Rocky Mountain Cycling Club
The Club for People Who Love to Ride!

Newsletters of 2001

January 2001

Insight

Race

Across

America

(RAAM)

We are pleased to announce that Insight, a leading global direct marketer of name-brand computers, hardware and software has become the title sponsor of RAAM.  The race will officially be renamed the Insight Race Across America starting in 2001.

Since 1982 the Race Across AMerica has brought together the best endurance cyclists to compete in the world's toughest race.  Racing in RAAM is more than a cycling event.  The physical extremes will test the limits of any rider. The logistic and planning will challenge the sanity of any support team.  The emotional highs and lows will be remembered by everyone involved with the race.

Lon Haldeman and Susan Notorangelo will return as race directors for the Insight RAAM in 2001.  Haldeman said that "The relationship with Insight is good for the future of the race.  Entry fees can't  cover all the basic race expenses; Insight's financial support will help to insure the future of RAAM."

The Insight RAAM will start in Portland, OR on Sunday June 17 and follow Haldeman's 2000 route, finishing in Gulf Breeze, FL the week of June 24 - 29.  RAAM will again have three major fields:  solo and tandem riders, two-person and four-person relay teams.  The two-person format was a big success in last year.   Dwight Bishop said "Doing RAAM as a two person team is the most fun I have had in a long time."  Team riders race much faster than the solo riders and don't suffer from the same sleep deprivation.   The week of hard racing helps team riders peak for other events in the season.

Haldeman won the inaugural race in 1982 and again in 1983.  Notorangelo won in 1985 and 1989.  Between them, they have competed in cross-country races 15 times.  Haldeman and Notorangelo hold the mixed tandem transcontinental record and Haldeman, with Pete Penseyres, holds the men's tandem transcontinental record.

Details on the race and sponsorship are available at http://www.RaceAcrossAmerica.org.

1200k Randonnée in California Next July

The Davis Bike Club extends a hearty invitation to our Colorado randonneuring colleagues to do the first Gold Rush Randonnée on July 9-11th. The GRR route is a mixture of high mountains and flat farmlands, all of it on scenic roads in some of California’s last unspoiled regions.

Standard randonneuring regulations and format will be used, namely 90 hours to do the 1200 kilometers. Riders will need to do the normal Super Randonneur series of four brevets in spring of 2001 for automatic entry into the GRR -- but they should contact us if their regional 600k brevet occurs too late for this. The controls are spaced every 80-100 kilometers and will have full support by the Davis Bike Club.

The Davis Bike Club is working with a travel agent to arrange travel packages for entrants traveling long distances to Davis and there will also be various tourist excursions during the ride itself for spouses and their children while the rider in the family does the GRR.  Since Davis is centrally located in the northern part of the state, many popular tourist regions such as San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, or the Napa Valley wine-growing region are all accessible for vacations before or after the event.  For further information, write to:

Gold Rush Randonnée

c/o Dan Shadoan, Corresponding Secretary

2206 Whittier

Davis, CA, 95616

phone: (530) 756-9266

or visit the informative GRR web site at:

http://DavisBikeClub.org/GoldRush

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS THE 28TH OF EACH MONTH. PLEASE SEND YOUR INPUT VIA E-MAIL (jellisx7@juno.com).

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

February 2001

Bike Handling Skills – The Forgotten Art

During a spout of my normal winter slacking, I started reading an article by a well-known cycling coach on bike handling skills.  Or rather the article was on how bike handling skills are overlooked by many riders nowadays.

I drifted off in to thoughts of winter wonderland and wondered why this was.  Are we all concerned with just getting the miles in, or going fast, or just riding our bikes?  Perhaps…  The single biggest thing that has improved my biking skills is occasional mountain biking with friends.  You have to learn to keep your balance in tricky situations, react to spur of the moment hazards, and maneuver through loose footing.

Reflecting on my newfound re-discovery, I hopped on the bike and headed down to the dog training area of the Cherry Creek reservoir.  It was covered in snow and the perfect area to build on my bike handling skills.  I rode off through the snow, over ice patches, and up and down ruts.  When I returned home, I felt as if I put in an awesome workout and integrated skill training in to it at the same time.

The next week I returned, only this time in the mud. The mud was awesome as I had to really work on balance.  I quickly aborted though once I felt I was causing ruts as I did not want to wear away the trails.

There are other things you can do to prepare yourself for that normal ride that becomes hairy.  Below are some things I’ve picked up from articles over the years.  It should be noted, be smart when you do these.  Even though they are drills, be smart about them because you could potentially hurt yourself or others.:

·         Find a grassy field with friends and practice bumping in to each other so you know what to do if it happens on a group ride

·         Find a grassy field with friends and your mountain bike and practice overlapping each other’s wheel.  Remember the old adage, “If you overlap a wheel, you’ll go down”?  Not always true, practicing can help you react in the correct way, and may help you pull out of it.

This is where I’d really like to take feedback, if you have something you use to help develop your bike handling skills, pass it along to me at dil222@yahoo.com and I’ll share it with the group next week.

Do you want to show your spirit by wearing it at group rides with other RMCC members?  By popular demand, we are keeping the awesome design again this year, produced again by Voler, and in an improved technical fabric for this year – Pro-Sensor.

Ordering Deadline: April 20     Price: $65

See our website www.rmccrides.com for a color rendition of the jersey and an order form!

We're all alike-looking for the magic bullet.

In a golf magazine I saw an ad for a hinged club that "will groove your swing." Weird-looking. While channel surfing a fast-talking salesman demonstrated how a tiny sewing machine "will do the same job as those big machines costing hundreds more." No way! A grocery tabloid shouted about a "revolutionary new diet plan that will keep you slim for life."

I'm skeptical of such baloney.

But what happens when I walk into a bike shop? I slobber over titanium quick releases, narrow-profile handlebars, and carbon-fiber wheels-all guaranteed to make my bike lighter, improve my climbing, and take a full minute off my 30k time trial. I have no problem believing this.

Beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder.

Sometimes I have to remind myself to keep things in perspective when it comes to sports equipment. During those rare occasions when I listen, a few thoughts come to mind.

For example, I try to remember that fitness is more important than technology. Instead of spending $50 to save an ounce on my bike, perhaps I should lose a pound of excess fat. While it's possible to buy performance, we would all be better off improving fitness first. It lasts longer and doesn't cost as much.

Many of the "revolutionary advances" in sports equipment even have questionable value for those of us who are doing this for pure enjoyment. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of runners out there who wouldn't be able to jog around the block, let alone finish a marathon, were it not for pronation-control shoes. The problem is that the stuff has gotten so complex many of the sales people can't even keep up with it. Some of us spend a small fortune on stuff that at best offers little benefit, and sometimes even detracts from performance.

I also try to remember that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Every time I buy a new pair of running shoes I look for one that is lighter so I can run faster and use less energy. Whenever I succumb to this lust for speed, I wind up with an injury. If the equipment you now have is working well, don't change it.

I hope to remember all of this next time I walk into a bike shop with a credit card in my sweaty hand.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

March 2001

  Show your support with the RMCC Club Jersey!

Show your spirit by wearing our jersey at group rides with other RMCC members!  Produced again by Voler, and in an improved technical fabric for this year – Pro-Sensor, the jersey is a sure hit.  We are still a few low on our minimum order, so order yours today!

Ordering Deadline: April 20     Price: $65

See our website www.rmccrides.com for a color rendition of the jersey and an order form!

RMCC is planning a long distance riding seminar (100 miles and up and to include brevet riding).  Watch the website and April newsletter for details!

Longs Peak Marathon – New Format

Matt McGowan has changed the format of his Longs Peak Marathon cycling event (not an RMCC-sanctioned event). This year he is offering 50, 100, 150, and 200-mile options, the longer options climbing Devil’s Gulch to Estes Park.

The event is June 23rd, starting on Airport Road near Hygiene.

 Matt plans to offer more services this year, including use of school facilities at the ride start/finish, possible massage available, more selection of food at the feed zones, etc.

Matt offers RMCC members a discount on their entry fee by supplying a volunteer to help with the event.

Cash prizes are planned for first place finishers in 200-mile and 150-mile lengths. Riders registering by June 9th can get their medals at the ride finish.

Contact Matt McGowan.

Scott Ledbetter Seeks Crew for Race Across America 

Scott Ledbetter is currently assembling his support crew for competing in the Race Across AMerica (RAAM), starting June 17th in Portland. Scott is an experienced competitor, a member of Team Colorado, who won the RAAM 1999 four-person team division, after strong showings in previous years. He is also a veteran of our brevet series.

There are currently two crew positions left. Expenses paid, including travel to the race start (Portland, OR) and/or from the finish (Pensacola). You may crew the first half or second half of the route, as it conveniently passes through Colorado ... or the whole distance! Crewing RAAM can be an intense and rewarding experience.

Interested? Contact Scott at LedbeSE@Louisville.StorTek.com.

For info on RAAM, see http://www.RaceAcrossAmerica.org.

Never worn, still in the bag, new design club jersey, size large $45. e-mail John McQueen at mcqueenj@yahoo.com.

For Sale: 54cm Litespeed Catalyst, Campagnolo Ergo shifters, triple ring with extra cogs for double conversion, SPD pedals, Phil Wood bottom bracket, Kestrel fork, 8 bend handlebars, odometer w/ cadence, Ritchey stem, Mavic rims.  Rides like the wind and treated with plenty of TLC.  $1800 OBO  

Our thoughts go out to Carl Schmidt and his family.  Carl suffered a stroke in December and is recovering steadily.

Wholesale prices on energy drinks, energy bars, and sports nutrition!  Visit http://www.shaklee.net/teamvip/  

March’s Indoor Trainer Workout

WARM UP – 9 minutes

1. Spin on the small ring for 3 minutes

2. Find a moderate gear and spin 1 min high rpms (>100) followed by 1 min easy (REPEAT 3 times) 

MAIN WORKOUT – 40 minutes

1. In a moderate gear, spin with your eyes closed for 8 minutes (HR = about 65%), feel your legs work.

2. Spin fast for 1 minute (>100 rpm), follow this with one minute in the big ring standing up. REPEAT for 5 times (=10 minutes)

3. Alternate 2-min left leg only with 2-min right leg only. Do this for 3 times then use both legs for 10 minutes. FEEL how much more lifting you do after the one-leg work.

COOL DOWN – 5-10 minutes

1. Spin an easy gear for 5 minutes.

2. Get off the bike. Stretch your back, calves, and quads

Remember to show your support for our sponsors and advertisers!

Recovery

Reprinted with permission of the Endurance Marketing Group and UltraCycling magazine.  For more information visit  http://www.hammergel.com and http://www.ultracycling.com

After a hard workout or race, it’s easy to neglect the proper replenishment of your body. Sometimes all that sounds good is lying down and not moving for several hours. This is a mistake as this is the best time for the athlete to provide the body with the carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for proper recovery. This is when your body is most receptive to replenishing nutrients because it is going in to high gear to recover from and adapt to the stress it has just experienced. Habitually consuming 50-75 grams of carbohydrates within 30-60 minutes of completing a workout or race will replenish what has been used up during exercise and reduce recovery time. If you can plan your workouts so that you will sit down to a complete meal within the 60 minute post workout “window of opportunity” that would be ideal. If this is not feasible, then it is necessary to have a post-workout snack ready.

This is also a fantastic time to provide the body with cellular protection support in the form of antioxidants. Because athletes use several times more oxygen than sedentary people do, they are more prone to oxidative damage, considered a main cause of degenerative diseases. Consistent supplementation with a full spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, high in antioxidants, along with any additional non-vitamin antioxidants, boosts and maintains the immune system and reduces recovery time.

For sale: Titanium CK excellent condition. BT 59cm, TT 60cm, Kestrel carbon fork, 
2000 9-speed Chorus, rims open Pro CD Cer. Titanium seatpost and stem.
San Marco Squadra saddle. 20.5 lbs. $1,800.00 OBO. 

2001 Team RMCC Schedule

Team RMCC will:

• Wear the new version of the RMCC Jersey,
  

• Observe pack rules, and
  

• Ride as a group for the first 50 miles.
  

• Val and Brent will determine the team pace.

Washington Park Weekly Team Training Ride:

• On Mondays from April 2 through October 22 
  starting at 5:30 pm from the South High School parking lot

 For Team RMCC information:

• Val Phelps    
  

• Brent Myers    

Next Meeting
The next club meeting is Wednesday, April 4th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

April 2001

BUENA VISTA BICYCLE FESTIVAL

The third annual Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, "Where The Road Meets The Dirt", sponsored by the Colorado Springs cycling Club will be held May 19 & 20 in Buena Vista.

The $57 registration fee includes 2 all-you-can eat breakfasts, rest stops and SAG support, a colorful T-shirt, detailed route maps and the Saturday evening party.

There will be several road courses with distances varying between 25-80 miles on Saturday, with shorter rides on Sunday and mountain pass options both days. Off-road routes will vary between 10-50 miles on single and double track as well as jeep roads on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information and brochure contact:

Colorado Springs Cycling Club
PO Box 49602
Colorado Springs, CO 80949
www.bikesprings.com
719.594.6354

For Sale: 54cm Litespeed Catalyst, Campagnolo Ergo shifters, triple ring with extra cogs for double conversion, SPD pedals, Phil Wood bottom bracket, Kestrel fork, 8 bend handlebars, odometer w/ cadence, Ritchey stem, Mavic rims.  Rides like the wind and treated with plenty of TLC. 

$1800 OBO

  Velodrome Fixed Gear Clinics

Did you watch any of the cycling in the Olympics last summer?  Did you feel an urge to mimic Marty Nothstein as he flew around the Olympic velodrome with only one gear and no brakes?  Do you feel like you have an amazing sprint?  Would you like to try your cycling talents in an additional arena?

If you answered YES to more than one of the questions above, I have something that may be of interest to you.  The Olympic velodrome in Colorado Springs will be hosting some beginners clinics this spring.

The cost will be $10. Bikes will be provided by the velodrome for those who need them.  Registration begins at 9AM.

The first clinic will be April 22, the next clinic will be May 20.

For more information, visit www.colorado-velodrome.org and click on Web News

Looking for rides to rides, especially brevets

Jeff Miller is looking for rides to rides and brevets, he lives in Southwest Denver by Lincoln High.

Pearl Izumi Order

The Pearl Izumi discount order form is in this newsletter, on the back of the Team RMCC ride schedule.  Pearl Izumi offers great discounts on this one-time order.  Orders are due in by April 30, so act fast!

April’s Workout

Reprinted by permission of Joe Beer www.jbst.com

Here's a great session on the road 

SESSION OBJECTIVE: Big Gear Work - 60 minute session

WARM UP (65-75% HR)

 Minute       Gear Front/Rear      Effort

1                 39 19                        easy
2                 39 18                        easy
3                 39 17                        easy
4                 39 16                        moderate spinning
5                 39 15                        moderate work
6-9              39 14                        elevating HR
10-20          various gears            taking HR up to < 180-your age> for brief periods

YOUR WORKOUT (75% - 80% HR)

Minute         Gear Front/Rear     Effort

10-20            39/53 17                 30 seconds 53 x 17 spinning then 39/17 easy
21-35             53 16                     seated, 70 rpm for 2.5 minutes on an incline (@75%-80% HR) then 1.5 minutes 39/16
                                                     spinning (65% HR) Repeat this 4 times.
36-40             53 14                     in/out of saddle (75% HR) relaxed but moderate effort 

AEROBIC STEADY STATE

41-55             39/various             keep just below < 180-your age> feel smooth, relaxed and efficient

COOL DOWN

Minute          Gear Front/Rear     Effort

56-63             39 14 -> 18             easy spinning in easy gears

AFTER THIS SESSION...

·         Dress-up warmly shower once you feel ready for it (not too sweaty)

·         Get a recovery drink down ASAP (about 60 grams of carbohydrates) *

·         Clean your bike - go on, it'll love you for it.

Editor note: Joe Beer is a professional coach and writer for several publications.  His website is packed full of information that would be applicable for any level of cyclist.

You can view his website at www.jbst.com

Great discounts on other clothing!

If you haven’t done so already, visit www.voler.com and sign up as one of the members.  Voler is one of our sponsers.  As a member you will receive a monthly e-mail of the special of the month.  This is usually a great price on great clothing!

Next Meeting
The next club meeting is Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

May 2001

Toughest Spring Contrail Ever??
By John Lee Ellis

This year’s Spring Contrail featured the high points of previous Contrails, climbing 36,700 ft. over 586 miles in the course of 6 days in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.  Charlie Henderson once again laid out this year’s route, notching up the level of difficulty just a bit from previous years, leaving the following riders to enjoy his route (while he vacationed in Mallorca!): Bob Barday, Mike Butyne, Ken Brecheisen, Paul Craiger (new), Stephanie Dodge, John Lee Ellis, Rex Farnsworth, Mark Malone, Tom Marucco, Eric Perryman (new), Rita Saunders, and Robin Waterman.

Tom Marucco was ride leader and support, with help from Mark Malone, and provided truly excellent support, as was the group consensus.  Nothing could phase Tom’s or Mark’s air of calm proficiency and good nature along the route!

 The eve of the Contrail bode snow flurries – the same storm that socked in Denver – but fortunately, it was only a dusting, and the first chilly day evolved to some really nice, sunny weather. 

Highlights were the 10,000 feet of climbing to and from the Gila Cave Dwellings in New Mexico, which riders took a break to walk through, and then the 11,000 feet of climbing over the Coronado Trail from Morenci AZ to Alpine, graced by monsoon-type storms at the 9000-ft. high point.  In between was an inexplicably favorable day with hefty TAILWINDS through the desert.

A good time was had by all.  (We even found a great place to eat in St. Johns, AZ.)  ‘Til next year …-

May and June Club Rides 

Note: All rides will feature a regrouping location.  If you are unsure of the location, ask your ride leader.

Insight Race Across America
By John Hughes

The 20th running of the Race Across America, the toughest endurance event in the world, will start in Portland, OR. On Saturday, June 16, Peter Lekisch and Jim Pitre will start in the age 60 and over division, each trying to be the first 60 year old to finish the race.

On Sunday, June 17 fifteen solo men and women, and a two-woman relay team will start. The men's solo field includes six veterans and seven rookies. Rob Kish, in his 16th RAAM, is trying for his fourth win. Cassie Lowe, who won the 2000 women's race, will be competing against Katie Lindquist, who raced tandem in RAAM 2000.

Six two-man relay teams will start on Tuesday, June 19. The two-person race should be hot. Nine of the two-man racers are RAAM veterans. Ricardo Arap, one-half of the two-man team that set the transcontinental record in 1998, is racing with Luiz Milano. The two-person format was a big success last year.
Dwight Bishop said, "Doing RAAM as a two person team is the most fun I have had in a long time." Also starting on the 19th are a four-man team and four-woman team.

RAAM 2001 will travel 3,000 miles and climb 100,000 feet. The race starts off as a giant roller coaster with 70% of the climbing in the first half of the race: Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. The longest climb is from Ogden, UT 36 miles to the top of the Monte Cristo Mountains at 9,000 ft. Leaving Manila, UT riders face a series of brutal climbs through the Flaming Gorge Scenic Area. Then in Colorado, racers climb 17 miles to Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft.) The remainder of the RAAM route goes through rolling country in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The race finishes in Gulf Breeze, FL. Most riders are expected to finish between Monday, June 25 and Thursday, June 28.

The course is virtually the same as the 2000 route, which was widely praised by riders and crew. "The course was great. Most of the roads were smooth with very little traffic. There was more climbing than this Florida flatlander could have imagined and almost as much scenic beauty," said Kish.

RAAM is an all out test of "first one there wins." Each rider's crew will bring together the corners of the country and tie them together in a hobo's bundle ready for traveling. The most extreme athletes in the world will be tested against the obstacles of a continent. You race hard or you stay home.

RAAM will find a rider's weakness and pick at it all the way across the country. The strongest make it to the finish line. Everyone else is left scattered emotionally and physically across the country. RAAM is for the best riders who save nothing for beyond the finish line.

Go to www.raceacrossamerica.com for daily updates, rider profiles, and background on the event. Visit www.ultracycling.com for information on long-distance cycling.

The race is sponsored by Insight Enterprises, Inc., a leading global direct marketer of name-brand computers, hardware and software. www.insight.com

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for the Denver-Aspen Classic.  If you would like to volunteer contact Catharine Lookingbill.

Ride leaders are also needed for group rides July and beyond.

Triathletes dream bike for sale! Zipp 2001 with specialized tri-spoke carbon fiber wheelset.Shimano 600 deraileurs, American Classic BB and crankset sized at 180mm. Customized stem by Nobilette, Zipp rear brake and dropouts. Asking $1,200 for this super fast and comfortable ride.

Velodrome Fixed Gear Clinics

Did you watch any of the cycling in the Olympics last summer?  Did you feel an urge to mimic Marty Nothstein as he flew around the Olympic velodrome with only one gear and no brakes?  Do you feel like you have an amazing sprint?  Would you like to try your cycling talents in an additional arena?

If you answered YES to more than one of the questions above, I have something that may be of interest to you.  The Olympic velodrome in Colorado Springs will be hosting some beginners clinics this spring.

The cost will be $10. Bikes will be provided by the velodrome for those who need them.  Registration begins at 9AM.

The next clinic will be May 20.

For more information, visit www.colorado-velodrome.org

May's Workout Tips
Courtesy of Joe Friel www.ulrafit.com

Q: When should weights be included in your basic weekly workout plans?

A: I'd suggest weight workouts on either the same day as an intense workout (following the ride) or on the next day. Try to avoid weights the day before an intense workout. When lifting twice a week, using the suggested routines in The Cyclist's Training Bible, I generally have my riders lift on Mondays and Thursdays.

Joe Friel is a professional cycling coach from Fort Collins, CO.  He can be reached at www.ultrafit.com

Next Meeting
The next club meeting is Wednesday, June 6th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

June 2001

June and July Rides

Record Turnout at 200km Brevet?

– John Lee Ellis, Colorado Brevets Director

This year’s 200km brevet on May 6th was “the toughest ever” according to more than one rider.  Yet we possibly had the largest turnout ever – 24 riders, all of whom finished, despite headwinds most of the day, punctuated by stiff climbs up the steep side of Horsetooth Reservoir.  Yet with every wind gust, some riders were grateful, recalling the four days of rain and one day of snow immediately preceding this ride.

We were especially pleased to see newcomers (including some RMCC board members!) in addition to the old stand-by randonneurs.  The results are listed by elapsed time, even though brevets are not races, to give you an idea of the distribution of finishing times and the clumping of riders.

With a few exceptions, you can see a steady increase in times over the last few years, as the 200km has become steadily tougher (but still lots of fun, we hasten to point out!).  Many riders savored the cinnamon buns at Vern’s in LaPorte, the climb up Horsetooth into the wind, and the self-serve checkpoint at the Rawhide Powerplant, in the shadow of Wyoming.  Come join us in September for the course in reverse.

 * new (welcome!)
[MU] make-up ride – did not start with the group
[T] tandem – John Hughes and John Lake (from Chicago) found this an especially tandem-friendly course.

Emily Griffith Road Ramble

Check out the RMCC website for more information on the Eighth annual Road Ramble to benefit the Emily Griffith Center.

Record Turnout/DNF at 300km Brevet?

– John Lee Ellis, Colorado Brevets Director

This year’s 300km brevet reprised the same course as in recent years, but with distinctly worse weather!

A great turnout of 19 riders got things off to a fine start, as patches of sky and a crescent moon were visible through the clouds.  Winds were mercifully light, and even favorable up the Elbert valley, a stretch notorious for headwinds off the Palmer Divide.  But a cold, persistent rain squall caught the riders in the Black Forest area, highest point on the route (7500 ft.), sending them to the Black Forest fire station, where BFFD staff provided blankets against hypothermia, a dryer for sopping clothes, and a very warm welcome.  Those riders that could do so continued on, as the rain gradually diminished.  Well, everyone will remember this ride.

Despite conditions, veteran ultra-cyclist Bob Fourney posted his fastest time since 1998, with Colin Talbert and Chris Grealish in the front group.  Perhaps most indomitable was Bob Barday, fully decked out in foul-weather gear, stopping in Black Forest only long enough to decipher his rain-soaked cue sheet.

* new (welcome!)

Pedal the Peaks Roommate Needed

Jim Farrell will be riding the Pedal the Peaks tour, which takes place from June 23 to June 30. He has booked rooms for two people for the entire tour and needs one person to share the rooms. The cost averages to about $38 per night. 

RMCC Jersey for sale!

Never worn, still in the bag, new design club jersey, size large, $40.
e-mail John McQueen at mcqueenj@yahoo.com.

RMCC In Italy, June 2002

Announcing an RMCC cycling trip to Italy in June 2002, visiting the Dolomites and Adriatic coast.  This is a trip, not a tour.  That means it will cost less, you will get in more riding, and perhaps have a greater sense of adventure.  The trip is unsupported  (no SAGs), so riders should be comfortable cycling on there own in a similar manner as the club training rides.  There are many small towns that our routes pass through, so picking up food and drink is no problem.  We will rent a vehicle(s) to sweep after the rides and to do some sightseeing.  The vehicle rental will be the only group expense. Expect to pay around $100 per day for the basics, hotel (double occupancy) and food.

The schedule is five days of cycling in the Dolomites from June 15-19, a travel day to the Adriatic, then three cycle days June 21-23.  We will stay at one base town in the Dolomites and one on the coast, probably Predazzo and Pesaro.   The ride schedule is listed below, but since we are cycling out of base towns it is easy to go shorter or longer.  

Contact Bob Miller for information and to reserve your spot on the trip.  The trip will be limited to 10 cyclists.   

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

July 2001

Grand Loop 2001

Record Turnout, Record Fast Times!

7-7-01, 201miles, 14500 vert. ft.

By Charlie Henderson, Event Director

The 2001 Grand Loop set records for both the number of riders starting (16) and the fastest with 4 riders under 14 hours a new record, and two of them under 13 hours a new record, with the #1 finisher Tasshi Dennis in at 12hr. 22min. (record!).  

The start of the course was streamlined this year (north on 93, straight through Boulder on Broadway at 4:00am and on to US 36 to Lyons). This new simplified course worked really well and cut off seven miles and about 500 vert. ft. The weather conditions were some of the best ever experienced with hardly a cloud as we went over Trail Ridge Road. 

Congratulations to all participants. This is RMCC's toughest event per mile of riding. Hope more people take up the challenge next year.

ORDER OF FINISH

DNF: Ed Adams, Bob Barday, Ken Billingsley, Rex Farnsworth.

Pearl Izumi order – Some processing delays on their part. We’re aiming for August.

400km, 600km and 1000km Brevets OK!

– John Lee Ellis, Colorado Brevets Director

This year’s 400km brevet boasted great weather, sunny with highs in the 80’s.  Colin Talbert, new this year, was first to come in, followed shortly by powerhouse Chris Grealish, in his second brevet series.  I got the pleasure of riding the second half of the brevet with John Lake and Doug Slack, excellent randonneurs from the Chicago area.  Nothing fazed them, even the 4000 ft. climb up Lefthand Canyon, to 9200 ft.

Charlie Henderson’s front derailleur fell irreparably to pieces 50 miles into the brevet.  After 15 minutes spent jury-rigging, he proceeded onward, shifting the chain by hand, eventually completing over 200 miles (including all the big climbs and descents) until the extra wear and tear wore him down – now that’s the true randonneur spirit!  (We’d note that on an event like BMB or PBP, the checkpoints would have mechanics on duty, who could have repaired Charlie’s bike.)

[m/u] = make-up ride on another date

The 600km brevet had similarly sunny conditions, but peaking at 98º the first day and 101º the second.  We  had a good turnout.  The hot weather forced all riders to a slower pace the first day, but there were rewards, too – many riders praised the scenic North Fork Big Thompson Canyon through Glen Haven, and everyone enjoyed the tasty, giant cinnamon rolls at the Glen Haven General Store - reason enough to ride the 600!

Chris Grealish, Colin Talbert, and Bob Fourney dispatched the second loop at a furious pace, in the mild night air, finishing in close proximity.  On this loop, the lady at the Evans 7-11 checkpoint was eager to give each successive rider a blow-by-blow report of which riders had passed during the foregoing eight hours.  Once again, we were honored by Chicago visitors John Lake and Doug Slack, who rode very well.  And finally, I personally bettered my last year’s record for most sleep on a 600km brevet.

Last but not least, JACK HERRICK completed the first ever Colorado 1000km brevet, experiencing every minute of the 100º weather the second day, and upper 90’s the first and third days.  Jack joined the 600km riders for the first half of his brevet, then branched off for the wilds of Fort Morgan and towns just shy of the Pawnee Grasslands, before making a final visit up Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park and Glen Haven.  Jack laid out the second half of this brevet himself, and was instrumental in getting it organized.  As he rolled into the finish line at 7:28pm on Monday July 2nd, he thereby earned the coveted 5000km Randonneur Medal from the Audax Club Parisien.  CONGRATULATIONS, JACK!

We thank all the riders for coming out for the brevets thus far, and the volunteers for working hard to put on these events. But the story's not over - still to come are:

• a challenging and beautiful 300km over the Rampart Range and through Manitou Springs on July 28th

• the Horsetooth - Rawhide 200km in September (perfect tune-up for next year!).

Contact Charlie Henderson or John Lee Ellis info, or check the website!

Leadville Hostel & Inn

500 East 7th St., Leadville, CO 80461
719.486.9334 www.leadvillehostel.com
leadvillehostel@amigo.net

An inexpensive and clean place for the adventure minded visitor to the mountains. Rates are $15 to $20 per person per night, depending on the season. Group rates available. Shuttle service can be arranged for hikers, bikers and river runners.

Denver-Aspen 2001?
It's not too late!

Still toying with the idea of doing the big D2A this year? Perhaps for the first time? Perhaps to set a P.R.?

There's still time and there's still room for you to join in our biggest one-day event. For full details, including application, visit our website www.rmccrides.com.

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25.

Newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.

Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

August 2001

The Denver-Aspen Classic 2001 was a success and it certainly could not have happened without the never-ending commitments of Mary and Rick Melick, Chuck Gillis, Catharine Guy-Lookingbill, Cathy Lookingbill, and Mike and Penny Kosel.

Mary and Rick Melick were the operational captains of the program.  Rick rounded up the sponsors,  ordered the products  and supported Mary’s outstanding organizational skills.  Mary was the “backbone” of the ride.

Chuck Gillis ensured each rider received a packet,  brevet card, ease in registration, ride results, etc.  The software program Chuck spent countless number of hours developing certainly proved its worth.

Catharine and her daughter Cathy did quite a fine job in finding volunteers for the aid stations, check points, finish line, etc…

You may have noticed Mike and Penny Kosel at the start checking lights and leading the mass departure in addition to setting up the registration web site along with other behind the scenes activities.

One Member’s Opinion

By Catharine Guy-Lookingbill

With this year’s Denver/Aspen over and judged by the 145 riders to be a success I’d like to discuss the position of volunteering and thank the the wonderful volunteers for this year’s event. Twenty six volunteers arose before the crack of dawn on August 4, to run aid stations, check in riders, drive support vehicles, repair flat tires, and provide food, fun and encouragement to those riders. Some of those volunteers worked behind the scene for months in advance to produce a quality event. Of those twenty six volunteers, twelve are actually members of the RMCC. A pretty dismal statistic.

I must ask myself why?

Yes, I know that in a volunteer organization, 10% of the people do 100% of the work.

Yes, I know that there are givers and takers in the world. Yes, I know your time is limited. Yes, I know you see the same faces starting the rides over and over again.

Yet....

RMCC members receive an annual ride guide filled with exciting rides and various starting points up and down the Front Range. Members enjoy discounts on quality merchandise from Pearl Izumi often saving more than enough money on products to compensate for the price of membership. Rides are often started with a chance to win valuable coupons from participating bike shops. Rides are scheduled every weekend beginning in February and culminating in show-and-goes through out the winter. Each ride requires a ride starter. It is not a difficult thing to be a ride starter. You simply copy some maps (they are provided for you), show up on the day of the ride, put out maps and sign up sheets, say a few words about the route, indicate some optional regrouping points and get on your bike and ride! You are going to ride anyway, why not help your club by volunteering to start a ride? For a few minutes of your time you have helped the dozen volunteers out of the total membership who are always stepping up to the plate.

There are all sorts of ways you can contribute to your club if you can’t start a ride. You can help with the annual ride brochure. You can come to one meeting and let us know what you would like to see done in the club. You can learn new skills in marketing, promotions, jersey design etc. You can edit the newsletter. You can help with the data base.

You are a valuable member of the club and your assistance is required.

As one of the six founding members of this club, I have seen our numbers increase to over 400 members. Your RMCC is there for you. Be here for your RMCC.

Of course, this is just one member’s opinion...

D2A 2001 a Grand Success

This year's D2A was a huge success due to the following people who gave of their time and efforts.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You …

Chuck Gillis-- all computer data design & support, day of ride registrations, packet assembly and mailing

Mary Melick--event coordinator, general factotum, registrations, accomodations, food & beverage coordinator, packet assembly, Aspen finish etc etc etc

Mike Kosel--marketing, hotel, registrations, brochures

Penny Kosel--Aspen finish & support day of ride

Rick Melick-- sponsors coordinator, tee shirts, jerseys, product coordinator, aid stations drop offs, Aspen finish

Cathy Lookingbill – poster design, event promotion, and packet prep

Jonathan Breen--aid stations pick up

Kelly Stelzer--final sweep and sag support

Tom Lagos--last minute volunteer for Twin Lakes/ Independence Pass

Marcia Kestner--sag support Meridian/Kenosha Pass

Penny Pence--Kenosha Pass

Wayne Evans--Kenosha Pass & sag support from Kenosha /Fairplay

Kathy Evans--Kenosha Pass

Randy Durbin--Fairplay

Teri Durbin--Fairplay

Dennis Horgan--Sag support Fairplay/Buena Vista

Jim Silver--sag support Fairplay/Hartsel

Susan Schaecher--Hartsel

Catharine Guy-Lookingbill--volunteer coordinator , Buena Vista aid station

Patricia Zinsler-O'Brecht--Buena Vista aid station

Fran O'Malley--Buena Vista aid station

Joe O'Malley--Buena Vista aid station & sag support Buena Vista/Twin Lakes

Cynthia from Aspen, Buena Vista aid station, and sag support Twin Lakes/Independence Pass

Bryan Lookingbill--Twin Lakes Aid station

Jeannette King--Twin Lakes Aid station

Raymond Wellman--Aspen finish set up, luggage carrier

Carol Tobiason--Aspen finish

Next Issue - Results of Woodland Park-Manitou Springs 300km Brevet (July 28)

-September Event-
Horsetooth-Rawhide 200km Brevet
(sign up with John Lee Ellis or Charlie Henderson)

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, September 5th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25 in Denver.
The newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. 
Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.
Questions about this issue? John Lee Ellis at JEllisX7@juno.com.
Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

September 2001

By Charlie Henderson

After having record numbers of riders for all the previous Brevets, three riders showed up at 3:30 am for the start of the 7/28 300K. At dawn we were greeted with a cloudless sky and this continued with patches of light clouds and no rain for the entire 14 plus hour effort. Many of you missed a beautiful and the most challenging of our 300Ks (9000 vertical feet in the first 100 miles). But after that mammoth effort we were blessed with 75 miles of strong tailwinds from Manitou Springs to the finish. Also a great tune up for the Denver –Aspen classic. Congratulations to Rita Saunders and Steven Dean. Rita says this is one of her favorite rides.

Hope to see more of you out for this next year!

The Pearl Izumi order has partially shipped; portions appear to be on back order.

Insight Race Across AMerica 2002

By John Hughes

After reaching the finish, Nancy McElwain said "RAAM is a pinnacle of cycling. Completing Team RAAM is easily the high point of my cycling career." McElwain was part of the four-women relay team RB4/BIAK that raced across the country in under seven days last June.

The 20th anniversary of the Race Across America will be in June, 2002, with $50,000 In prize money on the line for solo and team riders.  Insight, the title sponsor, is putting up the prize money and also supporting race expenses so that entry fees will be lower. Additional merchandise prizes from other sponsors will also be available.

RAAM 2002 will start in Portland, OR. Riders will travel 3,000 miles across the country and climb 100,000 feet! The race starts off as a giant roller coaster with 70% of the climbing in the first half of the race through Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. The longest climb is from Ogden, UT, 36 miles to the top of the Monte

Cristo Mountains at 9,000 ft. Leaving Manila, UT the riders face a series of brutal climbs through the Flaming Gorge Scenic Area. In Colorado, racers climb 17 miles to Tennessee Pass (10,242 ft.). The remainder of the route goes through rolling country in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to finish in Gulf Breeze, FL.

"If I had to design a course to show off America, I couldn't have designed a more beautiful course!" said Peter Lekisch, first 60 year old solo finisher.

Unlike a stage race such as the Tour de France, RAAM is non-stop. The first rider/team to the finish line wins! The race has four divisions:

• solo riders (one rider covers the entire course)
• tandem (two riders on one bike cover the course)
• two-person relay (two riders take turns riding the course)
• four-person relay (four riders taking turns riding)

The solo and tandem riders will leave Portland on Sunday, June 16. Team riders will start two days later, on June 18. The riders who survive the course, the heat and the wind, and the sleep deprivation will finish in Gulf Breeze, FL between June 24 and 28. $50,000 cash will be split among the fastest solo and team riders.

Andreas Clavadetscher won the 2001 men's race in 9 days 0 hours 7 minutes. Cassie Lowe repeated as the women's winner in 10d 7h 42m. Lowe said: "RAAM is a challenge to every cell in the body. The answer is getting around the challenge with attitude."

The two-person race combines the speed and on-the-fly tactics of the four-person division with the endurance of solo RAAM. In 2001 Team Discover Ceara'/PowerBar set a two-man record of 7d 1h 5m. The Twin Team set a two-woman record of 9d 13h 0m.

"More riders should consider doing RAAM as a two-person team - it is the most fun I have had in a long time!" exclaimed Dwight Bishop after the race.

The Outdoor Life Network will broadcast coverage of the 2001 race on Thursday September 27 at 8:00 PM EST and 11:00 PM EST Sunday, September 30 at 5:00 PM EST Tuesday, October 2 2:00 PM EST OLN will also cover the 2002 race.

Watch the OLN broadcast and then for more information about the race visit: www.raceacrossamerica.org

Or contact:

Race Across America
P. O. Box 303
Sharon, WI 53585
262.736.2453
raam@pactour.com

Subaru VeloSwap and Expo presented by KBCO

Saturday October 27, 9 AM to 5 PM

National Western Complex
Expo Hall and Hall of Education
Denver, Colorado
(I-70, Brighton Blvd. Exit
1/2 mile east of I-25)

Don't miss VeloNews and Inside Triathlon's 13^th annual celebration of cycling!

• Prize drawings, bike and equipment giveaways
• Incredible deals from suppliers, retailers and individuals
• Interactive displays, activities, and exciting entertainment
• Clinics and exhibits to help you get more fun from your riding
• Information on clubs, advocacy groups and tour companies 

For more information and for coupons on discount tickets visit www.veloswap.com

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, October 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25 in Denver.
The newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. 
Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.
Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

October 2001

- John Lee Ellis, Colorado Brevet Administrator

Our club’s first late-season 200km brevet -- on September 23 -- attracted 13 riders, all of whom finished, some quite speedily.  The diverse rider ship included racers, randonneurs, brevet veterans, and some first-timers. This was a good sign, as we hoped to attract some new people, well-conditioned after a season of riding, who’d try out a brevet to cap their season.

It was a near-perfect day for riding -- sunny with light breezes.  The Horsetooth Reservoir hills did not put a dent in the riders’ momentum, as they whisked out to the open plains past Rawhide and on through Windsor.

Charlie Henderson, who ran the event, hinted that with times as fast as these, it could be time to toughen up the course (again).  Brace yourself for next year! 

Altitude Training and Economical Lodging

Possibly members of your club are looking for a location for high altitude training (Leadville is 10,152 ft). We invite you to use the hostel for your lodging needs or maybe base of operation.

I would like to take a minute of your time to introduce myself and to let you know about Leadville Hostel & Inn. My name is Wild Bill and I am the owner and operator of the Hostel.

I offer reasonable lodging for individuals/small groups - I have the room and facilities to handle as many as 40 people on a daily basis or for as long as two weeks. There is a fully equipped large kitchen and dining room or alternatively I have cooked for as many as 40 people at a time in buffet style. Meals can be arranged on a per person rate, usually $5.00 for an all you can eat breakfast or a full dinner for $ 7.00 to $10.00 depending  the on menu.

Additionally, I have a big screen TV (46 inches) that is connected to DirecTV. I have internet access, on-premises laundry facilities, a recreation room with pool and foos-ball tables, plus video machines.

We are located in Leadville Colorado, one of the most beautiful places on earth and light-years away from high priced lodging. I only charge $15 to $20 per person per night, which reduces the costs for a group to something much more reasonable than they usually pay for a place to sleep.

I invite you to check out my web site or to contact me directly to get personal attention for your questions. Please let us know how 
we can let your members know about Leadville Hostel so we can offer the use of our facility to them.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Wild Bill

Looking Back to Plan Ahead

By Karen Buxton

The transition period is a good time to start planning for the 2002 season. You should have the time since you are "taking it easy", and the resources since the season are still fresh in your mind. But, before you start to map out your ATP (Annual Training Plan), you need to look back at this past season's goals, objectives, training schedule, and race results. You need to critique the past before you plan for the future, and asking yourself the following questions will help you shape your upcoming season.

1. Did you meet your goals?
2. Did you follow your training objectives?
3. Did you address your limiters?
4. Were you able to stick to your training schedule?
5. Were you satisfied with your racing results?

When planning the upcoming season, think about how difficult or easy it was to meet your goals. Were they reasonable, too easily met, or beyond your reach? Did your training objectives lead you to your goals? Training objectives are the steppingstones to your goals and must be followed closely. Often your training objectives focus on your limiters. (Did you determine these?) In order to improve, you must focus on your race-specific weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. When looking back at your training journal, were you able to log in the hours that you scheduled? You need to set your training hours to blend into your daily schedule. Don't set yourself up for failure by scheduling more hours than you have available. Did you feel good about your race results? Remember to think about your race effort and not compare yourself to your competition. Did your race schedule fit into your life schedule? Not having enough races in a season can lead to seemingly endless training, while having too many races can lead to burnout. Balancing your race schedule with a good mixture of A-, B-, and C-priority races will keep you motivated to train and eager to race.

Looking back at your season and evaluating the good and the bad will provide you with a solid outline to begin designing your training plan for the upcoming season. Break out the paper and pencil (or go to www.trainingbible.com) and ask yourself the above questions and you will be on the road to a great season.

Karen Buxton is a six-time member of Team USA in triathlon/duathlon world competitions and a USAT and USAC Level I Certified Coach who works with triathletes, duathletes, and runners. She lives in Greensboro, NC and can be reached at kbuxton@ultrafit.com  

This article reprinted courtesy of www.ultrafit.com.

Subaru Velo Swap and Expo presented by KBCO

Saturday October 27, 9 AM to 5 PM

National Western Complex
Expo Hall and Hall of Education
Denver, Colorado
For more information and for coupons on discount tickets visit www.veloswap.com .

Pearl Izumi Order

The Pearl Izumi order will be shipped out the weekend of October 8, 2001.

Thank you for your patience regarding this order. As you know, this is a great benefit to RMCC members. One order will usually offset the cost of your yearly membership.

Our order was delayed because of a personal family crisis with our volunteer members, Randy and Teri Durbin, who in spite of this have worked diligently to get this order out to you. The next time you see them, thank them for their help. Better yet, the next time you come to a ride, thank the ride starter for giving his time and effort to make this club work for you.

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25 in Denver.
The newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. 
Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.
Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

November 2001

Furnace Creek 508
By Robert Pogorelz

Three RMCC members Randy Ballheim, Gary Kliewer, and Robert Pogorelz competed in The Furnace Creek 508 on October 13th and 14th. 

The 508 mile long RAAM qualifying ultra event has ten major climbs totaling over 36,000 vertical feet.  The course starts in Valencia, California and includes time stations in California City, Trona, Furnace Creek in Death Valley, Shoshone, Baker, and at the tops of Granite and Sheephole Passes. 

The race finishes at Twenty-Nine Palms, California with a forty-eight hour time limit.  Riders are assigned animal totems instead of numbers for identification. 

Randy Ballheim and Gary Kliewer riding as Team Jackalope finished first in the Two Man team category establishing a record time of 29 hours 24 minutes.  Robert "Piglet" Pogorelz riding solo finished 18th in 44 hours 50 minutes. 

All riders live and train in the Fort Morgan area. 

RMCC Jersey Back for 2002

RMCC will be taking orders for the 2002 club jersey in early 2002. The most strikingly designed jersey in the Rocky Mountain region will remain unchanged from 2001 to continue to promote the club's identity in the cycling community.

RMCC Donates $1,000 to Bicycle Colorado

At the 11/7 board meeting, RMCC voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to Bicycle Colorado. Bicycle Colorado is the most tenacious and vocal of the advocacy groups for Colorado bicyclists. The changes in CDOT rules to control the proliferation of rumble strips is largely due to the efforts of Bicycle Colorado.

If you ride a bike in Colorado, you have benefited from the tireless efforts of Bicycle Colorado. Any bicyclist can support this excellent bicycling advocate by becoming a member. Membership is as easy as checking out the Bicycle Colorado website, www.BikeColo.org, and invoking the Become a Member link.

Ride Schedule Committee Creating 2002 Ride Schedule.

The Ride Schedule Committee spent two recent Wednesday evenings putting together next year's schedule. So far their efforts have taken the group to July, 2002. Two more Wednesday evenings will be needed to put the finishing touches on what promises to be another exciting year of cycling in the wonderland that is Colorado. A lot of the routes have been redesigned with safety in mind. A few, exciting new routes have been added. The committee's progress can be checked by reviewing the Ride Schedule link at the club's website, www.rmccrides.com, where all the latest changes are.

The Rabbit Story
By Rex Farnsworth

The Senior Games have been a real adventure. Winning three medals was just the cream on a great piece of cake. Here are the details on the Gun Lock Road Race (38.2 miles with 2080 feet of climbing). This race starts the men's Public A and B riders ages 60-64 in a single mass start.

The night before the race, I went to the Dixie Center and copied down the names and numbers of the Public A and B divisions ages 60-64 who had won medals. My strategy was to stay close to these medal winners and to out sprint them at the end.

At the very first major climb (mile 5) the Public A medal winners made a major break, and I went with them. The breakaway was a huge success dropping all but eight riders. Looking at the group, it contained all of the Public A & B medal winners plus an unknown rider number 141. I had no idea what division 141 was in, but it became clear that he was in my age group and that he was very strong.

We rode fast into a 12-15 mph head wind, testing the group on every hill, and climbing more than 1000 feet. At mile 24 we engaged a .9 mile, 10% climb that was the final differentiator. A powerful group of five (consisting of the best three Public A riders plus the two Public B guys who have been beating me) reached the summit about 150 yards ahead of the last group of three (me, a division A rider number 140 that I knew, plus rider number 141). By the time my group crested the hill, the first group's lead had widened to 1/2 mile.

About a mile later, an A rider flatted. This left the first group with two Public A guys and two Public B guys. In spite of working very hard, the group of four steadily lengthened their lead to almost a mile at the end. These four riders took the gold and silver in Public A and B. So here is the situation with 12 miles to the finish. I know that rider 140 is Public A so I do not need to worry about him. But since rider 141 might be Public B, in my mind it was a two-way race between me and 141 for the Public B bronze medal. It turned out that 140 and 141 where friends, both were in Public A, AND THEY BOTH THOUGHT I WAS PUBLIC A. In their minds it was a three-way race for the Public A bronze medal.

What a race! We hammered each other on every hill trying to break away; we jockeyed for second slot on the flats trying to recover into the wind; and screamed down Snow Canyon (very twisty decent as steep as 10% where a rider was killed two years ago). Coming out of the canyon with two miles to go, I had a small lead, which they quickly closed by working together.  There I was on the flats pulling into a head wind and very unhappy. I slowed and slowed and slowed saving energy and hoping for 141 to break first, but 141 and 140 were perfectly happy riding my wheel.

With 200 yards to go, 141 finally bolted opening up a quick 20 yard lead. In my mind this was a sprint between me and 141 for the Public B bronze medal, so I let it all hang out and buried 141 just 40 feet from the finish. Sitting up, I suddenly realized that I had completely forgotten about 140. He had stayed quietly on my wheel and timed his move perfectly to lead by a wheel as we flew across the finish line. In his mind, he had just out-sprinted both 141 and me for the Public A  bronze medal. Next time I will be smart enough to simply ask, "what division are you in", before I self-destruct. By the way---does this sound like rabbit behavior?

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, December 5th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25 in Denver.
The newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. 
Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.
Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473

December 2001

Riding Rollers
By Scott De Leeuw

Mention the word rollers and you scare the heck out of a lot of people.  Many riders envision rollers as this dangerous training tool that don’t give you that much benefit.  If you don’t use rollers, you may be missing out on a great training tool.  

Rollers have many great benefits.  They will make you smoother.  You will follow a much straighter line when riding.  Your pedal stroke could become flawless circles.  You will learn to be smooth and fluid without even thinking about it.

Rollers aren’t as scary as people make them out to be.  Done correctly, you won’t fall off the side, scare the cat, or go shooting through the kitchen wall.

Some tips for starting out:

• Start in a doorway.  This way as the bike starts going to one side you can use your elbow to push off the doorstop and center yourself again.
• If you are not sure of yourself, replace your cleated pedals with platform pedals, for now.
• Look ahead.  This may seem tough to do as you want to watch where your wheel is, but you will be much more steady looking forward.
• Once you are smooth, move your rollers to a wider area, such as the kitchen between the island and the counter.

The First Colorado Last Chance 1200km
By John Ellis

It’s  6:15am on Saturday, September 8th – a rain/snow mix is pelting down in Boulder, temperatures inching out of the upper 30’s.  Charlie Henderson – route marshal for the Last Chance – makes his first report of the day, from western Kansas.  He says things aren’t too bad at that benignly lower altitude – just rain showers in the 50’s.  At this point, organizers and riders alike are glad that the Last Chance course didn’t foray into the scenic Colorado Rockies, where just now it is snowing furiously.

Two days before, riders had coasted out of the starting gate at 4am, wafted by a balmy tailwind onto the Eastern Plains of Colorado, where it would hit the low 90’s that day and hydration would be a hot topic.  From rolling farmland, the course next bounded over successive ridges through Last Chance, then headed out through a flatter, more desolate, yet still downward-slanting ranchland.  By evening, riders had reached a greener land of more trees and towns, and a hearty meal in St. Francis, Kansas, was the riders’ reward.

Friday still held good weather in Kansas, as riders reached the turn-around point at the Kensington P.O.  Back in Boulder, driving rain accompanied a lone figure on a fixed gear bike out onto the course …

Saturday’s mild showers in Kansas gave way to wintrier rain as the riders climbed into Colorado.  Local Randonneur 5000km medallist Jack Herrick ducked into a hardware store in St. Francis, emerging with rancher Thinsulate gloves, a sheepskin vest, and Nebraska Cornhuskers cap, and farmer-duty red striped white socks.  Ron Himschoot, inured to the Seattle area’s moist riding, had enough rain gear to pilot a schooner through a gale – he was doing fine.

The mysterious cyclist, John Evans, had by now reached Kensington.  A Cadillac pulled up at the contrôle – the local postmistress.  John politely asked if he could use the car’s dipstick to oil his rain-cleaned chain.

Sunday morning, the main peloton woke to clear skies and frosty temperatures in Lindon.  As daylight broke, they summitted a ridge west of Last Chance to regain sight of the Rocky Mountains, now glistening with fresh snow.  The snow-capped Rockies greeted the riders the rest of the way in, as a light tailwind whisked them home.

The inaugural Last Chance 1200km turned out to be a success, albeit a tiny one – everyone who rode it had good things to say about the event and the course.  John Evans specifically chose this 1200km as fixed-gear friendly.  (Of course, it depends on who’s pedaling – John stayed on to climb Trail Ridge Road (12,000 ft.) and Lefthand Canyon (9,200 ft.) … on his fixed gear.)

Bob Fourney – our local RAAM champion, PBP veteran, etc., etc. – supplied the route concept and the impetus for doing the event in the first place.  Out-to-Kansas-and-back was a favorite RAAM training route for Bob.  John Evans spoke of the vast expanse.  The route is not flat, but is fixed-gear, recumbent, and tandem-friendly, and there is that vast expanse … so we think the Last Chance has a future.

- John Lee Ellis, Colorado RBA

Support Our Sponsors

A quick summary of some sponsors!

HandleBar & Grill will offer 25 % off the total bill for two (2) people.  This offer is valid anytime!!!!!
Basil Doc's Pizza will offer 25% off pizzas only!  This offer is valid 7days per week.
Go to www.handlebarandgrill.com for menus to all three restaurants.
RMCC members need to show their membership card to get the discount. 

Gift certificates will be the given away by chance before our weekly rides.  Included are Schwab cycles, The Spoke, HandleBar and Grill and Basil Doc Pizza, Old Chicago, and Turin Bicycles.

Product discounts available at Sports Optical, The Spoke, Schwab, and www.voler.com.  Must have membership card for discount.

Are You Creative?

Are you creative, with a little time on your hands?  Would you like to take a more active role in RMCC? If this fits you, I am looking for someone with fresh new ideas to help with the newsletter or take it over.

Here is what you get!

• A monthly meal at Denny’s while you attend the RMCC meeting.

• Semi-complete creative reign on content and format of the newsletter.

• The satisfaction of helping out in a volunteer-run club.

• Newsletter experience, great for your resume if that is what you are looking for.

Contact Scott for details!

Next Meeting

The next club meeting is Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 pm at the Denny's at Park Avenue and I-25 in Denver.
The newsletter deadline is the 28th of each month. 
Please send contributions via e-mail to dil222@yahoo.com.
Membership/address changes via e-mail to bandhmyers@rmi.net.
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, P.O. Box 101473, Denver, Colorado 80250-1473