International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Hosts ‘Mountain Biking Hub’ at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Boulder, CO – July 21, 2010 – The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will host a new addition, the Mountain Biking Hub, in the Endurance Zone at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, to be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Aug. 3-6.

“This new show feature will help dealers discover pathways to connect with customers interested in cycling and tap into partnerships with the brands, outfitters and destinations that provide great mountain biking experiences,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. “IMBA has been a partner at the show for some years, and we’re glad to host this exciting addition to the Endurance Zone.”

Located alongside Runner’s World Magazine in the Endurance Zone, the Mountain Bike Hub will showcase partnership opportunities available to retailers, brands and mountain biking tourism destinations. Attendees can learn about emerging and established mountain bike destinations, sustainable trail design and mountain bike management practices. They will have the opportunity to check out the latest in cycling technology, with bikes and equipment provided by Specialized and Trek. IMBA leadership will also be on hand, representing 20+ years experience in the cycling and outdoor industries, to field questions and explore partnerships.

Retailers can register to win a trip to Moab, sponsored by Western Spirit, and IMBA cycling jerseys when they stop by the Mountain Biking Hub.

“IMBA has successfully partnered with diverse players in the outdoor recreation field,” said Rich Cook, IMBA’s director of development. “Giving back to trails and developing riding destinations is central to IMBA’s work. We look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our connection with OR attendees.”

Research shows that the majority of mountain bikers in the US also participate in camping, hiking and trail running. Mountain bikers also volunteer close to one million hours of service annually to public lands. In research by the Outdoor Foundation, mountain biking has been identified as one of the top “gateway” activities that introduce youth to a spectrum of outdoor activities.

“There are significant opportunities for retailers, brands and riding destinations to cross promote each other’s work,” said Cook. “Cycling is growing, and it’s part of the solution to many issues that face us in the industry, such as fighting obesity, building the next generation of environmental stewards and getting youth active in the outdoors.”

For more information about the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010 features, please visit www.outdoorretailer.com. For more information about joining IMBA, please visit www.imba.com

About the International Mountain Bicycling Association
The International Mountain Bicycling Association is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 35,000 individual members, more than 750 bicycle clubs, more than 160 corporate partners and about 600 bicycle retailers. IMBA’s members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries. IMBA’s headquarters in the United States are located in Boulder, Colorado.

About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer (OR), produced by Nielsen Business Media of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. OR is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business event management company, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation. Now celebrating more than 25 years of successful events, Outdoor Retailer (www.outdoorretailer.com) gathers approximately 40,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for its Winter and Summer Market shows.

Preview the future of the outdoor industry at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which will bring the best of spring/summer product offerings to Salt Lake City, Utah at the Open Air Demo from August 2, 2010 and the trade show from August 3-6, 2010.

Onwards from AKQA on Vimeo.

If you didn’t get an Mountain Safety Research MIOX water filtration device  in your stocking this year, this is something you can’t wait for until next Christmas – you need this water filter in 2009!  So what is this MSR MIOX all about anyway? The MIOX is the size of a screwdriver and uses battery power to turn a salty cocktail delight into a chlorine solution that kills viruses, bacteria, and Cryptosporidium (aka crypto.) The MIOX works by creating brine out of untreated fresh water and salt, then passing an electrical charge through the solution. This results in a powerful dose of mixed oxidants. This solution is then poured into untreated water, inactivating all viruses, bacteria, giardia, and cryptosporidium. The small Kit includes: MIOX purifier, salt, batteries, safety-indicator strips, instruction booklet, quick-reference card, and storage sack. Dimensions: about 7 inches long by 1 inch in diameter. Dwell times: Viruses and bacteria, give it 15 minutes. Giardia, give it 30 minutes. Cryptosporidium, give it about 4 hours.  It is very simple to use, just follow the simple instruction card included in the MIOX kit.  We recommend buying extra salt, test strips and batteries.  This is the best deal for the MSR – Miox Purifier - as it is listed on MSR’s website for the suggested retail price of $139.95.  Even at that price it is worth every penny especially if you are in Alaska fishing and drinking out of the wrong stream!  Enjoy a little success story about my personal experience with MSR’s MIOX water treatment device:

A group of us went on a fishing and hunting trip to Alaska – we packed in all of our supplies as the float plane dropped us off on the tidal flats of Kadake Bay about two miles from the cabin.   About 500 yards away from the cabin was the main artery river lined with bear tracks, rotting, half-eaten salmon and other indescribable stuff.  We dipped our buckets and hefted them across the tall grass, over rocks and up the steep incline to the cabin.  That is when we pulled out the MIOX.  We continued this routine twice a day for four days – until I discovered the spring right behind the cabin on day 5.  Did the MIOX work?  Absolutely!  No one got sick from drinking the crazy germ infested water from the main river.  I will always have one of these water filters with me whenever I am camping.  We would also recommend having one of these in your 72 hour kit!  Be prepared with this MIOX.

If you want large forearm muscles buy a pump water filter – I already have big forearms and prefer the gym for my work outs, that is why I own the MSR MIOX.

Ski Gear Review:

The North Face Men’s Varius Guide Jacket is the perfect coat for the upcoming ski season. After researching and trying on and testing several jackets and options, this is the coat that I have purchased for the 2008-2009 ski season. The jacket is a perfect shell with light insulation. I was tempted to get the 3-in-one North Face or even the more insulated Varius guide, but found that this jacket is perfect. True to size fit and not a ton of bulk. It features the North Face HyVent Technology offering wind resistance, breathable and is waterproof.

The North Face Men’s Varius Guide Jacket The Varius Guide Jacket is a classic all-weather jacket with a fortified shell. Jacket has plenty of pockets and one is specifically designed for a MP3 player. The hood works well over a helmet or can be removed if you do not want to use it. A versatile ski jacket for any condition.

Arc’teryx 15% off coupon sale – ARCTERYX15

Arc’teryx Men’s Covert Collar Zip ReviewWoven with breathable and fast-drying Polartec Thermal Pro sweater knit, this Arc’teryx Covert Collar Zip combines a tailored appearance with functional fabric. While Polartec Thermal Pro sweater knit looks like wool, it’s easier to launder and doesn’t have the same permanent stretch properties. Unlike many Arc’teryx pullovers, the Covert Collar Zip doesn’t have handwarmer pockets, but there is a small stash/radio pocket on the left sleeve. If you’re looking for something functional without all the mundane stuff found on typical fleece outerwear, the Covert Collar Zip has it all together in a sharp looking package. If the missing pockets are a big deal but you like the innovative knit fabric, the Arc’teryx Covert Hoody has pockets in the typical places with a hood thrown in on top.

The Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 3 person Tent has been redesigned with Atlas Scandium SL poles, the Light Wedge 3 offers over 44 square feet of living area for three adults–and that doesn’t include the vestibule space for packs and other gear. Mountain Hardwear recently revised this backpacking tent, reinforcing the pole design with Atlas Scandium SL, a hard alloy built to withstand over 109,000-psi of intense pressure. This enhanced strength allows for thinner pole walls that reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The Light Wedge 3 has a full-size mesh, D-shaped door and two top vents plus a rear window for 4×4 venting on muggy summer nights. The outer fly has a non-yellowing window made from UV-resistant and tear proof UVX film, a proprietary clear material that’s been tested at 27,000 feet and resists clouding like PVC or plastic film. It even stays flexible all the way down to -66 F, not that we’re saying that you should use this durable, three-season tent in those frozen conditions. The durable brow pole over the vestibule adds strength while increasing headroom above the single D-shaped door. Large pockets along the walls and suspended webbing loops help keep your gear in order. This is a great buy for what you get.  Buy the Light Wedge 3 Tent

Lets face it, Keen makes great shoes.  The Keen Shellrock shoe is the do-it-all low cut mountain shoe.  This shoe provides excellent support is light and flexible enough for a day hike or a simple trail run.  The out sole grips well on talus and steep slabs.  This shoe is best for medium volume feet.

In fact the shoe made the list for the top ‘light-duty” shoe for 2008. The Soft shell upper has no seams for a smooth, no-chafe fit “S3″  for shock, suspension, stability exterior Heel Support Structure is engineered to support the foot on impact, dissipating shock and reducing the chance of ankle twisting. Tri-density anatomical footbed supports the unique structure of your feet Midsole protection plate Specifications:

Upper: Synthetic Outsole: Rubber Lining: Nylon

Weight: 1 lb 1 oz

Cost: $100

We care about you and your personal comfort and thats why we write about and recommend the best gear, so it is likely that you will never have blisters if you stick with our recommendations. There are three causes for those un-wanted blisters on your feet: heat, moisture and friction. Thanks to one of my favorite magazines “Backpacker“Here are 5 field-tested techniques to eliminate the chance for blisters:

1. Grease up. Reduce the friction by applying antiperspirant, anti-fungal power or a skin lubricant such as Sportslick, BodyGlide, or Hydropel before you hike. Reapply every few hours on the trail.

2. Ventilate. Wear the most breathable footwear appropriate for the conditions.

3. Keep them dry. If your feet perspire heavily, remove your boots and socks during rest breaks, apply more anti-fungal powder, and let them air out!

4. Rotate socks. Thats right, pack an extra pair of socks. Change your socks at lunch – or whenever they get soaked-and dry sweaty ones with body heat (in your jacket or pocket) or by hanging them from your pack as you hike.

5. Act early. As soon as you feel a hot spot developing, wrap or cover it with duct tape or moleskin (use tincture of benzoin with the latter to improve stickiness.)

I just found a great new site that is “GEAR”ed just for kids. Here is a “little” bit about the site: the main interest is in getting kids outdoors, assisting families, schools and camps in finding the right equipment and gear and providing the highest quality products available. They carry some of the best brands in the business. Get your kids out of the house and UpsideOver.com will help you get ‘em there! You will find: Jogging Strollers, child Carriers, Bike Trailers, Snowshoes/Skiing, Climbing, Paddle/Water Sports, Camping-Hiking, Cycling, Kids’ sunglasses, Water – Hydration, Safety – First Aid, Buntings, Hats & Gloves, Rain Gear, kids Shirts, Pants and Shorts, Vests, Jackets, Fleece, Long Underwear, Winter Wear, Infant Toddler Shoes, Booties, Sandals & Watershoes, Socks, Slip Ons & Loungers,Hiking & Multi-Sport, Waterproof Boots, Climbing Shoes!