POOLE, United Kingdom (BRAIN) — UK-based Muc-Off has announced a minimum online advertised price policy for the U.S.

The policy goes into effect on Oct. 16. Under the new policy, retailers are free to sell products at any price but they cannot advertise or promote products at prices below the company's stated minimum online advertised price.

Muc-Off's global sales & busines development director, Mike Cook, said, "Muc-Off's new online MAP policy is there to support dealers as well as to maintain the brands image as a high quality and innovative provider of bike care and performance products."

For more information on Muc-Off's MAP policy or to obtain a MAP price list, retailers can contact Tony Zanca , the brand's North American account manager, at tz@muc-off.com.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (BRAIN) — WCUP, a Belgium-based sports nutrition brand, is upping its commitment to the North American market with the hiring of a U.S. brand manager, Sean Kneale, and the appointment of a U.S. marketing communications firm, Tim Jackson's PowWord Communications.

Michel Lenaerts, the chief international strategy manager for WCUP, said, "We're very excited to have Sean heading up our efforts in North America, focusing on sales and distribution. Having Tim working with us and our global marketing team, will help us better tell our story to those who are not as familiar with our brand."

WCUP has a 25-year history in sports nutrition product.

"We take great pride in the fact that we've been in the market longer than most brands. We're even prouder of the fact that our products are sought out by athletes who know how critical nutrition is to their performances," said Lenaerts.

The brand is now under new ownership with increased resources. It offers bars, gels, protein shakes and sports drinks. The company said its products are "made with the best ingredients and all ph neutral for less stomach distress."

Dealers will earn margins from 40-50 percent and controlled Internet distribution. Kneale will be working to establish a full network of retailers and sales reps, while Jackson will help to establish the brand's marketing efforts, integrating with WCUP's larger global marketing strategies. Jackson said he and Kneale have worked together previously.

"The brand has been in the U.S. for a few years, but their purchase slowed things down, so we're excited to make a stronger push this time around," Jackson said. "I remembered WCUP and heard lots of good things about the product, so I'm happy to help WCUP push forward."

All North American dealer, distributor, or sales rep inquiries should be directed to Kneale at sean@WCUPUSA.com or 949-542-6076.

DRAPER, Utah (BRAIN) — After 24 years in business, the four Canyon Bicycles stores in the Salt Lake City area are sporting a new name — Hangar 15 — following an agreement with the German consumer direct brand Canyon.

The retailer began promoting the new name in the summer, first by renaming the store's pro road racing team, which has a UCI Continental registration. Owner Mike Pratt's been slowly rolling out new signage on his stores and in social media and other marketing over the summer and fall, and plans a big marketing push in the spring to let area riders know that it's the same stores, with the same owner, just a new name.

"I hear from our sales people that folks are asking, 'what happened, why the name change, did I sell the stores?', so I know we need to keep getting the word out," Pratt told BRAIN recently.

The agreement was reached three weeks before the start of the Tour of Utah and the team name change was a relatively big project, requiring new race kit and other team items and rebadging team vehicles, as well as permission from racing officials. It paid off with the Hangar 15 name getting considerable air time during TV coverage of the race. It seemed almost every time TV announcers mentioned the team, they made clear it was the new name for the retail chain.

And the team got a lot of mentions during the race.

"Our guys were very aggressive: they got in just about every break. So that helped get the word out to people that follow racing, at least," Pratt said. One Tour of Utah stage finished very close to a Hangar 15 store location, and Pratt made sure to re-sign that location in time for the stage.

Pratt said he was in talks with Canyon for 22 months and said terms of the agreement are confidential. In conversation Pratt indicated that the physical costs of making the name changes to the team and the stores, as well marketing those changes, will not be a financial burden.

Pratt said it was a difficult decision to agree to change a name he's used since 1993. The name means a lot to him — even his son's middle name is Canyon.

"Some people are surprised I gave it up, but I put months and months of thought into it and decided to make a business decision, not an emotional decision."

In an email to BRAIN, Canyon CEO and founder Roman Arnold said Canyon has "resolved its name issues with Mr. Pratt amicably and fully," adding that, "we wish him continued success in his business."

Pratt said he also was satisfied with the agreement, calling it "inevitable." Pratt's stores probably would have been able to continue with the Canyon name, and it's worth noting that there are at least two other bike stores in the U.S. with similar names: Canyon Bikes in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Canyon Bicycles in Canyon Country, California. Those stores are not changing their names.

But Pratt's stores are much larger businesses than the others, and he has promoted the name nationally through the race team. Pratt is considering expansion plans including franchising and/or new locations in Utah or other states. He said any unsettled business with Canyon might have been a barrier to those plans.

"I'm happy with the outcome ... I needed to be able to move forward without feeling like I was restricted in what I'm doing."

Pratt recently decided not to fund the pro race team next year, although his stores will continue to support an elite level team and he's open to launching a new pro team in the future.

As for the new name, Pratt said there's no romantic story behind it. "Fifteen is my favorite number. As for 'hangar,' we were looking for something that was trademarkable and would work nationwide. It's the result of a year and a half of brainstorming. I was in the military, but I was never in the air wing. But 'hangar' just sounded kind of bad ass. People like it. So we'll get used to it."

KETCHUM, Idaho (BRAIN) — CrankTank, an industry consulting group, has launched a new series of events for brands to engage with influencers, media and consumers. The series, called CrankTank Impact, is kicking off this week in Kona, Hawaii, where the Ironman World Championships is being held this weekend.

The Kona event is title sponsored by KASK with supporting sponsors Reynolds Cycling, Topical Edge, Rotor Components, SCOTT Sports and Wyn Republic. It's being held along the triathlon's run course at the Island Lava Java and is open to competitors, spectators and industry for nine days surrounding the race on the Big Island.

"The opportunity to connect with the triathlon community, meet with our sponsored athletes and ambassadors and the triathlon media is very valuable to our brand," said Nat Ross, North American brand manager for KASK.

Adrian Montgomery, the vice president of CrankTank, said, "Kona holds a special place in the triathlon world, much like a tropical trade show. It offers a magical setting in which we can bring a unique approach and allow brands to interact with key influencers and media in an authentic way."

CrankTank was founded by industry veteran Scott Montgomery. Adrian Montgomery (no relation) joined this summer.  Impact events are being managed by CrankTank's newest member, Lars-Erik Johnson.

Adrian Montgomery said, "We are stoked to add Lars to the CrankTank team. We've worked together for many years organizing events similar to Impact, and we needed a strong leader with industry experience to manage our event series."

Impact will host a bike-focused event in CrankTank's hometown of Sun Valley, Idaho, next June. The Sun Valley event will include experiences and discussions on two fast growing categories in the bike market; e-MTBs and gravel bikes.

Johnson said, "The Impact event series is about bringing together people from brands and the media to examine products and foster better understanding of gear and how people are using it.

"We aim to create meaningful experiences in real world settings so folks can fully explore gear potentials, enabling both brands and media to communicate new product and developing market trends as they see them."

For inquiries about upcoming Impact events, contact Johnson at lars@crantank.net. 

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Sweet Protection's Delirious Jacket is made with Gore-Tex Active material, the most breathable fabric in the Gore-Tex product line.

The mountain bike jacket was designed to be minimalist but includes features like an adjustable hem, collar and cuffs; extended back drop; and reflective prints.

Sweet Protection said the jacket is "the ideal solution for activities where you need low weight, low volume and dependable protection from rain and wind.

It retails for $299. It's part of Sweet Protection's winter line, which also includes the Badlands Merino LS Jersey. 

The 100 percent Merino wool jersey is available in mens and womens sizes. The company said the jersey's cut is a little bit longer in the back to keep the jersey from riding up while in a seated position, keeping the body covered in case of a wipeout. It retails for $89.99.

More information: sweetprotection.com.

SAINT-AUGUSTIN-DE-DESMAURES, Quebec (BRAIN) — Garneau has reached a new 3-year partnership agreement with the Little Bellas organization, a mountain bike organization whose goal is to help young women realize their potential through cycling.

"Little Bellas is absolutely thrilled to partner with Louis Garneau," said Sabra Davison, Little Bellas' executive director, president, and co-founder. "With our home offices only an hour apart in Vermont, it's a natural fit. Our small-town roots and values will thrive in partnership. We truly believe that Louis Garneau values getting girls on bikes and makes amazing kids' products to support girls from their first pedal stroke through their cycling progression. Our creative process has begun, and it's already resulted in some amazing new products for our participants, parents, supporters, and mentors." 

Founded in 2007, Little Bellas has worked to get over 2,700 girls on bikes to date with chapters in 13 states. Centered around cycling, the organization takes on a bigger task of instilling confidence in young girls and teaching them to navigate challenges and believe in themselves.

Garneau will create a Little Bellas jersey that will be sold online at www.garneau.com, with a portion of the sales going to the organization. Garneau also will produce the official cycling apparel and accessories of the organization that will be distributed to girls registered in their programs. A contest will be organized among the previous year's participants to find the design of the jersey for the 2018 season.

Eric Sakalowsky, Garneau's global marketing director, said, "Little Bellas is a fantastic program offering young girls a chance to connect, push their limits, gain confidence and develop grit. We love the life lessons that cycling offers and look forward to accompanying their riders and mentors with some cool kit (designed by one of the girls no-less)."

LAFAYETTE, Colo. (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association announced Wednesday that Brandee Lepak, co-owner of Arizona's Global Bikes, has been elected as board chair by the NBDA Board of Directors during their annual meeting held at Interbike. Dave Enz, the owner of Oakdale Bicycle Shop in California, was elected board secretary.

"I am excited for the opportunity to represent my peers at this critical time in our industry," said Lepak, who took over as the interim board chair earlier this year. "As business people engaged in local bike communities, the best bicycle retailers know we have a unique opportunity to reach customers in a way no other businesses can. My goals are to encourage our members' entrepreneurial spirit, continue to develop the programs we've undertaken over the last several months, evolve our organization to be the true voice of retailers, and work with manufactures to help us all be successful." 

Todd Grant, the NBDA's president, said, "Brandee is incredibly well respected and accomplished within the cycling community and we couldn't be more pleased to have her leading the NBDA's board of directors. I have enjoyed the energy, insight and passion Brandee has brought to the role of board chair during the past several months and it is apparent, through their vote, that the board sees this as well."

Leepak has been the co-owner of Global Bikes for 15 years, and has helped expand the company to four locations throughout the Phoenix Metro area. She has a passion for getting kids on bikes and is the Founder of Trips for Kids Phoenix, which serves at-risk youth in the Phoenix area. She has been involved with the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona, IMBA, NICA and several community action organizations. She has also been instrumental in helping Phoenix, Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona, expand their cycling infrastructure and provide safe cycling education to residents.

Enz has been the owner of Oakdale Bicycle Shop for four years. He has a background in customer service, sales training, inventory management and credit management for over 40 years. He has been a life-long cycling enthusiast, and began his tenure in the bicycle industry ten years ago as a salesperson. He serves as course marshal for multiple century rides, and his shop is the area headquarters for Team in Training, the major sponsor for Bikes for Kids, The Children's Guardian House, and the Ride for Mom.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Retailers, industry suppliers and other members of the cycling community in California are living through scary times as multiple wildfires scorch some of the country's most popular riding areas, including the Napa Valley.

So far there are no reports of direct damage to any businesses, but the Santa Rosa homes of former pro racer Levi Leipheimer and Cannondale's Silvano Rastelli were both destroyed. Several popular mountain bike areas in the Napa Valley and near Anaheim Hills have been burned, and it's not clear when the areas will reopen to riding.

At the Trek Store of Santa Rosa, one employee has lost a home to the fire, while two others have been evacuated.

"There are still a lot of unknowns," said David Whitehead, sales lead at the store. Whitehead said many popular riding areas are closed and the air quality makes riding nearly impossible in any case. At least two groups have canceled bike rentals from the store in recent days and the long-term effect on nearby trail systems is uncertain.

"We're playing it minute by minute. We closed at 4 yesterday and we'll probably close early today. There isn't a lot of business, but we did get a phone call from a family that lost its home and they want to buy all new bikes for the family," he said.

Leipheimer reported on social media that his home was destroyed. "I lost my house but not my home here in Sonoma County. We WILL make it through this,"he wrote on Twitter. The fires came a week after thousands of cyclists rode on Leipheimer's favorite area roads during Levi's GranFondo on Sept. 29.

Rastelli, who does team and event support for Cannondale, was safely at an event out of town during the fire, but lost all his belongings and his cat. Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him rebuild. 

Nearby, Sonoma Valley Cyclery is open but manager Brenna Sahs is concerned about the long-term damage to mountain bike trails.

"As of now (store employees) are OK and no one has been evacuated," she said. "No one is riding. Skyline won't be rideable for a while; it was raging last night," she said, referring to Skyline Wilderness Park, a popular riding area in Napa.

In Orange County, the Anaheim Hills fire ripped through Santiago Oaks, a very popular riding area.

"That's going to affect us. It will probably be closed for a year," said Chuck Allen, assistant manager at Rock N' Road Cyclery, a well-known mountain bike shop with three locations in Orange County, including one in Anaheim Hills. Allen said no employees had lost homes or been evacuated, but several live adjacent to the evacuation zones.

The fires have brought retail business to a standstill, he said.

"Monday it completely killed our business. It was pretty slow yesterday and it's slow today. It will be slow until things are contained."

The homes of many industry members in California have been threatened and some have been evacuated.

Lance Camisasca, the founder of PressCamp, was evacuated from his home Monday but returned Tuesday to find it undamaged.

Seth Beiden, the owner of Dawn Patrol Public Relations, also was evacuated but returned to find his home OK. Beiden reported on social media that employees at CamelBak, his former employer and one of his company's clients, are donating time to local evacuation shelters. CamelBak has donated 125 gallon filtered water units to area shelters.

Scot Nicol, the founder of Ibis, also was evacuated from his Santa Rosa home and returned Tuesday to find no damage. "We were very lucky," Nicol said on his Facebook page. "Others around us not so much. There is devastation everywhere. The power is out it’s dark from the smoke, the air is still and acrid, feels apocalyptic."

TOPEKA, Kan. (BRAIN) — AAA Kansas, working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, as  introduced a program to help prevent cyclists from getting stranded with a mechanical problem.

Last year AAA Kansas began offering roadside bicycle assistance to its members. AAA offers that service in several other states and regions, including Colorado, New England, Washington and the Mid-Atlantic AAA region.

The new Kansas program goes further, with the creation of "Bike Service Point" repairs stations at some Kansas state parks and along the Prairie Spirit Trail, a 51-mile route. Future phases will expand the service station program to other bike trails and heavily used cycling corridors across the state.

Each repair location includes signage that provides a toll-free phone number and location identifier. Cyclists needing assistance call the phone number, which goes to AAA Roadside Assistance dispatch, and provide the location identifier. The dispatcher will then send a AAA roadside service technician who can transport the bike and rider home or to a bike shop. Cyclists who are not AAA members may also use the AAA Bicycle Service but will pay a charge.

"AAA Kansas is excited to partner with KDWPT to introduce this important service to benefit cyclists in Kansas," said Jennifer Haugh, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas. "The new Kansas Bike Service Points will give bicyclists in our state peace of mind that if they have mechanical issues or breakdowns, repair resources will be available or AAA roadside assistance will be just a call away."

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Camber Outdoors has announced six Camber Exchange events this fall. Three of these events will be the first-ever Camber Exchanges in their regions.

Camber Exchanges are local events that connect people in the active-outdoor industries who share interests, career objectives, and passion for the outdoors. They are hosted by Camber Outdoors partner companies and are designed to gather women and men from all areas of the industries to network, spark ideas, learn from industry leaders, and participate in Camber Outdoors' grassroots community. The 2017 Camber Exchange series is sponsored by Bell, Bollé, CamelBak and Giro.

"Camber Exchange events are a way to engage our community around the vision of Everyone's Outdoors," said Deanne Buck, the executive director of Camber Outdoors. "Thanks to support from our Camber Exchange sponsors and host companies, we're able to give our partner companies a space to talk about why and how they're prioritizing women's leadership as a business imperative."

The fall 2017 Camber Exchange events are:

Tuesday, October 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Brookfield, Wis., hosted by REI Milwaukee, held at Mequon Nature Preserve
• Bend, Ore., hosted by REI Bend

Wednesday, October 25th, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Steamboat Springs, Colo. hosted by Smartwool in partnership with Big Agnes & Honey Stinger

Thursday, October 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Berkeley, Calif., hosted by GU Energy Labs
• Santa Barbara, Calif., hosted by Toad&Co.

Wednesday, November 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Vancouver, BC • Hosted by Arc'teryx

Camber Outdoors partner companies interested in hosting a Camber Exchange should contact Sallie Hoefer, sallie.hoefer@camberoutdoors.org for more information.

Event registration at camberoutdoors.org/what-we-do/camber-exchanges.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Oakley, which unveiled its first cycling helmets this summer, announced this week that it has reached an agreement to become the "Official Helmet and Smart Eyewear" sponsor of the 2017 Ironman World Championships, which takes place this weekend in Hawaii.

Oakley will have a presence on-site at the event, including branding, programming and educational experiences at the Prizm O-Lab at the Ironman Village. The race is being broadcast on Redbull.tv and Oakley ads will appear during the broadcast.

Oakley will award its new Oakley ARO5 and Oakley ARO7 helmets to the fastest female and male cyclist in each age group and give a limited edition Oakley Radar Pace smart eyewear to the entire podium for each age group. Oakley also will randomly select 200 participants to receive a Radar Pace.

FREEHOLD, N.J. (BRAIN) — JET Roll has launched three new tool roll models for the 2018 model year, including new designs for plus-sized mountain bikes.

The new JET Roll MTB+ Dragon Lady and Balls 8 models are designed to carry plus-sized MTB and fat bike tubes, along with other essential cycling items.

The updated JET Roll MTB Aardvark 2.0 and JET Roll III Super Sabre 2.0 are made with new materials and come with a premium nylon strap with stainless steel buckle.

The new 2018 JET Roll Spectre gravel-specific model will soon be available in two new metallic colors.

More information at justenoughtools.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Lezyne is entering the OE market with its LED lighting systems, offering the systems to e-bike makers.

"It was a natural progression for us to enter the e-bike light category based on all our current technology and experience with LED and of course our GPS units," said Kyle Casteel, Lezyne's global product manager. "You'll find the same engineered performance and attention to detail as with all our products."

Lezyne said it would offer e-bike lights in a variety of mounting options along with an e-bike battery compatible power input. All e-bike lights are designed, produced and tested in-house, the company said. For information contact usa-sales@lezyne.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The World Triathlon Corporation has sold VeloNews, along with Triathlete and other media titles, to Pocket Outdoor Media, a company founded by Felix Magowan, a previous owner of VeloNews. The sale was finalized late Thursday.

Two others joined Magowan in the purchase. Greg Thomas, a former executive at VeloNews and currently chief executive officer at Space News, and a digital media veteran. Magowan controls a separate company that owns Space News. The other partner is Steve Maxwell, an investment adviser in the water industry and co-editor of The Outer Line, a cycling website. Maxwell is an occasional contributor to VeloNews and Maxwell and Magowan have co-written several columns for BicycleRetailer.com.

Included in the sale are VeloPress, a book publishing enterprise with offices in Boulder, plus Triathlete and Women's Running with offices in San Diego. Triathlete is the only print publication currently serving the sport of triathlon. The sale also includes all affiliated websites. Details of the transaction remain private.

"These are great, well-respected brands that are best read within their sport," Magowan told BRAIN early Friday morning. "Despite the well-known challenges in print today, our team is thrilled to have the chance to rebuild these iconic titles as well as their sister digital operations. We have ambitious growth plans, and want to restore these brands to their historical industry leadership positions as quickly as possible," he said.

Magowan, who takes over as chief executive officer, will focus on reestablishing brand recognition for the titles as well as re-energizing flagging advertising and sales. Thomas, chief operating officer, is responsible for day-to-day company operations. Maxwell will oversee strategic and corporate development. Headquarters will remain in Boulder.

WTC, owner of the Ironman triathlon brand and related holdings, bought Competitor Group last June. CGI owned the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series, other race events, Race IT, an event registration service, as well as the magazine group.

WTC owns all Ironman-branded events, with its legacy Ironman event this weekend in Kona, Hawaii. WTC is a subsidiary of the Dalian Wanda Group with headquarters in Beijing, China. Founded in 1988 and owned by Wang Jianlin, Dalian Wanda has investments in commercial property, cultural assets, internet and finance operations.

Last year it ranked 380th on the Fortune Global 500 list. On June 30, the group reported assets amounting to $133.9 billion with revenue of $20.5 billion. The group bought WTC in 2015 for a reported $650 million from a private equity firm, Providence Equity Partners, Forbes magazine reported.

Dalian Wanda, and its subsidiary WTC, has little interest in publishing. Instead, it wants to focus on building premier outdoor events, particularly in China and other Asian nations.

Magowan, John Wilcockson and Susan Eastman Walton founded Inside Communications in Boulder in 1987, publishing Inside Cycling magazine. The three partners were joined by David Walls when they bought VeloNews in 1988 from Barbara and Robert George.

The Georges had launched the magazine, first called Northeast Cycling, in March 1972. Magowan and the others sold Inside Communications in March 2008 to Competitor Group Inc. for an undisclosed sum (Wilcockson recounted the history in a 2008 column on VeloNews.com).

Meanwhile, a tentative agreement has been reached between Hearst, a major publisher of consumer magazines and websites, and Rodale. Hearst has agreed to purchase Rodale, including Bicycling magazine, Men's Health and other titles, for more than $250 million, according to Ad Age and the New York Post.

Rodale has been on the market for months. Neither side is commenting on the potential sale pending a Justice Department review of anti-trust laws, both Ad Age and the Post reported.

The shake up in magazine ownership reflects the continued financial pressure legacy publishing faces in a market undergoing massive disruption due to the internet.

PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — Fuji Bikes has become the exclusive bicycle sponsor for Steve Arpin and the Loenbro Motorsports Red Bull Global RallyCross team heading into the final race of the season in Los Angles and continuing into the 2018 season. Arpin will be cross training for races on the Fuji Jari and the Loenbro Motorsports crew will be using Fuji Wendigo fatbikes, Fuji Ambient electric mountain bikes and Fuji E- Traverse bikes for getting around the track and paddock area on race days.

"Steve is a tremendous competitor and we are excited to help him train for a podium spot and series championship in LA," said Brian Mckinney, Fuji's brand director.

Arpin said, "Whether it be getting around the paddock, doing laps around the tracks prior to events, or training between races on my new Fuji Jari, I know I've got the right bike for the job. We are thrilled to be partnered with such a quality brand, I am already looking forward to logging a lot of miles this off-season!" 

Red Bull Global Rallycross LA takes place at the Port of Los Angeles Friday and Saturday.

KONA, Hawaii (BRAIN) — American Bicycle Group's Quintana Roo is showing off its all-new PRsix Disc Series of triathlon bikes at the Ironman World Championships in Kona this week.

The company said the disc brakes enhance safety and reliability while opening the door to improved wheel designs. The full line will be available in December.

The bikes has thru-axles front and rear, and new internal brake hose routing front and rear.

ABG engineer Brad Devaney said,  "The placement of the calipers is unique and no-nonsense, and avoids gimmicks in the way of shrouds and covers. The rotors are incredibly aero efficient, and because of that we've chosen not to add surface area and complexity. QR remains focused on efficient leading edges of the fork. For the rear brake, we've parlayed the LEA technology, which makes the non-drive side chainstay better than invisible. With no leading edge and an optimized 'sail effect' surface, we've nestled the caliper out of the amplified flow created by our SHIFT+ downtube orientation. I'm super excited to see the linking of technologies integrate so well in our latest design."

ABG's president, Peter Hurley, said, "I'm thrilled about what we have done here. Our engineering staff has created a bike that is unlike any other in the market. The disc configuration they developed is a huge step and means that changing rim shapes no longer requires brake adjustment. We think it's the best design ever."

The new PRfive and PRsix Series bikes are painted and assembled at ABG's facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. QR is offering a frameset for $4,295 and has two bike versions – Shimano Ultegra Di2 disc with carbon race wheels for $9,595 and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc with carbon race wheels for $12,495.

TAMPA, Fla. (BRAIN) —Atomik Carbon, a manufacturer of carbon wheels and components, has launched an experiential cycling events division and is kicking things off with a two-day bikepacking weekend in Florida.

The Rocks, Roads and Reggae Florida weekend, Dec. 2-3, will take riders on a 100-mile tour of Northern Florida's most scenic country roads and gravel routes.

"Atomik Carbon was born during mountain biking trips in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, and now we're bringing the island vibe to our backyard in Florida with our first weekend bikepacking adventure," said Kevin Lineberger, Atomik's vice president. "Months were spent working with Jayson of Gravel Cyclist to develop the remote backcountry routes exploring the most scenic locations North Florida has to offer, and we're inviting you to join us for a weekend of two wheels and one love."

The group will set out from a staging area at Critter Creek Farms in Gainesville to cover 50 miles the first day, with overnight camping at Oleno State Park. A local chef will prepare authentic Jamaican cuisine on site including jerk chicken, while live reggae will set the vibe. The next day's route heads back to Gainesville for a finish at Blackadder Brewing Company with an award ceremony and closing party.

There will be two sag stops, one each day.

The event will be held in a non-competitive "poker run" format, with the winning prize being an Atomik Carbon wheelset of the winner's choice. Proceeds will benefit SPCA Horse Rescue in Homestead, Florida, and Florida Rescue Farm in Duette, Florida.

"Over the years, some of our best friends and memories have been made on two wheels," said Lineberger. "And now, we are introducing our own brand of adventures and inviting you to join us."

The event is limited to 110 people and cost is $75. Food, staging, camping and sag stops are included. Riders are responsible for their bike and riding and camping gear.

More information at AtomikAdventures.com.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Following the final event of the 2017 Haute Route Cycling Series around Mont Ventoux in France last weekend, Switzerland-based OC Sport announced its full calendar of 11 events for the 2018 season, including three new events in the U.S.

The 2018 season will open with the inaugural three-day Haute Route San Francisco (April 20-22). The season will continue in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina with the three-day Haute Route Asheville (May 18-20). 

The final new three-day event on North American soil next year will be the Haute Route Utah (Sept. 14-16), which will be held in Cedar City in September. 

The new three-day events build on Haute Route's seven-day U.S. event, the Mavic Haute Route Rockies. This event returns for a second edition in Colorado from June 23-29.

Additional new global events include the Maserati Haute Route Norway and a revamped three-day Haute Route Dolomites and Haute Route Stelvio.

FULL CALENDAR 2018:

• SAN FRANCISCO April 20th to 22nd
• ASHEVILLE May 18th to 20th
• STELVIO June 8th to 10th
• MAVIC ROCKIES June 23rd to 29th
• ALPE D'HUEZ July 13th to 15th
• MASERATI NORWAY August 3rd to 5th
• PYRENEES August 18th to 24th
• ALPS August 26th to September 1st
• DOLOMITES, 3 days in September
• UTAH September 14th to 16th
• VENTOUX October 5th to 7th

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — Carbon frame tubing supplier Rock West Composites has tripled its product offering of frame tubes and related parts, the company said.

RWC's carbon fiber tubing products include head and seat tubes with steerer tubes and seat posts, top and down tubes, chain and seat stays, and bottom bracket shells. The company said it offers one-stop shopping for frame builders, also offering aero tubing, pre-preg materials, fabrics, resin systems and bonding agents.

"As the composites industry has become more mainstream, carbon fiber products have become more affordable for smaller frame builders as well as for the average consumer," said Dave Erickson, the vice president and general manager of RWC's Utah facility. "We wanted to expand our standard carbon fiber product lines with tubing specifically engineered and sized to meet the demands of the carbon bicycle frame market. We have cyclists in-house with extensive industry experience, so this not only grows our marketspace, but adds to the team's work gratification." 

RWC provides composite products for variety of markets and customers. It offers custom products and services, such as product development, engineering services, prototyping, and manufacturing. Manufactured processes include filament winding, roll wrap, resin infusion, bladder molding, and modified closed mold processes. The company has facilities in San Diego and Salt Lake City, Utah.

More information: RockWestComposites.com.