Where the world economy finds itself in the coming year is unkown. Any speculation on an end-point to current conditions is just that, speculation. Some areas of technical fabrics are relatively insulated from economic conditions while others are at its mercy..As bad as this may sound it really isn’t. Although the textile economy is extremely exposed to the vagaries of the consumer market, it ebbs and flows with the consumers whims and desires. In many respects the industry is like the weather; if its bad now, just wait a few days and it will get better. Of course in many parts of the world, the winter can be nine months long.

Particularly in medicine, the market process is one that takes its cues from no man or government. People and governments may work to influence the markets but capital will always flow to places where it will most likely multiply fastest. Stem cells - and associated therapies/equipment/processes -are one such market. Research and application testing are progressing at such a rapid pace that this new market is inevitable, regardless of moral or political position. An investor can become involved or not, but profit is going to be made and capital will flow as it does.

CellCyte Genetics Corp., a development stage biotechnology company, works to develop and market stem cell therapeutic products and medical devises. The company is currently in the pre-clinical phase of approvals for its stem cell therapy products and clinical trials where its medical tumor identification products are concerned. Acceptable financing has been secured for the company’s clinical and pre-clinical work.

The inevitable reality of stem cell research is a positive one for all companies working within the stem cell field. CellCyte Corp. is one company within the market working to take advantage of the estimated $2 billion stem cell heart segment of the market. There are many areas of research within the stem cell market with CellCyte Corp. choosing to address the particularly critical aspect of stem cell retention within the identified organ. Currently, a high number of stem cells leave the identified organ and are passed out of the body through the liver and spleen. The company’s pre-clinical therapy products aid in the direction of stem cells (or direct injection into the organ) to identified organs while increasing the number that remain in that organ. All apparent indications, at this point, indicate remarkable successes by using umbilical cord or bone marrow stem cells from acceptable donors.

Although the company has a glycoprotein product which may increase speed to trials of its stem cell products, its medical devise division is quite a bit closer to market with several of its stem cell growth and tumor detection devises. With research licensed from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the company’s CCG – T55 diagnostic program can identify tumors (ovarian, breast, prostate and colon) in the very early stages of development. Current processes are only capable of identification to the 5 mm level making the company’s process quite a bit more effective in early tumor detection. As with all of the company’s device products, successes are measured in terms of increasing efficiencies or stem cell cultivation.

The reality of stem cell use is very apparent regardless of how certain policies have worked to slow their development. Progress and breakthroughs have simply outpaced conservative thinking on the subject. Although certain segments of the world have striven to deter this development most have not; understanding the significance of the overall processes stem cells offer. As successes continue,  the market for these processes will begin to rise at an almost parabolic rate. Market growth is estimated to rise from 30%annually in 2012 to over 120% annually in the following years; making an estimated $8 billion market fairly irresistible to even the most skeptical. Regardless of political meddling, the market for stem cells and related products is going to happen. CellCyte Corp. is working to lead the charge and is quite ready to profit by it.

Key chains offer a glimpse into the personality of the person using them. Whether fun and foot loose or practical and functional, a key chain serves an important function while letting you express yourself. What they also do is present an opportunity for the marketer to present an idea when the person isn’t really thinking about it. The question  is how to take advantage of that point of weakness.

Marketing ideas

In one form or another, key chains are a great form of marketing. They literally put an idea into the hands of a customer several times each and every day. When a door is locked it needs to be unlocked. When a car is started it also needs to be turned off. Each time a person goes to retrieve their keys they see your thought right in front of them. They might not consciously realize that they are thinking about your product, but they are. The real question becomes what idea are you going to put there?

Key chains for kids

There are many ways to think about the message that you are trying to convey. Some people are tactile in nature while others are a bit more visual. Consider your audience and why they may be carrying a key chain in the first place. Children are fairly visual when it comes to marketing ideas and what they remember. Color is something you will want to remember. If you can combine the color and a shape you are well on your way to finding a good key chain. Consider that they may be carrying one house key and several charms/whistle with them. If this is the case, the key chain charms may get in the way of the message so going a bit bigger may be an idea.

Using a cartoon character is a good way to get a child to carry the key chain and your message with them. Getting the message across along with the cartoon message is the trick. If you can brand your logo with a simple generic cartoon character you likely have a less expensive way of accomplishing the task. If not, perhaps you’ll want to consider having a generic character custom made for you to brand. The costs are reasonable and you’ll be able to monetarize it in many different ways.

Key chains for adults

Adults are typically a bit more pragmatic with their key chains. They want something that they can use to find their car keys with. They want to be able to reach into a pocket or bag and retrieve their keys easily. A basic thong is a good way to start. It can be as simple as a piece of industrial webbing folded over with your logo or message on it to as complicated as a silver dollar with a surround on it. The options are endless as long as you keep it simple.

Go bulk

Whichever way you go with the design of your key chains the big thing to remember is that you need them in bulk. In many ways, key chains are like junk mail. Only ½ of 1% actually gets read. The same is somewhat true of key chains. Sure they get picked up and looked at once or twice, but then they find their way into a drawer or trash bin. Your key chain needs to get keys attached to it for optimum visibility. Order and keep on ordering your key chains and make sure they get everywhere. Then go back and make sure they get everywhere again and again. You’ll want to make sure you target a good portion of the key chains to where your target audience is or could be but since they are relatively inexpensive get them out there.

A quick look

The one thing to really remember is that you want a real quick message whatever it is. Consider how long you actually look for the key you need when starting the car or opening a door. That’s how long you have to remind the person to buy or call.

Just when the computer e-commerce world was starting to settle into a somewhat predictable revenue stream, a new form of e-commerce may be readying itself to take the world by storm. E-commerce is currently a catalog adventure for most on-line shoppers where scrolling through pages of merchandise is the norm. Coming soon, and already here for many, is a three dimensional interactive world where e-commerce is just about ready to explode.

Advanced Content Services Inc., a development stage software/consultancy company, is the latest incarnation of a developing company dealing with Avatar commerce. Avatars are user created and controlled computer generated images that interact with one another in a computer generated world http://secondlifegrid.net/gettingstarted/10_steps . Within this world, anything that might take place in the “real world” can and does take place. This includes: parties, socializing, dating, entertainment and business. Within the computer generated world that Advanced Content Services has created, along with its inhabitants, several million dollars of real  business is taking place with quite a bit more to come.

This “in-world” place has been in existence for some time as it found its technology and place in the market. For the most part, this world creation has taken time to create because it is the inhabitants, or users of the software program, that do the creating. The company now feels that the “in-world” environment has developed to such a degree that it is ready to be more fully commercialized. From this point of view, the company is embarking on an entertainment concept for the “in-world” marketplace where a world-wide talent search contest will take place. Through this unfolding concept, users would post entry fees, be able to buy music and other marketable entertainment products.

Apparently, larger entertainment concerns have seen the potential of this type of marketing vehicle and posted funding of a significant nature. From all appearances, new management has been able to overcome and distance itself from past issues and been able to move forward. Its listing on PINKSHEETS is a major step forward in the company’s transparency and indicates that it has passed muster to move forward with a concept that may have a real shot at becoming the next technology of commerce. In essence, whatever a person can do in every day life they can do inside this world. The options are truly limitless, as are the profit possibilities.

When there are vast amounts of data involved artificial Intelligence makes all the difference

Diagnos Inc., A Canadian data mining and artificial intelligence software extraction company, offers software and a knowledgeable workforce to locate and make use of information located within vast amounts of data. As data sources and amounts of information within data gathering systems become vaster, finding and making use of relevant data points becomes more difficult. Diagnos Inc. works to develop sophisticated software that sorts through data for information that can be used profitably. Markets that can use this type of software include: medical research, market based statistical research, pharmaceutical research and mining exploration.

The company is currently pursuing a strategic plan that makes use of the software in a several pronged approach; direct use with the customer including analysis, outright sale of the software and through subscription service; entailing fee/customer stock based on success rates. Currently, the company is working with a customer using the last method of subscription/fee/stock. For this project, the company is working with data related to uranium exploration. The company uses its software to sift data for likely new uranium deposits relying on its software and twenty geologically trained staff members to identify data points. Other divisions within the company do the same for their areas of expertise. From this perspective, mining appears to be a current thrust for the company although other market opportunities are being actively sought.

Positive results have led the company to a private placement, announced January 21, 2008, that will yield up to $3 million Canadian. Based on this relatively new area of study, called artificial intelligence, new software products oriented toward advanced data mining techniques are likely. As data becomes more voluminous (more then it already is) the likely need for software that helps to locate profitable bits of information will grow. From all appearances this type of data mining will see consistent growth.

Once upon a time a camper, bike rider or skiier could head for their respective outdoor stores and find what they needed. Today's enthusiast needs to navigate 1,000's of only slightly different products that all appear to accomplish the same end. Where did all this start? Think polyester and nylon. 

A few decades ago the apparel industry was trumpeting the beginnings of a new era. The 1970s’ era of the polyester apparel fiber was dying and a few other precursors of advanced fibers were searching for a niche to take advantage of. Apparel items, and other aspects of daily life were about to change. Synthetic fibers, were ready and waiting for the opportunity.

New and amazing synthetic fibers, that could do everything but spin themselves, were beginning to find their way into products of every type. There were body hugging apparel items for style, and a demand for outdoor products that had to be ready for the worst. In the first years of the 21^st century, these new materials have established themselves as “must haves” and continue to find new and interesting uses.

Athletic apparel and fashion

As synthetic fibers began their steady march into the minds of fashioniestas and athletic apparel users there was a collective “huh?” from the shopping public. Shoppers would ask what the heck is CoolMax?, or why would I want to use Lycra?.

Today, it is rather strange that somebody would think to say something like, what is CoolMax? What is even stranger is that synthetics used in apparel, and athletic apparel in particular, have changed the entire way that the fashion and athletic apparel markets are structured, advertised and marketed.

Before Lycra and a handful of other synthetics the fashion and athletic apparel markets had to rely on a fairly limited range of fabrics to accomplish their end goals. With advances in synthetics, and variations on each, these goals were met if not surpassed.

Athletic apparel market structure

With the continuing penetration of these new materials marketing strategies needed to change and develop along with the times. Add internet shopping, a whole new line of materials and usage, a newly active shopping public and the time was right for new marketing methods.

For example: you’re going to go camping and you need everything. Heading for the camping isle or camping store is the way to begin, right? A very large wrong if you’re shopping for an active activity in today’s marketplace. One used to be able to hit the local sporting goods store for all the right stuff. Now there is the footwear store, the camping store and the apparel gig for fashion and practicality. This is not to mention all the accessories or other athletic products like biking, kayaking or hiking that can be part and parcel of going “camping.”

Oh course there must be specific items just for that added activity as well, and there are. Today’s marketers have come up with a way to market these individual athletic products and materials so that each can be sold as unique to an activity when in reality each can be used across many activities.

Product diversification in marketing

At one point athletic apparel and athletic products marketers would sell product as a larger category within a particular segment. There were wet weather gear categories, running categories, hiking boots, and winter wear to mention just a few. In today’s marketing of athletic apparel and products each area is divided further and then divided again. Given the general nature of the activity this is not needed. However, with the advent of relatively new materials such as synthetic type materials it has become a need to separate product from product in an ever increasing battle for the consumer’s attention. Ten different categories for the same general product is commonplace.

Elements of diversification

For the most part, athletic apparel and athletic product manufacturers have taken their respective products and divided them into a few categories within which they can work to make their product stand out. These categories may include:

      Breathability

      Wet weather

      Stiffness

      Hand or comfort

      Cold weather

      Measurement

Breathability

Perhaps breathability is the biggest strategy in selling to the synthetic material-general athletic apparel fashion/athletic conscious customer. Breathability can be used alone or in combination with these other elements. Its use can be found in products from women’s panties to running shoes, winter jackets to summer tops. Breathability is the new material marketer’s holy grail of marketing opportunity. Just add a new synthetic materials trade marked name and the breathability adjective of choice and a new product launch is born.

Running gear, skiing gear, fishing gear, gym gear is so many applications it makes the head spin. Footwear from Van’s to back country hiking boots or ice climbing inserts. It just does not stop.

Stiffness

This particular category is a bit more advanced and is not one marketed to the consumer lightly. Sure the lower level user of an athletic product thinks a product must be good because it is made out of an “anium” or “on” as in titanium or carbon but the avid user knows what it really means so materials have to reflect the end users ability level or away goes the higher end buyer.

These products are actually higher performance products like racing bikes or mountain bikes, tennis rackets, golf clubs or fishing rods. Each area is about the primary product but, in general the real money is found in accessories, which brings us back to athletic apparel and, what else; breathability, comfort and hand.

Marketing diversification

All professional activities have to stay abreast of changes in the marketplace. Lord knows the pencil had to adapt to the typewriter and so on. Marketing has had to do the same, and in far more differing ways than any product has had to change. In the athletic apparel marketplace it was athletics as a leisure activity at first, then came a little social change with men forming social activities around the athletic activity. After that, a small jump in technology brought a glimmer of a marketing change to address the issue.

The beginning of the 1970’s came along and the first sea change called Billy Jean King. Women in athletics were a title wave for marketers. Now we have new and established materials and marketers are on the case. They have segmented product categories right down to the “skivvies”, literally.  Athletics are the happening market and customers want the best and the cheapest. As China and India wrap up the low end where the upper end will pan out is anybodies guess, but there will be a segment waiting for it.

    So you want to give mountain biking a try

       Saddle sores and how to avoid them

                The word to remember is avoid; Saddle sores are one of those physical ailments, found on bicycle riders, that are best avoided at all costs. If a rider has not been on a bicycle for some time and begins a new regiment to aggressively there is likely to be an occurrence of saddle sores. To avoid this occurrence there are several simple steps that can be taken before, during and after they occur. Some of these steps may include:

Ø  Beginning a bicycle exercise regiment slowly

Ø  Locate you saddle correctly

Ø  Use the correct saddle

Ø  Wear appropriate clothing

Ø  Purchase the correct bicycle

Beginning a bicycle exercise regiment slowly

The most common cause of saddle sores is the desire to be a strong rider on the first day out after a layoff. In many instances, riders will take a long ride over rocky terrain the first day out. They may be in good aerobic shape but their body is just not ready for the bumping and grinding associated with the mountain biking experience.

If at all possible, give the body a chance to get used to the new movements and “rubs” that can be associated with off road mountain biking. This does not mean that the rider is out of shape. It does mean that the body needs a chance to adapt.

Locate your saddle correctly

The saddle is only one point of several that is supporting the riders’ weight. Having it located in the correct position is a key element in the prevention of saddle sores. Through a trial and error approach the rider is looking to have the saddle aligned so that a vertical line could be drawn through the forward knee and into the center of the peddle spindle when the peddles are horizontal to the ground.

There is a large difference between male and female riders when it comes to buying and correctly positioning the saddle. Anatomically, there is about a 4 millimeter difference in the bone structure between male and female riders. This means that for a better fit the saddle needs to be correspondingly wider than a male saddle. Although this is a reality it does not make avoiding saddle sores any easier as a wider seat can lead to chaffing away from where the weight is being concentrated on the saddle. In this regard a saddle that has been modified with “cut outs” or gel inserts may be an option for the individual rider.

The other obvious positioning element to consider is how the saddle is oriented at the crotch. Certain saddles are manufactured with a downward angle in mind (for women) while others need to be positioned so that they are angled slightly down. The obvious comfort issues are addressed with this positioning but it also aids in directing forces that may relate to saddle sores as well.

Use the correct saddle

With many styles being offered personal preference is the key to choosing the correct saddle. Some saddles may offer gel implants while others may tend to offer the ability to install a cover with inserts. In either case the rider should understand that these additions will ultimately yield less control of the bike. As the saddle sores diminish these elements should be reduced to the point where a more “normal” saddle is used for better handling.

Cut-outs are a particular feature designed into the saddle for women. Since the woman’s bone structure is somewhat different a wider saddle may be preferred. These cutouts aid in the prevention of saddle soles but are generally intended for chaffing protection more than anything else.

Use the correct clothing

If the saddle choices available, for saddle sore avoidance, do not appear to be working there are choices the rider can make regarding clothing and saddle sores. The features, designed to aide in saddle sore prevention and chafe, have to do with placement of padding, materials and seaming. Strategic padding is one of the better options to prevent saddle sores. This padding also yields greater comfort for rides that may involve longer distances or rough terrain. In most cases, the padding should be covered with a breathable fabric so as to aide in moisture control.

Regardless of the features or brand chosen the shorts need to be comfortable, but only to the point where they do not lose the support they can also provide. They should also use materials that breath, have properly located seams and stretch in all directions. For the most part, all riding pants provide the needed elements for prevention of saddle sores if they are designed as such.

The consumer should be aware that in today’s marketplace there are biking shorts available that are purely stylistic and do not provide any real benefit for those seeking protection from saddle sores. To avoid these types of shorts simply look for the padding in all the right places (crotch, coccyx.) Other items to look for might include a breathable fabric in the crotch, no seams in the crotch and a smooth surface on the inner leg.

Purchase the correct bike

When all else has failed and the saddle sores have arrived, and won’t go away, the rider may want to consider the possibility that they have purchased the incorrect bike for their particular needs. Generally, most mountain bikes found in stores are designed with a racing mentality in mind. Because of this, the riders weight is distributed so that more of the body weight is oriented forward. For a professional rider, or somebody that spends quite a bit of time on their bike, this is fine. Their bodies have become used to this position and adjusted to it. For the majority of riders, that do not obsess about riding or are not professionals, this position is not natural.

The question then becomes; which body positioning is best for me and my riding style, so that I do not get saddle sores but still maintain a certain amount of performance? Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this question as style and terrain vary so much. What can be said is that the rider’s weight does need to be forward facing if riding off road is the desired end. Without this element there is little control when considering the rough nature of the activity. The problem lies in there being too much weight being faced forward. Again, this is unfortunate and must be dealt with through trial and error. If possible try others bikes to see what appears to work best for you. Choosing a new bike for a saddle sore issue is a last resort. With some luck these other possibilities will keep you from having to experiment with a new bike.

                   Etiquette and Rules

As with any activity, rules and etiquette are in place to make the experience more safe and enjoyable for all those engaged in it. Mountain biking is no different although etiquette is more the practice than any hard and fast “rule.” Generally, etiquette has to do with making the mountain biking experience safer and stress free. Many mountain bikers may tend to unintentionally ignore these customs. There are, however, several to consider when riding. According to the International Mountain Biking Association these guidelines include:

      Never ride on closed trails

      Do not litter

      Control your speed

      Let people know you are coming

      Do not scare animals

      Plan ahead

                Never ride on closed trails

For the most part, riding a mountain bike involves riding on dirt. Because of this the condition of the trail can change from day to day. If there is a particularly well traveled trail ruts and broken branches can occur. In these instances the trail may be closed for maintenance or for conditions to improve. Heavy rains may make the trail impassable or prone to erosion and subsequently closed to prevent further damage. As national parks become increasingly popular with mountain bikers there have also been places designated as no ride zones. Wilderness areas are one such place. If a rider is found to be in such a zone fines may be incurred and the area may be left with tire treads, which is exactly contrary to their purpose.

                       Don’t litter

When considering all the people that use the county’s trail system it is not suprising that trash is an issue.  It is amazing how many types of trash can be found along a trail; (from every person using a trail not just a biker) bread bag ties, energy bar wrappers and water bottles are items to watch for. Never leave trash if it is seen and try to come home with more than you took.

                Control your speed

As is popularly said “speed kills.” This is also true for mountain bikes. Injury is more likely the case but if the rider is not vigilant at all times being thrown off the bike and into a tree or rock is always possible. This aspect of safety can also apply to injuring another rider.

     Let people know you are coming

Do not assume that other riders know that you are there. When coming upon other riders establish a form of communications with a friendly greeting or a bell. If there is a switch back or turn in the trail assume that there is another person out of sight. Slowing down or even walking past an individual or group is a common courtesy. In any event, when others are present, or likely to be present, slow down, consider your seed and be prepared to stop.

                Do not scare animals

Animals are very likely to be hiding in the woods if you are in a remote, or in today’s expanding neighborhoods, area. In most instances, they will likely hear you coming and stay away. In many cases, however, they do not hear you coming. This can be dangerous to not only to the animal, as it increases the chance of them being struck, but to you. A scared animal, especially an animal such as a bear, will tend to defend itself against surprises.

                        Plan ahead

Making sure that the ride is equipped for the ride at hand and, more importantly, for instances that are not expected such as rain, changes in temperature, injury or equipment failure. In almost every instance of injury the trip excluded a crucial element that was essentially, very easy and lightweight enough for the trip. The nature of mountain biking can leave a rider in tough terrain with few choices to solve a crisis. A little planning could save a life.

               Other considerations

Many adventurous activities in today’s outdoors have come under fire for various activities that affect the entire population. In many instances, these activities had little respect for the environment around them whether it be urban or natural in nature. One of the largest factors affecting the mountain biking community is how it deals with erosion and trail maintenance. Fortunately, many biking organizations have recognized the need to be seen as good neighbors. These groups have organized so that they, in effect, maintain the trails that they ride on every day. Not only does this give the riders a better trail to ride on but it lends good will for possible needs down the road (so to speak.)

 Some of the areas where these groups are offering their support include:

      Trash pick ups

      Trail riding classes

      Trail maintenance

Each of these areas are very altruistic in nature but are, ultimately, self serving. In the end it is the maintenance and trail riding classes that offer the largest benefits to the rider. The classes are helpful because they offer tips that will help in preventing damage to the trail system. Not riding around a puddle but through it is one such tip. If a rider rides around a puddle the trail will have a tendency to widen or erode more quickly. Riding through the puddle may deepen the depression but it will localize the problem and make restoration easier.

Trail maintenance is very much appreciated by the managers of the area in question. In most instances these areas are managed by entities that have few resources to dedicate to such projects. If educated volunteers can be put to work budgets are saved and a certain good will toward that group is established. In effect the group is “paying forward” for issues that may arise at a later date.

                        A little effort

As is often the case, all it takes to be a responsible mountain biker is a little effort and thought. It may be difficult to give these thoughts as you hurdle down a mountain with survival on your mind but it really only takes a mindset to make etiquette second nature.

                       The future

The nature of the people who enjoy the sport of mountain biking is such that their inventive bend will transform it quickly in the future. The trading and stealing of ideas and “tricks” is so ingrained that they only serve to move the sport forward. To have gotten as far as it has in such a short period is remarkable considering how long it took to get to its “modern” day incarnation. Where it goes is unknown but one thing is sure it will happen quickly now that the concept is established.

A segmented business means understanding the types of riding

Once considered an odd site on the road or at the local park, mountain bikes have evolved into a recreational activity that encompasses several forms. In many respects, these forms have developed as media, demographics and style converge on an activity once thought of as outside the norm. The evolution of mountain biking has spawned the following subdivisions of the original off road intent of mountain biking:

v  Cross country

v  Free ride

v  Trails

v  Downhill

v  Dirt Jumping

                      Cross country

In its most basic form, cross country mountain biking is the original form of the activity. A rider would jump on their mountain bike and go for a ride wherever it would take them. If there were a local park with a grove of trees in it the rider might decide to leave the side walk and ride through the grove. Possibly there is a trail system originally intended for walkers. The mountain biker would gravitate in that direction for new scenery and possibly a dip or bump or two.

In the evolution of cross country mountain biking this perception of cross country, although still very much alive and well, has gone away. Today, cross country mountain biking has come to be recognized as tearing through the woods on trails with obvious locations for jumps. These obstacles might include:

§  Logs

§  Rocks

§  Streams

As with other forms of mountain biking, a competitive nature has sprung from the activity with network television covering competitions that incorporate the cross country version of the, now sport, with other forms such as down hill mountain biking.

                                Free ride

Mountain biking in this form is one of the more sedate styles of riding, although in some hands it can become altogether not sedate. If an analogy were to be made for free riding it might be that of a Sunday drive. Or, going for a ride that has no particular end destination in mind. In this manner, the ride might encompass all forms of mountain biking in a varying nature.

The ride may begin with a slow pace on a neighborhood road but very quickly end up turning into a dirt jumping adventure on a previously undiscovered part of a nature reserve. This type of riding really depends on where the ride takes you.

                                Trails

Riding a mountain bike on a trail can have a similar appearance to cross country riding although it will tend to be more structured in nature. A cross country ride may have obstructions or offer elements that provide options for “trick” riding. Trail riding will likely have these elements removed or blocked, although they may still exist.

Although there is always an inherent risk involved with mountain biking, a trail ride is safer than the other possible forms of the sport. One of the more popular places to trail ride are the nation’s forests. In most, but not all forests, recreation areas and national monuments biking is encouraged. There are some “rules of the road” to consider with regard to others using the trails and environmental care but, generally, these trail rides are suited for all abilities and offer scenic vista that many people would not otherwise see.

                        Down hill

Riding mountain bikes in the down hill form is not for the beginner. The form may be construed to mean any hill that has a slope, which would be true. In this form, however, down hill riding means getting to the top of a steep and often rocky mountain and riding as quickly as possible to the bottom. There are levels of ability with speed and slope being the deciding factors but, in most cases, the process can lead to extensive personal injury if the correct personal protection is not worn. Some of this protection might include:

§  Helmet

§  Knee and wrist guards

§  Gloves

§  Proper shoes

§  Goggles

§  Armor if extensive stones

It may be supposed that there is a defining element on how difficult your ride down the hill or mountain is going to be. Generally, this can be found in how the rider is going to get up the mountain or hill. Although there are likely others, there are three main avenues to get to the top of the mountain or slope: ride, an aerial lift or a vehicle.

In most cases, if a person rides to the top of the slope they are going to be in good overall shape and a bit more experienced. These riders are likely prepared for the coming downhill. Others may prefer an aerial ride or a drive to the top. In either of these two options the rider should be aware of their limitations. If a ride is taken to the top a road ride or trail ride down is likely. In this instance the rider should watch for speed issues and breaking. Slow and even breaking is best in these situations as a quick breaking move may send the rider over the handle bars.

If an aerial ride is taken to the top of the slope. There are likely several ability levels to offer a safe decent. Make sure to ask about the best rout down for your ability level. It is always better to enjoy the view from the bike than from the ground after falling and hurting ones self.

                   Drop offs and Jumping

Finding “air” is the thing that most extreme riders are interested in as they approach a more advanced version of mountain biking. In these forms the rider is spending most of their time in the air rather than on the ground. The process of getting to the air only involves gaining enough speed so that “big air” can be found. In the case of drop offs, this is not too much of a concern given the nature of what a drop off is. But, nonetheless a certain amount of speed is needed to navigate this type of terrain regardless of what may lie on the other side.

Dirt jumping has been in existence since bikes were invented. There really is nothing like flying through the air. Adding some tricks along the way is a relatively new concept as BMX riders experimented decades ago. In the first few years of the 21^st century, however, dirt jumping has evolved from the BMX category into one of its own. Sponsorships are common as well as television programs highlighting the extreme tricks that can be accomplished in rapid succession.

Where the BMX crowd had a bit of a rocky time, with its beginnings, the mountain biking community, in general, has not. The desire of the mountain biking community to integrate itself within local communities has gone a long way to advancing a solid perception of mountain bikers as being responsible neighbors. There will always be a few bad apples in the bunch, on both sides of whatever the issue happens to be, but generally communities’ and mountain bikers work well together.

One aspect that has helped dirt jumping mountain bikers is their outreach to define where they would like to ride and jump. They build jumps within that space and keep it maintained. In some cases there may be clandestine jumping areas but these are, generally, in places people tend not to frequent. For the most part, areas where dirt jumping takes place are located in or near:

      Quarries

      Less traveled mountainous areas

      Sanctioned community locations

      Unsanctioned urban locations

There are, however, a few issues on both sides to consider. The first comes from the dirt jumpers’ perspective. If they are to maintain their space for a “dirt jumping park” for bikes how do they secure it for a bike park. If motorcycles were to enter the park it would be demolished in little time. Sanctioned areas can deal with this problem a little more easily than other less monitored areas but the issue remains. The urban jumping community raises other concerns. These concerns are generally raised by merchants and administrators as mountain bike jumpers look for any drop off or jumping opportunity around the urban community the can find.

The end result of this type of jumping is that community assets become damaged or marred and emergency rooms become busier than they already are as riders attempt increasingly difficult jumps and injure themselves.

 As the jumping and drop off aspects of mountain biking are explored further by extreme enthusiasts the equipment that they use needs to keep pace. A mountain bike that is designed for cross country or basic touring is not going to last very long in a jumping or drop off application. Some of the modifications that manufacturers are now offering include:

      Differing frames

      Modified forks

      “beefed up” safety gear

                                Frames

The frame of the jumping or drop off mountain bike takes the brunt of the force from stunts. In many instances the frames will actually break from the forces generated. Because of this manufacturers have begun to offer frames that are specifically designed for jumping or drop offs. Generally, these frames are on the order of an urban bike frame. They have a stiffer back end and considerations are made for the drop outs. Since there will likely be a compression, of the human  body let alone the bike frame, when a trick is performed manufacturers incorporated a smaller frame size specifically for jumping. If the mountain bike frame is the correct size for the rider, a jumping frame will probably be about 2 inches shorter.

The hub of the bike is the element most susceptible to cracking or breaking as a result of a jump or a drop off. In a drop off, the rider wants to get their front wheel on the ground as quickly as possible. This is followed by sending torque through the frame, much in the same way it does with a jump landing.  As the hub receives this energy it cracks or breaks. Manufacturers have address this issue by producing a replaceable hub or beefing up the hub area. At the moment there is little likelihood that a long term fix is in the making but these modifications are a good start.

                        Jumping forks

Jumping forks are another area that need to be beefed up. Manufacturers are making these items with a bit more travel to accept the landing. In many instances, manufacturers are making forks that are specifically designed for jumping.

         Jumping and dropping safety

As riders continue to push the limits of their drop off and jumping skills there tends to be an increase in injuries. A majority of riders recognize that safety gear is the only a sane decision. Unfortunately, many would be jumpers try to make tricks happen that are far above their capabilities. If this group cannot be convinced that proper safety gear is needed others may step in and make it safe so for them.

In equipment circles, of the jumping and drop off world, the helmet is the key element. A standard helmet really does not meet the real need according to this group. The forces encountered from a 15 foot fall onto a hard wooden or dirt surface simply cracks most helmets. These riders recommend a regular full face motorcycle helmet as the way to go for total head protection.

The other safety elements go without saying but, just in case, the rider might consider: elbow and shin pads, body armor if there are fly rocks about and a solid set of shoes. This last one might be paid a little closer attention to as many riders prefer style in this area rather than practicality. Stray rocks and sticks can put a rider out of commission just as quickly as a head injury, so this not so obvious area of protection should be checked out.

Although some may disagree, the first signs of what might be called a mountain bike tour came about with a 1,600 mile round trip by the “Buffalo Soldiers” out of Montana. This group of black infantry men, led by a white lieutenant, were charged with investigating the possibility of using bikes for military applications. Their bikes were appropriately modified and taken over some rather difficult terrain.

Using this example as one of the first applications of bikes in the mountains may be dubious when considering what we call mountain biking today, although it does fit a certain set of criteria. Modified bikes were used to ride, where possible, in the mountains.

A More “Modern” Characterization

To reach what is more often referred to as mountain biking a jump of roughly fifty years needs to be taken. In the 1950’s, bikes were again being modified and then modified again. Although there were many companies and brands involved Schwinn became an inclusive term to describe not only the bike in general but the modified version as well. The characteristics found on today’s mountain bikes began to appear in some form or another from these modifications. Some of these characteristics included:

      Wider tires

      Stripped down frames

      Better breaks

At this point there was, again, a certain stagnation in the development of what is now considered a mountain bike. The first names of the soon to be sport, however, began to appear. Stump jumper was one of the first names given to a stripped down version of this type of bike (and the name given to the first commercially viable “modern” mountain bike company of note.) These names and types of bikes are still used off road and in urban settings today, although most people would not know to call them this. Generally, they go by “bike.” Oddly, these bikes have made a certain resurgence and are being offered by manufacturers in the early part of the 21^st century although they were very much supplanted by the events that began to unfold in the late 1970’s.

         The “modern” mountain bike

Although there is a certain amount of discrepancy with regard to the exact date (1974, ’76, ’77) and location this period is considered to be the founding era of the modern mountain bike. There are two competing groups for the honor of founding the activity, one in Marin, CA and one in Colorado. Some will dispute the decision but the Marin California choice is the one that the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame chooses to recognize as the founding location.

With deference to the Morrow Dirt Club, who were making modifications to their own bikes at the time, a group of riders began to modify their own bikes to ride in the hills around the county. Largely a group of escapees from an emerging (from rampant drug addiction and poor economy) and growing San Francisco this group began modifying their bikes for riding on Mount Tamalpais (Mt. Tam.) The group (Joe Breeze, Otis Guy, Gary Fisher and Keith Bontrager) would ride in a fashion of abandon down the mountain to see who could cover a set course the quickest. To navigate turns they would burn out breaks and need to modify them so they could complete the course more quickly. It is largely this factor that introduced a bike called a repacker. The bikes breaks got so hot that they would have to repack them with more grease because it melted away.

                 And so it began

As word spread about these people and their bike modifications the race down the mountain became a destination for the many riders working to modify their bikes along the same lines as the original Mt. Tam riders. Modifications came and went but not before one of the more finished prototypes was arrived at through riders sharing and stealing ideas. Unfortunately, society caught up with this group and the racing at Mt. Tam ended as insurance requirements could not be worked out. Some of the resulting ideas, however, made there way into current bikes through the founding of StumpJumper by Gary Fisher. Some of these bike elements included:

      Lighter frames

      Disk breaks (from Morrow Dirt Club)

      Higher gearing

      Differing shifting mechanisms

      Tire configurations

          Quickly changing evolution

From this point forward the evolution of the mountain bike has been staggering. New innovations are a regular occurrence and are often found at the many professional events that are staged annually. Differing riding styles have been developed as riders learn what the bikes are capable of doing in differing terrain conditions. Naturally, larger companies have entered the market to make it a very large revenue generator.

Some of the new riding styles that have emerged since that time at Mt. Tam include:

      Downhill

      Cross country

      Dirt jumping

      Free riding

Each of these styles has a unique feel to it. The downhill is an all out mad dash to the bottom of a mountain for the quickest time. The cross country event is a fast ride along a trail with many obstacles to traverse along the way. The free ride is a combination and a fun ride to wherever a rider may choose and the dirt jumping event is one of style and form found when the rider jumps off a mound of dirt (loosely speaking of course.)

It could be the year round spring time mountain temperatures or the equatorial conditions found on the beaches but, for the most part, it is the economic conditions found in Panama that have brought real estate investors calling. Particularly in Panama City, real estate speculators are busily going about plans for high rise condominium/casino/resort projects. A consortium of European developers has a 93 floor building going up and Donald Trump has plans for a resort/condominium project on the boards.

Why now?

In more recent times, Costa Rica was the “it destination” in the region. Vacationers from around the world were flocking to the country for the beautiful beaches and relatively stable political and economic conditions. The problem was/is that there was relatively little buying of real estate going on in the country. The country appeared to get stuck in a destination vacation mentality. Panama, however, has developed in such a way, with help from history and the United States, that longer term real estate development has become a lucrative option since the handover of the canal in 2000.

Generally, Panamas time for world recognition, as a development and destination country, was just a matter of time. Developers had a past perception of instability where there was none. The country just needed to be recognized as an opportunity and, now it has been.

Blame it on the canal

Location and circumstance are the real reasons for the eventual rise of Panama. It was just a matter of time until the full resources of a “modern” world could take advantage. Before construction of the Panama Canal the region was mostly a haven for mosquitoes and Yellow Fever. With the beginning of the canal this issue was resolved and thousands of Americans began flooding into the “Canal Zone” for construction, security and administrative jobs. With political agreements in place, these Americans, in one form or another, never really left.

What they ultimately left behind, after a few false starts by the new Panamanian government, was a sometimes called ‘United States of Panama.” In many respects, some of the remnants of the American culture surpass the true American original. Healthcare is inexpensive, economic growth runs just a bit higher than the US and crime is quite a bit less than the general perception.

Retirement fueling real estate growth

Although general business is helping to fuel Panamas’ growth, its true recognition on the world real estate stage is coming from United States and European retirees. The initial real estate boom has largely been fueled by retirement communities located in the mountains and, to a degree, in “gated” golf communities closer to the coasts.

In the past, these retirees may have had a certain perception of Panama. Now those perceptions have changed as they visit for holiday and decide to stay. Local foods, American style shopping, a relaxed pace, easy transportation and lower prices all make for a near perfect retirement location if an international option is desired. Perhaps two of the largest benefits are that there is quality medical care that costs substantially less than in the United States and that the English language  is just as prevalent as Spanish.

Economic Stability

As Donald Trump and others go about their building activities the economy is running right along side to fill the buildings that are being constructed. Panama has slowly gotten its economic base under control after some rocky missteps. In today’s economy, the country is known as a transit point, not only for goods but also for services. In many respects, Panama has become a cross roads for the world. The job of getting the country up to full speed is far from complete but the work is progressing nicely.

Shipping, trans-shipping

There are two main areas that the country is working diligently on so that the overall economy can maintain its solid annual growth. These two areas are shipping and trans-shipping and communications. Again, owing to the canal shipping is one of the country’s main revenue generators. Year over year growth has been occurring and is expected to be maintained into the foreseeable future. To maintain this pace, and keep pace with escalating ship sizes, a program to increase the size of the canals’ locks and channels has begun. Currently, there is a very large market waiting in this area as is the current market for getting through the canal.

A natural off-shoot of the canal is the trans-shipping and warehousing of goods. This segment of the shipping market continues to grow and recognizes Panamas importance as a gateway to South America’s large economies of Chile and Brazil.

In this recognition Panama is a member of the World Trade Organization, a benefit recipient of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and is in current talks for free trade status with a number of countries. With each agreement real estate will be a leading beneficiary and continue to drive development.

Communications

Another contributor to Panamas growth is its location and communications. There are several land portals that use Panama as a central switching location for South American traffic. Quite a few telecommunications companies have recognized Panamas opportunities and applied for licenses.  So as not to be overrun by these companies Panamas leaders are carefully addressing each step. The government does not appear to be dragging its feet, so-to-speak, but they are being careful. The opportunities are enormous not only for switching opportunities but for services such as high speed internet and VOIP.

Currently, internet opportunities are underserved as the government sorts out, broadband type services, computer to phone and other longer range possibilities. They want to be future looking as they make their decisions now. One interesting statistic remains, however, only 12 percent of homes have telephones.

Looking to the near future

As world real estate executives, travel agents and business in general looks at Panama, and Panama City in particular, the question remains, what will happen next? Real estate executives are diving in head first and see only profits in all sectors, Travel agents are seeing retirees looking for cool mountains and hot beaches and business is chomping at the bit for a bit more technology infrastructure. There are certain tipping points along the growth spectrum and it appears that Panama is near one, in one form or another. Today, however, life is good in almost every respect in Panama.

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