April 20, 2013
Currently, all mountain bike trails in and around the Reno (Washoe) Valley are open. The snow is clear through 7000 ft. Still some in the shade just above 7000 ft. That means that Galena area, Peavine Mountain, Hidden Valley, and all Carson Valley rides are open with no snow. However, everything in the Lake Tahoe area is still covered. Lake level is just above 6000 ft, and all trails are around 7500 ft or higher. I would give the area around a month before...
January 29, 2013
Intervals vs. base training. What is best? (VO2, Lactate Threshold (LT), Middle Fuel Economy)
POTENTIAL, POTENTIAL, POTENTIAL!!!
The best way to build speed, power, and simply improve your cycling ability and enjoyment, is to work on your potential. Breathe right, exhale all that old air, and get as much of your VO2 potential that you can. Work on your pedal stroke efficiency, and get as much of your speed potential as you can.
So, if...
November 2, 2012
Compu-Trainer Classes: Why train with power? & Pedal Efficiency
There are many options out there, and the new thing is to train with Compu-Trainers. They are stationary stands that you put your own bike into, and you ride in place. The Compu-Trainers are the stands that you put your bike into. However, the twist is that the Compu-Trainer units are all computer controlled. Up to 8 people can ride at one time, and the computer will will keep track...
August 13, 2012
I (Rich Staley, Owner of Great Basin Bicycles) have always wanted to ride across Nevada on Highway 50, The Loneliest Highway in America non stop from State Line, Lake Tahoe to Border Town at the Utah Border. I tried once at about the age of 25, when your only real energy food were basic powerbars. I learned a ton in that attempt, and only made it to Eureka before calling it quits. I realized that my body would not take in solid food while riding continuously for that...
August 9, 2012
When I was 24, I tried to to cross Nevada on Highway 50, The Lonlinest Road nonstop on a road bike with a follow vehicle. I made it to Eureka from Stateline Tahoe in 15 hours. That is 300 miles in 300 miles for a 20mph average. But that is as far as I made it. This is back when the only cycling food was PowerBars. So, tomorrow (August 10th) I will be leaving Stateline Lake Tahoe around 3:00pm and riding across the state of Nevada non stop to the Utah Border on...
July 24, 2012
The other day Cannondale dropped off a 2012 Flash 29er Carbon Hardtail 2x10 gearing. So, I took it out on a couple of trails today. Here are my observations. The first trail I took the bike on was the Pah Rah Zipper Trail (http://app.strava.com/rides/14391772) This trail climbs very quickly, and has a ton of very steep switchbacks. The rest of the trail is nothing but baby head rocks. The Flash 29er climbed wonderfully. At 22 lbs, it handeled the...
June 3, 2012
26" vs. 29"er
Many of you wonder what the difference really is between a 26" mountain bike, and a 29" wheeled mountain bike. Let me help you realize the differences. First, I need to give you some specifics.
A 29" wheel has more mass (weight) further from the center of rotation, or further away from the hub of the wheel. When you do the math, and compare the same quality / type of wheel between a 26" and a 29er, you realize that the 29er...
May 28, 2012
Just a quick reminder that we have a Yeti Cycles Demo on June 3rd, sunday, from 12p - 6p. This event is free to the public, and you can take out some fantastic bikes on great trails. Call the shop for more information. 775-825-8258
May 28, 2012
So, I just made a loop out north of town off Winemucca Ranch Road on the way to Pyramid Lake. I have always watned to do this loop, but never had the time. So, yesterday I completed it. 8000 ft of climbing in 43 miles. The first 20 miles was fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to climb. It is a long climb, and just over 3500 ft of climbing, but the view of Pyramid Lake is beautiful. The wildlife was amazing as well. I saw antelope,...
May 10, 2012
First off, welcome to summer. On June 3rd, at the Base Ball fields of Rancho San Rafel, we are going to have a Yeti Cycles Demo event. June 3rd is on a Sunday, and the event will be from 10a - 6p. Yeti will have their Demo trailer with most of their bikes available to ride on Peavine Mountain. They are bringing SB66, SB95, ASR 5 etc. Tons of bikes, tons of singletrak, and tons of fun. Call the shop for more information. 775-825-8258.
Now for the...
April 22, 2012
This is the snow report for Reno, Nevada. April 22, 2012
As of today, all trails are clear up to 7300 feet. At this elevation, most north facing trails are still burried in snow. However, weather conditions are unseasonably warm. So, this elevation mark for snow will climb rapidly if weather conditions persist. Dry Pond Loop is open and dry. Thomas Creek is almost clear to Mt. Rose Wilderness. Just a little too much snow about 1/3 mile from the...
November 16, 2011
Hello all. As of today, 11/15/2011 we have snow. The snow level is at about 7000 ft. Most trails above this mark are closed for the winter. Right now the local trails out of Reno, Nevada are open. Dry Pond trail in South Reno does have some snow over the top of Dry Pond, but it is passable. Tyrolean DownHill off Mt. Rose Summit is still open with some snow near the top. In South Lake Tahoe, Sidewinder is still open. Most trails out of Truckee, Ca...
September 16, 2011
As many of you know, I am participating in a supported mountain bike ride across the state of Nevada. We started at Cal-Neva on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, and finishing at the Utah border east of Ely, Nevada. The ride is around 11 days, and over 500 miles. We are now 7 days, 370 miles, and 23,900 ft of climbing into this ride. Here are some quick notes on the ride.
Day 1: Cal-Neva Lake Tahoe north shore to Washoe Lake State Park.
We left Cal-Neva, and...
September 7, 2011
Wow, this late in the season, Hole in the Ground mountain bike trail on Donner Pass I-80 at Boreal is finally open. You still have to jump a couple of snow drifts on the back side, but it is open and mostly rideable. All other trails in the Reno - Tahoe area are clear with no controls. Get in - Get out - Go RIDE! And be safe.
This weekend I will be participating in Mountain Bike Nevada. We are leaving Cal-Neva North Lake Tahoe, and ending up in Utah near...
August 7, 2011
For those of you heading out to Burning Man this year, I am sold out of inexpensive bikes. I have a couple used bikes that could work for you. However, if interested, I can still order bikes from 3G and get them here in time for the event. But you have to move quickly. Here is a link to 3Gs web site. http://www.3gbikes.com/showroom.html
The Isla Vista is a great choice at $200.00. Let me know quickly.