For Immediate Release

Location:  Tahoe City California, CA, 11 August 2008

Contacts: Rob Howard 510-773-4701, Dr. Robb Gaffney MD  530-412-1325 

World-Class Athletes to Cross Lake Tahoe on Stand-Up Paddle Boards to Raise Awareness and Funding for U.S. Service Members Injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Epic Way Sports’ Skiskills.com joins forces with the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation to raise awareness and funding for service members suffering from traumatic brain injury, combat stress, and other war-related injuries.

Skiskills.com, a division of Epic Way Sports, is bringing together a group of world-class skiers, surfers, mountain climbers, and disabled athletes to cross Lake Tahoe on stand-up paddle boards on Monday, August 11, 2008. Among the 20 participants are Olympic gold medalist and world-champion skier Jonny Moseley; Olympian and top-tier U.S. downhill skier Daron Rahlves; Olympic snowboarder and X Games gold medalist Nate Holland; big-mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones; legendary big-wave surfer and Jaws tow-in surfing pioneer Dave Kalama; and Mark Wellman, the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan and Half Dome, and a recipient of a U.S. Senate Resolution Award.

Most participants had never stepped onto a stand-up paddle board before this summer. Now they are committed to paddling 22 miles across Lake Tahoe. And while it will be difficult for them, these world-class athletes recognize their challenge is nothing compared to what the victims of traumatic brain injury and other serious war-related injuries have to deal with each and every day—even to do the most basic and mundane tasks. “As a medical doctor who has treated traumatic brain injuries, I know firsthand the difficult journey these men and women must endure,” says Dr. Robb Gaffney, MD, Skiskills cofounder, event co-organizer, and practicing physician. “I hope our symbolic journey will help by making people more aware and convincing them to give generously to the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation (www.bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org).” Adds Crossing leader Dave Kalama, “What these veterans have to deal with makes surfing Jaws seem pretty tame. They’ve put their lives on the line for all of us and sacrificed so much. It’s time to step up and do whatever we can to help them. “

Dr. Gaffney and his posse of world-class action-sports athletes are teaming up with the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation in this awareness- and fund-raising event. Bob Woodruff was an ABC News anchorman who himself suffered a near-fatal traumatic brain injury in January 2006 when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle while he was on assignment in Iraq. While recovering from his injuries, Woodruff and family members founded the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation to assist others by funding advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support, and resources for injured service people.

The Lake Tahoe Crossing will start at 7 a.m. on 11 August 2008 from a location to be determined on Lake Tahoe’s West shore area. The lead group is expected to complete the 22 mile trek roughly five hours later and end up at Lake Tahoe’s East or South Shore areas, depending on wind direction and water conditions. 

To learn more about the Tahoe Stand-Up Paddle Board Crossing 2008 and how you or your firm can support this worthy cause, please contact Dr. Robb Gaffney, 530-412-1325, robbgaffney@hotmail.com, or Rob Howard, 510-773-4701, rhoward@bikeskills.com.

Skiskills.com, a division of Epic Way Sports, is a private startup company founded in 2007 that connects world-class athletes with skiers around the world through no-cost downloadable instructional and inspiration video content, as well as conducting clinics and special events. Skiskills.com is dedicated to establishing an inclusive community that promotes learning, health, and active lifestyles.

World Champion Greg Minnaar. World Class in Every Way.

 First of all, I have to say that working with World Champion Greg Minnaar was really fun. His skills are world class of course, but so were his attitude, work ethic, and awareness of what mountain biking is all about (fun) and who it’s all about: the recreational rider. We couldn’t have asked for more in our Descending video star instructor! Can’t wait to see the video? Then click on Greg’s image! 

So What Did Greg Do For Mountain Biking’s Mainstream?

Good question. Better answer: Greg worked with the Bikeskills instructional team to come up with a video that can and will help anyone become a more capable and confident mountain biker when the trail points down. Greg made it real clear to us that he really wanted to help. And he did. Here are a couple of things you’re going to get from watching the video (again and again!)

• Descending is a lot of fun. But it’s also challenging: develop the skills to ensure the thrills and minimize the spills!
• When Gravity takes over, rapid, fluid body movements are crucial: know when and how to make the right moves!
• Know your limits! The faster you are going, the more rapidly you will need to recognize what you can and can not do.
• Combine skills. The trail pointing down is just one challenge presented with most downhill sections. Many if not most also include rock gardens, ruts and turns of all shapes and varieties.

Want to check the video out in full-on, full-tilt, HD (that’s High Definition) format?  You can play it full screen on your computer, TV, or even your bike shop’s big-screen projector! Go ahead and click on this link for the big picture: 

http://www.dailymotion.com/bikeskills/video/x5szvc_bikeskillscom-downhill-with-minnaar_sport

Here are a few shots taken from the video:

Finally, The Video That Tells The Story!

We apologize for this taking so long, but you know what they say: good things come to those who wait.  It was really great to see what Bikeskills videographer, Jeremy Teman came up with. Jeremy is a professional in every way, but I think that he’d be the first to admit that it was nice having something like the Ridezone to work with. Given that there was so much fun taking place in the Ridezone, creating a video that looked fun was a lot easier than it would been had we sent him to a debate between Hillary and Barack.

So check this video out (by clicking on it) and send the YouTube link to anyone that you know who: likes to have fun,  enjoys any time of cycling, might be in a postion to show it to someone that would be interested in getting a Ridezone built, etc.  If you have any questions about building or Ridezone, contact us at info@bikeskills.com

A Big Hero Steps up… Again

For those of you have heard of Jon Sigerman, the legendary dirt jumper, his stepping up to be the major supporter of the Bikeskills Ridezone will come as no surprise. Jon has been there virtually every step of the way since Bikeskills’ inception four years ago. He has provided insight, legal opinions (in addition to being a fiendishly ripping dirt jumper, Jon is an attorney as well), ideas, and financial help that has helped Bikeskills, The Bikeskills Foundation, efforts to build a local bike park, Sand Hill Raceway, to name a few bike related beneficiaries.

Our First Customer, Emily, Drops in…

Although she’s looking a bit apprehensive here, Emily figured the Ridezone table tops, bridges, and pump tracks out real quick. And while we felt our Santa Cruz Jackals and Chameleons were the right tools to have, Emily seemed to have no problem with her LikeaBike.

If you’re wondering about that sign in the back that says SKISKILLS, yeah, there’s a SKISKILLS that’s a lot like Bikeskills. And like Bikeskills’ world class pro instructors, SKISKILLS has the likes of Jonny Moseley, Robb Gaffney, and JT Holmes on its A-Team.

The Bikeskills Foundation Makes the Scene

The role of The Bikeskills Foundation is to help make dreams of bike parks and other new skool riding venues reality. Don’t just watch us: get involved with the Bikeskills Foundation and help us Build Places for Kids to Ride! For more information about The Bikeskills Foundation, contact Rob Howard at rhoward@bikeskills.com

More Images and Video to Follow

We have a ton of pictures and video we are sorting through and editing. We’ll post it as soon as we have it available. If you took some great pictures and or video in the Ridezone, send it to us and we’ll get it up on our site.

A High Energy Hero of the Day Steps Up: Hi-Ball Energy

Just about the time the College Cyclery and Bikeskills teams were totally thrashed, Todd Beradi, founder of Hi-Ball comes to the rescue with his great new products for the crew, and funding for the Ridezone! If that’s not reason enough for you to get some Hi-Ball energy drinks, try this: we feel their products are the best tasting, all natural, energy drinks on the market. In fact, come by the Ridezone and we’ll have some on ice for you!

From Gravel Lot to Fun Factory: The Bikeskills Ridezone is Ready to Rumble!

Remember this photo a couple of weeks ago? Yeah, that was Day One and what we started with.

Yeah, pretty grim. It takes a very special group of people to turn that in to this:

We’re Ready. Are you?

We’re all systems go down here in Monterey: Jumps. Check. Pump tracks times two. Check. Rock gardens, wood bridges, skinnies, switchbacks, root sections, check, check and double check! The only thing missing is…. you!

So get yourself down here and join Randy, Terry, Ed, Joe, Rory, Maxine, Paul, Kacie, Jeff and the rest of the Bikeskills team in the Ridezone. You will be glad you did.

A Fallen Hero Needs Our Help!

Most of us mountain bikers both know Tara Llanes and about her tragic injury. Here’s a way that you can help us help Tara on her Road to Recovery: take - or get someone to take - one of our Women’s Only clinics at the Sea Otter Classic. All profits will go to Tara’s recovery fund. The clinics will be taught by World Cup DH Pro and Bikeskills instructor, Maxine Irvine. Students will have a great time and have the knowledge they are doing good. For more information, check out our Sea Otter Clinic Schedule on our home page.

The Ridezone Skillzone Gets Some Additional Features Including a Gnarly Rock Garden

We really put a lot of thought and hard work in to this year’s Skillzone. The concept being that either on your own (or better yet in a Bikeskills clinic at the Sea Otter Classic) riders can learn and hone real-life trail skills in the Ridezone. We have wooden bridges, an uphill and dowhill incredible switchback, a root section, and a rock garden that required us to find, transport, and move some bodaciously heavy rocks. We think you’re going to have a great time in the Skillszone. And if you’re thinking about testing a bike from the Demo Zone, the Skillzone will be a great place to wring it out:

Today’s Hero: Clif Bar. The folks are Clif are no strangers to doing the right thing. Since Bikeskills inception, Clif Bar has been there with and for us. We can’t think of a single company that is more integrated in to the cyling lifestyle or is doing more to make this place called earth a better place. Clif Bar - and especially Bryan Cole and Peter B - rule.

The Mystery of the Strange Bird Solved: Ole Blu is Back!

A couple of days of days ago we reported that there was a strange bird, a peacock in fact, hanging around the Sea Otter Classic venue. It turns out that it wasn’t a peacock at all, but Mark Weir, dressed as a peacock, just making sure that Randy and Terry re-created his classic, Ole Blue pump track just the way it’s supposed to be. But it’s up to you, the people that come to the Ridezone next week to tell us, if we got it right:

Skillzone Progress

One of the Terrain Features we’ve been working on hard this year is the Skillzone. The basic concept is to create a loop roughly 50 feet wide and 125 or feet long that includes the kind of obstacles and technique building terrain most trail riders encounter. We’re talking about switchbacks, roots, rock gardens, step-ups, etc. In fact, we’ve worked so hard to create a trail simulator, that Bikeskills Joe Lawwill is teaching trail clinics using the Skillzone. It’s still in the rough stages, but here’s an image of one of the switchbacks:

Today’s Hero: Mt Tam Orthopedics

As was the case with my last post, we’re going to start by giving credit where credit is due, a firm that is helping Bikeskills to make the Ridezone possible:  Mt Tam Orthopedics (www.mttamorthopedics.com) Not only does Mt Tam Orthopedics have some of the finest surgeons anywhere, they’ve got some docs that aren’t so bad on a mountain bike either like Santa Cruz Blur riding, and US Ski Team Surgeon Dr. Dave Goltz MD. Maybe not the kind of guy you want to meet at work, but defintely the  go-to-guy if and when you need him! 

Jump Construction Design and Construction Theory and Practice

I’m a physicist and I admit that I am both interested in, and find building bike jumps fascintating. That said, most people… aren’t. What they are interested in - if they’re like  most all-mountain cyclists - is knowing where those jumps are so they can go hit them!  Well, Randy and crew are working on two sets of table top jumps in the Bikeskills Ridezone as I write.  Here’s proof: 

 Who is This Strange Bird and What is he Doing in Monterey? 

 This guy was on Bikeskills founder, Rob Howard’s fence in Monterey last night. While he’s obviously a Peacock, what is he doing in Monterey?  Someone told me that the Pump Tracks at Mark Weir’s place are also called the Peacock Pit.  Is this guy out of work, or is he up to something?  Stayed tuned and I’ll report back with the 411 tomorrow.

Let the Work Begin!

While it’s all fine and well to be given a nice, level, forty five thousand square feet of canvas to work with, the amount of time, effort and hard work that goes in to making something like the Bikeskills Ridezone is amazing. Even more amazing is the amount of volunteer work, even money from the very people that are creating the Ridezone: Bikeskills and College Cyclery (http://www.collegecyclery.biz/). So before I go on,  props to College Cyclery and owner, Terry Cox!

Back to That Blank Canvas: Construction Time!

The first thing to do was to get the dirt in the right places. It’s one of those things that sounds easy, but not only is it not because you hav to know not only what terrain features go where, but which ones are going to be built in what order. Get it wrong and you quickly find out how hard and long it takes to move the dirt deposited by one of these:

An Artist and His Canvas

I’m not sure what Randy’s thinking here, but my guess is that he’s pretty fired up about creating something that thousands of kids and adults alike, in less than a couple of weeks, are going to have a great time on and with. That said, he also looks like he’s thinking “man, that’s a lot of dirt…”

Time to Get Busy with the Bobcat

Once again it’s Terry Cox and College Cyclery to the rescue: they brought their own Bobcat tractor to build the Ridezone. Do you think these guys are serious about buildig mountain biking venues?  Here’s Randy the mechanical artist at work:

The Chef Tastes His Concoction…

Many hours of driving, shaping by both machine and hand, Randy’s first pump track, the advance one, is ready for a quick lap to see how it rides.  Looks pretty good from this angle…

Admiring the Creation.. or Rather Appraising the Creating

Even thought it’s early in the construction process and there are miles to go, you have to take the time to step back and take a look at what you’ve created. With the first pump track installed, it’s nice to sit back and realize that we’re on the way.  Are you ready to come to the Bikeskills Ridezone at the Sea Otter Classic?  Here’s some incentive that Randy and Terry just cooked up for you:

BIKESKILLS RIDEZONE: Another year and getting better!

Photo Left: The Ridezone as a blank canvas and before construction.

Once again it’s that time off the year when every self respecting bicycle rider works him or herself into a frenzy. Yup, it’s Sea Otter time!

Bicycle enthusiast of all types and ages come to Monterrey to enjoy the festivities of the Sea Otter, but for mountain bikers, it holds some unique opportunities. One of these is the RIDEZONE. The RIDEZONE construction and design this year is being lead by free riding legend and course designer, Randy Spangler with input from the likes of Joe Lawwill and Mark Weir.  The main objective to the RIDEZONE is to provide a safe setting for people of all ages to develop and improve their cycling skills and benefit from the experienced staff on hand. Adults can pass along the mountain biking bug to the upcoming generation, as well as see how some of this younger generation has progressed the sport. Last years RIDEZONE was awesome featuring 2 Pump tracks, (1 beginner 1 advanced) a trail section (ladders, wall rides, rocky sections), and a table top jump section for those in search of the clouds.

This year The Bikeskills Ridezone will be even better! So keep this blog on your favorites as I will be giving up to date reports on the progress being made. Want to be even closure to the action, then sign up to volunteer some muscle and in the process learn the mechanics of creating features of your own…