Author: Brian O'Connor

USA Pro Cycling Challenge: The Riding of Stage 2 – Part 2: Buena Vista to Aspen

The racers pass Twin Lakes at about mile 93, but still have 17 miles and 2,500 feet of climbing to the summit of Independence Pass

We continue our coverage of the “Riding of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge” (The Riding of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Part 1: Gunnison to Buena Vista)

Once my cleat malfunction was addressed in Buena Vista, Mike Prendergast and I continued our ride of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. At this point, we were 67 miles into the 131 mile stage from Gunnison to Aspen. From Buena Vista at 7,965 feet, we had almost 43 miles until we reached Independence Pass at 12,095 feet – the Continental Divide for the second time. As we rolled out of Buena Vista, the skies did not look so good. With only a couple of tiny sections of blue sky, dark clouds started to form and the wind started to pick up. US-24 closely follows the Arkansas River for almost another 20 miles, but only climbs about 1,100 feet. Though this road is very heavily traveled, there is a wide shoulder for most portions of this section of the stage – not important for the racers as the road will be closed, but nice if you are just out for a ride. There is some nice scenery even though this section is a grind… it is probably the least enjoyable section of the ride due to the traffic and winds. As we approached Granite, the grade increased slightly, but it felt easier. From Granite up to CO-82, the grade or reduced headwind allowed for a large chain ring climb to the turn at CO-82. Continue reading USA Pro Cycling Challenge: The Riding of Stage 2 – Part 2: Buena Vista to Aspen

USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Spectator Information for Stage 2 – Gunnison to Buena Vista

12,126 feet above sea level on Cottonwood Pass

If you can’t ride the course with the pros, the next best thing is watching them in action, and next week you can get your chance if you head out to Colorado to watch the “Queen Stage.” After riding the course (The Riding of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Part 1: Gunnison to Buena Vista), we thought we’d share our thoughts on the best way to take in the course.

With road closures and traffic, it is going to be quite a feat to see Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge (UPCC) from both the start in Gunnison and the finish in Aspen. For the brave or those who would rather sit in a car than hang out at the host cities, there is a route that is only a 2.5 hour drive. Getting out of Gunnison, driving the distance between both cities, finding parking in Aspen and hoofing it to the finish line is going to be tough. After riding the stage, we agree that a better spectating experience will be had by not trying to see both ends of the stage. The following is our thoughts with regards to viewing along the first half of Stage 2. Continue reading USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Spectator Information for Stage 2 – Gunnison to Buena Vista

USA Pro Cycling Challenge: The Riding of Stage 2 – Part 1: Gunnison to Buena Vista

 

City of Gunnison - The start of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

With our plans in place to ride the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, Mike Prendergast and I left our homes on the Colorado Front Range and began our journey with a four hour drive to Gunnison. We chose to make the trip late on a Wednesday, meet the representatives from Gunnison and roll out early Thursday morning for the ride. We arrived in Gunnison with enough time to check in to our hotel, drop our bags, shoot some video of the city and make it to Garlic Mikes for dinner.

We met with four representatives on the Gunnison side of Stage 2, Joellen Fonken, Petra St. George, John Messner and Jon Brown, all who had various roles in bringing the stage to Gunnison. John Messner, the Facility and Events Manager for the City of Gunnison, was a major driving force behind the task of securing a stage and explained to us that it was not the race organizers who proposed the stages, but each town and city in Colorado had the opportunity to submit a bid outlining four to five different stage routes through their community. Gunnison submitted a number of options including one through Black Canyon. Though the race organizers were reluctant at first to go with the stage over Cottonwood Pass due to the dirt road, that was the option that was finally selected. Continue reading USA Pro Cycling Challenge: The Riding of Stage 2 – Part 1: Gunnison to Buena Vista

Made in America: Vectra Fitness

Trying to get into shape or maintaining your fitness level is no easy task. For most people, it takes a few hours each week working out just to stay at a certain level. Going to the gym can add time to a workout that some people just do not have in their busy day. If you have the discipline to use one, a home gym can allow you to squeeze in a workout whenever you have the time.

For almost 25 years, Vectra Fitness has been manufacturing high-end compact multi-station weight gyms for home and institutional use. Founded in 1987 and based in Kent, Washington, three of the four original founders are still owners today and actively involved in the business. Doug MacLean, Bob Rasmussen and Buell Ish have combined their engineering principles with unprecedented and creative designs resulting in approximately 30 patents being issued to Vectra innovations over the years. Most of these innovations are not obvious to the user, but one that will please most people is the fingertip release lever. Available on most Vectra models, the feature allows easy adjustment of exercise handles with the flip of a lever – no more struggling with pins to adjust the arms of the machine. Continue reading Made in America: Vectra Fitness

When a Governing Body Stifles Technology

Recently I was sent James Thomas’s article from Bicycledesign titled, “Is TJ Tollakson the Graeme Obree of triathlon?,” regarding the use of a carbon fiber 1996 Zipp beam frame triathlon bike by T.J. Tollakson in numerous triathlon wins including Ironmans. Tollakson has been experimenting with different riding positions and use of materials, some non-cycling, to come up with his winning combination. The beam design that he chose has not been utilized for some time now due to its design not falling with the International Cycling Union (UCI) regulations, but this style of frame is still legal by the regulations of USA Triathlon.

As Thomas notes the UCI wasn’t nearly so kind to Graeme Obree, also known as “The Flying Scotsman,” when he created his bike “Old Faithful” using parts from a washing machine. As Tollakson used soccer shin pads to aid the unique design, we’re left wondering if the UCI would approve. But this is just part of the issue.

I remember when the double triangle rule was implemented by the UCI and thinking that it was the end for real innovation with road bike frame designs. Continue reading When a Governing Body Stifles Technology

Made in America: Cages Fit for a King

Not much consideration is given to a water bottle cage purchase by the average cyclist, the greatest importance is that there is at least one mounted to their new bike. It is not until they hit the trails and lose a bottle or have to wrestle with the bottle just to pull it out of the cage to get a drink does the thought of a well made water bottle cage come to mind. King Cage, based in Durango, Colorado, has been making water bottle cages the right way since 1991 and making them in America.

Ron Andrews has worked for a unique list of manufacturers in the bicycle industry including Fat City Cycles, One Off Titanium, Joe Breeze Cycles, Ted Wojack Cycles and Yeti Cycles. It was at One Off Titanium that Ran was asked by a customer if they could have a water bottle cage made from titanium. After he successfully made the titanium cage, he continued to produce them ever since Continue reading Made in America: Cages Fit for a King

A New Mountain Bike Standard?

Mondraker, a ten year old bicycle company based in Spain, has announced the upcoming release of what they are claiming will be a new mountain bike standard. The 2012 Podium has features that we have seen before – a carbon fiber frame, internal cable routing and a BB30 bottom bracket; but the feature that they are touting as the new standard is an integrated stem.

The new Podium is a front suspension, hard tail design specifically designed for cross country racing and riding. By integrating the stem as a virtual extension of the top tube, the rider’s weight and center of gravity is lowered on the bike. This increases stability and provides for better pedaling efficiency. Continue reading A New Mountain Bike Standard?

Get Closer to the Racers and the Bikes During the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Are you dreaming of seeing a mountain stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Tour de France style, but are dreading the drive up one of the passes due to the traffic or road closures? Do you want to see who is using carbon fiber, SRAM, the new Shimano DuraAce Di2 and not just read about it? Does getting an up close look at the latest technology that the pros are riding that may not even be available to the general public yet interest you? The Colorado State Police (CSP), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have decided to allow spectators to camp out overnight alongside each state road that the race travels past. For a period of 24 hours prior to the race passing your campsite, CSP and CDOT will not ticket or require campers to move as long as they are camping off of the path of travel, including shoulders and private property. As long as the campsite does not impede traffic, it can stay. This move will allow more spectators and fans to have closer access to the competitors as they struggle to tackle some of the toughest mountain passes of the Rockies and this is your perfect chance to see the racers pass by at a speed that you can actually get a look at their equipment! Continue reading Get Closer to the Racers and the Bikes During the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Spots on your glasses?

Are you annoyed the spots that are left behind on your glasses after getting caught in a rain shower or being forced to remove your glasses completely just when you need them the most so you can see where you are going on your bike in a storm? For $20, Oakley may have a solution for you. The Oakley NanoClear Lens Cleaner + Hydrophobic Kit is a liquid product which is applied directly to the lenses of your glasses and repels water similar to the RainX product for your car’s windshield.

The Oakley NanoClear Lens Cleaner + Hydrophobic Kit is easy to apply using the applicator marker and is formulated to work with almost any type of eyewear and frames, including prescription glasses. To apply, simply run the marker tip across the entire lens surface, wait 30 seconds then buff it lightly with the included MICROCLEAR cloth. The formula can be applied to both sides of the lenses – especially useful for those who sweat a lot. The coating prevents water from leaving streaks and sheens that can corrupt your vision, and it creates a smudge-resistant barrier that repels skin oils and lotions, so keeping your lenses clean will be a whole lot easier. Continue reading Spots on your glasses?

Keeping Water Off of a Cyclist’s Back in Style

The British company, Water off a Duck’s Back, is set to release this fall a new men’s cycling rain coat designed to be both functional on the bike as well as fashionable after the bike is parked. Currently Water off a Duck’s Back has three different styles of coats for the ladies, but none for men. The new men’s coat is approximately the length of a peacoat, but is tailored to allow movement in the shoulders and arms where needed for cycling.

Along with style and cut designed for use while cycling, this British manufactured coat also has a‘hidden’ feature. When the cuffs are folded down, the collar is pooped up and the button strip on the back of the coat is turned over, wide reflective strips are revealed to hopefully allow the rider to be seen easier in low light situations. Continue reading Keeping Water Off of a Cyclist’s Back in Style

Lace-up Brace Does Prevent Injuries

As far back as the early 1900s, basketball specific footwear was being made by A.G. Spalding and Converse. These high-top shoes were fairly flimsy compared to the shoes of today like the newer company, Ekito; but did offer more support than other low cut athletic footwear. Basketball specific footwear continually evolves, and yet the ankle injuries still occur. Amateur players have been encouraged to wear ankles braces in recent years to reduce injuries and now there is a scientific study to prove the benefits.

McDavid USA, the Chicago based provider of sports medical products, protective performance apparel and recovery gear, is touting the study that was recently published by a pair of researchers at the University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine – Tim McGuine, PhD, ATC, and Dr. Alison Brooks. The controlled study involved 1460 male and female (ages 13-18) basketball players from 46 high school schools across the country.

“[The researchers] started by soliciting ankle braces from all manufacturers who were willing to participate,” Rey Corpuz, director of Marketing for McDavid said. “A sample group of players were given several brands of ankle braces to try on, and were then asked: ‘If you were to purchase one of these braces, which would you choose?’ According to McGuine, the choice was determined on fit, comfort, effectiveness and whether or not the athletes would actually buy the brace on their own. It came down to two brands, including ours, and in the end, the decision was made to proceed with McDavid exclusively.” The model the was chosen was the lace-up McDavid 195 Ultralight Ankle Brace. Continue reading Lace-up Brace Does Prevent Injuries

New Smart Phone, Same Velotrac Pak!

Almost anyone who has purchased a new phone knows the frustration of having to also purchase all new accessories. The ‘smarter’ the smart phone, the more expensive the accessories seem to be. The Velotrac Pak from VeloTrac Ventures, LLC based in Mission Viejo, CA has come to the rescue for those who like to mount their iPhone, Blackberry or Droid on their bike.

The Velotrac Pak is a soft side Nylon pack that mounts to the top tube of a bike using a three point strap system keeping the phone in easy reach of the rider. The top of the pack has a separate zipper compartment with a clear vinyl window that the smart phone is enclosed while on the bike. This vinyl window not only protects the smart phone, but also allows the user to interact with the phone while riding. Under the smart phone compartment is a larger zipper compartment for easy storage of your keys, wallet, PowerBar or anything else that is small in size which you need for your ride. The Velotrac Pak is a weather resistant pack meaning that it should handle some rain, but probably will not keep water out if the pack is submerged in water.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading New Smart Phone, Same Velotrac Pak!

KineticShift Takes on the Toughest Stage in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Sandwiched between the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the second and third of the three Grand Tours, is a new multi-day professional cycling challenge. This one is not on European soil, but right here in the United States. Starting in Colorado Springs, CO on August 22nd, the new USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a seven-day, 518-mile long stage race all through the Colorado Rocky Mountains ending in the heart of Denver on August 28th. Touted as being the “highest altitude course ever created”, the new USA Pro Cycling Challenge will bring the racers over multiple mountain passes, with a number of them being almost 3,000 feet higher in elevation than the mountain climbs of the Tour de France.

Various cities and states around the U.S. have played host to some truly classic cycling events, but none have had the staying power of the European ‘classics‘. The new USA Pro Cycling Challenge looks to reignite the epic, professional stage races held in Colorado during the 1970s and 1980s. The Red Zinger Classic and Coors International Bicycle Classic drew some big names in the sport of professional cycling from around the world and even played host to the Soviet and East Germans teams who were racing in the U.S. for the first time. The staff of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has been making flurry of announcements that this new event will too play host to some of the biggest names in the sport. Andy and Frank Schleck of Leopard Trek, Levi Leipheimer of Team RadioShack and the 2011 Tour de France maillot jaune winner Cadel Evans of BMC Racing have all confirmed that they will be racing in the inaugural 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Continue reading KineticShift Takes on the Toughest Stage in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge