This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Be one of the first to try our new activity feed After a few quieter years in the gravel space Norco is back with a completely redesigned Search platform Norco says its new Search lands somewhere between race-ready and adventure-capable targeting the broad middle of gravel riders who want one bike to do a bit of everything and with it the more off-road leaning tone of Norco’s earlier gravel efforts arguably more focused platform that shares little in common with its predecessor beyond the name Photos come courtesy of us finding the new Norco Search before its release at the Sea Otter Classic. Let’s dig in. The Norco Search is separated into two platforms: the Search carbon gravel bike, and the Search A in aluminum. There’s an internal storage compartment in the downtube of the carbon frame, with two included bags and a CNC-machined handle. That’s a welcome evolution, and the hatch itself is actually quite big. Riders get both upper and lower top tube bag mounts, depending on frame materials, as well as fender and rack mounts to boot. Tire clearance is solid: 45 mm tires come stock, with up to 700c x50 mm possible — more than enough for most gravel setups, though not mind-blowing in 2025. The threaded BSA bottom bracket is a welcome change for anyone tired of press-fit headaches, as is the inclusion of a SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) which makes finding a replacement derailleur hanger much simpler. Carbon models get internal downtube storage with a water-resistant 2-piece Ocean-X bag set. They also receive one of the largest storage hatches I’ve seen on a gravel bike, well as external cable routing into the frame’s downtube. Alloy models skip the storage but add extra bottle cage mounts, cage mounts on the fork blades, and smoothed-out welds for a cleaner look. All models offer suspension-corrected geometry to make swapping to a suspension fork much easier. Oh, and they all get this custom fork crown-mounted fender. I personally don’t see the point of it, but hey, maybe you dig the style. Norco’s updates reflect broader trends in gravel design: longer reach, slacker front ends, and a taller stack for added confidence on sketchy surfaces. The geometry numbers are notably progressive — all bikes share a 69.5° head angle and a relatively steep seat angle that ranges from 74.5° to 73.5° depending on size. Trail sits at a consistent 80 mm, which puts it well into the high-stability zone. Wheelbase increases across the board (e.g., 1037 mm on size 1 up to 1132 mm on size 5), while rear center length grows slightly with size, from 425 to 430 mm, helping maintain balance across frame sizes. The 80 mm trail figure across all sizes is nice to see for the sake of handing consistency across sizes, even if that figure feels quite high for even an MTB-centric gravel bike. Pricing jumps quite aggressively to this SRAM Red XPLR AXS bike, but all other models found here are quite competitively priced. What’s it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowski’s view. Kevin Leon hit a three-run home run and finished with seven RBIs. Daniel Luther hit a three-run home run. Freshman Jordan Ayala had three hits and three RBIs. Sophomore Dylan Seward scored four runs. Sun Valley Poly 10, Kennedy 3: Brenis Mayorga finished with three hits and five RBIs for Poly, which is 7-0 in the Valley Mission League. Sylmar 10, San Fernando 0: Mike Andrade had three RBIs and Luis Mendoza threw a five-inning shutout for Sylmar in a Valley Mission League game. Garfield 4, Legacy 2: Victor Alvarez struck out nine for Garfield. Bell 4, South Gate 0: Manuel Pasillas struck out eight in five innings and Jayden Rojas had two hits for Bell. Long Beach Millikan 4, Trabuco Hills 0: Adrian Ramirez had three hits and Thomas Ramsey struck out 10 in a complete game for Millikan. Damien 6, Etiwanda 3: Brady Bickham had the key hit during a four-run sixth inning for Damien. Temecula Valley 10, Vista Murrieta 2: Chase Hilt threw a complete game in a Southwestern League opener. He also had three hits. Eric Sondheimer is the prep sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He has been honored seven times by the California Prep Sportswriters Assn. for best prep sports column. High School Sports Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map and Frener are Norco Race Division.Photo: Norco Race Division the Norco Race Division is rolling into 2025 with an impressive team primed to make some serious noise Downhill legend Greg Minnaar is the Team Director and Kathy Sessler is the Head of Operations NRD will have a very international team and an equal split of women and men on the 2025 roster The familiar faces of Gracey Hemstreet and Lucas Cruz are back including a downhill legend and up-and-comers who are already turning heads With a roster combining seasoned champions and rising stars the 2025 Norco Race Division is ready to bring the thunder on the World Cup stage with direction from one of the greatest downhill racers of all time and everyone was bantering and having a good time– it was something that I thought hard about when I was selecting all the riders for the team and it’s working out so well,” says Team Director that’s important for a team to succeed in that environment Everything’s there for a great season.” Here is the 2025 Norco Race Division team.Gracey Hemstreet Gracey’s got one goal in 2025: Take the top step of that podium and she’s got the grit and talent to do so Gracey’s been racing for more than half her life and after becoming the first Canadian woman to break the top 5 at Mont Sainte-Anne with a second-place podium – and winning fourth place at World Champs she’s making her mark in the elite downhill scene.  Greg is one of the most decorated riders in the sport of downhill Holding four World Championship victories and 23 World Cup wins As the new director of the Norco Race Division Lucas brings a laid-back vibe and an unrelenting drive for speed to every race and it’s this combination that keeps pushing him higher up the World Cup standings After a tough 2024 season that saw him sidelined by injury Lucas is more determined than ever to make a comeback in 2025.  After dominating Juniors with back-to-back World Championship titles Erics is stepping into the elite ranks with fire in her belly She joined Norco Race Division after getting to know team manager Alan Milway during last season and knows that with a supportive team and setup built for success she’s found the perfect place to go faster Danny’s been landing on podiums for years Stacking up World Cup wins and a World Championship title along the way Danny is hungry for more in his new chapter with Norco Race Division With the support of Norco’s team and getting to work once more with long-time friend and mentor Alan Milway Danny’s ready for another standout season Bodhi is a young and ambitious downhill racer who’s made his mark on the scene with a blend of calculated preparation and fearless riding Bodhi thrives on the “organized chaos” of high-speed descents His resilience and determination have kept him focused on refining his race craft and he’s looking forward to Greg’s guidance in the coming year Lina is already turning heads in downhill racing – not the least when she dropped in right in front of Greg on the Hot Shots jump line in Leogang three years ago After a strong 2024 season with a second place at the European Championships and a win at the European Downhill Cup she’s ready for her first year as a junior with Norco Race Division.  Norco has announced a stop sale and stop ride on all of its model year 2025 Sight VLT CX electric mountain bikes.  This is due to concerns with the rearmost rear brake insert coming loose which Norco says is a safety concern while riding.  As a result, Norco recommends to stop riding the electric mountain bike: “Out of an abundance of caution we’re asking all riders of these bikes to stop riding immediately while we investigate and gather more data.”  All of the models in the range are affected The Sight VLT CX was launched earlier this month It is claimed to offer a 20 per cent weight reduction over the previous model despite boasting more battery capacity and equal power The bike uses Bosch’s latest Gen5 Performance Line CX motor and retains its predecessor’s 160/150mm suspension travel, while rolling on a mullet setup.  Norco says: “Your Norco retailer is your best point of contact and they’ll be kept informed throughout this process.”  and we appreciate your patience and understanding This request comes from our commitment to performance and the trust you place in every ride,” Norco says in the stop ride notice.  Norco says you can also reach its team directly at warranty@norco.com or 1-800-663-8916 if you’re in the USA or Canada.  You can read the full stop ride notice here (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune) Gas flare is seen from three stacks at a the Shell refinery in Norco, La. Wednesday, April 7, 2021. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com A flare burns at the Shell Chemical plant in Norco Shell Chemical paid over $133,000 to settle alleged air quality violations after state regulators said its Norco operation released hundreds of thousands of pounds of pollutants over two years It's the second time this year that Shell Chemical has struck a deal with the state Department of Environmental Quality to settle pollution violations at Norco. Flaring, leaks and other breakdowns at its St. Charles plant have resulted in $836,225 combined in fines and other spending, state records show State regulators say the six most recent flaring incidents drawing their attention were wholly or at least partially preventable by Shell They arose primarily because of breakdowns inside the chemicals and gasoline treatment wing of Norco's East Site oil refinery and chemical complex along the Mississippi River Shell Chemical's portion of the East Site makes ethylene propylene and butadiene for the manufacturing of consumer and industrial products It also makes gasoline and removes impurities from it A different part of the East Site holds the 250,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery State officials declined to comment on the settlement which became final in late September following a public comment period Shell officials said they have continued to work with state regulators "to provide safe reliable and environmentally responsible operations" and "cooperated fully with the LDEQ to resolve the issues raised" in the latest incidents we will continue to report out and comply with all regulations while also applying lessons learned and best practices to improve reliability and help ensure the safety of our site and St Residents have complained about flaring from industries in the Norco area for years The flares at times can be seen for miles away even lighting up the night sky for commuters for a few miles on the elevated section of Interstate 10 that crosses the LaBranche Marsh west of Kenner They are meant to destroy flammable or toxic chemicals and prevent them from being released on the plant grounds and off-site they release other pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone and can cause a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular problems ethane and other unnamed process chemicals flared during malfunctions or shutdowns of equipment The Shell flares released residual hazardous or toxic chemicals benzene and butadiene are known human carcinogens Flares typically have a stated destruction efficiency of at least 98% though critics say the figure can be several percentage points lower depending on their operation allowing more toxic chemicals than expected to be released Multiple breakdowns caused the flaring, according to state records everything from mixed-up wiring on equipment and low oil pressure in a pump to too much water in crude oil and operator errors They created significant emissions over hours three of four steam boilers in Shell Chemical's "East Site" utilities area went offline One was already down for expected maintenance but then another went down when a tube unexpectedly failed a third boiler was inadvertently shut due to operator error When emergency flares burned after to stabilize the complex they released an estimated 185,666 pounds of volatile organic compounds and 8,643 pounds of butadiene over about a week Both amounts represent more than 20 days worth of maximum permitted emissions from the flares VOCs are a class of hydrocarbon-based chemicals some of which contribute to the formation of harmful ozone Residents reported the "extremely large and loud fire flare" going on for days at Norco, DEQ reports say Shell officials told DEQ the failure of the second boiler wasn't preventable but the accidental shutdown of the third The latest violations follow an August 2019 U.S Environmental Protection Agency deadline for Shell Chemical to reduce the burning of waste gases in its Norco flares Under a February 2018 consent decree with the EPA Shell had agreed to the flaring reduction plan That deal settled other alleged air violations from earlier incidents Asked about the incidents detailed in the recent state settlement an EPA spokesman said the agency "does not comment on ongoing investigations and compliance monitoring." "The LDEQ (agreement) is a separate enforcement action and does not resolve any compliance issues under the consent decree," added Joe Robledo Shell agreed to pay DEQ a $453,000 fine plus donate $250,000 to St Charles Parish schools for solar panels at Norco Elementary School That deal settled years of prior alleged air violations from close to 40 flaring incidents and other emissions breakdowns between 2013 to June 2019 mostly before key provisions of the EPA consent decree took effect Shell admitted no fault for any alleged air violations David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@theadvocate.com This story is only for subscribers like you${formattedName Email notifications are only sent once a day News Tips:nolanewstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: 2025 at 9:11 am PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}"The state fleet from across the region and the Riverside Unit will also conduct equipment inspections to certify that all apparatus is functioning at full capacity." (Renee Schiavone/Patch)INLAND EMPIRE CA — Cal Fire crews throughout the Inland Empire will join municipal fire agencies next week for a preparedness drill in Norco intended to gauge the firefighters' readiness for Southern California's wildfire season "This annual drill offers the Riverside County Fire Department's leadership the opportunity to evaluate operational readiness identify areas for improvement and ensure equipment meets safety compliance standards," according to a Cal Fire statement "The state fleet from across the region and the Riverside Unit will also conduct equipment inspections to certify that all apparatus is functioning at full capacity." California Conservation Corps crews from the Bautista Norco and Oak Glen camps will be on hand for the exercise joined by engine and truck companies from the Corona and Riverside fire departments Tuesday's agenda is slated to include "tool-out inspections," hikes emphasizing safety and speed hand-line construction assessments and hose lays Most of the daylong activity will be confined to the Ingalls Event Center on Crestview Drive There was no indication that smoke would be visible from the complex over the duration of the drill Wildfire season generally spans May to November depending on the arrival of autumn or winter rains Executive Circle Awards NY–based contractor and design/builder Norco Construction promoted Erik Rappel to Chief Operating Officer Rappel brings 30 years of construction experience and more than three million square feet of completed projects to his new position Norco’s recent projects include six Veterinary Emergency Group clinics in NY community notes and leaders in your organization to the Long Island Business News audience Click here to make a Movers & Shakers submission and to find out more. Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced that it has chosen this year’s winn[...] The financial landscape of Long Island continues to evolve through the leadership of the remarkable [...] Long Island’s business landscape contains a remarkable tapestry of organizations that have stood t[...] Celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by showcasing the extraordinary wo[...] Listen to this article Lorraine Gregory Communications will be holding a blood drive at its Edgewood[...] Long Island lost 3,100 construction jobs year-over-year in March ending a 12-month streak of gains,[...] Kids Empire and My Gym are opening at Mayfair Shopping Center in Commack Chick-fil-A opens its 12th Long Island location in East Meadow creating 80 jobs and supporting loca[...] Realty Three plans $120M South Village at Station Crossings with 273 rentals Amazon plans to purchase 26.7 acres of Massapequa’s Sunrise Mall site to build a new South Shore d[...] Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions The news out of British Columbia, Canada, today is that Norco finally launches their all-new Sight VLT CX eMTB, expanding on their MTB line of bikes. We got a sneak peek at the new eMTB already back in October but now it’s out and ready to hit the trail This revamped Sight VLT CX is 20% lighter than the previous generation it also comes with a larger 800Wh internal battery and benefits from the significantly reduced riding noise of the lastest Bosch powertain Norco says that all of this is done without compromising the full-power eMTB experience Their new Sight VLT CX is about balance and boosting the rider’s confidence “Reducing the weight of the Sight VLT was a major goal for us and the Bosch CX drive system makes the Sight VLT CX the complete Powered by the latest 4th generation Bosch Performance Line CX drive system with the bigger Bosch PowerTube 800Wh battery Use the Norco x Bosch Flow app to fine tune the assistance levels Like with all of the full-suspension mountain bikes in their line Norco used its rider-first philosophy when designing the Sight VLT CX ebike Norco’s “industry-leading” Ride Aligned Setup Guide is about creating the best rider experience Norco riders can adjust their bike fit and suspension tune on the fly They can also save different setups for different ride and trail styles Combine this with the Bosch Flow app and you can dial in every ride to just how you like it and 150mm of rear wheel travel using a high-pivot suspension layout with an enlosed idler pulley All models also come as a mixed-wheel mullet setup Check out the link below for pricing and build specs Norco.com Ron Frazelle is the Cycling Lifestyle Editor for Bikerumor he has been writing about bicycles and the cycling way of life for 7+ years Frazelle is an avid cyclist of all disciplines Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed the weight savings is in your bank account but don’t want to deal with solvents Simpyfast claims their Lube Cube is the easiest way Peak Performance expands on their MTB specific clothing with new pants Apparently that’s an option when you’re designing products for the GOAT We spotted Cofidis racing an all-new prototype wireless 13-speed Campagnolo Super Record 13 WRL SC road groupset Canyon Bicycles is now selling select models directly through Amazon.com Want wireless shifting but don’t want to have to buy a whole new drivetrain Be protected from the sun with the new UV Hooded Trail Shirt… OrNot The new Van Nicholas Astraeus is a beautiful titanium road bike that’s limited to just 50 frames The Range VLT is the heavy hitter in Norco’s lineup of eMTBs Norco redesigned the full-power long-travel e-bike in 2024 making it even more aggressive than its predecessor the Range VLT has a very clear downhill focus Factor in the powerful Bosch motor and long-range 750Wh battery and it’s capable of taking you right back to the top for more Last fall, I tested the Norco Range VLT C1 ($8,999) for several months on the varied trails and terrain in and around Truckee From 2,500-foot climbs to puckering steeps and machine-built flow trails to janky skidders I put this long-travel trail slayer through its paces to see if it lives up to the high-pivot hype In short: The Norco Range VLT is the burliest and most aggressive eMTB I’ve ever ridden plowing down rough trails and over big drops the Bosch motor and large battery make climbing a breeze It’s heavy — even for an e-bike — making it a handful at lower speeds and tighter terrain But if you’re interested in going downhill fast In the market for an e-bike? Check out our guide to the best electric bikes If you’re familiar with the Canadian brand Norco you know it focuses on downhill performance Even its short-travel trail bikes are more aggressive than most with the VLT models mirroring its nonelectric lineup The Range VLT is the longest travel bike in Norco’s eMTB range The brand completely overhauled the model in 2024 While the latest version may look similar to its predecessor on paper there are a number of significant differences.  One of the most obvious differences is the shape of the beefed-up front triangle There is now a support bridging between the top tube and the down tube that also serves as the upper shock mount.  so it isn’t too much of a surprise that the latest Range VLT uses a high-pivot suspension design with an idler pulley this design aims to provide a rearward axle path as it moves through its 170mm of travel Norco made the switch to the high-performance Bosch Performance Line CX with Smart System An upgrade over the previous version’s Shimano EP8 drive system Another notable change is that the Range VLT now comes in five frame sizes with size-specific geometry This should provide a more balanced feel across the size run The C in the name stands for carbon and describes the material used for the front triangle That’s paired with aluminum chainstays and seat stays The C2 build shares the same carbon front end The Range VLT is a dedicated mixed-wheel size bike with a 29-inch front wheel and a smaller 27.5-inch wheel in the rear The frame has 170mm of rear wheel travel and is intended to be used with a 180mm travel fork The Range VLT frame has standard internal cable routing and there is space within the front triangle for a full-size water bottle The Bosch battery/mode display unit is integrated into the top tube A plastic shuttle guard on the underside of the downtube protects from tailgate damage — not that you need a shuttle with this bike The stout-looking frame houses the battery in the downtube the beefy battery cover is removable to slide the battery out from the bottom of the downtube The Norco Range VLT relies on the proven Bosch Performance Line CX motor This is a full-power motor that puts out up to 85 Nm of torque The motor is by the bottom bracket but positioned diagonally upward to make more room for the battery This positioning helps keep the battery and motor weight as low as possible on the bike Switching between the motor’s four output modes is done through a wireless remote on the handlebar I appreciated the remote’s wireless nature and there’s no wire to snag or pull out while riding The Bosch Smart System Rim Magnet works as the system’s speed sensor The top tube integrated battery/mode display unit is out of the way but was easy to see It has two buttons — the main power button as well as a button that can be used to switch between output modes A colored LED changes between four different colors to indicate the current assist mode Five additional LED bars represent the remaining battery life in roughly 20% increments More detailed monitoring of battery life can be done through the Bosch app The motor comes preset in four riding modes that provide a good spread of assistance you can also choose from three other preset modes — but you can only use four at a time You can also customize the modes through the app to optimize them for your riding style The Bosch eBike Flow app was easy to understand and use Norco no longer lets you choose the battery size The 2024 Range VLT comes with a 750Wh Bosch PowerTube battery anything bigger would make this bike heavier than it already is those interested in maximum range will be happy to know that it is compatible with a range extender The Bosch PowerMore 250 Range Extender fits on frame sizes 3 The Range VLT has a long and slack geometry well suited to its downhill smashing intentions the 63-degree head tube angle aims to provide stability at speed and confidence in steep terrain.  the Range VLT comes in five frame sizes with size-specific geometry The run of five sizes is claimed to fit riders between 5’1” and 6’5” Most riders should be able to get a good fit or choose a size based on reach preference Reach starts at 417.5 mm on S1 and increases 25 mm per size to 517.5 mm on S5 That equates to a 492.5mm reach on the size S4 that I tested.  the five-size spread puts riders like me — who are accustomed to a 480mm-ish reach on a size Large — between sizes 3 and 4 but it meant I had to choose between a longer or shorter reach than I’m accustomed to Effective seat tube angles are appropriately steep — all around 77 degrees — and increase by 0.25 degrees as you climb up through the size run the rear center length increases by 4 mm per size to maintain fore-aft balance the stack heights are also quite tall across the board One of the biggest updates to the 2024 versions was the move to a high-pivot suspension design The Norco VPS HP is essentially a modified Horst Link design The main pivot is moved up higher — behind and above the bottom bracket — with an idler pulley routing the chain over that pivot point This suspension layout results in a rearward axle path in the first two-thirds of the travel It is claimed that the rear center length extends by up to 15 mm as it goes through its travel.  One of the main goals of high-pivot suspension designs is to reduce the sensation of the rear wheel getting hung up over obstacles Since the rear wheel moves up and back as the suspension compresses The C1 is the top-tier option in Norco’s lineup of three Range VLT builds but it has been discounted at times over the winter months it has a mostly quality build that leaves little to be desired One of the highlights of the C1 build is the RockShox suspension package A RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork handles the 180mm of front travel The last several Zeb forks I’ve ridden have truly impressed me It sat high in its travel while giving up its full stroke when asked.  The RockShox Vivid Select+ shock controls the bike’s 170mm of rear travel with ample adjustability to dial in individual preferences SRAM’s latest GX AXS Transmission wireless drivetrain provides 12 gears and a huge range The wireless shifting was crisp and shifted very well under load — a good thing The SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes provided heaps of stopping power especially when paired with the thicker HS2 rotors front and rear The latest SRAM Maven brakes would be a good fit for this bike but I found the Codes to be plenty powerful.  The Range VLT C1 rolls on a set of alloy Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike wheels — 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear They got the job done without impressing or disappointing A set of 2.4-inch-wide Continental Kryptotal tires with the Enduro casing were properly aggressive even if the rubber compound wasn’t the tackiest Out front, a 40mm stem clamps an 800mm wide, 25mm rise unbranded alloy handlebar with WTB Wavelength mountain bike grips. A comfortable SDG Bel Air V3 saddle sits atop a TranzX RAD+ dropper seatpost Norco sells the Range VLT in three different builds The C2 ($7,999) uses the same carbon frame and alloy rear triangle but it comes with a Select+ level Zeb fork and a cable-actuated SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain The “A” in A1 ($6,999) stands for aluminum and this build comes with a full aluminum frame Suspension components include a RockShox Zeb Select fork and Vivid Base shock It comes with a mechanical SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain There’s no two ways around it; electric mountain bikes are heavy This is particularly true of the Norco Range VLT C1 At a measured weight of 58 pounds (size 4) without pedals this is the heaviest eMTB I’ve ridden — by several pounds.  It makes sense when you consider the full-power motor While weight isn’t a huge factor when you have a powerful motor to back you up it definitely played a role in this bike’s handling Additionally, it’s a lot if you have to get off and push, carry, or even lift this bike onto a hitch bike rack. On that note, you’ll want to make sure your bike rack can handle this beast. A durable rack with a high weight limit, like the 1Up-USA Super Duty As mentioned in the geometry section above I opted for the longer reach to avoid feeling cramped I’d recommend sizing down or trying to get your hands on a demo to feel it out Norco’s Ride Aligned setup guide aids in the initial suspension setup on the Range VLT I’ve used Ride Aligned in the past with other test bikes and had good results and some preferences provides you with a solid baseline for the bike’s setup I followed the Ride Aligned suggestions and felt quite comfortable right off the bat I did make some slight deviations from the suggested shock pressures based on preference and ride feel Ride Aligned made it easier to get setup sorted so I could get on the trail more quickly it’s clear to see where its priorities lie My best description is that it rides like a downhill bike with a motor If lapping fast and rough trails is what you’re into the Range VLT can get you back to the top quickly You can spend more time riding and less time trying to figure out shuttle math or squeezing into the back seat of your buddy’s truck It feels and sounds strange to call a 58-pound bike a good climber It wouldn’t be without the motor and large battery Norco also gave it a properly steep seat tube angle so it’s comfortable for grinding up those steep fire roads for more downhill laps.  I’ve ridden quite a few bikes with the Bosch motor and I continue to be impressed by its refined feel As someone who likes to put in some effort I especially appreciate its power delivery it provides output based on your pedaling input but it rewards an active participant.  It would be easy to get into the weeds on all the different modes but there are four to choose from — with more options and customization possible through the app I always found a mode that worked well for my needs on the climbs.  The 750Wh battery provided ample power for hefty rides I covered 16 miles with 5,000 feet of climbing and still had about 25% of the battery remaining I was definitely putting in some pedaling effort but the motor was doing its share of the work Riding 5K of vertical in an hour and a half is pretty awesome The steep seat tube props the rider up and helps keep the slack front end from feeling too light I was able to claw my way up some steep and chunky pitches This was mostly thanks to the support of the motor and heaps of traction from the active rear suspension the suspension still felt supportive enough to keep it from being too mushy or vague the geometry and weight heavily influence the Range VLT’s climbing abilities given its length and slack front end — maneuverability isn’t its strongest suit it was a lot to handle any time I had to get off and push or carry the bike I found it best suited to fire roads and double tracks where I could blast uphill with little regard This bike is fairly one-dimensional in its downhill performance albeit with a bit of a brute-force approach It really came alive as speeds increased with a planted and unflinchingly stable feel it felt so calm and composed that it gave me the sensation of riding much slower than I was I think most riders would be hard-pressed to find its speed limit A big part of that calmness and stability is the Range VLT’s suspension performance it can obviously soak up some serious hits controlled feel with no wallowing or bottom-outs the suspension felt incredibly supple over small trail chatter with good support in the mid-stroke It truly felt like I was floating over rough terrain I found myself carrying tons of speed into rock gardens with the knowledge that the bike could take it in stride the high pivot suspension design and its rearward axle path were very noticeable On square-edged impacts that slow many bikes down the Range VLT maintained momentum and speed much better than I’m used to that rear wheel just got right out of the way.  The suspension performance also seemed virtually unaffected by braking or drivetrain forces Many people complain about the idlers on some high-pivot bikes being noisy but this one remained virtually silent through testing The Range VLT’s length provided a sensation of being very much between the wheels I definitely felt in the bike rather than perched on it I had to consciously keep my weight forward to maintain front-end grip but one that made a huge difference in terms of control and enjoyment on the Range VLT as the high stack and raked-out front end kept me in a commanding position with little need to shift weight back I found the Range VLT handled best in its element — fast the smaller rear wheel made it fairly easy to get the back end of the bike around sweeping turns with catch berms.   and geometry combined made it a real handful in other situations I did not find it to be playful in the slightest but I didn’t find extra credit side hits or jumps to be of much interest as it felt dull and lethargic when taken out of its element Some of my favorite local trails are steep but pretty janky I quickly realized that the weight and bulk made for some awkward handling in the tight Perhaps the smaller frame size would’ve helped it felt like the weight was the biggest issue If you’ve read this far, then it should probably be pretty clear who the Norco Range VLT C1 is for This bike is ideal for those who prioritize hard-hitting but my best description is still an electric downhill bike.  It’s the perfect bike for riders who ride proper high-speed downhill tracks and want an electric bike to take them there For those burly trails that chairlifts or shuttle vehicles can’t access the Range VLT’s powerful motor and ample battery can help you spin laps.  and rough trails with supernatural confidence and composure And while it might be a bit of a one-trick pony We tested the best hitch bike racks for 2025 with options for every budget Jeremy Benson is a Managing Editor at GearJunkie He has been professionally testing and reviewing mountain bikes and all of the accessories that go along with them for 8+ years he worked for other outlets like Bikerumor and OutdoorGearLab and was a sponsored ski athlete for 15 years Benson is also the author of two guidebooks Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: California he can usually be found in the woods riding mountain or gravel bikes or climbing mountains with skis when there’s snow on the ground If you mistake James Wilson’s cooking with your mom’s or the pot roast at his restaurant and you call out to James in the kitchen “MaMa Is That You?” James will happily reply James and his wife Cheryl opened MaMa is that You on Apple Street in Norco on Aug 8 with the vision of serving what they call “feel good food” to St they have received overwhelming support from the community “It’s so fulfilling to see people enjoying my food genuinely enjoying my cooking,” James said The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m Menu staples include things like fried fish or chicken plates the restaurant will host a brunch with bottomless mimosas James moved to the parish from Metairie after he met Cheryl when they were teenagers James and Cheryl’s three children graduated from Destrehan High School and one of their 10 grandkids is now on Destrehan’s football team “There is no better place to raise your children,” James said of St James said they feel blessed to have a business in the parish “The people in Norco have shown us so much support and love,” he said Cheryl spends her mornings working at the Arc of St Charles as a vocational specialist and her afternoons at the restaurant (“checking the register,” James joked) The potato salad they serve is a recipe from Cheryl’s mom James said he hopes the restaurant reminds people of good home cooking I want people to come here and enjoy food as if it’s your momma’s cooking.” James’ grandfather owned the Metairie restaurant Hot Spot for 30 years “It’s almost as if its hereditary,” James said of his knack for cooking The first thing James learned to cook was his mom’s pot roast “My mother was the greatest cook God has every blessed this earth with,” James said “It didn’t matter what she cooked – everything she cooked was outstandingly delicious I try to embody her spirit when I’m cooking.” He also remembers visiting his grandfather’s restaurant He wants patrons of their restaurant to have the same experience “I hope this is a place where people can enjoy coming to and hopefully it’ll be something that they’ll remember – like I remember eating at my grandfather’s restaurant,” James said This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access. Shelter hasn’t euthanized any animals due to space constraints since 2017 Organizations partner to host teen debutante ball/cotillion event Sheriff’s Reports 4-17-2025 […] William Degenhart Jr. knew he wanted to serve his country – the question left was, in what capacity?  […] No. 18 Destrehan was locked in an intense Division I non-select opening round playoff series at No. 15 Central-Baton Rouge that went the distance. […] U.K.) announces that is taken a step in advancing its technological capabilities through the investment of several additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing technologies This effort will enhance Norco’s existing production capabilities and open new market opportunities for the company which specializes in glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) molding and development of small- and large-scale composite structures Norco is enhancing its dedicated CNC facility with equipment specifically designed for large-format AM (LFAM) These additions to Norco’s facility will enable it to meet diverse industry needs such as rapid prototyping (iterating and testing designs with reduced lead times, moving from concept to production in days or weeks) material versatility (ability to work bio-based materials customization and complexity (creating intricate geometries and custom parts) and addressing sustainable operations (minimizing waste and reduce the environmental impact through circularity-focused practices and the use of recyclable materials) all of whom have extensive experience in 3D printing and related fields Norco says this talent will strengthen its capabilities in key areas. “We are not only enhancing our production processes but also creating new opportunities to serve a wider range of industries with innovative and customized solutions,” highlights Mark Northey now decked out with LFAM equipment will cater to a variety of applications such as patterns and molds Six-axis Flexbot 3D printer developing a Norco mold Norco Composites & GRP (Poole U.K.) was commissioned by BAE Systems (London U.K.) to deliver a series of hard hulled riverine craft (HHRC) for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) versatile craft are essential for fast raiding and assault missions particularly in riverine environments and beach landing operations Their compact design enables rapid deployment and mobility HHRC support operations in challenging environments demolition and general service duties Each vessel has lifting points for helicopter transport or deployment from larger vessels enabling easy mobilization to remote and inaccessible locations these 5.2-meter craft ensure stability reserve buoyancy and resistance to swamping BAE Systems initially raised concerns regarding the ability to meet new weight targets as the manufacturing techniques originally used in the 1990s did not align with modern requirements Norco’s engineering team addressed these challenges by leveraging historical production methods in combination with modern quality standards The team conducted comprehensive market research on material availability and historic certifications ultimately presenting an optimized material solution that met certification and customer requirements Norco says it not only met but exceeded the weight restrictions for the project demonstrating precision in a skill-focused production task Norco’s approach resulted in a lightweight low-profile vessel featuring reserve buoyancy from foam filling low-draft operations in shallow waters such as rivers This configuration delivers the flexibility durability and reliability that BAE Systems required for this legacy craft The glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) construction enhanced with metal backing plates and under-deck hard points Norco reports, guaranteeing that the vessels can withstand rigorous operational demands By delivering on weight and performance requirements Norco successfully maintained the integrity of the original design while integrating modern material standards “Through our collaboration with Norco on the HHRC project the team has delivered a product that enhances our outsourcing model and meets our high standards and capability,” says Steve Quick “We look forward to potential opportunities to work together in the future.” Norco Elementary School has officially “flipped the switch.”  A significant portion of the facilities at the school are now being fed by solar power the result of the installation of an onsite solar grid as part of a partnership between the St Charles Parish school district and Shell Norco It is the first step of a plan to create an interactive renewable energy learning lab at the school The initiative involves the installation of an onsite solar grid in addition to a cutting-edge solar lab with learning dashboards linked to the solar panels The lab will also include various equipment and tools tied to renewable energy – for example bikes that generate battery power – and written and digital media related to renewable energy resources “We’ve had the opportunity to partner with Shell and with their focus on renewable energy and resources this project made a lot of sense for the Norco site,” said John Rome The solar panels will be used in part to supply power to Norco Elementary School with unused generated power fed back to Entergy Any initial cost associated with the project is expected to be offset by governmental incentives/rebates and future energy savings and the “flipping of the switch” to activate the system officially happened Dec 13 The project will be fully paid for through Shell’s grant funding via the partnership “It covers not only the installation costs but there’s a payback period in the energy you save over time – saving those costs (could have potentially) paid for it but those recouped dollars will be invested back into other areas to benefit our schools and students,” Rome said “There are also some exciting rebates opportunities through the federal government where we believe we can earn 20 to 30 percent of the installation costs back in rebates it’s good for the environment and it’s an educational opportunity for our students but also it’s a cost savings for the district and the taxpayers.”  Rome said it’s another part of a green initiative included in the school district’s long range action plan that’s already included additions like solar powered parking lot lights energy efficient roofs and HVAC systems and more Now that the solar panels are installed and operational the next step is to create the learning lab “We’re looking at modifications and furnishings that would accommodate what’s going to be an interactive lab where students can get a very hands-on learning experience about renewable energy.”  Rome said the solar dashboard will be web-based and interactive allowing students to see how it all actually works – the kilowatts that are being generated and how much energy is being saved then we’ll have other types of renewable energy stations – solar power water power – things that kids can really dive into and immerse themselves in for hands-on learning We’re planning a lot of interactive components so kids can understand the benefits of renewable energy and renewable resources,” Rome said From candy canes to king cakes – fundraiser will benefit Special Olympics Tigers headed to next level after signing ceremony Debra Jean “Debbie” Duhe passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Boutte, Louisiana. […] U.K.) has been selected as a key composites suppler to aerospace defense and information security company BAE Systems (London U.K.). This decision follows years of diligent work and effective collaboration between Norco and BAE Systems demonstrating the former’s commitment to quality Norco says its achievement is the result of persistent efforts by its sales and engineering team in presenting Norco as a long-term solution This success is shared by the entire team whose dedication and hard work have directly contributed to this accomplishment “We are appointing Norco as one of our key composites suppliers following a successful collaboration in the delivery of key defense assets in 2024,” says Steve Quick boats program lead at BAE Systems Maritime Services “Working with Norco reinforces our legacy in quality composite construction of specialist fabrications and will allow continued production of critical composite craft for our defense customers.” “Our appointment by BAE Systems is a proud moment for all of us at Norco,” Dodge says “It represents a vote of confidence from one of the defense industry’s most prominent OEMs in our pursuit of excellence in providing high-quality products and services to our clients We look forward to continuing our work with BAE Systems and further pioneering in the defense sector.” Norco says its achievement is the result of persistent efforts by its sales and engineering team, specifically Ned Popham and Harry Dodge, in presenting Norco as a long-term solution. This success is shared by the entire team, whose dedication and hard work have directly contributed to this accomplishment. “We are appointing Norco as one of our key composites suppliers following a successful collaboration in the delivery of key defense assets in 2024,” says Steve Quick, boats program lead at BAE Systems Maritime Services. “Working with Norco reinforces our legacy in quality composite construction of specialist fabrications and will allow continued production of critical composite craft for our defense customers.” Harry Dodge, Norco, business development manager, reflects on this pivotal moment. “Our appointment by BAE Systems is a proud moment for all of us at Norco,” Dodge says. “It represents a vote of confidence from one of the defense industry’s most prominent OEMs in our pursuit of excellence in providing high-quality products and services to our clients. We look forward to continuing our work with BAE Systems and further pioneering in the defense sector.” Print It’s already time to get excited about a freshman baseball player Pitcher Jordan Ayla of Norco High made a sensational debut last week against Orange Lutheran He retired the first 11 batters and gave up two hits with one walk in 5 1/3 innings “He’s really good,” Norco coach Gary Parcell said Jordan Ayala (28 CA) peaked at 94 early, still grabbing 92’s in the 6th. Mixed a banger slider in the 81-85 range. Excellent athlete and combines the highest level upside and ultra-competitive traits. #PGHS pic.twitter.com/TTF0DQwXJ1 Ayala was clocked throwing fastballs in the 90s it’s Ayala’s poise that makes Parcell convinced the right-hander has a talent for pitching He was originally attending South Hills until transferring to Norco in November “We’re really young and adding a young pitcher like that takes you to another level,” Parcell said 🏆🤼‍♂️🤼 2025 CIF State Wrestling Championship pairings are out now!ℹ️ https://t.co/gak2xx3WcI📅 Feb. 27-Mar. 1📍 Mechanics Bank Arena, Bakersfield⏰ Competition begins @ 9 am each day pic.twitter.com/1wOAHccj1u The City Section boys’ basketball semifinals in Division I are Wednesday, with Granada Hills hosting Poly and L.A. Jordan hosting Grant. This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com 2024An investigation was underway Sunday after a person and a horse were killed in a crash on the 15 Freeway in Norco.NORCO (KABC) -- An investigation was underway Sunday after a person and a horse were killed in a crash on the 15 Freeway in Norco The single-vehicle collision happened around 2 a.m according to the California Highway Patrol's traffic log The victim and the horse were pronounced dead at the scene but further details about the circumstances that led up to the crash were not available Officials say another person sustained moderate injuries in the crash and was taken to the hospital CAIR California CA – 3/3/2025) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) initiative to provide free to-go meal kits for Muslim students who are observing fasting during Ramadan SEE: Corona-Norco Unified School District: To-go meals for students who observe Ramadan In an “effort to promote nutrition security and health equity,” CNUSD recently announced that free to-go meal kits will be available at all school sites for students to pick up each day beginning Friday The meal kits are shelf-stable and can be requested by students in the breakfast and lunch lines CNUSD joins the Anaheim Union High School District and the Garden Grove Unified School District in offering to-go kits for fasting students CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said: “Providing meal kits for students who are fasting during Ramadan is one meaningful way schools can support Muslim students Many rely on school meals for their nutrition and offering such resources helps ensure that fasting students can observe their faith without facing difficulties The efforts of school districts like Garden Grove and Corona Norco highlight the importance of inclusivity and understanding in educational environments “We commend CNUSD for its commitment to accommodating the needs of its diverse students and we hope that more school districts will take similar steps to ensure Muslim students feel seen and valued at school  CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam promote justice and empower American Muslims  CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com Privacy Policy Website Designed by Digital Learning Partners 2025-05-05T07:41:43-07:00May 5 2025-05-02T09:39:58-07:00May 2 2025-05-02T08:40:53-07:00May 2 2025-05-04T09:32:06-07:00April 30 2025-04-30T17:06:48-07:00April 30 was one of only 24 finalists in the state selected for the 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year competition and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regions Perez will represent region 2 in the competition which recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership The finalists will meet May 16 at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners for elementary Perez was named Norco Elementary’s Student of the Year in October before winning the title at the parish level in November Ken Oertling and Norco Elementary School Principal Shannon Diodene surprised Perez with the news of her regional win “I was astonished that out of all the fifth-grade students in Louisiana I was one of eight kids that got selected,” Perez said “My parents and family were very proud of me My teachers were very proud because they know I am a great student.” Perez said she is proud she has always maintained an A average throughout her elementary years “My goal is to continue excelling in school,” she said “My biggest motivation is really my desire to learn and overcome challenges.” Perez is an active member of talented theatre She also makes and sells handmade bracelets through her business Brynlee’s Bracelet Boutique crocheting and spending time with her family and animals She hopes to pursue a career as an engineer in the future Perez said she likes Norco Elementary’s focuses on safety and she also enjoys the many clubs for extracurricular activities “I love 4-H because 4-H is based on helping out in the community.” Perez said she thinks her personality helped her stand out in the competition “I think that these qualities helped me stand out.” “She’s a natural leader with a determined spirit,” Savoie said When Perez and her family lost their four-year-old Corgi to an aggressive cancer last year Perez began volunteering at the animal shelter “Watching her grieve and work through that pain was difficult as a parent,” Savoie said she channeled her love for animals into helping others Savoie said she is most proud of Perez for always staying true to herself and confidently expressing who she is I’ve always believed she is an amazing young lady but having others recognize that as well is truly rewarding,” she said “We have always known Brynlee is an exceptional young lady.” Local blood drive will support child with bone cancer DHS Theatre to perform musical set in post-apocalyptic New Orleans  Real Estate Transactions 4-10-2025 […] Rae Dior Couture, an online clothing boutique, will host its 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 13 at Jerusalem Shriners from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 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