GUBNA - Full Release Party, March 4th @ The Tasty Weasel

Living up to its slogan of DISESTABLISHMENTARIAN, the GUBNA draft line has run dry at Home Made Liquids and Solids and at the Tasty Weasel Taproom. The good news is that you won’t have to wait long to enjoy our newest seasonal – a 10% ABV, 100 IBUs Hop Grenade that is ready to be canned next week!

To celebrate the canning of the first batch of GUBNA, please join us at the GUBNA FULL RELEASE party at the Tasty Weasel Taproom on Thursday, March 4th beginning at 3pm.

Grab the details HERE on ways to win exclusive behind-the-scenes canning access, 4-packs & t-shirts. GIVE THE GUBNA A HURRUMPH!!!!

2010 Texas State Mountain Bike Series

2010 Cycle Progression
Texas Cross Country State
Championship Mountain Bike Series
Presented by
Oskar Blues Brewery & Spot Brand Bikes

Cycle Progression Bike Shop, Spot Brand Bikes & Oskar Blues Brewery will be kicking off the 2010 Texas State Championship Mountain Bike Series this weekend in Warda, TX. Keep an eye out on the TMBRA Site & right here for additional information as the events get rolling. Get on two wheels & meet us at the races....we'll bring the beer!

Cheers!!


Bikesport Present the Warda Race
Feb 27-28, 2010
Bluff Creek Ranch - Warda, TX
Race Flyer
Pre-Register

STORM Hill Country Challenge
March 13-14, 2010
Flat Rock Ranch - Comfort, TX
Race Flyer
Registration

Bicycle Sport Shop Pace Bend Race
March 27-28, 2010
Pace Bend Park - West of Austin, TX
Race Flyer
Registration

2010 DORBA Bar H Bash
April 10-11, 2010
St. Jo, TX
Race Flyer
Registration

Solavaca Cat Claw Classic
April 24-25, 2010
Solavaca Ranch - Glen Rose, TX
Race Flyer
Registration

GHORBA.org Big Ring Challenge
May 1-2, 2010
Double Lake Rec. Area - Coldspring , TX

Rocky Hill Ranch Roundup
May 15-16 2010
Rocky Hill Ranch - Smithville, TX

2010 Mellow Johnnys Classic
May 29-30, 2010
Rancho Juan Pelota - Dripping Springs, TX

Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series #2

We hustled back from the sunny & 70 conditions of Phoenix, AZ to get right back to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. We traded our summer riding gear for Skis, wool & beer before hitting the road. We stopped at Loveland Ski area for a few runs and a Dale's Pale Ale & then continued on to Leadville for the 7pm start time. The temperature & the elevation certainly were felt as we turned on the lights & did a warm up. I love the vibe of these events & it was a fun pre-race hanging around the fire at the Tennessee Nordic center. The start line saw roughly 65 racers on pretty well packed snow.People head away from the fire & down to the start line.
At the top of "The Griz", the burliest descent of the evening my lights went out as I lost the wheel(and lights) of the front two. I ended up looking over my shoulder for light as i tried to stay on course of The Griz. luckily, the single speeder that caught was super freaking cool & changed helmets with me so I could have some light. He then promptly dropped me as I slid off the trail & into chest deep snow. Note to self, stay on the groomed course, that sh*t is DEEP!
There was a DPA fueled group of skate & tele skiers that provided some a much used pit area.
Once I overcame choking on powder I was able to get the Spot Brand Longboard 9 rolling again, it was getting pretty cold at this point.
After completing the race, getting out of wet clothes & letting the hands thaw out the tunes came out. Dale's Pale Ale, Old Chub & a few Mama's Little Yella Pils were cracked along with tons of hot food & good times.
Things were getting a little b l u rrr r y as the night went on.
Scott Banks from Abzolute Bikes in Salida was sporting new King Cage Titanium fork blades on his Maverick SC-32....pretty trick.

After finishing up the food, beer, prized & raffles we made it back into Leadville to finish the evening at The Scarlette in with Old Chub on draft. We headed to the hotel room ready for bed...but that's another story.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE LEADVILLE CRYSTAL CARNIVAL, MARCH 6th for the 3rd & Final Race of the series. Check what is all going on that weekend!

The Oskar Blues MurCAN Mug Club

Welcome to the MurCAN Mug Club

The MurCAN mug club is designed by craft beer lovers, for craft beer lovers. As you discover new specialty and craft beers at all 3 of our OB locations, you are able to track your progress to earn yourself some sweet swag and become our Grand Pubah MurCAN. The MurCAN chalice holds 18oz of any of our draft beers and you are allowed 3/day towards your rewards & we’ll start you out with a MurCAN Mug Club T-Shirt. Don’t forget your MurCAN member’s card every time you visit to get to the grand prize.

How to Wig Out with your MurCAN
The higher up the ladder you go, the bigger and badder the rewards.
43 MurCAN Mugs -Growler, redeemable at the Tasty Weasel or OB Grill & Brew in Lyons.

66 MurCAN Mugs -Twenty dollars off your choice of merchandise

79 MurCAN Mugs -A $30 gift card for any of our satisfying locations

103 MurCAN Mugs-Your name on a ____ at your favorite location.

167 MurCAN Mugs -Beer dinner for 2

278 MurCAN Mugs -Personalized MurCAN jacket with your name on it

509 MurCAN Mugs -First 2 MurCANS to this receives 2 tickets to the GABF in Denver.

Check us out at oskarblues.com to keep your MurCAN full of new seasonal creations and upcoming events at all 3 OB’s.

Pueblo, CO stop before Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series

We made a bonzi run from the warm sun of Phoenix back to the Rocky Mountains of coloRADo, USA to race at 10,200 feet in mid-February....AT NIGHT! On our way we knew we may be witnessing the last bit of dry dirt in Pueblo, CO so we stopped for a quicky. The super single rolling trails at South Shore add up to a nice piece of mid-winter colorado riding.Super Single...
Nice rolling views

What's in a name...
...aaa now StoneHenge makes sense.

Done & time to share a trailside beer!

Evolution of Can

FREEBIRD

2010 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championshipa

“Firecracker 50” -- Two-week exclusive registration period opens for USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championship classes

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SINGLESPEED EVENTS ADDED TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES

Pre-registration for the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships will open at 12:01 a.m. mountain time on Wednesday, February 17.

The Fourth of July event returns to Breckenridge, Colo. for 2010 where it will once again be held in conjunction with the “Firecracker 50.” Riders wishing to compete in the USA Cycling national championship classes will have a two-week exclusive online registration period from 12:01 a.m. MST on Wednesday, February 17 until 12:01 a.m. MST on Wednesday, March 3.

The field will again be limited to 750 race plates, and because start spots sold out before pre-registration ended last year, riders that want to compete for a Stars-and-Stripes jersey are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the exclusive registration period.

Click here to register early and secure your start spot.

On March 3, online registration will open to non-championship competitors as well. At that time, a printable registration form and waiver will be posted online for those wishing to mail in their entry.

A total of 14 national titles will be on the line in Breckenridge, including men’s and women’s singlespeed national titles which are new for 2010. For more information, please visit the event’s website by clicking here.

2010 Leadville Mountain Bike Winter Snow Race 2 of 3

As I watch the sun set on another 70+ degree day in Phoenix all I can do is JONES to hit the road and land back home in the Rocky Mountains....travel to the high country of Leadville with a truck full of skate Skis, snowshoes, snowbaords & bikes, letting the conditions guide the way. The 2010 Hedge Hog Hustle is just a few miles away but as time ticks by I'm can't wait to head home....

Snow racing will return to Leadville this winter with 3 races in the series. This year 2 of them will be night races. The series is a great way to try out snow racing to see if you want a bigger snow adventure like the Susitna 100 or Iditarod Invitational.

Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series Schedule
•East Side Epic - Saturday, January 23 at 10:00am
•Tennessee Pass Night Jam - Saturday, February 20 at 7:00pm
•Mineral Belt Mayhem - Saturday, March 6 at 7:00pm

For more info on the races see the Cloud City Wheelers Event page or the
Facebook page for the series.

Oskar Blues Brewery to release GUBNA Imperial IPA March 1st 2010

GUBNA Imperial IPA will be release by Oskar Blues Brewery on March 1st. The seasonal release (March through October / off setting the cult favorite Ten FIDY Imperial Stout) continues to push the boundaries of what people expect out of a canned beer & will certainly be the hoppiest beer in a can.



Description
Emphasizing that complexity of character can arise from simple elements, this ale is made with 3 malts and 1 hop. Its light amber color and slightly spicy malt character are derived from the use of German Dark Munich Malt and Rye Malt respectively. North American 2-row barley combines with the other grains to lay the foundation for the hop onslaught to come. Summit hops are used exclusively in the boil for bitterness, flavor and aroma but it doesn't end there. Post-fermentation dry hopping allows the 10% ABV monstrosity to gently coax the citrus rind and grapefruit aroma to join the 100 IBUs already present. This beer will greet you with a pungent citrus blast, provide a spicy yet round middle and finish with a brisk, clean bitterness.

Packaging
4-Packs of 12oz Cans & Draft

Feb 23rd. A female ski flick; "Catch Us If You Can" at Outdoor Divas, Boulder, CO featuring OB Beer & more.

A female ski flick; "Catch Us If You Can"

SheJumps presents the first all women’s ski movie

TIME: 7 p.m.
DATE: FEBRUARY 23rd
PLACE: outdoor DIVAS, Boulder
COST: Suggested $5 donation to SheJumps.org

outdoor DIVAS will present the first all women’s ski film: “Catch Us If You Can.” All the athletes are women, and they completely redefine what it means to "ski like a girl." Featuring the likes of Lynsey Dyer, Rachael Burks, Janette Hargin, Sara Orrensjo, Jennifer Farde, Anja Parson, and Stina Jakobson. The film was produced by a Swedish production company; Generation Flinga (Swedish for snowflake) supported by SheJumps. The SheJumps organization’s vision is “to create a community of ambitious and compassionate women that are willing to take a 'jump' to reach their potential.” This movie is well overdue, finally giving the rippin’ chicks out there the recognition they deserve.

Join us for fine brews provided by Oskar Blues, Bombay Bistro appetizers and a chance to win a new pair of skis. A $5 suggested donation is requested that will go to the SheJumps non-profit organization. The film was shot all around the globe: Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, USA, and Japan. It was directed by Janette Hargin and Sara Orrensjo. “Jump” on the wagon and come out on February 23rd to support these gals because they kick ass. A chick flick for girls who rip, a SKI CHICK FLICK!

About SheJumps: SheJumps goal is to increase women’s participation in outdoor activities through mentorship and coaching from professional and recreational outdoor female athletes. The vision of SheJumps is to create a community of ambitious and compassionate women that are willing to take a "jump" to reach their potential.

South Mountain, AZ love on Valentines Day: National->Telegraph->Desert Classic

Jim "Flight of the Pigs" Wilcox gave me a guided tour of his stomping grounds following yesterday's Skirt Chaser 5K in Tempe. Check out a few of his events...the riding was fantastic. A super technical couple hour day on South Mountain in Phoenix, AZ.

Heading up the early steeps of the National Trail.

The National Trail was a good consistent technical climb with a few steep kickers in there to keep you honest. Once the climbing mellowed the trail got more technical as you traversed the hillside continuing to take aim at the towers & finally getting past them.


The Telegraph trail simply plunges down super technical drop after dry dusty, loose, switchback drop....loving the 29er with all the rock spacing, step ups & drop offs. I didn't get a ton of pictures but certainly had a ton of fun.

Once we were able to make it down Telegraph safe & sound & with a few walked sections of downhill we came to the parade lap of Desert Classic for a smooth ride home. Jim rocks Desert Classic in his SSWC '09 Jersey.

All in all a great ride with 3 very distinct portions: Technical climbing & traverse, Super F'ing technical Descent, then the rolling fast sections bringing back to the neighborhood.


Thanks a bunch for Kim & Tim's hospitality, CHEERS!!!

Winter Break at the Pool and PIR

We had a bit of time after SS USA so we headed to PIR for some good rolling SS terrain. I hadn't been here since racing the Hedge Hog Hustle in 2000.

Robin & Nick head out at PIR after both posting 4th & 7th place finishes at SS USA.
Chainsaw says....you want this sweet card??? I have doubles. A little bummed thinking back, the packers leading ruser was Kenneth Davis, right around 500 yards for the season. I think ERic Dickerson had more yards than that in Eric Dickerson's jock.
Chainsaw getting some sun on the PIR trails.

A serious discussion with SS USA "Foot down" belt holder Jon Bailey about the big wheels of a 29er. Turn 29, ride 29 sucka.

As more snow fell in D-Town & the front range we followed up the ride with a little hoops & pool time. Thanks to Chris Adams for sharing his Phoenix diggs with us.

off to SkirtChaser 5K in Tempe....catch them skirts if you can.

Catalina Highway ride pre SS USA

After landing in Tucson & having a tasty morning Dale's Pale Ale & Chorizo Breakfast Burrito at B-Line Restaurant on 4th Ave we headed to the site of SS USA via the Catalina Highway. We did some minimal bike maintenance, whipped the drive & sleep from our eyes & headed out on the pavement ready to spin that drive outta our legs. We rode the highway up to the 11 mile marker & hit dirt as we realized we would most likely be finishing up in the dark. The descent was freaking amazing & the sun was a nice relaxing end to a good night & day of travel & meeting people leading up to the race. The climb was a nice grade a little long but was a good way to wake up the body before hitting the choice singletrack descent.
Dale hits a bit of snow...yes we were rockin' flip flops for most of the stay but we climbed enough to find white stuff in shady area's up top. We didn't mind, all the rest of the way down the trails were HERO dirt & sunshine....AMEN!
Dale emerges into AZ sunshine
Good times....good times.
One armed soaker toker.?.
A nice finish to the day...a long day.
The ride was a little longer than we anticipated & we were feeling pretty hungry upon landing. Dale made sure he had enough fuel for the next days race through duct tape & meat preparation. I laughed, then i thanked him around mile 35 the next day as we chillaxed & enjoyed some jerky.

Spot Brand Longboard Belt Drive SS for SS USA

Spot Brand Bikes made the TWENTY TEN Longboard available for the Oskar Blues crew heading down to SS USA last weekend in Tucson, AZ. This beauty sports the next generation Spot Brand drop out...let me tell you this thing is slick, compact, set it-and-forget-it dialed. I've run the Gates Carbon Drive System for 2.5 years now & have had only one issue during the duration of miles & diversity of conditions. The drop outs & rocket adjusters in addition to the learning curve of "handling instructions" of the belt caused some issues for the masses. They were mostly in the "ease of use" or "learning curve" category & not the lack of performance category. As long as you paid attention to how you handled the belt (most noteably not to twist the belt) while installing it & made sure belt line was 100% on the sprockets you would more than likely chew up any conditions without any maintenance or lube...and I did from snow to mud, dust & rocks. The biggest issue was getting all of those variables aligned while having the trailside flat. This new system allows you to set it once & then forget it. Once the belt tension & aligment is set you only have to pop the wheel out of the drop out to change a flat, everything remains uber dialed. In addition to the slick new drop out the Twenty Ten Longboard went back to a smaller front chainring & sprocket set up. This allows less of a dimple on the drive side chainstay & increased strength on the stay. It also comes in this super-f*ing-dope Black Chrome finish that shows John's consistant & pretty welds. Cheers to Taylor & John for this product of craftsmanship & beauty. The Carbon Drive System in the sleak new Spot drop out....mmmmmm, pretty. You can really see the welds & "Black Chrome" finish shine on the non-drive side mounts. This finish is available on the Twenty Ten Longboards. Another view of the tight new digs. She sits ready for 47 miles & 6,000 ft of climbing AZ desert style....thanks Dejay & the AZ crew for throwing a quality SS event...YEP, SS USA is coming to coloRADo this year! Here is a peak of the old Spot Brand System. Still a pretty bike, Ten FIDY custom paint but clearly the new system is a large step forward. Cheers to the evolution of the bicycle, BEER & BIKES! CM

Eldora Ski Area Master Planning Meeting TONIGHT - BMA News Alert

Eldora Ski Area Master Planning Meeting
TONIGHT

Wednesday Feb 10th 4pm - 8pm
Boulder Library - Canyon Theater
1001 Arapahoe Ave
or
Tues Feb 16th 1pm - 6pm
Eldora Mountain Resort Main Lodge
2861 Eldora Road

Yesterday in the Daily Camera Eldora Mountain Resort ran a ad inviting the public to attend one of three open houses as they seek input on suggestions for facilities and upgrades at the resort. They are also updating their "Master Plan".

Summer programming at Eldora.... if that is something you would like to see develop at this ski area, NOW is the time to communicate that desire.

Unfortunately, summer programming does not seem to be on Eldora's radar at this time. Comments can be submitted online by clicking here, and there is opportunity to ask the ski resort for a summer program that includes cycling. If this is something you would like to see develop at this local ski area, NOW is the time to do it. Expressing that desire in person is likely more effective than submitting comments, but in either case, we suggest that you ask that you be kept up to date with this process and challenge Eldora to consider implementing summer program.

They will never know what we want until we tell them....

SS USA details to come...

We had a blast hitting the Tucson desery for a mid winter break at SS USA...47 miles & 6000ft of climbing ceratinly didn't feel like a vacation but it sure was fun.


Some of the details are making it to the surface HERE....OB's to come.

We have a few things going on down here that are keeping us busy..
SkirtChaser 5k in Tempe Saturday the 13th.....Sign up & meet us there! Get OB featured beer all day Saturday the 13th in Tempe, AZ at BISON WITCHES BAR, CHRONIC TACOS & BARNEY's BOATHOUSE in Tempe. OB will also be at the Phoenix Whole Foods friday 4 to 6pm & then going to Papago Brewing Friday for featured OB Beer 6pm to 8pm

Info will be on a need to know basis: Start time is 9am. 45 Miles of sweetness.

I cannot forecast to you the action [at SSUSA]. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is the [SSUSA rider].” - Winston Churchill (in spirit)

SS USA

Full Moon Ski & Goin' Down South

The full moon this weekend provided a perfect setting for a moonlight hike & turns. The group had a few brews as well....


Tonights Redstone ride is Goin' Down South....check out the details HERE.

Goin' Down South - R.L. Burnsi...