Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Our first shipment of Yeti's are in the shop and ready to roll. The Yeti 575 is in and one of them is going to be in our new MTB demo fleet. Stop in and find out how you can take it out for a day in the park.






Carbon, Carbon, everywhere!!! We have some of the hottest Bontrager wheels on the market in the shop and available to take out on a demo ride. Stop in and check them out.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

TREK Store News

WOW, so many new things in the shop this week. We just received a new shipment of new items that will make great Christmas Gifts. We have a store full of items from tubes to bikes and everything in between. Stop in and our staff is ready to help you make the best gift choice for the cyclist in your life. If you just can't decide on a gift there is all ways a TREK KC gift card. Our newest item is the JIMI Wallet. This nifty item opens up and holds a drivers license, a few credit cards, and money. It's water resistant so say good by to the plastic bag! At $14.99 it's a great stocking stuffer.











It's that time of the
year...............Tuesdays are Trainer Night 7:00pm!








Check out the new bikes!
Hot off the assembly line in Wisconsin is the Gary Fisher Ferrous. It's a Steel framed 29er that has a great ride. Come on in and check it out.



Our next bike is a Serotta Ottrott. Our ace Mechanic Sean Hermes can be seen assembling this bike. This build kit includes Bontrager XXXLite carbon wheels, Sram Force group, and FSA Carbon bars.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Kansas State Cross Championships

Last weekend was the final cross race for 2006 and the riders were greeted with great weather for a cross race. The course was a great mix of technical turns mixed with long straight sections that truly tested racers in all categories. The TREK Store of Kansas City was represented well and we would like to congradulate all of the riders who were crowned State Champions. I also want to congratulate some of the new faces that we are seeing at the races for giving cyclocross a try. Looks like once you try cyclocross your's hooked and keep coming back for more! On that note..... Don't forget about the last cross race of the year, The Grote Prijs Shawnee, January 7th, 2007. Below are some pictures from last weekends race and for more see localcycling.com.







Monday, December 04, 2006

UCI / Missouri State Cyclocross Weekend

Ice, Snow, and a Steady North wind made for a cold weekend at the races but this is REAL cyclocross weather, just like weather in europe where cyclocross was born. The hearty made it out to see quite a show as the riders battled the elements for UCI points and State Championship medals. The TREK KC / LocalCycling.com crew were out in force with some fine placings as was the TREK Regional team. Check out some pictues from the event and the action inside the hospitality tent. More photos and the complete story can be seen at velonews.com or cyclingnews.com.





Friday, December 01, 2006

A successful season comes to end. Way to go Ben!!!

Close the books on 2006, Ironman Florida has come and gone and I am still wondering why anyone would ever do a race of this distance in November, I have now done it twice. Crazier is that the 2007 event sold out in less than an hour. Not me, never again especially if the tempurture in Florida is only going to be a record low 40 degrees and have Hawaii like winds. A big shout to all the Kansas Citians who had a great day. Barry Ogden came in well under 11 hours for a new personal best and Ironman Newbies Bill Biehl, Scott Kinner, Gretchen Duncan, and Leslie Ratterman all came to Panama City with solid performances. Chris Fugate put down an impressive race as well, great job to all the Kansas Citians who laid who toed the line. Tough conditions made for an interesting race though, the national weather service issued a “small boats” warning for the morning advising of dangerous conditions in the gulf. Being slightly smaller than a boat I decided this would not apply to me, the four foot breakers certainly made for a brutal swim. Getting off of the beach through the first 200 yards of surf was gnarly. The bike was a test of determination and fortitude a steady 20 mile wind with gust up to 30 greeted you head on for the first 55 miles of the long, straight rolling bike coming up on the turnaround was quite possibly one of the greatest feelings of my life. Truly a difficult bike, staying focused and aero that long Is tough and demanding on your body. For me I am starting this report on the run, this is where my day really began.


I am having a hard time taking this all in, I’m in an empty lot of sand standing underneath some palm trees about 100 yards beyond the second aide station. I keep trying to raise my hands above my head but I can’t, every time I do I get what feels like some surge of electrical energy running from my hips down to my heels. My back started this aching at mile 80 or so on the bike, about fifteen miles after catching a flat tire. As my mind runs through the pain and the process of where I’m at, and how I got there; tears are welling up in my eyes. It’s not the pain in my lumbar spine or my hips, I can stomach that and understand the action/re-action relationship of the body and injury. What I can’t understand and what really hurts is how I ended up in this stupid fricking sandlot, apparently unable to put together a solid race all year long. I know it isn’t from lack of effort or training.
I executed the plan and the process, I put in a crazy base this last January, February and March. I signed up for all the big races and showed up ready and willing to lay it on the line, prepared with my own arsenal of a descent swim, killer bike and downright mean run. Powerless though is where I ended up. No amount of training, speed workouts, base or even natural talent can overcome fate and a cruel reality. It is at that point I decide to walk back in and call it a day and a season. I am doing what I can to stop the surge of emotion from taking over again, who breaks down on the course?
“Hang in there Ben” some athlete yells as he runs by. First thing I want to say is “shut up”, and then rant on about how I can’t hardly stand up straight right now. The thought is fleeting and soon common sense prevails and I remember they are only trying to help, besides he doesn’t have the time or desire to hear about my sob story and I am an idiot for thinking it matters. I chose to do this race, I chose to train like I do and I alone am responsible for dealing with the “highs” and “lows” like an adult. Nothing gets me more than the guy or gal that always makes up an excuse or can not seem to deal with failure and success.
Just then this kid pokes my arm and hands me a paper Gatorade cup filled with grapes. It is almost comical I think, he doesn’t have a clue how bad this hurts, that my day and season is falling apart around me, and he could care less. He’s just out there volunteering and helping out and must of thought; “that guy looks like some grapes would do him some good“.
I know at this point that I am done for the day but I just can’t start my walk back in yet. It is so odd a place to be, in the race but stopped cold in your tracks and broken while the event carries on. The course having chewed you up and spit you out along the side of the roadway. Merely a casualty of the worlds hardest single day event, a 140.6 mile stretch of vulnerability, variables and question marks. I have had great days where that entire distance was executed flawlessly to the best of my current ability, but this year has been one of the “V’s”; vulnerability and variables. Today it is my Back, GI tract and rear wheel that have fallen victim to injury, bug or glass shard and the variables that come with tempurature and pure luck. It has now been an eternity it seems like, I have watched my competition role by and my season move along with them. It really is so quite.
I can’t quit it isn’t in my nature and I think that unless we are broken we never should. I have now turned back around and am facing back down the 24 miles of road I have left. I begin to jog and my back flares and spasms, I am trying to run, having spotted the athletes ahead. My back, legs and heels surge with pain and I grit my teeth. As I look ahead, there is a group of four a football field ahead of me, and I am not making up any ground on them, they are in fact pulling away from me at this point. I feel myself beginning to justify quitting again, but the reasons are hallow. I am in pain, but its nerve and cramp pain, nothing that will be my end. I know this pain and know that it will subside by tomorrow. Now I am quitting because of pride and ego, “Tough” I tell myself, that doesn’t justify failure.
“No way” I am saying to myself, maybe one person could pull ahead but not four, I can feel it in my legs though. I have no power, no extension and I am fading. I keep moving and it hurts so bad as they continue to move further away from me. My lower back is pulling my head straight up to the sky, and I start grinding my teeth, if I stop again I will never get it going I know this for fact. I stick with it and tell myself I will catch them if it kills me, I am barely hanging on to the gap now, covering my losses. I don’t take anything at the next aid station, I don’t want to twist my back, slow down or suddenly dodge a spectator or other competetior. I won’t slow at the next three stations I will just grind my teeth and make sure not to stop or slow, I am beginning to build speed now and before long I will catch those four and many more.

I cross the finish line, empty and broken. I have cracked off a crown on my tooth probably from the gritting and grinding, it doesn’t hurt but does feel weird having this partial tooth in my mouth. My wife is going to love this (she is a dentist). I go to the medical tent, I am not dehydrated and I don’t need Saline bags I tell them as they pop IV’s in both arms. I need to lay down and I need my back, my hips and my quads to release I need for this compression to go away. I lay down for an hour shivering my ass off as my body begins to relax itself enough for me to get up and walk out and shut the door on 2006. A season I won’t soon be able to forget and probably should not, the tide will turn again and things will look up but this is going to require a few weeks to wear off.
I have heard lots of reason why people race, one fella here was racing on a set of donated lungs (and yes he finished), 80 people raced to get their tickets punched for Hawaii , sixteen others got paid to race here, still others raced for the experience of this event. A guy by the name of Frank in his seventies chased down and beat father time on Saturday, others raced to inspire friends and family. I don’t know what this day meant to me, or what I was doing out there. I think that in time this past year will reveal itself to me much like any other investment we make in ourselves and future. I am beginning to wonder if this year I was supposed to not figure out how fast I can go, but rather how deep I can dig and build on that.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006



UCI / Missouri State Cross Championships this weekend


Cyclocross is back in KC This weekend!

It may be a little bit cold out but it's prime weather for cyclocross. Come on out and try the racing or just hang out and watch some of the best regional and national class riders. The TREK Store will be at the race with CycleOps Trainers in the warm-up tent and we will also have some a mechanic on duty should you need any last minute repairs. Should you forget any of those items nessasary for the cold we will be on site selling gloves, hats, energy foods, and..................hand and foot warmers. For more information see www.trekstores.com or www.kccrossnationals.com

Let the fun begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, November 27, 2006

CycleOps Clinic Tomorrow! 11/27/06 20% off Trainers and accessories


The return of "No One Gets Dropped Indoor Trainer Night" will start Tuesday November 28th @ 7 o'clock. These trainer nights will last roughly an hour. We will watch different training videos and enjoy each others conversation. Trainer nights will run weekly on Tuesday nights 7pm - 8pm until the February 20th 2007. No Trainer Nights on: December 26, January 2, and January 30th 2007. If you don't have a trainer we will have trainers to rent for $3.00 per night. You are more than welcome to store trainers at the shop.
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On our first Trainer night we will have a CycleOps Trainer Clinic given by our repRon Le Mieux. Ron's going to explain the advantages of the different types of trainers and what they can do for you. It's also possible that Ron will be able to demonstrate the latest PowerTap 2.4 SL wireless powermeter. We will be giving a 20% discount on all CycleOps products on the night of the clinic. Rainchecks will be given for out of stock prodoct.

Friday, November 24, 2006

!!!!!!SHOE SALE!!!!!!

!!!ALL SHOES ARE ON SALE!!!
BUY ONE PAIR AND GET THE 2ND PAIR FREE
THIS IS GOOD FOR ANY PAIR OF SHOES THAT WE HAVE IN STOCK.
The 2nd pair must be of Equal or Lesser value
Sale is good on in stock shoes only, no special orders or rain checks.
Don't worry, if you only need one pair they will be 40% off.
Take Advantage of this Sale while you can, they are selling fast.

Friday, November 17, 2006

!!!!!!! MIRRACO IS HERE !!!!!!!









Just in time for Christmas! Mirraco BMX bikes are in stock. We have Blends, Black Pearls, Five Stars, Signatures, and even the 20 Forty's.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

For Women Only!!!!

Saturday Morning Women's Maintenance Clinics
Sean will also be conducting Women's Only Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics. These clinics will focus on: How to fix flats, How to lube a bicycle chain, Pre-ride check over, and How to properly clean a bike. We will also touch on: How to adjust brakes, derailleurs, bearings, and Wheel truing, Women's Only Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics @ 11 am, December 16, January 20th, February 24th.

Maintenance Clinics Starting SOON!!

Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics
Something new for us at TREK Store is Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics. We are very excited to introduce this maintenance. Our goal is to help cyclist of all abilities have a better understanding of the mechanics and up keep of the bicycle.
Sean Hermes, TREK Store service manager will led these Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics beginning Saturday December 9@ 11 o'clock. These clinics last roughly an hour or until all questions are answered. Much of the clinic time will be spent on: How to fix flats, How to lube a bicycle chain, Pre-ride check over, and How to clean a bike properly. We will also touch on: How to adjust brakes, derailleurs, bearings, and Wheel truing. Sean loves challenges, so please, bring lots of questions. If possible please RSVP but walk-ins are all ways welcome. Saturday Morning Maintenance Clinics @ 11 am, December 9th, January 13th, and February 10th.

Trainer Nights and CycleOps Clinic!!


This Fall /Winter season will be jammed packed with fun activities at the TREK Bicycle Store of Kansas City!

Trainer Nights
The return of "No One Gets Dropped Indoor Trainer Night" will start Tuesday November 28th @ 7 o'clock. These trainer nights will last roughly an hour. We will watch different training videos and enjoy each others conversation. Trainer nights will run weekly on Tuesday nights 7pm - 8pm until the February 20th 2007. No Trainer Nights on: December 26, January 2, and January 30th 2007. If you don't have a trainer we will have trainers to rent for $3.00 per night. You are more than welcome to store trainers at the shop.
--------------------------------------------------------------
On our first Trainer night we will have a CycleOps Trainer Clinic given by our rep
Ron Le Mieux. Ron's going to explain the advantages of the different types of trainers and what they can do for you. It's also possible that Ron will be able to demonstrate the latest PowerTap 2.4 SL wireless powermeter. We will be giving a 20% discount on all CycleOps products on the night of the clinic. Rainchecks will be given for out of stock prodoct.

Friday, November 03, 2006

And the Winner is!

The 10//2 Lance Armstrong Foundation Fundraiser has ended and now it's time to announce the winner of the Discovery Team Jersey that was signed by Lance Armstrong. Before we announce the winner of the jersey we would like to thank everybody who participated in the fundraiser. The store collected nearly $500.00 to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Next year we plan to expand our fundraising efforts for this worthy cause.

As for the winner of the jersey...........
The winning ticket was drawn by the lovely Kelly Wong,















And the winner is............................ Tom Cole form Liberty, MO!




Thanks again to all of those who participated and don't forget that we are going to raffle off a TREK 1500 bicycle that was signed by Lance Armstrong as well as Indy car driver P.J. Chesson. Stop in and check it out!!!!

Yeti is coming



The Legend is Coming...

We've been searching the globe for a new brand of mountain bikes to compliment Fisher and Trek's already stacked line of off-road machines. Actually we didn't find a new brand at all. We found an original. Allow us to introduce Yeti Cycles as the newest member of the Trek Store family. Yeti has as deep a tradition in mountain biking as any company around and we welcome them with open arms. John Tomac, Juliana Furtado, Missy Giove, Myles Rockwell, Jimmy Deation and many others got their start racing for John Parkers Durango based company. Now located on the front range in Golden, Colorado, they make some of the best bikes in the world. Bikes will be in the store mid January.

We'll keep you posted.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

IT ONLY GETS BETTER!




Do you remember this bike? The bike Lance is holding was used at the Indianapolis for the "Race to Replace". Look at what we have here in the store...


When you walk in you will see the actual bike that Lance Armstrong was holding at the "Race to Replace". As you can see Lance Armstrong has autographed the frame along with Indy car driver P.J. Chesson. How cool is that?

We will be raffling this bike at the end of the year. Each raffle ticket will cost $5 or 5 for $20. The more you buy the better your chance for winning. All proceeds from the raffle will go the LiveStrong Foundation.

Drawing for a Lance Armstrong Autographed Jersey


That's right, we have in our possession a Discovery Jersey signed by the man himself, Lance Armstrong. For a donation of $2 your name will be put in the jar. At the end of the month of October we will draw the winners name. It could be you. Your donation will go to the LiveStrong Foundation. Here is your chance to win a piece of history.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Happy BirthdaY Dan.


Store Co-Owner Dan Hansen celebrates his 29th birthday in style.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Pearl Izumi Clinic October 23 @ 7pm





WOW, it's getting cold out there and we've got a full stock of Pearl Izumi gear to keep you warm! If you find all of that technical jargon on clothing confusing, come to the Trek Store of Kansas City October 23rd and sit in on a Pearl Izumi clinic presented by our Pearl rep Doug Plummer. We're going to look at some of the winter items like jackets, tights, gloves, and booties. Doug can answer your questions about Pearl Izumi products and if we're lucky he might give us a sneak peek at some products for the spring!

This clinic is open to the public so stop in for the clinic and enjoy a 20% discount on all winter Pearl Izumi products, plus 40% of all remaining summer merchandise. Deep discounts are available on selected 2006 bikes as well.

Here's the vital information:
Where: Trek Bicycle Store of Kansas City
When: Monday October 23rd, 2006 7:00pm

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

TREK WSD Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

Join the TREK Store KC for a 10-mile no-drop ride, Saturday, October 14th at 10am. There's a $25 entry fee that's donated entirely to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Every participant receives a free gift! We hope to see you there.


To Register for this great event, go to active.com and search for "Trek WSD". Select Trek Bicycle Store of Kansas City as our location and you're all set! The first 25 to register will recieve a special gift.

Finishing the Serotta Ottrott ST

Today we finished the Ottrott! Since the last post we ran all of the cables added a chain, pedals, saddle,and a computer. After making sure it shifted perfectly we wrapped the bars and pumped up the tires. Now all it needs is a rider!





Here's the details:
-Serotta Ottrott ST Frame
-Shimano Dura-Ace Group
-Ritchey WCS Carbon Bars and Seatpost
-Ritchey WCS 4-Axis Stem
-Bontrager Aeolus Wheels
-Fizik Aliante Saddle
-Shimano Flight Deck Computer


Sunday, October 08, 2006

A new Serotta is born.

It's just like Christmas in the shop when the UPS man drops off the big brown boxes that contain the frame and parts to build up a new Serotta. Building a custom bike piece by piece is a labor of love so check it out as we build a new Serotta.







So that's it for today, We got quite a bit done but there's much to do to finish the bike. Check back tomorrow as we complete the bike and call our very excited customer. More photos and a few more details on the components. Just check out those wheels, Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 carbon clinchers. Light and fast! See ya tomorrow!