Race Across The Sky - Leadville Trail 100

Race Across The Sky - Leadville Trail 100

On October 22nd, experience a One Night Event in movie theatres nationwide featuring the debut of “Race Across the Sky” – a documentary covering the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 bike race, one of the most intense endurance races of all time - and candid conversations with Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael, Dave Wiens, and other elite and amateur cyclists who overcame extreme challenges to participate in this grueling race.

EVENT DETAILS
Race Across the Sky – Leadville Trail 100, featuring Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and other elite and amateur cyclists on October 22nd at 8:00pm ET/ 7:00pm CT/ 6:00pm MT/ with tape delay to 8:00pm PT.

This one night event will feature a panel discussion with Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael (owner of Carmichael Training Systems and Lance Armstrong’s coach), Dave Wiens (6x Leadville 100 winner), Ken Chlouber (Leadville 100 Founder), Travis Brown (Olympian and professional mountain biker), and others before and after the debut of the documentary “Race Across the Sky”.

Click here to purchase Tickets (Local NJ).

EVENT OVERVIEW
At 10,000+ feet, against the misty backdrop of a former sleepy mining town, Leadville, Colorado, 1400 cyclists line the starting line. For many, it will be the most difficult race of their lives. For some, a bragging right to say they raced alongside the best in the world. Some imagine victory. Most hope only to finish. But everyone will count.

The race that started 25 years ago as a running race to drive tourism in Leadville has now grown to a lottery cap at 1400 competitors, many of them the world’s most elite cyclists. But the Leadville Trail 100 "Race Across the Sky" Mountain Bike Race is not just a race of man against man: it’s man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. elements, man vs. time. A clock set for 12 grueling hour’s slugs through 100 miles, over 14,000 vertical feet of climbing, some two miles above sea level, through extreme climate changes ranging from heat to hail, from rain to snow. To the racers, the risks of injury, fatigue and mechanical failure pale next to the chance that they will fall behind the 12 hour cut off mark and be eliminated.

Rivalries include six-time defending champion Dave Wiens vs. international star / seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Inspirational stories of human triumph include a woman rider who was critically injured by a car while training for last year’s race, another who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and 45+ rider who has raced all 15 years.

Whether they’re international stars of the sport or everyday folks with the will to finish a race whose difficulty is on par with the Ironman, the grit to push to their own physical and emotional limits strikes an elegant symmetry between racer and environment and a struggling former mining town whose very existence now relies on the tourism generated by this race.

At 12,570 feet anything can happen...Don’t miss this intense one night event!

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Trailer

MINNEWASKA MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL 2009

Bring your family to Minnewaska State Park Preserve for the third annual Minnewaska Mountain Bike Festival on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

This year’s event is sponsored by local mountain bike clubs, Gunks Mountain Bike Association (GUMBA) and Fats in the Cats, whose members will lead group rides for all levels of difficulties on the Park Preserve carriageways all day long.
These carriageways consist of over 30 miles of trails, offering various scenic vistas of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.

Several clinics will be offered throughout the day, including:

Trailside bike maintenance and repair

Bike and helmet fitting;

Proper riding technique and more.

Local bike vendor Bicycle Depot will be bringing bicycles for people to test ride and Lightsey Cycles will have bicycle merchandise on display. Various tasty snacks will be provided

for sampling by local businesses including: Jenkins-Lueken Orchards, the

Mountain Brauhaus, and the Bistro Mountain Store.

Early arrival is suggested for the best parking, since the Park Preserve may fill to capacity early in the day. Please bring your own safety helmet and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. A parent or guardian over the age of 18 years must accompany children wishing to

participate in the program.
For more information about the Festival, please call the Park Preserve Office at 845-255-0752, or visit www.GUMBA.org.

The parking fee for Minnewaska Mountain Bike Festival 2009 is

$6 per vehicle. The Park Preserve will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00

p.m. starting September 8th. Minnewaska State Park Preserve consists of

approximately 21,000 acres of wild and scenic land located on Route 44/55,

five miles west of the intersection with Route 299 in Gardiner, New York.

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission administers 30

parks, parkways and historic sites for the Office of Parks, Recreation and

Historic Preservation in New York as well as the Palisades Interstate Park

and parkway in New Jersey. For more information about New York State

Parks, please visit www.nysparks.com

New online magazine for Mountain Bikers

IMBIKEMAG is free to read and aimed at the everyday rider out there. The online magazine is totally free and packed full of tips, techniques, and reviews. There are also some cool videos embedded on the pages be sure to check it out.


There is also the chance to win a set of DAKINE gloves inside

A second look at Clif Quench

Last month I reviewed the Orange flavor Clif Quench. After my review I received an email from Emily at Clifbar and Company.
She was kind enough to send me another bottle of Clif Quench. I chose a bottle of fruit punch from the available flavors of Orange, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Citrus, and Limeade. While the fruit punch was more palatable than the orange flavor. It still wasn't a open the fridge and chug down a bottle type of beverage and I don't think Quench is trying to be that.

Clif Quench is a simple drink made up of water, cane sugar, natural flavors, and electrolytes (salt, magnesium, and potassium). While Quench is a sports drink it is not loaded with a lot of sugars and extra calories. What it does provide in spades is hydration and electrolytes. Making this an ideal drink for those who are working out to burn calories and not get them all back with a sugary sports drink.
The 16 oz bottle is perfect for your next spin class or run.

There are a lot sports drinks out there to meet different needs of athletes. Most provide electrolytes and simple carbs. Some have caffeine, antioxidants, and vitamins while others may even provide protein.
The important thing is to find a drink that meets your needs, has a taste that will encourage you to drink often to help you stay hydrated, and enables you to perform at your peak level.

So whether you out for a short spin, completing an epic ride, or putting down the hammer in a race.
Clif Quench combined with other Clif Products like their gel, shot bloks, and bars can keep you going strong and gives you the option to get what you need and nothing you don't.

2009 Second-annual Jorba Bikefest

The weather this past Saturday may have impacted the turnout of the 2nd annual Jorba Mountain Bike festival.

But those who did brave the rain and cool temperatures (quite a contrast from last years festivals that was hot and humid) were treated to an experience, that despite the large open venue had a more intimate feel than the previous years festival, and quite frankly any other festivals that I have been to.

The Technical ride with Jeff Lenosky felt more like a Sunday group ride with friends than a impersonal group ride with a bunch of strangers. We were a small group of about 6 or 7 riders. Everyone could ride and had a great attitude. By the middle of the ride we were conversing and

cracking jokes with one another like we old friends. Bob Workman coordinator of the Allamuchy Chapter of JORBA gave us a preview of some the new trails that are being worked on as well as showing us some great staples of Allamuchy including Rolly Polly, Caridac, and Cardiac Bypass. Our ride took us up some loose leg burning climbs made a bit more difficult by the wet

conditions.
For our efforts we were treated to some flowing rolling sections, and Grin-inspiring down hills. The trails at Allamuchy are tecnical, rocky, and root strewn but at the same time they inspire confidence. Most of the downhill rock section are roll able and lines are pretty apparent.

Our ride was a little over a 2 and 1/2 hours you can view a GPS Map of the ride here.

After our ride, Jeff handed out some t-shirts and hats.
One of the vendors was giving out Slushee's much appreciated and needed after our ride.

After some lunch and a change clothes I headed over to check out

the Cyclesports Skills clinic. The clinic had a course setup with some skinnies, teeter-toter's, and other obstacles. The clinic instructor provided some tips to the riders on speed control and sighting your line as well as showing off some skills of his own riding a wheelie across one of the skinnies.

The Festival went on mostly as planned but Jeff's Stunt show was cancelled due to the weather conditions.

Trek, Giant, and Specialized were on site with Demo bikes to ride and I am sorry that I did not seize the opportunity to throw my leg over a remedy The Trek representative was friendly and knowledgeable and spoke with me at length about the Trek/Fisher line of bikes.

Rainbow Jersey Update

Worlds Roundup: Peatey Finally World Champ
After a career filled with near misses, Steve Peat wins his first world championship. Nino Schurter nips Absalon in the men's XC and Emmeline Ragot wins the women's DH race. Video, pictures, and results here.

NJ to become a Mountain Bike Mecca

The trails at Ringwood State Park continue to get better and better.
Last year was the new trail. A section that bypassed a switchback downhill and replaced it with a winding, flowing, rolling, and exhilarating stretch of trail that highlighted how good Mountain biking in NJ can be.

Well this Year Art White and the Rembrandt's of rock have stepped up their game creating a re-route of a once hikers only trail named "Warm Puppy Rock" by Ringwood Locals.

This trail contains a number of rock features and is somewhat technical. But what Impressed me was how well they were able to utilize and integrate the natural trail lines and rock to create a unique riding experience. (Of note are a rock wall ride and downhill rock spine.)

Jeff Mergler Executive Director of the Jersey Off-Road Bicycle Association (JORBA) had this to say about this latest trail creation.
"Its truly amazing work and even the people within JORBA (me included) are patting them on the back for the scale of it. Coincidentally, NYNJTC folks have even taken notice and let Art know how nice it came out."

Video of the Trail
Link to Trail Map
*GPS Coming Soon

TOUR de FAIR HAVEN

Jersey Shore's Annual Bicycle Racing Event
Not as prestigious and well-known as the Tour de France, nonetheless the Tour de Fair Haven is expected to draw 250+ bicycle racers from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York metro area. The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is organized by Christian Young, owner of Cycles54 in Wall and Michel Berger, Fair Haven resident, in partnership with the Borough of Fair Haven and the Fair Haven Business Association. Christian is a former National Champion, 2x Olympic Trials competitor, 10x NJ Champion, with over 100 career victories. Michel grew-up in Paris, France riding his city bike around town with his wife-to-be on the handle bar.

Safety first, closed course - no car traffic
Tour de Fair Haven consists of 4 races along the scenic Navesink River in a closed 4.5 mile course. Based on ability and experience, a rider is qualified for one of the 5 Categories. Entry level (weekend warriors) is Category 5 (or Cat 5) while top elite level is Cat 1 (averaging speed up to 30 mph!). Women and Juniors (under the age of 18) have the same Cat guidelines. Age is also a consideration; Masters 45+ for instance, is anyone above the age of 45 years old for a given race.

Understand the magic of bike racing
Tour de Fair Haven's first race will group Cat 4/5 (22 miles), followed by Masters 35+ (27 miles), Masters 45+ /All Women (27 miles) and the feature race PRO and Cat 1/2/3 (36 miles). The first race starts at 7AM from Fair Haven's Firehouse grounds. The last race will end around 11AM with kids races and beach cruiser cruz following immediately after. A veteran race announcer will help the novice understand the on-going race tactics and unlock the magic of bike racing. Fair Haven businesses will showcase their individual services and provide home-baked goods and refreshments for all during the event.

Things to look for
To stay competitive, bike racers log twenty hours of riding each week. Nothing screams dedication more than tan lines - wearing clothing in the same exact place on their body each time. Another clue, shaved legs. Crashes are common resulting in huge abrasions on the leg. The wound will heal much faster if there's no hair to hold in dirt and debris. Race bikes are very light and twitchy, accelerate quickly and effortlessly but what about the tire.... about as wide as a thumb. At 20 mph, the tire looks as wide as a pinky. At 40 mph, it looks like a strand of hair. After a while, you get used to it!

First time racers
Tour de Fair Haven is going to be a fast course. For the weekend warriors expect a challenge in keeping up with the main group. For first time racers, it is not uncommon having difficulty in doing so but performance improves with every race. After all, bike racing is not about "doing your best" or "setting personal records". Bike racing is about competing against (or at least keeping up with) the best!

For a good cause
Tour de Fair Haven is in memory of Kerrie Anne Guibord who was an avid, locally renowned cyclist who passed away this year, 5 years after receiving her ALS diagnosis; ALS has no known cause or cure. All proceeds of the event will be directed to Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation which is dedicated to improving quality of life for ALS patients in our community. The Tour de Fair Haven brings the ALS community, cycling community and nearby Jersey Shore communities together in a safe, educational and respectful environment.

For more information: 732.212.0800
www.tourdefairhaven.com
www.joandancyandpals.org

The 2009 Livestrong Challenge

What an incredible weekend! There were just over 6,500 riders, runners, walkers. 800 volunteers participated in the Challenge weekend. Through the generosity of 44,051 donors the event raised $3.2 million toward the fight against cancer.

The Livestrong Challenge is a 5k walk or run, or a bike ride of varying Distances Ranging from 20 to 100 milesThe purpose of the event is to raise funds and awareness for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors.

This year was my 3rd Livestrong Challenge during my 100 mile ride I had a lot of time to think about why I was riding. Some of the reasons were clear to me before the ride and some came to me while riding and one almost brought me to tears.

In my life I lost my Aunt to breast cancer when I was 19 My grandfather from Prostate cancer when I was 36, My father from health issues related to his treatment. Another Aunt is fighting against breast Cancer currently. A Friend of mine has been on a 2 year battle with Lung Cancer, another died from brain cancer.

I ride because they cannot and I can.
It is no different than if a person was to hurt them in front of me. I could not stand idly by and watch it happen. I would need to do something.
It may seem silly riding a bike how can that help? Well as you read above it helped to raise 3.2 million dollars and it united over 51 thousand Riders, Runners, Walkers, Volunteers and donors in a fight against Cancer. There are four Challenges throughout the US every year and while the Challenges may not be the cure they can help to lead to one.

I want the Challenge - This year was steamy making the hundred miles through the hilly route a true challenge. It occurred to me that this is what the Challenge should be.While I am not saying that what I faced in a few hours is comparable to what a cancer patient goes through I am saying that the challenge represents on a much smaller scale amicrocosm of some of their emotions and experiences.There is pain and suffering, there is doubt and fear (tight turns on roads with gravel).There is support from others and there is the will to go on within ourselves. There are those who do not complete the challenge and those who come out stronger from it.

Stories from the road.- On my ride I came across a Father who was riding in memory of his son. On his jersey he had a picture of a boy with a smile full of life and joy. As I got closer I was able to read the dates His son was born just one year before my daughter and had succumbed to cancer in his 5th year.The gravity of what this man must of went through hit me like a truck. My thoughts went to my own child and a life without her. I could not bear the thought and here was this man with the strength to ride in his son's memory. As I passed him a little teary eyed we exchanged nods and I rode on. I wanted to say something to him but didn't know what. All I could think of was how sorry I was for his loss and how much respect I had for this person who was able to honor his son in this way.

Elden who started the blog Fat Cyclist Team Fat Cyclist who lost his wife just three weeks prior to the Livestrong challenge. His team raised over 275 thousand dollars they all wore Team Fat Cyclist jerseys that had the phrase “Fight Like Susan” (Elden’s Wife). Elden has been able to transcend this awful disease and his personal loss to do something positive and help others.

By participating in the Livestrong Challenge we are able to put up a fight against this repugnent disease that hurts and kills those we care for.

First Endurance Optygen Supplement

First Endurance Optygen Supplement
Optygen is unlike any other endurance product available.
This revolutionary formula is based on clinical trials and the latest scientific research on maximizing oxygen utilization.

Optygen was developed to increase VO2Max, increase the body's ability to adapt to high levels of physical stress, increase anaerobic threshold and reduce lactic acid.

"I noticed a decreased heart rate at intensity and the ability to push hard for longer periods of time"

Increases ability to adapt to stress Increases endurance and performance Reduces lactic acid Patent pending, nothing else like it Ingredients: Chromium as Chelavite amino acid Chelate (200mcg); Cordyceps CS-4 as Cordyceps Sinensis and Mycelia Biomass - minimum 7% cordycepic acid (1000mg); ATPro Matrix as Calcium Pyruvate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Ribose, Adenosine (800mg); Rhodiola Extract as Rhodiola Rosea Root - minimum 2.5% salidrosides, minimum 3.0% rosavins (300mg) I have used Optygen and this product works you will be able to push harder and recover faster.

Manufacturer Website: www.firstendurance.com
Loading Phase: Take six (6) capsules every morning for (7) days.
Maintenance Phase: After loading phase, take three (3) capsules every morning.