Thredbo here we come!

The AMB team is getting set for a massive weekend of downhill shredding! Yep, this afternoon we pack the little red van full of tasty 2009 downhill bikes and go testing! We can't wait to get back to Thredbo; there's just something about an 6-8 minute downhill run...

It'll be the first downhill experience for two of the crew; The Big JC (Art Director extraordinaire Jordan Cole) and Flyin Brian Vegh are first-timers on a downhill bike. We'll keep you informed of the carnage.

We've got some amazing bikes to test, a bit of a dream list really:

Commencal Supreme DH

Mongoose Boot'R Team

Giant Glory 1

Norco Team DH

Rocky Mountain Flatline Pro

Kona Stab Supreme

Wow - it is going to be sooooooo good. Yeeeooww!

Clocking up office time reward points..

It's winding up to deadline time, the '09 Mountain Bike Guide is very very close. On the shelves March 4 (note it's a special edition, so it won't go out to subscribers) the guide is unreal, packed with new 09 bikes, pricing, tips and pointers to choosing the right ride for you. The photography and layout is spectacular, as our clever not-so-new-now art director Jordan has created a masterpiece.

Through the doors of our office has arrived the new Rockshox BoXXer fork, the new featherlight Hayes Gram brakes, and an 09 BMC TrailFox frame. Also floating around somewhere is the new super mega carbon DT wheelset, carbon rims, wholly molly!

The weather is a little gloomy and wet here in Sydney, perfect to keep dust down and the trails speedy for the Jet Black Sydney 24hour this weekend, all the best to those braving the new course, we've heard it's pretty good.

Chris has left Jordan and Mick behind in the office (we'll be fine honestly) as he flies to Majorca, the tourist holiday destination island off Spain, for the 2010 Merida press camp. Hmmm... Nice. We look forward to stories and photos next week of large oiled up European tourists trying to sunbake mid winter, at least he'll be back.. Ola.

Keep it firm.

AMB.

Bush Fire Relief enduro event, this Sunday 15th Feb.

GMBC , FTF, Bendigo, Dirt Riders and several other Victorian clubs are banding together this weekend to run a 6 hour Enduro at the Stockyards You Yangs Regional Park to raise money for the Fire Relief Fund to help those who lost everything in the recent fires across the State.

All the Entry fees charged will be donated to the fund. This race will still earn you points for the State Series, but this is a time where you can give back to all the communities who have helped run races. So please tell everyone you know and come along and help those in need.

http://www.gmbc.com.au/main/index.php

AMB 2009 Mountain Bike Guide, coming soon.

The world of mountain biking can be a confusing one. New categories and styles of riding are born, acronyms abound, design trends come and go, fresh construction technologies spring up all the time – it’s hard to keep pace even if you work in the industry! All this makes it hard for the rider to pin down exactly what mountain biking is, and most importantly, what kind of bike they should be looking for when it’s time to find a new ride.

The AMB 2009 Mountain Bike Guide aims to demystify things, equipping the reader with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions about their bike purchase in 2009.

Covering every style of mountain bike riding, the AMB 2009 Mountain Bike Guide will not only help readers decide what kind of bike they need for their riding and trails, but keep them up to date with the latest trends, technologies and accessories relevant to each category of riding. Manufactures will showcase key models within their range, including spec listings and key highlights of each bike allowing readers to say “that’s the bike I want!”

Add dozens of informative Tech Tips, Riding Skills, and a Jargon Glossary to the mix and you’ve got the most comprehensive toolkit for the new bike buyer available.

On the shelves March 4.

Oh yea!

Summer riding, summer fishing and sunburn..

Hello!

Sweet weekend here at AMB, we took our advertising guy Flyin Brian V and the whole AMB crew out around Manly Dam.

Pictured here is Flyin's perfect execution of his signature move: the 'one finger braking/one footer/endo' down some smooth trails, Red Bull should recruit him asap..

The arvo turned into the ultimate relaxo session with some dusk fishing, check out the new Formula Brakes with integrated fishing rod holder, ace!

Back in the office now as the 2009 Mountain Bike Guide is coming along nicely. Due 4th March, loads of new 09 bikes.

If you feel like wasting an entire work day, (i heard through the grapevine..) check out the Yeti Cycles website, awesome old school photos from the 80's and 90's, and sweet videos of the team shredding trails.

Who is the lucky AMB staff member about to fit an entire Shimano Yumeya upgrade kit to his XTR Pivot? Hmm, how to upgrade the 'un-upgradeable'!

Hope everyone is enjoying the Feb/Mar issue, don't forget they are only on the shelves for one month now.

Keep it firm.

Mick, Chris, Flyin and Jordan.

Happy birthday Chris, cheer up mate, you still look so young..