Five Hills Bikes

Gravel Grinder on Tap

Last update before the big event. We’ve got a sold out ride with folks of all ages joining us from 5 different states. The weather is looking…well, let me put it this way. Dust shouldn’t be a problem on the dirt roads this weekend. Welcome to April in Vermont, a mercurial month. You can never really know what the weather will be, until you’re in it. That being said, prepare for a chilly and damp ride. There may be some rain. It might be somewhat windy. We may be providing a little ‘warmer upper’ at the aid station to keep your spirits up. Be prepared - to have fun regardless.

Check-in before the ride, either at Five Hills Bikes (2 N Main Street, Waterbury VT 05676) from 3-5 on Saturday, or 8-8:45 am at Pilgrim Park 5 on Sunday morning. There is a mandatory riders meeting at 8:45 and riders will start promptly at 9am.

The route has changed from prior years and we will not be offering the bonus loop this year. For the former you may curse me, but for the latter you will thank me — so it evens out. We anticipate that the fastest riders will finish in a little over 2 hours. The more human among us may take up to 3.5 hours to finish. There will be tasty food at the end of the ride thanks to Frida’s Taqueria.

We’re looking forward to another fun ride - feel free to email or phone with any questions you might have about the ride.

Gravel Grinder Update

Less than one week to go until the Grinder. Good news for you heel-draggers, there are still a few spots left. But not many so register now! I’ve got to order the (super cool as always) shirts on Tuesday, so if you don’t get me your size by then you can’t be assured of scoring a shirt that fits.

Cobb Hill - not on the route for 2010

We have finalized the course for this year, and it’s a bit different than the prior years. I’m sorry to say that we’re not including the Cobb Hill loop this year, I rode it this past weekend and it’s a muddy, running-water nightmare. I like you guys too much to send you up and over that mess. As for the main loop, we’ve reconfigured it and added some mileage. I think you’ll like it. You can see it on a map and all the fun details, (over 28 miles, more than 3100′ of climbing…) on the Bike29 blog.

We’re reversed some of the climbing/descending and for a big finish we’re taking you along the Waterbury Community path. It’s a great ride

See you next weekend!

• Saturday, April 17: 3-5 PM at Five Hills Bikes, 2 North Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont
• Sunday, April 18: 8-8:45 AM at Pilgrim Park 5, Waterbury, Vermont
• Riders meeting at 8:45 AM and 9AM ride start!

Gravel Grinder - One Month Away

There’s only one month until the Gravel Grinder, and the weather this week has turned all thoughts to spring and riding. Registrations are strong and this event will sell out again this year, so secure your place and support the Waterbury trails.

For anyone wanting a warm up, we’re going to start have some shop rides, weather permitting. This weekend looks to be fantastic, so we’re planning two rides, both leaving from the shop:

• Sunday 10am - mostly flat, moderate pace, 3-4 hour ride
• Sunday 2pm - pre-ride the Gravel Grinder course, hills, dirt roads, 2-3 hours

Email georgew (at) bike29.com or mandy (at) bike29.com for more info.

Check out the Gravel Grinder page for the most up to date info about the event.

Click here to register!

Fitness & Adventure Conditioning Camps

Five Hills Bikes / Bike29 is stoked to be supporting a series of Fitness & Adventure Camps by Mocean365. The camps are in Waterbury at the Rusty Parker Park from 5:30-7pm on Tuesday evenings. The first (which started this week already) is 4 weeks long, and the others will be 8 weeks long.

George went to the first night and had a blast. You can read about it on the blog. It’s outdoors, lots of movement and partner work and is the perfect thing to get ready for biking season. In addition to the exercise, Megan will also provide nutritional help. This week they got some really yummy smoothy recipes that we can’t wait to make.

Learn more on Mocean365’s website and hopefully we’ll see you there on Tuesday nights.

Tax Free Day - March 6

In honor of the Vermont State Tax Holiday - we’re having a big ‘ol sale on Saturday, March 6. Not only will you save the 6% state sales tax, but there will be huge savings on the following:

• All 2009 Gary Fisher instock bikes
• All Oakley apparel (including our favorite baggy cycling shorts)
• All Twin6 cycling jerseys
• All Sidi bike shoes in stock
• Some Lake cycling shoes
• And more

For this special savings event we’ll be open from 9am - 5pm on Saturday, March 6. Email us or more information and we look foward to seeing you this weekend.

Gravel Grinder Info

Packet Pick-up

We’re going to offer riders the opportunity to pick up their packets the day prior to the Grinder this year, in addition to the day-of registration at the event site. Everyone must pick up their stuff and sign the event waiver.

• Saturday, April 17: 3-5 PM at Five Hills Bikes, 2 North Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont
• Sunday, April 18: 8-8:45 AM at Pilgrim Park 5, Waterbury, Vermont

Carbo Load

Pick up your stuff on Saturday and then head next door to the Reservoir Restaurant and Tap Room. They’ll be offering a special on Saturday for the Grinder riders, better fuel up because those are some big hills.

Need a Place to Stay?

There are a couple of options of good options in Waterbury:

• Old Stagecoach Inn: walking (and riding) distance to Five Hills Bikes, The Res, and the event start. Also home of the best breakfast in town. Tell them Five Hills Bikes sent you.
• The Best Western: has an indoor pool and hot tub.
• Grunberg House: beautiful place in the woods

Post Ride Feasting

After you’ve conquered the dirt, you’ve earned yourself some good eats. We’re pleased to announce that Frida’s Taqueria is catering the post-ride feast. Seriously good food.

Champion! Singlespeed USA 2010

It’s not every day that Vermont can claim a new champion amongst it’s citizens, but we’re proud to announce that Five Hills Bikes has brought forth a winner. Mandy Wisell, co-owner of Five Hills Bikes, took home the championship at Singlespeed USA on February 6, 2010.

Singlespeed USA, held in conjunction with SSAZ in Tucson, Arizona, featured a 46.5 mile course. Riders climbed through classic desert terrain, crossed flowing washes, and navigated technical downhills - all on mountain bikes with only one gear. After the race, a final test of balance and skill determined the men’s and women’s Singlespeed USA champions for 2010.

SSUSA belt

Congrats to everyone involved! Visit the shop and check out the prize belt.

Shop Closed Feb 11

Five Hills Bikes will be closed an additional day this week, bad weather in the mid-atlantic has prolonged our mid-winter trip to Arizona for SSAZ/SSUSA.

It is our intention to be back and open for business on Friday, February 12.

Gravel Grinder Registration is Open

Register here!

We’re pleased to announce that the Gravel Grinder is back for 2010 in a big way. We’ll be adding some fun adventure sections to the course but still keeping the beautiful scenery, dirt road riding, and easy-going atmosphere that kept this event so fun and approachable.

The 1st and 2nd Gravel Grinders in 2008 and 2009 were so popular that we had to turn riders away.. This year we’ll be ready for more, but we encourage folks to register early to ensure their place on the start list. At the least, it’s a great incentive to get out and get in shape for biking this spring and summer.

April 18, 2009  in Waterbury, VT. Register here and see event details and course description on the Gravel Grinder page.

Five Hills Bikes for the Holidays

Five Hills Bikes is open all winter. We’ve got bikes and gear for serious cyclists as well as for folks that just like riding along. Here are some ideas that might be great for someone on your list:

• Nutritional products
• A Hydration pack from Camelback - even if she’s already got one, they get nasty after being used and a new pack is always welcome
• Bike29 t-shirt or jersey - support your local shop
• Pedals - upgrade them to clipless or get them a second set for the second bike
• Bike blinkies and lights for safe travel after dark
• Oakley sunglasses - we have a nice selection of styles and prices
• Mountain bike clothing from Oakley - stylish and functional, our favorite
• Tubes! Great stocking stuffers, and always needed.

Kids bikes are in stock. 2010 bikes from Gary Fisher are in stock and all leftover 2009 bikes are on sale.

Through the holidays we’re open 10-6 on Thursdays and Fridays, 10-4 Saturday, and 10-4 Monday through Wed. Call us for more info or to check on stock. 802-244-7330.