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    <title>Salsa Cycles</title>
    <link>http://salsacycles.com/index.php</link>
    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>jboucher@salsacycles.com</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2012</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2012-05-10T15:00:56+00:00</dc:date>
    <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://expressionengine.com/" />
    

    <item>
      <title>Salsa Minimalist Rack Voluntary Recall</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_minimalist_rack_voluntary_recall/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_minimalist_rack_voluntary_recall/#When:15:00:56Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	<strong>Salsa Cycles Recalls Bicycle Racks Due to a Fall Hazard<br />
	</strong><br />
	WASHINGTON, D.C. &ndash; The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. <br />
	<br />
	<strong>Name of product:</strong> Salsa Minimalist bicycle racks<br />
	<strong>Units</strong>: About 1,100<br />
	<strong>Manufacturer</strong>: Salsa Cycles, a wholly-owned brand of Quality Bicycle Products Inc., of Bloomington, Minn.<br />
	<strong>Hazard: </strong>The L-shaped mounting straps used to attach the bicycle rack to the front of the bicycle can break and cause the rack to fall while the bicycle is in use, posing a fall hazard to the rider.<br />
	<strong>Incidents/Injuries:</strong> Salsa Cycles has received two reports of bicycle racks breaking at the mounting straps, resulting in minor injuries from falls.<br />
	<strong>Description:</strong> This recall involves all Salsa Minimalist bicycle racks sold after January 2011. The racks are made of tubular aluminum with a black or silver finish, and can be installed on either the front or rear of a bicycle. The recalled bicycle racks have steel mounting brackets, identified as straps, with a single hole in the center used to mount the strap to the bicycle fork. &ldquo;Salsa&rdquo; is printed on the side of the bicycle rack.<br />
	<strong>Sold by:</strong> Bicycle retail stores nationwide and on Internet retailers from January 2011 through March 2012 for about $80.<br />
	<strong>Manufactured in: </strong>Taiwan<br />
	<strong>Remedy:</strong> Consumers should immediately remove the recalled bicycle racks and contact an authorized Salsa dealer for inspection, re-mounting or refund.<br />
	<strong>Consumer Contact: </strong>For additional information, please contact the firm toll-free at (877) 725-7211 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm&rsquo;s website at <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com">www.salsacycles.com.</a></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Salsa Minimalist Rack" border="0" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/rc_Salsa-Rack-Top_Circle.jpg" /><br />
	Salsa Minimalist Rack wtih mounting strap circled:</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="Salsa Minimalist Rack Mounting Straps" border="0" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/rc_Salsa_straps.jpg" /><br />
	Salsa Minimalist Rack mounting straps:</p>
<p>
	The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on <a href="http://www.saferproducts.gov">SaferProducts.gov</a>.<br />
	<br />
	CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency&rsquo;s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC&rsquo;s work to ensure the safety of consumer products&mdash;such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals&mdash;contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.<br />
	<br />
	Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.<br />
	<br />
	To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: <a href="http://www.saferproducts.gov">SaferProducts.gov</a>, call CPSC&rsquo;s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov">www.cpsc.gov</a>. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.">www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx</a>.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>recall, Gnat</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-10T15:00:56+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Salsa Short Film: So Far To Go &#45; Part Three</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_three/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_three/#When:11:00:34Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dY14wtfMefE" width="560"></iframe><br />
	<br />
	-----------<br />
	<br />
	Reveal The Path World Premier, May 31st, Minneapolis, Minnesota<br />
	Enjoy a fun-filled night with Salsa and the cast and crew of Reveal The Path. Live musical performance by Dominique Fraissard.<br />
	<br />
	<a href="http://rtp-minneapolis.eventbrite.com/">Limited seating! Buy tickets now!</a><br />
	<br />
	<a href="http://revealthepath.com/screenings/">See full theatrical tour schedule here.</a><br />
	<br />
	----------<br />
	<br />
	Don&#39;t miss your chance to share your story. <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath/">Enter the Reveal Your Path Postcard and Video Contests.</a> You might win big!</p>
<p>
	----------</p>
<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37744449" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Brett Davis, Great Divide Route, El Mariachi, Kid, Fargo, bikepacking, touring, Salsa Short Film, Sean</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-08T11:00:34+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Salsa Short Film: So Far To Go &#45; Part Two</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_two/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_two/#When:11:00:04Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mRGq4VI4DoY" width="560"></iframe><br />
	<br />
	-----------<br />
	<br />
	Reveal The Path World Premier, May 31st, Minneapolis, Minnesota<br />
	Enjoy a fun-filled night with Salsa and the cast and crew of Reveal The Path. Live musical performance by Dominique Fraissard.<br />
	<a href="http://rtp-minneapolis.eventbrite.com/"><br />
	Limited seating! Buy tickets now!</a><br />
	<br />
	<a href="http://revealthepath.com/screenings/">See full theatrical tour schedule here.</a><br />
	<br />
	----------<br />
	<br />
	Don&#39;t miss your chance to share your story. <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath/">Enter the Reveal Your Path Postcard and Video Contests.</a> You might win big!<br />
	<br />
	----------</p>
<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37744449" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Brett Davis, Great Divide Route, El Mariachi, Kid, Fargo, bikepacking, touring, Salsa Short Film, Sean</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-07T11:00:04+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Salsa Demo Tour &#45; Mid&#45;Atlantic Region &amp;amp; Dirt Fest</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_demo_tour_-_mid-atlantic/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_demo_tour_-_mid-atlantic/#When:11:00:44Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	<strong>Our demo truck is on the road and will be hitting the Mid-Atlantic region May 11th - 17th. Come on out and saddle up on a Salsa demo bike!</strong></p>
<p>
	The following bike models should be present at these events:</p>
<p>
	<strong>Fargo, El Mariachi, Mamasita, Spearfish, Horsethief, and Mukluk<br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Here&#39;s the schedule and contact info for the upcoming Mid-Atlantic demo events.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Friday May 11th</strong><br />
	3pm-7pm<br />
	<br />
	Carvins Cove Bennett Springs trailhead<br />
	<a href="http://www.carvinscove.com">www.carvinscove.com</a></p>
<p>
	For more Info contact:</p>
<p>
	East Coasters Bike Shop<br />
	3544 Electric Road Roanoke, VA&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	540.774.7933<br />
	<a href="http://www.eastcoasters.com ">www.eastcoasters.com </a><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Saturday May 12th</strong><br />
	10am-2pm</p>
<p>
	Massanutten Western Slope (trail fee waived for demo)<br />
	<a href="http://sbcsalsademoday.eventbrite.com/">http://sbcsalsademoday.eventbrite.com/</a></p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.svbcoalition.org/massanutten.php">www.svbcoalition.org/massanutten.php</a></p>
<p>
	For more Info contact:</p>
<p>
	Shenandoah Bicycle Company<br />
	135 S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	540.437.9000<br />
	<a href="http://www.shenandoahbicycle.com">www.shenandoahbicycle.com</a><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Sunday May 13th</strong><br />
	1pm-7pm</p>
<p>
	James River Park System Reedy Creek Trailhead<br />
	<a href="http://richmond-more.org/trail-guide-1/jrps-loop">http://richmond-more.org/trail-guide-1/jrps-loop</a><br />
	<br />
	For more info contact:</p>
<p>
	Carytown Bicycle Company<br />
	3112 W. Cary Street Richmond, VA</p>
<p>
	804.440.2453<br />
	<a href="http://www.carytownbicyclecompany.com ">www.carytownbicyclecompany.com </a><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Monday May 14th</strong><br />
	3pm-7pm<br />
	<br />
	Fountain Head Regional Park<br />
	10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, 22039</p>
<p>
	For more info contact:</p>
<p>
	Spokes Etc<br />
	10937 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA</p>
<p>
	703.591.2200<br />
	<a href="http://spokesetc.com/merchant/288/files/salsademoinfo.pdf">http://spokesetc.com/merchant/288/files/salsademoinfo.pdf</a><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Tuesday May 15th</strong><br />
	2pm-7pm</p>
<p>
	Schaeffer Farm Trail System &ndash; Seneca Creek State Park<br />
	Interstate 270 to exit 15B Rt. 118 West - Follow for 2.8 miles - Right onto Richter Farm Road - Take left on 4-way stop on Schaeffer Road - Stay on Schaeffer Road through traffic circle - Shortly after road narrows look for sign to Seneca State Park on the left - Trailhead is at end of parking lot after gate.</p>
<p>
	For more info contact <br />
	<br />
	Trails End Cycling<br />
	201 N 23rd Street Purcellville, VA</p>
<p>
	540.338.2773<br />
	<a href="http://www.trailsendcycling.com">www.trailsendcycling.com</a></p>
<p>
	or</p>
<p>
	Bike Doctor Frederick<br />
	5732 Buckeystown Pike Frederick, MD</p>
<p>
	301.620.8868<br />
	<a href="http://www.bikedoctorfrederick.com">www.bikedoctorfrederick.com</a><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Wednesday May 16th</strong><br />
	2pm-7pm<br />
	<br />
	Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area<br />
	5120 South Street Baltimore, MD 21227</p>
<p>
	For more info contact:</p>
<p>
	Joes Bike Shop<br />
	5813 Falls Road, 723 South Broadway Baltimore, MD</p>
<p>
	410.323.2788 or 443.869.3435<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>Thursday May 17th</strong><br />
	1pm-7pm<br />
	<br />
	Brandywine Creek State Park/Woodlawn Trustees Trails &ndash; Setup Behind T.G.I.Fridays at corner of Woodlawn road and 202</p>
<p>
	For more info contact:</p>
<p>
	Garrison&rsquo;s Cyclery<br />
	5801 Kennett Pike Wilmington, DE</p>
<p>
	302.384.6827<br />
	<a href="http://www.garrisonscyclery.com ">www.garrisonscyclery.com </a></p>
<p>
	or</p>
<p>
	Trophy Bike Shop<br />
	712 N 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA</p>
<p>
	215.592.1234<br />
	<a href="http://www.trophybikes.com ">www.trophybikes.com </a></p>
<p>
	or</p>
<p>
	Bicycle Revolutions<br />
	756 South 4th Street Philadelphia, PA</p>
<p>
	215.629.2456<br />
	<a href="http://www.bicyclerevolutions.com">www.bicyclerevolutions.com</a></p>
<p>
	also...</p>
<p>
	The demo truck will then be hitting <a href="http://www.dirtragmag.com/dirtfest">Dirt Rag&#39;s Dirt Fest event</a> so you can get riding, beer sampling, camping, and music-grooving taken care of in one fell swoop!</p>
<p>
	<strong><a href="http://www.dirtragmag.com/dirtfest"><img alt="" height="110" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/Dirt Fest 2012 Logo F.jpg" width="300" /><br />
	</a></strong></p>
<p>
	May 18th - 20th</p>
<p>
	Hesston, PA</p>
<p>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>demo, Kid</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-04T11:00:44+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Salsa Short Film: So Far To Go &#45; Part One</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_one/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/salsa_short_film_so_far_to_go_-_part_one/#When:11:00:40Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M8QhMxNIdrU" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>
	-----------</p>
<p>
	Reveal The Path World Premier, May 31st, Minneapolis, Minnesota<br />
	Enjoy a fun-filled night with Salsa and the cast and crew of Reveal The Path. Live musical performance by Dominique Fraissard.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://rtp-minneapolis.eventbrite.com/">Limited seating! Buy tickets now!</a></p>
<p>
	<a href="http://revealthepath.com/screenings/">See full theatrical tour schedule here.</a></p>
<p>
	----------</p>
<p>
	Don&#39;t miss your chance to share your story. <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath/">Enter the Reveal Your Path Postcard and Video Contests.</a> You might win big!</p>
<p>
	----------</p>
<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37744449" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Brett Davis, Great Divide Route, El Mariachi, Kid, Fargo, bikepacking, touring, Salsa Short Film, Sean</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-03T11:00:40+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Announcing The Reveal Your Path Post Card and Video Contests!</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/announcing_the_reveal_your_path_post_card_and_video_contests/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/announcing_the_reveal_your_path_post_card_and_video_contests/#When:14:00:47Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	In celebration of the upcoming theatrical release of the film Reveal The Path, we are happy to announce our <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath/">REVEAL YOUR PATH POST CARD and VIDEO CONTESTS</a>!<br />
	<br />
	At Salsa, we believe the bicycle can be much more than just a bike. It is a path to new places, new people, and amazing experiences. Bikes have played a profound part in each of our lives&mdash;we think that may be true for you too.<br />
	<br />
	Perhaps someone&mdash;or something&mdash;sparked your adventurous spirit when you were a kid. Or maybe you came to it later. Tell us how it happened and where it led you. We want to hear about the great things you&rsquo;ve done, and continue to do, with bicycles. Most of all, we want to know about the rides you dream of doing in the future.</p>
<p>
	So really&mdash;If you could ride your bicycle anywhere in the world, where would it be?</p>
<p>
	Share your inspirations, adventures, and dreams with us. Reveal your path.</p>
<p>
	The<a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath/"> REVEAL YOUR PATH POST CARD CONTEST</a> begins today! Enter by creating a post card that tells your story. Get creative, have some fun, and mail it in to us. We&#39;ll be picking 100 winners, including one lucky winner who will receive a 2013 Fargo 2 Frameset. Visit the contest site for full details.<br />
	<br />
	The <a href="http://www.salsacycles.com/revealyourpath_video/">REVEAL YOUR PATH VIDEO CONTEST</a> also begins today, but submissions cannot be entered until July 2nd. We&#39;re giving you plenty of advance notice on this video contest because we are looking for some truly great entries. To motivate you, we&#39;re giving away some truly great prizes! <br />
	<br />
	Six lucky winners will come away with 2013 Fargo or El Mariachi framesets, one winner will receive a complete Fargo or El Mariachi bicycle, and the grand-prize winner will receive a complete Mukluk Ti bicycle and an all-expenses-paid beach-riding trip to Alaska with the Salsa crew. Again, visit the contest site for full details.<br />
	<br />
	In the coming weeks we&#39;ll be sharing some of our own stories with you. Like you, each of us has taken an interesting path to get where we are today. Bikes, the outdoors, and adventure have played a part in all our lives. That said, we really excited to see, read, and hear your stories.<br />
	<br />
	Good luck and have fun with the contests!<br />
	<br />
	----------</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://rtp-minneapolis.eventbrite.com/">Reveal The Path World Premier, May 31st, Minneapolis, Minnesota <br />
	Buy Tickets Here!</a></p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="300" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/RTP_poster_small.jpg" width="200" /><br />
	<br />
	<a href="http://revealthepath.com/screenings/">See Theatrical Tour Schedule Here!</a></p>
<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37744449" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Kid, bikepacking, Reveal The Path, Reveal Your Path Contests, Ride The Divide</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-05-01T14:00:47+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Spring Dirt</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/spring_dirt/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/spring_dirt/#When:13:55:29Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	Our mild winter has led to early dirt. Last Friday the Salsa crew hit the trail system up at Cuyuna for some spring dirt.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="400" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/Salsa_Cuyuna_1.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	Our day started with a a few hour drive up to the Cuyuna trail system outside of Ironton, MN. This is a new 25+ mile trail system that opened up last year. Our friends Hansi from IMBA, Nick the trail boss and Steve from the DNR were there to welcome us and ride with us. These fine folks were really involved in making this trail system a reality. Before our ride, they shared some info about the area and the trails. One of the facts that I thought stood out was that over a 2 month period, Cuyuna trails brought over 15,000 bikers into the community. These bikers camped, stayed in the hotels &amp; resorts, ate in the resteraunts, bought fuel and spent who knows how much in the community. This project is proof that investing in mountain bike trails can be a really good thing. We are greatful for their hardwork and the trails are simply awesome. If you have not made a trip up, down or over to Cuyuna, you need to. It won&#39;t disappoint.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="400" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/Salsa_Cuyuna_3.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	Right now the trails are so unbelievably perfect. Last year when we were up there the trails were new and felt new. After the MN winter snow pack and some early rain, the trails felt a bit more natural, firm and narrow. One other really great thing was that the brush had not grown in, so the site lines and views were spectacular.&nbsp; While I could have shot pictures all day up there, we were there to ride and experience the premium spring dirt.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="400" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/Salsa_Cuyuna_2.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	Spring dirt. Go get some.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Gnat</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-04-25T13:55:29+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Teaser: So Far To Go</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/teaser_so_far_to_go/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/teaser_so_far_to_go/#When:13:14:00Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	We are about a week away from finishing the production of a short film called So Far To Go. We hope you enjoy this teaser.</p>
<p>
	<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/24YdbtAFKXk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Brett Davis, El Mariachi Ti, Great Divide Route, Fargo, bikepacking, adventuring, Reveal The Path, Ride The Divide, touring, Tour Divide Race, Salsa Short Film, Sneak Peek, Mountain Biking, Joe&#39;s Great Adventure, Great Divide Race</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-04-20T13:14:00+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Getting Fat &amp;amp; There&#8217;s No Going Back!</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/getting_fat_no_going_back/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/getting_fat_no_going_back/#When:12:00:43Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	When I first found out that I was getting a Mukluk I was excited for the obvious reasons. Fat Bike!!! I knew that having a fat bike would allow me to go places normally off-limits to a regular bike in the winter. However, I had NO clue just how many different places it would allow me to go. Or how many miles I would put on it. Or how much fun riding it would be. My Mukluk has undergone a metamorphosis from being a bike I thought I would ride occasionally to being one of the bikes I ride the most.<br />
	<br />
	Don&rsquo;t get me wrong. I always have a lot of fun when riding a bike. However the fun factor seems just a little higher when on a Mukluk. I&rsquo;m not quite sure exactly why but I think it has to do with the feeling I got this winter when entering snowy singletrack. I felt like I was riding in a snow globe.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="400" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/danielle_mukluk.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Enter the snow globe...</em></p>
<p>
	Or how cool it felt when I rode my Mukluk out to the beach for the first time. There was something really great about reaching sand (where I normally have to stop) and being able to keep riding. I think riding on an empty beach with the sun sparkling off the waves, and the wind whipping around my helmet, has to be one of my all-time favorite rides.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="448" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/danielle_mukluk-3.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Who needs Maui when you&#39;ve got Michigan?</em><br />
	<br />
	What I wasn&rsquo;t expecting when I joined the Fat Bike world was all the extra attention I was going to get. Of all the bikes I own, my Mukluk is the least expensive. It was built with a lot of used and donated parts. However, it&rsquo;s the bike people want to check out the most. On one of my first Mukluk rides a car pulled over and a man hopped out waving me down. I didn&rsquo;t know him but he wanted to check out my bike (and he really was checking out my bike). From that point on runners, walkers, kids, and everyone in between have stopped me. Once I was riding down the road when another cyclist pulled up to me. He was on a fancy carbon TT bike, complete with an aero helmet and disc wheels. I looked at him, he looked at me, and then he looked at my bike. &ldquo;Whoa, cool bike,&rdquo; he said. I proudly nodded in agreement. Fat Bikes rule.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="448" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/danielle_mukluk-5.jpg" width="600" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Whoa...two cool bikes...</em><br />
	<br />
	It&rsquo;s awesome, being able to talk about bikes with people I would normally never meet. Everyone always has the same questions. How much does your bike weigh? 33.5 pounds. What&rsquo;s the frame bag for? Storing PayDay bars and gummy bears. Where do you ride it? EVERYWHERE! That&rsquo;s the biggest lesson I learned after getting my Mukluk. The first rule of riding a Fat Bike is that there aren&rsquo;t any rules. I ride it just like I ride my other bikes. I do intervals, I do endurance rides, and I&rsquo;ve even raced it a few times. The only difference is that when I&rsquo;m on a Mukluk I don&rsquo;t ride up hills&hellip;I crush them! And I don&rsquo;t fishtail in sand&hellip;I float. When it&rsquo;s windy out, my Mukluk will always be my first bike of choice for training. I feel way less vulnerable when big wind gusts are hitting me. I just hold on tight and my Mukluk anchors me down.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="600" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/danielle_mukluk-6.jpg" width="448" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Ruling the singletrack...</em><br />
	<br />
	Now that spring is turning into summer, I will be racing my El Mariachi and Selma more. Initially I thought that I would be putting my Mukluk into storage until next winter but au contraire. It&rsquo;s too good of a training tool and I have too much fun on it. I have mini-adventures planned all summer long that include singletrack, the river bed, riding out to the beach for sno-cones, and recovery rides to the bakery for coffee and cinnamon rolls. I&rsquo;ve said it before and I&rsquo;ll say it again...Fat Bikes rule!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Danielle Musto, Fatbike, Salsa Team, Mukluk</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-04-18T12:00:43+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>A Day Of Firsts</title>
      <link>http://salsacycles.com/culture/a_day_of_firsts/</link>
      <guid>http://salsacycles.com/culture/a_day_of_firsts/#When:12:00:16Z</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
	At 4:30 AM my internal alarm clock went off through the fog of a restless sleep. As my feet hit the bedroom floor my mind and body started to awaken with anticipated energy of the upcoming day&rsquo;s adventure&mdash;it had the potential to be an epic day&hellip;sweet&hellip;</p>
<p>
	Ever since I moved to Durango, Colorado I have wanted to make a winter/spring climb and ski of one of the town&rsquo;s signature peaks. Standing as a sentry over Durango, Silver Peak rises prominently to 12,496 feet. Its summit is not the tallest in the La Plata range, but it is the most recognizable, and picturesque from virtually anywhere in Durango. Gaining the summit of the peak is a worthy goal for most even in the warmest of months. Though not technically very difficult, it has a long approach with some steep scrambling. Once on the summit, one is welcomed with breathtaking views of Durango, the northern San Juan&#39;s, the rest of the La Plata range, and the desert country of New Mexico. One also gets to look into the giant alpine bowl, which is the crowning feature of the mountain&rsquo;s east flank.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="328" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/silver_peak.jpg" width="436" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Silver Peak - 12496 feet...</em></p>
<p>
	Skiing this bowl has been on my winter tick list. My bike route to work each day provides me with a clear view of the bowl for nearly my entire ride. I always find my mind wandering to its snow-covered summit and the imagined feeling of dropping into the east bowl&mdash;center lining its face with smooth ski turns. Aside from the usual hazards that a winter ascent presents (avalanche dangers, short days, etc), perhaps the crux of the route is the even longer approach. Outside of winter, one can drive on a gravel forest service road to a drainage which leads to the peak&rsquo;s west bowl and the eventual summit. In the winter, this road is impassable to all unless one has access to a snowmobile or has the fortitude to ski the five miles to the drainage (this typically isn&rsquo;t feasible as it is another three miles up a steep drainage to the summit making one&rsquo;s day a sixteen-mile round trip that will assuredly begin and end in darkness).</p>
<p>
	The advent of the fatbike made me start seeing what is possible on a bike in much different ways. With the bike&rsquo;s ability to float through sand and snow, the dreamer in me began devising ways to utilize these fun machines to access terrain for other adventures and pursuits (i.e. backcountry skiing, canyoneering, surfing, etc). Needless to say, when my Salsa Mukluk arrived a couple of weeks ago I was eager to make my dreams a reality. The first order of business was to access backcountry ski terrain&mdash;to ride to, and then ski, Silver Peak.</p>
<p>
	Having designed and built my frame bags and other gear for the Tour Divide ride, I had thought a lot about how I would carry my backcountry equipment (skis, boots, poles, pack) on the bike. My ideas involved retrofitting a rear rack with PVC pipe for holding the skis (similar to what is often times utilized as ski holders on snowmachines) with a boot bag also acting as a rear pannier. Being anxious to do some snow riding, I decided to forgo the rack and PVC idea for a simpler method&hellip;transport the skis and poles across the handle bars utilizing an Ensolite pad and my gear sling. Now I realize this isn&rsquo;t the most efficient of methods (for obvious bike handling reasons), but I believed it could work in the short term&mdash;especially on a forest service road where my wide load would not be inhibited by the tight trees of singletrack.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="351" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/silver_peak_Mukluk.jpg" width="466" /></p>
<p>
	<em>An unorthadox way to carry skis...but it worked...</em></p>
<p>
	Pedaling by headlamp the Mukluk easily rolled up the five snow-packed miles to Tirbircio Creek. What would have taken me more than a couple of hours to ski was covered in less than 50 minutes by bike. Before dawn broke I was skinning my way up the drainage towards my objective for the day. By 8:30 AM I was kicking steps up a steep couloir to gain the summit ridge.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="390" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/silver_peak_steps.jpg" width="294" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Thousands of steps to the summit ridge...</em></p>
<p>
	Negotiating the summit ridge was a bit tricky as the snow conditions and cornices made the going slow and safe route finding interesting. By 11 AM I was on the summit of Silver Peak&mdash;wahoo! The views were some of the most rewarding I had taken in this ski season. It felt exhilarating to gaze down into the east bowl and realize I was about to drop in on a goal I have had for a long time. The snow conditions were stable and perfect and I was soon making my first turns down the bowl&rsquo;s steep face. Sweetness! Before long I was at the bottom of the bowl and had to begin the climb back to the summit so I could ski the peak&rsquo;s west bowl and descend back to my bike for a nice ride back to my truck.</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="318" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/silver_peak_bowl.jpg" width="423" /></p>
<p>
	<em>Looking down the east face of Silver Peak toward Durango...</em></p>
<p>
	By 4:30 PM I made my last pedal strokes to my truck. What a great day! My first journey accessing the backcountry via the Mukluk was a success. Obviously, I have a few bugs to work out when it comes to transporting my gear, but overall, I learned that these amazing machines with their fat tires can be utilized for all kinds of new adventures. Oh what fun will be had in coming days!</p>
<p>
	<img alt="" height="427" src="http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/silver_peak_west_bowl.jpg" width="321" /></p>
<p>
	<em>My lone tracks in the west bowl...</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <dc:subject>Brett Davis, Fatbike, Salsa Team, Mukluk</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2012-04-12T12:00:16+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    
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