36: Electric Mountain Bikes And Wilderness Access

  • 2 minute read
The founder and moderator of the iMTBtrails.com forum, Mikie Watson, and other members of his SoCal online community were displeased with our coverage of the inaugural eMTB race at the Sea Otter Classic in Issue #132 of the SCB magazine. We discuss the response of the magazine’s editorial director and the conversations that resulted.
Share
0 people shared the story
0
0
0
0

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

A photo from our event coverage of the electric mountain bike race at the 2016 Sea Otter Classic, the inaugural running of the event. Image by Victor Prestinary
Editorial coverage of the inaugural electric mountain bike race at the 2016 Sea Otter Classic triggers concern of wilderness trail loss by a local SoCal MTB club. Image by Victor Prestinary

We open the show with an event report for next week and some follow-up with news from Peter Sagan and that Bahrain guy. Justin waxes poetic on his new MTB hoops and Tim talks about cheering on the finish of the AIDS Ride this past weekend with recommendations for coffee near Griffith Park.

The main topic of discussion in this episode pertains to a forum post on imtbtrails.com, a SoCal-based website, regarding electric mountain bike use on wilderness trails. In particular, the founder and moderator of the forum, Mikie Watson, and other members were displeased with our coverage of the eMTB race at the Sea Otter Classic in Issue #132. Watson sent us an email describing his frustrations with this editorial choice and opened up the discussion to the users in his forum. Chris Reynolds, host of BICYCLIST.fm replied to Watson directly on this and Watson shared Reynolds’ response on his forum, also adding insights that hadn’t been considered in the discussion up to that point.

We consider his response and other media attention that has bubbled up in the past week regarding this contentious debate.

Sponsored By
Our sponsor for this week’s episode is the Big Bear Cycling Festival on July 30 – August 7th. Big Bear Cycling and the City of Big Bear Lake are proud to present the Big Bear Cycling Festival; a full week of rides and cycling related activities at 7000’ in the San Bernardino Mountains. The Big Bear Cycling Festival has planned a full schedule of fun for the whole week, including the famous Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo and Grizzly 100 presented by Big Bear Valley Vacations on Saturday, July 30th and the Tour de Big Bear Presented by REMAX on Saturday, August 6th.

Announced Events
Revolution Bike Fest
Quick n Dirty Summer Series #5
Climb to Kaiser
The Grand Tour
626 Golden Streets
Ontario 4 Corner Criterium

Show Links
Peter Sagan May Lead Team Astana
Spoke Bicycle Cafe
The Wheelhouse in DTLA
Moro Canyon Back Country Trails
IMTB.com “Discussion with Southern California Bicyclist”
Haibike eMTB at 2016 Sea Otter Classic
The Real Problem With Electric Mountain Bikes 

Share
Tweet
Like
Share
Share
Like
Share
Related Tags

magazine editor, podcast host

You May Also Like
Read More
  • 3 minute read

TBE Episode 146: The Future of Owning a Car, Helmet Testing Debacle, and Rider Stats That We Cannot Beat

We discuss how bike shops should be evaluated, predictions that owning a car won’t be so necessary in the future, how bikeways promote physical activity, MIPS vs. WaveCel helmet claims, Professional Cyclists discuss their experiences with depression and how they manage, and Strava stats from the professionals at Milan-San Remo that you have to see to believe.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
San Diego Downtown
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 143: Bike Shop Stops in San Diego, New Rules for Throwing Bidons in the Peloton, and the Rotor 1×13 Hydraulic Drivetrain Release

We discuss notable bike shops in San Diego during our magazine delivery route, we also touch on some ground-breaking rules regarding tossing bidons in the peloton and the fines riders could incur for doing so. We wrap up the episode with a discussion on Rotor Bike Components’ note-worthy release of the 1×13 Hydraulic Drivetrain and how bicycle patents can stifle growth in the components sector.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Cobbles for the WIN
Read More
  • 3 minute read

TBE Episode 148: Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix Review and History, In Search of Equity By Bicycle

In this episode we cover some fascinating history behind the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, including some rider stats we can’t beat. We also discuss the differing priorities of bike community advocates, and a post-show in which we ponder the bike potential of unlimited resources.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 150: Bike Goodr Super Fly Sunglasses, Bike Campouts and the Viability of Viathon

We have fun reviewing the Super Fly packaging and sunglasses sent over to us by Bike Goodr, while discussing the important considerations to make when shopping for cycling sunglasses. We talk Walmart’s new high-end bike brand and what the outcome might be, as well as a discussion about riding in prestigious events on inexpensive bicycles.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 144: The Continued Evolution of Drivetrain Design, the Spring Classics have Sprung, and OC Bike Shop Reports

We follow up on our discussion of the ‘Rotor’ stepping stone and the continued evolution of drivetrain design. We also discuss professional racing hot topics including the results of Strade Bianche, the first stage and the history of Paris-Nice, and Nicole Hanselmann’s speedy start at the Omloop Het Niewsblad. Finally, Chris gives us the update on the bike shop stops along the Orange County, magazine delivery route.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 149: Amstel Gold Race, SRAM Acquires PowerTap, and Reviewing the Jones Bikes SWB Complete Plus

We continue our brief series on the history of some of the famous events in the UCI Road World Championships history, including the recent Amstel Gold race. We also discuss SRAM’s acquisition of PowerTap, and why some of us think power meters are unnecessary for regular riders. We finish up with a closer look at our review of Jones Bikes SWB Complete build.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 147: Rancho Recap!, Trail Tool Giveaway, Questions on Frugality and Some of the Favorite Riders for Two Spring Classics

We recap the fun had at SDMBA’s Ride the Rancho event in San Diego and announce our Trail Boss trail tools giveaway, courtesy of 911 Law. We also discuss some upcoming Spring Classic races and the predictions for favorites to win. In the post-show we answer questions of frugality when shopping for bicycle gear.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

Episode 141: Prospects of A New Bike Deal, Race Alternatives, and Solidarity Amongst People Who Ride Bikes

This episode we talk some popular races cancelling their events for 2019, including the Red Hook Crit, while some new types of events make their way into the cycling scene, such as virtual racing. We also discuss the politics of bicycling nationally, the new bike deal, and the bicyclists who make up the majority of the community. Also more details on an incident at a bike shop in Chino that involved thieves attempting to steal a bicycle from Incycle Bicycles while severely injuring a shop employee in the process.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 145: Visiting Orange County Bike Shops, Sorting Out That Squishy Feeling, Tech on our Radar

In this episode we recap results of a recent survey that shows Los Angeles has the most aggressive drivers in the country (and how they measured this), we talk about notable Orange County bike shops that we stopped by on our magazine delivery route, future damper technology for mountain bikes, and Victor’s got his eye on a new titanium bike. In the post-show we cover the results and last stage of Paris-Nice, the NEW Team Sky name and owner, and acquisitions in the industry.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 153: Follow-up Extravaganza, Insights and Afterthoughts, Ride Tracking, Lighting, and Building Bikes

We cover some follow-up in this episode including Victor’s in-depth review of his preferred ride tracking apps, as well as the hurdles encountered when building up a vintage bike. And finally, getting the most bang for you buck when searching for lighting. In the post-show we cover the benefit of bike-focused businesses, plus more for BICYCLIST patrons.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 151: Bike Bath Problems and Solutions, the Gamification of Cycling, and an Ethical Valuation of Laws for Cars vs. Bikes

We wrap-up the results from the 2019 Amgen Tour of California. We also discuss advances in washing your bicycle, events this summer that gamify cycling, wilderness access for mountain bikers in Carlsbad, and the implications of laws for drivers vs. bikes.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

Episode 140: Steel Touring Bike Wishlist, Tour of California Route Announced, Biking in Extreme Weather, and A Misstep for Quick-Step

In this episode we fawn over epic steel touring bikes, we admire the athletes and commuters who cycle in extreme weather (and we add some tips for cycling in rain or snow), we also review the announced route for the 2019 Amgen Tour of California, and discuss why Iljo Keisse was removed from the Vuelta San Juan.
Read More
0
0
0
0
1
Read More
  • 4 minute read

135: Fixmas in Fullerton, Controversy Surrounding Race Radios in the Peloton, and Virtual Group Rides Becoming More Popular

Issue 155 is released! In this episode we discuss our exploration of the bike friendly areas of Fullerton, followed by a discussion of race radios’ place in the peloton and Romain Bardet’s desire to see them banned. We also touch on the popularity of virtual group rides, how the landscape of bike industry expositions is changing, and another reason not to use Uber.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Blurred Road Racing by Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 152: Giro Over the Shoulder, Flying With Your Bike, A Word on ‘Ventoux’, War of Helmet Marketing Continues

In today’s episode we discuss options for traveling with a bicycle, or how to acquire a bicycle while traveling. We also discuss some stages and information from the Giro d’Italia 2019, as well as a discussion on following the Pro World Tour in Europe. Also a book recommendation for Father’s Day (or casual reading), and some industry news.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

TBE Episode 142: Advances in Ride Tracking Methods, Reviewing the Merits of Labelling ‘Luxury’, Numb Toes, Ammonia Smells, and Tipping Your Bike Mechanic

We talk some new advancements being made in ride tracking, including a bike computer that runs for 96 hours and Strava’s (beta) route mapping feature, as well as thoughts on how the Red Hook Crit can come back full throttle in 2020, why your feet may be numb during a ride, and why cleaning the cobblestones for Paris-Roubaix is not sacrilegious. In the post-show we discuss pre-ride jitters, why a rider might smell or taste ammonia after a ride, and a discussion on how the body burns fuel based on your diet.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 3 minute read

137: Race Meat, Carbo-loading, Riding With Cars, Warm Showers, Why It Matters Santa Ana Got A Protected Bike Lane, The ‘Stigma of the Vegan Brand’

We cover a range of topics including race day carb loading, post-adventure fueling, vegan supplements, and DIY supplements on the cheap. We also discuss EF Education First team kits for 2019 and their new partnerships, new bike lanes in Santa Ana supports the community, and breaking down the assertions that ‘fewer Americans bike to work’.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0
Read More
  • 2 minute read

74: First American (From SoCal) Wins Flanders, the SweaterGate Debate, and Los Angeles 2016 Traffic Report Card

The entire team gets together and discusses upcoming SoCal events, EROICA California and the Cervelo Belgian Waffle Ride. We review the winners of the Tour of Flanders, comment on the PBS documentary about local Bicycle Brigade, the Ovarian Psycos, and lament on the LA Times report card on pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles during 2016. The post-show covers topics regarding April Fool’s Day.
Read More
0
0
0
0
0