Demo Days This Weekend June 14th and 15th

Celebrate Dad's day by stoking him out with test rides on cool new bikes from Trek and Gary Fisher. Representatives from our staff will be on hand to answer questions, along with the Trek Factory Demo Rep.

Hope to see you there.

Location: Shawnee Mission ParkDate:

June 14th & 15th

Time: 10:00AM to 4:00PMBikes:

Trek & Gary FisherStyles:

Road & Mountain


Directions: Exit 435 (North or South) at 87th and go West 1 block to Renner Road. Take Renner road north about 2 miles. The Park entrance is on the West side. You can't miss it. Follow the park roads West to the very end of the lake. Park where the road begins to cross the dam.

Bicycle Friendly.

Now that's something I didn't know ...

Recently the folks from Trek were in Kansas City to help promote
becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community. I had a chance to meet Rebecca
Anderson, Trek's Director of Advocacy who was hired to lead the One
World, Two Wheels effort. She brought along a group of folks from Omaha
... what an amazing group! The folks from Omaha told me how they had
raised $600,000 in private donations to get the city started on creating
a better bicycling environment in Omaha. That is quite impressive ...
way to go Omaha! With employees like that being active in the community
Trek can certainly be proud of their accomplishment.

The same night I met Rebecca and the gang from Nebraska, we also heard
from the League of American Bicyclists about their awards program that
recognizes communities that actively support bicycling
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/. As they went through the
presentation, they talked about how the awards program had changed since
it's inception. For a community to be recognized (at either the Bronze,
Silver, Gold or Platinum levels), various criteria are evaluated
covering the five "E's" ... engineering, education, encouragement,
evaluation and enforcement. There are only two cities at the platinum
level ... Davis, CA and Portland, OR. Something I saw that evening got
me to thinking (which some say is when I am most dangerous). It was a
sign from the early days of the program. I remembered seeing one
recently and it was actually in my city (Overland Park, KS). A few days
later I stopped by that location and sure enough it was one of the
original signs (installed in 1995). Once upon a time we were also
recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Now it's time we see where
we stand in 2008 so later this year we will submit our info. If anyone
has any advice, drop me a note.

Brian and his mental short list.

Great Ending to National Bike Week

After my chain suck problem on Wednesday, I've had three straight days of great biking. On Thursday and Friday I rode my bike to work (about 8.5 miles one way). Along the way I stopped at the Tomahawk Ridge Community Center on 119th Street (Thursday) and then the Matt Ross Community Center in Historic Downtown OP (Friday) where the city was sponsoring energizing stations. It was great to see other riders there and also to check the sign in sheet to see how many had already stopped by. It's interesting to see what's happening at work this year ... a couple of my employees car pooled this week, another rode the bus and another rode his bike to work. That's a lot of change since last year (when we did nothing), and I hope we all will be able to keep it going.

My trips to work are north-south oriented from where I live. That means crossing over or under I-435 (which means there are a limited number of crossing points). I opted to go up Antioch the first day and Metcalf the second day. Now I'm not crazy enough (yet) to actually ride on either of these streets since they carry about 40,000 vehicles per day so I stayed on the sidewalks (I have to confess that I had to ride in the travel lanes across the bridge just north of 103rd and Metcalf since it is under construction and there is no sidewalk yet ... try that in the morning rush hour to get your heart pumping). I have developed a mental shortlist of things to watch for ... broken glass, people jogging with their ipods and not paying attention, drivers exiting driveways or turning right ... I've also developed a shortlist of irritations like people that plant bushes that encroach into the sidewalk and people that don't keep their trees pruned up high enough so I can ride under them. One other thing of interest has been the continuity of the sidewalk system ... it looks great 95% of the time and then in the blink of an eye there will be a short piece missing. Both days I had to be home rather quickly after work so I rode part way and caught the JO for the remainder. It was only $1.25 to ride on Thursday and free on Friday. I was mildly surprised to actually see 20 other people riding the bus (that's actually a pretty amazing number for the burbs).

This morning my daughter and I rode to have breakfast ... what a beautiful morning ... nothing like a little fresh air to build up your appetite. After chowing down on pancakes, we headed back home with a brief stop along the way to see a friend who had just had surgery and was home recuperating. If next week is anything like this week, I think I will be well on my way to a permanent change in my car only lifestyle.

Memorial Day.

We will be closed Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Brian and a case of chainsuck.

Dean to the rescue

Chainsuck

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

I have not been able to ride for two days, but this morning I was ready to go for my first try at a weekday commute to work. I hopped on the trail near our house so I could head over to Fire Station #3 where Overland Park was sponsoring an energizing station for morning bike

commuters. I got about a mile from home when my carrying bag became dislodged from the back of the bike and started dragging on the ground. I stopped and fixed it real quick but when I got back on something else had happened. Apparently during my shifting to come to a stop the chain had become kinked between the front gears and the bike frame. I quickly found there was no easy fix to this problem (at least for me). So I headed back home pushing my bike along the trail (luckily I had not gone too far) so it was only about a 10 to 15 minute walk back home.

On my way back home I was thinking about the whole notion of riding a bike for short trips or to work. Was this an omen of things to come? But then I started thinking about something that had happened with my old Toyota one afternoon. I was about two miles from home when a belt

broke in the engine and similarly, I was out of commission. The difference was that I had to wait for a tow truck (for an hour) and then spend several hundred dollars to get the car fixed. At least I was under my own power right now, got to avoid the cost of a tow, and figured that any repair cost would be minimal.

Once home I called one of the bike experts that I work with (Lisa actually was the one that got me to enter the Go By Bike Challenge) and I described what had happened. She gave me the technical term for it ... it's called 'chain suck'. So later in the day I made a visit to the Trek store. Dean was the person that helped me and it seemed to take him no time at all (having the proper tools sure is a big help ... probably something I'll need to invest in soon ... maybe for Father's

Day, hint, hint). Anyway, Dean also explained that I shouldn't be using the smallest gears on the bike very often since that puts a lot of wear on the chain (so that's my tip for the day for the rest of you novices in case you've read this far). I especially liked it when Dean said 'No charge' for his time! They definitely know how to keep a customer wanting to come back to their store.
Well, I'm all ready now for tomorrow when I'll once again try this commuter bike challenge. For what it's worth, I hear there was a good turnout at the fire station.

Brian keeps on going.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Today we had beautiful weather for Mother's Day. In the evening I had to go to church because I teach Sunday school for the fifth grade class. This made for another perfect opportunity to go by bike so once again I convinced my daughter to tag along with me. I'm thinking if I can instill in her ever more deeply at this early age the importance of taking care of our planet and making smart choices when it comes to life, at least she'll be headed in the right direction.

One thing I have come to realize is that there are not a lot of bike racks near most places I go (other than at schools). Such is the case at our church. I understand a couple of weeks ago they borrowed a bike rack from a nearby school for Earth Day but they didn't really see a need for one other than that one time. With that being the case, we decided to lock our bikes on the handrail where everyone entering and exiting would see them ... kind of a reminder that there is more than one way to go places.

I received a couple of comments from folks at church ... one of the staff members couldn't believe that I rode 2.5 miles to church (wonder what she was implying ... it's not like Dr. Kevorkian is going to be paying me a visit anytime soon!). I made sure she knew all about National Bike Week (she thought I was kidding that we actually have such an event). Later when I was leaving one of my fifth graders saw me with my bike helmet and started asking questions. I told him it was a great way to be healthy and eco-friendly. Who knows, maybe I'll start seeing more people riding in the near future.

I have been trying to promote Bike Week activities at work ... we'll see how it goes this week (which, by the way, is National Transportation Week too).

Brian Shields Post #2

Brian's daughter is now going by bike

Brian with his new bike waiting to ride

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Earlier in the week I decided I needed a haircut. Instead of making a special trip by car, I decided to make a special trip by bike! Saturday morning I convinced my daughter to go with me and take both of our bikes out for a spin. We have some great off-road bike trails in our city, and we were able to go the entire distance without leaving the trail network (other than a short two block stretch to actually get on it in our neighborhood). It was a little muddy in a couple of places due to some recent rains, but it felt great getting out and enjoying the morning sun and light wind that hits your face as you ride. We traveled a little over three miles each way.

I remember when I was younger (OK, much younger) and a bicycle was my only means of commuting (I couldn't get my driver's license until I was 16 years, 1 month and 1 day old ... seriously, who thinks up these laws anyway?). I used to use a bike to go most places since my parents both worked. Sometimes it was a two mile ride to school and other times it was just to meet a friend to play tennis. I remember how sometimes it was nice to just get on my bike and ride with nowhere in particular in mind ... it was just such a relaxing and enjoyable time that I could really clear my head when I was out on the road (just how much head clearing a teenager really needs is debatable, I guess). Anyway, I have survived my first bike trip in almost two decades.

Go By Bike Update #1 Brian

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The big day finally arrived. About two months ago I entered a contest designed to challenge people to take short trips by bike. To my amazement I was one of the lucky few chosen to receive a new Trek bike and see if I was up to the challenge. So today I went to the local Trek store in Kansas City and picked up my new alternative mode of transportation.

The folks at the store were just incredibly nice and very customer oriented. I bought a few 'extras' and they added on the equipment while I waited. The main thing I wanted was some type of carrier on the back in case I needed to haul something (like a sack of groceries from the store or a basketball when I go to the community center nearby).

It's been a long time since I actually owned a bike. When I got married 22 years ago my wife and I bought bikes as our wedding gifts to each other (how romantic, you're probably thinking!). For the day, they were really nice Schwinn 12 speeds (my wife still has hers by the way ... I wonder if that qualifies as an antique yet?). Mine, on the other hand, ended up being stolen one night when we lived in California. So, for the last 18 years it's pretty much been just me using a car for transportation.

I'm looking forward to the first ride. We'll see how easy it is for an old dog to change!

Go By Bike Update #1 Kristen

Well… I have my bike and I am ready to roll!! I had my friend take my picture right outside the front door of my loft – just like my first day of kindergarten with my new outfit – today was with my new bike and all the wonderful accessories Trek has given to me. I am so excited to have nice weather. I moved to the city last October and missed the walk-about town weather. I did make some walking trips, but for the most part weather limited me. So now is my chance to explore the city. This may seem like nothing for most of you … but I have never biked in the city. I have a feeling I will be doing a lot of “drive by shooting” for this blog of other people!! The city is an interesting place!!

I never really seriously “biked” other than when I was a kid, some in college. Going by foot or by car have been my only means of transportation. That said…. if anyone has any tips for a newbie on how to learn gears… I am open!! Is there a “Bikes for Dummies” out at the bookstores?

BIKE WEEK, MAY 12-16

I just got a reminder from Deb Ridgway, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for KC, that Bike Week is nearly upon us. Click the logo or links below to learn more.

Dust off your bike and walking shoes and start recruiting your friends, family and co-workers for Bike Week 2008! With more than 60 events to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone. For a full list of events go to http://kcbike.info/bikeweek/calendar.php

• Car Free Challenge - enter your trips starting May 10 through 16.
• News conference with Mayor Funkhouser on May 14th.
• Car Free Weekends on Cliff Drive start May 16th.
• Bike Buddy Commuter Convoys start on Monday, May 10 for first time bike commuters to pair up with experienced commuters.
• Refreshments every morning and afternoon on the Trolley Track Trail.
• Ride of Silence, May 14th.
• Overland Park - three days of events.
• Lee's Summit Bike to Work Day - May 13th.
• Discounts for cyclists at ice cream and coffee shops.

Help us triple the number of registered Car Free Challenge participants! Register individually or join a team! To join the City's Team choose, "City of Kansas City" in the team list. Go to http://kcbike.info/bikeweek/challenge.php

We'll track your:

• carbon emissions savings,
• gas savings,
• the number of trips you take, and
• reward you with great prizes!

This year Bike Week organizers have partnered with local bike shops and GreenGuru.com to bring you some outstanding rewards for your efforts. Spread the word, choose to be Car Free and see how many trips you can replace with a biking, walking, bus or carpool trip. The Car Free Challenge runs from May 10 - 16th.

Bike Week is brought to you by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Mid-America Regional Council and Missouri Bicycle Federation along with numerous community partners.

IT'S HERE!!!

This season's Midwest Cycling Community clothing has arrived and Thanks to Jerry and the sales crew it is sorted, tagged, and ready to ride. If you have recently joined the community and not gotten your new gear come on in, pick it up and then show it off on our next Monday night recovery ride.

New Bike

This is Dean’s Equinox TTX9.9 time trial ride. It’s outfitted with all Dura-Ace, an Aeolus front wheel, and an HED wheel in the rear. He rides Speedplay Zero pedals.

How do you train?
I’ve been training with Jim Whittaker as a coach since 2002. It’s primarily for road and cross. I ride mostly six days a week; it amounts to about 12-14 hours a week. Working with a coach has made a big difference in my fitness.

What is your favorite route around Kansas City?
I think one of my favorite rides is the Wednesday night hill ride. It’s hard and intense but it doesn’t last very long and it feels so good when you’re finished. That’s also why I like time trials: because it feels so good when you stop.

What's your favorite race?
I think Jingle Cross. It was good competition and a course that was hard but not crazy technical. There were large fields, I think in my group- the 55s- I had 12 riders. That’s a big group for that age. They had good crowds; the spectators were fun. (He didn't mention how the race turned out so Amber asked. He decimated.)

Hang on. I just thought of my favorite. 2002 Cross Nationals in Napa California. It rained 15 inches that weekend and I got Second.

What do you drink during a ride? After a ride for recovery?
During a ride I’ll alternate between Accelerade and Powerade. My favorite flavors are blue. And I like chocolate milk for a post-ride drink.

Do you worry about your daughter on the rink? She is a roller derby chic.
Yeah. It was pretty good after I broke my collar bone. She showed me a bruise on her thigh. I said, oh, that’s nothing. I showed her a bruise that went from my knee up to my waist. (For Dean, that is a long way.) That hip is still bigger than the right side. We compared bruises. My him and my her hip.


What does your nickname (FOG) mean?
Frickin’ Old Guy or in polite company it’s Fast Old Guy. Cause I was the oldest one on the team.



What has kept you riding and racing?
What has kept me riding is the fun part of it and the fact that it satisfies that competitive urge. I ran track and cross country all through high school and college. I can’t swim good enough to do triathlons. I think another part of it is the people I have met and have helped make it enjoyable as well.

You’re never too old. I didn’t start racing until I was like 40, around 1992. As I’ve gotten older other problems have come up, but you just keep plugging away and find out ways to work around them.

Dean and his wife, Deb, traveled to Nebraska City the weekend of April 12 to celebrate her birthday and Dan and Alice Hansen's anniversary. They said to tell everyone "Hello!"

Shadd Smith Interview

On April 15, Amber got the chance to talk to HRRC Racer Shadd Smith about Great Bend, racing, and how much fun can be had on two wheels.

When did you start riding?
Um, start? I did a lot of BMX growing up. It was all local, a bunch of Great Bend locals from the south side built a course out in the woods. It was maintained and built up and changed by teenagers down to some really young ones. We wanted to have fun. We’d start our own races; it was all pride.

What do you like best about the new Madone?
There is a more direct transfer of power. Some bikes are flexy, and you don’t have the direct power turnover. Especially when climbing you notice if a bike is flexy. I did a race outside Tulsa last weekend and sprinting uphill to the end, it was direct. The bike wasn’t fishing around or anything.

What is your favorite post-ride chow? Drink?
Mexican food- a burrito as a matter of fact.
Chocolate milk.

What’s your favorite KC coffee shop?
The High Hat. It used to be a gas station and they have a photo of it as it used to be. No more than ten people can fit inside at once. It’s also on one of my recovery routes, so it’s a good place to go for a cold coffee or hot coffee, depending on the weather. It’s super laid back and off the beaten path.

Where is it?
It’s on Stateline, near Shawnee Mission Pkwy.

In a recent poll at the Trek Shop you were tied as the best-looking rider on the HRRC team with Josh Crow. What tips the scales in your favor?
That I’m better looking, but the scales tip in his favor because he has control of the team.


What are the new riders (Chris Hall, Derek Gorke, and Joe Schmalz) bringing to the team?
Chris Hall is well rounded; he mountain bikes and he races cross. He showed us last year that he can finish in the top 15 at races like the Quad Cities. Derek is a good sprinter. I think as far as leading out or being led out for a sprint, the two of us will help each other a lot. Joe is young. It’s early to tell for him because he’s just starting in the Cat 1/ 2 field. But what I’ve seen so far is that he climbs well and he can time trial. He seems to have good bike handling skills, which is obviously important. I think one cool thing about him is that he asks questions. He finds ways he can get better. He listens and takes action.


What’s your favorite race? Why?
(Without a pause) The Tour of Kansas City. It’s a local race where we have a big fan base. The crowds are crazy on the hill on Saturday and they’re pretty much all over the downtown Overland Park course on Sunday. On almost every section of the course you hear spectators yelling for someone on the Trek team. That’s cool.
Also, my wife, Trina, has always gotten to come. Having two wild boys and a busy schedule, it’s great that she always gets to attend the race. Since my boys have been born they have always been at that race. It’s the one they’ve never missed, no matter how hot.

How do you balance working full-time at Merck, your family, training, and racing?
Sleep less.

The rumor is that you might be on a Richard Sachs frame next year for Cross. Can you confirm or deny that rumor?
(Smiling) Can’t confirm or deny at this point. I met the guy and he’s super nice. I’ve talked to him on the phone and he builds beautiful steel frames. P.S. he has a six-year wait list if that tells you anything.

What is your favorite cycling discipline?
Pedaling. You know, I like all of them. Just about the time I’m ready to hang up the road bike, I’m ready for cross. At the end of cross I’m ready for my mountain bike. It depends on the season. I like to do it all. I like every discipline.

Monday Night

The route.

The Crew.

Fun.

New Bike

Moots!

Alan Sikes keeps busy in his retirement as an employee here at the Trek Store as well as Gary Gribbles, where he has mastered the art of shoe fitting. If he’s around and you’re looking for shoes, his expertise is worth the wait. Last month he bought his first Moots, a Mooto XZ frame dual suspension two-niner. He laced up some Chris King hubs to tubeless rims. Put on Sram X-O shifters, an XT crank, Juicy Sevens, a Reba fork, and Time Attack pedals. Amber caught up with him last Sunday to talk to him about his sweet new ride.


Mr. Sikes, where was your first ride?
Shawnee Mission Park.

The day you got it?
Yea, it was a Sunday and darn the luck, we didn’t have much work. Scott asked if I would like to take off. The trails were pretty dry with only a few muddy spots.

How was the bike?
The bike was fun. It was, I don’t know if the adrenaline was flowing too rapidly through my veins, but it rode so well. It just handles better.

Where are your favorite rides?
Well, I’m going to find out how Colorado is this summer. I think I’ll go to Lawrence sometime and do the trails out there. The river trails are fun. I’ll probably hit Clinton and Perry.

Is the dual suspension 29er nice?
It is. I like it. I have a bad back, so I appreciate some suspension.

How does titanium ride?
Awesome. Yea, I’ve had a Legend, have an Ottrott, and a CX2 Ti. I do have the Concours CX, which is a cross bike. So I like Titanium. For me, it will last forever. It rides nicely. The titanium absorbs bumps and it rides wonderfully.

What’s your favorite post-ride chow?
Wow. There are so many things. I’d say a Chipotle burrito.

How would you compare the fitness of cycling and running?
They go hand in hand. I know running is harder on your body, but if you can
only do one or the other- if you’re short on time- a run is a good way to get a workout. You can get a good workout in thirty or forty minutes. They really compliment each other.

It’s been a blessing working here. The people working here are great- well to me you’re kids. So the kids working here are great. Every day I look forward to coming to work.

Check out those welds!

Moots builds Ti frames and the frames can come as kits. If you'd like more information on Moots, come in and see us.

New Bike

Trek Store Employee and local principal Alejandro Schagel took home his new Serotta today. The Legend Ti SE with carbon rear end, Dura-Ace gruppo, and tubeless Dura-Ace wheels weighed in at 17.5 lbs. He opted for a pewter Chris King headset with gold race and silver top cap with understated Celeste bar tape and King Ti cages (not Chris). He rides Keo Look Carbon pedals.




Where are you going to ride this thing first?
I don't know probably on a ride with my lovely lady, Anja, who will be riding her Serotta Concours CX.

You have 'porcelain artiste' tagged on the side of your new bicycle. What's that about?
I earned this bike by cleaning 4,267 toilets and you, too, can do that.

When did you start working at the Trek Store?
I started the month after it opened- in April 2004.

What's your favorite Trek Store memory?
My favorite Trek Store memory... there are so many. You know a good memory was with our first store manager, Doug Plumer, who would pop his jaw. Another was with our next store manager, Stacey, when she flirted with Tony. Another good memory was when the next store manager came. It was just like 'the Price is right' at all times with Tom Price. My last good memory is with our present manager, Scott 'the Bull' Stevens, who hired our in-house journalist Amber Chambers. The fondest memory of all was when Caitlin and I washed the windows last year for the Discovery Team to visit. That was another good memory- I spoke Spanish with Alberto.

Is this bike going to be your favorite?
It will be my favorite until the next one comes along.

Are you planning to race this bike at all?
No. Just plan to sleep with it.

What are your favorite times to ride?
Um, high noon on a summer day.

Race at Bazaar

Today Amber talked with a local race legend, FOG- Dean Parker- about racing the Bazaar road race in Bazaar, KS, on Sunday.


Race recap:

Had about ninety entrants- field was decent. There was great weather, although a fairly strong northwest wind could punish you. It made for twenty-five miles straight into the wind. I did the Masters group, which had about twenty-nine riders.

Silent pause. Amber asked: Well, how'd you do?
Oh, (grin) I won. I won my age group- the fifty-fives. I got away from the pack with a group of forty-five year olds and we stayed ahead of them.

What bike did you ride?
I was on my Lemond Victoire. I rode tall Aelous 6.5s. They did work very well in the cross wind. Some people were concerned about the tall wheels but they did very well. The race was fifty-three miles. What was fun was a downhill finish with the wind, it made for a Fast sprint!

This year the race was straight pedaling. Last year they were burning the fields around the course, so you could feel the heat from the flames. This time it was only the heat from fast legs.

Memoir

This blog has been tagged by Cam the Man at http://www.kcdirtbikeracing.blogspot.com/ who was tagged by Shane 'Crash' who was tagged by 'Bad Ben' and now we will tag others.

It is the task of those who are tagged to sum their life in a few words. So first, a six word memoir:

"We seek the achievement of Happiness."

-Atlas Shrugged

You're it:

http://www.waraxebikes.blogspot.com/

http://www.endurosnob.blogspot.com/

http://www.markstudnicki.blogspot.com/

http://www.jtbike.blogspot.com/

http://www.adamrmills.blogspot.com/

Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4) Tag a few more blogs with links
5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Hitch Rack Kickbacks

April 1st through April 30th our shop will be participating in Yakima's Hitch Rack Kickbacks!
Customers can qualify for a $40 mail-in rebate on hitchracks valued over $300.00.

This just in: Our store will once again be partnering with the Multiple Sclerosis Society for their 2008 Bike MS Tour. We will be providing route support on the sixth and seventh of September. Check out more at:

By Popular Demand & Adequate Inventory

Our 2008 Super Sale has been extended until Friday, April 4th! We're busy restocking our shelves to make sure we have the bike you need. All sales on 2007 bicycle models have continued. Come in to test ride one of these sweet Lemonds and check out our other on sale merchandise to make the coming spring a great ride.

Josh Crow Interview

HRRC has a couple races under their belt and awesome bikes to roll across the finish line.
Josh Crow came into the store recently and Amber had a chance to ask him some questions.


When did you start riding?
I started riding in 1987.

What bike?
A Cannondale- touring bike It was white. (He didn’t know any better.)

How long has your team been in existence?
Since 2002.

Will you be hitting a lot of races?
We’ll be focusing on regional races. We will occasionally be going to the east coast and west coast for races.

What is your favorite post-ride chow?
Salsa & chips.

What do you like to drink during a ride?
Grape vitamin Water

Post-ride?
Water & White wine

Favorite white wine?
Eroica.

Where’s it from?
Washington State. I grew up riding around Seattle.

In a recent poll at the Trek Shop you were tied as the best-looking rider on the HRRC team with Shadd Smith. What tips the scales in your favor?
I run the team.

What are the new riders (Chris Hall, Derek Gorke, and Joe Schmalz) bringing to the team?
Youth and strength. I think they’re great future talents. They’re up and coming.

What’s your favorite race? Why?
I have exactly two favorite races: The Tour of Kansas City and the Gateway Cup.
They’re at the end of summer- I love the heat and the fans. They’re great races to have family and friends come to because there are so many people.

What is your favorite cycling discipline?
I like criteriums- that’s because I’m too lazy to train for road racing.

What made you choose to work with Trek and our stores?
Jay Thomas. He and I started to get to know each other and decided we had the same objectives and we should put our teams together.

What is your favorite area ride?
My personal favorite ride- that I do daily- is down Mission Road into the Plaza and back around to my house. It’s about an hour and twenty minutes. It’s great. I love to have the people and the cars around. I don’t know. I’m an ADD rider or something.

What’s your best cycling memory?
Racing against Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie in the US Pro championships in Philadelphia in 1994. There were half a million fans. It was a sunny day and I was 18 so it’s indescribable. There were TV cameras and helicopters; it was awesome.

2008 Super Sale

New Merchendise also in stock!

The Trek store is proud to offer Twin Six alternative cycling wear and Craft technical gear. Twin Six cycling clothing and t-shirts are 10% off! Check out all their styles at www.twinsix.com!
Select women's Craft jerseys and jackets are also on sale. Come in to check out our new Craft triathlon and cycling wear! Check out all their styles on their swiss website at www.craft.se.

Come in to see our Super deals during the 2008 Super Sale!

If you've been thinking you'd like to get a high-quality bicycle, we have some super deals for you next week. All bicycles in the store are 5%-50% off!! We unloaded and built quite a few to have in stock what you need and get you out the door on a sweet new ride. Check out trekbicyclestores.com to see individual flyers detailing the sales on the cycling discipline of your choice.

We also have many accessories on sale to make each ride more fun and maximize fitness as well as enjoyment.

This is our biggest Super Sale ever and we look forward to a great season of riding!

Inaugural Monday Night Ride of 08

The riders enjoyed the cool weather and overcast skies. They took off from the store at 6:30 and rode through the surrounding neighborhoods at a casual speed for about an hour.




Then had a celebratory beverage at Shark's next door. It's time to toast to Spring!

Lessons in Bicycle Maintenance

The Boy Scouts made a trip to the Trek Store this past Monday. They were working on their Handyman Badge.

Cameron showed them how to change a tube.





They also learned to adjust their seat and air up their tubes.

Monday Night Recovery Rides!

The Monday Night Recovery Rides will begin again this Monday. The rides will start at 6:30 and last about an hour. The pace will be pretty relaxed, as slow as the slowest rider. This is a great way to meet other riders and have a fun ride at a casual pace. Following the ride, Shark's Restuarant & Billiards a couple doors down has decided to offer some post-ride specials. $2 Domestic Drafts, $4.99 Burger & Fries, and $3.99 One Topping Mini Pizzas. The Trek Store staff highly recommends the Burger & Fries combo- it's tasty!

Hope to see you Monday!

The Tilford Interview

The 2008 Racing Season is upon us. HRRC is kicking off its season in the coming weeks.

Here's an interview with one of Cycling's most seasoned professionals.
Amber spoke with Steve on the phone while he was off the bike in Austin, Texas, after the Pace Bend race. (For full coverage of the race, see his site stevetilford.com)


What do you like most about the 5.5 2008 Madone?

The stiffness of the frame and the weight- that is the lightness of the weight.


What keeps you on your bike training day in and day out?

Enjoyment of cycling- I’d ride even if I didn’t race. It’s never gotten boring.


What’s the best bike you’ve ever ridden? And why?

The new Madone frames- the innovation and the carbon. Again, they're lighter and more stiff. I know it's cool to dig the old steel frames and stuff, but you just can't deny how rad the new carbon is. My favorite ride is the newest because it’s the best. Very few times have I gotten on a new bike and immediately noticed the difference. But this bike felt weird because it’s so stiff. The first time I got on the bike and pushed the pedals I was like "God this is f***ing cement."


What’s your favorite training ride?

Well, I used to live in Switzerland. I used to do this one road ride a ton. It's a loop around the southern, Italian part of Switzterland. The roads overlook a valley and wind through the mountains. If I could do it everyday I would.

In Kansas?

My favorite training ride in Kansas would be riding from Topeka to Lawrence on gravel roads- on 2nd Street to Lawrence to the coffee shop. The ride is all along the Kansas River and its sheltered along the bluffs.


What race are you excited about for 2008?

Cross Nationals in KC. I have kind of a chip on my shoulder because of the mechanicals I had last year in the elite race. That said, I'm racing in over 100 races this year. I get excited about every weekend. I haven’t picked one that’s the focus. It really depends on the race and how it unfolds.


What’s your favorite post-ride chow?

A fruit smoothie- with protein and yogurt. I hadn't thought about it, though. I should have one more often.


What do you want fans to yell at you when you race past?

Well, I guess just encouragement. I don't want them to yell 'Catch that guy!' or things like 'You can go harder.' I always go my hardest.
I had a weird experience last year at mountain bike race. This guy in his 40s came up and told me that it was such an honor to meet me. He told me he used to race and enjoy riding his bike. Then he gained 60-70 pounds. Years later he picked up a magazine and saw a story about me still racing. He said it gave him motivation; that he thought if I could continue riding for so long, he could too. He said he just started riding. He lost the weight and he's the happiest he’s been.
I don't know if I'd tell somebody that- even if they did inspire me. I don't think I deserve credit for the work it took him to get better. But it was cool.

Many racers have come and gone in the past twenty years. What do you attribute your staying power as a racer to?

The sport has so many facets. I don’t think people realize how intellectual cycling is. Most people who race understand the physical side of it.
But I race all types of bikes. And it takes a bunch of knowledge to get good results. Especially because in races nothing repeats itself. You could race with the same guys on the same course every day for a year and never get the same results. It’s an ever changing thing and you can always learn. I love athletics and endurance athletics. It’s a healthy lifestyle. I love the travel, the friends. There’s nothing about cycling I don’t like- except if you’re feeling bad and go race anyway. Those hours are the only 'chores' I'd say there are.
But I was talking to Eric Heiden [1980 Winter Olympic ice skating medalist turned professional cyclist]. He was like “Hey Steve, Thanks for holding up our generation." I didn't really think of us in the same generation, but okay, sure.


What training tools would you recommend?

Well, as a resource I’d advise people who want to get better on their bike: Ride with better riders. Pick the brains of older guys. It takes a long time to learn how to get fast on a bicycle.
We were riding with cat 1 guys who have been racing 6 or 7 years and they're good for only racing that long. But six years is not that long to have been racing. Lance didn’t win Worlds until he was 24 and he started racing at 16. The fastest way to skip levels is not to read magazines but ride with guys who are better than you. Emulate them as best you can.


What’s your favorite race?

I’d guess I’d have to say the World Cup Championships in Vail, it's a mountain bike race. It's in Vail and I don’t ride all that well at altitude. But they close down the town and you race through downtown. There are people sitting outside at coffee shops watching the race go by.They shut down Vail, not for like an hour or the minimum amount of time, but all day. It’s like racing in Europe because it gives the racers a lot of respect.

Daylight savings time is just around the corner.

March 9th is the day! It's time to start up those evening rides again.

We will be starting the Monday night recovery ride on Monday March 10th at 6:30 pm. Its still going to get a little on the dark side lets not forget our lights. Ariel and Jerry are very excited to get the ride started again.

On March 12th the infamous hill ride will begin. Tom and I(Scooter) are working on a different route. It will start at 6:30. What a way to spark that fitness;-)

Saturday, how can we forget Saturday? Let's join Mark and the Localcycling crew at Scooters for some coffee and a good ride. We start gathering at 8:30am.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready. The weather has kept me inside a lot this year. I'm excited to get some miles in. How about you?

EnduraCamp Success

Our Trek Stores sponsor a bundle of energy named Ben Schloegel- a top Ironman Triathlete. He is the epitome of the principle that life is motion. He puts on a few camps a year and just completed this winter’s session. The camps are fashioned to fit around an average work week schedule with early morning and later evening sessions. Now is the time to get in shape for this season's round of racing. Be assured that you will get a Workout, complete with Ben’s cheerful, not out of breath admonitions to get faster as he runs or rides beside you. If you are interested in the summer camps and complete coverage of this past week: check out his website at http://www.enduracamps.com/.

In the meantime here are a few photos:

Come in to ask Scooter what he really thought about the Fit Pit...

Here are runners who think they're about finished...

Ben, Elisabeth, and first time runner of over four miles having just completed eight. Well done!

Go By Bike Challenge

Have you noticed how happy cyclists are?
Do you want the glow that comes from having your endorphines flowing at higher levels?
Have you noticed cyclist booty?

An incredible opportunity has come for you! Check out the trekbicyclestores.com website and enter for a chance to get a bike and equipment to ride and achieve your dreams. If your entry is chosen, you will be challenged to make 6 trips a week by bike, two miles more or less each trip, and blog your experiences. Stellar riding awaits you in the spring and fall but beware the heat of summer and the ice of winter are perched to test your mettle.

Good luck & Happy Riding!

Warehouse Clearing Sale Feb 8-10

This year is going to be huge, but we need to clear out some space for all the new product that is coming in. Come join us for our 1st Warehouse Clearing Event. Click on my friend above for a complete flyer.

· Huge discounts, as much as 70% off select accessories

· We are reducing inventory to make room for spring merchandise

· Shoes, helmets and clothing on sale

· Check out the online flier to see some highlighted bargains

· 08 Midwest Cycling Community members get additional discounts

· Join the club now online, or come to the kickoff party and join that night

****Ride a Stage of the Tour promotion****

Ride a full Stage in the Tour – Race the Etape du Tour – You get the opportunity to personally participate in an actual stage of the 2008 Tour. It’s worth the experience! Putting the number on your jersey, standing at the start with 8000 cyclists, hearing Greg LeMond and Miguel Indurain called forward, riding with a wide grin on your face as villagers cheer for you (yes you!) and kids beg for your water bottle as a souvenir (hey, we said you’d feel like Lance – we weren’t kidding). This is as close as it gets to the feeling of riding in the Tour. Villages along the route declare a holiday and come out to cheer. Police close all cross roads and Mavic trucks provide you (yes you) with support. The feed stations are incredible. No question, the Etape is difficult. However, nearly 100% of our riders finished last year. Why? With High Gear Travel you get:

Promotion Ends Jan 15, 2007

July 3 – July 7, 2008 — Package Includes:

• Guaranteed Etape Entry

• Four nights at a 3* Hotel (with air-conditioned
rooms) in a beautiful Pyrenean village –
legendary riding, right out your front door

• We’ve chosen not to be in Pau this year due to
the lack of riding opportunities – that’s why
we’re in France!

• Legendary climbs right out your front door and
a downhill ride home from the finish on Etape
day

• Breakfast and Dinner daily

• On-site mechanic, on-site French-speaking
staff

• Transfer to start morning of the race

• Etape du Tour training & preparation guide
prepared by qualified coach

• Pre-race logistics package, detailed route
descriptions, local ride guides, etc.

Package DOES NOT Include:
• Airfare to/from France
• Rental Car, other ground transport
• Lunches
• Drinks with meals and other hotel incidentals
(phone, laundry, room service, etc.)

Package Price:

• $999 double occupancy(normally $1499)

• $ 350 single supplement

• $899 non-Etape ride.(normally $1299)

Stop in the Store for details