Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Ventana close to Victory at Nelson 6 hour

The King and a mountain jumper primed and ready for action

Sunday at Nelson's Rabbit Island dawned crisp and clear, with some sweet new single track laid out especially for the race. The long 30 minute laps took in everything from wheel swallowing pits to fast sandy straights.
While the absence of hills made hardtail frames the bike of choice for most riders, Oliver and Robin aboard an El Saltamontes and El Capitan respectively had a blast riding their full squishers.
Making the rest of the team (and indeed most other riders) look soft was Susan, who tackled the course on an ancient single speed, opting to save her bike from the harsh sandy conditions out on the course.

Susan on her honorary Ventana El Oldschool

Also spotted riding for the team was David Ayre, hot off the back of a win at the local road race.
He pulled off a smoking lap, and helped lift the team to second place out of 22 teams in the mixed category, a truly awesome result for the team!

Guest fast guy David gets ready for his hot lap

Keep eyes peeled for a Ventana team at a race near you, and if the result at the weekend is anything to go by, just look for the fast guys!

Mountain Pedaler out...

Sunday, June 24, 2007

A King (El Rey) in the family

New to the full suspension 29er scene and first on an El Rey in New Zealand is Alistair Brown from Christchurch.
With a fine pedigree and an awesome reputation (particularly on the respected MTBR.com website), Alistair took the plunge and bought one of these masterfully crafted frames in Ventana's loudest colour option; Cosmic orange!

With 4" of travel and signature Ventana stiffness thanks to two oversize bearings at every pivot, Alistair reports that it handles the worst that Christchurch's Port Hills have to offer with aplomb!
Alistair has joined a select few on big hoops in Christchurch, with tractor like traction and stability of the larger wheels giving a different but undeniably fun riding experience.

He plans do complete some epic rides up the Avoca valley as soon as the recent winter blasts have blown through.

Congratulations Alistair on a sweet build, and welcome to the family!

Mountain Pedaler out....

Monday, June 11, 2007

Terremoto 6.0 strikes NZ!

Just arrived on New Zealand shores is Ventana's latest all mountain offering.
With a buttery smooth 6" of rear travel (and suitably gigantic rocker and pivot bearings), this frame should monster even the gnarliest roots and rocks that the local trails have to offer.

Spanish for "The Earthquake", the El Terremoto is a fine example of Ventana craftmanship. From the radically butted down tube (designed to deliver signature Ventana stiffness) to the fine CNC details that adorn the swingarm and bottom bracket cluster.
Mountain Pedaler hopes to add this pearly white stallion to the stable of test bikes, so that prospective customers can get a feel for the ride of a Ventana at the larger end of the travel spectrum.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the build progress, and feel free to get in touch if you fancy taking it for a spin!

Mountain Pedaler out.....