News Briefs: Tired of Cars?; IMBA's Freeride Guide; Jeep Supports NORBA

One-Man Battle Against Cars
Like all of us, Ashley Carpenter has experienced a few rude drivers while out riding. But unlike most of us, he did something about it. In fact, Carpenter may have gone a little overboard. The 37-year-old British cyclist is being charged with slashing 2,000 car, truck and van tires since last December. Another 540 tires are also being taken into consideration. It is estimated that he single-handedly caused more than $460,000 in damage. Does he deserve a pat on the back for courage or a punch in the neck for the vandalism? We'll see what the judge says April on 16 in the United Kingdom's Bournemouth Crown Court.

IMBA Publishes Freeriding Guide
If you've ever had to describe what exactly freeriding is to a neighbor or family member or the Sierra Club, you know it's difficult. Well, IMBA has made things easier for all of us with the new Freeride Guide. Published with the help of Rocky Mountain Bicycles, the guide features a dozen articles covering nearly every aspect of freeriding including pros and cons, advice on trailbuilding and popular freeride destinations. Check it out at www.imba.com..

Jeep Announced as NORBA Nationals Sponsor
Jeep is joining Team Big Bear and Blue Wolf Events as a sponsor of the NORBA National Championship Series for 2004. Jeep, a previous NORBA supporter, will be the title sponsor of the five mountain-cross events. These "Jeep King of the Mountain" mountain-cross competitions will create qualifying opportunities for the international races also dubbed the "Jeep King of the Mountain" series. The international series will be made-for-TV and feature courses that combine mountain cross and dual slalom.