Valmont Bike Park Grand Opening this weekend! Be there or be missing it on Saturday!

Ben here -

Recently, my vehicle needed an emissions test done. I drive up Airport road off of North Valmont and what do I see to my right? Huckability! Serious stuff that would make the number one Red Bull athlete pucker up – The new Valmont Bike Park. Absolutely huge features, pump tracks, etc. I thought, no way is that for me. I’m a fragile dad with a diminishing ego… I don’t need to prove anything. Then I learn, this park is not just for the elite, its considered one of the most progressive bike parks in the world. There is something for everyone. Singletrack, smaller pump tracks that help beginners learn in a safe environment.

Some serious doubles, note - not for the faint of heart, but this is for the heart of Boulder!

More sick lines to be had, we are itching to get on the park!

With two kids whose egos are growing with every pedal stroke, this was music to my ears. Something I can do with them and we can all have fun.

A sick wall hit! Can you say POW!

Needless to say, I am pumped for Valmont Bike Park’s grand opening this weekend! They open June 11th – I encourage any local cyclist to at least go check it out. This is a free park that should charge Disneyland prices… you’re cheating yourself by not going. See you this weekend!

Flying off of this would be nice...

Grand Master of Tournament festivities, none other than The Duke, Ben Duke himself! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

Our first ever Spring Open Ping Pong tournament proved to be a success; with plenty of laughs, beer, flying ping pong balls and good times. We are proud to say that we raised over $800 for Community Cycles!

The Gear Movement Spring Open is underway, ping pong time! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

This is only the beginning pong people! This was a warm up for tournaments to come. Next on deck, the fall classic. Through the experience gained from the inaugural tourny, we have already begun to lay out the format for this fall’s extravaganza. With shorter games for the early rounds, referees for each table, and helpful tips from all of you; we can promise a fast flowing and exciting time in August.

Super staff member Nick Ranno working the bracket for the tourney. Photo credit Dane Cronin

Our goal is to double the amount earned for Community Cycles, so please put this in your calendars for the last weekend in August, Saturday the 27th! Until then, thank you for your support and practice up as the talent most certainly is!

Check our Facebook page in the coming months for the next invite!

Cheers!

Ultimate host Ryan van Duzer and TGM master Jordan Schware, giving out some sweet schwag! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

The Top 3, Akira in 3rd, Mike in 1st and Rob in 3rd. Congrats Gents! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

Rad 80's gear, this is a necessity... Photo courtesy of eBay seller Retrovision65

Third, what to do? Um…. Ski. Or snowboard, whatever floats your boat, who needs to get specific? Or wait!… lets get specific… MONOSKIING! Ya, that bridges the gap! That’s totally 80’s bro! I’d give a body part to have one of those. If we get one in to sell, we’ll be sure to make a fuss about it in another, never boring, Newsletter.

Looking to bridge the gap? Done! Phot courtesy of www.pdhyman.com

Ok, fourth consideration to consider considerably would be your ability to pull a Spread Eagle… (level = Easy)

Skill Level = Spread Eagle, check! Photo courtesy of amazing bad-ass spread eagle dude...

Ok, got that one? Think that’s easy? Try a Daffy… (level = Medium)

Need we say more? Uhh no... Photo courtesy of www.shredbook.com

Ok hot shot. You’re beyond level Medium… it’s time to try a Screamin’ Seamen!

Seriously, this video is a must see, the guy does a 360 and a Screamin’ Seamen. at the same time! Not even guys from the 80’s could pull that off! …. “Poor some sugar on me” – ya sing it!

Finally, you’ll need to listen to good music. The 80’s rocked! Today, artists are trying to recreate the sounds of 80’s rock legends like Queen. Although they’re no match, today’s tunes are actually quite catchy.

Fast Tube by Casper

…CRAP! I’m old. I can’t tell you any new artists to listen to, or what exactly to wear when you’re NOT skiing. So just listen to Def Leopord; wear bright clothes (that are too tight in some areas and too baggy in others w/ tendancies to lowride); buy a Mono-Board, and with it… try a SPREAD EAGLE!

‘Till next time – CHEERS!

Ben, Jordan and the entire crew at The Gear Movement. Rock on!

The famous Tram at Jackson, fresh Pow here we come... Photo Courtesy of www.snowrev.com

If you’re like the rest of us, you probably had your fair share of holiday gifts, parties, lights, trees, crowds and hoopla. You’re ready to bundle up and grit your way through the winter months with a few glasses of red wine and wait for spring to arrive when we can all go out and play again!

Well, we have a few ideas that will help pass the time and, hey, maybe even make winter fun…

First idea? Well, skiing of course. Tons of snow in the high country means plenty-o-pow for you powder junkies. And, yes, we have a nice selection of skis, backcountry equipment, and warm clothing to get you out and playing for a reasonable, affordable cost. If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend that extra money you save on a trip to, well, Jackson Hole, WY. Did you know that you can get 3 nights lodging and 2 days of skiing for only $229 per person when you go up with 4 or more people? Ya, just found that out, I’m heading out at the end of the month and am likely skiing while you’re reading this – HA! Now, it’s Your turn!

Hiking the ridge at Jackson Photo courtesy of www.onthesnow.com

Second idea? Clean out the house. Ok, this one is not as fun; but the wife and I have been on a cleanse binge and it feels great to simplify our lives! Once you start, you won’t stop ‘till the house feels right. How do we get rid of all that extra junk? Oh yes, it’s another plug for The Gear Movement! Turn that old junk into cash so you can go to Jackson Hole!

Last idea? Go to the Denver Stock Show. Ok, too late now, but put it on your calendar for next January. If you live in Colorado, you must go ‘hick’ at least once, and this is the perfect opportunity. My kids loved it. They got to ride the merry-go-round driven by real ponies, pet the pigs, lamas and goats, and even see a real live, um, ah, cow show. How exciting! Ok, no kids? Then just go to the Rodeo at least, it’s a blast and you get to drink beer (which is a change from the wine you’ve been drinking).

Fast Tube by Casper

T-Shirt Contest? That’s it, I’m all out of ideas – let us know some of your ideas and we’ll give a free T-shirt to the best idea. Maybe even post that idea in our next Newsletter. Email us your winter fun ideas and you could win a sweet Gear Movement T-Shirt! If you dont want to be creative we can sell you one… just shoot us an email and we will hook it up!

The Gear Movement T-Shirt. Win yours today!

Rock On – Ben!

The set for the Movie: "127 Hours" About Aron Ralston who had to cut his own arm off after getting stuck in the rocks in Moab

We rolled into Moab and on up to Sandy Flats campground around 7:30. We noticed signs for “127 Hours” – What’s that? Then we saw camera crews, a full Hollywood set-up… later found out it was the filming of the movie about the Aaron Ralston story – the guy who had to cut his own arm off after getting trapped in a canyon on a solo mission. Bonus.

We woke up the next morning – weather was iffy – but it held out long enough for us to ride Slickrock….

Nicole Duke riding the Moab Slickrock

Nicole Duke, posing in Moab, I would say the only time she wasnt hammering me into the ground!

…what a wonderland!

Then the rain came – we hid in our pimped out van for a few hours the reaped the benefits a gnarly storm cloud can have on a sunset!

The Beautiful Moab Sunset

Ya, that’s not a fire.

The next day was a beautiful one – and we cranked out the Porcupine loop – I love this trail and all its wonderful views !!!

On your birthday, can it get any better than this?

Happy Birthday Nicole!!!

Now Presenting, the one, the only, Mr. Duke!

So, I’ve never blogged nor do I Facebook often, but my business partner Jordan insisted I join the 21st century…

What does one blog about? I’ll just keep it short and sweet.

2009 has been a fast paced, crazy year. My wife Nicole and I received a new addition to the Duke family, Canin. She is the cutest girl in Boulder. She just turned 1 in October. Our son, Ryder, just turned 4. So you can only imagine how busy that part of my life has been.

Our newest addition to the Duke Family, Canin, just look at those cheeks!

My other part of life? New business… The Gear Movement. An exciting and stressful time it has been. Jordan and I started our eBay business selling new and used sporting goods back in March.. We have grown beyond our greatest expectations, which is simply awesome! Needless to say, we’ve been busy – and we want to thank all of you who support us – you all rock!

What does Spiderman, aka Ryder Duke do during his downtime?

So what now? 2010! Should be another fun packed, work filled, kid screaming year – and I hope to find some time to ride my bike along the way.

Happy Holidays!