Judge Sides With Starbucks in Name Dispute

What's this got to do with Kamikaze or bikes? Umm.. not much, wanna buy some Kamikaze Coffee? It's 100% organic, fair-trade, fresh roasted and comes in some truly original packaging. Great stocking stuffer. Tastes better in your cup.

NEW GEAR at our Gift Shop

The WORLD(?)-FAMOUS thong is still available, coffee mugs, and clothes for baby... COMING SOON, wear your voice on your chest with the new "NO TAX ON BIKES" black T. FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $50 (until 12/6/05) Check it out, by clicking on the coffee mug up top.

Brad Graham's OverKill Chopper

Check out Brad Graham's Overkill Chopper in the Bike Forest <<here>>. There is not one single machined part, or hard to find component on the entire bike, just standard cycle parts, and some junk that was laying around the scrap pile. To build this chopper, he used only a welder, grinder, and the basic tools. The entire frame is made from department store electrical conduit. See a video here.

How To Ride a Bike in Holland

13 million bikes for 16 million Dutchmen, that's not bad... but before you hit the road in Holland, here's a few tips. Terry Ward writes for 'worldhum.com' and explains how to roll like the locals. <Read the Article>

NDP stance on 30% bicycle sales tax

Dear Mr Heilbron:

Thank you for your recent correspondence. I appreciate receiving your comments and suggestions as they are helpful to my work.

The NDP disagrees with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) action to impose a 30% surtax on imported bicycles. This surtax would penalize Canadian consumers unfairly; sabotage the financial prospects of hundreds of independent Canadian retailers, and make environmentally friendly transportation more expensive.

From 1992 until recently, a 34% antidumping duty was placed upon imports of Chinese bicycles. This duty was rescinded in 2004 when an investigation by the Canadian Border Services Agency determined that no government influence is exercised on bicycle prices in China, and that the cost of production was, in fact, much lower than previously believed. Rescinding this duty has resulted in a considerable decrease in bicycle prices throughout the past year, a prospect welcomed by Canadian consumers.

This is an alternative type of transportation that we should be encouraging, given the fact that Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gases.

The Canadian bicycle manufacturing industry consists of two factories in Quebec, employing a total of about 600 people. The domestic industry, such as it is, is merely an assembler of previously imported frames and components; most parts (80%, by one calculation) are imported.

Punitive measures against independent bicycle retailers and cyclists across Canada will not save these jobs. For years federal New Democrats have been urging the Liberal government to put in place a national jobs strategy that would address the effects of globalization; sadly, our calls for such an essential policy have been ignored. In the absence of such a strategy, thousands of jobs have been lost, particularly in the textile and softwood industries. The federal government must come up with a plan to help all such affected companies re-orient their market strategy, rather than enacting an ad hoc surtax that is not in the public interest.

Thank you again for raising this issue.

Yours truly, Peter Julian MP Burnaby-New Westminster

SAY NO TO 30% SURTAX ON BICYCLES!

The Canadian Minister of Finance is considering whether to add a third layer of import duty to protect Canadian producers of low-end bicycles who primarily supply cheap bikes for mass market retailers. Currently there is a 13% duty on imported bicycles plus another 5-50% on bicycles made in China and Taiwan (anti-dumping duty). >> Join the fight to keep the prices of bicycles down, encourage alternative transportation, fight childhood obesity, and reduce greenhouse gases by signing the PETITION at Kamikaze. >> You can also download the PROTEST LETTER and send it to Mr. Ralph Goodale, the Minister of Finance and your local Member of Parliament. >> Find your local MP's address and contact information HERE

Lance makes it's official

"I'm happy with the way it ended, I'm not coming back." Lance is scheduled to be on Oprah this Tuesday, 9/20.

Get ready for 2006!

BTAC in Montreal this wknd.

Marathon for Arthritis :: Sponsor Brad

Hi everyone - here is a short and sweet message update about my marathon... As you likely know (cause that's all I talk about these days) I've committed to running a marathon and raising money in sponsorship pledges for The Arthritis Society. I am working hard at my training, running my butt off 4 days a week, and x-training on a different two (I sleep on Sundays). I'm 8 weeks in, and each week I now run over 50km -- a distance that keeps increasing as the big day in December nears. While training goes well, I have to admit it's actually much harder than I thought and not everyday has been a happy one to put the shoes on and hit the road, but I am staying tough and keeping to the schedule. On top of the physical challenges, its also been an emotional ride for me. Prior to signing up for the Joints in Motion Marathon, I never realized how many people in my life are affected by Arthritis. The facts are more than 4 million Canadians alone currently suffer from arthritis -- I've gotten to hear some incredible stories from people that I know (and you know) who suffer with arthritis, and I realize just how important raising funds for a cause like this is. As part of this process, I was asked to name an "Arthritis Hero"- a person with arthritis in whose honour I would be running. My hero is a very good friend, she is younger than I am, and very tough, and not letting her disease slow her down. But I also know it causes her a lot of pain. She is my inspiration, especially on the days when I am struggling to complete a run. Wanna help with a contribution to my campaign? Click here. Sponsor any amount -- every dollar helps. Your tax receiptable donation($15 or more) will help me to reach my personal goal and will help The Arthritis Society complete their important work. Thanks bikers. Brad

Way to go Brian!

"Perhaps the most inspiring of the weekend's athletes was Brian Culbert, racing in the male 45-49 category. While is racing luck wasn't with him---he pulled out after finishing nine laps in 12 hours, he's still a hero as he uses his mountain bike races as pledge rides to raise money for charity. Last year he raised some $200,000. This year he's up to $20,000 with his that money destined to go to a Cambodian children's hospital for burn victims. Earlier this year he raced the Trans Rockies where he broke his hand on the fifth day of the seven-day race. Quit? No way. He soldiered on and finished." For the whole article read here For more on Brian's fundraising efforts, check this out. Inspiring.

Brian, Trent, and the TransRockies Challenge

Sticks And Stones May Break My Bones But I’m Finishing This Race. by Shawna Dennis You know you’ve got it bad when not even broken bones will keep you from finishing the task at hand. For Brian Culbert, his love of extreme mountain biking has definitely become an addiction he can’t do without, and after his last race, his tenacity cannot be disputed. On August 7, 2005, with his family by his side, Brian and his race partner, Trent Winstone, began what was to become one of the most challenging races they’ve ever endured. Just one of 175 teams to take on the TransRockies Challenge, the seven-stage race proved to be an experience like no other as they rode through treacherous terrain in often adverse conditions. With ridiculously steep climbs, followed by sometimes unrideable descents, the TransRockies Challenge incorporated all elements of bike racing. Brian, who last year participated in La Ruta de los Conquistadores – known in the biking community as the toughest mountain bike event on the planet – compared the two races: “On a scale of one to ten, I’d give La Ruta a six… this race was eleven.” [Read more]

SNEAK PEAK:: KONA 2006 LINE-up

From Singletrack magazine, take an early peak at your 2006 Kona here.

KONA RIDERS TOUGHEST at Mont-Ste-Anne DH

By Rob Jones -Special to VeloNews The crew from Kona dominated the downhill at Mont-Sainte-Anne Sunday, with Tracy Moseley winning the fourth round of the World Cup for the women and Fabien Barel the men's for the Kona Les Gets Team... [FULL STORY]

Armstrong: Bumps, bruises aside, he says he's ready to roll

By Tim Reynolds -The Associated Press Lance Armstrong is not looking too good these days: He has a black eye, a cut over his right eyebrow and abrasions on his hands and knees. The six-time defending Tour de France champion crashed at low speed during the start of a training ride last week. He lost control on his time-trial bike and sailed over the handlebars, his helmet splitting in two on impact. Armstrong shrugs it off... [FULL STORY]

TDF and Team Discovery

For three weeks riders will cycle more than 3607 kilometres over this year's punishing Tour de France course. Get ready for the July 2 start and... Watch LANCE WEEK on Discovery Channel [6/27 - 7/3] Review your BIKE SPEAK Study THE COURSE Meet THE TEAM ...and get your 2005 team Discovery jersey, hats (or bike) now in store. GO FOR 7!

1/2 price LIFTS @ BLUE

Mark your calendar. Blue Mt. is offering half price lift passes for Saturday, Aug 13th. Regular priced Adult lift passes are only $32 + tax. Its a VPSfest day.

SECOND PLACE LOSER

Careful where you start to celebrate. This short bike video is worth the download (944kb)... do I feel bad for this guy? not sure.

NOMAD - a Cliff huck-ing Bomber from S-Cruz

Taking a similarly stout approach as on the V-10 and VP-Free, Santa Cruz created a frame with beefy formed tubes (very strong, and deco stylish) and meaty linkages delivering a rock solid frame with 6.5 inches of rear wheel travel. Also, they kept the flab to a minimum, using light 6061 and 6069 aluminum alloy for the frame and retaining a standard 135mm, q.r. friendly rear dropout spacing. It can be built up either as a do-everything, ride everywhere, long lasting middleweight, or a rock crushing, cliff hucking bomber. * Expected release date for the Nomad frame - late summer, 2005

Kolapore versus Leone

Catch up on the Kolapore lawsuit story with these links (or go jump in the river) :: April 8, 2005 - "Lawsuit casts shadow over Ontario trails" Owen Sound Sun Times April 12, 2005 - "Cyclists meet to consider lawsuit" Enterprise-Bulletin April 17, 2005 - "Lawsuit a threat to trails" Toronto Sun April 27, 2oo5 - "The Lawyer Has Arrived" Dirt Rag ETC.. "Lawyer Injured:Access to Kolapore Uplands in Jeopardy" NSMB.emagazine

Kris Goes Hollywood

Watch for Kris on Rogers cable (channel 53) in a special feature on how to take care of your bike. Airs today, day and evening.

ONE CUP OF COFFEE SENDS 10,000 kids to camp

Wednesday, June 8 is a special for Tim Hortons -- It’s Camp Day – the one day a year when the entire proceeds from every coffee sold at participating Tim Hortons stores across Canada and the United States, will be donated to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. So buy a coffee. I like mine cream, no sugar.

>> 3 Days to Ridefest <<

PEAK INSIDE THE BICYCLE FOREST

Check out "woody" and some other whacked rides in "the bicycle forest" here. READ THE DISCLAIMER before you go building your own from one of these designs: "Many of these bicycles would be potentially dangerous to ride and are apt to be structurally unsound. They are shown here for your amusement only." Ya, definitely amusing. Enjoy.

RIDE FEST:: JUNE 4

New XCBikes to Demo, group rides going out all day long...and a BBQ.

Always a great day. Mark your calendar -> Saturday, June 4th, 2005

2005 BLUR LT (LOOONG TRAVEL)

Expected release date for the Blur LT frame - June 15, 2005 The original Blur won many hearts with its incredible rear suspension performance and its amazing handling. People immediately began putting longer travel forks on them and going out in search of bigger, rougher terrain and new limits to push. So SC is now responding with something suited more specifically for this kind of riding -- the BLT (Blur Long Travel. Not Bacon?). Its a Blur, swift pedaling, good climbing, and blessed with very sweet chassis integrity. But its a little more than that, too. More rear wheel travel (5.3 inches), slightly longer wheelbase for more stability, more tire clearance, a little more metal around the head and downtube for added strength and the ability to run up to six-inch forks, and a more kicked back geometry (69.5 degree head angle measured around a five inch travel fork) for added confidence in the steeps.

BLUE MOUNTAIN:: NOW OPEN FOR DOWNHILL

Opening day on Saturday May 21 with 16 of 18 trails ready to ride. Blue mountain reports due to the unseasonably cool spring weather, and snow still present on Shot Glass and Autobahn they will not be in rideable condition for opening weekend.

Download the trail map here.

HOURS OF OPERATION*

Spring: Weekends starting May 21, 2005, 10am - 5pm Summer: 7 days per week starting June 25, 10 am - 7 pm Fall: September 5- October 10, Weekends only 10 am - 5 pm

*Weather and conditions permitting

BAMBOO BIKE

The LATEST in ummm... BAMBOO Technology. Very cool, and weighs in at 23.6lbs complete. The downside? Watch out for hungry beetles.

LIVESTRONG :: 3rd Round of Livestrong bracelets are in

Adult and Youth sizes are in again, but going fast...

SWEET!

RIDE THE RAIL... Trek's Rail Cruiser with a CNC Aluminum top tube and tons of style. This thing is sweet to sit on and ideal for crusing for girls (or boys, i guess). Check it out in the shop!

LIVESTRONG :: 2nd Round of Livestrong bracelets are in-- want one? Adult and Youth sizes are available currently, but come in to the shop soon as they go pretty fast. We suggest $5 donations per, and all monies collected goes to LAF and cancer research.

VALENTINE'S DAY PROMO!

What better way to say 'I love you' than with Kamikaze Thongs & Boxers in our online store. Ok, we can name several ways. But can you save $2 off! Use Coupon code: VDAYGIFT on check out. Offer ends 02/14/05 SHOP HERE or click on "VALENTINE'S DAY PROMO!".

Be a part of history.

600 replicas of the bike Lance rode into Paris to win his sixth Tour de France are getting made. Each is outfitted with a selection of limited edition Bontrager carbon components. Included with each bike is a numbered and signed photograph of Lance riding the bike that day, plus a $500 donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. If you want to be a part of history – go gold! Ask us for more details...

BTW, round#2 of Lance bracelets will arive any day!

Owen Morgan: International Man of Mystery

Watch out London, England :: Kamikaze is coming to town. The big-O is loose on the streets of London for the next two weeks... locals prepare for the spike in beer and pub pie consumption. yeah baby!

GET YOUR BIKE FACE ON :: EARLY SPRING!

February 2 brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent. Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it cannot... spring is on the way... so what's happening according to Willie? SPRING IS LESS THAN SIX WEEKS AWAY! Think about getting your bike in for an early season tune; or maybe this is the year you get yourself a new ride?

Better bikers than bowlers...

Well, we finally had our Christmas party two nights ago... and I can confidently say we are all better bikers than we are bowlers. Especially Ben (and this is not a reflection of his biking ability) Big O and Jeff deserve a mention for their prowess at the buffet -- they were definitely kings at the Rockdell, conquering 3 cows, 2 swines and an apple pie.