12.26.2007
12.23.2007
Athletes of the Northern Hemisphere- Rejoice!
As I watched the setting yellow moon on my way to the Phoenix Airport early this morning, I realized a beautiful thing. The Winter Solstice has passed. A little more daylight every day for the next 6 months.
I celebrated with my longest training ride of the last four months and some seasonal ales. I didn't leave the house to ride until later, but props to Arizonian's stubbornness about that whole Daylight Savings thing- I could ride outside past 5 p.m. on the shortest day of the year. It was like an early Christmas present.
I celebrated with my longest training ride of the last four months and some seasonal ales. I didn't leave the house to ride until later, but props to Arizonian's stubbornness about that whole Daylight Savings thing- I could ride outside past 5 p.m. on the shortest day of the year. It was like an early Christmas present.
12.18.2007
O-Town
It's been a busy week. The lovely Rosa Linda and I jumped in the car last Friday and dashed up to Oakland both for my little sister's graduation and to see her new house. I can't decide what's bigger: graduating or being a home owner? (and in California, no less!) It was great to finally get up to her neck of the woods, but the 5.5 hour drive on the I-5 through central California... not so great. I forgot just how desolate it is. Fortunately, Rosa kept me entertained with sweet serenades... Take a good luck at this picture:
For the younger readers, what she's holding is a cassette tape. Larger than an iPod, that baby has music on both sides, and up to a whopping 120 minutes! Now you older readers, see who's on the cover? Oh yes, it's the New Kids On The Block Christmas album. Rosa dug this baby out from deep within her glove box, popped it in, and opened up the liner notes to sing along. I told her to stop the ruse. I knew she didn't need the liner...... and she didn't. She knew every single word. Fortunately she showed some mercy and only subjected me to three songs.
For the younger readers, what she's holding is a cassette tape. Larger than an iPod, that baby has music on both sides, and up to a whopping 120 minutes! Now you older readers, see who's on the cover? Oh yes, it's the New Kids On The Block Christmas album. Rosa dug this baby out from deep within her glove box, popped it in, and opened up the liner notes to sing along. I told her to stop the ruse. I knew she didn't need the liner...... and she didn't. She knew every single word. Fortunately she showed some mercy and only subjected me to three songs.
12.14.2007
"I know I saw that chopper..."
-Captain Murphy, Sealab 2021
Yesterday I snuck out for a Coach Farrell "hour of power" on the LA River bike path, which runs along the I-5 interstate, and I was amazed at the lack of traffic on the 5. Then, as I rode a little further down the path I noticed the helicopters circling overhead... oh man.
Sigh... I suppose it was only a matter of time before the LA networks learned of the new ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team and would want the story straight from me... these interviews were really going to put a damper on my training....bummer I wasn't in a new kit yet for my close up... at least I was really hungry so dropping a reference for how I was starving for Qdoba would be easy... maybe I should take a cue from Burgundy and give 'em free tickets to the Gun Show?
But alas, it was actually some moron who'd stolen a Mustang and lead the police on their daily high speed chase that attracted the vulturous News birds. I mean c'mon, what news is that, especially in LA? The guy was in the Northbound lanes when he stopped too- he wasn't even headed to Mexico like any self respecting criminal. Sheesh...
Guess I'll have to wait just a little longer for those 15 minutes.
Yesterday I snuck out for a Coach Farrell "hour of power" on the LA River bike path, which runs along the I-5 interstate, and I was amazed at the lack of traffic on the 5. Then, as I rode a little further down the path I noticed the helicopters circling overhead... oh man.
Sigh... I suppose it was only a matter of time before the LA networks learned of the new ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team and would want the story straight from me... these interviews were really going to put a damper on my training....bummer I wasn't in a new kit yet for my close up... at least I was really hungry so dropping a reference for how I was starving for Qdoba would be easy... maybe I should take a cue from Burgundy and give 'em free tickets to the Gun Show?
But alas, it was actually some moron who'd stolen a Mustang and lead the police on their daily high speed chase that attracted the vulturous News birds. I mean c'mon, what news is that, especially in LA? The guy was in the Northbound lanes when he stopped too- he wasn't even headed to Mexico like any self respecting criminal. Sheesh...
Guess I'll have to wait just a little longer for those 15 minutes.
12.07.2007
You Think You're Tough?
The following showed up in my inbox the other day courtesy of former ABD'er Pete Hill... and makes me feel like a total wimp.
It's official I've gotten enough responses that the first Dubuque to Dyersville to Dubuque Winter Survival Race (TripleD for short) is on for January 19Th I'll be posting updates and flyers for this event in the days to come... However, below is the critical information that you'll need to know right now:
Please forward this to all that you know who bike, run, ski, snowshoe. This event is more about completing it, than it is a race, but a race it is...
Bike (~60 miles Dubuque to Dyersville and back + some) Foot [Run/Ski] (~20 miles Dyersville to Dubuque) Estimated finish time between 5 - 10 hours.
Rules and deadlines:
1. Registration with check or money order must be received by December 26th. See Address below.
2. Hotel reservations must be made prior to December 26th! This is critical! We have a great rate for all... see Hotel Information below. This is a great race to bring the family along to, let them enjoy the resort while you enjoy... well you get the idea. Need to specify that you are with this event to receive the discounted rooms. 3. Entry fee is only $40 for all categories (tandems, if your crazy enough to attempt this is $40 total, if you decide the day of the race to ride singles the other rider must pay $40 - this is the only exception to pre registration).
4. There are multiple categories (Bike and foot [run, snowshoe, ski, etc.]
5. The bike course will be a full 60+ miles. The non-bike category is will most likely be somewhere around 20 miles. 6. No refunds will be allowed. However, you may change categories the day of the race.
7. Sign in will be at 10 am on January 19th in the Platinum B suite at the Grand Harbor resort (Dubuque, Iowa) Directions will be posted in the near future (its next to the river boat casino). You will be required to sign a release form at this time. Also, it is recommended that you carry a cell phone, and include this on your registration form. We will use these if you go missing from an eta checkpoint.
8. Pre race meeting will also be held in the Platinum B suite at 11 am. Bikers, you will then have about 45 min afterwards to get ready. All foot racers (ski, run) will be transported to the "Heritage Trail" Dyersville Trailhead where they will also start at 12:00 noon. 9. Race will start at 12 Noon sharp. For the bikers in the parking ramp of the Grand River Center (across the street) from the resort and connected with a sky walk. Runners and Skiers at the Dyersville Trailhead. 10. No outside help from anyone except other racers. This means that there are no support crews of any kind. If you take a ride, you are forfeiting your right to finish the race and you must contact race officials to notify us when/where you are dropping out of the race and if you need one of the sag vehicles to pick you up. However, participants are encouraged to help each other. The buddy system is a good way to do this race. 11. Any combination of forward motion is allowed (i.e., skiers can run, runners can snow shoe, bikers can push, etc.). No towing/pushing other racers, you can assist them but not in the forward direction. 12. No littering (and no stashes). This should be obvious but it is so important to us that we thought we should put it in the rules. Leave no trace. Make use of sanitation facilities provided along the trail (there are a couple of restrooms on Heritage trail and at the trail heads in Dubuque and Dyersville. Bring your own t.p. just incase. If you start with a bike or ski's you'd better finish with them.
13. If you leave the race course for some reason, you must re-enter the course exactly where you left it or notify race officials that you are dropping out as soon as is feasible. Short-cutting the course is not allowed and may be grounds for disqualification, at the discretion of the Race Director, at minimum you will be required to buy a round of drinks for those you didn't take your route.
14. Stop at all intersections and obey traffic laws. 15. The course will be marked and maps will be provided (GPS and cycling computers are allowed - but temperatures may prevent them from working). 16. There will be no cut off time! This race is about finishing! However, we will have sag available. It is recommended that everyone have two lights: a. white head light, b. red flashing tail light (even foot category racers).
17. Stay safe, stay warm, warn other trail users when passing, etc... 18. Awards will be given for first place in each category (categories TBD, but they will be something like [Male/Female], [Bike/Tandem/Ski/Foot], etc. ).
19. Awards will take place at 10 PM on the 19th (Platinum B suite). Yes, it late, but your staying at the hotel anyway... and some of you may just be finishing.
20. Numbered tickets will be given to all starters. Additional tickets will be issued to finishers. The better you finish the more tickets. We will then give away all race profits lottery style. Exactly the same as the Colesburg 40 Gravel Race. I estimate based on the number of "Yes" replies that I received that we will have about $500 to work with. However this could be much higher if you pass the word... race expenses will be kept to an absolute minimum, no profits to anybody (expenses include: insurance, trail access fees, shuttle, sag, course markings, beer, etc.)
Send $40 per person to:
Triple D c/o
Lance Andre
1735 Eden Lane
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4027
Must be received by December 26th roster will be updated daily.
Race Director Contact Information:
(563) 543-2784
(800) 678-6565 ext 3166 (9-5 m-f)
It's official I've gotten enough responses that the first Dubuque to Dyersville to Dubuque Winter Survival Race (TripleD for short) is on for January 19Th I'll be posting updates and flyers for this event in the days to come... However, below is the critical information that you'll need to know right now:
Please forward this to all that you know who bike, run, ski, snowshoe. This event is more about completing it, than it is a race, but a race it is...
Bike (~60 miles Dubuque to Dyersville and back + some) Foot [Run/Ski] (~20 miles Dyersville to Dubuque) Estimated finish time between 5 - 10 hours.
Rules and deadlines:
1. Registration with check or money order must be received by December 26th. See Address below.
2. Hotel reservations must be made prior to December 26th! This is critical! We have a great rate for all... see Hotel Information below. This is a great race to bring the family along to, let them enjoy the resort while you enjoy... well you get the idea. Need to specify that you are with this event to receive the discounted rooms. 3. Entry fee is only $40 for all categories (tandems, if your crazy enough to attempt this is $40 total, if you decide the day of the race to ride singles the other rider must pay $40 - this is the only exception to pre registration).
4. There are multiple categories (Bike and foot [run, snowshoe, ski, etc.]
5. The bike course will be a full 60+ miles. The non-bike category is will most likely be somewhere around 20 miles. 6. No refunds will be allowed. However, you may change categories the day of the race.
7. Sign in will be at 10 am on January 19th in the Platinum B suite at the Grand Harbor resort (Dubuque, Iowa) Directions will be posted in the near future (its next to the river boat casino). You will be required to sign a release form at this time. Also, it is recommended that you carry a cell phone, and include this on your registration form. We will use these if you go missing from an eta checkpoint.
8. Pre race meeting will also be held in the Platinum B suite at 11 am. Bikers, you will then have about 45 min afterwards to get ready. All foot racers (ski, run) will be transported to the "Heritage Trail" Dyersville Trailhead where they will also start at 12:00 noon. 9. Race will start at 12 Noon sharp. For the bikers in the parking ramp of the Grand River Center (across the street) from the resort and connected with a sky walk. Runners and Skiers at the Dyersville Trailhead. 10. No outside help from anyone except other racers. This means that there are no support crews of any kind. If you take a ride, you are forfeiting your right to finish the race and you must contact race officials to notify us when/where you are dropping out of the race and if you need one of the sag vehicles to pick you up. However, participants are encouraged to help each other. The buddy system is a good way to do this race. 11. Any combination of forward motion is allowed (i.e., skiers can run, runners can snow shoe, bikers can push, etc.). No towing/pushing other racers, you can assist them but not in the forward direction. 12. No littering (and no stashes). This should be obvious but it is so important to us that we thought we should put it in the rules. Leave no trace. Make use of sanitation facilities provided along the trail (there are a couple of restrooms on Heritage trail and at the trail heads in Dubuque and Dyersville. Bring your own t.p. just incase. If you start with a bike or ski's you'd better finish with them.
13. If you leave the race course for some reason, you must re-enter the course exactly where you left it or notify race officials that you are dropping out as soon as is feasible. Short-cutting the course is not allowed and may be grounds for disqualification, at the discretion of the Race Director, at minimum you will be required to buy a round of drinks for those you didn't take your route.
14. Stop at all intersections and obey traffic laws. 15. The course will be marked and maps will be provided (GPS and cycling computers are allowed - but temperatures may prevent them from working). 16. There will be no cut off time! This race is about finishing! However, we will have sag available. It is recommended that everyone have two lights: a. white head light, b. red flashing tail light (even foot category racers).
17. Stay safe, stay warm, warn other trail users when passing, etc... 18. Awards will be given for first place in each category (categories TBD, but they will be something like [Male/Female], [Bike/Tandem/Ski/Foot], etc. ).
19. Awards will take place at 10 PM on the 19th (Platinum B suite). Yes, it late, but your staying at the hotel anyway... and some of you may just be finishing.
20. Numbered tickets will be given to all starters. Additional tickets will be issued to finishers. The better you finish the more tickets. We will then give away all race profits lottery style. Exactly the same as the Colesburg 40 Gravel Race. I estimate based on the number of "Yes" replies that I received that we will have about $500 to work with. However this could be much higher if you pass the word... race expenses will be kept to an absolute minimum, no profits to anybody (expenses include: insurance, trail access fees, shuttle, sag, course markings, beer, etc.)
Send $40 per person to:
Triple D c/o
Lance Andre
1735 Eden Lane
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4027
Must be received by December 26th roster will be updated daily.
Race Director Contact Information:
(563) 543-2784
(800) 678-6565 ext 3166 (9-5 m-f)
12.05.2007
Training Tip
Educate, assuage, and/or aggravate the power of your constitutional right-to-vote by checking out some of these links for your next training playlist. They can all be downloaded to your computer or preferred media player.
Video or Audio of both Republican and Democratic Forums held in September
Audio of the Democratic Debates held last night.
Video of the Republican debate from last Wednesday
They don't have the driving power of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", but there's bound to be something that will get you going... yelling back at your computer or iPod is optional.
Video or Audio of both Republican and Democratic Forums held in September
Audio of the Democratic Debates held last night.
Video of the Republican debate from last Wednesday
They don't have the driving power of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning", but there's bound to be something that will get you going... yelling back at your computer or iPod is optional.
12.02.2007
Without Further Ado: back to bike racing
ABD/Gear Grinder announce 2008 Pro Development Team
ABD Cycling, based in the Chicago suburbs, and Gear Grinder Cycling, based in Milwaukee are partnering to sponsor a Midwest-based Pro Development Team in 2008. The team will compete in the region's biggest events and target select NRC races with the goal of reclaiming the top spot for an amateur team in the NRC rankings.
The 2008 ABD/Gear Grinder PDT jersey, designed by Dave Hornung at Graphic Center.
ABD Cycling, based in the Chicago suburbs, and Gear Grinder Cycling, based in Milwaukee are partnering to sponsor a Midwest-based Pro Development Team in 2008. The team will compete in the region's biggest events and target select NRC races with the goal of reclaiming the top spot for an amateur team in the NRC rankings.
The ABD Team, part of the 200 member ABD Cycle Club, finished as the number one amateur team in the NRC rankings two years ago and 10 riders have come out of ABD's Elite squads to move to the professional ranks or the US National team.
Gear Grinder Cycling is the new name of PCW Cycling, one of Wisconsin’s largest cycling organizations, created by cyclists Paul Weaver and Rob Boldt ten years ago to promote all facets of cycling, with an emphasis on mountain biking, road bike, triathlons and cyclocross racing. Nearly 130 athletes strong, PCW has developed and supported top riders such as Megan Monroe (Spot Bikes), Travis Woodruff (Momentum Endurance), Tristan Schouten (Trek VW), Brian Matter (Gear Grinder Cycling), Brian Schaning (Timex Triathlon) and Chad Melis (Spot Bikes).
“Sponsoring and promoting competitive and recreational teams and events enables people of all fitness levels to satisfy their desire for competition, fitness and fun,” says Gear Grinder Cycling team leader Paul Weaver. “ABD is of that same belief, and together we can create greater awareness of the benefits the sport of cycling offers.”
Cyclists Pat Peery and Dan Mahlik join Weaver and Boldt to extend the Gear Grinder brand, launching in early 2008 a line of cycling-inspired apparel for consumers’ active lifestyles.
“Cycling is more than a way to stay fit or a means to get to a destination, it’s a feeling that just envelops you…the inspiration for the Gear Grinder brand comes from that bicycling culture,” says Weaver.
Equally important to supporting the club and keeping the team competitive, the Gear Grinder brand extension will donate to organizations that utilize the bicycle to inspire and educate our youth, provide opportunities for underprivileged children, protect the environment and promote health and wellness.
Says Weaver, “ABD shares in Gear Grinder’s philosophy that we each have a responsibility to give back more than we take out. Both teams are focused and goal-oriented so our combined effort will not only develop stronger riders but benefit those in our communities as well.
"Gear Grinder's philosophy of giving back to the cycling community is the perfect extension of ABD goal to make the sport of cycling fun and accessible for all riders", said ABD president Mike Farrell.
Gear Grinder's support insures the team's continued success and extends to adding two strong riders to the roster. The White twins, Rob and Ryan, both bring horsepower and a strong finishing kick to complement team sprinter Josh Carter, who in 2007 took ABD's first Superweek win and a silver medal at the US National Criterium Championship. The team has also added John Meyers from the Turin squad, who at 21 is now the youngest rider on the team. "John reminds me a lot of former ABD'ers Reid Mumford(KBS/MEdifast) and Bryce Mead(Jelly Belly), and not just because he's a foot taller than me!", says team manager Mike Ebert, "The really exciting thing is that he's still so young."
Qdoba Mexican Grill is another new sponsor to the program. "Qdoba is the perfect sponsor for a team that is always on the road and needs quick, healthy food choices," adds Ebert. With 44 locations already in Illinois and Wisconsin the team will never need to look far for refueling.
In 2008 the team will ride LeMond Triomphe Ultimate frames outfitted with Bontrager wheels and components and rolling on Serfas tires. Serfas Optics will also provide eyewear and other returning sponsors include PowerBar, Emergen-C and Voler Team apparel. The team will train on CycleOps PowerTaps under the coaching of Julie Carter.
ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team roster:
Josh Carter Fairview Heights, IL
Mike Ebert Glendale, CA
Rob Jungels Elmhurst, IL
John Meyers Barrington, IL
Jeff Schroetlin Decatur, IL
Alex Sharon Wheaton, IL
Brett Stewart Munster, IN
Rob White Brown Deer, WI
Ryan White Lomira, WI
Gear Grinder Cycling is the new name of PCW Cycling, one of Wisconsin’s largest cycling organizations, created by cyclists Paul Weaver and Rob Boldt ten years ago to promote all facets of cycling, with an emphasis on mountain biking, road bike, triathlons and cyclocross racing. Nearly 130 athletes strong, PCW has developed and supported top riders such as Megan Monroe (Spot Bikes), Travis Woodruff (Momentum Endurance), Tristan Schouten (Trek VW), Brian Matter (Gear Grinder Cycling), Brian Schaning (Timex Triathlon) and Chad Melis (Spot Bikes).
“Sponsoring and promoting competitive and recreational teams and events enables people of all fitness levels to satisfy their desire for competition, fitness and fun,” says Gear Grinder Cycling team leader Paul Weaver. “ABD is of that same belief, and together we can create greater awareness of the benefits the sport of cycling offers.”
Cyclists Pat Peery and Dan Mahlik join Weaver and Boldt to extend the Gear Grinder brand, launching in early 2008 a line of cycling-inspired apparel for consumers’ active lifestyles.
“Cycling is more than a way to stay fit or a means to get to a destination, it’s a feeling that just envelops you…the inspiration for the Gear Grinder brand comes from that bicycling culture,” says Weaver.
Equally important to supporting the club and keeping the team competitive, the Gear Grinder brand extension will donate to organizations that utilize the bicycle to inspire and educate our youth, provide opportunities for underprivileged children, protect the environment and promote health and wellness.
Says Weaver, “ABD shares in Gear Grinder’s philosophy that we each have a responsibility to give back more than we take out. Both teams are focused and goal-oriented so our combined effort will not only develop stronger riders but benefit those in our communities as well.
"Gear Grinder's philosophy of giving back to the cycling community is the perfect extension of ABD goal to make the sport of cycling fun and accessible for all riders", said ABD president Mike Farrell.
Gear Grinder's support insures the team's continued success and extends to adding two strong riders to the roster. The White twins, Rob and Ryan, both bring horsepower and a strong finishing kick to complement team sprinter Josh Carter, who in 2007 took ABD's first Superweek win and a silver medal at the US National Criterium Championship. The team has also added John Meyers from the Turin squad, who at 21 is now the youngest rider on the team. "John reminds me a lot of former ABD'ers Reid Mumford(KBS/MEdifast) and Bryce Mead(Jelly Belly), and not just because he's a foot taller than me!", says team manager Mike Ebert, "The really exciting thing is that he's still so young."
Qdoba Mexican Grill is another new sponsor to the program. "Qdoba is the perfect sponsor for a team that is always on the road and needs quick, healthy food choices," adds Ebert. With 44 locations already in Illinois and Wisconsin the team will never need to look far for refueling.
In 2008 the team will ride LeMond Triomphe Ultimate frames outfitted with Bontrager wheels and components and rolling on Serfas tires. Serfas Optics will also provide eyewear and other returning sponsors include PowerBar, Emergen-C and Voler Team apparel. The team will train on CycleOps PowerTaps under the coaching of Julie Carter.
ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team roster:
Josh Carter Fairview Heights, IL
Mike Ebert Glendale, CA
Rob Jungels Elmhurst, IL
John Meyers Barrington, IL
Jeff Schroetlin Decatur, IL
Alex Sharon Wheaton, IL
Brett Stewart Munster, IN
Rob White Brown Deer, WI
Ryan White Lomira, WI
Team Coach: Julie Carter
Team Manager: Mike Ebert
ABD/Gear Grinder riders stop by Prairie Path Cycles' Batavia location to pick up their 2008 LeMond Victoires. From left to right: Brett Stewart, Rob White, Josh Carter, John Meyers, Ryan White and Rob Jungels. (Not pictured: Alex Sharon, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert)
Team Manager: Mike Ebert
ABD/Gear Grinder riders stop by Prairie Path Cycles' Batavia location to pick up their 2008 LeMond Victoires. From left to right: Brett Stewart, Rob White, Josh Carter, John Meyers, Ryan White and Rob Jungels. (Not pictured: Alex Sharon, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert)
The 2008 ABD/Gear Grinder PDT jersey, designed by Dave Hornung at Graphic Center.
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