Tuesday Night Road Ride Mason Michigan

Capital Fund Title Cycling Team Kits update

2012-02-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

The kits are nearly complete and the order will be going in soon go HERE to see kits. Please leave comments.

2011-12-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

Been too long since the last update. Straight to it.

Only 83 days until the first Tuesday Night Ride of 2012!

If you are part of the Capital Fund Title Cycling Team, please join the blog! Sign up, be a part of it! Please, numbers help with sponsorship and recruitment, please become a member!

The capital Fund Title team roster blew past fifty members early in December and then past sixty. The current head count is an impressive sixty-two members.

Kits – ‘short-term pain for long-term gain’ – we are still in the creative phase of kit development but the Board is pushing hard to get this order cycle process complete so we have our kits long before it will be warm enough to wear them or we will be able to race in them. It may seem a bit painful right now, but when they are done based on all the renderings we have seen we hope you will agree we will have one of the most unique and clean looking kits in the State or anywhere.

Thank you for buying into the vision – Most of you have already ordered an ‘alternative jersey,’ If you have not please do. As we have mentioned we plan to emphasis racing tactics and having two jerseys (a light and dark) will enable us to create many race like situations on our beloved Tuesday Night Ride. One of my mentors once told me ‘anyone can train to be within 5% of the fitness of a Tour athlete’ but being able to impress someone with long pulls and high watts does not mean you know how to race your bike. At the very least, if you are racing and thus getting a kit for being on the team, please, please order that second jersey.

Spinning – don’t forget the great opportunity to spin for free with your team and anyone else who wants to join at the Foster Community Center; Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Until next time

2011-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here is an update on your team.

At 48 members you are now part of one of the largest teams in the State.
Capital Fund Title is the title sponsor, no pun intended, Steve Smith (our benefactor) is with CFT.
Sinas Dramis Law firm is a confirmed sponsor of the team, Bryan Waldman works for them and is on the team.
An agreement is in place with Riverfront Cycle to provide discounts on bikes, parts and services, Dave the owner and Mark are on the team.
We are currently negotiating for a third sponsor, Playmakers, Mike Homan works with Playmakers and is on our team.
Sugoi is the kit provider for the team, the local Sugoi representative, Kevin Gamper, is on our team (By the way prelim kit pricing is $134, bib $79, jersey $55).

In the event you have not picked up on the theme, this is a Lansing team with 100% Lansing riders and 100% Lansing sponsorship.

I am going out on a limb here, Steve, please do not jump from the bushes and hit me in the head for doing this, but here are some more renderings just be advised of all the disclaimer jargon you can imagine.

2011-11-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Team Update: There are now Forty Six members of the Capital Fund Title Team. We have twenty six race members and twenty club members as of today.

Spinning: Only 3 souls showed up for spinning last night; Steve, Tanner and Christine. It is early, but take advantage of the room, it's free and open to everyone. Bring your cycling DVD's. There is a TV and DVD player.

2011-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

The spinning started Monday at the Foster Center. As painful as it was to sit on a stationary bike in November misery loves company in the form of Mark, Tanner, Webbcorp, Banky and KG. It was Jacques Anquetil night, the first cyclist to win the Tour De France 5 times, wow. In 1965, Anquetil won the eight-day Alpine Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré stage race at 3pm, sat through two hours of interviews and receptions, took a 6:30pm chartered flight to Bordeaux and won the world's longest single-day classic, Bordeaux–Paris the following day.This guy won everything, here he writes "In June 1956, my chiefs finally gave me an order more to my liking, the strangest, the most unusual that a gunner has ever been asked to carry out; it was nothing less than to beat the world hour record. I knew what that meant: to storm a veritable fortress. For 14 years, since 7 November 1942, the date on which Fausto Coppi planted the Italian flag on it, it had discouraged all assailants. One figure sums up the difficulty of the enterprise: 45.848 km."Kevin brought by some samples of the new kit and some swag for those that showed. Until next time men...

2011-11-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Spinning Starts today, November 14th, at 6:00 PM at the Foster Community Center, 200 North Foster Avenue, Lansing, Room 206. Take Michigan Avenue west from 127 a few blocks and turn north.

We have some initial renderings of kit designs (thank you Mustapha!) which will aid in our determining the final team kit design for 2012. Riverfront will be on the kit, but was not featured in these early renderings. Sinas Dramis is a confirmed sponsor and they will be featured on our kits but was not on these initial renderings. Playmakers is not a confirmed sponsor at this time, again these are just initial renderings. Please take a look, and PLEASE use the technology, add a comment below, if you are not comfortable with the public format, email Steve, Mike, Mark or Webbcorp. CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
We have decided to award the kit business to Sugoi. The rationale is they have great quality (certainly like Louis Garneau), they service Riverfront already, the rep is on our team (Kevin Gamper). In the end as great a product as LG is this approach ties in better with the entire Lansing approach to this team. We hope you will all agree.

CAPITAL FUND TITLE SINAS DRAMIS LAW TEAM

2011-11-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick update on the early stages of the formation of the team.

We have Thirty Six signed and confirmed team members as of today
There are twenty race level members and sixteen club level members
Mike Homan has decided to race with us, this significantly bolstering our masters team
From the roster we determined in 2011 there were 25 podium finishes, 45 top 5 five finishes, 93 top ten finishes and 4 wins. This with no team!
Sinas Dramis Law Firm is a confirmed sponsor for the team in 2012

The momentum is strong, 2012 should be a great year!

2011-11-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

The final TNR of 2011 is in the books along with another great season. Six hundred and thirteen times riders showed up for TNR this season compared to six hundred and six last year. Thanks to all of you for your participation and making this ride what it is! Craig Newell took the last Mason sprint of the year after a blistering speedfest north into Mason in which we averaged 27 MPH. We started under sunny skies with temperatures in the mid sixties, that is a hell of way to end the season.

Jay sent a couple of videos he took with his new toy, the Contour HD which tracks the route and speed while you ride with video! Pretty cool, check it out HERE. Or if you prefer music with your video he also sent THIS.

The development of our local team has much momentum, at the time of this post there are officially thirty one confirmed riders who will be flying the colors of the new Lansing team, your team!

2011-10-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

2011 is outlasting 2010 with Thirty four rides dating back to March 15th compared to thirty two rides in 2010. As we set this milestone we are ready to achieve another as we approach the 110 member mark & nearly 19,000 hits to our site. Last week we got yet another gift when a warm front pushed north from the central plains raising temperatures to near seventy just in time for the start of TNR. For many, the carnival that is cycling has left town and most have gone home, but for nine of us it was yet again a sweet and poetic symphony played out on the back roads of Ingham County. We had a slight head wind heading south, but once we headed north the winds picked up and the dense air acted like a diesel pusher and we were flying in a nine man paceline. I Thought I might have taken the last Mason City limit sprint last week but because of the nice weather Doug now holds that honor, but watch out Doug, everyone wants to do another TNR on November 1st so you will have to defend that honor.
The 2012 Capital Fund Team is filling up quickly, our roster is up to twenty racers and seven club members in a little over two weeks! This is really incredible men. Welcome letter is soon to come and we hope to get designs out for the kits for all of you to see soon. So put your hands in the air, we are off and running, get used to seeing scenes like the one above as we have a winning team men!
With the forecast of sunny and 55 degrees we will be running what would have to be the last TNR of the season on November 1st at 5:30 PM. Hope to see you all then, until... sayonara...

2011-10-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

The sun is setting on TNR. We may pull off another, or even two more, but for 19 of us it will be hard to beat the sun & 80 degrees we enjoyed last Tuesday. The trip north on Meridian was hard and fast, it seems we were running over 30 for about 2 miles and splintering the field. Steve unveiled the Capital Fund Title Riverfront Cycling Team before the ride and handed out flyers and team commitment forms. If you need one let me know, I will email it to you. In short we have funding for thirty riders. If you race for the team in USCF races you will receive a kit, no charge, yes that is correct, not just cat 2 riders. Again, if you race you will receive a kit free of charge. In addition race fees will be reimbursed for everyone in any race we podium and earnings from the race are kept and shared by the team. Our hope is that most of you will spring for a second kit at cost (we are working out a deal now, possibly with Louis Garneau) that way we can have mock races next year at TNR with perhaps the cat 4 team lining up against the Masters team, one kit might be dark and one lighter. As for the kit, this is your team, you will have a say in how the kit looks, we will roll out some samples soon and hope to have them in your hands in time for the first TNR next March, only 5 months men.We want to run the ride until we can no longer. To that end next week we start at 5:30, need to roll on time and stay on target. We might be able to get in 35 miles, that's ok, the alternative is stay at home and watch the Biggest Loser... in the mirror!

Capital Fund Title Cycling Team

2011-10-12T05:07:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2011

Dear fellow TNR rider;

The what ifs, why not’s and how to’s have been pondered, prodded and finally answered. The conclusion was simple; it is time for the rebirth of a locally sponsored USCF club team in Lansing, Michigan.

2012 will represent the inaugural season for a team with primary sponsorship provided by CAPITAL FUND TITLE SERVICES, LLC and bike, accessories and service support provided by RIVERFRONT CYCLES.

This team is being formed as a club consisting mostly of riders that enjoy participating in USCF cycling events. However we realize there are riders within our TNR ranks that do not necessarily want to participate in USCF events, but enjoy riding fast and enjoy the camaraderie gained by riding with others. We want you as part of this club also. Your participation and strong riding makes the rest of us better, and our sponsors will be proud to see their names on your front and backside.

This club is being organized with several goals in mind; first and foremost have fun. Secondly, create an organized environment locally where those amongst us with years of racing knowledge and skills can mentor those with less experience on training, team tactics and individual improvement.

Organizationally, the club will initially consist of a Board of Craig Webb, Steve Smith, Mike Williams and Mark Warner.

We are very excited about the rider support package that we have been able to put together. In turn, we are equally excited about the name recognition the talented riders in this area will provide our sponsors.

The sponsor support package will be categorized at two levels and is outlined on the attached pages. RACE level sponsorship applies to those riders whose intent is to participate on this team in USCF events in 2012. CLUB level sponsorship applies to riders that have enjoyed the camaraderie of riding at TNR over the years and will be proud to wear a kit for a team born from TNR. Our initial budget for this upcoming season is set up to support 30 riders under the RACE category.

In looking at the results from the MBRA 2011 season there is reason to be very optimistic in 2012. The potential is real to field a team that can capture the 35 master and/or cat 4 team championships. The potential is real to have a local points champion on several fronts. The potential is real to have several individual state road, criterium, and points champions and team championships.

Please take some time to review the attached information. Note that there are specific deadlines for responding. Also note that this information is step one in the process. Once we have finalized the club roster then more information will be forthcoming.

This information is going to ALL riders that are registered on the TNR web site. In reality there are only about 30 local riders that were “active” with USCF racing in 2011. Our 2012 budget is set up to support 30 racers. Many riders will choose not to race, but will want to join as a club member. Some riders will choose to race with the team they race with now. In the end, we anticipate no more than 30 riders to race actively. Should our estimations prove wrong, we will not exclude, we will just re-work the budget.

The following pages to this document contain:
1. Race level rider package
2. Club level rider package
3. Rider registration form
4. Secondary sponsorship information

Should there be any questions regarding any of the attached, please direct questions to Steve Smith at ssmith@capfund.net. We look forward to hearing back from you.

Regards,

Steve Smith, Craig Webb, Mike Williams and Mark Warner

RACE LEVEL RIDER PACKAGE

The following is being provided to Race level club members.

Team garb

1. Team kit, comprised of jersey, shorts and arm warmers, NO COST TO RIDER
2. Team skin suit available, TO BE PURCHASED BY RIDER AT COST.
3. Optional hats, shoe covers and jackets to be made available to rider at cost.
4. Socks and gloves will be made available to riders at cost.

Team equipment, supplied by Riverfront Cycle

1. Road bikes available at discounted pricing.
2. Riding accessories available at discounted pricing.
3. Service available at discounted pricing.

Reimbursed fees

1. Podium finish equals reimbursed entry fees to all participating teammates in that category for that race.

Winnings

1. It will be team policy that winnings from a podium finish will be shared equally with all participating team members in that category for that race.

CLUB LEVEL RIDER PACKAGE

Team garb

1. All club attire will be made available to CLUB level riders at cost, plus shipping.

Equipment, provided by Riverfront Cycles

1. Riding accessories available at discounted pricing
2. Service provided at discounted pricing.

RIDER REGISTRATION

If you would like to be a team member on the Capital Fund Title/Riverfront Cycles (CFT) cycling team for the 2012 season please complete the following. ONCE COMPLETED PLEASE SCAN AND SEND TO: ssmith@capfund.net.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION IS OCTOBER 23TH.

I_______________________________________________________, would like to be considered as a team member for the CFT cycling team for the 2012 season. I would like to participate at the

RACE CLUB (circle one) level.

Contact Information: 2012 racing season age____________

Telephone number______________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Email Address_________________________________________________________________.

If participating at the race level, please check the appropriate category:

Anticipated race category preference for 2012 season (and current if different); USCF License number_______________

________ Cat 4
________ Cat 3
________ Cat 2
________ masters 35
________ masters 45
________ masters 55

COMPLETE AND RETURN BY OCTOBER 23TH.

SECONDARY SPONSORSHIP

Currently our kit will consist of just two names on it. Capital Fund Title and Riverfront Cycles.

There are 2-3 secondary sponsorship opportunities available. Secondary sponsors would be given a nice advertising location on all aspects of the team kits, water bottles and team awning to be set up at every race.

If you know of a business that you think may be interested in providing sponsorship funds, please have them contact Steve Smith at 517 927 7955.

2011-10-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's possible Wade, Doug, Brian, Zac, Cary, Mike, Steve, Jeff, Eric Snider and Ralph's bikes were all sold into slavery because they were MIA last night. Sorry boys, you missed a great ride. It was 72 and sunny with no wind at ride time and we had eighteen, 19 if you count Fast Freddie on the R1. Jose had a rough night with a broken spoke and flat tire but Craig made up his bad karma with wins in the first two sprints. We kept the pace high all night, no chit chat.

The 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth in relation to the sun and the orbit of the Earth around the sun is our enemy for the next six months.Short of taking TNR south of the equator, we are running out of time (probably only 2 or 3 more), but we do have some workarounds.

First, cyclocross, what once was the Red Cedar Golf Course East of Clippert, South of Michigan and North of Kalamazoo, is now a great cyclocross course has been cut in. No set times yet but the start is at the old caddyshack off Clippert (right under the cell tower across from Oade's Big Ten). Click image to enlarge.Secondly, the biggest news of the week is that Steve (The Bike Philanthropist) has secured funding for a Lansing based team & we also heard first hand from Mark last night that we have the support of Riverfront Cycle for the team. Many of you might not remember this but Dave, the owner of Riverfront, was in this game before, sporting what could arguably be described as one of the most powerful teams ever amassed in Michigan. Steve is working on a press release now, more to follow. What's this mean for off season training? The thought is spinning sessions, racing tactics training and planning for next season.

Enjoy the weather!

2011-09-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Most things we do in life we do because we have to, they are a means to an end; go to school so I can get a job, get a job so I can get a house. But what compels us to do something which is physically very hard and requires many hours of commitment to do well and for which there is no real purpose? Last night we faced this question head on.

It may have been the worst ride of the year and it may have been the best.

If you stayed away with the distinct purpose of not getting rained on, you made a great decision. But for those of us who came (and I believe we had 14) it was universally agreed ‘we would not have wanted to miss it for anything!’ True, there was no ‘end in itself,’ no real purpose. It was dark, wet, uncomfortable, slippery, hard and fast but somehow as we looked forward to see water spitting up from the tires in front of us ten feet in the air, sunk down on the drops, struggling to see, physically at our limit, drooling, sweating and soaking wet a rush of adrenaline that you cannot get while studying the great thinkers of antiquity or resolving an issue at work engulfed us and we realized we don’t do this because there is a diploma or paycheck waiting for us at the end we would do this shit even if it was bad for us.

A special callout to Joe Kennedy, he heard about TNR a long time ago, but was just compelled two weeks ago to actually show for the first time. Joe has power and speed and is not afraid to but his face in the wind and suffer. So I asked him, are you sorry you waited until now? You know the answer. Welcome to TNR Joe Kennedy. You are one of the brotherhood now, no turning back.

Anthony from Tennessee joined us again last night, wish we saw more of you Anthony! Brad, Cary, Alan were all very animated last night and I kind of lost track but it seems they took most of the prizes.

It was probably the last run at the full course of the year. Sun sets 7:15 next Tuesday. We will still start at 5:45 but will abbreviate the ride somewhat to get back by about 7:30.

TNR Summary 9/20/11

2011-09-22T07:52:00.001-07:00

It’s hard to imagine how in late September we could have had a better night for riding, the skies were brilliant blue and the temps were in the mid 70’s with no wind to speak of.

Many of the TNR regulars were again MIA, some maybe turning the page on cycling for the year, but that didn’t slow down the momentum of TNR, we had twenty riders. Alex had some mystery object in his tire which created at least 3 flats but we endured despite being on a tight schedule due to lack of daylight. Joe Kennedy joined us for the first time, welcome to TNR.
Alan Finder was back after focusing on a full Ironman in Wisconsin in which he placed 12^th in his age group, it could have been better but his leg starting barking at him in the run. Greg was back after focusing on mountain biking this summer.

And Kevin Gamper joined us, Kevin has a rep agency and calls on tall the bike shops in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. For next week we plan to again start at 5:45 PM, with no flats we will be fine. Until then…

Iceman Commeth Challenge Out & Back September 24, 2011 9:00 AM Timber Ridge, Traverse City, Mi

2011-09-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Time to turn our attention from the road to the dirt.

Every time I get on my bike I rediscover my childlike passion for cycling and remember the days as a young boy when ten buddies would somehow know where and when to show up with no form of communication like cell phones or text messaging to meet, explore, race and discover on our bikes.

In many ways the out & back is every bit as important as the race itself, but having done them means we will be ready.

And as a champion once said:

“If you want to win races sometimes you have to ride in bad weather”

Well, we can’t promise good weather, but we can promise a great time, see you all at Timber Ridge on Saturday.

Link to Timber Ridge HERE

Webbcorp

Thursday Time Trial Series - Today 9/22/11

2011-09-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Time Trial starts at the corner of Barry & Loudsbury Roads at 6:00 PM.

Ride to the TT Options:
A. 5:15 - Hannah Community Center, East Lansing
B. 5:30 - Meridian Road Park, Meridian Road between Grand River and Haslett Roads

HERE is a link to the course from Garmin

HERE is a link to the Time Trial Blog

Sunday September 25th, 2011 marks the date for the fifth annual WOCHINCO

2011-09-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

From Cody Brown:

Every fall the greatest cyclists Ingham County has ever known gather to battle not only the elements, the roads, and other riders, but their own massive hangovers incurred the night before. On the hallowed roads of Mid-Michigan, where it all goes down, it will be determined who will wear the crown of 2011 World Champion of Ingham County. This year, with the 2010 winner Calves Johansen out of attendance, the door will be open for anyone to take the glory.

We will roll out from the Pavilion at 10am and ride an unpredetermined route for an undetermined distance (~four hours?) at very slow speeds (a.k.a. let's-all-be-friends pace). By the way, this is neither a real race nor a training ride--all are invited and encouraged to join us.

From Greg Christian:

Although geographical separation* prevents my participation in the fifth annual WOrld CHampionships of INgham COunty (WOCHINCO VI), I should like to take a bit of time to highlight the characteristics of this ride, its history, and its importance to the cycling club at Michigan State University. Most historians believe the first edition of WOCHINCO was held in the fall of 2007, though there is some evidence it may have actually begun in 2006. The ride was the brainchild of Mrs. Joseph Hartley and Bartholomew Carlson. Inspired by photographs of their favorite professional cyclists goofing off during off-season rides, the creators envisioned a local ride that shared many of the same characteristics. Surely, they thought, these pro cycling rides must involve sprinting for various landmarks along the route in addition to the antics caught on film, such as riders squirting each other with water bottles or making erotic poses with vegetables. Thus WOCHINCO was born, with the sprints forming an integral part of its character. Nearly everything about WOCHINCO---the distance, starting time, date, route, participants, scoring system, and so on---is in constant flux, always changing from year to year and, within a given year, subject to change at any moment, even during the ride. However, one thing is always constant - the sprints. WOCHINCO simply would not be WOCHINCO without a multitude of sprints for various objects - cracks in the road, stop ahead signs, mailboxes, imaginary points visible only to one rider, and much more.

In many ways, WOCHINCO is a ride of paradoxes. The sprints are fiercely contested, except perhaps for the secret sprints whose location is known only to a single rider, yet no one seems to care about their outcome (or at the very least, no one will admit to caring about the outcome). Despite this, excessive celebration, often involving the taunting of others, is common after a sprint win, and likewise, defeated riders often show great signs of outward frustration, for example shouting expletives and banging their handlebars with great force. The winner of WOCHINCO is determined in a way that no earthly being fully understands. Generally, it involves some combination of points accumulated in sprints during the ride and victory in the all-important Farm Lane stop ahead sign sprint on College Road that signals the end of competition. However, the scoring system changes from year to year, may change during a single year's event, and may even be different for different competitors.

This can lead to a variety of outcomes, such as a single uncontested winner, multiple winners, no winner at all, any combination of the aforementioned, and perhaps others.

Given the abstract and ever-changing nature of WOCHINCO, I am hesitant to continue further with my description. Instead, I shall call upon the annals of history and share with you some passages from the only two surviving WOCHINCO ride decriptions (WOCHINCO III, 2008 and WOCHINCO V, 2010):

"Unlike, most other races, there are no set fields, set distances, set course, prizes (other than pride, fame, and honor, of which there is more than any other known race), official start time, official end time, or official scoring. In addition, riders are allowed, and indeed encouraged, to compete in only parts of WOCHINCO if their schedule or fitness require it."

"Like the British legal system it [WOCHINCO] lacks a formal written set of rules and instead relies on common law to determine acceptable practices."

"Prior planning of the route is strictly forbidden."

"Alternative formats for the sprints are often used, such as stealth sprints where a rider tries not to alert anyone else of the impending competition until the last possible moment, fully secret sprints where only the winner even knows the sprint happened, or sprints between only a small subsection of the ride."

"Despite the long length, there are generally numerous intermediate sprints, the location of which are determined anywhere from 1 to 500 feet before it is reached by the first rider."

"There will be many, many intermediate sprints which may be announced anywhere from 0 to 100+ miles before the finishing point of the sprint."

"Sprinting for township signs is for Cat 5s, so don't do it (no offense intended to those who are actually Cat 5s)."

I hope that this electronic mail has given you all some insight into the nature of WOCHINCO and has encouraged everyone to participate.

Furthermore, please keep in mind that WOCHINCO is a living, organic, changing event, and that you, dear reader, have the ability to shape the event simply by attending and contributing to its history and its customs. As a final note, I would like to confirm a rumor which has been circulating about this year's edition of WOCHINCO, namely that one of the WOCHINCO creators, Mr. Bart Carlson, will be attending. To my knowledge, this rumor is absolutely true, and you all must take me at my word when I say that this makes it an edition you surely do not want to miss.

Sunday September 25th, 2011 marks the date for the fifth annual WOCHINCO.

2011-09-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

We will roll out from the Pavilion at 10am and ride an un-predetermined route for an undetermined distance (~four hours?) at very slow speeds (a.k.a. let's-all-be-friends pace). By the way, this is neither a real race nor a training ride--all are invited and encouraged to join us.

2011-09-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Rides this week:
1. TNR 9/20/11 5:45 PM, forecast sunny and 73! Note new time 15 minutes earlier due to sunset at 7:41 PM.
2. Thursday Time Trial 6:00 PM, or ride from Hannah at 5:15 PM to the TT.
3. Iceman Out & Back Saturday Timber Ridge 9:00 AM, click here for Garmin file This ride is an annual rite of passage that leads up to the Iceman Commeth Challenge. We ride from Timber Ridge where the race ends to Kalkaska, where the race starts, then run the course back to Timber Ridge. Any questions, contact me.

2011-09-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

Despite 67% of the members of "Crash Pad" MIA as well as Ralph, Mike, Cary and some others missing we still rolled with twenty last night under an interesting sky and among some interesting people. Jay, who works for the Department of Homeland Security joined us again, good to have you back Jay as well as Anthony Williams all the way from Tennessee. Anthony has ridden with us before, he is an engineering consultant here on BIZNES who heard about us from our friends at Velocipede. But Anthony travelled far less than last night's long distance traveler Jose all the way from Honduras. Jose is studying at MSU and has an interesting family, in fact his uncle was the Minister of Finance for the Country. Zak-Man-Doo decided since there's no more racing he would turn TNR into a knock down, drag out, slug fest by taking three sprints including the Mason Line!

Contemplating moving the ride up to 5:45 starting next week, get with me if that is an issue. We need to start on time and hope for no flats this time of year. Final decision coming soon.

Well, that's all for me boys, but here's a night in pictures to leave you with (Click to enlarge any photo).

2011-09-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

For those of you looking to do something with all that fitness, Cyclo Cross Races In Lansing, September 25th and November 19th. Click HERE for link to flyer.

2011-09-08T10:54:00.001-07:00

A Federal Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security imbedded himself on TNR last night. According to unnamed high level State Department sources the agent was investigating multiple alleged incidences where members from the TNR Tribe were ‘inflicting undue pain and suffering’ and performing attack ‘which could indicate a pattern of terrorism’ on others of the TNR Tribe. So if you are planning any insurgent attacks on TNR look out for Jay who rode a LiteSpeed with carbon Zipp’s before you unleash your fury.

In a lighter incident, Kate, who is from the area but now lives in sunny San Diego, California, joined our ride and despite our inability to show kindness and compassion for others regardless of gender was not only able to make the ride but wash dishing out some pain herself. They say San Diego has the smallest fluctuation in air temperature of anywhere in the US other than Hawaii, this has allowed Kate to ‘ride lot’s’ as Merckx put it and therefore ride with us, nice work Kate, thanks for coming to visit.

Craig Newell was on a tear last night winning at least 3 of six sprints. He hunted down none other than Brian Crosby on the Annis sprint who attacked off the front only to see Craig bridge and counter for the win. Craig, find a race will ya!

As many of you know we have been discussing the creation of a team in Lansing. Mike Williams has provided us with some quantitative data showing what the TNR riders did, and from this we can see what is possible if instead of just riding together we created a team with a goal and purpose. Here it is. The riders that come to TNR have 20 wins in 2011 so far! 61 top 5’s! 103 top 10’s! Out of 156 race starts 13% of the time one of our riders won the race, 40% of the time we were in the top 5 and a whopping 66% we were in the top 10! Wow, this is truly incredible, more to follow.

Remember the Time Trial Hill Climb Series starts tonight! See below post.

2011-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Not even Spartification, nor the pending doom of a storm could dampen the spirits or the numbers on TNR. It was flesh and bone, eyes of glass, heart of stone hard core from the gun to the end.Once again Eric Snider earned his man card on TNR. Don’t let the mild mannered look fool you, he is a bike assassin. Not only did he log Ninety-Two F#%King miles on Tuesday but he took 2nd on the Annis sprint and won the Kinneville sprint… get out of town! My power meter started to smoke about 400 yards from the Mason finish but I got word that the Professor, Cary “Grant” Roseth took it. Banky tried to roll away and after keeping it all together for the first 30 miles it got spread out like dropping a bag of marbles on a street in San Francisco, sorry, bygones. Leslie came out and brought some friends, I hope you guys still like us, it was not personal, it’s our business to make people suffer.Thursday Time Trial is starting back up, meet at the corner of Barry & Lounsbury Roads at 6:30, or meet at Hannah at 6:00 PM to ride out to the TT. Here is a file of the location. Click here for map of TT.

2011-08-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

In the 26th edition of of 2011 TNR we were blessed with great weather and even better riding/racing than last week, and last week was not bad. We had 17 riders, some familiar faces were missing (Banky, Brian Crosby, Jeff Chapin, etc.) at the same time some not very familiar faces emerged. For example Zach came back out after a long absence and Roddy all the way from San Francisco, California joined us. Roddy is a jet pilot for a private airline that services corporations with fractional ownership jets, cool. He was a pilot in the Navy before that. Sayonara Lansing, hello California. The attacking and counter-attacking last night was the best of the season. Rinsing and repeating gets stale (i.e. ramp up and sprint) so seeing people attack from three miles out, get caught, then counter-attack, then catch and so on is way more interesting and certainly emulates race conditions better than rinse and repeat. In case you are wondering, last year we ran 32 weeks so that means we likely only have 6 weeks remaining, i don't know about you but that is depressing, so don't miss out on the great riding and weather, get outside! No pictures from last night but thanks to the Barronator in Traverse City we have a great parting shot from the Cherry Roubaix Sprints of Brian. Until next week men, Sayonara!

2011-08-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Flanked by former Tour rider Frankie Andreau, TNR's own Brian Crosby accepts a 40" television for winning the Cherry Roubaix Friday Night Sprints. At his side is TNR alumnus and second place Blaine Benson who won the cat 3 criterium the next day.

2011-08-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Fast Freddie accepting State Champion JerseyAs mentioned Blaine Benson won the cat 3 Crit, but missed was the photo finish with Ben Cox, a TNR alumnus. Cary was 10th in the Road Race after being in the winning break with Derek Witte (winner of the ½ crit the day before) but they got consumed when two fields came together (35+ and 3’s) in Cedar. Cary is leading the points series for masters, but only by a hair. If you are able, help the man out at the upcoming races, this would be a great achievement and he is close. Sam Nichol, TNR alumnus, was 3rd in the masters 45+, very nice. In the cat 4 road race, Jeff Chapin was 4th, , Derrick O’Brien was 6th, Zac Konett was 10th and Craig Newell was 16th. In the cat 5 road race Nikita was 8th. Are you thinking what I am? TNR has the making of a great cat 4 team. TNR stamped their branding iron on Cherry Roubaix.
Last night was a fine a night as we have seen all year, sunny, 80, no wind, no humidity. We had nineteen and by my count half of those rode to the ride, Eric winning the distance competition. How about an 88 miler on Tuesday? That’s exactly what Eric Snider does. Starting in DeWitt Eric rides to work in downtown Lansing, after work to TNR, then TNR, then back to downtown Lansing and finally back up to DeWitt. This is about the distance between Lansing and Ann Arbor. Eric, what are your long rides?
The start was reminiscent of the intro to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood but like the falsehood that he was once a Marine Corp sniper the subtle start was a lie and soon no one was talking and we were all in the drops and droolin for the first sprint. Another new face last night, welcome Roddy. And a special call out to Robin Allen, men I met Robin a few years back at an Every & Stillman ride looking like your standard recreational set, but he is transformed to the point where the people at Every & Stillman would not recognize him. You are one of us now Robin, no looking back.News flash. Men, a small but dedicated group of us have been discussing a Lansing based bike racing team for 2012 and beyond. Soon we will lay out our plan. Suffice to say keep this in mind as you think forward to 2012. Look above for examples of what is possible. We ride, train, race, eat, drink and suffer together already, let’s accomplish something!

"We felt like bike racers"

2011-08-03T09:33:00.001-07:00

No! This is not a picture from last night!
No this is not a picture of last night, but it felt like I assume Ludo Dierckxsens felt in the 2001 Paris Roubiax; wet, muddy, miserable, but instead of cold... Hot! No one was crazy enough to bring any electronic devices with them so no photographic evidence but fifteen were crazy enough to show up and feel like bike racers, and it felt like a race.By the time entered Mason most of us had a cup of dirt in our mouths but we were smiling form ear to ear. Getting rained on and having mud in your eye might slow some people down, but not the hard men of TNR, we just went harder and faster. Mike pulled another video of a our ride from a previous time, click here to see it.

Нікіта

2011-08-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Russian people are hearty souls, it’s in their writings from the likes of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. They have what the Finnish call “Sisu,” they know how to endure and they know suffering.What’s this have to do with TNR and bike racing? Well after climbing the ladder the past few years Nikita Bondar, whose parents emigrated here from Russia, stood on the top of that ladder for the first time at the Maillot Jaune Road Race on July 23rd.
Why do we race bikes? It’s a hard hobby, rarely rewarding, few win, the commitment is steep and the fitness we gain is fleeting. But sometimes we do win! Nikita, after getting 3 sixth places, a fourth and a third place (all strong results) this spring and summer came across the line first.Nice work youngster, your making the TNR Brotherhood to feel proud, SISU!

2011-07-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

Power Animal Sprint, come back to the pain, regroup Ultimate Plan - Please comment CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE

2011-07-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bruce Lee - The Ultimate BodyNazi... thoughts to keep in mind when training and racing CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

2011-07-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

TNR June 14 2011 (Click on images to enlarge)

2011-06-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Somehow Doug interrupted a nearly perfect night for Brian and stayed away on the 2nd sprint for a fine solo win. Until Mason, Doug was the only one who pulled that off. But Brian is the #1 ranked track athlete in the Country men after the races at the Blaine Velodrome in Minnesota so don’t feel too bad. The only other blemish for Brian, on a nearly perfect night where we finally saw not only sun but great temperatures, was when Adam York showed up outof the blue on M-36 about 3 miles from the Mason City Limit Sprint, Adam held Brian off barely after Brian has dispelled with the every other one of us mortals.Layne was new to the ride this week, he works at MSU in science department. Then Bradley Potter showed up, you might know that Bradley was instrumental in putting together the Anderson Mountain Bike trail in SW Lansing near Woldumar Nature Center,check it out. Bradley has been riding his bike too! He finished 6th at the Hanson Hills 100, shit fire and save matches, nice work.Speaking of HH100 where WadeBurch just finished 2nd in his age group and sixth overall, Wade just finished 2nd overall in the Michigan Mountain Mayhem this past weekend click here for results, and when you do, look for Matt Prygoski, TNR alumnus, at 4th overall. Men they both beat John Cowen and James Ignash who I have raced against many times and know to be faster than your mom. Sorry men, not done yet! Craig Newell scored a 2nd at the West Branch Road Race in the 4’s and Cary Roseth got 6th in masters. In the criterium Fast Freddie Anderson got 5th in the masters and Loren Simons took 2nd in the masters 55+. Which reminds me… Loren Hubbard made an appearance after a long absence, nice to have you back Loren. Finally, it’s been a long time since Banky missed a TNR, let alone 3 in a row, can someone ride by his house and make sure there ain’t no strange odor emitting from his crib?

It was hotter than the hinges on the door to hell (See YouTube video link below)

2011-06-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

Three days ago everyone was complaining about the cold... no more. It was hotter in Mason yesterday than it was in Libya; Mason 96, Tripoli a cool 88. Well, as Forrest Gump put it "stupid is as stupid does" so 22 raving lunatics headed south to be flanked by a 101 degreed heat indexed 15 MPH crosswind that gave us the odd feeling of being too close to the sun. And I know these people, they ain't gonna let a little heat get in the way of having some 'fun'. So the pace whipped up and a break got away. Cary, Zach, Wade, Doug and Craig among others pushed it hard and held it to the Annis sprint where Cary took the first prize of the night. We rolled hard down Tuttle and into the crosswind again a break got away, again Cary took the sprint on Blackmore. Behind Craig (left) was coming hard aiming for any leftovers with the look of the devil himself in his eyes. Craig is straight off another fine result with 2nd place at West Branch.

Well, finally a tailwind into Leslie before it got hot in the kitchen again with Cary taking the first KOM. With the first 2 sprints and the first KOM in the bag you might think Cary was going to clean our clocks all night, but Blackmore would be his last sprint "V" of the night. Zach (right) took the Kinneville sprint. The next prize at Catholic Church would be won by Doug in a high speed tailwind power sprint. Things settled down for a time until Rexico slipped of the front and the chase was on. It's a long way to the Potter sprint Rex! But he held it in the most impressive move of the night. The headwind felt good going into Mason, even at 95 degrees it was wind! We hit 40 on M36 and at the bottom of the hill Cary was on the attack again, then Doug pulled, then Wade, a gap of 2 bike lengths meant lights out and a cruise into Mason. At the front though Craig attacked hard for the Mason sprint only to come up short again. Mark posted a fine win that required some good tactics. Well men that's about it for now, no... wait! I saved the best for last, Mike Williams videotaped the ride last night and had it edited by Francis Ford Coppola and we present it to you now. enjoy (view YouTube Video by clicking here).

2011-06-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

I know we ain't been huricaned ner tornadoed like some folk in recent times, but what a patch! It's easy to feel like we are caught in a Tarantino movie. Nine out of ten weathermen surveyed say it's the worst spell of weather in eons. Below is an actual picture of the skies over Mason just after the conclusion of TNR.Well the will is still there and despite pending doom and from our new parking perch fourteen ventured out on the weekly pilgrimage only to be pummeled by Jeff and then by the Gods. Any of you boys have a 'circle with a line through it' rain dance now is the time to do it, because this s@#t is getting old. Craig continues his winning ways in the upgraded category taking 6th at Frankenmuth in the 4's, Chris Patterson got 2nd in the 5s, Zach Konett got 3rd in the 5s, Cary Roseth got 6th in the masters race, Fast Freddie got 3rd in the 45+, Loren Simons got 6th in the 55+, and finally Brian Crosby got 4th in the 1/2 race. TNR was flossin and flyin all over Bavaria! Here is an idea for you all... if we put a TNR team together, we would be winning these races! It is a team sport, but note that most of these results, impressive as they are we done with no team! One more mention going out to Wade Burch who got 2nd in his agegroup and 6th overall at the Hanson Hills 100.

Here is a map of our new parking area starting Tuesday May 31st

2011-05-27T05:59:00.001-07:00

The Running of the Bulls in Mason Michigan

2011-05-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGELast night I was reminded of a story I heard on "The Moth", if you ever get the chance, check it out. In short, guy goes to Pamplona Spain with his bros for the running of the bulls. He was struck by the fact that in Spain if you want to Run with the Bulls 'all you do is jump over the f--king fence,' but in the US you need to sign a 5 page release form to do a 5K walk for cancer! The 22 of you that came to TNR last night got a dose of that first hand. Uptight, pissed off America. No pun intended. Well, I guess you might react the same if somoene pissed on your crib in your backyard, bygones.So, Spartan Speedway here we come. The bike Philanthropist, Steve Smith, got us access to track parking. So next Tuesday, parallel park at Spartan Speedway just south of Cedar on College. We have permission! And keep your privates in your trou men.Mike Williams was on the attack from the gun last night, he was as angry as the good Doctor at the SOS. He made the selection on Annis road although Webbcorp, Doug, Nikita, Wade, and Craig could not close down Brian's attack for the sprint.We saw many quality attacks last night, some stuck, others... not. Bo was in the mix, Tim Pollack, Doug... but special attention had to be paid to Wade as he was pulling with the power of a black hole. Well my band of brothers we did not spread good will this week, but next week we will be back on the right track, ready to go to battle, push and challenge ourselves and have more fun than should be legal. Good luck at Frankenmuth this weekend. Kevin, welcome to the ride! John, you were attacking like a bull last night too, nice work.

2011-05-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

"Meyrueis, Lozere, June 26, 1977. Hot and overcast. I take my gear out of the car and put my bike together. Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes. Non Racers. The emptiness of those lives shocks me." Cary "The Bike Professor" shared this book with me at last night's ride. Thanks. Wasn't long, six sentences, and I was struck by this statement, 'The emptiness of those lives shocks me.' The hours of investment we make just to suffer like animals, to subject ourselves to the level of pain few outside of our sport can imagine. But how does this equate to a sense that those not in our sport live empty lives? I'm not sure, what's your take?

Last night despite another bleak landscape the quality of the ride was the best of the season to date. Everyone is getting more fit and experimenting with different tactics, trying new things. More wind always = more difficult, a pattern so far that is sticking with us. It has got to change soon... right?

Until next week men.

TNR Summary 5/10/11

2011-05-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Farm Daze Ride this Sunday! Register at msutriathlon.com.

We've been tiptoeing around the weather all Spring and last night was no different. We did pull off the ride and it was warm but the impending storm meant the numbers were low for this time of year, only fourteen. Oberle did a triple Salchow on Saturday going thirty and decided to use this as an excuse to not ride… Nancy, really? Oh well. A lot of the MSU boys were MIA too, I heard some nonsense about internships and other lame excuses. For those who were there it was really not a bad night, the pace was brutal and the attacks kept coming. Brett Gideon from Sacramento California joined our ride for the first time, he is in town supporting his wife who is going to graduate school at MSU. Brett, you did not see our kinder and gentler side last night so we hope you come back. Cary got a few excellent attacks in last night and was at or near the front of all the sprints it seems. Craig took a sprint too and of course our resident track bodynazi Brian got his punches in. Robin is riding really strong and bridged a 300 meter gap on Ewers Road. All in all a good but not great night at TNR. Good luck at Tour of Wastenaw this weekend men.

TNR Summary may 4, 11 & preview of this week's ride

2011-05-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you’re the curious type, the average temperature for TNR so far has been 51 degrees. For the same period last year it was 63 degrees. Also, all year last year we had to reschedule 3 rides due to weather but cancelled none. So far this year we have already rescheduled two rides and cancelled two rides, ouch, depressed yet?

As for last Wednesday, the temperature was about 60 and we had 15 riders. Fast Freddie Anderson had the choice between The Bloomer Velodrome, Waterford and TNR and picked TNR. It paid off with a sprint win on #5. Alan went out hard from the front and got away with 600 meters to go, I think I was the only one to see this and jumped with Fred in tow, I could not close Alan down, but Fred finished the deal for a fine win. Alan did get his however, he had a great night. Jeff took the first sprint, he is fit. And Craig took the final prize with a strong finish coming into Mason despite Bradley Legris (on his last TNR after graduating with a Engineering Degree and on his way to Ann Arbor to work for Toyota) having a great head of steam. Terry Huntley who lived most recently in Flagstaff Arizona and prior to that Pocatello Idaho was in town and joined his first TNR. Terry will be attending graduate school this Fall and is a USA Cycling official.

Tomorrow’s forecast is warm, but like the past few weeks we have a threat of rain, but at 70+ we are riding barring lightning, so come on.

No talk of contests so far as all the attention has been on dodging the weather, but you know us, we are always thinking of ways to beat the hell out of each other and this year should be no different. Stay tuned.

TNR Summary 4/26/11 (Click pictures to enlarge)

2011-04-27T16:34:00.001-07:00

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." Mother Theresa. Hard to imagine Banky might have been thinking of this or even aware of the scope of the world around him as he pedaled away from a strong group silhouetted by a stunning yet ominous sky.
And in case you didn't notice, look for Banky in the picture below trying to slip away; noticed and attended to by some very fit, salty, and hungry men. No gifts! Not even in April Banky, you have got to earn it.
It was a night for the strong willed, yes the temperatures were high for April and the sun shined, but it could have very well been different and everyone knew it, hail and tornadoes were dancing all around us, but we seemed to stay locked into a protected cocoon of warmth and sun. Not to say it was all good, the winds were brutal and relentless it seemed in all directions but true north.
As we entered Mason to see a funnel cloud to the west everyone was thankful for great weather and satisfied having made a tough ride. "The Professor", Cary Roseth had his switch and keep hitting everyone on the knuckles, ouch. Jeff and Wade were not far behind, fit and ready to put it in the air. Cary, Jeff, Loren, Wade, Banky and Nikita were at the front of nearly every sprint.Well, another night at TNR, some day we will look back, but it won't be the racing or the training or the suffering for hours on end on our own that we will miss, it will be the few simple hours we spent among friends with a mutual sense of brotherhood and suffering we will miss.

TNR Summary April 20, 2011

2011-04-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Summary from Craig Newell

TNR was moved from 4/19 to 4/20 due to weather (38 degrees and raining). Wednesday... not much better. Six dedicated, hardcore, souls (Brad, Nakita, Wade, Newell, Rick and Banky) showed up to brave the 40 degree weather and 20 MPH east winds, making the wind chill 30 degrees or less. It should be mentioned that Phreed joined the boys half way through the ride, looking more like an Eskimo than a cyclist. Brad was a man on a mission, taking out every sprint point on the day. Newell and Wade were left gasping for breath trying to hang on to his wheel.

TNR Summary April 12, 2011

2011-04-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

Before we even started turning pedals the day was strange; Alan flatted heading south on College and then Bradley Legris forgot his helmet and missing TNR is way more painful than doing TNR. So we got Alan fixed up and waved goodbye to Bradley and no sooner than you could get clipped in Jeff was on the attack. In fact he attacked and attacked and attacked. We thought the north wind would make the ride south kinder and gentler than the last two weeks. Instead, it was angrier than a tornado in a trailer park. From the start Jeff just wanted to pick trailers up and drop them down hard.

We had 25, which wasn't bad considering many of the faithful were not there; Banky, Wade, Brian to name a few. It was sunny, in the high fifties and altogether nice for April 12th. It's hard to say who won what sprint with the exception of the last one which was won by Bradley Legris. Wait, what? He forgot his helmet, we wiaved goodbye to him at SOS? As I mentioned, it was a strange night. Turns out Bradley was not able to endure the heartache of missing TNR, he headed back to campus at breakneck speed in his 400 horse power Camaro and got his helmet, then chased us down on Meridian road, got on his bike and joined the ride, wow, that's a first. Bradley you have earned 10 free pulls up to the break for your dedication. Just let us know if you need them.

More new faces last night, thanks for coming, hope you enjoyed the ride!

The Every & Stillman ride got started this Wednesday, it was a fine night, mighty fine. Sunny and 65. This is a great ride sandwiched between TNR and Oberele's Thursday Night interval ride.

MSU Triathlon Team Places 4th overall at Collegiate Nationals

2011-04-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

-Samantha Fugate 10th overall out of over 400 participants
-Jacob Pratt 33rd overall out of nearly 600 participants
-Anthony Klingler 36th overall
-Alan Finder 35th fastest bike portion

Faces on the Ride Last Night

2011-04-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

No photographic evidence exists from last night's ride so here's a glimpse into some of the people that joined our ride. But first a recap. We had 26 riders last night, a good number considering the modest temperatures and high west winds. The disparity in fitness was apparent as is usual for April and on the road south the winds accentuated that fact. Or stated in the positive we had a paceline stretching through two counties. Alan, Adam and Brian finished 1,2,3 in the first sprint, cream rises to the top. The winds never subsided and we ended up heading into Mason but being shoved by the wind back to Detroit.

Doug Derdowski has been rolling TNR for years now, he's been riding for ten. Doug likes the long distances and in 2010 rode 411.4 miles, 5th overall and 1st place amongst the Michigan Brotherhood in the National 24 Hour Challenge, get out of town! Doug's an MSU grad and has a masters from Grand Valley. He is a consultant for students with autism and works across the State. He currently races for Human Kind along with Wade and others from TNR.
Steve "The Bike Philanthropist" Smith has been on TNR for years, he upped his involvement last year by sponsoring the August Sprint Series along with his Company Capital Fund Title. Steve calls himself 'a part time cage fighter and wannabe bike racer.' Mission accomplished my friend, cage fighting and bike racing are exactly the same. Steve studied at Eastern Michigan.
Brian Crosby came to MSU in 2010 to work on a PhD in computational astrophysics. At 14 Brian's dad gave him a bike & he went from riding around Minnesota to qualifying for elite nationals. He's participated in juniors world cup races and raced 6 day races in Europe. One year he raced in track junior nationals, collegiate nationals and elite nationals in about 6 weeks time. He has won track, road and criterium championships in the North Central Collegiate Conference. When I was young you were either a jock or a 'brain', Brian is clearly both.
Rick Oberle's been spinning TNR since the time of the AMC Gremlim, and as much as times have changed the art of man racing a simple machine has not. Rick started Geo Insights which specializes in market and public policy analysis among many other things. Rick and his brother were the real racing deal back in the day, here is a picture of Rick racing which I believe was taken just just after the cival war had ended and think he still makes the TNR, he is born again hard.So... I noticed a new face. Ok, this guy made the ride, it was a hard ride, this guy has a story, what is it? Turns out it was A.J. Sturges who plays hockey for MSU. Well that explains it, he played for the USA National Devo Team, won a silver medal in the U18 World Championships and comes from MSU hockey stock, both his older brother and dad played for MSU. Thanks for coming A.J., bring the team next time.

Then there was Alan Antonuk who studied at MSU but now lives in Ann Arbor. Alan works at U of M in medical physics, which is the study of treating cancer with radiation. In addition to being smart Alan has become a fine cyclist. He recently placed 11th overall at Hillsboro Roubaix which is a proving ground race for anyone in the Midwest trying to become a professional cyclist. Alan races for The Cleveland Clinic (rgfsports.com).

Another face on the ride was MSU Professor Cary Roseth. Cary is a professor of educational psychology who studied at the University of Minnesota, hmmm... does Brian Crosby know that? Cary has been racing bikes a long time, we're happy to have him. He packs a mighty sprint.

Dave Joos joined our ride for the first time this year. Dave retired as CEO of Consumers Energy and is now the Chairman of the Board. Dave can you help me with my gas bill? Dave went to college at Iowa State where he studied nuclear science & engineering, he has been cycling for about 5 years and has done Waterford, the Black Bear and Fisk Knob. Dave got turned on to TNR by Mike "Doogie Howser" Williams, Mustapha and Eric Anderson, thank you my brothers... Dave rolls strong.

Well, another fine ride, another fine night in the life of TNR, until next week men.

TNR Summary March 29, 2011

2011-03-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Last night was a great reminder of why we love cycling, was it sunny and 70? No. Was it without incident? No. Did we have a flat? Yes. Were we dialed in together and running like a Swiss watch? No. But was it fun... oh... son, it was up and out. MSU grad and bodynazi Nick Weirszba told me he tried to organize a ride in his adopted home town Napa like TNR but no one came, he asked around and found out coaches told the locals 'it was not in the training plan.' Sad, cycling is about community, mutual suffering, respect for each other, a love for being outside and feeling free and... having fun. Taken too seriously not even the simple joy of riding your bicycle is fun anymore. Diatribe over.

Alan and Mike were climbing good to contest the first KOM, good luck Alan at Nationals in Alibami next week along with Rhone and Anthony and the other brothers.

"El Presidente" Blaine Benson took the prize last night by winning the sprint to the Mason City limit sign. Blaine held off Craig Newell, who won almost every race he entered last year, for a fine win. Blaine and Brian were in coastal Georgia last week logging over 400 miles. The collegiate brethren are rolling fast right now.

We saw some old faces reemerge like Bo and Cody and some familiar faces fit as a fiddle like Mustapha and Mike. Cody was up to visit his girlfriend. 800 miles! She must be some kind of girl, or was it TNR? Alex was new to our ride as well as some others. I promise we will keep it together next week, it's all of our goals to see everyone together at the Mason City limit sign. Until next week...

Milestone: 10,000 hits on our site, now all we need is some warm weather

2011-03-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Borat Says: Game on for Tuesday Night Ride 3/29/11 - See you there

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

The Killer Gravel Road Race Recap

2011-03-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Breaking News! Before Fox News gets on this we wanted to be the first to break the story about how the Brethren fared at the Killer Gravel Road Race last Saturday, so straight to the point. Adam York, TNR alumnus and MSU grad finished 5th overall in the 65 mile race mixing it up with former Winner of The Iceman Commeth Challenge Tristen Schouten and beating former Iceman winner Brian Matter, Cheese and Rice! Adam, you are hard to the core, nice work.

So if that was not impressive enough Wade Burch attacked the 35 mile Killer Gravel Road Race , Wade was 10th overall in the 35 miler, Tenth! Wade was with the leaders most of the way and finished with a strong group in a sprint finish, I'll save the names of the really fast brothers Wade beat but add that Wade's average speed was about 20 MPH, this with 2000 feet of climbing in 35 miles with pitches up to 20 percent, in March and against about 1000 competitors, this is an amazing result, Wade, outstanding! Way to represent.

A sad day for Tuesday Night Ride

2011-03-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I received word that Dr. Michael Clayton Kemp is leaving us to move to Wisconsin. Mike's attacking style and analytical views of racing will be greatly missed, and he is a funny son of a b@#%h too. Mike has been working with a grant in the MSU Neuroscience Program but that program has run it's course so he has decided to move to Wisconsin to work for a private firm. Many of you probably do not know this but before academia at the University of Arizona et al Mike was a professional mountain bike racer. In fact his NORBA license number was 007, NO! I am not making this up. Mike traveled the country racing his bike and living the life. I will personally miss Mike and we will need some other brothers to step up and initiate some attacks so we all do not start to suffer from ADD (Attacking Deficit Disorder). Sadly we had no time for that last ride together. If you want to wish Mike good luck with an email or call let me know and I will get you his information.

Farewell Number Seven, Webbcorp

If not first you don't succeed... Ride Wednesday Night! 3/16 Summary.

2011-03-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

T(W)NR re-kicked off in style Wednesday, with a turnout in excess of 20, some of whom were still hiding behind beards grown out to fend off the Michigan winter. I didn't manage to get a firm head count, as College is now reminiscent of the worst parts of the Oregon trail, and the 5 of us riding down from campus were a few minutes late thanks to our 2 flats en route. The group was nice enough to wait for us, but Jeff Chapin had no intention of repaying their kindness with anything other than pain. Things started out aggressively, as the MSU boys were excited to show off their new kits and wasted no time in going on the attack. A group of 4 broke clear before the turn on to Annis Road, and in a sprint to the line, win accounts were opened for the 2011 season. With the splintered group back together the pace stayed high through the second sprint, before MSU once again tried to escape following the first KOM. The break was ill-fated though, and they were pinned back in the last 500 meters by a concerted chase from the field. Light is a precious commodity these days, and the pack opted to skip the tunnel of trees in order to make it to back to Mason and the Secretary of State before dark. A large group kept the pace high coming into the town line sprint, and only fractured under the pressure of a long, fast sprint.

The first edition of the T(W)NR bodes well for a successful season: many new faces, aggressive riding, and a high tempo despite the early season. People have been putting in the time and effort this the winter, and all signs point to 2011 being even faster and more competitive than 2010. Get back on the bike everyone, next week is going to be even faster!

-Brian

TNR Season Opener March 15th 2011

2011-03-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Though I was not there I did get an update from Doug. He said:

"Nine of us headed out and endured one of the most brutal rides I can remember. That includes riding when the temp is in the teens or single digits and doing 24 hr races. Last night was one of the most miserable rides I can remember being on, but still worth doing because it was good to get out with some other people on Tuesday night."

Misery loves company my brothers.

Two More Weeks!

2011-03-01T14:12:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Night Ride #32 - A fine farewell

2010-10-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

The sun has set on our season, but what a season it was. We’ve taken a ride on life support and turned it into a living and breathing force. We have nearly 80 members on our site, have had 7,000 visits to it and had 32 total rides.But it’s definitely lights out now, but not before the last ride of the year which we had to move to Wednesday due to hurricane force winds on Tuesday. Wednesday was not much more tame with steady 30 MPH winds and gusts into the 50s, what the what? The numbers were probably down due to the change of day and wind, but again the quality of the ride was, well… as good as it gets. Loren, Sam, Mustafa, Steve, Brian, Banky, Webbcorp, Rick, Craig and Mark ventured south and endured a brutal crosswind, but heading east was a pure prize. The sun was shining, what little is left in a late fall afternoon day in Michigan and the temps were warm. Once we got to Meridian Oberle was whining about heading further east and I was dishing it back that we should, but I have to admit he was right. Heading west on 36 represented not only the last five miles of the ride, but the last five miles of the season and the last chance to rip it up before it all came to an end. Brian got a gap and held it into Mason to take the last sprint of the year. We start back up March 15th, seems like a long time from now, but worth the wait. Between now and then we will try to keep the site alive by posting local rides. Dirt road rides are on the docket for me and Brian and everyone is welcome. Also, weekend rides. And, Rick wants to get everyone on cross country skis! Good luck to everyone who is doing Iceman, I will try to give an update when it’s all over. Sayonara, Webbcorp

Tuesday Night Ride Summary October 19th, 2010

2010-10-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

RIDE NOTE: If you are interested in riding in the AM with Doug, Wade and others contact Doug to get on the email list at dpd366@live.com

2010-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Try to guess the last question I heard as we were all saying goodbyes in near darkness after the thirty-first Tuesday Night Ride of the season?

"We're riding next week right?" Are you serious? "Hell Yes! We can pull off a 20 mile ride, we got plenty of daylight."

Well, I suppose we do and weather permitting I suppose we will!

Of course for those that came (fifteen of you) we know why we ended in near darkness; first we got a late start (we have lost this luxury) and second we had two flats and had to learn how to put a wheel into a rear entry dropout bike. Now I just read in Velo News that all Storck's are rear entry dropout bikes and that if you know how it's easy, well I didn't. I felt like an eight month old dim witted child trying to solve Rubik's Cube, and looked like even worse. I think Ron White said it best, "You can't fix stupid."

So if we go next week, we have got to start ON TIME, hope for no flats and ride only about 20 to 25 miles.

As for the ride... Matt Prygoski, aka "The Polish Punisher" showed up last night. Now if you do not know Matt I can tell you simply that his acceleration is as impressive as I have seen. Honestly I do not know how he does it. Well it wasn't just Matt, we pushed hard going south with a strong crosswind, no one was interested in slowing down just because somewhere near the 60th parallel bears are readying themselves for hibernation, no, no! Let's pummel ourselves because it's the only way we know to derive happiness. But everyone is strong so we all stayed together and it really was fun.

More to follow on the subject of next week, for now I'll allow myself a moment of reflection on the most enjoyable season of cycling I've ever experienced.

TNR Summary 10/12/10

2010-10-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

We took off fifteen strong with temperatures flirting with seventy and not feeling at all like mid October. Images can be as powerful as words, if you weren't there last night, here's a graphic insight into one of the best rides of the year.

Banky taking a rest at the rear heading into the Tunnel of Trees
Strung out at nearly 30 leaning hard into the checane
Too busy climbing to notice the 100 foot tall Evergreen staring down on us

Doug (above) and Loren checking out the aftermath of the bounty that's been taken while the sun is sinking like a ship

Brian, or Mr. Crosby now (I think that's the title for a married man, congrats) and Steve enjoying the ride.

Will there be a 31? The answer is yes! See you next week. Webbcorp

Tuesday Night Ride Summary October 5th, 2010

2010-10-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

The land of plenty. Plenty of riding that is, 29 TNR's to be exact. We changed the program somewhat last night with a higher overall pace and slightly less attacking. It was a more civil scene, kind of like Ali versus Frazier instead of cage fighting. We set a rotating pace line from the start and cut out about 4 miles from the normal course. Emily, Banky, Steve, Craig, Blaine, Wade, Doug, Loren, Mustapha, Ralph, Jeff & Nikita were all riding strong and loving the great weather and outstanding scenery.Despite those wanting to enjoy the scenery it didn't stop others from wanting to attack on Annis Hill, here Doug, Wade and Blaine shed the herd and create a gap going toward the first sprint while Emily, Ralph, Eric and Loren set out in case after Nikita who is in the gap. Blaine took the first sprint and in fact had a field day last night with some good top end speed. Nice work Blaine. Not long after the bypass we headed into the tunnel of trees, fall colors are starting to show, but it will still be a while before they light up the sky. Based on how strung out we were heading through the tunnel of trees it doesn't seem like anyone was interested in a fall color tour, not on this night. Well we got back and there was still plenty of daylight, enough that we all decided to carry on, so hope for good weather next week and we will continue this song and dance, it's a big one, the Big Three O, 30 rides that is, amazing.

TNR planned for 10/5/10 @ 5:30 PM

2010-10-04T11:13:00.001-07:00

We are abbreviating the course (see link below) and starting at 5:30, hope to see you all tomorrow

TNR Summary 9/29/10

2010-09-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

With the sun shining and the temperature at 72 we headed out for our 28th ride of the season last night, numbers we down but the quality of the ride was high. I heard 5 people showed up last night to a cancelled ride, wow, we have come a long way. We started with 13: Emily, Rob, Loren, Todd, Banky, Alex, Brad, Rexico, Jeff, Webbcorp, Kemp, Cody & Ralph. Woaa! Wait! Cody? That can't be right, Cody Brown is going to Chiropractic College in Atlanta, Georgia? But it is right, Cody came from Atlanta to do the Tuesday Night Ride!After some pleasantries and losing Loren to a broken spoke we got down to business. Hard attacks up Annis Hill cleared a break of five. Ralph attacked, then Todd, then Jeff, hot damn! Going into the second sprint we saw the turn of speed Cody had when he left, he still has it, as he blew by everyone for W.Heading toward Catholic Church Road (above) the herd is ready to light it up for the 4th sprint, it was that way all night.After some... Hmmmm... adjustments we pushed forward toward the tunnel of trees and some top end speeds before rolling into Mason. Webbcorp attacked out of the group, but in the end Ralph pulled it back as we approached the Mason City Limit sign, I'm not sure who won that sprint because my head was resting on my handlebar as I was catching my breathHaving laid the law down on the road Cody and Todd took time for a photo op in front of the Mason Courthouse. What a night boys (and girl, I don't think Emily missed but 1 of 28).Happy Trails Cody, hope to see you back again soon.

Game on for Wednesday Night @ 5:30 9/29/2010

2010-09-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Game on for Wednesday Night @ 5:30 9/29/2010
Every one of these might be the last. First and foremost we face the problem of a lack of daylight and secondly falling temperatures. Well we are in luck today, we have both. Twilight is 7:55 PM and at ride time it's supposed to be sunny and about 70 degrees. Pay yourself first, get out and ride with your brothers from other mothers.

Tuesday Night Ride Summary September 21, 2010

2010-09-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

We all suffer from one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. With that in mind we pushed on deeper into the season than ever before on TNR, no regrets... pain, but no regrets. Bike racers have a high tolerance for pain, but even within our finite, somewhat warped sect, some of us stand out, as if TNR is not painful enough, Loren scheduled a root canal 3 hours before the ride. I'm not a tooth scientist, but it seems to me that having the intricate recesses of your mouth drilled and then taking your heart rate to 180 for two hours has got to hurt, you are born again hard Loren. Eric Sneider joined us from St. Paul Minnesota, we had a two man break in Ann Arbor 6 years ago, have not seen him since, great to have you on our ride Eric. The Boyne City Bomber took the KOM on 36, nice work.
If your wondering how fast it was last night, below is our motor pacer, that is none other than Fast Freddie Anderson. He traded his bike saddle on this night for a Yamaha R1 which can do the quarter mile faster than an Enzo Ferrari. NO ONE has any interest in giving up on the season, when asked all hands were in the air, so we soldier on next week. We have got to be turning pedals at 5:30 PM though, but if we do, there should be no problems with daylight. Webbcorp, OUT!

Ronde Van Stoney

2010-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not had enough racing yet this year don't forget the Ronde Van Stoney www.rondevanstony.com this Saturday. This should be a great race!

TNR Summary 9/14/10

2010-09-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

And so the cycle goes on, the life of a bike racer, your either chasing or being chased. We continued this song and dance for the 26th time this year. We started with 19 riders and many new faces, Daytona (sorry forgot your name my brother), Joe Law, and to add a national flavor Tony from beautiful Blountville Tennessee. The ride was fast and hard, and why not blow ourselves apart, what are we saving it for? The skies gave us some teardrops at the end of the night, sadness over seeing a season winding down, serious, not a cloud in the sky & a dozen rain drops.

We all came to the realization that time is not on our side, to that end we are moving the start time next week to 5:30, we are not giving up. We have a half year in by now, and we can roll on. Don't forget the TT Thursday to keep those legs turning over. Ride on! Webbcorp

TNR MBRA Points update

2010-09-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long and successful season for many of us on Tuesday Night Ride. The strength of our ride has made us all stronger. Some of us have thrown ourselves into racing on the weekend and I wanted to recognize some of you:

MBRA points champions:
* Leslie Gaines women category 3

* Webbcorp men's 45+
Other points highlights
* Emily Flynn 2nd overall womens category 3
* Ben Cox 3rd overall category 4

* Loren Simons 4th overall men's 55+

* Fast Freddie Anderson 7th overall 55+
* Randall Rodd 10th overall category 3

Also, for some reason they do not tabulate points for category 5, but if they did I have to believe Craig Newell would have won. Craig won the Cherry Roubaix road race, placed 3rd at the EGR State Championship criterium, 2nd place at the Maillot Jaune road race, 4th at the BTR criterium, 2nd at the Mount Pleasant road race, 11th at West Branch road race & (crap my hands getting sore from typing) 6th at the Kensington road race. Those boys did not want to see Craig at the start line. Congrats on a great season to Craig and to everyone who threw their hat into the ring at the MBRA races.

TNR Summary 9/7/10

2010-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had some light winds last night, no sorry wrong night, the winds were out of the west at 30+ MPH which made last nights' ride one of the most difficult of the year.

Couple that with TNR alumnus Alan Antonuk (above) and Adam York (below) showing up for the ride and you had the makings for the perfect storm, and I was told I did not help matters... bygones.

Steve was back out from Boyne City and Blaine and lot's of newcomers including Daphne and Alex from MSU (it was a tough night last night guys don't give up on us and thanks for coming).

Daylight is going to start to be an issue because we chose to live at the 44th parallel and its September, please let me know if starting the ride next week is a problem at 5:45, LET ME KNOW. If it's an issue for too many we might try one more at 6:00 PM.

Tuesday Night Ride Preview - School is Back in Session

2010-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

First, we made it over to Trophy's DE Grumpy crit today. Fast Freddie pulled out 2nd place, my only regret was not pulling back the Canadian so he could have gotten the W. Nice work Fast Freddie.

School is back in session and tomorrow we are all going to learn some very valuable lessons. What lessons? Tomorrows lessons will be on the physical attributes of your crucifixion on the bike. Your Professors for tomorrow will be Dr. Crosby. He has a PhD in attacking and his dissertation was on the brain shutting down during track sprints. Also, we have some visiting professors from Ann Arbor. First we have Dr. Alan Antonuk who is a Professor of the synergism between the Body and the Bike. Dr. Antonuk will be demonstrating how to tear muscle fibers while trying to sprint at speeds reaching 38 MPH. And finally we have Professor Adam York. The distinguished Dr. York has a PhD in kicking ass and taking names, and roll call is at 6:00 PM.

As mentioned earlier every mug that shows face tomorrow gets a free Panchero's Burrito compliments of Steve, NO! NOT Steve this time! Compliments of Rick Oberle!

Word on the street is we might hit 40 tomorrow. What do I mean 40? Riders and MPH both!

So Come On! Get your bad self down to College and Cedar.

Double Potowatami lap, Webbcorp, Crosby & No. 7.

2010-09-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Garmin Double Potowatami lap file here - Details

I learned some things today and confirmed some other things I already knew. First what I learned. Turns out Dr. Michael Clayton Kemp was issued the 7th NORBA license ever. Yes Mike raced off-road professionally before he became a milk scientist. I also learned that Potowatami will chew you up and spit you out on a rigid bike, and no a 29r does not help AT ALL! So on to what I already knew. Brian Crosby is fast and his speed does not diminish when he travels off-road.

Final Night in The August Sprint Series

2010-09-01T08:52:00.001-07:00

Cooler than a Budweiser on ice, hotter than the rolling dice, wilder than a drunken fight, we all fried tonight! Ok, I stole that, but it fits, last night was as fast and hard as any ride we have had this year. We started with 19 riders, there was some kind of Spartifornification thing going on at MSU which was not a good reason to miss the ride but many did, they will pay for it next week. Two new faces in the herd; Blaine who is up to go to MSU and rides for Wolverine & Steve from Boyne City, thanks for joining us men, join the blog! Steve made the ride, nice work, that alone is not easy and Blaine even got into the points on his first night, great work.

Congrats to Brian Crosby for winning the August Sprint Series sponsored by Capital Fund Title. Brian and Jen will be headed up to Bellaire to recreate and drink Huma Lupa Licious at Short's Brewery this month. Finishing off the podium for the series was Craig and then Jeff. We had 19 different people in the points for the series, that is really a testament to the strength of our group.

For the night, I managed to eek out a W on one night of the series, but I think Brian may have just felt sorry for me like seeing a dog with only three legs or something.

Steve, thanks, it has really hurt, but been a lot of fun.

Remember the Hill Climb TT series starting Thursday (Hover over LABELS below for link to course)

The fifth and final round

2010-08-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week, so right to it.

Racing: Many Tuesday Night Ride alums were at Cherry Roubaix this past weekend in Traverse City. I might miss someone but this much I know. Emily Flynn won the Cat 3 criterium, wow! Craig Newell won the Cat 5 mens race on a hard and hot course in an uphill field sprint! And finally I won the masters race, good weekend for people named Craig.

TNR: Tomorrow is the fifth and final in the August Sprint series. Everyone is salty and feeling hardcore so it should be fast and frenetic. The winner of tomorrow's sprints will get a $40 gift certificate to Bravo Italiano Italian restaurant in Eastwood Towne Center. And as an extra added incentive Brian, Alan, Todd and Rhone are out of the running for the certificate so you can win but you have to be there.

Sprinting advice from a pro: sprinting is 50% instinct, 25% patience, 15% acceleration, and 10% top speed, this information might help you tomorrow!

Time Trial series: The final results for the series are posted, 29 people participated, what a great series. Too bad it's over but this Thursday marks the start of the new "Hill Climb Thursday", more to come.

Tuesday Ride 8/24/10

2010-08-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

I was as ornery as a Taliban insurgent being forced to listen to Afternoon Delight last night. Then I realized something… I was ornery because we could not get away, and we tried! Believe me, we tried! and we could not get away! See chart at bottom of blog if you still do not believe me. So why? Because! Because! Everyone is rolling so fast right now, it would not have been possible to roll, scratch, claw or cheat your way off the front of that herd. So don’t waste those race legs, get up to Traverse City this weekend and annihilate some mothers at the Criterium and Road Race. Back to last night… we made two corrections which changed some outcomes last night. First, sprint 3 was tighter than a sumo wrestler trying to squeeze into a Smart Car so we decided to award the “W” to Jeff Chapin. Second, because of the change to sprint 3 Rhone ended up with 2nd overall & since Brian already won a weekly prize Rhone will take home the $40 gift certificate to Dusty’s Cellar compliments of Capital Fund Title and our benevolent philanthropists Steve and Stacey. Nice work Jeff and Rhone. It’s not mathematically impossible to beat Brian at this point but it is realistically impossible, Jeff you still have an outside shot.

We had our very own roving photographer present for most of last night’s ride and we should have photo’s of the podium and sprints coming soon. For now, here are some shots from last week.

Administrivia: Daylight is getting shorter, we need to start on time next week. We were asked to not relieve ourselves in the parking lot, it’s a logical request, we have enough stops to work these 'comfort' breaks.

-Zach, after having a rough night on his first trip to TNR last week, was ripping peoples legs of this week, nice work Zach.
-Brian went to a big track event in Minnesota where over twenty teams competed. Do I need to tell you who won? Ok, 2nd place was over four laps behind them and 3rd was... well... let's call it Uzbekistan behind! Nice work Brian.
-Craig Newell took 3rd at the State Championships this past weekend, I saw the finish, he was the strongest, but went a little early and still only two could come around him.

Don’t forget to make it out to the TT Thursday, this will be the last one before venue’s are changed to the hill climb TT which I do not plan to miss as it will be great training for Iceman.

Thursday Time Trial Series Ice Cream and Country Club

2010-08-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

The great weather was not a deterrent last night as we saw ten people line up for the fifth round in the TT series. More than bragging rights were on the line as our local "Bike Philanthropist" Steve Smith put up a reward for anyone who could break the course record and Ice Cream for the top 5! Well a new course record was set and will probably last a week until Rhone, Alan, Brian, Todd and a list of others decide enough is enough and show us how it's really done. Twenty-Six different riders have come out to try the TT series so far, can we shoot to get this to forty? Good Goal, come on! Starting in September (September! Yikes! summer is gone?) Doug is moving the TT to a new venue, the course will include a hill repeat that will be great training for mountain bike season, more to come.

Also, Doug has set up a site for the TT, check it out. http://weeklyttseries.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Night Ride Summary August 17, 2010

2010-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Holy Humanities! The recipe last night was equal parts fun and pain, put it in a mixer and spit it out on the fly. We had seven people in the points last night for the 3rd installment of the August Sprint Series sponsored by Capital Fund Title Services. Todd Davidson took home a $40 gift certificate for Stillwater Grill by winning two of the six sprints and placing in three others, nice work! Webbcorp & Jeff Chapin tied for first loser to finish the podium. The entire night was, well... just fast. The competition has changed the complexion of our ride in ways no one anticipated. We are all stronger for it, thanks Steve! Brian took the night off but on the strength of the first two installments of the series still leads the overall followed by Webbcorp, then Jeff, 23, 21 & 18 respectively.

Tyler & Emily had a rough night on 8/10 but they were back in the saddle last night. Tony reappeared after a long absence along with Cary. And, we had two new faces in David and Zach from the MSU Triathlon Team. Zach, nice work toughing it out. David, strong riding my brother.

TT series: Don't forget the time Time Trial series tomorrow. The top 5 times this week will get a gift certificate to Maggie Moos and if a new course record is set that person will get dinner for two at the Lansing Country Club thanks to Steve Smith and 808 Lake Lansing LLC. Steve what are you some kind of bike philanthropist? Cheese and rice!

Rito Reminder: Don't forget, every lovin mother that shows face on 9/7, even the sinners, wheel suckers & Arizona graduates, get a gift certificate for a FREE burrito at Panchero's. Try to tell Rick Oberle thanks if you see him, here is a picture of Rick from his younger days.

Good evening ladies, see you tomorrow.

Panchero's Burrito Night September 7th

2010-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Are you Kiddin me? No it's true! Everyone who comes to the Tuesday Night Ride on September 7th will get a coupon for a FREE Panchero's Burrito.

Your gonna need it after you get a case of whoop ass opened up on ya at TNR.

Tuesday Night Ride August 10, 2010

2010-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hot Damn Tamale: We’ve had some warm nights but this one takes the prize and with no wind and high humidity it was good thing we were moving as fast as we were. We started with twenty even though a lot of the brotherhood was not present.

Slip N Slide: No not the kind they do with beer at the frat houses, this was serious. Luckily no one was seriously hurt. One door closes, another opens… that door opened for Todd who was running late and caught us, game on for Todd as others were leaving the ride.

Sprinting?: After we tended to the wounded the remainder of us set out to wound ourselves internally. With no break occurring Brian had no problem dispelling with us for the first W. Then Alan, Webbcorp & Greg took off to take the 2nd sprint in a breakaway. Alan and Greg again rode away before Leslie and held off for the 3rd sprint in a breakaway, very nice. Brian took the 3rd sprint which was all together, remember that boys, look at the details, if you plan to beat Brian you need to be in a break.

Animal Conspiracy: not sure if you heard of this hypothesis, but some believe animals are rising up to attack humans and claw their way back up the food chain. This happened to us a year ago when a goose chased a rabbit across the road right into our path, not good, people got hurt, goose chuckled. Last night a dog the size of shoe decided he would attack all 22 of us and it almost worked, but I have to hand it to everyone, we kept our cool and pursued with the job at hand. Brian took the next two sprints and sealed his 2nd win.

The picture of Michigan Racing: not sure how many noticed but Brett Robinson joined us last night near the 5th sprint. Brett is a mentor of mine and as well as one of the strongest cyclist in Michigan he is tactically the best I have seen. Brett’s been ill, but he is back on the bike! It would be easier to name the races Brett has not won in Michigan, here is a picture of Brett in action.

If at first you don’t succeed: Banky after years of trying finally had his day at the Mason sprint with a strong break companion in Wade, son he is riding good.

Final podium shot: Brian, Alan, Craig. Alan went home with the dinner and a movie coupons, nice work youngster. Yes, for the tenth time, this is my wife's jersey!

Ok, my brothers and sisters, I am up and out, Webbcorp

TNR - Tuesday 8/10/10

2010-08-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

Administrivia: Hard to believe but tomorrow will mark our twenty-first bout at Tuesday Night Ride which started on March 23rd. We’ve come a long way this year, last year it was possible to show up at the Church of Christ for TNR and not even the Lord would be there, much different story this year.

Sprint Series: Tomorrow marks the second of five Sprint nights sponsored by Capital Fund Title Services

The winner tomorrow gets dinner for two and two tickets to Celebration Cinema. Also, if you have aspirations of going to Bellaire for a two night stay at the Stone Waters Inn and drinking $300 of Huma Lupa Licious at Short’s Brewery in September you will need to come with a plan and ride from the neck up or our resident track star will leave with all the goods.

Other rides: the Thursday Time Trial series will resume this week, come out and try to beat Alan’s time of 21:39 @ 25.64 MPH, cheese and rice, that’s fast.

See you all tomorrow for worship services at 6 PM at the Church of the Bike ladies.

Webbcorp

8/3/10 – Be careful what you ask for, you might get it

2010-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

August Sprint Series - Sponsored By Capital Fund Title Services
We’re not sure if this was what Steve Smith had in mind when he came up with the idea to donate over $1000 in cash and prizes for the August Sprint Series, but we know what we got! Banky, Brian and Jeff went off from the gun to try to secure bonus points for a breakaway. While they were still away Cameron got the idea he would try to bridge. Well, nothing ventured… I snapped this shot of Cameron when we passed him.

Banky was the first to go in the break then Brian dispelled of Jeff. Well, as strong as Brian is we played it perfectly. He was on his own for over 20 minutes and when we caught him Alan hit him hard and got a gap. We gave Brian no help and in fact I sat on his wheel and endured five attacks but he could not cover and Alan won the first sprint. Mark took off early for the 2nd sprint and held off the group for solid breakaway points, nice work Mark! Jeff just nipped Alan at the 3rd sprint line with a tailwind. Then Brian shut down the carnival and took all the other prizes for the day. It was hot, and it was fast. Start to finish it may not have been our best elapsed time, but the dynamics of the competition made it the hardest night of the year to date. So Brian walked away with a gift certificate for dinner at Eastwood Towne Center and two tickets to a movie at NCG.
Yo, Brian, I think Conan the Barbarian is showing next Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Podium was 1st Brian, 2nd Jeff, 3rd Webbcorp.

State Track Championships

2010-08-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

Brian Crosby, Webbcorp and Joe Fulsher (who has visited our ride before) went down for the Michigan State Track Championships this Saturday. Brian won the elite kilo pursuit and the local boys were not happy about getting spanked. Webbcorp won the 3000 meter pursuit and Joe had a great time of 4:20. If you want to waste four minutes of your life you will never get back here is the video of Webbcorp's 3000 meter pursuit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQjKLOCQf3A

Ride Summary 7/27/2010

2010-08-02T12:39:00.001-07:00

Conditions: Sunny, 85 degrees, winds out of south; perfect

Rider count: 14

Flat Tires: 1

Dropped Sunglasses: 1

Mysterious Black car with tinted windows taking pictures: 1

Numbers were down this week, no doubt due to vacations and other summer travels. Noticeably absent were our ride leader and other big sprint guns. Most likely they were plotting the punishment they would dish out for the August festival. That left the remainder of the group to grab some sign glory. Who that glory went to, I have no idea, but you know who you are.
A good time was had by all.

Signing out.
Steve

“Sometimes you get. Sometimes you get got.” Author unknown

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

TNR Ride Summary 7/20/10: weather – Stunning, temperature – Perfect, riders –Twenty-Four.

Wade suggested we get a group picture last week so here it is, I didn’t catch everyone because there are not as many heads as were on the ride, so sorry if I missed you.

Jon was new to our ride last night. Jon I know it was a rough night, but stick with us, the payoff is high. Thanks for coming. We also had a returning guest, Justin Sprung came all the way from Kalamazoo, Michigan to join our ride, wow! Justin used to live here and ride with us, thanks for coming Justin!

It was a fast ride last night, what’s new? Banky rode away after sprint four, what’s new? Well, he did make it to Mason first this time although I think he definitely heard us coming, so Banky “sometimes you get.” Brian, got about all the points available last night, again, what’s new. Having Brian with us changes the dynamics of our entire ride in a very positive way, we can all see what is possible and challenge ourselves and go deeper than we ever could without someone of his caliber with us. The surges and extended hard work we did last night had to have resulted in some sore legs today.

Tyler and Brittany unceremoniously attacked us last night on a tandem bike creating quite a stir. Tyler said he was the one keeping it away but I swear Brittany was doing more work than the youngster.

August Sprint Series Sponsored by Capital Fund Title & Steve Smith

2010-07-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Time to let the cat out of the bag for the August Sprint Series Sponsored by Stephen Smith and Capital Fund Title!

There are five Tuesdays in August (lucky us) and here are the prizes for each Tuesday:

8/3 – winner receives dinner & a movie for two at NCG Eastwood Cinema, value $40.00

8/10 – winner receives dinner & a movie for two at Celebration Cinema, value $40.00

8/17 – winner receives a dinner at Stillwater Grill in Okemos, value $40.00

8/24 – winner receives a dinner at Dusty’s Cellar in Okemos, value $40.00

8/31 – winner receives a dinner at Bravo’s in Eastwood, value $40.00

Overall Series Winner – The overall series winner will receive a two night stay at Stone Waters Inn in Bellaire, Michigan to be used anytime in September, along with a gift certificate for dining at Short’s Brewing Company, hmmm…. Huma Lupa Licious! This is a fantastic area for riding also so bring your bike and you can mix it up with the Traverse City Boys on their weekly ride.

There will be some rules:
1. Must be a member of the Blog, no exceptions, not a member, not counted.
2. No crossing the yellow line, must hold line, or you will be DQ'd.
3. Points for overall will be tabulated based on finish but you can only win one weekly prize (if you already won, then 2nd place gets the weekly prize but you do keep the overall points).
4. More to follow!

TNR Summary 7/13

2010-07-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ok,let's get right to the point, this was the fastest and best ride we have had this year and we started on March 16th! We had 23 riders and the weather was stunningly beautiful. Thanks for coming John and Rex and Matt and Anthony all new or recently returning, we needed more wood for the fire. Brian Crosby took the KOM's. Craig watched Brian close down 20 meters on me in about 5 seconds going up hill and rolled by me and said simply "that was impressive." That boy has speed to burn. In all honesty I was so oxygen deprived I cannot even recount the sprint winners.

Don't forget the TT tomorrow night and remember it moved to 6 PM at Haslett Middle School.

Tuesday Night Ride July 6, 2010 Recap

2010-07-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, some formalities, if you did not come to the ride because of the heat please contact me so I can take you off my list of people I would go to combat with, you can still be my friend, but sorry no combat.

Onward, Ben Cox & Alan Finder won Most Aggressive Rider honors last night, they were still exhibiting anti-social behavior after the ride and in fact attacked a small child right after this picture was taken. The child was taken to hospital and survived but will never walk again.

The speeds are coming up, typical of July, too many attacks to count. All the stimulus limits my memory but I have sprint one going to Crosby, 2nd to Fast Freddie, 3rd to Todd, fourth to Todd and fifth to yours truly. On the Mason sprint a word of mention due, Ben attacked at the bottom of the last hill two miles out and I countered to stay with, in the end I rode past, but Leslie was able to hang on for 2nd despite all of the prisoners of cell block 8 sprinting as fast as they could for the gate.

Ben won a tube and Electrolyte tablets from Hammer and Alan won a road tube and finally Todd was a recipient of a tube benefit of CABO after Nikita flatted. If any of you have a rich uncle please ask them to buy Nikita a new bike, it is older than he is and might just weigh more than he does.

Out!

Safety & the Yellow line

2010-07-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Many of our own members have chimed in and I agree, we need to make sure first and foremost we keep everyone safe. So treat the yellow line like a brick wall. And if you see someone go over it yell at them, it's for their safety. We are all responsible to each other.

Tuesday Night Ride July 6, 2010

2010-07-06T07:15:00.001-07:00

Forecast is sunny and 85, low humidity and southwest wind 10-12, I am not making this up, it will be that nice.

New month and a new series. The sprint competition was wildly successful, thanks to everyone involved. Turn the page… tonight’s competition is MOST AGGRESSIVE RIDER and the winner receives two Q-Tubes and some other swag. You do not need to win a sprint, or drop the field on your own, but you will need to impress the judges (all of us) that you turned yourself inside out to win the competition. Need more instruction on how to win, here are some judged categories: drool running from your mouth and nose if possible, mean and angry demeanor, torn connecting muscle fibers, blood coming out of your ears, singing “Halls of Montezuma” and or Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the name of” when you heart rate is 185+ at the top of your lungs, of being or exhibiting profound and uninhibited disregard for your musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular systems simultaneously,

Should be fun, see you tonight boys and girls.

New Time Trial Series - Every Thursday @ 5:30 Haslett MS

2010-07-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Time Trial Route is approx 9.5 miles...flat, out and back, no stop signs. We will meet at Haslett MS on Marsh road & roll out together to the start.

Where: Meet at Haslett MS
When: Thursday Eventings
Time: 5:30 PM

Tuesday Night Ride Summary June 29th 2010

2010-06-30T05:17:00.001-07:00

We were reminded of why we tolerate six months of cold and darkness last night, the temp was 72, no humidity & the sun was shining, stunningly beautiful night. We had 20 riders some battle worn from the SBF race weekend and some chomping at the bit. It was the fourth and last night in the series of Sprint Night’s sponsored by Capital Area Bike, and it was blistering fast and fun. We saw some new faces and some old faces who rejoined us. On to the competition, with the Minnesota State Track Champion Brian Crosby with us we knew it would be a hard night. Brian attacked over ½ mile out from the first sprint, it was everything I had to get up to him, then he hit me again and go the first sprint. Brian took the 2nd sprint too, Cary got 2nd. With the west wind we were flying east and Cary got the jump to take the 3rd sprint ahead of Kemp. I took the fourth sprint and on the fifth attacked at the crest of the last hill and barely held off the charge at the line. Chris was awarded ‘most aggressive rider’ he pulled the entire group from Leslie nearly all the way to the next sprint and attacked at least ten times last night. Please take the time to thank Mike Williams (aka Doogie Houser) when you see him next, this series was highly competitive and super fun and we all got stronger and faster. Until next time boys and girls, I am up and out.

Tuesday Night Ride June 29th 2010

2010-06-28T14:07:00.001-07:00

Forecast: Sunny & 71, NW wind.

Format: This will be the fourth in the series of sprint competitions in June sponsored by the Capital Area Bike Association. So far Craig Newell, Greg Christian and Brian Crosby have won competitions, who will be the fourth and last? I have seen Todd and Jeff both with glazed eyes and some mobine perspiration on their upper lip areas at the end of the last few competitions, or will it be Kemp who like the Viet Kong tries to weave a series of interconnected tunnels through the field, there are others, ride smart and you can win.

Going Forward: We are looking for suggestions to keep the ride fresh for July, put your ideas in the comments of this post below so everyone can see them. We have sponsors and interested party’s we just need some ideas.

Superior Bike Fest Summary

2010-06-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

In predictable fashion riders from our TNR performed well at the State Championships in Marquette this weekend. Here is a short summary.

Womens Cat 3: Leslie Gaines got 2nd in the State Road Race Championships, nice work Leslie.

Cat 5: Jeff Chapin WON the Cat 5 Omnium, which includes the criterium, road race and circuit race. In addition he won the criterium on Friday night in a pouring rain. He attributed TNR to part of his success, and we have been doing this since March. Working on finishing speed and riding with fast people in general will make you fast. Jeff, outstanding work my brother, you are born again hard.

Cat 4: Ben Cox finished up 9th overall for the cat 4 Omnium and Cameron Marshall finished up 10th overall in the Omnium. They both finished consistently in the front of the field of over 30 riders showing their racing acumen. Great job men.

Cat 3: Todd Davidson in what I believe is his coming out party to cat 3 got 10th overall in the stacked and strong cat 3 field. Todd got 8th place in the crit in a downpour then followed it up with and 8th place in the state championship road race the next day. Nice work Todd.

Masters: yours truly had a great weekend, 2nd in the crit, 2nd in the road race, 4th in the circuit race, wrapped up the Omnium and won the 50+ state championship. Also, Fast Freddie who won this Omnium before placed 7th overall.

A total of 14 TNR this year certainly played a part in the results across the board in each category. Outstanding!

News from Superior Bike Fest

2010-06-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Jeff Chapin won the cat 5 race today in a pouring rain. Outstanding!

TNR, 6/22, “What a long strange trip it’s been”

2010-06-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Weather sunny and 78, low humidity, low winds, stunningly beautiful, 18 riders. I assume numbers were down due to school being out and State Championships this weekend, but still a great group. You could tell who was saving their legs and who was chomping at the bit from the start. Jennifer was the first to attack two miles out from the first sprint. Brian got the first sprint and started a pattern for the evening. Jennifer, who races for Kenda, had an out of the ordinary night on her first TNR. First with shifting, then a flat, more later. Cary got the second sprint, he won this one before. Todd took the first KOM. Brian took the third sprint and fourth and wrapped up the points to win the 3rd sprint competition. After the third sprint I rolled up to Brian who was holding a kitten, no I am not kidding, look closely at the picture above, Brian has the Sprint Competition prime in one hand and the cat in the other. Brian and Jennifer rode that cat all the way to the end of the ride, Brian even won the 2nd KOM with the cat in his left hand. Alan said “we’ve taken care of any bad karma that might be coming our way for the rest of the season by saving that cat.” Cary nabbed the coveted Mason sprint to wrap up 2nd place. And the long, strange trip was over. Sayonara until next time boys and girls.

Tuesday Night Ride June 22 - 3rd Sprint Competition & KOM

2010-06-22T05:15:00.001-07:00

No chance of rain until after our ride tonight according to the weatherman, and since the weatherman is always right and never wrong, see you all tonight.

This will be our third in the series of four sprint competitions in June sponsored by the Capital Area Bike Association. Newell and Christian are out of the competition (you can only win once). We discussed a series winner for the month, and we are tabulating the points so stay tuned.

We dropped some brothers last week, this will not happen this week, apologies. This ride is about finishing speed and sprinting and don't forget breakaways (Hmmm, that might be our July competition) but it is not about start to finish overall speed. Bottom line the ride is for all of us, don't get discouraged.

Tuesday Night Ride June 15th - Sprint Competition & KOM Summary

2010-06-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Weather - beautiful. Attendance - great (19). Speeds - fast. Ride - hard as hell.

The second in the series of four sprint competitions was tonight. I was unaware of this but apparently not only does MSU have a cycling team but the MSU Astrophysics Department does too (Greg Christian and Brian Crosby), forget about any visions you might have in your head about nerdy scientists, these men are tough as nails and love to go fast and suffer. Greg got all but one sprint and Brian was just being nice because it was his first TNR but got mostly all the other points leaving yours truly with black eyes (see picture, yes scientists throw punches, I felt every one of them) but a third place. The astrophysicists allowed Doug Derdowski into the first sprint and Kemp in the 4th but that was it. By the way, good luck to Doug in the 24 hour challenge this weekend, he is shooting for a PR with help from his brothers.

Craig Newell had no competition in the KOM taking both.

Todd was the first recipient of the tube replacement program on TNR thanks to CABO. He flatted before we started and got a brand new tube.

That's all from me, I need to go, I have a doctors appointment to see if any bones are broken in my face and to reattach some ligaments and muscles from my butt to my legs.

Tuesday Night Ride June 15th

2010-06-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

It’s difficult to know if it’s going to rain tomorrow afternoon so all we have is the ability and desire to plan. Plan we will. See you all tomorrow. This will be the second sprint competition and of course we have our own Michigan version of KOM.

Wednesday June 9, 2010 Ride Summary

2010-06-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Stats: Sunny, 75, west wind, 12 riders

Summary: this was the inaugural Sprint Night Sponsored by Capital Area Bike Association (CABO). The devil would have been proud of the looks on these boys faces as they fired their pistons in an attempt to win honors for the sprint competition. It was a tight competition, Craig Newell won with 11 points, second was Jeff Chapin with 9 then Mike Kemp with 8. The photo shows the angst and bitterness Jeff and Mike had for having to settle for ‘not the winner’, while Craig was gleaming. Better luck next time boys. The good news is there is a next time for Jeff and Mike, but Craig, you are out! You can only win once. Yours truly won the both KOM’s. Thirteen rides so far, two had to be rescheduled to Wednesdays due to weather, this was one of them. Last week we had 24, this week half that. There was a strong crosswind coming from the west, but once we headed east we were flying. The night was stunningly beautiful otherwise, warm, sunshine, in Michigan you have to enjoy these days, we only get so many. Thanks again to Mike Williams for donating the gift certificates from Denny’s Central Park Cycle, and for the tubes and CO2s. The tube/CO2 program will work this way, if you flat on the ride you get a new tube and CO2 at the ride, compliments of CABO. I am up and out, until later, ride on.

Wednesday June 9, 2010 Ride - Sprint Night

2010-06-09T05:24:00.002-07:00

We got rained out yesterday, but game on today, should be clear and 73 at ride time, see you all at 6:00 PM. Not sure what the day change will do to numbers, but if we have a critical mass we will have Sprint Night sponsored by Capital Area Bike Association and Mike Williams. If you know Mike please tell him thanks, he really went above and beyond here and to top it off CABO donated Tubes and CO2 so every flat on TNR is free.

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Tuesday Ride Cancelled - Bummer

2010-06-09T05:24:00.001-07:00

Latest News for TNR

2010-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Forecast: Sunny and 75, are you kidding me?

Overview: This Tuesday will be an exciting ride for us, why? Read on…

First: Capital Area Bike Association www.capitalareabike.org & Denny’s Central Park Cycle are sponsoring a New Sprint Format. Here is how it works:
I. The sponsored nights are 6/8, 6/15, 6/22 & 6/29
II. The winner gets a gift certificate to Denny’s Cycle thanks to Michael Williams and the Capital Area Bike Association (also they have the CABO / Kodak kits)
III. There are five sprints on TNR, the top 3 place in each sprint; first is 3 points, 2nd is 2 points and 3rd is one point. Most points wins. Consistency is rewarded.
IV. You can only win once so there will be four winners in June!

Second: The Capital Area Bike Association has donated tubes and CO2 cartridges to our ride, so if you flat, it’s a free fix! Mike, knows we like to burn rubber.

Third: Zach Berridge, an MSU Journalism student, wants to do a story about our ride! He is going to show up at 5:30, if you can come early and tell him some war stories about our ride great!

Fourth: I have it on good information that a guy named Brian who has been racing track in Europe will join our ride. He showed up at the Thursday ride and ripped everyone’s legs off, Rick said Round Lake Road looked like a Monty Python movie after he was done, hmmm... I shall call him “Life of Brian”

So come on! Get Outside! Game on!

Tuesday Night Ride Summary June 1st, 2010

2010-06-02T19:14:00.001-07:00

Help Needed: If anyone has done anything more fun than last night’s ride in the past month please tell me so I can do it. I was simultaneously unable to catch my breath or wipe the smile off my face the entire ride.

Reloading: We had three new cuts of meat for the grinder last night. If my memory was better I would tell you all of their names but it’s not so forget about it. I do remember the MSU Triathlon team youngster who just returned after an internship in Indiana, thanks for coming and attacking from the gun. One name I do remember is Jamie (sp.) who was invited by Mark Warner (Mark get me Jamie’s email), Jamie if you can read this… nice work, it was a hard and fast ride, you made it my brother. Bottom line, we keep reloading, we can’t be stopped.

The ride: what kind of a ride was it? I don’t know I am not a ride scientist. What I do know is the ride was the hardest and fastest ride yet this year. I know that everyone made it, everyone! I know that everyone left the ride feeling salty and hardcore, like a seasoned Marine with tons of trigger time. And there were bullets flying all over that mo fo. Todd started it off by getting away near the first sprint, only to be caught by Craig and Cary. Then Todd again attacked two miles from the second sprint with Craig in tow, we thought we could hold off that pack of wolves but it wasn’t to be… Fast Freddie hunted me down and then ate Todd raw within sight of the sprint line, bones and all. Chris was feeling left out after winning ‘most aggressive rider’ last week so he started firing too. Todd got honors for the first KOM with a blistering attack. Heading out of Leslie twenty four fire breathing dragons were flying over the countryside, everyone was in on it, it was fast. I took the 2nd KOM with Jeff a close second, but no one was interested in any gifts and they attacked, game on, were doing forty down the back side now, everyone is still there. About a mile out from the Mason sprint Mike Williams must have been using the seatpost motor Cancellara used to get a 100 yard gap, or he is really that strong, but this group was not letting him go. I could literally hear Cary breathing down my neck but nipped him at Mason city limit line. Life is good.

Ride summary May 25, 2010 & race results

2010-05-26T08:31:00.001-07:00

Ride summary: sunny and 80, 18 riders. How can something so painful feel so good? The weather was stunningly beautiful; sun, great temperature and no wind. To some dismay I had a prime for ‘most aggressive rider’ and everyone seemed to be trying to win it. In the end Chris took top honors with Cary a close second, the prime was an all expenses paid trip to Tahiti for two make believe (actually a hat), but it made things interesting. You can tell everyone is getting stronger.

KOM: we are going to add KOM to the mix to break things up and keep it more interesting. My KOM ideas are (please let me know if you have different ideas), we have sprints, we should have KOMs! Regroup… YES!
 KOM I: Annis Road (where we head east off of Edgar)
 KOM II: E Race road (appropriately) which is just outside of Leslie
 KOM III: M36 first hill once we turn west off of Meridian

Race results West Branch Road Race:
 Cat 5: 1st place Rhone (outstanding Rhone), 4th place Jeff Chapin, 11th place Craig Newell
 Cat 4: 16th Wade
 Cat 1/2 : Greg Christian 6th, Adam York 12th. Outstanding men.
 Masters 45+: yours truly 5th
 Women cat 3: 2nd Leslie

Race results from West Branch Crit (don’t have MBRA results yet, here is a stab at it):
 Cat 5: 2nd place Rhone and he had to have won the ominium
 Cat 4 not sure yet
 Masters 35+: 5th place Cary, outstanding, fast group, nice work.
 ½: Greg top ten, Adam 18th

Tuesday Night Ride, May 25th, 6 PM, College & Cedar

2010-05-25T05:25:00.001-07:00

Forecast: Sunny & 80, if you lived near the equator this is an average day for you, but for those of us from the 45th parallel sunny and 80 is a rare animal, let’s enjoy it, we have waited a long time for this (maybe since 2008).

PRIME NIGHT: Tonight is PRIME night, the prime goes to Most Aggressive rider tonight.

Overview: This will be our 11th ride this year. We are getting pretty good at making sure we keep everyone together and at the same time let those who want to, ring it out. It’s satisfying to see many get stronger & become better cyclist. Some of it is subconscious, but I see people learning about position in the group, they are smoother in the Paceline and have a more efficient pedal stroke. I don’t have all the race results yet from last weekend, but I know the TNR group finished strong and WON some races, a few of us said without TNR they could not have done it. Race results coming in later post.

Racing:
 Waiting for MBRA update, want to get it right so stay tuned
 Frankenmuth race is this weekend

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