Highland gets Cannondale sponsorship

[bikerdom]

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cannondale.com%2Fusa%2Fus aeng%2FNews%2FDetails%2F4310-Cannondale-Named-Official-Bike-Sponsor-for-Highland-Mountain-Bike-Park&h=a4303

[steve_b]

"overmoutain". :rolleyes:

[lee36]

Now I'm sorry I never got a chance to rent a "Session" ... Have to say for my skill level my Remedy does ok but the session's look sweet. No kidding on the fine print though where "you break it you own it" ... That said I followed the link and also see GT is in there too for a title sponser. I am aware of GT downhill rigs but other than the new Jackel, Cannondale doesn't strike me as a brand that caters to the gravity scene...

In any event having Highland Mountain bike park in New England is awesome and I hope they continue to grow and as long as their in business ... I'll be buying lift tickets :)

[antmav]

I wonder if this means they will change their philosophy of "you break it, you bought it".

Last year, at least you'd end up with a Scratch or Session if they ran your credit card. This year, it may be a tough pill to swallow after wrecking, watching the shop run your credit card, and then driving home with a Jackel strapped to your vehicle.

Wonder were the Session's and Scratch's ended up? A buddy of mine rented a Scratch last year, pretty sweet bike.

[lee36]

Thanks for the link .. the Claymore is an interesting ride; & similar to Trek Scratch (Air). Still, no coil suspension, chain guides, etc... still ain't no full on downhill rig (IMO). Seems odd for this brand to be a title sponsor of a Downhill, lift assisted park... that's all I'm saying...

BTW .. didn't know that about Cannondal & GT ... good to know!

[antmav]

Thanks for the link .. the Claymore is an interesting ride; & similar to Trek Scratch (Air).

This is the Scratch Highland rented.......minus the Joplin.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2010/archive/scratch9

BTW, that GT Fury looks friggin sweet.........full carbon. Guess we'll find out once and for all if carbon DH frames work for the masses and not just the sponsored Pro's. Wonder how many Average Joe's are gonna have their card swiped because of a mishap on Threshold or Hellion. Ouch.

[lee36]

BTW, that GT Fury looks friggin sweet.........full carbon. Guess we'll find out once and for all if carbon DH frames work for the masses and not just the sponsored Pro's. Wonder how many Average Joe's are gonna have their card swiped because of a mishap on Threshold or Hellion. Ouch.

Indeed ... Have you guys seen this on the new section? Upper Hellion I believe... Very fun and well built:

http://home.comcast.net/~lee.correa/highland/gap2.jpg

[bikdav]

http://www.dorel.com/corporate_history.htm


I didn't know all of this. Someone that I know is convinced that Schwinn belongs to Walmart. He will not budge from his thought. Yet, I suspected that this was not the case, but I didn"t know Schwinn's present story. Thanks for the info.

[Harbinger]

Cool news...Highland is really making it happen! Great place to have in NE. Seems as though they are influencing other ski area's to invest in new terrain also....the future looks bright thanks to HMTP!
As far as "you break it you own it", I agree with that policy. These companies are in business to make money even if it's to provide all of us with our best days ever on two wheels. If there are no consequences then riders will just be destroying bikes left and right. Who wants to ride a bike that was once top of the line but has been beat on hard and is in questionable condition. Gravity bikes need to be tight and 100% functional so we can enjoy our days at highland. You just have to ride with a little bit of care. Seems as though they are basically covering themselves against major damage due to carelessness.
I have rented the Session 8, Scratch 9 and Rocky Mountain Slayer 396SS which were all awsome. My favorite ride was the RM 396....plenty of travel and soooo snappy and fun!
I had one of the seals on the Marzzochi 55 blow out on one of the drops on NE Style.....the guys on the shop just swapped out the bike for me. One of my buddies had the rear der come loose destroying the hanger and removing a few spokes as well. Shop guys weren't thrilled but it was abvious that one of the hanger bolts just backed out causing the problem. So he was repaired and back on the hill within a half hour at no charge.
Really no need for a full on DH bike at HMBP in my opinion....you see guys ripping it up on 5" travel bikes and lunatics on hardtails. I bought a full on DH bike half way through the season, two rides at Highland on it and I put it up for sale. Just way to much bike for that style of riding so I built up at Specialized SX trail.....absolutely a perfect bike for Highland! Ohhh yea and I bought my first season pass for 2011, should be a good year!
I know a few guys who live out in CA and they want to come east just to ride Highland, I think that's saying a lot about our MTB scene!

[Harbinger]

What if they found a crack in the frame? How would you know it wasn't there when you got it? Or that the 50 people that rented it before you didn't weaken it? It doesn't sound fair that you would have to buy them a new frame for a very used one.
Instead of charging they could have insurance cover damages. I doubt people would be that much harder on the bikes. If they are too hard on them they will crash and hurt themselves. Do ski resorts have the same policy with their rental gear?

They do recommend you take the time and inspect the bike. I definitely take the time inspect everything and be sure to point out any flaw you find. Having a seperate insurance policy you could purchase would be a good idea, kind of like car rental insurance. People do have to take responsibilities for their own actions though in my opinion.
I know that for myself knowing that I'm responsible for the bike I am a bit more cautious on a rental.
Never really looked over ski rental agreements but I have had to pay for damage to the bottom of ski's. Had a core shot on some demo's once and had to pay for the repair.

Bottom line, Highland is an awsome place and I'm so impressed by the vision and follow through of the owners. They provide and incredible location, terrain, service and rental gear which has improved the MTB scene here in the NEast.
You can"t make everybody happy all of the time.