a stressful school day into a good day. I brought the camera out one day, and self filmed for this edit.

Enjoy!

Photo: Davin Pena

-Fogel

Easy Livin’

Scope this little edit that my buddies Kyle, Iggy, and I put together last week!  Good times back home!

Easy Livin' on pinkbike.com

-Fogel

Shot in Decline!

Got a shot in the last issue of Decline with this 1-foot x-up at Teva Games!  Stoked!

Even got a Cycle Sport sticker in there!

My Summer Video!

I left my house on the morning of May 31st, not knowing what I was getting myself into. It was an epic summer filled with nothing but good times! I went to Teva Games, up to Victoria for Jump Ship, over to Whistler where I coached at Camp of Champions, down to Colorado for Crankworx Colorado, back to the island for the Bearclaw Invitational, and finally back to Whistler to chill for a bit before trucking home. 7804 miles and 74 days later I was back, and had plenty of footage to put this edit together in order to share the trip with you!

Fogel's Summer Adventure 2: Fireworks, Friends, & X-Factors on pinkbike.com

The video's over 16 minutes long, so I broke it up into sections as well:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

-Fogel

Frame it and Claim it

Want to win some FREE bike product? It's easy just post a picture or video of your favorite riding spot or of you just doing something that motivates you when you ride. As long as it is riding related you stand a chance to win one of the three prizes.

Contest Rules

-Upload photo/video and each Tues for the next 7 weeks the photo/ video with the most facebook likes will be moved into the final round of the contest. The crew at SV Cycle Sport will pick an overall winner and announce the winner on August 31st.

Now get out there and start shooting!!!!

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. Any persons mentioned on this site are included for interest and entertainment purposes alone, and should not be perceived as role models by people of any age. Scotts Valley Cycle Sports (SVCS) has no affiliation with these persons and does not endorse, condone or recommend their behaviour or activities. As such we cannot, and will not, be held responsible or liable for any activities taken as a result of visiting this site. Any facts, quotes, articles, news and views contained here are not necessarily representative of the views of Scotts Valley Cycle Sports.

Participation in Contests

You shall be solely responsible for all content you submit, including but not limited to your written, photographic or video submission (“Contest Submission”) and the consequences of our posting or publishing such Contest Submission. In connection with any Contest Submission you warrant that you are submitting an original work to the SVCS Fan Page and have complied with the terms of the Contest Rules, located at svcyclesport.com and that you have the written consent, release, and/or permission of each identifiable individual person in the Contest Submission to use their name or likeness of each such identifiable individual person to enable inclusion and use of the Contest Submission in the manner contemplated by the Contest Website, Contest Rules and this Privacy Policy and Legal Disclaimer. By submitting a Contest Submission. You grant SVCS a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicenseable and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, modify, display, and perform all or any portion of the Contest Submission including without limitation for promoting and redistributing part or all of the Contest Website (and derivative works thereof) in any media formats and through any media channels. You also hereby grant each user of the Contest Website a non-exclusive license to access your Contest Submission through the Contest Website, and to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display and perform such Contest Submission to the extent permitted through the functionality of the Contest Website. We or our service provider may maintain copies of any Contest Submission for purposes of backup, security, or maintenance, or as required by law. Entrants and performers that appear in a video or photographic entry for this competition do so at their own risk. Scotts Valley Cycle Sport takes no responsibility for personal injury, damages - personal or property or any loss whatsoever.

In connection with Contest Submission, you further agree that you will not:

• submit material that is copyrighted, protected by trade secret or otherwise subject to third party proprietary rights, (other than video footage supplied by the Contest Website for the purpose of creating your Video submission including privacy and publicity rights, unless you are the owner of such rights or have permission from their rightful owner to post the material and to grant us all of the license rights granted herein;
• publish falsehoods or misrepresentations that could damage us or any third party;
• submit material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, violate any law, or is otherwise inappropriate;
• post advertisements or solicitations of business; or
• impersonate another person.
  

SVCS does not permit copyright infringing activities and infringement of intellectual property rights on this Contest Website, and we will remove a Contest Submission if properly notified that such Contest Submission infringes on another’s intellectual property rights. We may remove any Contest Submission without prior notice. SVCS also reserves the right to decide whether a Contest Submission is appropriate and complies with applicable laws and the Contest Rules.

Upon viewing any page under this site domain you consent to the above listed disclaimer. For further information, about SVCS, please contact us at svcyclesport.com

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

• Email your video or photographic submission to cyclesport@att.net. Your email needs to contain your name, contact information, Facebook profile name as well as a link/URL to your video or photographic entry. Your submission will be viewed before being added to the SVCS Facebook fan page
• All videos must be 120 seconds in duration or less
• You may enter as often as you like, limited to one submission per day
• Entries will be accepted between 1am, 1 July 2011 to 12am, 21 August 2011
• Entries posted on the SVCS Facebook Fan Page will be judged by ‘Likes’ for entries submitted between 1am, July 2011 to 12 am, 21 August 2011. There after a SVCS elected panel of judges will decide on a winner from the five most ‘Liked’ entries
• The judges decision is final
• Prizes may not be traded for cash or store credit

15. GENERAL CONDITIONS.

a. Void where prohibited by law. The Contest and the legal US participants are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations of the United States.

b. In the event that the operation or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, SVCS may, in its sole discretion, suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules.

c. SVCS reserves the right to modify or cancel this Contest at any time. In the event of cancellation, and at SVCS’s sole discretion, SVCS may substitute another Contest in its place.

d. SVCS is not responsible for any printing errors in these Official Rules or other materials related to the Contest.

e. SVCS reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unethical or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law.

f. SVCS’s failure to enforce any part of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that part.

g. Entry must be made by the Entrant only at the designated email address. Entries made by any other individual or any entity, and/or originating at any other web site will be invalid and disqualified for the Contest. The use of any device or computer software program to automate the entry process is prohibited. SVCS is not responsible for: (i) any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; (ii) human error; (iii) technical malfunctions; (iv) failures, omission, interruption, deletion, or defect of any telephone network, computer online systems, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including any damage to Entrant’s or any other person’s computer resulting from participation in the Contest; (v) inability to access any web site; (vi) theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries; or (vii) transactions that are processed late or incorrectly or are incomplete or lost.

h. Illegible and incomplete entries will be disqualified.

i. All entries become the property of SVCS and will not be acknowledged or returned. False and/or deceptive entries or acts shall render Entrants ineligible.

j. Any information collected by registering to enter the Contest shall be used only in a manner consistent with these Official Rules. By entering the Contest, each Entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of SVCS, whose decision is final and binding.

Video from Davin!

Went on a shoot with Davin Pena the other day, and he whipped up this banger!  Psyched how it came out!

Fogelsode S2 #10: Back At It!

About two months ago, I put a foot down weird on a sketchy 360 and broke the third metatarsal in my right foot.  Thankfully, my recovery was smooth and painless, with constant entertainment and good times that my friends and family brought!  Not to mention, I got a killer cast-tan out of it!  I got cleared to start easing into riding two weeks ago, so I spent a week building up strength riding cross country, and started jumping the week after.  I’ve been collecting GoPro footage along the way, with some clips during my recovery, my x-rays, a bit of cross country riding, and finally jumping and downhilling again!  It feels absolutely unreal to start riding again and I couldn’t be happier!  Enjoy!

Fogelsode S2 #10: Back At It! on pinkbike.com

Community-Geared Cycle Shop Keeps Scotts Valley Cyclists Happy
Cycle Sport has built its business on community support and giving back.

Cycle Sport opened up for business in 1999. Andrew Cavaletto started working there when he was a senior in high school, ten years ago. Now Cavaletto owns Scotts Valley’s lone cycling gear store.

“I started out taking out the trash and building kids bikes. I moved my way up and had the opportunity to buy it, so I took the plunge,” Cavaletto said.

He was only 25 years old when he took over the business, and while the tough economy was a concern, he faced the challenge with open-mindedness and optimism.

“I figured, being 25 when I took it over, I’ve got time to fail and regroup from it if I have to, so I went for it. And, actually things have been going well,” he said.

Cavaletto “likes it all” when it comes to cycling sports, but downhill racing is his competitive passion.

Cavaletto, who attended school at neighboring San Lorenzo Valley High School, likes living and working in Scotts Valley, he especially enjoys the community feel and appreciates their loyal support.

“There’s a lot of people in Scotts Valley, but it still feels like you know everybody, especially at the shop. I’ve seen the same people coming in for 10 years now. It’s great seeing the kids grow up. You can get one-on-one with them. It has that small town feel, and I like that,” Cavaletto said.

Cycle Sport offers everything from kids bikes to hybrids for people who just want to ride around town, to road and mountain bikes. There’s something for every cycling style and a friendly staff to assist riders with their questions and needs.

Cavaletto said, we offer “any type of bike that you want whether you’re a beginning rider up to pro.”

Being a pro rider himself, Cavaletto has less time for racing now that he has the responsibilities of business ownership.

“It was great a few years ago because I didn’t have to worry about the shop. The shop takes up a lot of time,” he said. “I still go race and everything. I don’t get to train as much as I want to, but as long as I’m able to ride, I’m still having fun and happy.”

Nowadays, Cavaletto does four or five races a year, including the U.S. Open in New Jersey, Crankworx in Whistler, Canada and the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey.

The Sea Otter Classic “was a lot of fun, but humbling,” Cavaletto said.

In appreciation of community support, Cavaletto said he likes to give back.

“The community is super supportive. We do a lot of fundraising stuff, like the Mt. Charlie Challenge—a road ride for the Scotts Valley Education Foundation—and we donate bikes to schools,” he said. “Giving back to the community that supports us is a good thing.”

Cycle Sport is at 245 Mt. Hermon Road. The store is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.

X Gon Give It To Ya!

In February Cob and I headed down south in the X-Fusion Battle Bus with Theo and John for a seven day film trip in southern California.  The video came out today on Pinkbike, and Theo killed it to say the least!

Enjoy!

New Fullface!

Cycle Sport styled me out the other day with this custom painted D3!  Sooo psyched, can’t wait to start using it!  2011’s gonna be good!

-Fogel

SVCS Spring Sale

Fogelsode S2 #9: Brett's Cali Trip Part 1

Brett Rheeder showed up to Cali a few days ago, so we started his trip with a few solid step-up seshes.  We started talking and both wanted to work on 3ing drops, so we went for a little evening scout mission, stumbling across a sweet spot, and built it the next afternoon.  The run-in was a bit sketchy, with a steep sandstone ledge into some soft sand before the boards, but offered plenty of speed into the long soft landing.  We noticed a car nearby, and unsure, decided it would be a good idea to leave, cutting the session short.  Brett’s still here for a few more days so look for more to come!

Fogelsode S2 #9: Brett's Cali Trip Part 1 on pinkbike.com

-Fogel

Cycle Sports Keeping Mountain Biking Cool

Cycle Sports Keeping Mountain Biking Cool
A day on the bike trails leads to fun for three local boys.

By Kelly Utic

Traditional youth sports offered in this area have always been soccer, baseball and basketball. But for a few Scotts Valley thrill-seeking eighth-graders, mountain biking is their sport of choice.

Typically, mountain bikers are “Regular Joes” with a taste for action outdoors. Last week, local Cycle Sport bike shop owner, Andrew Cavaletto, escorted three boys, Mitchell, Dillon and Ben, on an adventurous mountain bike ride on the trails near UC Santa Cruz.

“I went along with the boys to show them the area and offer technical assistance right here in our own backyard," Cavaletto said. "I was blown away by the off-road skill level they already had. These boys are gnarly! They climbed, plowed through mud and water, and rode some very technical downhill without hesitation.”

Mitchell had nothing but great things to say about Cavaletto and the bike-ride experience.

“We are better bikers and motivated more than ever to keep riding, thanks to Andrew,” he said. “He is a great mentor. He showed us new trails that pumped us up!”   

Cavaletto is no beginner to the sport of cycling. As a child and young adult, he rode BMX bikes and was attracted to downhill racing. He started competition downhill racing in 2004. He said he likes to race, because it takes him to interesting locales. His favorite places have been Austria and Canada.  

Cavaletto has been the owner of Cycle Sport for two years, after working there since he was 17. He runs a hometown bike shop and said he loves seeing people enjoy biking, especially kids.  

“It’s cool to have kids come here asking for biking advice,” he said. “The more they ride, the more they learn and enjoy biking.
The bike shop also supports the local schools, and Cavaletto has a personal interest in starting a mountain biking team at the high school.

All three boys bought their bikes or parts from Cycle Sport and have attended classes on bike maintenance at the store. Cycle Sport offers demo bikes for rent, with the rental fee going toward the purchase of a bike.
Cavaletto will also donate a Cruiser bike for the upcoming Scotts Valley Educational Foundation’s Mt. Charlie Challenge on April 23. If anyone is interested in participating and does not have a bike, Cycle Sport will rent a bike for the day for a small fee.

Cycle Sport is at 245 Mt. Hermon Rd. For more information, visit svcyclesport.com/ or call 831-440-9070

Mt. Charlie Challenge

Mt. Charlie Challenge - Saturday April 23, 2011

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
It is time to sign up for the Mt. Charlie Challenge Pledge Ride again.
The SVEF Mt. Charlie Challenge is a pledge ride to benefit all Scotts Valley public schools. Our ride will be Saturday April 23th. All funds raised go directly to SVEF to support district wide school programs.
Our event offers you a choice of 100K or 50K routes. Both rides start and end at Skypark in Scotts Valley. The 100K Metric Century (62 miles) climbs to the Summit, winds through wineries and beautiful redwoods, then travels through Corralitos, Aptos, Santa Cruz and returns to Scotts Valley.
The 50K Half Century (32 miles) has less challenging climbs and travels through the redwoods, has a rest stop at a vineyard, continues on to Aptos and returns to Scotts Valley.
Both routes offer beautiful scenery, ride support, lunch and refreshments. The rides are followed by a family luncheon at Skypark with great music.
Please see the registration form below or go to our website to print and fill out the Registration Form. Please review the release form so you can sign it the morning of our ride.
Time to get training! We will be sending out emails on available training rides. Training rides will start when the weather permits. Hope you can join us!

-Scotts Valley Cycle Sport will be at the event in the morning to help with any of your quick adjustments, fine tuning, and or if you just need to air up your tires.

-We also have bikes available to rent if you would like to do the ride on a new 2011 Specialized Roubaix or Tarmac road bike. There is nothing like climbing a hill on a 16lb road bike. It seems to just glide up the hill with ease. For the fearless there is the descent where speeds can reach 50mph. (You do have brakes and dont have to go that fast) If you are interested in renting a bike give us a call (831) 440-9070 and someone can help you set up a reservation.

Look forward to seeing you all out there.

Fogelsode S2 #8: Fun Week in Santa Cruz

It’s been an awesome week around here, with the sun shining and friends like Christian in town.  We took advantage of the weather and trail conditions to get in a fun day of riding big bikes.  Another day, Jeff and I had a cool little sesh at the step-up, before heading over to Post Office.  The classic sundown-seshes have become routine this time of year, but what’s new are some of the younger riders like Jared, Simon, and Fin shredding with us.  Just a week ago they were doing run-ups into the line and now they’re flowing through with style and even throwing a few tricks!  Stuff like that always gets me stoked to see!

Fogelsode S2 #7: Epic Ride Time

After watching too many Epic Meal Time videos on YouTube, Iggy and I decided to get creative when it came to making breakfast!  Leaving the house with satisfied stomachs, we met up with Allen Stoddard and Conner Kuhns out on the trails.  We had a good time on the evening trail ride, enjoying the great weather and trail conditions.  We even learned a few new lines that we’d never tried before.  Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Conner Kuhns

-Fogel

29ers Gaining Momentum?

There have been more than a few times when I have seen a 29er and thought to myself, "what a circus bike! How can a bike with such big wheels be ridden aggressively?" All that changed when I spent a day actually riding a couple 29ers and kept an open mind toward it. I had to see, first hand, why these big wheels were gaining so much popularity.

I grabbed my shop demo bikes and headed out to some trails I often ride. I figured that would be a good way to judge how the bike handled and reacted on the descent. When I first hopped on the bike and started climbing the wheels felt big, but it pedaled with ease. Getting those wheels going was a little bit more work than on a 26" wheel bike, but once they were up to speed they were rolling fast. I was impressed with the way the bike rolled through single track and over logs. The bike seemed to carry momentum and wasn't disrupted by obstacles that would easily rattle a smaller wheel. Since the dirt has been a little dry lately, you can expect the front tire to drift on fast, flat turns, but the longer contact patch of the 29er felt stable and predictable.
For me, the climb and flat bits are just a way to get to the descent. I look forward to riding downhill and it seems we can never get there quick enough. At the top of the descent I was a little cautious because the bike felt so different (with less travel, steeper head angle, and bigger wheels). I was blown away, however, with how much fun it was on the downhill! I felt I had to pick the bike up a little earlier than my 26" bike to jump similar lines, but the bike felt amazingly nimble for its size. Cornering was also a slightly up wider for the turn seemed to make a smoother line that suited the big wheels well. Rolling over braking bumps was not nearly as rough as I thought a 100mm travel would have been. (I think carbon wheels helped on that as well)

By the time I made it to the bottom I was loving the bike and having to swallow some of my words and push aside some of my preconceived thoughts about a 29er.

A 29er is a great bike to have in the stable. I will always keep my 26" bike and love the way the bike rides through the rough, but the 29er has grown on me and I feel is bike that is here to stay.