Trek Bicycles Sponsors Motorcycle Riders

[Ridemonkey]

<i>From Bicycleretailer.com</i>

MARCH 22, 2004 -- WATERLOO, WI (BRAIN)--Zapata Espinoza wasted no time exerting a little influence at Trek. The company recently signed on as sponsor of three big motorbike names.

The trio includes: Ty Davis, WORCS national champion; motocross rider Ryan Hughes; and Mat Mladin, four-time AMA Superbike champion and 2003 Cycle News Rider of the Year.

"With Lance Armstrong as our inspiration, we wanted to align ourselves with athletes who stood out for their sense of courage, dedication and physical prowess," said Espinoza, Trek's brand manager. "Among motorcycle racers today, Mat, Ty and Ryan reflect those standards better than anyone."

Trek is sponsoring Mladin and Hughes individually and the entire Ty Davis off-road team, which includes Nathan Woods, Ryan McIntyre and Andy Jefferson.

Mladin and Hughes are cross-training on Trek's Madone 5.9 road bikes, and Davis is riding a Liquid 35 trail bike and an aluminum/OCLV 2300 road bike.

[Ridemonkey]

This seems like a pretty silly move to me when so many good MTB riders are in need of sponsorship. Comments?

[Westy]

Originally posted by Ridemonkey
This seems like a pretty silly move to me when so many good MTB riders are in need of sponsorship. Comments?

Seems silly at first but it looks like they are trying to pull non bikers into biking. Sponsoring a cyclist will get cyclists to buy Treks. Sponsoring non cyclists might get not cyclists to buy bikes. Looks like they are trying to boost the market instead of just boosting their market share.

[lukeduke]

what's next? The Trek halftime show at the superbowl? The Trek open Golf Tournament? Maybe sponser a Hockey team, or Softball or something? Seems like an ok idea on it's face, but maybe the money would be better spent with helping NORBA give some prize money to pro's so our National series will have more prestige than a neighborhood race in tijuana....... Zap is a j'a$$ anyway, why should I care?

[Echo]

Most likely this is just Zap stroking is own ego. Didn't he babble about motorcycles all the time when he was a magazine editor too?

Once Trek realizes they've been had, and Zap just spent a bunch of their money on basically a personal hobby of his, they will most likely do the same thing the magazine did: put him in the unemployment line.

Not too many people get a second chance like he's getting right now, kinda sad to watch him blow it.

[Ian F]

Trek apparently brought Zap in to be a "different" thinker. His moto-leanings are not exactly recent or unknown...

Sponsoring more bike racers might be good for the bikers, but would that be good for Trek as far selling more bikes? Maybe. Maybe not.

Putting the Trek name out in front of new audiences, however, is generally considered a good idea. Not to mention the Trek name emblazed on rider's leathers may very well get Trek more TV exposure (for what it's worth) than sponsoring any number of biker racers. They already sponsor the biggest bike racer in America and how many bikes has it sold for them?

Either way, the proof will be in the sales.

[DRB]

A local shop gives a hook up to a NASCAR race team. Specifically hooked up the driver and owner with a bike and cuts deals to the employees of that particular team. The idea being was that all of these NASCAR guys hang and ride together. In the end it was pretty big boon for the shop's business across many of the teams. Now they could have given those bikes to someone more "deserving" but what makes more sense from a business perspective.

Businesses have to be creative especially when the economy is tight. Specialized did this long before Trek and Zap did this. These companies are doing anything they can to sell more bikes. Finding new markets and consumers is not a stupid idea. Adding one more XC or DH racer to an already substanial racing program isn't really going to help that out. Finding new sponsorship opportunities in other areas will.

[MTB_Rob_NC]

It actually sounds like a really good marketing plan. Why? It is about demographics... Who rides MotorBikes? Who rides mountain bikes? Probably a very similar demographic.

[Echo]

Originally posted by Mtb_Rob_FL
It actually sounds like a really good marketing plan. Why? It is about demographics... Who rides MotorBikes? Who rides mountain bikes? Probably a very similar demographic.
Maybe if they were going after the downhiller demographic. But they don't even make a downhill bike, or have a downhill race team. :confused:

[Silver]

Originally posted by Echo
Maybe if they were going after the downhiller demographic. But they don't even make a downhill bike, or have a downhill race team. :confused:

Exactly what I was thinking.

The whole moto concept worked out well for Cannondale, didn't it?

[Westy]

Crap, when I first read it I did not realize Zap was involved. I figured a bunch of market research went into this, now it just sounds like the rantings of that freak. What is Trek thinking, he just ran a cycling publication into the ground, let's see what he can do for us.

[MTB_Rob_NC]

Originally posted by Echo
Maybe if they were going after the downhiller demographic. But they don't even make a downhill bike, or have a downhill race team. :confused:

I think you are under estimating the demographic for both MX and MTB. They are advertising to the people watching the sport, not just participating.

[lukeduke]

trek just bought Zap a very expensive pit pass. Could he not afford to buy one on his own? Seems like he just needs a better excuse to go do what he really wants. Guess there was not an editor position available at Motocross magazine?

[Internal14]

I hate Zap....


okay, got that out of the way.


I do think that cross marketing to mx is a good thing. Those guys use stationary bikes, or bikes on a trainer to warm up before races, mx and sx and the off-road racers too. They all need enormous amount of talent but also a tn of cardio too. Therefor most of them cross train on road bikes or mountian bikes.
But I doubt that Treks thinking is to get the moto guys themselves buying Treks, I think their true motivation is to get the bikes in the pits where they are seen by thousands of crazed moto-heads scanning through the pit area more frenzied than YetiDHer at Sea Otter pits.:D

It's all about exposure. Some dude, that just bought a CRF450x because Ricky chose to dump the 250 this year, see's that Ricky is still at the races hanging in the pits rolling on his bicycle, guess what, come monday morning that dude is checking out bicycle at the local shop.

It's all about the bling-bling

[MTB_Rob_NC]

Originally posted by Internal14
I do think that cross marketing to mx is a good thing. Those guys use stationary bikes, or bikes on a trainer to warm up before races, mx and sx and the off-road racers too. They all need enormous amount of talent but also a tn of cardio too. Therefor most of them cross train on road bikes or mountian bikes.
But I doubt that Treks thinking is to get the moto guys themselves buying Treks, I think their true motivation is to get the bikes in the pits where they are seen by thousands of crazed moto-heads scanning through the pit area more frenzied than YetiDHer at Sea Otter pits.:D

It's all about exposure. Some dude, that just bought a CRF450x because Ricky chose to dump the 250 this year, see's that Ricky is still at the races hanging in the pits rolling on his bicycle, guess what, come monday morning that dude is checking out bicycle at the local shop.

It's all about the bling-bling [/B]

Thats what I meant :cool:

Marketing isn't always about who the product is good for, but more for who is watching the event. I mean come on think about it if that was the case it would be the High Times or Graphix rampage, not RedBull. :devil:

[Squeak]

Seems like a silly move to me, but what the hell do I know?

Maybe if they brought some chi chi DH bikes to races, if they had them.

[Silver]

Until Mr. Moto realizes that a new Madrone is a downpayment on a new pickup, that is.

Zap is actually stupider than I thought. That surprises me :D

[anythingshiny]

we all ride the same mindwave (TKK)..if it wasn't bikes it would be moto, if it wasn't moto it would be sk8's, if not sk8's then snowboards..yada yada on adnauseum. Trek is looking for brand recognition across demographics. Sap (sic) is a vehicle. Once the destination is acheived..poor Zap will prob be looking for work.

I can tolerate the guy simply because he is passionate about bikes.

[special O]

I think its a good idea. I remember an article I read about Ricky Carmichael training on road bikes and getting tons faster at MX. I searched on google for a bit and saw this, I guess Trek isn’t the only one sponsoring MX racers:

-This past Friday, Feb. 6, Specialized staffers were treated to a rare visit by a champion of the other two-wheeled sport. Current AMA Supercross, Motocross champion, and Specialized sponsored rider, Ricky Carmichael stopped by the Specialized Design Center for the morning. After taking a tour of the design facility, Ricky inspired the group with details about his training regimen which includes as much as 3 hours per day aboard his S-Works E5 road bike or S-Works Epic.

After signing a few hundred autographs, he was off to San Francisco to watch his teammates compete in round 6 of the THQ Supercross race series. Ricky's 2004 season debut will be in May at the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship in Sacramento, CA. See you there.

[MtnbikeMike]

Originally posted by Echo
Maybe if they were going after the downhiller demographic. But they don't even make a downhill bike, or have a downhill race team. :confused:


Oh, that's right, they don't make the Diesel.

[Echo]

Originally posted by MtnbikeMike
Oh, that's right, they don't make the Diesel.
When was the last time you saw one of those? Our Trek dealers don't carry it. They don't sell it as a complete bike. No pros race it. Sorry but that ain't a real DH bike to 99.9% of downhillers.

[narlus]

Originally posted by Echo
When was the last time you saw one of those? Our Trek dealers don't carry it. They don't sell it as a complete bike. No pros race it. Sorry but that ain't a real DH bike to 99.9% of downhillers.

well i guess private joker is lucky to be in that tenth of a percentage point...he must not know what a *real* DH bike is, nah, how could he after owning a super 8, two nicolais and a brooklyn? well, aside from the super 8, those don't come as complete bikes either, so they must not be real DH bikes.

that diesel he's got must have been a mistake for a 222 or something...

btw, i've seen at least two different diesels over here in ireland. i will agree that 1) they are not too common and 2) they don't personally appeal to me.

[Echo]

Didn't mean to diss the man's bike :p

Sometimes I wonder if people are just trying to be contradictory. Must be the weather.

If someone wants to actually say that Trek is serious about DH, let me know so I can have a good laugh at your expense. Otherwise quit nitpicking details, because OF COURSE there's someone out there who bought the Diesel and is happy with it, but we all know Trek is the least DH/FR oriented of the big guys.

[narlus]

nitpicking is the backbone of internet discussion boards. either that, or mindless bickering like hope vs hayes, or zoke vs manitou/rockshox. or v brakes vs maguras, if yr an old-school trials guy.

btw, i *was* just being contradictory in this thread :D, but not in the zoke thread.

damn i tried to find some pics of PJ's diesel, but to no avail.

[Ctfphotos]

For everyone complaining that it's stupid when "so many good mountain bikers are without sponsors" remember that bike companies have been sponsoring motorcycle riders forever. Ever catch all of the Specialized logos on Pastrana's helmets? How about the yeti logos on Doug Henry? In fact there's hardly a top 20 MXer that doesn't have a bicycle sponsor. Besides getting the brand out to people that don't ride, all of the motorcycle racers are amazing bike riders. I've been on XC rides with Doug Henry and Ivan Tedesco (and tons of off-road guys you probably wouldn't know) and they would smoke most local Expert cross-country races. I think sponsoring them is actually far more valuable than giving bikes to some expert level riders that will just complain about them on the internet anyway.

[-dustin]

hm, i didn't realize MX riders crosstrained on road bikes....Madones, too. damn!

[CraigH]

Anyone remember CART racer Paul Tracy running the Yeti logo on his helmet? I seem to recall him having a full suspension Yeti as his pit bike at the Vancouver races. I think I even saw a Yeti ad with him in it in some bike magazine years ago.

I've read that quite a few of the CART guys ride mountain bikes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Searched with google and found a pic of one of his bikes.

http://www.yetifan.com/thermo_paul_tracy_plastic_yeti____.jpg

And a pic of him riding a Yeti.

http://www.yetifan.com/a_yetitracy.jpg

[Rip]

It'd also help if trek would build a more competent freeride/dh instead of the diesel.

Zap's a frikkin tool.

[Internal14]

[i]Ricky's 2004 season debut will be in May at the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship in Sacramento, CA. See you there. [/B]


oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!! oh my god!!


I can't wait. Seeing Ricky's return in my backyard at Hangtown!! Look out K-Dub...Ricky's coming atcha. Yo Snake...get back under the rock before Ricky runs ova yo head!


Can't wait!!!

[Echo]

Originally posted by CraigH
I've read that quite a few of the CART guys ride mountain bikes.
Yeah I think Robbie Gordon was into MTB back when he raced CART. He was a tool though.

[DRB]

http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=920

Let's see if ya'll are consistent or just Zap haters.

[Silver]

Originally posted by DRB
http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=920

Let's see if ya'll are consistent or just Zap haters.

Yep, that's dumb to. I was just about to buy a Haro, too...

[DRB]

Originally posted by Echo
Yeah I think Robbie Gordon was into MTB back when he raced CART. He was a tool though.

I know where his old patriotic Foes bike is with its busted a$$ disc brakes. And we still see its twin being ridden as well.

[NoRoadtrippin]

I was at Road Atlanta this year and saw a few guys on bit bikes...my favorite would have to be a Ferrari mechanic who was on a S-Works Epic.

And im hoping the person that thought the MX thing worked out for Cannondale was only kidding...?! Cuz last time I chekced that ran them into the red ink pretty fast.

[dhjill]

Originally posted by Ctfphotos
For everyone complaining that it's stupid when "so many good mountain bikers are without sponsors" remember that bike companies have been sponsoring motorcycle riders forever. Ever catch all of the Specialized logos on Pastrana's helmets? How about the yeti logos on Doug Henry? In fact there's hardly a top 20 MXer that doesn't have a bicycle sponsor. Besides getting the brand out to people that don't ride, all of the motorcycle racers are amazing bike riders. I've been on XC rides with Doug Henry and Ivan Tedesco (and tons of off-road guys you probably wouldn't know) and they would smoke most local Expert cross-country races. I think sponsoring them is actually far more valuable than giving bikes to some expert level riders that will just complain about them on the internet anyway.

CTFphotos is on the right track here....many, many MX riders have bike sponsors and have for years. Most all of your top-level MX pros and amateurs all cross-train on bicycles.

As a bike-industry employee who just sponsored a major MX superstar, it's not what everyone thinks. No cyclists or member or a pro cycling team is being denied sponsorship because we sponsored a MXer...truth be told, most all these companies (including us) aren't paying these guys a dime....they get a couple bikes and we get logo placement on their helmets. Maybe we can use their likenesses in an ad...but that's it.

It's no big secret that the cycling industry is in a bit of a funk...cross-marketing is critcal and onlt helps to grow what's otherwise a rather finite market.

[punkassean]

Originally posted by Echo
Yeah I think Robbie Gordon was into MTB back when he raced CART. He was a tool though.

care to elaborate? or is this another "fact" that you just made up out of boredom?

[Echo]

Originally posted by punkassean
care to elaborate? or is this another "fact" that you just made up out of boredom?
It's an opinion. Sorry if you don't like it. Care to elaborate on why you think I make up facts?

One example of why I think he was a tool was in Cleveland (don't remember what year), after the race had ended and he got beaten by Michael Andretti (fair and square with no contact), on the cool down lap he deliberately caught up to Andretti and wrecked both of their million dollar cars (and risked injury to both of them) because he was mad that he lost.

[punkassean]

didn't you say trek doesn't make a DH bike earlier in this thread? They have a fairly strong campaign with Andrew Shandro and although the deisel is a fairly simple design, it actually performs well.

[punkassean]

Robbie Gordon is an innovator in the desert racing world and his trucks are still the best made period. My point was just that if you think he was a tool but are not sure it's better to keep your mouth shut. on the contrary if he did something in particular to you then let us know. sorry if it sounded harsh but I am a big fan of his and I don't know if monkeys know about his rep. in the desert world. or if they care for that matter.

[DRB]

Originally posted by punkassean
Robbie Gordon is an innovator in the desert racing world and his trucks are still the best made period. My point was just that if you think he was a tool but are not sure it's better to keep your mouth shut. on the contrary if he did something in particular to you then let us know. sorry if it sounded harsh but I am a big fan of his and I don't know if monkeys know about his rep. in the desert world. or if they care for that matter.

Robby Gordon is a tool. A complete tool for that matter. He is an abrasive and angry person that seemingly has no appreciation for what he has and how he got it.

On numerous occassions I have seen him be a complete and utter jacka$$ to folks simply asking for an autograph. He dropped his bike (mentioned earlier) at a local shop. A 9 year old recognizing, went up to him and asked very very politely "Mr Gordon could I please have your autograph." Gordon looked at him like he threw sh!t on him and said "I don't have time to sign an autograph for you kid." And then roamed around the shop for the next 5 minutes. Around these parts its a completely unforgivable sin to do that especially when you are a NASCAR driver. I've seen him do that at least 2 other times, personally.

It makes it even worse that when in comparison, pretty much every other NASCAR driver goes completely and utterly out of their way to be as accessible as possible.

[Echo]

Robbie Gordon is a classic example of someone with a sh!tload of talent, with a big ego and attitude to go with it. If he knew how to act like a professional, with his talent he probably could have ended up in F1.

[Echo]

Originally posted by punkassean
didn't you say trek doesn't make a DH bike earlier in this thread? They have a fairly strong campaign with Andrew Shandro and although the deisel is a fairly simple design, it actually performs well.
They make a frame, and don't sell it as a complete bike. I go to plenty of races and I've never seen one. Shandro rocks, I didn't know he was riding for Trek. They don't have anything about DH racing at all in the team section of their website.

[CraigH]

Originally posted by Echo
Shandro rocks, I didn't know he was riding for Trek.

Shandro & Trek article on NSMB from last year, also including Trek's news release (http://www.nsmb.com/shore_news/shandro_trek_01_03.php)

Article on Shandro's Diesel on NSMB. (http://www.nsmb.com/gear/shandrotrek_06_03.php)

http://www.nsmb.com/images/gear/shandro%20trek/complete.jpg

[Echo]

Originally posted by CraigH
Shandro & Trek article on NSMB from last year, also including Trek's news release (http://www.nsmb.com/shore_news/shandro_trek_01_03.php)

Article on Shandro's Diesel on NSMB. (http://www.nsmb.com/gear/shandrotrek_06_03.php)
Cool, thanks. I wonder if he's still riding for them this year? They don't have him listed on the team section of their website.

[punkassean]

considering Shandro took a trek dieslel to podium at red bull I doubt if they have let him go. Hid bike has a custom made 3d head badge with his last name embossed in it. Thanks for the specific examples of behavior on behalf of robbie gordon. if that is true it's is a shame. Echo sorry to be harsh but in order to get credibility you have to back it up. in this case you were right, but you just looked like a jerk without proof. my bad. If you don't follow the freeride scene it would be easy to think that trek doesn't have a DH team.

[CraigH]

Originally posted by Echo
I wonder if he's still riding for them this year?


On the Sombrio site (his business with Dave Watson), he is still listing Trek as his #1 sponsor.

Sombrio (http://www.sombrioracing.com/flash_index.html)

[VPSDhiller]

Craig is correct. Mr.Shandro is definitely riding the Trek again this year.

[MtnbikeMike]

Word has it that a 10" travel diesel is in the works. In '03 they had the diesel freeride as a complete bike.

[klunky]

"Word has it that a 10" travel diesel is in the works"

got anymore info on that?

Trek dont put DH at the top of there list I guess but at the world cup round 1 fort william last year they had the most open pit and the riders (wade and Mio) were chatting to everyone and generally promoting the brand better than anyone else there.

im pretty sure they are gradually going to increase there DH intrest. I know they were looking at the new new Vanilla shock (the dh one with big adjusters) and were very keen on using them on there "next bike".

http://www.pinkbike.com/modules/photo/?op=view&image=131025

theres my one for those who care

[MtnbikeMike]

sorry no more info

mechanic at the local shop heard from the sales rep

i think it's going to be another single pivot. maybe a new swingarm (like on the gemini) so 8" diesels can have 10"?(just speculation of course)

[DßR]

Trek has a Pro DH racer riding for the Trek team, her name is Mio Suemasa and she's not half bad.

The Diesel is also sold as a complete.

[ep1nson]

Grasshopper

Registered: May 2004
Location:
Posts: 1
Offline

I think that bicycle manufactures are realizing, they need more sales, what better way than to advertise in a similar enviroment, that has alot of $$$.


4 the love of Slalom
dear mountain bike racing world.
you should know that
when you talk about the Crow , he will appear before your very eyes. KAAAAAHHHH!! KKAAAAAAAAWWWW!!

I have to say that all my exsperiences racing mtb. stay with me, i truly enjoyed the love, passion, and committment that old school slalom, takes to excell at.

hitting turns , ripping berms, and really mad doubles will always gets me going.

as for the Four man whooaaa! that was some of the toughest racing i have ever done, i remember banging bars, every turn, guys coming in on the inside, with 1 Intention, putting you on your head. Back then there was $$$ from ZZYZZX, bullet.

they actually held a few stand alone events at the Ski place just down from big bear, the course was over a minute, sandy, and Vertical, Shaums march won the first one, remember Shaums going Big, miss those days.

any way they prepared the track for fast, ballz out riding, big berms, and the best part, a Chairlift ride back to the top!!

Since racing mtb,

I started racing supermoto, in sept, 2002, my first time on a moto bikein 10 plus years, the cannondale guys where loving the fact that i raced all weekend in the only jersey i had, a very thin Ellsworth jersey. on pavement,
after Passing Aron Yates, for a top spot.

after traveling with the first US team to represent in Supermoto, in beligium, I left my Team and toured all over.

When i Got Back Bartels Harley Davidson Asked me to Race for them,. and of course i did. knowing the infamous motorcycle racing history that goes with them. "Bostrom's, Zemke,and JAY Springstein

So Recently in my Pro Debut
three weeks ago i qualified to become a professional road racer, , at Sonoma CA made AMA History. on a Triumph 600. just for fun,

I would like to thank all of the racers that still remember my efforts, i truly thought they would be forgotten

every time i raced i would give it 100% sometimes i ate dirt. but a few world champions will tell you, 1997-1998. Beneke, Croasdale, Palmer, King, you better not be sleeping, cause Eric Pinson will send you Packing.

one guy said i freaked out and grabbed too much brakes, and t boned a kovachi trailer
No
cause if you were really paying attention, i ussually disconect the brakes exspecially in wet grass.
Trailer????
well it must have knocked me out, cause i didn't remember it. quite like that.

As soon as i find some free time i want to go race old school slalom, again in Southern California so if you have a schedule please send it.


Crow's
Racing moto
Have Race Will Travel..Leave it on the course.. and enjoy every second,

Slalom Rules

NEVER BACKPEDAL, "no one ever passed someone pedaling backwards

slow down to go faster..


Turns...
Absolute Perfection
my favorite part of racing, any body can jump, but turning is an art, one done to perfection
is the most rewarding sensation i've ever experienced

Challenge to all slalom racers

to lay the bike over as far a traction will allow,then a liitle more drag your pedals, and the Bar Ends!!! Come out of the turn ripping

while removing the grass from your gloves , say to your competitors is that possible??? funny thing
i dont remember crashing.

Slalom is a psychological and full excertion, every millimeter counted..

Note about me and Palmer,

i Broke my chain coming out of the GATE..
thanks to Fred Flinstone, i was only beat by palmer by .75 seconds in the first run.
I wanted it bad, the 20 foot double. seemed like fifty ft with one foot on the pedal and the other taking a full stride of committment.
Run 2

Palmer came out of the gate like a raped APE, on the third turn i looked up to see holy fury as palmer was on the slightly slower course, with an unbeliveable advantage,

My long time Friend SAid one thing, GO CROW!!!!GO!!!
Istarted spinning with all my might, busting the berms and haveing fun, i hunkered down for about 35 sec, of a pure ADRENALINE..

When we came side by side over the double i realized that i had made up the ground, and to the finish line ..

GO CROW
#32 seed Pinson Advanced
Pinson Haults a year of Winning for Palmer whom im now competing against in Supermoto

For those who are now lost, my Fans and competitors called me CROW

why??Cause like a Crows , no matter where you go, there is a CROW. have race will travel

I LIVE to Ride but i LOVE to RACE.


im now in WSMC, AFM, Flat track, AMA, and WERA, racing Full time, for fun.

if any one ever needs Tires for street bikes, www.crstires.com

or wants to get in to moto racing
come on lets go!!

I just recently was informed that old school slalom is coming back, Remember when berms were how much dirt the amatuers pushed from the inside.

slalom, no basket weaving, just pure turns and sprinting,

Basket Weaving, term for a row of gates so tight and slow you just blast the gates, boring and dumb ,
as for me

my favorite courses, VERMONT, Plattekill, gotta love Big Bear and mammoth always.,
Chuck Pitts Backyard Brawl in GA, Mount ste Anne Canada, and my Personal
Track Located at My Alma Mater Lindsey Wilson Kentucky, " Go Blue Raiders

While In College
Racing on the First Scholarship for a dual slalom racer LWC, i went on to a second place behind brent hendler1998,
Next year 1999, I made my personal best runs ever.
Only to get the Eric MOORE Shaft,
To be told you are the National Champion, by Eric Moore
Then for Eric Moore to call out some dude as champion, the guy had never even made a Norba main Event final.

Crushed from the amount energy time, and dedication to the sport i was so passionate for,

I went to the college National to WIN, and Eric Moore went there to make sure i didn't.

I wrote many letters to norba, then Eric M then tried to remove my racing licence, because of the reaction he got from all the teams, for the semi riot, "food fight"that took place cause i told EM, how much Norba Slalom meant to me.

So This should just about clear up Any questions About the whereabouts of
Eric Pinson
AMA# 204 supersport, FX Road Racing, now these guys are FAST.
WSMC # 883



Racing 4 man fairness comes from proper course layout, and a stiff elbow.

what made old school slalom the best?

The Show, slalom time,
had every racer in a thick plot, the intensity of an underdog getting to race his heros, the perseverance of a person coming from a deficit, the opportunity to level a goli, the close contact with fans, i even recall a time when your first, and second run was just to see if you qualified. talk about pressure.

Im getting fired up just thinking about it.

Eric Pinson
Slalom From the Heart

[2inthehole]

what's next? The Trek halftime show at the superbowl? The Trek open Golf Tournament? Maybe sponser a Hockey team, or Softball or something? Seems like an ok idea on it's face, but maybe the money would be better spent with helping NORBA give some prize money to pro's so our National series will have more prestige than a neighborhood race in tijuana....... Zap is a j'a$$ anyway, why should I care?

trek is promoting health and fitness i think...since these guys ride bike to stay fit and its part of their daily exersize why not??? i think its a smart move not to just promote thier bikes, but to promote fitness sence 3/4 of the world sits on their ass on these forums bitching about who's an a*s and who's not...
get off your a*s, ride your bike and maybe trek wont have to promote through other sports since there wont be a point CAUSE EVERYONE IS FIT!

[roiyial]

ask them if you want..ill tell you what they say..100 million people going my way now