Let the kid's join in the fun too

Skibikes aren't just for adults.  There are inexpensive kids conversion kit models available on the market too.

I didn't know about them until a number of parents mentioned them on an internet forum.  They are a great way to have kids develop balance on snow with a kid-size bike.  It's specifically designed for children from 18 months to 5 years.

Strider ST3 Skibike

The Strider ST3 Skibike consists of a metal frame with integrated footrests.  Plastic wheels with foam tires are attached to the frame.  Velcro the lightweight plastic skis on and it's ready for some snow.

2012 Bike Specifications:

Frame:  Custom welded, thin-gauge steel alloy with integrated footrests 

Fork:  Welded steel, 70 degree headtube angle 

Paint:  Certified compliant with California Proposition 65 lead standards 

Tires:   All terrain, puncture-proof, molded foam... no flats, ever! 

Wheels:  Molded plastic with sealed bearings riding on steel axles 

Saddle:  Injection molded ergonomic plastic shell with padded vinyl cover 

Seatpost:  7/8” dia., chrome plated steel, 70 degree seattube angle 

Handlebars:  7/8” dia., one piece custom welded steel with zero reach stem 

Assembled Weight:  6.4 lbs. without optional brake 

Seat height:  Adjustable from 11” to 16” (up to 19” with optional XL Seatpost and Saddle) 

Handlebar height:  Adjustable from 20” to 22 

Handlebar width: 15” 

Wheelbase:  22” 

Overall length:  33” 

Optional brake:  Welded steel, foot operated friction type with polyurethane spring 

The bikes are perfect for the community sledding hill or the backyard.  They aren't legal to ride at ski resorts since they don't have metal edges.



The Strider isn't just for winter either. Pull the skis off in summer and one has an introductory BMX bike for youngsters.



A complete winter Strider setup can be purchased from SkiBikeFun.com for only $179.  That includes shipping.

Current frame choices are blue and red.  Order at http://www.skibikefun.com/STRSNOBK001.htm

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Ski bike requirements at Arapahoe Basin

I called Alan Henceroth, the COO and General Manager of A Basin, in August 2012 to try to get their skibike rules, regulations, and requirements at the ski area.

During the phone conversation, I discovered that I was wrong about some of their policies.  Nothing like getting the rules direct from the big cheese.

I can't say I was entirely happy with my findings but what follows is some of what I learned:

Lenz Sport Launch at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Skibikes are restricted to the front-side of A-Basin.  Montezuma Bowl is prohibited terrain. (Alan didn't get upset when I admitted I may have strayed down there on a bike.)

Bikes are only permitted on three of the the front-side chairlifts.  No getting on the Pali chair.

Leashes are required while riding the chairlifts.  This is strictly enforced.  Nothing about wearing them on the slopes was mentioned.

Peggers and skibobbers are welcome.

Everyone is welcome to use the features in the terrain parks.

It's okay to ask the lifties to slow the down the fixed-grip lifts so you can safely exit the chairlift at the top.  Some lifties will ask you if you want it slowed as you approach.  A quick pushing down motion signal with your hand to the liftie in the booth will work.

Conversion kit and homemade bikes are not expressly prohibited.  Plenty of homemades have shown up and they haven't run them off.

There are no bike rentals or lessons available at the ski area.

Alan mentioned that they once offered skibob lessons and rentals a long time ago.  There was no demand so they got rid of them.

I don't know of any prohibited skibike designs.  They will let you know if they don't like what you brought.

There was some skepticism expressed when I mentioned that the sport was experiencing increased participation and growth.   My own casual observations at Winter Park from 5 years ago to today show a definitive trend.  Hard data from lessons and rentals back me up.

All in all, A-Basin is a pretty ski bike friendly joint.  Respect their rules and use common sense.  Don't be one of those skibikers that gets them banned like at Copper Mountain.

© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

February 2013 Vail Skibike Video with Devin Lenz & Crew

Todd shot video of our first day skibiking on Vail mountain last Sunday.  Highlights include China Bowl and the first ever skibike  racing in the Vail Winter Mountain Games.

In the video, Devin is wearing a greenish coat/black pants, Aaron is wearing a yellow/greenish jacket with blue pants, and I'm wearing the tan coat with yellow pants.  Todd is wearing the striped coat and was shooting from a mount on the front of his bike.

At the beginning of the video, we're at the Two Elks area getting ready to drop into China Bowl.  Later  footage shows the terrain at the bottom of the bowl.

At Gold Peak, where the competition events were held, it shows the bikes being carried to the top of the race course with snowmobiles.  Devin and Aaron then square off against each other.  If one looks closely, you can spot Devin hucking the course jump.  Devin ended up smoking his nephew.

I have to think that Todd is in love with the Lenz Sport Launch that Devin left with him.   There's footage in there from this past week with the bike in deep freshies with falling snow coming down around it.

If you are in the Vail area and want to catch up with Todd, shoot me a message or contact him through this video.  He's happy to tell you all about the bike.  I have a feeling he's currently surrounded by eager Vail Ski Patrollers.

Thanks again to Todd, Vail Resorts, and the Vail Valley Foundation for the fun day.


Skibiking with Devin Lenz on Vail Mountain from T Harper on Vimeo.


© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

2013 Durango Skibike Festival starts tomorrow

 The largest ski bike festival in Colorado if not the USA starts tomorrow.  There will be events and socials held throughout the weekend of February 15 - 17, 2013.

There will be free demos and displays from a variety of manufacturers and companies.  If there is a skibike model you've always wanted to demo, this is the time.

Festival participants will need to purchase lift tickets to ride the chairlifts.  Discounted tickets will be available only to registered participants.  ASA members receive additional discounts.

All bikers will need to show a skibike license to board any DMR lift.  They will honor a license/certification obtained at other ski resorts.  So bring it if you have one.  If you don't have a license, there will be checkout rides each morning from 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Hanging out during the festival

Those wanting to learn to ride can take a lesson through the DMR Ski School.   Schedule early as space is limited.

The Jump and Huck contest will take place on Saturday.  Be sure to bring a camera to record the carnage.  I'm sure Devin and Patrick will once again try to determine who has the biggest camera pole.

Devin and Patrick comparing camera poles

Saturday's events will conclude with a group dinner at Hoodie's at the ski resort base area.  It's a great time to relive the days events, share stories, and show your photo's of the day.

Parking is limited at the ski base area.  Don't park in the reserved ski employee parking spaces.  Your vehicle  may be subject to fines/booting/towing.

I'm taking a break from this years festival but there will be others representing Winter Park.

© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Lenz Sport Skibikes hit up Vail and the Winter Mountain Games

by G. Kunkel

Loaded up the ski bike, my cheap Epic Pass, and drove to Vail Ski Resort yesterday.  I then met up with Devin, Aaron, and Todd at Lionshead.   It was the perfect day - a fresh dumping of snow and a clear blue sky day.

Lenz Sport Launch skibike posse at Vail.  Picture courtesy of Todd

The day started off with Devin teaching Todd how to ride a pegger.   As an experienced downhiller, he quickly picked things up.  We then spent most of the day riding around the mountain.

While riding around we were approached by lots of people on the hill.   All were curious about the bikes and wanted to know where they could rent them, take lessons, buy one, or how did they stop.  Everyone was friendly and there were no negative comments at all.

It's safe to say that everyone was watching us where ever we rode - including all the instructors.   While riding under the chairlift that services a teaching area, it was obvious every instructor on the lift was watching us ride.

Quite a few instructors on the hill complimented my bike when I stopped near them.  Todd got stopped by a few of his Ski Patrol buddies.  Kevin stopped Todd and produced the memorable quote for the day  "Todd, where did you get that and what's it called?"  When they asked where to get one, I pointed down the trail to Devin and said "there's the builder".

We rode down to Devin where he answered more questions and offered to do a demo day just for Ski Patrol.  Seems most patrollers there are downhillers too.  As Todd had just learned to ride, he could explain what riding the bikes were like.  We had just ridden down the bumps and crud of China Bowl so he could give a first timers viewpoint.

Speaking of China Bowl, that was pure awesomeness riding terrain.  I had a blast in the soft moguls.  We didn't have to answer the question "can you ride those in the moguls?" there.  We were doing it.

During the day we also rode over to Gold Peak to take in the Dual Slalom Course races.   Devin was sponsoring Jamas Stiber in the men's race and I kinda wanted to see if we could enter the skibikes into the event.

Once at the race area, alot of the riders flocked to see the bikes.  A few had been on them and even they suggested we try to get the race officials to let us enter.  As I wrote in an earlier post, I had been told that we couldn't but nothing helps like showing up and being there.

After a quick conference, they decided that we could do demo races after the official competition was over.  Everyone had to wear helmets and sign liability waivers and that was it.   The race officials were extremely welcoming and friendly.  Such an awesome welcome to the Vail competition scene.

Devin raced against his nephew Aaron and I and Todd lent our skibikes to people Devin knew.  Devin and Aaron raced first and hit the soft rutted course hard around the gates and flew big over the jump.  Aaron crashed around one gate so Devin went for the win.   Everyone cheered.

Looks like there could be some pegger specific events next year.   Maybe some jumping or a boardercross BMX type course.   If there's a demand, they'll let us in.  Start practicing everyone and let the Vail Valley Foundation know that you're interested in entering.

After hitting China Bowl a few times, it was time to start heading back over to Lionshead.  The sun was low in the sky and the lifts were closing.  Devin and Aaron hit up some of Todd's favorite tree runs on the way down.  We also hit up the kids adventure course that's mid-mountain.  It has alot of wide banked turns that reminded me of a boardercross course.  Again, awesomeness.

In all it was a really fun day.  We got to ride Vail and were accepted as fellow snow sliders.  Thanks to Todd for guiding us around the hill all day.   Skibikers are welcome at Vail.

Congrats to Petr Hanak of Winter Park for the 1st place finish in the dual slalom race.  Read more about  it in the Vail Daily.

Video of the Winter Mountain Games from VitalMTB

Vail Winter Mountain Games 2013 - More Mountain Bike Videos

© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

2013 SIA On Snow Show at Winter Park Resort

Snowsports Industries America (SIA) the largest snowsport industry trade show in North America invaded Denver and Winter Park Resort this past week.  Thursday through Sunday was at the Colorado Convention Center.  Monday and Tuesday was in Winter Park, Colorado.  Everything wrapped up yesterday afternoon.

The WP skibike instructors decided to hold a last minute demo booth during SIA.  Good thing too.  Many people stopped by to check them out throughout the day.   Two insisted they weren't leaving without buying a bike.

Winter Park Ski + Ride School Demo Booth

Biscuit organized everything and led quite a few demo's.  One enthusiastic participant raved on about 'Ted' who led their group.  I was like Ted??????  He pointed to Biscuit and said "He's fantastic!".   Seems Biscuit has yet another alias nametag. LOL

Biscuit in charge of things.  Lenz Sport skibike display

A contingent of staff from Vail stopped by to check things out.  Rumor is they want to start a program over there too.   That's great news.

The free demo's with lessons were a great success.   Quite a few skibike licenses were issued with participants eager to return to rent bikes in the future.  Pegger lessons and rentals all go out of West Portal Rentals.

I ran the booth from about 2- 5 p.m. getting people signed up for Monday and Tuesday.   It was a great opportunity to explain the bikes to more people.   There were absolutely no negative comments this year.  People were either curious or just amped to come try them out.

Down in Denver, I scored a Epic Pass for the ridiculous price of $259.  Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and A-Basin are now in my circle of resorts.   I can already bike for free at any other ski resort in Colorado.

I'm going to love the hassle-free option of Arapahoe Basin in the spring.   No more trips to HR to pick up Real Deals.  Just drive to direct to the ski area.

And a wrap-up of the Denver Snow Show.

And the On-Snow Show at Winter Park Resort.  Look close and you may spot me.

© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Snowbike Tours at Snowmass Village

Snowmass now has bike tours on Friday nights.  At the beginning of the season, the Aspen/Snowmass communications staff mentioned they might start this night time activity with the opening of the new Elk Camp restaurant.  Looks like it's a go.

Tours are held every Friday night December 28 - March 29, 2013.  Meet at the Snowmass Base Village Four Mountain Sports Store at 5:15 pm.  It then starts promptly at 5:30 pm

Participants need to be at least a level 4 (intermediate) skier or snowboarder.  The basics of skibiking will be covered in the training ride.  Afterwards, there will be two on-mountain trail rides - weather permitting.

Groups are limited to 13 riders. Advance reservations are required.  Call 970-923-1227.

The cost of this fun night time adventure is $69.  Price includes skibike rental, lift pass, and tour.  Gratuities not included.

It's great that Snowmass has added this activity for their guests.  I've always enjoyed working with the nightime tours at Winter Park Resort.

Read more at http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/events-and-activities/winter-activities/ullr-nights

© 2013 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.Google