Welcome to Clipped In: By Ray’s Bike Shop

Clipped In is your source for all things cycling in Mid-Michigan and Beyond! This is a newsletter focused at giving YOU (our customers) better insight into the broad stroke that is cycling in Michigan and Beyond! This is more than your average “what is happening around here” newsletter. Clipped In will house a variety of features from customer product reviews, tech tips, tutorials, event results and even exclusive deals!

Without further ado, let’s get into the week that was and take a peek at the coming weeks!

CMMBA Weekly Mountain Bike Rides!

Central Michigan Mountain Bike Association has posted their weekly mountain bike ride schedule for the winter months!

“We ride every Tuesday (weather permitting -- ride cancellations and updates will be posted on our Facebook events page). Our normal meeting spot is at the Midland City Forest Chalet/Fire Pit area. During the warmer month’s we schedule a monthly “field trip” to another Central Michigan MTB Trail. This is a “no drop” group ride which is suitable for beginner to expert riders. We usually have enough riders to split into group’s which accommodate all levels of riders at their preferred pace. This is a great ride for beginners to learn the local trail systems and meet other local mountain biker’s or for experts to continue riding with their lifelong mountain biking friends. A typical ride is 8–10 miles in length and is followed by socializing over your favorite beverage.”

Recommended Equipment: Mountain Bike, Helmet, Water, Bike Lights for Fall + Winter Rides.

Optional: BYOB Beverages + Lawn Chair for Socializing after the Ride

- November 5th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- November 12th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- November 19th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- November 26th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- November 29th 2nd Annual Turkey Roll** (10am) See Facebook for Details!!!
- December 3rd @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- December 10th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- December 17th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- January 7th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- January 14th @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- January 21st @ City Forest (5:30pm)
- January 28th @ City Forest (5:30pm)

**To those joining the Turkey Roll; You will also be receiving a 25% off coupon for use on Small Business Saturday!

Want to shred but don’t have a steed? Give one of our rentals a try! We offer a full line up of off-road ready shred sleds.

Ray’s Repair Clinics Are Returning!

You heard it here first, errrr maybe 2nd or 3rd; nonetheless, we are back with our world-famous Repair Clinics! This upcoming December-February we will be hosting a variety of repair clinics touching on everything from simple flat repair, emergency trail side fixes and everything in between.

The cost of the clinic will also include gift bags featuring tools and supplies needed for the class, and possibly some extra surprises.

Join The Repair Clinic Waitlist Here

Dakotah Norton is HOMEGROWN

Michigan doesn’t exactly have a storied history when it comes to Downhill Mountain Bike racing but Dakotah Norton has changed that narrative.

HOMEGROWN explores life behind the scenes with one of North America’s most promising talents in downhill racing, Dakotah Norton.

What does it take to compete at the highest level, on another continent? And what motivates a rider to build a life in Tennessee, a world away from the mountains of Europe and Canada that they race at each season.

Tech Of The Week
Wavecel: A New Era in Helmet Safety

As a cyclist, your safety is paramount. Trek's innovative Wavecel helmet technology is redefining helmet safety standards. Let's dive into what makes it special and how it differs from MIPS technology.

What is Wavecel?

• Wavecel is a cellular polymer structure that's engineered to crumple on impact.

• This crumpling action dissipates impact energy across a broad area, reducing rotational forces that can cause brain injuries.

How Does Wavecel Differ from MIPS?

While MIPS technology reduces rotational forces by allowing the helmet to slip on the head, Wavecel directly absorbs and dissipates impact energy.

Key Benefits of Wavecel:

• Superior Impact Protection: Wavecel offers unparalleled protection against a wide range of impacts.

• Lightweight and Comfortable: Despite its advanced technology, Wavecel helmets are lightweight and comfortable to wear.

• Durable and Long-Lasting: Wavecel's cellular structure ensures durability and long-lasting performance.

Upgrade Your Ride with Wavecel

Route of the Week

This week we take it north for a complete layout of the Iceman Cometh course from 2014. With the incredible weather, November has queued up for us, there is no better time than the present to take advantage of the incredible mountain biking Michigan has to offer.

Link Here To Join The Ray’s Strava Club

Trek Drops Into A Pipe Dream

Today on Instagram, with the caption “Should we make this?”, Trek Bicycles teased a possible new full-suspension mountain bike. They’re calling it the PipeDream. The IG post continues by saying that the bike was designed by Trek’s Industrial Designer, Kyle Neuser, and “crafted by Trek’s prototype lab.”

Read more about the Pipe Dream Here

Cycling Insight From Around The World

Headline Roundup

• Ironman Competitors Faced Sabotaged Bikes in Kona | Triathlon

• 2025 Tour de France: Return of Mont Ventoux, and Back to the Champs-Élysées | Bikerumor

• University Student Breaks Everesting Record on a Unicycle | Pink Bike

• Movies for your Friday | Pink Bike

• The U.S.’ Best Off-Road Racers Don’t Want to Race Gravel. They Just Want the Same Hype | Velo News

• The Legend of DAMN: 240 Miles and 24 Hours Across Minnesota | The Radavist

• MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepacking Tent Reviewed | Bikepacking

Content Recommendations of The Week

Flashback Friday hits us hard today as ROAM THE COLLECTIVE hits 20 years old.

Let’s be honest, it’s Friday and y’all need a break from the day that is/was. So treat yourself to one of the most iconic mountain bike videos humans have ever conjured up!

Yes, it’s in 480p. Anyone have a Thunderbolt to RCA adaptor for a tube TV? Asking for a friend.

Social Clip Of The Week

Church is in session! Dirt Church that is! A wiley group of mountain bikers set up a jump line OVER the Iceman Cometh course last weekend! What ensued was nothing short of incredible.

dirtchurchtc

View more on Instagram

Meme Cleanser

Until next time 🚲❤️