2009 S-Works Epic
I recently returned from my latest trip for work. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to take a yearly trip with my fellow service managers at Eriks. The past two years we went out to Colorado Springs for Sram’s STU(Sram Technical University). Last year plus STU we got to partake in the Bill Woodul Race mechanics clinic. For someone that wants to be a race mechanic this is the first step. This year we got to go out to Specialized Bikes for their SBCU program. This past October they added a technical clinic to their list of classes. Specialized Technical Masters Course. I have never been to California before so I was pretty stoked to spend part of my winter in a warm climate for the first time in my life. Specialized has a beautiful facility. Very well kept. Top notch. The tech clinic was roughly 4 days. The first day was a lot of Theory. Explanations on carbon fiber, integrated suspension and its advantages, spring rates, and rider experience. The second and third days were in the lab. We briefly looked at Roval wheels. The new Command Post. Then we dove into suspension. The rest of the second day was pulling apart the rear AFR shocks. The third day was all forks. We pulled apart the E150 fork, and the E100 Future Shock fork. All in all, the course was very good. However I could tell it is still in its early stages, and it can only get better. Brennan Marquez did a great job. We got to meet the engineers behind the front and rear shocks. Even the well known Mike “Mic” McAndrews. A pioneer in the suspension world who helped invent the BRAIN shock on Specialized bikes. The last day was spent out on the trail testing out the suspension and seeing how it performs in different conditions.
The weather out there was perfect. I think we were in the 60’s all week. I guess it had been raining a ton there the past week and some of us were worried we weren’t going to get to ride. I rained overnight most nights, but was dry during the day. Luckily we were able to ride that last day. And it was an epic ride. THE best mt. bike ride of my life. I rode the 2009 S-Works Epic. It was outfitted with the Fast Trak LK(low knob) tires. I was a bit concerned with this because of the muddy conditions we were hearing about, plus “AT” the rear shock engineer looked at my tires and gave me a funny look. Uh Oh, I thought. The bike was flawless. Climbs like a banshee. As fast if not faster then my S-Works Carbon hardtail. The tires were the most surprising. No issues at all. And it was MUDDY. Ya see, we Minnesotans don’t get the opportunity to ride in the mud because our trails close if there is the slightest hint of mud. We took full advantage. It was some of the gnarliest shit I’ve ever ridden on. I followed a guys line who was riding an S-Works Enduro down a really aggressive, steep rocky section. I’m sure I had that “OH SHIT” look on my face. But the bike came through with flying colors. A great 3+ hours of riding had us all spent. Some frosty Sierra Nevada Pale Ales, then pizza was a great way to end our week out there.
As much as I love these trips and am grateful for them, every year I debate on going. I don’t like flying. No, there are parts of flying I don’t like. You always hear that you’re more likely to die in a car accident then a plane crash. Thats just by the numbers. Take a car crash vs. a plane crash. Thats how I look at it. Secondly I hate turbulence. Can’t stand it. On our way back we hit some wicked shit over the Rocky Mountains. Worst I’ve ever experienced. I prefer window seats, but looking at that wing flop all over the place, while the plane is swaying back and forth and changing altitudes makes me feel like the pilot has no control. Taking off and landing are pretty cool. Gimme just that, and put me out for the rest of it. The whole time this is going on this guy sitting behind me is snoring his ass off. How? Not sure, maybe he’s got some good drugs. We’ll see what happens next year. Maybe I won’t go? I tell this myself every year, and end up going. It was pretty cool to be laying in green grass one moment, then just 4 hours later walking in 8 degree weather and fresh POW. Oh yes, and In-N-Out Burger is worth all the hype.
