Sunday, December 22, 2013

Lenz Sport Skibikes will be at the 2014 SIA in Denver, Colorado

by G. Kunkel

Now a real reason to attend the SnowSports Industries of  America Snowshow (SIA) at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.  Lenz Sport will have a skibike booth displaying their products for the 2014 show.

SIA is the largest snowsport trade convention in the USA.  Retail buyers meet with industry suppliers and place their orders for next season.  If one wants to be taken seriously, your company has to attend.

This years convention is being held January 30 - February 2, 2014 at the CCC.  The On-Snow show will be held at Copper Mountain this year.  Since Copper doesn't allow skibikes, you'll only be able to test skis and snowboards there.

Attendance to both shows is restricted to industry professionals.  It is closed to the general public.  PSIA, AASI, and Ski Patrol members can attend for a modest fee.  If one really wants to attend, hit up your industry contacts for credentials.

An added bonus - one can buy a special SIA Epic Pass from Vail Resorts, Inc. for a very attractive price.  The pass is valid after SIA until the end of the season at any ski resort managed by VRI.  That includes Colorado, California, Michigan, Utah, etc.   It's also good for five days at a number of resorts in Europe.

SIA is a great way to make industry connections or keep in contact.  The first SIA I went to I thought I wouldn't know anybody there.  I was wrong.   I saw a number of people I knew and established new contacts.

Hope to see you at SIA this year.   And don't forget to stop by the Lenz Sport Skibikes booth.  Find it using the handy dandy SIA app.



© 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

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Crested Butte is now skibike friendly - sort of

by G. Kunkel

Peg skibikes and skibobs are now welcome to ride the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.  The ropes came down in April 2013.

While both types are allowed, skibikes are limited to specific terrain.  Bikes are not permitted on any black trail, double-black trail, or in the terrain park.  In addition riders must use a lanyard leash while on the chair lift and while skibiking on-slope.

 Type I (skibobs) and Type II (peg) style skibikes must have a license to ride at Crested Butte.  First timers must take a lesson to educate themselves on proper chair lift loading and unloading procedures.  The lesson lasts two hours and includes full day snowbike rental.

After the lesson, skibikers are issued a non-expiring, non-transferable license at the season pass office.  Rentals are available for $45/day for licensed holders.

Permitted areas and area skibike regulations are listed at http://www.skicb.com/lessons-rentals/ski-ride-school/snow-bike

Hopefully the terrain restrictions will end sooner rather than later.   Especially the black rated terrain.  Many resorts mistakenly believe skibikers cannot handle it properly.

Experienced freestyle skibikers have no problem riding blacks, moguls, and even the halfpipe.  Just talk to the guys at Silverton Mountain - they are still in awe of Cliff Pinto's helicopter drop on his bike last season.  He has permission to ride their mountain anytime.

I'll try to check it out this season but gotta say the totally unrestricted terrain at Vail, Telluride and Snowmass keep me drooling.

© 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

Friday, December 6, 2013

Changes to ski bike lessons at Winter Park Resort for 2013 - 2014 season

by G. Kunkel

There will be a few tweaks to skibike lessons at Winter Park Resort this ski season.

In order to improve the guest experience, lessons will now be offered once per day.  They will now start at 11:45 to give participants time to drop off family members at their lessons and still have time to get fitted for snowboard boots.  Class ends at 2:45.

The first time lesson will include a full day all-access lift ticket, full day skibike rental, and the lesson.  One must still pass all skills requirements to have the bike after the lesson.  The lesson time is increasing to 3 hours instead of 2.5 hours.

Lessons are group lessons.  Private lessons are available if one needs a different time schedule.  Please call the Private Lesson Center to arrange your private and request a specific skibike instructor.

Full and half day Lenz Sport skibike rentals are still available.  Reservations are highly recommended especially during busy holiday periods.  As the sport has become more popular, bikes are quickly rented out.  Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Read more about skibike lessons, daytime tours, and night skibike tours at http://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/ski-bikes-and-night-bikes.aspx

 © 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

Thursday, December 5, 2013

EpicSkibike.com website now live

by G. Kunkel

The website is not complete by any means but I have skibike leashes, handlebar covers, and  repair services available for purchase at Epic Skibike Accessories.  If you don't see something you need - inquiries are welcome,

My leashes come in two flavors - on slope use only and slope/chairlift use.   The chairlift one is constructed from climb-spec webbing and carabiner.  I've drop tested the final product using 35 lbs. to simulate a bike drop from a chairlift.  I hate leashes but some ski joints require them.

The on-slope leash can also be used as a carrying strap from the parking lot.  Carrying that cold metal frame from the parking lot can be exhausting.  No, I don't like carrying my bike upside down when transporting it.  Gets too awkward for me if I suddenly have to put it down or slip and fall.

I also make custom handlebar covers.   I noticed covers getting torn up in the Winter Park Resort skibike fleet so I thought there might be a need.  I made a black/white checkerboard cover for my Launch and I love it.  Women love accessorizing.

Replacement leashes for skibob skis are available.  The buckles on the commercial ones are pretty crappy and break.  I can make custom ones using the webbing of your choice.   Sold in pairs only.

My products are for the USA market.  International shipping gets pretty expensive.  If you are willing to pay the shipping, customs, VAT, we can talk.

I'm taking payments through PayPal - not that I like it but it is a way to accept credit cards.  PayPal account is not required to use the service.  I will only ship to the registered PayPal address.

Check it out at https://www.epicskibike.com/

© 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