| COMING SOON RACHEL "THUNDER" SMITH WILL BE DOING HER OWN RACE WEB PAGES HERE AT VBSBMX.COM and will have her own email @vbsbmx.com |
| September 12, 2006 Carbelium BMX Racing Frame A major bicycle manufacturer’s merger of 20th century airship technology with state of the art BMX design. A leading bicycle manufacturer contacted me this season to test their prototype “Carbelium” BMX racing frame. “This must be another low-carb diet thing,” I mumbled to myself, “Oh well; maybe they’re trying to tell me something…loosing some weight wouldn't hurt.” I had completed what I thought would be my final test review only seven months earlier after a frightful product malfunction. (Shattered Wheel Co. went bankrupt shortly after my report) After that narrow escape I felt no amount of money was worth my health. But, that was then and today I had over half the racing season in front of me, and no money behind me. I had no choice but to try this new Carbelium frame, hope for the best, and pray that their check clears. Now when receiving this exotic new frame, do not be alarmed by its looks or lightness like I was. Two days after hanging up the phone with the creator, a mysterious black delivery truck arrived with my next month’s pay—I mean with my new test frame. Not wanting to wait, I eagerly tore open the box on the porch. Much to my surprise the frame proceeded to float out of its nest of styrofoam peanuts. “This has got to be a JOKE!” I brought the frame, if you could even call it that, inside and called the designer. “Yup, that’s the Carbelium. Didn’t you read the stickers on it? Well, no worries. We’ve been working on this beauty for almost two years. The frame itself is made with reinforced carbon fiber. All joints, tubes, and dropouts have been machine tested for stability. Helium gas has been injected into the Carbon fiber tubes for added lightness.” Apparently serious, the designer continued, “By using special light weight translucent paint, all microscopic slits in the carbon fiber are filled. Throw some parts on and it will stay grounded. Don’t worry…we painted yours red because that is your favorite color, and only six have broken in pre-production. So, how do you like it?” I sat dumbfounded, gazing alternately in disbelief at the phone and at the death trap that had floated to my ceiling. “First of all my favorite color is Green, second this is Crazy!...But I’ve trusted you guys and all of your equipment so far. I’ll try it.” Equipped and ballasted with my race proven heavier-than-air forks and components, I tentatively rolled down the starting hill of famous Mt. Storm BMX track. I must admit, the warm-up lap wasn’t bad at all. A little sketchy to manual at first, but I instantly learned the tricks of handling a bike that is at least eight pounds lighter than any aluminum or chromo tank. Half way through practice I gathered enough nerve to attempt a jump of Mt. Storm’s thirty-five foot double. I pedaled around the first corner, gathered speed, picked the roller and yanked with my usual strength for the pro section sized beast. I glided through the air higher than I had ever been before. If I wasn’t so scared, I probably would have pulled a tuck-no-hander variation or even a “Thunder Tuck-Slide”. I came back to Earth flat bottom, and unfortunately couldn’t stick the landing. Yes, I crashed pretty hard, but the Carbelium appeared unharmed! After taking a quick breather and reviewing the track film of my lofty adventure, I was ready to attempt the jump a second time. The frame seemed to also have learned how to jump after the first wallop. I softened my pull and we glided in the air over the massive jump and successfully landed rubber-side down. I cannot honestly recommend this frame for indoor competition because of the height restrictions inherent to arena racing. Further, I only recommend this frame to someone who wants a lighter frame without risking strength. Riders who desire to improve their speed, jumping ability, winnings or beginners of all ages will benefit from the Carbelium. Parental Advisory: To all parents out there, remember: the lighter and more expensive your kid’s bike frame and components are, the faster little (insert son or daughter’s name here) will go...now is not the time to cheap out on your precious little racer. A suggested retail price of $895 for the frame and $149 for the helium recharge kit is little more than a couple of car payments! Don’t judge this frame on its cost. Instead, form your opinion after imagining your kid jumping through the rhythm section on such a stellar frame while winning the Grands or even the Olympics. Ask your local bike shop about ordering a Carbelium today and be sure to fill out the warranty card and tell the manufacturer that I was responsible for your child’s future success (and the sale)! Rachel "Thunder" Smith Elite Woman Thunder Productions |
| Mini BMX Magnetic Seat Repulsion System --------------------------------------------------------- The second in a series of innovative BMX new product reviews by, Rachel "Buns of Steel" Smith Since my last product review, the Quick-Clip-Grip, I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from to manufacturers to test their wares. However, one product stood out from the rest with its uniqueness and top design. The newest innovation I decided to test is the "Mini BMX Magnetic Seat Repulsion System." If you are a Pro or older than a teen rider you can turn the page now, however if you are a rookie pocket rocket, or the parent of one, read on. As any young rider or parent may recall hearing frequently during the pocket rockets’ motos, "Stand up when you ride (insert name here)!" or another favorite, "Don’t sit down when you pedal!!!" Historically the only way to break this bad habit was to take off the seat and leave a naked seat post. However both bike racing sanctioning bodies frowned on this practice when numerous kids were impaled like hunks of meat on a sish-ka-bob skewer with the post. Hence the company’s novel idea of their new magnetic system. At first, I was aghast and felt a little insulted when asked to do this review because I no longer sit on the seat around the whole track, but I was a little short on much needed cash for my beautiful prom dress, yes it is that time of year. Since I still use a UNI style seat anyway, the conversion was a snap and could easily be accomplished by any caring parent. Closely following the instructions, the seat repulser is attached to the child’s leathers with the nifty Velcro loops and grommets provided. The second step is installing the seat magnetic ionization reflector which simply snaps onto any Uni style mini seat. The third and final step is to set the calibration switch to one of three settings which will have the child hovering a full eight inches over the seat. The settings are as follow: 1) Soft (under 45 lbs.), 2) Medium (over 45 lbs.), 3) High (obstinate children who insist on trying to sit while racing). Now you’re ready to go!!! The child will be safely prevented from sitting down in his or her next BMX race. Time for the test... I decided to try this new racing component at one of the Nation’s premiere tracks, Mt. Storm BMX Park. Though it was only a Wednesday night practice, there were test ideal conditions: slightly windy, cool, and no lightning in sight to be hit by. My first lap was a little sketchy, especially over the rhythm section where a friend commented I looked like a duck floating on a wavy pond. Thus meaning every time there was a trough in the section I would bounce down with the bike, and every time there was a crest, I would rise, maintaining a constant distance between my seat and the bike’s. I quickly adapted to my "Mini BMX Magnetic Seat Repulsion System" and was soon flying over the jumps once again. Even though I could only hover two inches above the seat (even on the "obstinate child" setting), I am certain a much younger, and lighter, rider would find sitting on the seat was no longer an available riding style. When one considers all the technological advances and stunning appearance needed to create this modern miracle, a paltry $550.00 suggested retail price seems like nothing. And if that price does seems too high to any of you unloving parents, just remember your cheapness the next time you are watching shamefully as your child sluggishly sits on his or her seat once again. For all you pocket rockets out there who want to some day turn Pro, be sure to tell your parents this is a must have. Imagine putting an end to all the tormenting and teasing you take from faster riders who already stand up. Be firm with your parents and, if they still refuse, be sure to point out that the system will also improve rider safety... then call you Grandparents. And when you go to purchase your "Mini BMX Magnetic Seat Repulsion System" take into account and be sure to mention to the dealer, and report on the 30 day very-limited manufacturer’s warranty card, who told you about this great invention... ME! Rachel "Thunder" Smith |
| Rachel " THUNDER" Smith |
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Thunder Production Report: First 60 days of UCI/NBL BMX Racing in 2007 By, Rachel Smith There have already been some great happenings in BMX this year and the season is just getting underway! Since I moved to Toledo I have really missed riding The Flow indoor bike-park. However, I checked out the local scene and discovered Transitions Indoor bike-park about 60 minutes of potholes north into the frozen State of Michigan. Great fun, good training and nice folk! If you live in North West Ohio or the Detroit area let me know when you are going to Transitions and I will see you there! This year I attended my first RM59 Elite Race in sunny Puerto Rico…but my fellow Elite Women did not! It was still gangs of fun and I enjoyed the competition of running the Open with the 16 & over guys! The track operator, volunteers and NBL road crew were hospitable and put on a great racing weekend. The Elite Men were mucho rapido and, for once, I had the chance to take some snaps and watch their gates. In early February VBS’ Expert Louie Taylor and I put on a Thunder Production Clinic at Crossroad’s great indoor BMX track in Indianapolis. This is a challenging track but would be a whole bunch better if it were located closer to Toledo! The track was very quick, fun and I did not see any “Indiana drama” during practice or the clinic! If you have not visited the NBL’s Crossroads BMX add it to your to-do list. The following weekend I again practiced at Indy on Saturday but returned to Ohio just in time to attend day 3 of the NBL’s 2007 Competition Congress. In school we are taught that politics can be a messy business and it can be scary to observe a democratic proceeding in the U.S. Congress too closely. However, THIS Congress, seminars, large meeting and voting came off without a hitch! I like those elected to represent us but hope Bags sticks with it as he expressed some positive ideas, not just critique, and should run again next year for the Board. Bob’s remarks were good; all of the NBL officials listened and gave thoughtful consideration and responses to any and every topic from how to handle protests, class changes, and increasing support of local racing. We also previewed their new marketing video and it was both professional and effective. It focused on film from an NBL outdoor event but I was happy to see that, although the Elite riders were featured, there were plenty of interviews and shots of amateur riders of all ages…just the way it should be! A number of BMX vendors including T & B Trophies and Awards, Pro-Gate, Bawls, etc. set up information displays. All in all this was a very motivating event and I hope the members left like I did…full of optimism. Most recently I raced the UCI/NBL Elite series events in Boulder City, Nevada. This is my second race in Nevada and I must confess the change in climate from the frigid Midwest was a pleasure…even for a couple days. Being a UCI race, many foreign and U.S. riders, new to the NBL family, attended and signups were challenging with all the new memberships. My Mom helped with new sign-ups at the last event but could not come to this race…I salute the NBL National Crew and extraordinary volunteers for being cool, professional and supportive. Although I made the mains both days I crashed twice and ended up in 6th place. The ladies looked very fast but the guy pros stole the show with some exciting racing both days. Check out www.tpbmx.com for photos and updates of these past events and future updates. This year I am fortunate to again be sponsored by Kenda Tires & Tubes and I thank Jim Wannamaker for supporting our sport with new products and by helping so many riders and teams. Bawls Guarana is now sponsoring the NBL, a number of National Teams and Elite Pros Matt Pohlkamp and me! I am stoked to have signed additional co-sponsors for the 2007 race year: Snap BMX (fine gears & components), Crank Brothers (super pedals), Sun Ringle (#1 rims, hubs & wheels), Lipz Panels (cool number plates), and VBS Racing (state team & fills in the gaps). Support companies that put something back into BMX racing. C’ya at the starting hill! Rachel “Thunder” Smith #3 NBL Elite Woman |
By BRIAN McLEAN Many of the people who went to high school with Rachel Smith at Gahanna Lincoln remember her as a bright, athletic girl who was a monster on the softball diamond and liked to ride her bicycle on the motocross circuit. These days, the University of Toledo junior is known as "Thunder" and makes all her athletic noise on BMX courses around the country. Ranked the No. 3 Elite Woman in 2006 by the National Bicycle League, Smith recently earned a spot on the U.S. BMX team that competes in the Pan American Games July 13-29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 2004 Lincoln graduate is also taking aim at making the squad that competes in the '08 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. "I'm working at it," Smith said. "It would be a dream come true to make the Olympic team." Smith was an All-Ohio second baseman at Gahanna, where she set career records for hits (126) and doubles (26), and a single-season record for the top batting average (.605) in '04. She earned an athletic scholarship to play ball for UT, but even before she finished her playing days as a Golden Lion, a conflict was brewing between softball and her first love -- BMX. "My older brother Denny used to race when I was real little and I'd go to all his races," Smith said. "I started competing in some local races when I was about 3 years old and I just loved it right from the beginning." Love for BMX is what ultimately led her to give up her Toledo scholarship and pursue BMX full time. "I turned pro when I was 16 (Kenda and Bawls are her sponsors) and ended up ranked second nationally that year," she said. "The next year, I injured my shoulder and it was really difficult for me to come back strong. "Plus, I was focused on softball and getting a scholarship, so I didn't do so well at BMX for a couple of years." She started training with Bolivian BMX veteran Javier Larrea in '03 and is now back up to No. 3 nationally. Last month, Smith won the bronze medal at USA Cycling's BMX National Championships. "She already had a lot of technique -- I was just trying to get her to put that technique in different places," Larrea said. Because Smith had competed for many years, Larrea said the two found themselves at odds initially, but have developed a good working relationship. "She's very independent, so in the beginning, she didn't want to listen to a lot of my ideas," he said. "She's so committed to getting better that she started to listen to my suggestions more and more as we worked together. "She's learning what she's capable of doing and what her limits are." Determined and highly skilled, if Smith can become more explosive out of the gate, her chances of making the Olympic cut look promising. "Once she improves on that, she could definitely be a hopeful for the Olympic team and to win a world championship," Larrea said. For now, Smith is looking forward to her trip to Brazil and a possible early graduation from Toledo with a major in exercise science. "I'm really excited to be a part of the Pan American BMX team," she said. "I like meeting people from different countries, so this should be a great experience." |
Photo courtesy of Derek Novaes-BMXMania.com Gahanna Lincoln graduate Rachel Smith will compete on the U.S. Bicycle Motocross (BMX) team in the Pan American Games July 13-29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. |
| 'Thunder' Smith making noise on BMX courses Rachel Smith is headed to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro as a member of the U.S. BMX team. |