singlespeed european championships 2010

Photo competition

2010-04-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

We have a pair of winners!

Kate for this shot of the ducsai

and Paul for this shot of the spacemen

tftuned service and tune forks if you weren't aware we use them to service our forks and think they offer a great service
they are revamping the tftuned website so are looking for some nice photographs
we have two vouchers for a fork service and tune to the best photo for each of the two categories below
Best photo representing singlespeeding
Best photo representing the need for suspension

all you have to do to win one of the vouches is to upload your photo to our flickr group photos must be taken during the SSEC 2010 weekend and will be judged on Monday 26th April
the winner will be announced on here and on the flickr group

just a quickie

2010-04-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

A massive thanks to:

Marshals
Paul aka Cheesybeanz (Gave up loads of time, weekends, days off to learn, mark out and tape up the course)
Kate
K, Lucy. (K also has completed many laps of the course with Paul above in order to make sure everything was good)
Jen
Jess (and Sam the dog)
Ryan aka The Swed
Pedro
Sandra
Kev
Paul U
Tess
Kirstie
Mikey B and Jen
Matt
Rich

My parents for running the sign on
My Brother, partner and lad for sorting the refreshments out
Ezy (sp?) for turning up with some beer in a corking VW ;-) (He may have been affected as he was asking the king of Sweden about getting a SS and a 650B at that)
Speech House hotel's staff for keeping us watered and fed
Forestry Commission despite giving us some scary sleepless nights the permission to ride on their land
The Rising Sun pub for trying to cope with over a 100 weirdos for lunch
Everyone who camped for leaving the field tidier than we found it
Freeminer Brewery for staying open a little longer on Friday in order for us to send Psling down to collect the beer as I forgot to go get it ;-0

i have delivared the cheese board back to the wood yard that made it for them to cut it up into 7 smaller cheese boards, 1 of these will be auctioned off and the money added to the £216 from the raffle then sent to the air ambulance

Well Done to:
Matt Page and Mel Alexander for being a try hard racer types hope you enjoy the chainwheel and sprocket courtesy of homebrewed components and the custom sterling silver and 18ct gold plated head badges courtesy of Rock Lobster jewellery

I'd also like to thank the rest of the knights of niche as without them i couldn't have put this togeather, they fed me the right info so i could just mix it togeather
jase aka king of sweden
jen
matt aka sofaking
alex aka singlespeedpunk
becca
peter aka psling
stu aka singlespeedstu
amanda aka queen of britain
mandi mrs ayatollahofniche

and finally unless I've forgotten something else a massive thanks to our sponsors or "Friends" over the =>

Sorry for:
the weather!
not mentioning the above thank you's in the prize giving as I was a little taken back with alex's outburst embarrassing me like that

custom bling

2010-04-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

dan of off homebrewed components has just sent us the above chainring, sproket and tensioners
the engraved chainwheel is a 32t 104bcd so if you win you'll be able to fit your medal to your bike and use it!
if you like th idea of personalised bling for your bike then head over to dans site and let your mind run wild

fancy a new headbadge

2010-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

we have commissioned a limited run of these headbadges from our sponsor rock lobsterjewellerymade from sterling silver, the photo shows an unfinished badge, finished ones will be available to buy at the weekend, if I can get a photo of the finished ones before I'll post them up.
The fastest lady and the fastest man will win a badge just like this but with a gold plated crown.

non riders

2010-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

just in case anyone has missed all the emails and invites etc, if you are brining any non riders with you they will need a non rider entry otherwise they will not be allowed on the campsite or into the parties. We have very limited numbers left so please don't risk turning up without an entry for them.

Contact ssec10@gmail.com

CHEEEEESE

2010-04-12T10:42:00.001-07:00

over farmmarket are sponsoring our cheese board by supplying some bread and cheese
if you're heading to the forest of dean via the A40 gloucester then you'll be passing right past their front door so why not pop in and stock up on some fantastic local cheese and if you're planning a bbq over the weekend some of the best meat in the area
they can also supply you with all your local beer and wine needs

2010-04-11T11:26:00.001-07:00

ever tried to fit a headset like this with a flipflop and a park bench?
yes
then you'll need one of these

fallon-bicycles
toby from fallon bicycles is going to give one lucky rider a park tools headset press, to be in with a chance of winning this you'll have to be there on friday afternoon as toby has something a little special lined up
if you find yourself in the netherlands and you're near schiphol airport then you're near toby's shop so get in there

exposure have sent us some nice goodies

2010-04-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

exposure have sent us some lovely joystick lights, carbon bottle cages and some laser etched bottle openers
quite a number of us use the exposure lights when out drinking whisky and riding bikes through the darker months of the year

we're getting close now

2010-03-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

if you're into the great outdoors then there's no excuse for not using alpkit as they make the best outdoor gear from water proof jeans through to bivi bags
most of us use their gear and live in their jeans, simply fantastic

graphicshack have donated some Tee shirts with one of our quotes on
they will be on site over the weekend of the ssec so you can talk to them about custom tee shirts and stickers.

heres some of the course

2010-03-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

niche tyres

2010-03-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

bike lugs
kirk pacenti has sent us some really niche tyres, they are 650B's there should be a few riders there that ride the proper size wheel!

want a kona frame?

2010-03-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

kona
we have this frame to give away with thanks to paligap this frame is up for grabs to anyone who is riding in the SSEC 2010 we have no category for this prize, everyone has an equal chance of winning it.

2010-03-19T02:32:00.000-07:00

disco brakes
disco brakes offer great valve great performing brake pads at a fraction of the cost of the oem prices if you use brakes then check these guys out
discobrakes would like to give 150 athletes a £5 off voucher redeemable against disc brake pads at discobrakes the code has been emailed to everyone that has registered (Please note if you were registered by someone else they will have the code) the first 150 orders will be able to use the code, there are 20 left so be quick
disco brakes have also sent over some goodies for race day itself, we have 5 caps and 5 x 160mm 6 bolt rotors

carbon cycles/
carbon cycles are offering a 10 x £10 fork voucher to event participants they are also sending 5 eXotic caps and 5 of the brand new diamond choc locking grips.

package from salsa

2010-03-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

salsa cycles
ison distribution have sent us some salsa schwag salsa make lovely bikes and lots of very nice components
we have a lovely pair of carbon bars to give away one lucky athlete will be taking them home.

more packages today

2010-03-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

wingnutgear
propel bike have sent us a couple of wingnut packs these are fantastic trail packs that can carry an astonishing amount of gear that once on your back you can't feel the weight of it
well built and water proof too

chris king
probably the only part you'll never need to replace on a bike aspirevelotech have sent us a king headset these last forever so if you're lucky enough to get this you'll have it for ever

more deliverys...........

2010-03-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

clifbar

2pure sent us quite a large number of clif bars in order for you guys to try out
trouble with these bars is they taste so good its hard not to just eat them with the morning coffee or afternoon tea

crankbrothers

2pure these guys have also sent us some ti candy pedals to give away

jones bikes
not really sure what to say about jones bikes other than you have to ride one to believe how a rigid bike can feel
they may look a little different but they do work very well

now this sponsor is niche

2010-03-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

charlie the bike monger

charlie will see to all your singlespeed needs either by mail order or if you're on the south coast of britain there is a swanky new shop where you can get all the finary you require
failing that you'll be able to buy some fine mongery from the man himself at ssec 2010 as he'llbe there with a table and a pint.

ladies looky here

2010-03-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

ana nichoola
ladies, fancy riding to the pub on your ss? need some stylish clothing and jewellery that is suitable to ride your bike in? then you'd better take a look at ana nichoola
you'll be able to thank anna if you win these goodies as she will be joining us at the ssec

the castle is getting full

2010-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

independent fabrication
theres one or two of these fine bikes kicking around within the nights of niche we like these bikes a lot
whether you are after a steel or ti mountian road or cx these guys will sort you out with a full custom bike that will ride like nothing else
the uk contact for independent fabrication are sideways cycles

lezyne
these guys know how to make good looking products that work their pumps are something to behold
they have been kind enough to send us some tools and pumps to share out amongst you

dinosaur bikes
dinosaur bikes are the 650B experts this side of the atlantic they have sent over some wheel parts for us to demo they are also the uk distributor for esi grips we have a pair to give away too

endura
endura are a great clothing company based in the uk they make some of the best water proof clothing available which is kinda handy here
they are also now making some lovely merino goods we have some socks and gloves for you

kent eriksen

if you need a custom made ti mountainbike then there is no finer frame builder around than kent eriksen you need to check out their website for details
we are only asking people to sponsor the event that we ourselves use, we certainly wouldn't want to shout about anything that we haven't had first hand dealing with

Another busy week here at the Ministry of Niche!

2010-02-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

jungle products

jungle products are the uk distributor for niner fifteen g and chub they have been good enough to send us some real nice prizes
we have a chub rear hub
we have 5 yawyd stem top caps
we have a fifteenG singlespeed chainset and bb
and to top things off we have a pair of niner carbon rigid forks
you'll be able to thank these guys in person as they will be playing in the woods with us

singlespeed

If you need some mail order SS or 29er parts then singlespeed central is the place for you
jelle has sent us some white industry eno hubs to give away as above you'll be able to thank him personally as he is heading over from the netherlands to come play in the woods

mmmmmm flapjac

2010-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

dropoff cafe
if you're planning a trip to wales you need yes need to visit this place
the cafe is situated in glyncorrwg ponds (most people call it afan) the trails there are fantastic they are also ss friendly
the food is outstanding portions are huge and the coffee isn't bad either!
ian from the dropoff has promised to make enough of the worlds finest* flapjac to feed everyone who is going to ride the event! that a lot of flapjac, cheers luffy

*in our opinion

this is a singlespeed rider

2010-02-11T12:44:00.001-08:00

check out this rider its patrice joubrel from france
patrice sent us his photo on his entry, it made us laugh so thought we'd share it

sideways

2010-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

sidewayscycles
my favourite shop to visit period
Tim has pledged some lovely blingy bits to adorn your bike with
if you're into your really nice bikes or accessories then this is mecca for you so get yourself over there now
sideways will also post stuff out to you too so give them a bell if J16 on the M6 is too far for you

Fancy a new frame?

2010-02-10T08:33:00.001-08:00

on-one
if you've never heard of on one then you're not a real mountain biker ;-) these frames offer outstanding value for money and they perform pretty well too
we've just taken delivery of the frame pictured below now all we have to do is find someone who wants it that shouldn't be too hard

Got a 29er? Want some tyres for it?

2010-02-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

schwalbe
these guys make tyres of all sizes, 26, 29 and even 650B, the nice people there have sent a big box full of tyres for you.
we like their tyres so we wanted to give you guys a chance to try them out too so if you're lucky you'll win some

schwag

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

oneFgear

this bunch of singlespeeders from the midlands are sending us some nice singlespeed clothing to give away, keep your eyes peeled these guys are organising an event later in the year too sounds like fun

nitto bars

2010-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

hub jub
if you're into all things fixed then there's one place you need to go, hubjub
Will's sure to sort you out with all your fixed needs he's sent us a lovely pair of nitto handlebars in ano red to give away to one lucky rider

photo competition

2010-02-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

tftuned service and tune forks if you weren't aware we use them to service our forks and think they offer a great service
they are revamping the tftuned website so are looking for some nice photographs
we have two vouchers for a fork service and tune to the best photo for each of the two categories below
Best photo representing singlespeeding
Best photo representing the need for suspension

all you have to do to win one of the vouches is to upload your photo to our flickr group photos must be taken during the SSEC 2010 weekend and will be judged on the weekend of 24th April
the winner will be announced on here and on the flickr group

prizes

2010-02-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

charge
all of our sponsors have been individually invited to join us because we use their products
we use charge saddles because they are good value for money and very comfortable we have received 2 very big boxes full of saddles from Charge, WTB and some WTB tyres.
a big thanks to hot wheels the UK distributor for Charge.

the postman has been busy here in castle niche

2010-02-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

we've had a shed load of schwag arriving here all week

knog

These guys make some cracking and funky products we've got a few led lights to give away along with tee shirts and stickers

big thanks to knog Australia for this haul

fod trail

2010-02-01T09:44:00.001-08:00

a nice peice of trail in the forest of dean we may take you on it, on the other hand we maynot

prizes

2010-01-28T11:09:00.001-08:00

chain reaction cycles

crc are sending us quite a few £££££ worth of vouchers to use in the worlds largest online bike store
they sell everything and with free shipping the prices are more than competitive.

prizes

2010-01-28T11:02:00.001-08:00

fallon-bicycles
toby from fallon bicycles has pledged a box full of goodies, he is also planning on doing something a little special on the friday afternoon so you can win the prizes
if you find yourself in the netherlands and you're near schiphol airport then you're near the shop get in there.

prizes

2010-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

some nice prizes are now making their way down to us

forest freeride
A few ladies from the dames of niche took a weekends riding course with forest freeride, they came back riding gods
so because forest freeride are very nice people they are giving away a weekends skills course for 4 people so you too can become riding gods just like the dames of niche.

whos making the ssec2010 possible?

2010-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

lets start with the non bikey stuff

freeminer brewery
mighty fine beer brewed in the forest of dean and supplied straight from the brewery to the event.
caroline disposables
they are giving us loads of bio-degradable drinking vessles to drink beer from for free! so if you forget to place your used cup into a bin it won't litter the lovely forest for long.
rock lobster jewellery
now this is a rather special prize we are having 2 custom headbadges made they will resemble our fantastic logo one will go to the european ss champ lady and the other to the european ss champ man both headbadges will be made from silver and both will be wearing crowns.
non crowned versions will be for sale TBA

over farm market
These guys sell the finest produce around. Most people will drive past here on the way to the event so if you need some nice cheese, this is the place. Over Farm also sell some mighty fine locally grown produce too as well as a local butcher on site!

More information very soon

singlespeed belgique have been training on mars

2010-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.singlespeed-belgique.be/

these guys are loonies!

registration and entries

2009-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

although we originally had 250 spaces we have sent out over 300 invites as we have been allowed to increase the numbers slightly.
hurry up and register as we will be sending out some more invites at the end of January

here's a pic of the king of sweden taking in one of the Forest of Deans fine trials to whet the appetite

some invitations are out

2009-12-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

If you've pre registered you may have been lucky enough to have of received sonething a little like the above over the last 24hrs! this means once you've paid you're in and can make plans for cheese, beer, whisky oh and travel..............
any questions please email us.

pre entries open

2009-11-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

If you want to ride in the 2010 SSEC you'll need to register your interest by emailing:

iwanaridethessecbecause@googlemail.com

In 10 words or less you'll have to complete the following sentence

i wana ride the ssec because ..................................

Also you will need to state your name and country
Only 2 registrations per email please.

If you're successful you'll be sent and invite within the next week or so, this will have details of what information we need from you and details of how to pay.

Thanks

knights of niche

friday night cheese party news

2009-11-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

our friends at rollapaluza are heading to the forest of dean with all their equipment so if you're all racey and fancy a shot at the SSEC title you'll have to stop eating cheese for a few minutes and set a qualifing time on the rollers in order to qualify for special start line for saturdays 'ride'.

once the qualifiers are done everyone else will then be able to battle it out for fun and maybe a prize!

order your cheese to avoid dissappointment

2009-11-06T02:22:00.000-08:00

Cheese don't forget to order your cheese.

WHAT Gearing? What Tyres?

2009-11-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

Before all the "What Gears, what tyres" questions start. Most people ride 2:1 round the FOD and they use rubber tyres with air inside.

The Knights of Niche announce SSEC2010 April 16-19th 2010:

2009-10-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

The 2010 SSEC will be held in a secret* location within the Forest of Dean England. Itinerary will be loosely based on the following...

Friday PM, arrive, go for a guided ride for a few hours.
Friday Evening bring cheese and try for the worlds biggest cheese board, drink a few beers and party hard, there'll be advantages on the start line to those that party. (No cheese No entry)

Saturday AM recover, find bike, ride to a top secret location for a competitive ride (Anyone heard mentioning the word race will be thrown out or beaten)
Saturday PM Ride fast but not too fast.
Saturday PM/Eve Prize giving and party including live band.

Sunday Guided rides into the Forest of Dean with pub stops.
Sunday night chill out

Monday GO HOME

Entry fee will include 3 nights camping, entry into the rides, Saturday night party and food on the Saturday night.

ENTRIES WILL OPEN SOON

*Details will be announced when a successful entry is gained.

TICK TOCK... it's brewing...

2009-10-25T13:55:00.001-07:00