The Gear Movement setup at The Rocky Mountain Bike Festival at Invesco Field in Denver! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

July 11th and 12th rocked hard! Perfect weather, a bit of rain and tons of sunshine and the sweet tarmac at Invesco Field in Denver, home to the Denver Broncos. Its every uber fan’s dream to get to hang out VIP style at Invesco Field and that is exactly what we did for the Rocky Mountain Bike Festival.

Ben and Jordan hanging with the kids at The Gear Movement Booth

A cultural event, rich with bikes, character, locals, and community flavor, we couldn’t ask for much more. Put on by Miles Ahead Events and Carol Johnson, The Gear Movement rocked the house for two days straight! Community Events are the name of the game in this day and age, its a competitive market and anyway we can touch our client base on a positive level is great! Our next event coming up before we go into the cross season full swing will be the People’s Pedal Party – a pre-party and welcoming to the pro cyclists coming to our state for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge!

Jordan and his sister hanging at The Gear Movement booth, enjoying the amazing weather! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

The Gear Movement ladies racing each other at the WielerSport tent! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

The People’s Pedal Party in Colorado Springs on August 21st 4-8pm will be a blast! Live music, BMX demonstrations, USOC demonstrations, tennis, fencing and of course some sweet cycling companies like The Gear Movement! The event will be held in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs on the eve of the Prologue to kick off the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

The Peoples Pedal Party, a pre-cursor to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado Springs, CO August 21st 4-8pm downtown!

Come visit us for the party in downtown Colorado Springs and follow us on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week of August 22nd – 28th for updates from Jordan Schware in the yellow Mavic cars, winding through the mtns of CO!

See you then!

The Gear Movement ladies chalking it up and reppin the company! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

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...

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!!!

Jack Bissell shows off his new Crosskate Neck Breaking All Mountain Skates, yikes!

Not only have we been having tons of fun at the shop posting our clients cool Gear but we have added some new employees and some new features in our rad warehouse. Isnt it every grown persons dream where they can work in a cool environment that pushes them to have fun on the job? Well we try to do that here although we do have a custom pool table that has remained unused in the last few months, what a shame. We actually need to have the table re-leveled, does anyone know of someone in Boulder, CO who could do that for us?

New additions to the shop include our employee Mr. Jack Bissell. He hails to us from the great Full Cycle bike shop in town and has so far stated “That he fits into our little operation here just perfectly.”  When asked what his favorite part of working at TGM, while posting cool things like the Crosskate Inline All Mountain Neck Breaking Skate (we are still trying to understand these things, check the video below) he states: “The great level of respect everyone has for each other here and the chance to check out cool ‘Foot Hummers’ at TGM.”

Fast Tube by Casper

Well these skates are truly cool, check out the auction and win them for yourself in our eBay store: Crosskate Inline Backcountry All Mountain Ski Skates

Our groovy unused custom pool table and new frame and wheel racks - full!

Along with the addition of Jack, we have added new storage in our “Pool Table” room for the overwhelming inventory of frames and wheels we have been recieving from our consignors recently. As we travel into the new year we are starting to sell through our once large Ski, Skate and Snowboard inventory and start to focus more on the bicycle aspect of the business. A note to summer – “You can’t come soon enough!”

A new addition - more wheels and wheel racks!

Peace out from The Gear Movement, we are going to go try these neck breaking crosskates, but only after we update our health insurance plans!

Fast Tube by Casper

Sometimes our emplyees and owners alike need to go the extra mile to sell our products. Such is the commitment here at TGM that we offer to our clients. We will slave away to sell your gear at the top dollar price if that is what it takes to make you happy!

The above video was shot by Jordan, with Ben as our model and just about the whole TGM crew in attendance, laughing hilariously! Sometimes you just got to have fun. Crazy thing about it was that we got these skinsuits sold no problem, and for maximum dollar. I don’t like to use this space to pump our ego our our services, this is more a space for us to tell our fans and potential new clients that we use a fun atmosphere to seriously get the job done!

Ben Duke, modeling the latest in ski slope fashion!

One of the perks of working here at TGM, is that you get to pose in our ridiculous photo booth wearing some of the crazy clothing we get! Here is to you, our brave employees!!

The Latest in Jelly Belly fashion wear from TGM! Modeled by Nick "Diesel" Ranno

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!

Nicole Duke flying though a corner at CO CX State Champs. Photo by M. Woolcott

Down and dirty, just the way I like it!!  Cyclocross State Champ race that is.  The day was cold and windy, the course technical, sloppy and sometimes frozen.  Thank God because my legs haven’t been feeling so fast lately so I needed to fall back on my skills, you know those ones that used to pay the bills. I’m a cheeseball…

Nicole Duke rode smooth and finished in third for the day

This is how it went down.  Lisa Strong, Karen Hogan and I jumped the start and hung together for a while.  Strong being the great rider she is slowly started to inch away from Karen and me, bye bye.  Karen and I battled for a good lap, me passing in the technical, her powering past on the flats.  Finally she pulled away and I let her go.  The rest of the race i just tried to hold my podium spot.  A few battles ensued with some of the 45+ men, shoulder to shoulder around the corners and various other frustrating encounters.  Us Pro/Open Women don’t have our own race, so we also race the 45+ men.   Some of them are very gracious but some will do anything not to get “chicked”.  Now the last lap and for the life of me I can not get in my frozen, muddy pedals!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!  Kristal Boni is gaining on me.  Then she passes, I hang on and shoot past her at the entrance of a technical ditch section.  Over the barrier, back on the bike and silence.  What happened to her I do not know but I am thankful.  Still I cannot get in the pedals and it’s slow going. Last gnarly downhill(which I love) and the finish!!  Glad to be done and happy with 3rd.  Felt like a great prep for Nationals in Bend, OR which I am hoping will be muddy.

Loving husband Ben Duke cleans Nicole's bike in 5 deg weather. Photo by J. Schware

What a great season I’ve had with all the girls!  Made some great new friends and fell in love with Cross even more!!  Nationals for me this year will be about the experience and time away from Boulder with my good friend Becca Blay.  My body is done, time to rest and drink some yummy Belgian beer! Cheers and wish me good luck in Bend!

Part of the TGM crew showing their fun side!! Photo by Ben Duke

Did a small photo shoot with some of the employees at our shop yesterday! Part of owning a small business and trying to keep things interesting around here is doing fun stuff! Don’t get us wrong, we don’t take the entire shop to the amusement park on a regular basis but sitting behind a computer and posting Gear on eBay can get a little old sometimes.

Matt showing his best "Blue Steel" impression! Photo by Ben Duke

With an impending snow storm coming in today that dropped a good 5 -6 inches of the powdery white stuff we thought it would be a great time to get out and do a little photo shoot. Pictures are courtesy here by Ben Duke – our fearless leader who takes some amazing shots. Ben has a great understanding of light and how to get the right angles; Jordan typically takes Ben’s great shots and distorts them or ruins the lighting!

Elizabeth - obvously from the "wesstsidde" Photo by Ben Duke

After Ben took these rad photos it was back to work and business as usual, but ay know – we have fun here! That is the most important part of our business. We are here to post your Gear on eBay, so let us know if we can help you move your old inventory – we have fun doing it, and you will definitely have fun getting the checks in the mail! Cheers to all from the crew at TGM!

The paparrazzo is looking for Mr. Ranno! Photo by Ben Duke/Papparrizzi

Elizabeth and Matt showing their "Gangstah" side!