MTBikeAZ.com

What I post today is a work of art…a masterpiece in mapping technology. A local outdoor enthusiast who goes by the name Nothra Bin sent me his latest Google Earth map of South Mountain. He meticulously built the map using existing GPS tracks on the web, as well as freehand routing and labeled just about everything you can think of.

New Google Earth high resolution imagery shows some really awesome detail for more than half the trails on the mountain. You can actually see the boulders and rocks along the trails. The waterfall looks awesome. Download the KMZ and visit SoMo anytime for a virtual ride.

Nothra also posted the map on the Google Earth Community site. Thanks Nothra for sharing this map with us. You rule!

Trail Reviews: Desert Classic, Geronimo, Javelina, Mormon, National

I rode Fantasy Island North Singletrack, aka FINS, a few weeks ago. I was totally impressed with the system. Loads of fun with plenty of XC action including a nice climb.

I rode into a couple of the trail builders out on the trail. Harv and his gang were out doing some routine maintenance and riding. If I lived closer I’d ride FINS every morning. It’s the best singletrack on the west side.

Read the Full Review to see pictures, a YouTube vid of the drop on Jim’s Ascent, and or course Google Earth views…

I will never be able to say enough about Bonti Super Juice. I made the switch to tubeless over a year ago I have not had a flat on the trail since. I’ve deserved many a flats with all the cactus spines that find their way in to my tires and legs…but with superjuice spinning round my wheels I don’t even worry about it.

I did have to refuel my rear tire, a Maxxis Larsen TT, after about six months. Removing cactus spines after every ride does take it toll on the juice. The tire started to lose air after each ride so I injected it with 3 oz of the elixer and I’m flying leak-free. I use about an ounce more in each tire that the recommended dosage. All for good measure - all for Arizona.

The price tag for Super Juice is about twice that for Slime or True Goo or Stan’s. But Super Juice is worth her weight in contained air, a priceless possession on the mountain. Thanks Bonti Super Juice for keeping my rims off the ground.

Just for kicks, I’m going to give Stan’s a spin. I’ll post a review and see how it compares to the Super Juice. Until then you can read this debate on the MTBR forums.

Stan’s versus Super Juice

The 2008 Trek Fuel EX lineup website has officially launched. I got the Trek newsletter this morning.

The official website includes a video of John Riley, Trek Mountain Bike Product Manager, giving an overview of the new technologies on the 2008 Fuel EX lineup - namely the Active Braking Pivot (ABP), Full Floater, and EVO Link. Jose Gonzalez, Trek Director of Suspension Technology, goes in to the details of ABP and Full Floater. Nice touch with the vids showing how this new technology works.

There have already been a few early reviews of the 2008 Fuel EX from Velo News, bikemag.com, Dirt Rag, cyclingnews.com and bicycling.com. Singletrack Magazine has posted a recent review of the Fuel EX including the 69ers.

I can’t wait to demo the new Fuel EX9.5 when Trek comes to Arizona on the Ride the Best Tour later this year. The demo last year was awesome.

See the entire 2008 Lineup and download The Goods (brochure, wallpapers…) and read the King of the Mountain blog where you can read up on the new Fuel EX geometry.

Fuel EX 9.5 | Fuel EX 9.0 | Fuel EX 9

Fuel EX 8 | Fuel EX 7 | Fuel EX 6.5 | Fuel EX 5.5