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TransRockies Race Series Expands North American Footprint with New Cycling Events for 2026

Cycling West
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TransRockies Race Series Expands North American Footprint with New Cycling Events for 2026

Calgary, AB (January 20, 2026) — The TransRockies Race Series is expanding its cycling footprint with three new marquee U.S. events and an elevated calendar for 2026.

Action from a TransRockies race. Photo courtesy TransRockies

From the desert mesas of Colorado to the high-alpine trails of the Southwest, TransRockies invites riders and runners to push their limits, share the challenge, and experience adventure at its best.

“Our goal has always been to help people connect with nature, themselves, and each other through challenge and shared experience,” says Aaron McConnell, President of TransRockies Race Series. “Expanding our U.S. presence allows us to bring that spirit of adventure and community to new landscapes while maintaining the world-class support participants have come to expect from TransRockies.”

Building on a Legacy of World-Class Cycling Events

The TransRockies 2026 season solidifies the organization’s position as a North American leader in off-road adventure, with new events joining an already world-class lineup of gravel, mountain, and road experiences.

  • Desert Gravel (April 25, Fruita, CO) – Now officially part of the TransRockies family, Desert Gravel deepens the Series’ gravel portfolio. This beloved event—founded by Morgan Murri—blends soulful desert routes, strong local roots, and the hallmark TransRockies experience of community and support.
  • Moab Bike Fest (May 2–4, Moab, UT) – A reimagined weekend celebration bringing together Moab’s most iconic rides for cyclists of every kind. Whether you’re seeking three days of legendary singletrack with Moab Rocks or a curly-bar road and gravel challenge through Moab Fondo Fest, Moab Bike Fest delivers a family-friendly, festival-style experience where everyone finds their perfect ride.
  • Rough Rider Gravel (October 30–November 2, Prescott, AZ) – Showcasing Arizona’s untapped gravel terrain, Rough Rider Gravel invites riders to explore a new frontier of high-desert roads, pine forests, and mountain vistas. As part of the expanding TransRockies Race Series, this event embodies the spirit of discovery and adventure. Adding a bold new chapter to the Series’ diverse lineup of unforgettable cycling experiences.
  • New Mexico Singletrack MTB Stage Race – A new three-day mountain bike stage race debuting September 19–21, 2026. Featuring a $20,000 equal-payout prize purse and three distinct stages across Los Alamos, Galisteo Basin, and Glorieta Adventure Park.
  • Across the border, TransRockies’ Canadian roots remain strong:
  • Fernie Singletrack 3 (June 24–26, Fernie, BC) – A classic of the Series, known for its hospitality, world-class trails, and camaraderie.
  • Gran Fondo Badlands (July 5, Drumheller, AB) – A 1,600-rider celebration through Alberta’s breathtaking badlands.
  • The Range Gravel (July 11, Claresholm, AB) – Rolling prairie roads and open skies define this growing gravel event, where over 500 riders gather to test their endurance and celebrate the spirit of exploration.

Trail Running Remains a Pillar

While the cycling series takes center stage in 2026, TransRockies’ trail running events, including the legendary TransRockies Run in Colorado and Moab Run the Rocks, continue to draw athletes from around the world, united by endurance, grit, and a love for the terrain

Guided by Core Values: Place, Community, and Support

At the heart of every TransRockies event are three guiding principles that define both the experience and the organization’s culture:

  • Place — Connecting with nature responsibly and discovering new terrain through sport.
  • Community — Creating environments where participants build lasting friendships and feel part of something genuine.
  • Support — Delivering world-class operations, safety, medical care, nutrition, and logistics—so every athlete can focus on the experience, not the details.

For more, visit TransRockies.com

Moab Rocks Expands Access: 2026 Scholarship Opens for Emerging Riders

Cycling West
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Moab Rocks Expands Access: 2026 Scholarship Opens for Emerging Riders
MOAB, Utah (January 20, 2026) — For the second year, Aim High Performance Coaching and Moab Rocks are partnering to offer the Moab Rocks Scholarship, a program designed to remove barriers and open access to one of North America’s most scenic and spirited mountain bike stage races — May 2–4, 2026.
Amy at Moab Rocks. She was the 2025 scholarship recipient. Photo courtesy TransRockies
Created by veteran pro and coach Jenny Smith, the scholarship offers one female, trans, or non-binary rider the full race experience — including:
The scholarship is intended for riders who not only bring passion and potential but who will also share their journey to inspire others along the way.
Last year’s recipient, Amy, brought incredible energy to the event — finishing 3rd overall while embodying the connection and spirit that define the TransRockies community.
 
“This program captures the heart of what Moab Rocks is about — community, opportunity, and a love for the ride,” said Smith. “It’s proof that when we lower barriers, we raise up the whole sport.”
 
Applications are open through January 24, 2026, at [email protected].
 
Event info:May 2-4 — Moab Rocks, Moab Bike Fest, Moab, UT, Embark on a thrilling 3-day MTB journey through the rugged beauty of Moab. Epic trails, breathtaking views, unforgettable adventure, TransRockies , 866-373-3376, [email protected], TransRockies.com

Cyclist. Bancroft. Hella. Cool. Berkeley. California.

Dave Iltis
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Cyclist. Bancroft. Hella. Cool. Berkeley. California.
Cyclist. Bancroft. Hell of. Cool. Berkeley. California. Photo by Dave Iltis

Protected Bike Lanes Protect Bike-Share Users

Charles Pekow
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Protected Bike Lanes Protect Bike-Share Users

By Charles Pekow — Bike share use increased by about 18 percent when protected bike lanes were installed—and by 14 percent with painted lanes or sharrows. That’s what researchers found when studying Citi Bike use in New York City.

Delancey Street Protected Bike Lanes. Photo courtesy of NYCDOT, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

But when researchers from New York University factored in demographic differences between neighborhoods—such as race and age—they found that only the addition of protected bike lanes significantly increased ridership, and even then, the effect was smaller in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

“These findings indicate that planners must emphasize protected bike lanes to spur ridership, and simultaneously target policies and programming to communities of color, to ensure that such infrastructure makes urban cycling a viable option for all residents,” the report suggests.

According to the study, after protected lanes were installed, ridership increased by an average of 341 trips per month at nearby stations in the following year compared to the previous one. (However, the study does not clarify whether other variables—such as weather, economic shifts, or demographic changes—also played a role.)

Read Causal Impacts of Protected Bike Lanes on Cycling Behavior with Demographic Disparities.

 

An Old Peugeot

Dave Iltis
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An Old Peugeot

I came across this old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. The bike is probably from the early 1970’s. 

An old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
A leather saddle on an old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
Mafac Racer center pull brakes on an old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
Mafac Racer brakes on an old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
Cotter pin cranks on an old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
An old Peugeot on the streets of Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis

Utah Cyclist Matthew Clark Provisionally Suspended by UCI for Adverse Analytical Finding at UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

Cycling West
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Utah Cyclist Matthew Clark Provisionally Suspended by UCI for Adverse Analytical Finding at UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has provisionally suspended Matthew Clark, a cyclist from North Salt Lake, Utah for alleged violations of its anti-doping regulations involving anabolic androgenic steroids.

According to the UCI’s official Provisional Suspensions – Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Prohibited list, Clark is cited for alleged breaches of Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules. The UCI listing states that the test date was October 16, 2025, which means it was conducted in connection with the UCI Gran Fondo World Time Trial Championships in Australia, where Clark won the men’s 40–44 age group.

Article 2.1 relates to the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample, while Article 2.2 concerns the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method.

A provisional suspension means Clark is temporarily ineligible to compete or participate in any cycling activity governed by the UCI while the case proceeds through the results management and disciplinary process. The suspension is not a final determination of guilt.
The UCI has not released additional details regarding the specific substance involved, nor has it issued a separate press release beyond the published listing.

What This Means

Because USA Cycling (USAC) is a UCI-affiliated federation and a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, UCI provisional suspensions are recognized across USAC-sanctioned events. While the suspension remains in effect, Clark is not eligible to compete in USAC races, national championships, or other UCI-governed competitions.

Anti-doping rules apply equally across elite, amateur, and masters categories, including Gran Fondo World Championship events, which are subject to UCI testing protocols.

Explainer: The Charges and the Process

Article 2.1 — Presence of a Prohibited Substance

This article covers cases in which a prohibited substance, or its metabolites or markers, is detected in an athlete’s sample. Under anti-doping rules, athletes are held to strict liability, meaning intent is not required for a violation to be established.

Article 2.2 — Use or Attempted Use

This article applies when there is evidence of the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method, which may be supported by analytical results or other admissible evidence.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)

AAS are prohibited at all times, both in and out of competition, under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

What Happens Next

During a provisional suspension:

    • The athlete may request analysis of a B sample, if applicable.
    • The case proceeds through the UCI’s results management and adjudication process.
    • The suspension remains in place unless lifted by the UCI or a competent tribunal.

Any final decision, including the confirmation or lifting of the suspension or the imposition of sanctions, will be published by the UCI and recognized by USA Cycling.

Cycling West will report further developments if additional information is released.

ENVE Introduces Foundation AR40 Wheelset for Road, All-Road, and Gravel Performance

Cycling West
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ENVE Introduces Foundation AR40 Wheelset for Road, All-Road, and Gravel Performance

OGDEN, Utah (January 15, 2026) — ENVE has expanded its Foundation lineup with the introduction of the Foundation AR40, a carbon wheelset designed for riders seeking aerodynamic efficiency, modern tire compatibility, and real-world durability at a more accessible price point. The AR40 is scheduled to launch January 15, 2026.

ENVE introduces the new Foundation AR40 wheelset. Photo courtesy of ENVE Composites.

The Foundation line represents ENVE’s sub–$1,500 wheel category, positioned as an entry point to the brand’s SES, G Series, and M Series wheels. While built using simplified carbon laminates and manufacturing efficiencies, Foundation wheelsets prioritize the same core attributes ENVE is known for: ride quality, aerodynamic performance, and long-term reliability.

Designed for Modern Road and All-Road Riding

The AR40 features a 40 mm-deep rim with a 25 mm internal width, a configuration optimized for today’s wider road and all-road tires. Drawing on ENVE’s SES aero development, the AR40 is tuned specifically for 29–30 mm tires, delivering aerodynamic performance that exceeds expectations for its depth and price category.

ENVE introduces the new Foundation AR40 wheelset. Photo courtesy of ENVE Composites.

Although designed primarily for road use, the AR40 has been tested and approved to ENVE’s gravel standards. This makes it suitable for gravel racing and mixed-surface riding, positioning the wheelset as a versatile upgrade for modern road bikes, endurance bikes, and fast gravel race setups.

Wind Tunnel Tested for Real-World Aerodynamics

Like ENVE’s SES wheels, the AR40 was developed using in-frame testing and validated at the Mercedes-Benz Formula One Wind Tunnel. Testing was conducted at both 20 mph (32 kph) and 30 mph (48 kph), reflecting a wide range of real-world riding speeds.

ENVE says this approach focuses not only on reducing aerodynamic drag, but also on delivering stable, predictable handling in variable wind conditions—an increasingly important consideration as wider tires and all-road configurations become more common.

Hookless Tubeless Design with Impact Protection

The AR40 uses a hookless rim design intended to maximize tubeless performance and system reliability. According to ENVE, modern performance road tires are designed around straight sidewall rim profiles, allowing hookless construction to deliver more consistent bead-seat tolerances.

The rim incorporates ENVE’s wide hookless bead, engineered to dissipate impact energy and reduce the risk of pinch flats when encountering potholes, rough pavement, or gravel race conditions. This design supports both tubeless and tubed setups.

Durability is further enhanced by ENVE’s molded spoke hole technology, which routes continuous carbon fibers around spoke holes rather than cutting them. This process increases rim strength, allows for higher spoke tensions, and reduces the need for frequent wheel truing.

Foundation Hubs with Innerdrive Ratchet System

The AR40 wheelset is built around ENVE’s Foundation-grade Innerdrive hubs, featuring an oversized 42 mm steel ratchet system positioned inboard over the bearings. This design reduces axle stress, improves bearing longevity, and provides consistent engagement.

The AR40 wheelset is built around ENVE’s Foundation-grade hubs with Innerdrive ratcheting freehub. Photo courtesy of ENVE Composites.

The fully ENVE-designed hub system emphasizes low maintenance requirements and straightforward serviceability.

The AR40 wheelset is built around ENVE’s Foundation-grade hubs. Photo courtesy of ENVE Composites.

ENVE Foundation AR40 Key Specifications

  • Rim depth: 40 mm
  • Internal rim width: 25 mm
  • Wheelset weight: 1500 g (±3%)
  • Rim weight: 425 g (±3%)
  • Tubeless compatible
  • Wide hookless bead (3.6 mm)
  • Gravel rated

Availability

The ENVE Foundation AR40 wheelset will be available beginning January 15, 2026.

Cycling West’s Winter 2026 Magazine is Now Available!

Cycling West
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Cycling West’s Winter 2026 Magazine is Now Available!

Cycling West and Cycling Utah Magazine’s Winter 2026 Issue is now available as a free download (10MB download). Pick up a copy at your favorite Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern California bike shop or other location.

Download the Magazine Now!

Cycling West Winter 2026 Cover Photo: Riders in the 2025 BorderLands Gravel event held on November 15, 2025 in Douglas, Arizona. Photo by Sean Benesh
Cycling West Winter 2026 Cover Photo: Riders in the 2025 BorderLands Gravel event held on November 15, 2025 in Douglas, Arizona. Photo by Sean Benesh

Contents

  • Tadej Pogačar Joins Eddy Merckx with One of the Greatest Seasons of All Time! — page 3
  • Every Bike Has A Story — page 5
  • Indoor Cycling Tips for Triathletes — page 6
  • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – And Enjoy It! — page 6
  • I Used AI to Train for a Gravel Race. Here’s How it Went. — page 7
  • Why Does an Event Like BorderLands Gravel Matter? — page 8
  • Pedaling Beneath the Peaks: Exploring the Grand Teton Pathways — page 9
  • The Athlete’s Kitchen: Fats & Oils—Facts and Fads — page 10
  • The Car Seemed Like a Missile — page 11
  • An Ontario Bike Tour, eh! — page 12
  • UnPAved: A Gravel Event in the Keystone State — page 14
  • Winter Cycling Trivia — page 19
  • Portneuf Greenway Reaches 20 Miles With East-Side Path Expansion — page 21
  • Winter Cycling Trivia Answers from page 19 — page 21
  • Airports Urged to Make Room for Bikes — page 22
  • Bike Couriers and Pedicab Drivers Could See Tax-Free Tips Under Proposed IRS Rule — page 22
  • BLM Considers Mountain Bike Restrictions in Wyoming — page 22
  • Point of the Mountain Transit Project Moves Forward, Bike Improvements Years Away — page 22
  • UN Releases Comprehensive Guide for Designing Cycling Networks — page 22
  • Most Commuter Buses Have Bike Racks — page 22
  • U.S. Extends Tariff Exemptions for Chinese Bike Trailers and Helmets — page 22
  • Five-Year Effort to Improve Bike and Pedestrian Safety for Accessing Transit — page 22
  • Study: Bike Fatalities Drop in Cities but Rise in Suburbs — page 22
  • Listo (Ready to Go) – The Bicycle Art of Guillermo Galindo — page 23

 

 

Morgan County, Utah Bike Paths Planned

Charles Pekow
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Morgan County, Utah Bike Paths Planned

By Charles Pekow — More bike lanes may be coming to Morgan County, Utah. The Federal Highway Administration and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) have given final approval to the I-84 Mountain Green Highway Project.

Map of the proposed action areas courtesy UDOT

According to UDOT, the plan calls for “a 12-foot-wide shared-use path on the west side (the Trappers Loop Road extension), which would connect with the existing shared-use trail on the north side of SR-167/Old Highway Road, and a six-foot-wide sidewalk on the east side.”

The project also includes a new bridge span over Cottonwood Creek, designed to link with a future trail along the creek—though Morgan County would have to fund and build that trail separately.

Several hurdles remain. Opponents can still file lawsuits until February 2, 2026. The project must also go through design, financing, and construction stages. UDOT notes that “future project phases depend on funding. To date, no funding has been allocated.”

For details and a map of the project area, visit: https://udotinput.utah.gov/i84mountaingreen

 

Shimano Broadens GRX Di2 Access with New RX717 1×12-Speed Components

Cycling West
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Shimano Broadens GRX Di2 Access with New RX717 1×12-Speed Components

Gravel has never been about gatekeeping. It’s about freedom—long dirt roads, uncertain horizons, and equipment that works no matter where the route leads. With the introduction of its new GRX RX717 component family, Shimano is reinforcing that philosophy by bringing fully wireless Di2 electronic shifting to a broader swath of gravel riders than ever before.

Positioned as a more affordable entry point into Shimano’s electronic gravel ecosystem, RX717 expands the GRX lineup with a streamlined 1×12-speed configuration that blends proven Di2 performance with rugged, off-road-focused design. The result is a group of components aimed squarely at riders who want electronic precision without stepping into flagship-level pricing.

Wireless Di2, Gravel-Ready by Design

At its core, RX717 uses Shimano’s latest fully wireless Di2 platform. The system is compatible across Shimano’s 12-speed wireless ecosystem, including GRX, DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, and 105 Di2 drop-bar shifters, as well as XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE flat-bar Di2 components. For riders mixing disciplines—or simply upgrading one bike at a time—this cross-compatibility adds welcome flexibility.

The RX717 lineup includes a right-side Di2 DUAL CONTROL lever, two left-side brake-only lever options, and a dedicated RX717 rear derailleur. Paired with a 10–51T 12-speed cassette, the system delivers the range and chain security gravel riders expect, whether the terrain skews toward fast dirt roads or steep, technical climbs.

Shimano GRX RX717 drivetrain. Photo courtesy of Shimano

GRX RX717 Highlights

  • Fully Wireless Di2 Platform
    Fast, precise electronic shifting with broad compatibility across Shimano’s 12-speed wireless lineup.
  • MTB-Inspired Durability
    The RX717 rear derailleur borrows heavily from Shimano’s mountain bike Di2 architecture, featuring a low-profile design, integrated skid plate, protected battery placement, and Automatic Impact Recovery.
  • Expanded Component Choice
    New lever options allow riders to tailor cockpit setup, ergonomics, and budget without sacrificing performance.

Customizable Control at the Bars

The centerpiece of the cockpit is the GRX 12-speed ST-RX715-R Di2 Hydraulic Disc Brake DUAL CONTROL lever, a right-side-only unit designed specifically for 1× drivetrains. It delivers wireless electronic shifting paired with Shimano’s familiar hydraulic braking performance, wrapped in a refined hood shape optimized for gravel riding.

BL-RS717 right Dual Control shifter/brake lever. Photo courtesy of Shimano.

Ergonomics are adjustable via reach adjustment, while shifting behavior can be customized using Shimano’s E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app. Power comes from dual CR1632 coin-cell batteries, with an estimated lifespan of up to four years depending on use.

For the left side, Shimano offers two brake-only solutions. The GRX-branded BL-RS717 matches the RX715-R lever’s shape and feel for a cohesive GRX cockpit. Riders already using Shimano road Di2 levers—such as DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, or 105—can instead opt for the Shimano-branded BL-RS717-LS, which provides identical ergonomics at a lower cost.

BL-RS717 left brake lever. Photo courtesy of Shimano.
ST-RX715-R DUAL CONTROL Lever
  • Wireless Di2 connectivity
  • Right-side-only shifting and braking
  • Two programmable Di2 buttons
  • Two replaceable CR1632 batteries (3.5–4 year lifespan)
  • MSRP: $230 USD
BL-RS717 Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever (GRX-branded)
  • Left-side-only brake lever for 1×12 setups
  • Refined hood shape and reach adjust
  • MSRP: $205 USD
BL-RS717-LS Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever (Shimano-branded)
  • Left-side-only brake lever
  • Same ergonomics and feel as GRX version

RX717 Rear Derailleur: Built for Real-World Gravel

Anchoring the drivetrain is the RD-RX717 wireless rear derailleur, engineered for reliability when rides get unpredictable. Drawing directly from Shimano’s latest MTB Di2 designs, it incorporates SHADOW ES technology for improved chain stability, a wide-link structure for stiffness, and a skid plate to deflect trail impacts.

RD-RX717-SGS long cage rear derailleur. Photo courtesy of Shimano.

Automatic Impact Recovery is onboard as well, allowing the derailleur to move out of harm’s way during a strike and then return to its original position automatically—an especially valuable feature when riding loaded or far from help.

The removable, rechargeable battery is shared with higher-end GRX RX827, XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE Di2 rear derailleurs, simplifying spares and swaps across multiple bikes. Shimano estimates a range of approximately 700 to 1,000 kilometers per charge, depending on terrain and conditions.

RD-RX717 Wireless Rear Derailleur
  • SHIMANO SHADOW ES technology
  • Long-cage SGS design for 10–51T 12-speed cassettes
  • Solid pulley construction and integrated skid plate
  • Removable rechargeable battery (700–1,000 km range)
  • MSRP: $435 USD

A More Inclusive Electronic Gravel Future

As with all Shimano Di2 systems, RX717 integrates seamlessly with the E-TUBE app, allowing riders to fine-tune shifting speed, assign button functions, and keep firmware up to date. More importantly, it reflects a broader strategy: making electronic shifting less of a luxury item and more of a practical option for everyday gravel riders.

With RX717, Shimano isn’t redefining what gravel technology can do—it’s redefining who gets access to it. By combining Di2 reliability, MTB-derived toughness, and more attainable pricing, the new GRX RX717 components underscore Shimano’s belief that gravel performance should be inclusive, adaptable, and ready for wherever the road—or lack of one—leads next.

Tour de France Trivia: Celebrating the Greatest Sporting Spectacle on Earth

Dave Campbell
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Tour de France Trivia: Celebrating the Greatest Sporting Spectacle on Earth

By Dave Campbell

Q1. Mathieu van der Poel wore the yellow race leader’s jersey for four days this year. Earlier, this versatile rider had triumphed on the cobbles of “The Queen of the Classics,” Paris-Roubaix. When did a Roubaix winner last wear the Tour’s yellow leader’s jersey in the same season? It doesn’t happen that often!

Bernard Thévenet and the returning Eddy Merckx during the climb to Pla D’Adet in the Pyrenees during Stage 11. It was on this stage of the 1975 Tour de France that Merckx first faltered, losing nearly a minute to his rivals at the finish. Photo © Cor Vos

Q2. Irishman Ben Healy had a marvelous Tour and wore the yellow leader’s jersey on stages ten and eleven, becoming the first Irish Tour leader since 1987. That Irishman, Stephen Roche, went on to win the Tour, however. Who was the last Irish rider to wear the maillot jaune and, like Healy, not go on to final victory?

Q3. Jonas Abrahamsen of Team Uno-X was an ecstatic winner of stage 11 and became only the sixth Norwegian to win a stage in the world’s biggest bicycle race. Can you name the five who came before?

Q4. (a) Italian Jonathan Milan claimed stages eight and seventeen of the Tour, ending a victory drought for his country going back to 2019. Who was that previous Italian who won a Tour stage? (b) Who was the last Italian to win the final green points jersey in Paris?

Q5. Tadej Pogačar, just 26, has now won his fourth Tour de France and seems clearly on a path to become the greatest cyclist ever. Did any of the other four-time Tour winners accomplish their victories by age 26? Hint: They are Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain, and Brit Chris Froome.

Click to next page to view answers.

Echo Red to Red XC Returns as an Early-Season Proving Ground in Eastern Oregon

Cycling West
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Echo Red to Red XC Returns as an Early-Season Proving Ground in Eastern Oregon

ECHO, Oregon (January 8, 2026) — Eastern Oregon’s high desert will once again set the tone for the cross-country mountain bike season as the Echo Red to Red XC returns to the Oregon XC Series calendar. Produced by Zone 5 Promotions, the race has quickly carved out a reputation as a smartly designed, rider-first event that favors fitness, pacing, and race craft over gimmicks.

Scenes from the 2025 Echo Red to Red.

As one of the series’ early stops, Echo Red to Red functions as a true season opener—a place to test winter training and dial in race legs. The course reflects that role. Expect open terrain, rolling elevation, and long sightlines that showcase the landscape around Echo, Oregon. It’s fast, honest cross-country racing, where efficiency matters and mistakes are hard to hide.

Scenes from the 2025 Echo Red to Red.

True to its XC roots, the event welcomes a broad range of riders. Experienced racers chasing Oregon XC Series points line up alongside newer competitors looking for a well-run, approachable introduction to cross-country racing. Junior categories are a central part of the weekend, underscoring both the series’ and Zone 5 Promotions’ commitment to youth development and the long-term health of XC racing in the state.

Scenes from the 2025 Echo Red to Red.

Echo Red to Red also highlights the often-overlooked role bike racing plays in rural communities. Bringing riders, families, and spectators to Echo injects energy into a small Eastern Oregon town, supporting local businesses while introducing visitors to a region defined by wide-open spaces and fast, flowing riding.

Scenes from the 2025 Echo Red to Red.

Registration is currently open, with discounted early pricing available for both adult and junior racers. Entry fees will increase as race day approaches.

Event Details
Event: Echo Red to Red XC
Series: Oregon XC Series
Location: Echo, Oregon
Race Type: Cross-Country Mountain Bike (XC)
Producer: Zone 5 Promotions
Registration: zone5promotions.com/events/echo-red-to-red-xc

Full details on categories, schedules, and series standings are available at zone5promotions.com.

Quick Shot Bike Cartoon: Regularity

Chad Nichols
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Quick Shot Bike Cartoon: Regularity

Bike Rack Murals Public Art Project

Dave Iltis
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Bike Rack Murals Public Art Project

Salt Lake City, Utah — Salt Lake City Arts Council Public Arts Program recently funded a set of 10 bike rack murals in Salt Lake City’s Foothills. The text accompanying them and a gallery of the bike racks are below (modified slightly):

“Foothills Trailheads: Bike Rack Murals, 2025
Steel and paint

The Foothills Trailheads: Bike Rack Murals public art project features 10 unique bike rack murals painted by local artists, celebrating the ecological importance and rich natural and cultural diversity of Salt Lake City’s Foothills. These murals incorporate imaginative art elements, offering visitors a visually rewarding experience at the trailheads. This project spans two locations: the Bonneville Boulevard Trailhead and Popper Park Trailhead at 1401 Popperton Park Way. These trailheads serve as major confluences and urban interfaces for the Foothills trails, connecting several Salt Lake City landmarks, including the Avenues neighborhood, the Utah State Capitol, and the University of Utah. We encourage you to explore both trailheads to see all 10 bike rack murals. Each bike rack features a sego lily cutout in the tires, designed by local artist Derek Ballard.

Bonneville Boulevard Artists
1 Xander Brickey
2 Eric Fairclough
3 Valerie Jar
4 Bill Louis
5 Caro Nilsson
6 Brooklyn Ottens
 
(All photos by Dave Iltis)
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Xander Brickey. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Eric Fairclaugh. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Valerie Jar. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Bill Louis. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Caro Nillson. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Brooklyn Ottens. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bonneville Blvd Bike Rack Mural – Artist: Photo by Dave Iltis
 
Popperton Park Artists
7 Chuck Berrett
8 Evan Jed Memmott
9 Elizabeth Carrington
10 Sri Whipple
 
Foothills Trailheads Bike Rack Murals – Artist Chuck Berrett
Foothills Trailheads Bike Rack Murals – Artist Sri Whipple
Foothills Trailheads Bike Rack Murals – Artist Elizabeth Carrington
Foothills Trailheads Bike Rack Murals – Artist Evan Jed Memmott
Foothills Trailheads Bike Rack Murals –
 
This project was made possible through the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, with support from the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Lands, community stakeholders, and the artists.
 
For more information visit publicart.slc.gov“
 
 

Sports Nutrition News from the American College of Sports Medicine

Nancy Clark
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Sports Nutrition News from the American College of Sports Medicine

By Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD — The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a professional organization with more than 14,000 members who are sports medicine doctors, sports dietitians, exercise scientists, sports psychologists, and other health professionals who work with athletic people. ACSM’s annual convention is a hotspot for the latest sport nutrition research. Here are a few highlights that might be of interest.

The Female Athlete Triad—with three key symptoms: loss of monthly menstrual period (amenorrhea) + eating disorder + stress fracture—was first recognized in 1992. Since then, sports medicine professionals have educated female athletes that amenorrhea can be a sign of being unhealthy, chronically under-fueled, and at high risk for stress fractures. Despite educational efforts, the prevalence of eating issues has increased. Prevalence rates vary depending on the sport. An estimated 2% to 25% of female athletes have an outright eating disorder; 7% to 61% have disordered eating; 10% to 59% have irregular menses; 2% to 75% have low bone mineral density, and 2% to 100% consume inadequate calories to optimize performance. These numbers are disturbing! All athletes (males and females alike) who struggle with food and weight should seek guidance from a sports nutritionist (RD CSSD) so they can fuel better, perform better, and reduce their risk of injury.  

The Female Athlete Triad. Image by ChatGPT.

Consuming too few calories is a problem not just for female athletes. Male athletes are also known to undereat. In a study with collegiate cross-country runners, 57% of the men presented with symptoms of low testosterone, suggestive of having too little energy available to support both exercise and normal body functions. 

A study comparing physique-focused sports (such as gymnastics, figure skating, dance) to non-physique-focused sports (football, rugby, hockey) surprisingly showed similar prevalence of disordered eating. Even power athletes had signs of being poorly fueled. Please notice your brain chatter that suggests food is fattening and reframe the thought to food is fuel, fundamental for enhancing performance. 

Deep-colored red, blue, and purple fruits (purple grapes, black currants, blueberries) are rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols called anthocyanins. These bioactive compounds can positively impact athletic performance. For example, a female endurance runner who consumed a high dose (420 mg) of blackcurrant anthocyanins for a week had substantially lower lactic acid levels upon completion of a one-hour run. Other research supports positive performance benefits from anthocyanins. Enjoy a lot of deeply colored fruits and veggies!

Blueberries are high in polyphenols which may help to curb the body’s inflammatory response. Photo by Dave Iltis

Cocoa powder is another good source of health-protective polyphenols called catechins. Cocoa powder can easily be added to (sweetened) milk for a recovery beverage. To make cocoa into chocolate milk, dissolve 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon (brown) sugar or sweetener of your choice in 1 cup of milk that has been heated in the microwave oven. Drink to a healthful recovery!

A survey of college athletes assessed supplement use, confidence in the effectiveness of those supplements, and perceived safety of the supplements. No surprise, those who took the most supplements perceived them to be safe and effective. Not always the case. Look on the label for NSF Certified, USP Verified, or Informed Choice.

A survey of male and female athletes from a variety of sports reports 72% took some form of sport supplement, with caffeine being the most popular. Athletes commonly get (expensive) supplement information via social media. A sport dietitian can help athletes find less costly alternatives to high-priced commercial brands at a grocery store.

An enticing blend of supplements containing ashwagandha, arjuna, rhodiola, beetroot, and cayenne showed no benefits (compared to placebo) for CrossFit athletes. What sounds good can be a waste of money.

Swishing a carbohydrate mouth rinse is a strategy known to improve endurance performance. Carbohydrate activates receptors in the mouth that stimulate reward centers in the brain, making exercise seem easier. Mouth rinses can be bothersome to carry during exercise, plus the act of rinsing the mouth disrupts normal breathing. Preliminary research suggests carb-containing strips that dissolve in the mouth can do the same job as a mouth rinse, resulting in a faster 8-mile time trial compared to a rinse with just plain water. Carbs feed both brains and muscles.

Eating before and during a round of golf helps maintain normal blood glucose, which reduces mental and physical fatigue, thereby helping golfers play better. All athletes should plan ahead to make sure the right foods are in the right place at the right times.

High school (HS) runners commonly assume they will improve as freshmen at college. Not always the case. The average 800-meter run-time of the top 50 HS seniors improved about 0.45 seconds during freshman year. Only 51% of the runners ran faster. Statistics from 2013 to 2016 report three of the four HS graduating classes averaged slower times. Could sports nutrition education change this trend? 

Caffeine is known to enhance cycling performance, but it’s unclear if it can simultaneously help with a strength test—and what would be the best dose? Subjects consumed a beverage with no caffeine (decaf coffee), a moderate (220 mg) dose, or a high (450 mg) dose) of caffeine. (Starbuck’s 16-oz Grande has about 300 mg caffeine, for a frame of reference.) The high dose contributed to better performance for both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Each athlete has differing sensitivities to caffeine, so learn the dose that works best for you. More is not always better!

Habitual coffee drinkers who enjoy a moderate dose of caffeine are able to maintain normal hydration levels. Caffeine is not as dehydrating as once thought. Both moderately (but not highly) caffeinated beverages and water have similar hydration properties. 

Alkaline water is unlikely better for athletes than plain water. Following 10-hours with no food or water (to induce under-hydration), subjects drank 500 ml of alkaline or regular water, then one hour later did an intense exercise test. The alkaline water did not buffer the lactic acid generated during the subsequent intense exercise, showing no differences in blood lactate or level of hydration. However, the athletes did report the alkaline water made them feel more fatigued. No magic bullet there!

 

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