PEDAL TO PARADISE!

Join the 3rd Annual Pedal to Paradise, June 6-7, 2015

This is an overnight dirt road ride into the isolated heart of the biggest wilderness area in the 48 states. There are two mileage distances that can be ridden (starting either at Lightfoot Cycles in Darby, or starting at the Fales Flat campground at the base of Nez Perce pass); both finish at the very end of the road–the Paradise Guard Station and campground on the Selway river. Bikes can be mountain bikes or touring bikes, upright or recumbent, as long as they are outfitted with sturdy traction tires. Lightfoot Cycles will be accompanying riders with their company van.
There will be some musicians in attendance, and if you want to bring your own acoustic instruments for jamming, they can be carried in one of the sag vehicles. There will be a volunteer “grill master” coordinating cooking for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, so potluck contributions for those two meals can include stuff that needs to be grilled or sautéed. The sag vehicles will be carrying coolers with ice. Sag will start at Lightfoot in Darby; get your gear to Lightfoot or arrange to have it picked up at Fales Flat.
You can find more details on the Lightfoot Cycles blog:

http://www.lightfootcycles.com/pedal-to-paradise/

RANS Changing Hands

New Ownership to take over in February

According to the latest news from Hayes, Kansas, Randy Schliter has notified RANS bicycle dealers of an upcoming change of ownership, with Jerrell Nichols, of Montezuma, Kansas, taking over the RANS reins on February 2, 2015. Following is text from a letter sent to all RANS dealers announcing the change:



Dear RANS Bike Dealer,

We at RANS are proud to announce the change of ownership of RANS Bikes. The change represents an expected and eventual outcome when two thriving businesses grow. As many of you know, RANS started building bikes in 1973 in the form of recumbent trikes with sails. This grew into an expansive line of recumbent and Crankforward bikes. The addition of aircraft in 1983 brought a new strength to the bike company and our line and popularity grew.

About the new Owner:
I would like to introduce you to the new owner: Jerrell Nichols of Montezuma Kansas. Jerrell has been a long time dealer for RANS Bikes and is not only a highly skilled cyclist, mechanic and craftsmen, he is one of the most fair and honest businessmen I have ever dealt with.  You can expect prompt, concise and accurate service. I am confident you will discover doing business with Jerrell to be a rewarding experience.  What you will enjoy most about Jerrell is his experience, enthusiasm and knowledge about our products.

I will continue to work with Jerrell in assuring the new RANS Bikes has a successful launch.  What has me excited is how well Jerrell and I work together and we are sure to create refinements and new designs that will continue the tradition of quality ride time. 

It is not without difficulty that I release the helm of the bike business, the friends I have made over the past 40  years have been true and faithful to the cause of bringing enjoyable cycling to the public. To all of you I am thankful for the business, and especially the friendships. I will remain available to you, being just a call away. No doubt I will find the time to wander the country and take in a ride, or even stop by your shop. This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in RANS Bikes!

The new RANS Bikes is ready for your business starting February 2. A new web site is under construction, and that should go on line in the next few weeks. Orders will be accepted through phone or email. Online ordering for dealers will be possible with the new web site along with password protected dealer pricing. 

About the New Location:
Montezuma Kansas is a small rural town of 1000 located 28 miles West of Dodge City. I have been impressed with the level of industry and strong work ethic. This is a place where old fashion values and common sense are alive and well.   The new RANS Bikes is located on Highway 56, the main road through town, in a 12,000 square foot warehouse and show room. The location will also feature bike frame fabrication. Jerrell is a master frame builder and has a capable staff to assure quality production of our U.S. made frames. The location features a large show room with most all our current, and some vintage models. If you ever venture out West, make the effort to visit the new location of RANS Bikes, I am confident the visit will be well worth your time. 

New Location:
RANS Bikes Inc.
109 West Texcoco
Montezuma Kansas
67867
Phone: 620-846-2209


Yours truly,
Randy Schlitter CEO of RANS Designs Inc.

Mississippi's inaugural Tandem Rally will take place April 17-19, 2015, in Ridgeland, MS, with great routes, including the famed Natchez Trace Parkway. The city of Ridgeland has really gotten behind this new event, and even Mayor Gene McGee will participate. On the same weekend, the 7th Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival will be in full swing, so it looks like a great time and place to attend a brand-new tandem rally. More info online: http://ridgelandtandem.com/

Don't Miss the 2015 Recumbent Cycle-Con!

The Fourth Annual Recumbent Cycle-Con will be held September 25, 26, 27, at the Sharonville Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Recumbent Cycle-Con will again be a celebration featuring the newest in recumbent bikes, trikes, gear, and accessories.

As always, the show will be filled with informative educational seminars, product demonstrations, contests for attendees. Technicians, engineers and designers from the all the major recumbent bike, trike, component, and accessory manufacturers will provide helpful, hands-on seminars, demonstrations and training sessions that will be beneficial to bike shop mechanics and recumbent DIY enthusiasts alike.

A high point for many attendees is the opportunity to ride the vast assortment of recumbent bikes, trikes and tandems being exhibited at the show. This is the only event of its kind in the country where all the major manufacturers from around the world participate in exhibiting and demonstrating their newest designs and upgrades.

Friday, September 25, will be open only to members of the bicycle industry; dealers, dealer staff, distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers' reps will have full access to the show exhibits and the demo riding arena.

ICE VTX – A New Breed of Recumbent Trike To Debut at RC-C 2013

Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE Trikes) will debut their new racing recumbent trike — the ICE VTX — at the 2013 Recumbent Cycle-Con Trade Show & Convention.
    The ICE VTX is a new breed of recumbent trike. Sleek, lean and finely tuned, the ICE VTX is designed to provide superior performance, speed and precise handling to the most exacting rider.
    Carefully considered design and specialized components, such as a lightweight boom and carbon fiber seat, brings the VTX+ in under 30lbs. An optimized cruciform and one-piece handlebar provides stability and nimble handling at high speed. Advanced race components and customized features efficiently convert pedaling effort into speed, and a low recline angle — down to 25° — minimizes frontal area to reduce aerodynamic drag. The hydro-formed back-end gives optimal strength and stiffness while remaining lightweight.

    The obvious advantage of the ICE VTX recumbent trike is the comfortable, anatomically shaped Air-Pro seat which supports through aggressive cornering and provides a firm brace to pedal against. The seat is based on a handmade shell, made in either glass fiber or, on the VTX+, carbon-fiber. The shell is faced with a single piece cover designed with padded zones separated by air flow routes for ventilation. Technical fabrics in each zone have been selected for breathability and durability.
    Using the latest technologies, finest materials and expert engineering skills ICE has produced yet another trike that is second to none in its class.
    The ICE VTX will be exhibited at Recumbent Cycle Convention in California, USA this November. Detailed information on the VTX will be available at the Convention. Until then the VTX can be watched in action on the ICE Trikes YouTube channel. The ICE VTX will be available to purchase from the start of 2014.

Mari Parker needs back-up Vendetta, ASAP

Maria's support vehicle was rear-ended, and two of her back-up bikes were damaged. She needs a back-up Vendetta, immediately. John Tolhust has put out a call for help, all costs associated with supplying the back-up Vendetta will be reimbursed. Contact John by email: tolhurst@west.com.au or call Carly Redfern at 9107341016.

Maria Parker - Solo RAAM Recumbent Rider

Cruzbike is supporting Maria Parker in her coming solo Race Across America – RAAM! RAAM is one of the world's toughest endurance events and starts on June 11 in Oceanside, California. Keep in touch to follow her preparations for the big event and even watch through the magic of the Internet as each day progresses. Once the clock starts in Oceanside California, it won’t be stopped until Maria reaches Annapolis, MD.

Maria is dedicating her race to brain cancer research. Maria’s sister Jenny is one of many who have the disease. Maria is raising money for research on brain cancer. All of the money she raises will go to brain cancer research through Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, a non-profit that fund the right research at the right time.

Maria Parker has formed 3000 Miles to a Cure to raise money for Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. You can visit 3000 Miles to a Cure on Facebook and at www.3000milestoacure.com. We welcome you all to be enthralled as Maria and her team build toward the big race and be on the edge of your seat cheering for Maria as she pedals mile upon mile upon mile across the great North American continent. 

Please take a moment to wish her well. If you would like to donate, you may text “Race” to 20222, or visit www.3000MilestoaCure.com.