Coaster Brake Challenge
Thread started by
rev106 at 06.2.09 - 7:43 am
The Coaster Brake Challenge is a single speed mountain bike race series that spans the entire month of July. 4 races in total, the winner is the highest scoring rider.
These races are not easy.
You may get hurt.
You will get tired.
You will have fun.
Anyone who thinks they’re hardcore because they ride a road bike until 4 in the morning has not done the coaster brake challenge. You are a pussy.
Your little fixie tricks don’t impress me, try racing all out for 10 miles in the dirt, dodging joggers and other cyclists while skidding sideways down a dirt hill.
Read the rules, build a bike (I can help with that), show up ready to have fun. The last race was in BIKE magazine, perhaps we’ll se more of that as this thing grows.
Do you have what it takes? I’m sure you do!
Purpose:
To have fun, to race, to sweat, breathe hard, to ride hard, to challenge ones self.
We will be hosting 4 Sunday races in the month of July. Each race will have a meet point at 5pm and race at 5:30/6:00 pm. Most races will be short 1 to 2 hour affairs. Meet points and descriptions of each race will be posted so you know what to expect.
Rules for bikes:
Gearing:
Single speed only. No internal geared hubs (sturmey-archer, bendix two speed kick backs etc.) no derailleur of any kind (A chain tensioner is fine). No external gearing. No gears. No fixed gear. Each race will usually require a different gear ratio and you can have any gear ratio you wish. We have found that 30-36 in the front and 18-22 in the back is the range best suited for this event, see what works best for you.
Drive system:
The rear hub must be a coaster brake. Single speed coaster brake only. No two-speed kick backs, etc (I know what they look like) Some coaster brakes are better than others, do your homework and get a good one. See below for more info. Cranks of any kind may be used as well as pedals.
Braking system:
Coaster brake only on the rear wheel only. No hand brakes of any kind. No secondary braking system of any kind. No drum brakes, no cables, rods, levers, etc of any kind. You pedal forward to go forward and back to stop. Nothing else.
Frame:
Preference for old double bar cruisers but there are no frame restrictions. We have found that cruiser frames and lower end frames with a horizontal dropouts work the best. Frames with a rigid dropout are difficult to get proper chain tension.
Forks:
Any.
Wheels/tires:
You can have any kind of hoop/tire combo. I suggest a light wheelset that you've laced a coaster brake into.
Handlebars etc.
Everything else is left up to the individual rider.
Rules for riders:
No substitutions.
Bring stuff to fix your bike on the trail with you.
Helmet.
No crybabies.
Entry Fee and what you get:
The Entry Fee is $20.00 for all four races, that's 5 bucks a race. You'll have to pay the 20.00 if you make one or all 4 races.
You get a T-shirt.
You get a Patch.
Perhaps some schwag, we'll see.
Scoring:
Each rider will get a number and you will be scored as thus:
1 point for entering a race
1 additional point for a third place finish
2 additional points for a second place finish
3 additional points for a first place finish
Each first place rider will get a trophy made from old bike parts!
At the end of the series the point leader will be the overall champ. Best to show up to each race to increase your odds.
Sign up at the first race or in advance at:
Atomic Cycles
17322 Saticoy
Van Nuys, CA 91046
818 609-0113
www.atomiccycles.com
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Here's the BIKE magazine article.
rev10606.2.09 - 7:48 am
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I'll be posting some pics from the last one soon..
rev106 responding to a
comment by bike punk
06.2.09 - 8:55 pm
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I haven't got through them all yet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17534977@N00/sets/72157612121632793/
(I forgot how to do that direct link thing, and I'm too lazy to figure it out...so copy and paste)
dave responding to a
comment by rev106
06.2.09 - 9:05 pm
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some mtb history for the bored among you
http://clunkers.net/
http://www.sonic.net/~ckelly/Seekay/mtbwelcome.htm
http://www.completesite.com/mbhof/page.cfm?pageid=3
http://mombat.org/MOMBAT/
dave06.2.09 - 9:50 pm
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cat used for size reference...
rev10606.3.09 - 6:47 am
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Your semi weekly pic from the last series...
rev10606.4.09 - 6:27 am
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Last time people threw up and stuff broke...
rev10606.6.09 - 6:13 am
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I was about to say "This reminds me of Clunking"... Then I say Dave's post...
+1 for clunking! Woo Hoo!
Rogue Rida06.6.09 - 2:43 pm
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It makes it simple. If you spent more than 100 bucks on your bike, then you're missing the point. Build up a bike and join the fun.
rev106 responding to a
comment by Rogue Rida
06.6.09 - 7:25 pm
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You could always go down to the beach and rent a beach crusier each weekend.
parlorbikes responding to a
comment by rev106
06.7.09 - 2:20 pm
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Would they take it back after we've abused it?
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
06.7.09 - 10:04 pm
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better train hard, we have some hardcore riders come out for this one...
rev106 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.8.09 - 5:21 am
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yo Parlorbikes, u can borrow whatever u need for this thing. Last time that drive train i set u up with got win all over it!
tallcans4tallbikes06.8.09 - 12:06 pm
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Where does one acquire the 26" coaster brake wheel? I assume there's a variety to choice from, yes?
User106.8.09 - 12:28 pm
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It's a common beach cruiser wheel. Comes in steel or alloy, and with a variety of colors and hubs....cheap. Easy.
rev106 responding to a
comment by User1
06.8.09 - 3:53 pm
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Oh, you'll need them I'm afraid...hehehehe...you'll need them more than you ever thought you did....
rev106 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.9.09 - 6:43 am
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Better start training....
rev10606.10.09 - 6:53 am
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I'll have afew loaner bikes built for this event, first come, first serve. I'd pefer you build your own, but if you can't then you can ride a loaner. If you need help let me know.
Paul
Atomic Cycles.
rev10606.17.09 - 6:06 am
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I'll have pics of the shirts up in a couple of days.
rev10606.23.09 - 6:20 am
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Cool, the first one should be interesting. Tell your friends.
rev106 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.25.09 - 10:15 pm
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Joe Borfo06.26.09 - 4:36 pm
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Sign up....to throw up.
rev106 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.26.09 - 7:54 pm
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I have some loaners as well if anyone wants to get involved but does not have a bike. First come first serve:
rev10606.29.09 - 7:06 am
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Pics from the last race series in Dirt Rag!
See you Sunday!
rev10607.1.09 - 7:35 am
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Is there a link to the write up? I looked on their site, just found a bunch of the forum posts.
parlorbikes responding to a
comment by rev106
07.1.09 - 8:24 am
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No, it's in the "riders eye" section. It's just a photo of us climbing a hill. You and I are in the foreground and you can see most of the pack.
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
07.2.09 - 6:09 am
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We race tomorrow, are you ready?
rev10607.4.09 - 7:02 am
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You kids be safe out there and drink plenty of water.
Have fun!
User1 responding to a
comment by rev106
07.4.09 - 1:33 pm
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21 sign ups, 19 shows. 1 dislocated shoulder, (get well soon Rich!) several broken chains and acouple of flats.
Loads of smiles.
Pics soon. three more to go hope to see you there!
rev10607.6.09 - 3:57 am
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Rich taking a spill...get well soon man!
rev10607.6.09 - 8:58 am
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Two words......................................Awesome & FUN
So glad I got a chance to ride this yesterday. First time on a offroad trail.
It was really a good time.
Anybody who can make this (if entries are still allowed).
Do yourself a favor; get ahold of one of these regulation bikes, come out and experience this.
Having a front shock and the suggested chain ring gearing made it much more doable'.
sexy responding to a
comment by rev106
07.6.09 - 9:33 am
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Jim C from Orange 20
WWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Awesome race, lead changes, crashes, people going all directions.
parlorbikes responding to a
comment by sexy
07.6.09 - 9:42 am
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Paul telling everyone the difference between long fro like hair and a mullet.
parlorbikes07.6.09 - 9:45 am
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fun times yesterdays. mr. parlorbikes smoked it
we get to do it again next sunday.
mandingo07.6.09 - 10:00 am
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last lap,
last corner into the creek
DRIFTING!!!!!!!!
parlorbikes07.6.09 - 11:10 am
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Rich after the race, is he getting a massage or just stretching????
Rich dislocated his shoulder and got pretty banged up on his spill. I saw the puff of dirt coming down the hill after him.
GET WLL SOON!!!! Knowing Rich, he will be at Wolfpack tomorrow.
parlorbikes07.6.09 - 11:13 am
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He has been posting on facebook, seems in good spirits.
Pre-race chatter pic.
parlorbikes07.7.09 - 10:34 am
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more pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17534977@N00/
rev10607.8.09 - 7:36 am
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Good times, next race is tomorrow, hopefully we'll see you then.
Race #2 Lower Case "D"
Spectators: 3
Meat Pylons: 5
Meet point : July 12th, 5pm @ the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
6401 Platt Avenue
West Hills CA, 91367
Course Description:
This is a out and back again style race on fire roads and double track. Most of the course is undulating mild hills in a gradual decent to the valley bottom. At the bottom, you'll make a right and then cross a stream. Once you cross the stream, head right through the sludge pit until you see a brown park sign, make a right up the hill. Follow the trial until it rejoins with the main trail and make a left back the way you came. There is a fair amount of moderate climbing on this one and the hill on the backside of the course is a doosey for sure. Gear your bike appropriately.
rev10607.11.09 - 7:14 am
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That was a hoot. leader changes all the way down, crashes, lots of dust and one rider getting lost. Eventually he found civilation and was picked up by around 10:30 pm! Thanks for coming out, goo race. I'll have pics soon.
Paul.
rev10607.13.09 - 7:02 am
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i was wondering if that guy was ever found. 10:30 huh? that was a long challenge for him
mandingo07.13.09 - 11:54 am
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Yeah, he stumbled onto a ranch and phone home. He said he took a wrong turn, no shit!
rev106 responding to a
comment by mandingo
07.13.09 - 4:12 pm
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THAT IS FUCKING EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Kinda wish that was me. Storys will be told.
parlorbikes07.13.09 - 5:16 pm
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Are you ok? You went right over your bars on the first turn and then you ran into the map kiosk. I blame the pink water you were carrying.
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
07.13.09 - 6:26 pm
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I am in some good pain. I can tell you when and where I have sneezed the last couple of days. You said tag the sign when you are done. I TAGGED it! I think it re-aggrivated some should/ribs that where in bad shape after a car hit me last year.
parlorbikes07.15.09 - 10:34 am
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Well you crashed twice on that race alone and still took the win, I've never seen you look beat before but you looked wasted. Dayna says she has footage of you crashing, I'll post it once she gets it up on you-toob.
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
07.16.09 - 10:01 am
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You really don't have to show it, such a stupid misjudgement. Trying to be cool. My neck and shoulder have been killing me all week. I haven't been able to ride because of it. This weekend is still questionable.
parlorbikes07.16.09 - 10:12 am
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Don't beat youself up over it, we all make mistakes. I still owe you a trophy though.
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
07.17.09 - 6:21 am
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Race #3 The Filthy 15.
Spectators: 8
Meat Pylons: 2
Meet point: July 19th 5 pm @ Starbucks
9935 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Chatsworth, CA 913113602
Course Description:
This is a cross between a criterion and a bmx race with some climbing thrown in for good measure. The course is mostly comprised of hard pack sandstone and rutts in the semi figure 8 configuration. Riders will have to complete 15 laps, each lap is approximately .4 miles long meaning the total race is about 6 miles long. There are some mild descents, sandy & rutted turns and technical climbs as will as a 2-3 foot jump on the back side to keep things interesting. The middle section will be shared by riders coming and going so watch for collisions. Plan to stand on the pedals most of the race.
rev10607.19.09 - 6:55 am
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Have fun out there. I have a bruised sternum/chest plate. I couldn't even pedal my road bike around the neighborhood. Its hard enough to drive a truck with no power steering.
Be safe and drink lost of water.
parlorbikes responding to a
comment by rev106
07.19.09 - 7:37 am
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That sucks! Well hopefully you'll be ready for the next one. We have some more injurues to add to the list.
pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17534977@N00/
rev106 responding to a
comment by parlorbikes
07.20.09 - 6:41 am
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good hot times yesterday! hope you can make it back next week parlor.
mandingo07.20.09 - 12:45 pm
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WOW!! Is this a Flying Pigeon in the wild? I've heard of them existing in wild, but this is the first time I've seen actual evidence. It's blowing my mind!
Dingo, you ever get your bike back from the Neverland ride?
User1 responding to a
comment by rev106
07.20.09 - 12:56 pm
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We've been getting a good look at the flying pigeon as it keeps throwing it's chain, there are many pics of it in the downed position.
more pics by next week.
rev106 responding to a
comment by User1
07.21.09 - 6:52 am
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bump for tomorrow.
See you then!
rev10607.25.09 - 8:16 am
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Race #4 The Cold War
Spectators: 3
Meat Pylons: 5
Meet Point: July 26th @ 5pm
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
18505 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana CA, 91356
Course Description:
The Cold war you travel to the old Nike Missile base and then up to the hub and then back to the start. Fire roads the whole way, the decent to the base has a few uphill sections and then you'll have to climb for the majority of the way back up to the hub. Once you reach the hub, you'll have the slip slidin' descent to the start point. Total course length is approximately 10.5 miles. You should gear your bike for moderate but sustained climbing
rev10607.26.09 - 10:16 am
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never ridden up to the hub before.looks like quite a bit of climbing.hey parlorbikes you gonna be there today?
see you guys at the coffee bean
mandingo responding to a
comment by rev106
07.26.09 - 12:25 pm
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Man, that last race was a bear! Pics are located here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17534977@N00/
rev106 responding to a
comment by mandingo
07.27.09 - 6:37 am
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bikeoven is undergoing a move(which I believe they may still need assistance with). and Mary just got back from SF, she needs a little rest. I am proud of all those dudes that raced! Especially when that one dude was like "Am I winning?" Awesome day.
profoscurity07.29.09 - 4:43 pm
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