BACK

Well its been a while (summer) but im back in action. I want to say it was a super busy summer full of fun and craziness, so much so that i had no time to post. This is not the case alas. It was busy and fun and full of craziness but im back in school and time/energy eludes me. With winter coming up i now have time (lack of biking) to start back up and review beer and gear!! I did massive amount of biking this summer, allover alberta and BC, got a new bike (Norco shore 2, 2008) and new beers as well. So keep an eye on this blog for upcoming beer and gear reviews!

SRRY

So, just wanted to say SRRY for the lack of activity/reviews, its raining in Calgary area right now, in fact there is a rain fall warning in effect... and I also have a cold (its going around so watch out) so I'm utterly useless, more so than usual.

More beer more cheer eh!

Leffe Blonde – Belgium 6.6% alc./vol.  $2.79

Serving Format: 330ml to pint glass.

About: This is a mass produced wanna-be “abbey beer” (trying to be trappist beer) not much else to it?

Appearance: Thick head, massive bubbles, dark to light golden colour.

Smell: metallic honey?

Taste:  Vanilla, soft round hop, with a velvet creamy finish. A note of maple syrup throughout.

Mouth feel: Soft and full bodied, smooth.                                                                        

Overall: Wow, not gonna lie, haven’t had allot of mass produced blonde’s and really didn’t know what to expect, This is a tight beer with some nice components, I think would go very well with salmon. 5/5

Lasko Club – Slovenia 4.9%alc./vol.  $2.49

Serving Format: 500ml can to pint glass.

About: Brewing since 1825, that stoped for two years due to a bomb in World War II, it was ment for a near by bridge but alas... shit happens.

Appearance: Head made like Houdini and disappeared asap. No bubbles & particulate noted.

Smell: sweet citrus.

Taste: Citrus with some bread/grain character, not much on the finish but a bit of lingering bitter.

Mouth feel: Fuzzy, light.

Overall: Tell truth... I bought this because it had a picture of a goat on it, also it said below the goat “Traditionally brewed with love since 1825” Hahahaha anyways... This was a good try; it’s crisp and refreshing like a beer should be. I would get it again for novelty sake; nothing is coming to mind about food to pair with it. 3/5

And next up we have a review on the world renowned Kyle Strait 661 Knee Pads!! this will be a good one trust me!!

Lid & New Powdaaaa

Okey Dokey, if that is a word. I have come back from the dead with a new review, Giro Indicator Helmet AND (because it is so mind blowing) my new pre workout - workout drink!!!!! As you can tell I'm really into this stuff, its amazing, but first the helmet...

Giro Indicator Helmet

This is a wham bam thank you mam kind of deal, Its light/holy/and affordable. I picked up this bad boy for around 49 clams. This lid in my opinion is for your general trail rider or spandex sportin rodie... I have seen quite a few of them out in the parks. One size fits all with the one hand fit dial in the back (love that) comes with various thickness foam to stick in it and customize. It boasts 20 vents and a slick low-pro design w/ the "snap fit visor" they say it can be removed but i have no idea how unless i rip it off??? This helmet is following the more aggo side of design (more hex and xen than rodie) Like mentioned the 20 vents keep you damn cool, no lie, it flows really well even on the hottest day i never noticed it. Also mentioned was the weight, well i cant find an actual claimed weight (and my guess is useless as i am anti-wight weeny so i have no experience) I can say that when i wear it, i forget about it (good sign). One last note: I have faith in Giro and most helmets for that matter, I mid-air-endo'ed last year breaking 3 ribs, separated 1 AC, and 1 good ol' concussion. This spill left the helmet in 3 pieces...(it was a Torrent) They do work, so for your mothers sake wear the damn things!
Vega SPORT Performance Optimizer

Holy crap, we have a winner... Enter back story---->
Now this is a bit random but i just started using it and i just neeeeded to review it. I have been biking for a while and most bikers will add bars/shakes/powders etc. to get more out of their activities. I love a boost before a ride, it just helps me get into the zone, be less of a trail asshole and so on. So in the place of an energy drink or almost worse...Gatorade's pre/during/post workout "drink" (all three are just coloured corn starch...google corn starch and how good it is for you) anyhew... I was at a natural food store and was meandering down the supplement isle when i happened on this little ditty. I picked it up and read what it was for but not only that i noticed it was an energy booster. After reading the ingredients i thought to myself "jeez could a natural energy booster exist let alone work"??? Its a whole lot of money (around 40 some bucks for the 30 serving tub) to be throwing down on an unknown. "F&%* it, life is for the living" i thought and went up the the cashier to pay. Well that was one of the best gambles i have ever made ill tell you what. The preceding day i made a glass before i went out and this is where the review starts...
I got the lemon lime flavor, its a dull green powder, when mixed looks like old pea soup. Powder mixes very well with nothing left over, it goes down smooth with no chalky taste. Its not the best tasting BUT considering what it is...I am very pleased. I took it about 20 min before activity, but its effects are noticeable about 3-5 min after drinking? (not sure why but its very consistent in that aspect) After arriving in the park and getting my trusty steed together i took off like a bat out of hell. A 2 hour 55min bike ride consisting of steep ups and gnarly downs ensued, and this is where the review might get hoakey but i swear to god its the truth, I felt a consistent and lasting energy through the whole ride, i recovered from climbs faster than before, and just all around had what felt like an unlimited energy source... It was insane. And just to test the effects i started using it every ride, 4 days in a row 3h or more, and on the 5th day I'm usually beat but i felt like by the 4th i was just getting started. Now it sounds like a miracle but i swear by this stuff, AND the good thing for you guys is they sell it in individual packs so you can try it out for 3$ and see what you think, most deff worth a try! I comes in the individual, and 30 servings. Flavors are Lemon Lime and Acai-berry available at most if not all natural food stores in Calgary.

Stiegl & Boris Bold

Euro beer time.

Salzburger Stiegl – Austria 4.9% alc./vol.   $2.90

Serving Format: 500ml can to clean pint glass.

About: In 1650 Stiegl became the biggest brewery in Salzburg, and it’s more than likely that Mozart enjoyed this beer around the year 1780.

Appearance: Straw yellow. Quickly receding head.

Smell: Like a lager?

Taste: smooth sweet and puffy on the pallet, some steel hop on the end with a nice lingering finish.

Mouth feel: Bubbly but not over carbonated.

Overall: A damn fine beer, would go with an assortment of strong food (try the beers local cuisine bratwurst) Could see myself pounding a few of these on a patio overlooking downtown Calgary on a hot day. 4/5

Boris Bold – France  8.6% alc./vol.   $ 2.60

Serving Format: 500ml can to clean pint glass.

About: Not allot to be found on this little ditty.

Appearance: Dark amber with fine foam.

Smell: Malty.

Taste: melon, thick (like a strong beer is) sweet malt liquor finish and hot on the back end.

Mouth feel: Thick, “full bodied” not allot of carbonation.

Overall: Reminds me of my younger days drinking OE but more grown up, Like GG Allin going to law school. Not bad for a high octane beer, not in my top picks but if you need to getter done than this would do it. I’ve had once before in mini bottles, I remember it being better. 3/5

Next review - Giro Indicator Helmet. Cause its embarrassing to spill your brain in front of people, they will all laugh at you.

Dakine Drafter Pack

Dakine Drafter 3L Hydration Pack -

Aaaaaaah Dakine…. Arguably one of the best producers of backpacks, clothing, and accessories around. Dakine has a massive following with all my peeps, not just biking or sporting for that matter. They make quality gear at killer prices AND it inspires allot of buyer confidence.

  

We have here a Drafter 3L Pack, its part of their xc/all mountain pack line. The Drafter comes with all the essential bells and whistles like tonnes of helmet/armour straps, pockets, adjustment points and a 3L reservoir. Since this pack has so many pockets and straps not to mention the insane amount of room, I figured I would label them and give a brief description.

 

A- Big fleece pocket for mp3 player (or cd player…) I keep my wallet and phone there.

B- For your Tube Pump

C- Deep mesh pocket, good for keeping spare tubes in.

D/E- Two big mesh pockets, E for medical supplies, D for chain tool,hex keys,bottle opener etc.

F- Behind F is a small zip pocket that’s tarp-lined, good for gel packs in case they explode.

G- Fleece lined pocket for sunglasses, I prefer to wear mine so i keep an inhaler in there.

There is more than enough room for ANYTHING you want to bring along, the only problem being a weight penalty.

Now the bad news, the reservoir and tube that come with it are great quality but quite frankly they taste like plastic and there is nothing you can do to change it (Trust me). But that’s an easy/cheap switch-out.

The Drafter is great on long rides; it had ventilated foam shoulder straps and back piece. All the ventilation keeps ya cool and ready to rage. The back flap is also made of impact resistant fabric and can take a hit well, although not recommended. This is a spiffy pack that does its job well, just switch out the reservoir and your set!

Next up on the review we try Boris Bold & Stiegl beers, and find out if they are quality grog or Indy trash.

Pilsner vs Pilsner: Trees, Spain and broken glasses!

Two beer winger Dinger, it was a fight to the end...

Ding Ding Ding

Here are the first two beers reviewed on this blog, Tree Brewing and Damm co. Its a Pilsner fight to the death and like Highlander, there can only be ONE! We start off with with Kelowna....

Kelowna Pilsner - Tree Brewing Co. 4.8% alc./vol.

Serving Format: 500ml can into clean pint glass.

About: Brewery started in 1996, Stefan Buhl brew master.

Appearance: Light amber, condensed head that recedes quickly, Normal bubble.

Smell: Malty, small amount of honey.

Taste: starts off round and creamy, dry mid pallet of straw/grassy hop, with a bitter medium long finish that creeps to the sides of your tongue. Vanilla and steely notes also appear as beer sits.

Mouth feel: Round and carbonated.

Overall: A pleasing pilsner with a ‘craft’ taste. Recommended with fries or chicken wings, a good way to relax and quench thirst on a hot day (post ride). Has the “tree brewery taste” to it, not sure if it’s the specific hop’s they use or what but I notice they all have a unique ‘taste’ to them. 4/5

Estrella Damm – Barcelona Spain 4.6% alc./vol.

About: Brewed since 1876, Flagship beer of S.A.Damm brewery.

Serving Format:  500ml can to -new- pint glass

Appearance: Pale honey coloured, pain to pour (lots of head) large bubble head.

Smell: Very fruity, smidge of hop.

Taste: Starts ~sweet, mid pallet of watery malt, round watery turning into orange zest on finish with small amount of carbonation. Sweetness follows start to finish.

Mouth feel: Small amount of carbonation, soft and smooth

Overall: I have been recommended this beer by many people, and can see the mass appeal as this beer is smooth and easy drinking. This beer is very palatable but I taste mass production? All in all a good beer if on the menu but if you’re seeking adventure you won’t find it here. 3/5

And the winner of this bout goes to -Kelowna Pilsner- It was a close one as I have been a fan of Estrella for a while now and had never had Kelowna Pil before. Both beers offered a great way to unwind after a hard days work on the trail, and both beers were very affordable (500ml Estrella @ 2.80 and Kelowna pil @ 2.60 local co-op LS) This concludes the Beer part of reviews, I just want to give a shout out at my fav. glass that got knocked off the table during this review R.I.P. buddy you zigged when you should've zagged! I'll post the next two contestants in the Gear review coming up near the end of this week, till then PEACE.

Race Face Respond -stem,post,bar.

Ok, as promised here are the reviews on Race Face's Respond kit, but before the review I wanted to throw in a little side note * These are AM/FR parts, and a keen rider would note that they are on a Trance X... This does not mean I am Freeriding with a trail bike! * I find that a shorter stem/wider bar is better for my riding style and I also switch these parts over to my Allmountain bike so I need the added strength.

With that said lets start with the -Race Face Respond Bar-

Now the Respond aluminum bar is 370g -1.5" rise, 335g -.5" rise. Rounded off by an attractive selling point ~50 bones in Calgary area. The bar is 28" and comes in bad ass black or whitemare colour schemes. When riding, the bar keeps your hands at a comfortable angle, whether your in the saddle or rippin it up down the trail. Off the bat I thought (being a more FR oriented part) that the bar would ride sluggish and not have allot in the way of supple feedback, after a good run through Fish creeks single track I was surprised to find that was not the case. Although its a little 'dull' in feedback compared to a XC bar, what it lacks in trail feel it more than makes up in strength and confidence boosting manoeuvrability. The bar would pull out of any slipped line or rut encountered. Plus the 28" width adds more power to your steering and more precision to your line choices.

Next is the -Race Face Respond Stem-

The stem is has a 10 degree rise and come in 45, or 60 mm lengths, weighing in  @ 195g 45mm / 215g 60mm. Comes in bad ass black or whitemare colour schemes ~50$. This little guy is a gem straight up. Easy to install and has all the torque info right by the bolts so you don’t have to dig up paperwork or surf the net. It has an interlocking bar clamp that is suppose to send more stress through the stem than the bolts which is a great thing (if you ever had bolts critically fail than you know this) It has a bigass faceplate too which looks cool. When riding this stem is damn snappy, especially if your used to a longer XC stem. The snappy-ness is great in those tight spots as long as you don’t over-compensate (learned the hard way). I would not recommend a narrow bar in combination with this stem unless you like stopping for a dirt and twig snack every 5 min. The only thing I can complain about is a squeak somewhere that I can’t find , its driving me nuts! (if you have any tips PLEASE tell me)

Last but not least -Race Face Respond Post-

This is a dual bolt, multi-adjustable, integrated god sent (for around 45$)! The one reason (other than matching parts) I switched my seat post from the Giant connect SL post was because -if your butt came down hard on the seat, the seat would point straight up. That was your last chance, the next time your ass came down that seat it would turn you into a "meat popsicle" if you catch my drift... So I needed a post that would keep my saddle 'ride able'. This post is around 300g with a 3/4" offset. The dual bolts keep a tight hold on the saddle and never come loose. Race Face shot peened the tube for high impact strength & fatigue resistance. It’s a great seat post not much more too it.

To sum up, Race Face's Respond parts are worth the money. They are light, strong and make every ride a rippin/huckin/jibbin good time. They preform exactly as advertised and wont let you down! (a great addition to anyones arsonal)

The next Gear Review will be on a DAKINE DRAFTER Pack (3L Bomber Hydration Pack) and DONT WORRY the beer review will be up in the next few days!! until then... drink, ride and be merry!

Longing for Spring

Alas, the snow is melting on the west side of this country. Thought i would get this blog 'rolling' seeing as spring is on its way and this winter was full of new gear buy's.  Reviews on some new tires, clothes, packs, shoes, AND beer's. The first (coming soon) being RaceFace Respond components = stem, bar, and post. Get stoked people, I encourage y'all to throw 2 cents in, feedback is great and opinions are needed!
Also coming soon , Estrella Damm, & Tree brewing's Kelowna Pilsner, mmmm good? or face palm Fail.