BIKE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE ON SALE NOW

By: Screamin Mimi | Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Bike magazine december 2009 Cover

photo of the year 2009

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Even for writers, there are times when words fail to convey the complete scope of an experience. In these instances photography proves a powerful tool. Bike publishes many such images, but the Best Photo of 2009 captures the sense of visual nirvana photographer Sterling Lorence experienced while riding through the heart of Iceland with Matt Hunter, Joe Schwartz and Andrew Shandro.

iceland

TRIP OF THE YEAR

Iceland is a place shaped by raw, elemental power—where expanding undersea plates allow magma to sear into kilometer-thick glaciers. Icelandic people, too, have been defined by their homeland’s rugged natural forces. And amid the remnants of disastrously ethereal investment policies, some locals are looking to the physical landscape for salvation. Therein lies the loophole that a marauding band of mountain bikers traveled through to discover this island of perfect, untouched dirt. Trails here are still sparse, but the potential of this Technicolor dreamscape is undeniable.

steve-peat-rider-of-the-year

RIDER OF THE YEAR

He is one of the most recognized names in downhill racing. He has won the overall World Cup title three times, has more World Cup gold medals (17) and has been on the podium more times (50) than any other downhill racer. Being knighted by the Queen of England and winning the World Championships were about the only honorifics left for Steve Peat. But it doesn’t matter if a sword never touches his shoulder, because Peaty’s already got himself the crown.

PLUS:

Buzz: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AS YOUR WALLPAPER

Bike Test: Norco Shore One; Specialized SX Trail I; Trek Session 88 DH; Yeti 303 RDH

Blueprint: Troy Lee Designs’ all-new D3

Splatter: The good doctors of Missoula; ‘Cross Nats descends on Bend; Praise for frozen mud; IMBA’s million-dollar trails; Salty single-track in Santa Cruz; and exploring Austin’s city limits.

Grimy Handshake: Ferrentino’s psychic hard-boot

Kit: Hot New Gear For Damn Cold Rides

Comments

Eduardo Guerra
March 9, 2010 6:57 pm

Reading this reminds me of my previous room mate. That guy was one of the smartest men I know, but he was a little outlandish for my tastes though. Anyways I enjoyed reading this, thanks. Will give me something to argue about when I see him.

Sea bass
January 20, 2010 9:52 pm

is Chopper in cyclocross prison? the Sh*t Bike surrived!

Jamie P.
January 15, 2010 11:20 am

Love the mag. It is what keeps me going through the winter months here in New England. Thanks for keeping me inspired while I turn to snow shoe for a few months;-))

David L.
December 17, 2009 1:15 pm

Cool Mag. My chick just picked it up for me. She knows I think Steve Peat kicks ass. I’m not a subscriber but I guarantee that the newsstand guy becomes enraged for an hour or so, when i stand there and read your mag. Skate shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt are my gear of choice. I love riding everything including road bikes. The latter became an interest as my local trails were ravaged by wild fires here in Pasadena, CA. From our town, over the mts., and all the way over to the desert on the other side was completely scorched. Chaparral or shrubland plants basically just go “poof” when that wild fire hits them. So, now the area looks like mars. Sort of like your photo of the year 2009 in Iceland. But I’m happy to report that on our last ride we encountered two deer walking around the completely bare mt. side. Which is kind of weird. Also, green sprouts are shooting out from the charcoal like bark of some of the burned trees. Even the ugly little brown birds, chirping away, are a sigh of relief. Well, gotta go. Keep printing those sweet photos. Bye.

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