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Bigger goal for Taylor Phinney: Time Trial rainbow stripes or prized Paris-Roubaix cobble? We find out

April 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Taylor Phinney

Taylor Phinney

Bigger goal for Taylor Phinney: Time Trial rainbow stripes or prized Paris-Roubaix cobble? We find out

By Chris Lyman

 

How has the season gone so far? Are you where you expected to be?

It’s gone pretty well. It hasn’t been like a super, super season. But I got a great result in Milan-San Remo with the top 10 (he finished seventh). Unfortunately, I didn’t quite get the result I wanted at my key, target race: Paris-Roubaix. Other than that, the first half of my season has gone by pretty quickly.

 

As you continue to grow and learn, what’s most critical?

I’d say it’s probably more on the fitness side of the things due to the fact that I’m a lot bigger than most of the people that I race with. It’s taken me a couple more years for the watts to even out with the weight of my 85 kilos and being almost two meters tall.

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Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp)and Paris-Nice

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Photo MARK JOHNSON/IRONSTRING

Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp)white jersey at Paris-Nice

 

It’s well documented that 24-year-old Andrew Talansky hails from South Florida’s flatlands, yet that hasn’t hindered his ascent to the top ranks of the pro peloton with Garmin-Sharp. On the heels of a stage win, second overall, and winning the white jersey at Paris-Nice, Andrew reflects on the past week and looks ahead to what’s next.

 

Last year, you proved that the 2011 rookie season was no fluke; highlighted by second overall and the white jersey at the Tour of Romandie. After that success, what’s changed psychologically about your approach to racing this year?

I gained a lot of confidence from my performances at Romandie, Tour de L’ain, and the Vuelta last year. Romandie was a bit of a “surprise.” Tour de L’ain reminded me of what it felt like to win.  The Vuelta showed me I have the consistency over the course of three weeks to develop into a real grand tour contender. I took all of that into this year, so I was very confident that as long as I put in the work and dedicated myself to the plan that [coach] Jesse Moore came up with, it would pay off at Paris-Nice. I still approach races the same as I always have, to get the best performance possible out of myself, whatever that may be.  [Read more...]

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Folsom Bike/ VW/ Raley’s Team Presentation and Camp

January 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Domestique of the Week

December 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

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Domestique of the Week

By Chris Lyman

 

In late October I started riding outdoors after a summer crash had sent me to the hospital for 20 days and three surgeries. Once back, I realized how much I missed and enjoyed riding, and was glad to again be at it.

 

But some days my thoughts are dominated by how much life nearly changed in July. My neurosurgeon often reminds me of how “damn lucky” I am – had my L1 burst vertebra moved a tad further into my spinal column I wouldn’t be walking, let alone gearing up to race.

 

Enter my newest feature for this column: the Domestique of the Week.

 

With race season about to get underway I’d like to call on you to recognize those who help make a win possible for their comrades. If you find yourself atop the podium thanks to the assistance of another, let me know about it. Or maybe you observed a teammate pull back a break, or drop a sprinter off at 200 meters so his/her buddy could take it. That deserves recognition, don’t you think?

 

It’s no secret that the best wins often result from someone who is off to the side, celebrating quietly, satisfied with the job he or she did in support of another.

 

Since the season has yet to start, I’d like to recognize my wife, Carm, who has been steadfast in her support and encouragement to get back on the bike. She knows how much I enjoy cycling and accepts it as part of my daily life (so long as I’m being reasonable).  The decision to ride was/is a joint one, even more so considering this year’s trials and tribulations. Without her help I would have given up cycling and moved onto something else. Thanks to my domestique, I’ll once again be a bike racer.

 

Yet even buoyed with this support, there are days when getting out the door remains a challenge.  Just last week while at a final rehab session, the anxiety about cycling’s risks once again descended on my psyche. Typically I can push through, but this one got the better of me, and I decided an outdoor ride was not going to happen. My fallback was trainer time.  Leaving PT I feared that if I didn’t turn the pedals that day I might never again.

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Just then I pulled out my phone to see a text from Lucas Euser, a dear friend and rider on the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, who is in town for the holidays. “Hey buddy! Going to ride… Let me know if you want to join” read the message.  20 minutes later, Lucas and I were on the road logging some miles and my concerns faded.

 

A few years ago I had the privilege of accompanying Lucas on one of his first outdoor rides following knee reconstruction from getting hit by a car. I saw him struggle through it, but admired his determination to look forward versus back. Last week he returned the favor and so he’s also my Domestique of the Week.

 

As we turn the page on 2012 and look forward to 2013, these two important people have reminded me that with fear comes an opportunity for courage, and without support, little can be accomplished.  For that, I thank them.

 

Drop a note to <Chris@cyclingillustrated.com> and share who you observed being a great domestique. Let’s make this a weekly feature that recognizes those important to our sport.

 

Happy New Year to you and your family.

 

Lucas Euser on the move to UHC!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EArpmW55PIA[/youtube]

Lucas Euser in “The Conversation”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1mtu74vPD8[/youtube]

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’61 Metcalfe Continues to Improve With Age

December 27, 2012 by 2 Comments

 

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’61 Metcalfe Continues to Improve With Age

By Chris Lyman

In 2011 at Masters Nationals, Kevin Metcalfe of Team Specialized Racing showed everyone clean pairs of wheels by winning the 2011 Time Trial and Road Race, and finishing second in the Criterium. In 2012 he packed his suitcase full of courage and repeated in the Road Race and finished second in the Time Trial, just four weeks after breaking his collarbone for the second time in eight months.
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Class is in Session

December 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

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Class is in Session Starting January 5th with the Early Bird Criterium Training Series

By Chris Lyman

 

Tales of Cat 5 misadventures are voluminous enough to fill blogs faster than Google can build data centers. This is especially true when it comes to the weekend circumnavigation of an office park, with 50 comrades bumping bars as if steaming towards the finish line on the Champs-Élysées.

 

Thankfully, in the 1990s, Northern California promoter Velo Promo and a handful of highly qualified coaches set out to create a skin preservation program. The Early Bird Criterium Training Series was born and has since taught countless new riders about pack bike handling, race tactics and generally how to conduct themselves in a safe and civilized manner.

 

This year, five directors—Laurel Green, John Cheetham, Matt McNamara, Dan Smith and Larry Nolan—are putting the final touches on 2013’s clinics and training events, scheduled for January 5th, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and February 3rd..  Directors set a weekly curriculum and catch up racers who may have missed the previous week(s).  They also coordinate 70+ volunteer leaders (folks comfy instructing 50 or more racers) and mentors (those helping smaller groups of racers) who help make the series possible.

 

I remember attending an EB Crit to get my final Category 4 upgrade point as a soon-to-be former triathlete. Even as a newbie I recognized the World Champion stripe-bedazzled jersey on the imposing figure of Larry Nolan, who was riding along mentoring the action.

Larry Nolan

Larry Nolan

 

For those who don’t know Larry, he’s earned 14 Masters Track World Championships and needs a storage unit for all of his Masters National gold medals. I still laugh with Larry about that day because just two years later we ended up as teammates, and I was able to absorb much more knowledge from him about how to how to race a bike.

 

Back to today, or perhaps January 5th, Larry & co. will be back at it, offering a helping hand to those new to the sport and/or wanting to improve handling & race skills. If you missed it the first time, mentors include a WORLD CHAMPION with double-digit titles to his name – someone who can teach most any of us a thing or three about bike riding.

 

Early Birds are just $15. They kick off January 5th with an evening clinic at Palo Alto Bicycles and introduction by Jim Ochowicz. Outdoor action commences January 6th at 8:30am with numerous category events taking place throughout the day.  Cat 5 participants receive 1 point per training race and .5 points for each clinic. Cat 4s receive .5 points for each clinic that they complete.  Details and registration information at http://www.velopromo.com/ebcr-ent.htm.

 

Now, since not everyone lives in Northern California and is able to attend in person, Larry was kind enough to proffer a few tips and suggestions as we head into race season.

 

Larry’s tips and facts for the new racer

-       Early Bird mentoring starts with group drills.  Presumably a friend proclaimed how strong you are and that “you should race.” Congratulations!  We’ll help you get more comfortable in a group, but the Early Birds should not be your first group ride.

-       A 75-minute clinic is not enough time to get you race ready.  Best to continue to learn and develop race skills from teammates, friends, coaches and by attending other clinics outside of EBs.

-       On the road, protect your front wheel.  Assert your position in races.  Do not race passively or aggressively.

-       Be humble and never pretend that you have all of the necessary skills to race through a corner at 30 miles per hour, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.

-       The 2013 Early Birds comprise five weeks of “training races,” which is to say that no one tracks your finish placing.  Therefore there’s no need to sprint at the end for a result.  Practice your sprint in your training and if you’re not yet a fast sprinter, then continue to practice and observe how others go so fast.

-       Come back to the Early Birds years from now when you’re experienced and ready to help others.  There really is no greater feeling than giving back to a sport that gives us all so much.

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Northern Cal’s Road Trip-Worthy Races

December 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

Northern Cal’s Road Trip-Worthy Races

By Chris Lyman

Daley Tapley Photography

With December’s arrival, it’s time for that magical time of year when we dispense with such luxuries as sleeping in on Saturday, or eating an extra slice of cake, and begin behaving like a 35+-year old avid cycliist ready to train in earnest for 2013. (Or, for those of us still in the holiday spirit, we at least give the concept some serious thought. Pass the eggnog.)

 

The Northern Cal race season is a mere four weeks away, commencing January 1st with the San Bruno Mountain Hill Climb—an annual right of passage reserved for those who carpool together from Nerdville.

 

From then on, the weekends are two to three deep with crits, road & stage races straight through September. With so many to choose from, I thought it would be worth taking a look at the biggest, baddest and/or most notorious races of epic nature that are worth packing up the car for a road trip.***

Daley Tapley Photography

Criteriums

For crits, I consulted with sprint ace Dean LaBerge, a 2011 Masters National Crit Champ, to get his take on Northern Cal’s best.

 

Mike’s Bikes Cats Hill Classic, 40th edition on April 4th.  A hill approaching 20% hill each lap turns this into an interval workout within a race.  The finish frequently comes down to a small group contesting for the win on this iconic course.

 

Nevada City Classic, June 16th. Yes, it has a hill and shares the word ‘classic’ in the title. But the likeness ends there, with basically half of the course uphill and half down through a historic, Gold Rush downtown.  After a triple-clutch climb (replete with 95+ degree temps in 2012) racers make a screaming descent into a 90-degree corner. Giddy up.

 

San Rafael Twilight Crit, July 27th.  This is pretty much a straight sprinter’s special through Downtown San Rafael, just north of San Francisco. The rectangular course has a mild, one-block rise after turn one and slight decline through turn three followed by a long drag to the finish. Stick around for the pro race and call-ups accompanied by umbrella-wielding womens.

 

Metromint Giro di San Francisco, September 2nd. One of the last significant races of the season. Downtown San Francisco, hills, rough pavement and whoever still has legs in after August.

Road Races

So many races, so few weekends. To sort the wheat from the chaff I consulted with Jesse Moore, who spent years beating up on the Northern California Pro 1-2 peloton prior to retiring to the masters ranks in 2012.

 

Copperopolis, March 30th. Batten down the hatches and tighten every bolt on your bike because this is not a race for the faint of heart with a climb and fast descent on ‘road’ that “looks like it was bombed out in WW2.” This is a hardman special that’s most often won by a super rouleur

 

Pescadero Coastal Classic, June 2nd.  This is a great course worthy of championship events with a little something for everyone: 75 miles of difficult climbs, one of the most technical descents in Northern Cal races, and great scenery. Down Highway 1 south of Half Moon Bay, it’s also not as far for So Cal folks.  Refuel with a bowl of Artichoke Soup and adult recovery beverage at Duarte’s Tavern after the race is over.

 

Leesville Gap Road Race, July 6th.  If you want to channel your inner Jens Voigt, this is the race to do it.  Don’t let the short distance fool you; this is a serious race of attrition that favors the well-rounded and mentally tough.  Early pave sections expose poor tire choices and eject water bottles just in time for a long sustained climb to further break up the field.  Those that survive at the front will be challenged with more climbing, heat and famous Central Valley winds leading into what is usually a slow motion, small group sprint amongst the least-cracked riders.  In the spirit of summertime, everyone is rewarded with fresh watermelon at the finish.

 

Daley Tapley Photography

Patterson Pass Road Race, August 4th. Patterson sneaks onto the list because it’s a hot, tough course. Right away it goes up with a long climb into a headwind, semi-sketchy descent and another climb followed by a rolling parcours. Repeat 3 times.

 

Special Consideration: Mt. Hamilton Road Race, May 26th. The race starts with a 4,500-foot climb in the first 20 miles followed by a wicked descent that will test the best of bike handlers. After the 63-mile race, join the group riding 50-odd miles back to the start for a solid day on the bike.

 

Stage Races

One day isn’t enough? Can’t decide between a crit or road race? Here are a few stage race options.

 

Merco Classic, February 28 – March 3. Last year was the first of Merco as a four-day masters stage race and it was an instant classic. Merco opens with a road race featuring a grippy climb but flat run-in to the finish. Stage 2 is an out-and-back time trial to sort out the standings. Stage 3 is a downtown crit with a chicane and plenty of turns. The final stage is 96 miles, mostly flat with a few rollers and rough pavement to keep things honest. Quite possibly the best masters stage race in California.

 

Little City Stage Race, anticipated for August 10-11. LCSR debuted in 2012 with a two-day, three-event omnium format. It’s held in/around Minden, Nevada about an hour south of Reno. Great TT course, fun crit, and tough final road race. All at altitude that readies participants for Masters Nats in Bend.

 

Honorable Mention: Sea Otter Classic, April 20-21. True, it’s not a stage race, but with a crit, fun circuit and road race over three days, your legs will be sore on Monday morning.

 

Rumor Mill: Word on the street is that the Tour de Nez might be back as a four-stage race in July. Stay tuned.

 

Find the full calendar of races at www.ncnca.org/road.

 

***Before hate mail starts arriving and plans are made to ride me into a curb, many other events are worthy for this list. Northern Cal is fortunate to have a fantastic lineup of races, these are just some of the more classic variety. Feel free to chime in and add others worth mentioning.

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Q & A with reigning 40-44 Master National Road Race champ.

December 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Q & A with reigning 40-44 Master National Road Race champ.  
By Chris Lyman

While 2012 Masters National Road Race champion Matt Carinio hails from San Luis Obispo he’s well known on both ends of California, winning both the 2012 SCNCA 40-44 time trial and road race, and frequently swapping paint in Northern California events. I caught up with Matt to hear about winning a national championship, soccer, and at which end of the state the best masters racers live.

 

For starters, congrats on the great season – those Hot Tamales are ballers! (note: Matt coaches an under 12 girls soccer team in SLO)

MC:  Both seasons were great, cycling and soccer.  I won a championship and my girls got runner up in the SLO City Finals.  I couldn’t be happier about how both turned out.

 

Tougher accomplishment: coaching a young ladies’ soccer team or bagging stars & bars?

I got more anxious coaching the girls than I did at any bike race.  Maybe it’s because the effort during the match is all on their shoulders where in a race I’m in control.  I’m now the assistant coach of the All Star team and looking forward to many more anxious moments in the upcoming months.

How did you get started with road racing?

I jumped on my dad’s road bike when I was 13 and within a few months I convinced him to take me to a crit in Los Angeles– West Covina I believe.  My start in the sport is nothing to brag about, far from it.  I got dropped in every race my first season.  In road races I’d finish 45 minutes behind the winner and in crits I’d get dropped within the first few laps.  I really didn’t care though, I felt like a racer.  My greatest accomplishment that year was that I never dropped out of any race.  Finishing no matter what is still something I believe in today.

 

Within a year or so, I became obsessed with going to Belgium to tackle the mud and cobbles.   When I was 16, I made my first trip to cycling’s Holy Land.  I would go back five times in the next seven years before retiring from racing at 23.

 

At Masters Nationals in 2011 you were close: second in the TT and fifth in the road race, which can be a blessing and a curse. What were you thinking on the drive home from Bend that year?

I went to Nationals in 2011 with the goal of winning a medal in both the RR and TT.  The silver in the TT gave me a lot of confidence and I came very close to pulling off the RR title by joining another rider on the attack in the last 20 kilometers only to be caught three kilometers from the finish by three riders.   What I remember most of that weekend was seeing all the jerseys being awarded; it really hit home when the rider next to me on the podium pulled one on.  That feeling of jealousy really motivated me and was my inspiration for 2012.

 

How did that shape your perspective on 2012?

One thing that I noticed in 2011 was that most of the guys on the podium in the 35, 40, 45, and 50 races were from California.  This gave me a great benchmark by which to test my progress throughout 2012 knowing that every race in California is basically a National Championship caliber event.  I knew that if I could be successful regionally that it would translate to success at Nationals.

 

Walk through the national championship road race. What were you thinking when the group made the turn onto Cascade Lakes Highway largely together?

My teammate Nate Erickson did an amazing job working tirelessly and unselfishly with racers from NorCal to bring back a race-long break, led by Chris DeMarchi from Monster Media, and guarantee we hit final climb all together.  At that point, all I thought about was dropping as many riders as possible when the climb started.  I had done hundreds of 10- and 20-minute hill repeats this past season with this moment in mind.  Chris Phipps and I battled on the same climb six weeks earlier at Cascade so I considered him a huge threat.  After two kilometers of climbing it was down to Phipps and I, but there were three really strong riders giving chase.   All five of us came together with 2k to go.

How about once you hit the parking lot and 1k to go?

I really had a sense of calm.  I was hypersensitive to the moment: the wind, the road, and the gearing of the other riders.  The urge to win the jersey was so overwhelming that I never allowed the thought of losing to enter my mind.

 

The feeling of winning a championship is a very individual reaction. What did it mean to you?

The last hundred meters felt like a dream, like I was watching a movie.  I had pictured the finish so many times that 25 meters from the line I was in shock.  I couldn’t even get both hands off the bars.  I slammed on the brakes just after the finish and collapsed, not due to exhaustion but because I was in disbelief.  I kept repeating to myself, “Did that just happened?”

Ok, no more cream puff questions. Since you sit in the middle, who are the better racers, Nor Cal or So Cal?

Road races and time trials are NorCal’s domain while SoCal’s top sprinters can dominate any crit in the country.  I believe there are 10 guys in NorCal who can win a RR or TT National title on any terrain.  The strength of NorCal is really the depth of the top racers.  I have heard rumors that many of the stronger NorCal riders will be joining forces and riding on the same team and if this happens NorCal racing will become more similar to SoCal, which is dominated by Monster Media.  SoCal road races tend to be less aggressive in nature because of Monster Media’s dominance.  In contrast, NorCal races have been very aggressive due to the lack of control by any team and it’s usually the last man standing that takes the victory.  I definitely prefer this style.

 

How is your team looking for 2013?

Our team added a few riders for next season.  Most notably is Derek Johnson.  He will be a huge asset on flatter terrain and give us more options when it comes to our aggressive racing style.  The core of the team remains unchanged with Craig Nunes, Nate Erickson, Patrick Hampton, Blake Reed, and myself.

 

One piece of bad news from this offseason is that we lost our primary financial sponsor.  This was a blow because we feel that we have a lot of momentum given our five State Championships as well as a National Championship this past year.  We looked tirelessly for a replacement but came up empty.  We will continue to search for a partner who enjoys the sport and what our team stands for.  Having said that, we are extremely happy with the continued support of our long-time primary sponsor Art’s Cyclery (artscyclery.com).  We also have a great relationship with our clothing supplier Voler.  They are located in SLO and everything they do is done right here in our own back yard.  Both have been amazing.

 

What events are you guys looking at?

MC:  Districts and Nationals continue to be the primary goals for the team.  Additionally, my schedule consists of Valley of the Sun, San Dimas, Merco, Tour Del Sol, Gila, Baker City, Mt. Hood, and Cascade.  Basically every stage race in the West.  I’d also like to give Masters Track Nationals a serious attempt concentrating on the individual pursuit and if any team has an extra spot, the team pursuit as well.

 

That about does it, anyone you want to give a shout-out to?

I have to plug my coaching business.  My clients range from National team members to Cat 5s and every category in between.  I really enjoy helping riders of any age and category develop and reach their full potential given the time they can have available.   I’m dedicated to making my clients the best racers they can be through unlimited communication, completely customized training programs, recovery, nutrition, and race tactics.  For anybody interested in learning more, please email directly at mattc2@yahoo.com.

 

One last should thing…  Mr. Lyman, I can’t wait to see you back out on the road with a number on your back.  The races will be better with you in them.   See ya soon!

 

 

Chris Lyman
Photo credit Kirk Flinte

 

Filed Under: Chris Lyman, News, Road

Slick talk with Gnarlube Racing

November 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 Slick talk with Gnarlube Racing

by Chris Lyman

 

Gnarlube Racing made a splashy entrance to the Northern California masters scene this year, rolling up in high style. With long time racer Gregg Betonte as Director, the new squad made it’s mark and racked up some impressive results. We connected with Gregg for the scoop on the team, plans for 2013, and perhaps the raciest lube in cycling.

 

Tell us about the product and why bike racers should know about it– who is behind the company?

First off , I’d just like to say thanks for contacting us, Chris! Gnar Lube came to be unlike any corporate plan to just cash in.  Sixteenfifty, out of San Diego, is owned by Robert Wells who has been a friend of mine for many years. They are a creative company producing all things media with and edge. Film, video, print, web… Rob is a long-time cyclist both on and off road, so, out of pure enthusiasm he decided to make a “fun” cycling lube.

 

He hired a well-seasoned lubrication engineer to work directly for Gnar. After six months this lubricant wizard produced the Gnar Lube lineup. Each lube was lab-tested and crushed everything else on the market! All that was left was a splash of scents (yes they make your car smell wonderful when your bike is in there).  BUT, you need to understand, this is all just for fun, none of that really mattered, yes there are lubes, crazy kits, sweet pink socks, and clothing all sold thru the site: www.gnarlube.com and a great cycling community based all on having fun on a bike has emerged – unicorns n rainbows…. #powerofthepinksocks – it’s crazy, I get pics from allover the world of people in the pink socks and a bunch of people with tattoos of our logos!!! WTH? Right? Simply put, it’s a bunch of people supporting those supporting our sport!

 

Gnarlube / Landshark Racing is a masters squad. Why did you go this route instead of P-12?

We really did not make a decision in one direction or another. Three of us came from the Safeway Masters team, as well as simple age put us there first. We do still do P-12 races, but focus is the Masters 35 & 45. Also we were only five guys last season so it was hard to spread things too far. Plus, those P-kids are fast!

 

How is the team helping promote the product?

Well the obvious, racing. We raced in SoCal, NorCal, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Wisconsin this past year. Many times we have the truck there and have a BBQ for all or just help people out at the races. One race last year we had a bunch of homeless guys with their bikes at the truck getting all lubed up and all left with new pink socks!

 

Just spreading the good cheer that cyclists / racers are approachable and fun. This year we will be supporting CAF – Challenged Athletes Foundation. We also donate all race winnings to charity.

 

 

I think it’s cool to see some panache and edge brought into masters racing, much like Monster Media did in So Cal. Were you looking to shake things up?

Absolutely, the race scene can be so stiff and we just wanted to say “hey, we are all bike freaks, and we all do this for the same reason, it’s ok to have fun!”

 

Best wins?

Well, we had lots of great races and I think over 45 podiums. The one win that stands out to me is at the Sea Otter Crit where we got Jens in the break with ex-pro Roy Knickman, and I was back at the front of the chase keeping it together. I could see him and pass signals of support to Jens as we doubled back on each lap. In the end it was Jens decisively winning the sprint- always a great race when someone who is in a support role on the team gets a win like this.

 

How about 2013? What are you looking to accomplish?

Like all teams we’d like to win at Nationals, and the State Championships. But really it’s to keep everyone safe and healthy, and have fun on our bikes.

 

Any new riders? If yes, why did you add these guys?

Yes we have three new guys. Reasoning was it’s really hard for a team of five out there. At one point I had a really bad separated shoulder and Joe had a broken collarbone – bang, there’s half the team gone… so the necessity of adding riders was obvious.

 

The new guys are David Albrecht and Jeff Galland who both have long racing career’s and one young gun M35 named Neil Bartley.

 

Where will you guys be racing in 2013?

Right now the plan is to race CA as well as go back to Tour of Americas Dairy Land in Wisconsin, and of course Nationals.

 

I’m not afraid to admit it: I was a little envious of that big rig you guys rolled in. Will it be back again?

Oh, for sure at selected races and events- our hope is for the appearance of a 45-foot custom painted Freightliner to show at Masters races is that it helps the sport and all of masters racing, as well as the promoters.

 

What other companies have stepped in as sponsors?

Yes. There were those who “got” what we were going to do right from the start.

Land Shark Bicycles custom built all our bikes for us – everything John does at LS is custom from the ground up. It was the first time they had sponsored a team and they were just as stoked as we were with the bikes! I have to say it’s the best bike I’ve ridden, he wired up my Di2 to a RC car battery hidden in the frame and told me I’d not have to charge it all season – and I still have not.

 

We also have Pactimo Clothing for our kits, which we used at Safeway and is awesome technical cycling wear. Super easy company to work with as well as very supportive as it’s headed up by former racers –makes a difference.

 

We also have a relationship Hunter Allen’s Peaks Coaching Group- we had coaches for all the guys. I have to say, they were great to us, and really a part of the team.

Bicycles Plus in Folsom CA took care of all the teams shop needs.  Owner John Crews was a pro in his day and has been a gracious supporter of cycling and everything we do out there. It’s critical for a team to have a shop sponsor for all the little things that go with a season of racing. Athlete Octane is our last but not least sponsor; they produce a great drink, which works both for prep as well as recovery.

 

Any parting words?

Hope to see everyone out there in 2013!

Happy Holidays~

 

Gregg Betonte

Director, Gnarlube Racing

gregg@sideeffects.tv

 

 

Filed Under: Chris Lyman, News Tagged With: , , ,

Allow myself to introduce…myself

November 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Photo credit Kirk Flinte

Bj of Cycling Illustrated asked me to introduce myself to Cycling Illustrated readers, which to me ranks right alongside cocktails with Lance and Travis on the awkward meter. But since he also asked me to help cover the Northern California masters racing scene, it seems like a reasonable starting point.

 

I live in Northern Cal and have been a member of Team Specialized Racing (masters squad, not juniors) for the past three years. With the spirit of a rouleur trapped in the body of a TTer, I managed Masters National Time Trial wins in 2009 and 11. In 2009 and 10 I also won TT silver medals at Masters Worlds. Some of you asked if it’s akin to kissing your sister and while I have no first-hand knowledge of such matters, it seems like an apt comparison.

 

Like most masters racers, I have a salt & pepper mop, to which I added a handful of salt this summer as a result of hitting the deck. A week before Cascade Cycling Classic, I was descending  Trinity Grade, that crash reared up–the one that rarely happens but lurks in the back of our minds. It came replete with a care flight, more broken parts than a weekend of cat 5 crits, three surgeries and 20 days in the hospital. Fast-forward four months and I’m on the bike again and charting a course back to the masters peloton.

 

For an inexplicable reason, BJ feels this qualifies me to cover the Northern Cal 35+ scene so I’ll be bringing that to you as we head into 2013. I might have failed to mention to BJ my affinity for sarcasm, so take what you read with a grain of… salt.

 

Happy trials,

Chris Lyman

 

 

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