In 2005, a few cycling fanatics, mostly those that like to ride off-road, got
together and decided it would be fun to form a team -- Gen X Cycling is the
result! Promoting fun outdoors on and off the bicycle for recreation & racing,
it's about the people, the stories and everything in between. In 2008, the
Gen X Cycling team will proudly promote the World Bicycle Relief effort
with the assistance from SRAM and Chain Reaction Cyclery, LLC.
NEW 10/6/08: World Bicycle Relief Newsletter
Latest Banter
10/30/08
Crossin' It Up!
Aaron and Justin have been learning how to Cross on their new CX rigs. Aaron has consistently been placing well as he truly gets the hang of this all out 30 minute Cat 4 cross-eyed racing adventure. Justin is trailing Aaron each time out, but one day sucking Aaron's wheel may actually work.
Double header in Milwaukee this weekend -- check out the bell ringing excitement that this growing scene provides. A fun day out!
Justin bunny hopping a small barrier at Halloween Cross (source: www.madcross.org)
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10/30/08
That's a Wrap...Almost!
The MTB season is complete, all but for the night race at Alterra (11/1) and the Iceman in Michigan. But many trails are still open. CX racing is mid-season with a double header in Milwaukee this weekend (11/1 & 11/2).
Problems with the Gen X website have slowed posted news, but hopefully the issues are resolved.
WORS Overalls are posted and what a great season for the Gen X crew!
Karlene: 1st (Sport Women)
Dave: 3rd (Cit men 30-34)
Kevin: 3rd (Cit men 35-39)
Aaron: 15th (Sport men 30-34)
Jeff: 7th (Sport men 35-39)
Mike: 12th (Sport SS)
Justin: 11th (Sport men 30-34)
Team Competition (Mid-size): 8th
Team Participation (Mid-size): 8th
Great job to Scott, Tom, Alicia, and Danny for a stellar season on the trails also!
Looking forward to a great 2009, with the moving parts already in motion for component discounts, apparel (stay tuned for the team's 5th anniversary jersey design!), and schedules being planned. Lots of fun to be had! Get out there and ride:)
Spin Fast....
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10/15/08
2009 Wisconsin Racing Tentative Schedule
Never too early to start planning and setting goals!
May 17: Iola WORS
May 23: GEARS WEMS
May 31: Rhinelander WORS
June 7: 9 Mile WORS
June 13: Muir WEMS
June 20: Subaru Cup WORS
June 27: Metro WEMS
July 5: Eau Claire WORS
July 11: Levis WEMS
July 19: Sunburst WORS
July 25: 24 hours of 9 Mile
August 2: Alterra WORS
August 8: Ore to Shore (MI)
August 16: Border Battle WORS
August 22: Blue Mounds WEMS
August 30: Suamico WORS
September 5: Stump Farm WEMS
September 13: Treadfest WORS
September 19: Cheq Fat Tire Festival
September 27: Wolf River WORS
Oct 11: Sheboygan WORS
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9/29/08
Fall Racing Update
The Fall weather has been spectacular so far. Today the change is certainly in the air, as the night cooled off and 60's are predicted for the week. Leaf colors are changing now!
This weekend, Jeff, Karlene, Dave and Kevin lined up to break in the new course at Shawano. In Citizen, Dave and Kevin were only separated by 4 seconds, so I am sure there will be some good stories to listen to! Karlene killed it again in Sport finishing 2nd overall and almost assuring her of the top spot for the series in her Cat for the season. Nice riding Karlene! And Jeff continued to dial in his new secret weapon as he took the HiFi to a top ten in Age. Great riding gang! Bring on Shevegas...
Aaron and Justin ventured to Sun Prairie for the UCI CX races. Both lining up on new steeds, it was certain to be even more fun than the races last season. Aaron rode fast on Saturday in a Cat 4 group of over 50 riders. On Sunday, both Aaron and Justin stepped up to teh line, with Aaron taking 36/46 and Justin about 20 secs behind in 37th. Great day in the park! And if you have any interest in racing with an almost full view of the course, lots of cow bells, and fast speeds for the entire race, Cyclocross if something you need to see for yourself! Check out the Planet Bike WCA Schedule!
So what's up next? Lots of racing to be done. Sheboygan WORS in 2 weeks as well as the GB Duathlon, which Aaron will be competing in. More Cyclocross racing and some misc. races also (Beechwood????).
Also, if there is interest, we hope to plan a team night out in Appleton. Starting at Niki's shop, we will head out for some dinner and story telling some time in early November. Details to come.
Spin Fast...
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9/15/08
Cheq Fat Tire Fun
August came and went and updates have been absent for a while. WORS River Falls & Rhinelander as well as Stump Farm 12 are complete...so too is the Fat 40.
The weekend was preceded by some heavy rain, creating a fast, but mud hole filled course. Gen Xers and many friends showed up for the weekend, which turned out to be a great one.
Summary here, as stories continue to roll in.
Tom B. gets the stone saddle award, after completing his first 40 in under 5 hours. Great job Tom! Can't wait for the play by play of how your ride went. The rest of our crew for the weekend is summarized below -- hopefully I haven't missed too many people...
Total 40 Mile riders: 1665
Rider: Time (Placing Overall/Division)
Tom B.: 4:58.45 (1626/1353)
Kevin S.: 4:07.57 (1492/1242)
Derek B.: 3:36.10 (1163/965)
Mike L.: 3:21.37 (967/801)
Blaise C.: 3:17.45 (908/750)
Justin L.: 3:16.40 (887/732)
Jeff B.: 3:12.37 (829/684)
Karlene O.: 3:09.36 (763/ 48 out of 153 women!)
Todd L.: 2:43.57 (319/278)
Todd, Derek, Justin, Mike, Blaise.
Justin, Derek, Jeff, Todd.
Many more photos and stories are floating around...
Spin Fast...the season still has some momentum!
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9/15/08
Dousman Duathlon
Sherry C. survived the rain and a rubbing brake at the Dousman Duathlon. Finishing in a time of 1:47, completing 2 runs and a bike segment, Sherry placed 77 out of 269 women and 11/45 in her age class.
Good luck at the Green Bay Duathlon Sherry!
Spin Fast...
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8/18/08
Update Time: Alterra, Griffen, O2S, 24-9...
August is flying by with some of the best weather of the summer. And there has been much action of all kinds two wheeled since the last Banter Update.
July was wrapped up by some hot and dusty action at the Alterra WORS race. Gen X had a great showing with Cheryl, Aaron, Jeff, Tom, Scott, Karlene, Tina, Mike, Dave and Justin lining up for some trail fun. Cheryl started out the day with a medal in the trail run. Now that she has a high speed road bike, look for more medals. Great job! Tina lined up in the ladies Citizen race and crushed the course, looking her ever-usual calm and smiley self. Elliott was proud! Scott, Tom and Dave pounded out a solid run in the Citizen mens race. Tom's week day riding is really starting to pay off. Sport continues to call their names:)
The Sport race lined up at 11:30 with Mike getting a call-up on his SS. Battling a bad infection, Mike used adrenalin to work the course until teh adrenalin ran out, pull the plug to have more fun watching his peers suffer up the switchback climb. Good effort Mike! Justin, Jeff and Aaron also lined up, with Just taking the wholeshot and leading all the way to teh singletrack. Turning himself inside out to do so worked, as traffic jams on teh first lap were not an issue. Unfortunately seeing double and bouncing off trees and everything else in sight for 18 minutes while recovering hurt a little. Then "Freight Train" Jeff came by on lap 2 and managed a super strong finish -- well done Jeff! With all three riders having a great result, suffering in the heat was well worthwhile. Karlene suffered a flat, but did not give up. Changing it and heading back on course after the Experts started was a brave and excellent move. Vital points and getting the value for money she deserved for teh long drive from Minnesota -- well done Karlene!!
The 24 hour natonal MTB race was held the first weekend in August. What an event! A true festive atmosphere all weekend with perfect weather. Dave, Alicia and Kevin competed on a 5-person team, while Jeff, Aaron, Justin and Mike hammered the trails in the 4-man Sport group. Times were consistent and the trails were a blast. Rocks, high speed double track and momentum sucking corners and bumps kept us on our toes. This event is one to cherish and no doubt we will be back for more next year. Nothing like outrunning your lights at 25mph in the wee hours of the morning!
The Griffen Race Around the Lake was also held thsi past weekend. Circling Lake Winnebago, this inaugural race had a strong turnout. Aaron mastered the course in just over 4.5 hours averaging over 19mph!!!! Nicee ride double A!
And Ore to Shore was conquered by Dave and Alicia. With some pre-race rain to firm up teh looming sand, Dave finished the Shortrock in an impressive 1:51!!!!! His diesel is really cranking now and a potential upgrade tyo Sport at Sheboygan will certainly provide for some team excitement, as if all riders show, it will mean Jeff, Aaron, Mike, Justin, Danny and Dave can go elbow to elbow. How fun that will be.... Good luck to those that are planning to hit the pavement for the Tour De Fest! See you at the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic. The Sport class lined up for battle with Danny, Mike and Justin prepared to hammer the course. Justin got the wholeshot to the mountain top and led the race for about 1 minute, then the troops arrived while he slogged his way up the back side of the hill. Fun while it lasted! Mike and Justin battled all race long, finishing just 2 seconds apart, with literally a shoulder to shoulder sprint with less than 100 yards to go. Moments like this are why we race! Another great day on two wheels with some more lessons learned and hopefully more fitness gained. Thanks to Allison for her support also. The Gen X team has evolved over the last 4 years and for 2008, Gen X Cycling will promote World Bicycle Relief. Please visit the World Bicycle Relief web site to learn more about this growing initiative that is helping those less fortunate improve their quality of lives using 2 wheels as a catalyst. Thank you to Chris Strout and his team at World Bicycle Relief for allowing our team to assist in increasing awareness for such a productive initiative. Look for the Gen X / World Bicycle Relief team on the road and trail throughout the Midwest racing in WORS, WEMS and other events. Please visit the Membership page for additional information. Orders for team kits will be available in early 2008 with size and design information. Payment must be received in advance of orders being completed. Team Tees, Socks and bottles may also be available.
Next up is WORS Rivere Falls, for an interstate contest with Minnesota. The trails at Whitetail Ridge are very fun! WEMS Suamico, Chequamegon and several other races are also on the horizon.
Spin Fast....
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7/23/08
Alterra Coffee Bean Classic & 24-9
The Alterra WORS race in Franklin, WI, is on deck for this week Sunday July 27th. The venue is always one of the most spectator friendly, the heat is almost always a factor, but this year the mud Gods appear to be kind and the Alterra MTB team has put in teh hard work to make it an epic day on the trails.
The revised course promises some new looks this year that will challenge all and provide enhanced views for friends, family and foes alike. And of course with Kopps Custard down the street, all riders have motivation to finish fast and strong!
Next week brings Americas Dairyland 24 Hours of Nine Mile, which will be the host for the 24 Hour National Mountain Bike Race. All teh countries top names will be in attendance and teh Gen X Cycling team will have 2 teams composed of Gen X riders. Camping, riding, camaraderie and hopefully dry conditions...no better way to welcome the month of August!
Alicia completed the Half Iron Man in Door County last weekend, taking 2nd in her class!!!! Outstanding result! And with the Race Around the Lake, Kewaskum WORS, Ore to Shore and so many other events on the horizon, it is difficult to not be excited for the heat of August.
Spin Fast...
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7/16/08
Mid-Season
July is roaring by! many big events still come. Good luck to Alicia at the Half Ironman in Door County on 7/20.
Eau Claire WORS race weekend was a perfect weekend away. Great weather, solid race results and lots of fun, including a night ride and an outdoor movie. Karlene, Justin, Danny, Jeff, Mike and Aaron all rocked it in the Sport race, with Scott, Kevin and Dave holding the flag in the Citizen race. Congrats to Alicia and Cheryl for a great trail run race also!
Spin Fast...
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6/26/08
Eau Claire WORS & Team Cookout!
The Firecracker looks to be better than ever! Craig Manthe and the event crew have gone all out again this year to provide a superb event with all amenities necessary. While some of us will be hotelling it, on-site camping will be enjoyed by others. We plan on having a team cookout on Saturday night (at Dave andn Kevin's campsite??)and hope to return for a night ride (24-9 prep!) and bonfire after that also. Bring your own meat and beverages of choice. See you on the trails!
Spin Fast...
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6/26/08
Congratulations Niki!
Niki celebrated the one year anniversary of Chain Reaction Cyclery this month with a large group ride of almost 40 riders last night. A beautiful night for a ride followed by some popcorn, cupcakes and brewskis left everyone in high spirits and anxious for their next ride! Thanks Niki and keep up the great work! Mike even rode his 25 miles with a GU packet holding his tire/tube together, after slicing the tire and blowing 2 tubes. Nice going MOLM!
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6/23/08
Ramblin' On
The Reforestation Camp hosted a longer than normal WORS Marathon style race, with lots of fast double track and tight singletrack, the pace was fast and no better way to spend a summer day outdoors.
With rain the previous days, there several mud spots, but all in all the trails were perfect. After the Expert & Comp classes, Sport lined up, with Danny, Aaron, Justin, Mike and Karlene Olson. Karlene is part of the Muddy Cup Racing team, residing in Rochester, MN, with husband Trevor and will be racing for team points for Gen X this season, as Muddy Cup has a full roster already. Karlene continued her second season of racing with a 3rd in age and 14th overall. Danny posted 10th in age and 142nd overall, Aaron finished in a time of approx. 1:56, placing 15/19 in age and 107/176 overall. Mike continued his single speed adventure with a superb 7th in class and and 61/176 overall, followed by Justin 13/19 in class and 77/176 overall. The pace was grueling and with no major mechanicals, it was a great race. Mike even face planted on the home stretch and used the fresh mud for some epidermis cleansing -- good look Mike!!!
Dave, Alicia and Kevin led off the Citizen race and broke the course in. Dave and Alicia continue their medal streak, with Alicia hammering to a 11/36 overall and 2nd in age!! Kevin had another great day out with a 5th in class and 76th overall, with Dave finishing 3rd in age and 30/118 overall. SPORT is calling your name:)
Thanks to Scott for the hand-ups and Elliott, Tina and Co. for the cheers.
GOOD LUCK to Alicia at the Triathlon in Winneconne next week and we'll see you all at Eau Claire. Pack your tents, book your hotels, and prepare for a night ride.
Spin Fast....
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617/08
Peanut Butter Cup
Conditions were outstanding at the WORS Subaru Cup this weekend. No mud holes, but several areas of peanut butter power sucking grass and singletrack to keep our engines in overdrive. Camping conditions were dry and the mozzies were not bad at all, to everyone's surprise!
Memorable moments? Elliott and Madisyn enjoying the base camp, with Madisyn telling her great jokes. Mike's one on one "coaching experience" with his chain at the bridge. Petie relieving himself on Mike's tent. Tom's ever-present moustache endowed smile as he pounded the trail for 2 hard laps. Tina making a daytrip out of a 50 min excursion. Many more of course...
On a non-cycling note, Dave competed against a huge field at the Bellin Run, pacing himself almost to a personal best with a 10K of just over 42 mins!!!!!!!! Nice work. The pro MTB ranks are calling your name...
Kevin and Tom lined up for the Citizen race at 5PM and finished strong, placing 59 and 69 overall. Keep those points coming boys!
Justin, Jeff, Aaron and Mike lined up for the Sport race at 3:30 under sunny skies, after watching the Expert and Comp racers suffer. Mike had a stellar finish in only his second race on his single speed rig, aided by a set of new, lightweight moon glasses that certainly shaved seconds off each lap! He finished 74/166 overall and 10/14 in class. Jeff battled cramps and had a great finish with his SID fork and SRAM components carrying him to a 97/166 overall and 5/9 in age cat. Aaron proved his guts for back to back races and hammered hard to roll in 137th overall after a tough mental talk with himself. Keep it up Aaron! And Justin met with Granny often finishing 88/166 overall and 14/18 in age cat.
Sunday brought a second opportunity to compete for an overall. In addition to one's XC race time, Sport and above riders could participate in the Stage Race, which would add the times of Super Downhill race and a Short Track race. For Citizens, the Super D would be added to XC result for an Omnium total. Kevin hit the Super D hard and finished strong. Results are yet to be posted, but with few age cat competitors, a nice point total can be expected! Justin ran the ragged edge during the Super D and pushed his rig to it's limits. A 4 foot diameter tree almost greeted both he and his rig on a singletrack entry line. Justin also competed in the Short track. The race was about a 3min lap and was shortened to 10 mins plus 1 lap. The pace was insane and the 2 climbs sucked anything you had left after 2 previous hard efforts over the course of the weekend. No mechanicals and solid weekend overall, so more points will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you to Scott for his culinary contributions, Tina for finding her way to the event, Cheryl, Morgan and Allison for their cheers and hand-ups and anyone else I have missed, as I know there are others that said hello and cheered for us -- tough to remember during the blur of a race!
Spin Fast....
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6/10/08
Subaru Cup On Deck
WORS #4 offers up one of the best race courses in the series. Excellent spectator vantage points, on-site camping, and two days of 2-wheel fun. While much of the state continues to battle floods, it appears that Nordic Mtn. has been spared the worst and if the winds continue to blow and the rain Gods are favorable, the trails should be fast and furious come "GOOOOOOO!" time.
Pack your tent, some grilling ingredients, bug spray and a sixer of your favorite flavor and we'll see you at the trail! And if you have lights, bring them along for a Saturday night fun ride.
Spin Fast...
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6/6/08
Big Ring, The Cure, Kits and More
WORS #3 had some of the Midwest's best show up for a great day outside with perfect temps and a dry course. Cheryl started the day with a tremendous 5K to finish 16/26 overall -- look out Beijing! Madisyn and Christian kicked some tail in the kids race, even overcoming some accident obstacles -- the next generation is looking good! Kevin and Dave toed the line for the Citizen race with more impressive results. Dave got eeked out on the finish stretch to finish 5/13 in age and 37/144 overall and now lies 3rd in age in the series -- call-up at Nordic Dave -- the 10K that morning will be just the warm-up you need! Kevin rode smoothly and finished 9th in age and 96th overall as his 24-9 fitness continues to ramp up.
Next up, Jeff, Aaron and Mike lined up for the Sport race. Jeff tried to gut it out, but what turned out to be a nasty tooth infection left him weak and shaky, so a smart decision to end his race after lap 1 and have a restful remainder of the day. Great effort Jeffro! Aaron finished strong under some tough conditions, finishing 23/32 in age and 177/251 overall, and is proving that his technical skills are better than advertised! Keep it up Aaron and remember, think good thoughts! Mike debuted his Single Speed with sparkly green Chris Kings and had a fun time, placing 13/22 and 134/251 -- looks like a new passion has been discovered. Now he has to learn how to push a 36/16 like the Lalonde bros., but his 32/18 certainly was a great choice! Maybe riding without a Tick on his leg will shave precious seconds next time out also:)
Tom and Mary lined up for the Race for the Cure 5K along with 11,000 other runners. They continue to tear up the streets and trails with one of the most active competitive schedules of the team. Great work to both of you!
With a chock-a-block 8 or so weeks of events on deck, fitness levels will be tested. The Subaru Cup for WORS #4, followed immediately with the Marathon length Ramble for WORS #5 and Eau Claire for WORS #6 on July 6th lead into what will be an even more competitive July.
FYI: A new hotel opened that is on the same street and overlooks the Eau Claire grounds of the race -- you can find it at metropolishotel.com. I checked it out -- while the pool will not be ready, it is a new age/hip look and feel -- rates are $114/night.
The team kit reorder is in route, so a miraculously fast turnaround will have them in hand by Nordic.
Pack your camping gear and your climbing legs, a 6-pack of your favorite pain relief and we'll see you at Nordic for more outdoor fun. And remember, the race schedule is not the standard, so make sure you check the schedule for event times! Oh, and bike lights for a night ride Saturday night.
Spin Fast...
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5/27/08
RASTA Rally and GB Marathon
The Green Bay Marathon was held a week ago, with Aaron, Allison, Cheryl and Judy all participating. Judy managed to complete her first ever half Marathon with the help of a bell ringer along the way! Aaron paced himself to one of his best 5K finishes ever and Allsion placed in her age category in the 5K with another super run! Cheryl also placed well in her category and celebrated like a true Wisconsinite with beer and a brat. Well done to all four of you.
Jeffro headed to Rhinelander with new SID shock over Memorial Day and between Spotted Cows was able to compete in the Expert race at the RASTA Rally. Finishing a hard earned 38th out of 51, Jeff certainly had a good workout on some of the finest singletrack in the area.
Next up is WORS #3 in Wausau at Nine Mile Forest on Sunday 6/1. This event offers some of the best mix of terrain with some super fast forest road and double track sections -- it is called the Big Ring Classic for a reason!
Spin Fast!
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5/19/08
Treadfest Slugfest
WORS #2, Treadfest at Lake Geneva, was a great day to be on the trails.
The Citizen class rode hard, with Tom, Alicia and Dave all finishing strong.
Alicia is 2 for 2 for medals now, placing 7th out of 27, Dave finished in the top 5 again placing 4th out of 7 and 55 out of 128 overall, with Tom having another great day placing 9th in age and 99th overall.
Danny paced the Gen X crew with a great top 10 in class and 120th overall, with Justin and Mike finishing 24/33 and 25/33 in class and 134 and 135 out of 235 overall. 
Photo: Justin & Mike seconds after a shoulder leaning uphill sprint
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5/12/08
Last Chance for Team kits!
The re-order for team gear will be placed on 5/19, so let Justin know ASAP if you want anything, as no more orders will be placed this year.
The trails are all open throughout the state, the running events are numerous and Lake Geneva WORS #2 is coming up fast. Good luck to Judy in the Half Marathon and well done to those that competed in the Sole Burner last weekend -- great turnout for a good cause!
No shortage of outdoor activity that's for sure. The Greenbush singletrack is a nice change of pace, the Wednesday night MTB races at Franklin (home of the Alterra Classic) are off and running and club/shop rides can be found almost every night of the week.
Spin Fast....
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5/5/08
Bump 'n' Jump Bell Ringin' Affair!
WORS #1 at Iola was a perfect day in the woods -- good sized crowds at a spectator friendly venue, a fast dry course, and large starting grids of riders and runners -- PERFECT!
Big shout out to Judy for virgorously ringing the bell, Kristin, Cheryl and all others for your photog skills and hand-ups, and Beamish and Morgan for your post-race affection, even though we were covered in sweat and dirt.
The kids race had Dave's nephew and Madisyn pedal their rigs for dear life, both taking home some bling bling -- well done!
The day started off with Cheryl, Allison and Mary grinding out the trail run in superb fashion. Way to work the dew off the ground ladies and kudos for not breaking any bones on the pine roots!
Following the trail run, riders lined up for Citizen class racing, where Dr. "Skid Mark" Dave, Kevin, Tom and Alicia towed the line. Dave and Alicia (in her very first MTB race!) came home with some hardware, with Dave having yet another hard crash to add to his bruised body -- Aleve is your friend Dave! And Alicia slugged it out with one faulty pedal! Tom shook off some Saturday night indulgence while battling a friendly Clyde and Kevin was his ever smooth self making the roots look like smooth asphalt! (See photo above!)
Sport lined up after the Citizen racers carved a nice racing line. Aaron and Jeff took the line for their first Sport race, along with Justin, Danny and Mike. 239 Sport riders in all made for the largest start group of the day. The hills and bumps were non-stop, but all 5 riders took their trusty steeds to the finish line in good order.
Post your photos on Flickr for all to see. And stay tuned for more news and info.
Spin Fast....
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5/2/08
Seasons
Multiple seasons begin this weekend. The camping season, the trail run season, the WORS season, and the general dirt, sweat and tears season. Camping on and off-site at the Iola WORS race will kick off the weekend. Ahhhh, the sweet smell of campfires, the sound of bottle caps popping off and the nervous energy of what a first race will bring. Irrelevant of what the weather Gods provide, it is open season....GOOOOOOOOOO time!
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4/28/08
Crazy Legs!
Tom completed the Crazy Legs 8K run in Madison this weekend along with 17,000 others. Wind also had an affect on times this year, but it didn't slow Tom down too much, as he ran a time just slower than 2007.
Sherry also ventured out for her first race of the year completing a 5K in Brookfield this weekend.
Great job!
Keep your adventure updates coming. The outdoor season is finally becoming a reality!
Oh, and for those that will be at Iola next weekend, Justin will have the team kits on-hand, so make sure you get yours!
Spin Fast...
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4/27/08
35 MPH...
...wind, not bike speed. That is what was in store for riders at the Whitewater WISPORT race on Saturday. A good number of riders turned out for the event and winds never eased up. Once out of the peloton, it was survival mode. Mike debuted his road racing adventure by holding the lead pack for quite some time, which paid off as he was the first Gen Xer across the line, followed by Aaron almost 10 minutes back and Justin an additional 4 minutes back. The cross winds were such that you literally had to lean into it to stay upright and wind gusts over 40mph on occasion were enough to push you right into the shoulder.
Now let's hope the rain/snow stays away and Iola is not a slick or peanut butter slog.
Spin Fast...
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4/24/08
Race Prep Rust
After a long winter of not wrenching the bike, refreshing one's skills in the minute adjustments that keeps your rig rolling smoothly seems foreign at first, but brings a sense of accomplishment once complete. Cable tension, brake lever angles, seat height, tire pressure, shock compression -- it all adds up to a more enjoyable ride, whether race or recreation. Seat pack complete? Nutrition stocks ready? Spare tube? CO2? HRM battery? Cleats? All the little things become obvious once spinning to make sure the tune-ups are just right. No one likes raceday last minute gear mishaps.
So what's the lesson learned? Never assume your rig is race ready -- while it may look clean and tight, chances are the minor wheel rub or cracked tire wall will catch up to you once under duress. Oh, and don't forget your shoes - Hue, this memory is just for you!
Tick tock, tick tock...
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4/22/08
The Sweet Sound...
...of lungs working during hill work echoed through the Northern Kettle Moraine area on Sunday, as a few of us hopped out on the country roads to log some hard miles. The weather was perfect with little wind and if early season juices weren't yet flowing, they certainly are now.
Alicia, Scott, Mike, Tina, Dave and Justin hit the pavement starting from Greenbush and logged a few laps of a hill-ridden loop. Quenched by a High Life afterwards, the afternoon was as good as it gets. Bring on Iola!
Next weekend Mike, Justin and Aaron will try their hand at a Wisport road race in Whitewater to further enhance fitness. All being virgins to road racing, it should be an interesting afternoon.
Spin Fast...
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4/16/08
Get Rocked
It appears that as of now the Do The Rock MTB race in the Rockford area is still on. Good luck to anyone that makes it down there -- from all I hear, the trails are great fun and it is a growing event.
The weather has finally rounded the turn (knock on wood) and it looks like a great weekend to log some miles. Post your rides of Flickr or let people know which shop/club rides you are/will be doing.
The countdown to WORS #1 continues, so let that wind continue to blow. I imagine there will still be soft spots in the woods, but otherwise Iola should be it's usual great time -- always so well run with entertaining trails for all. Several running and multi-sport events are also near -- don't forget to share your adventures and results on Flickr or if you want a summary/photos posted on the team site, just email to Jameson...I mean Justin.
Spin Fast...
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4/11/08
Kit Time
The kits have arrived and hopefully they fit everyone well. I think they look crisp and fresh. I will distribute as I see people over the coming weeks, and will have the remainder at Iola.
The weather is not cooperating once again, so trainers are still getting some use. In speaking with Niki at Chain Reaction, business has been strong, so the cycling bug is spreading! Don't forget to stop in and introduce yourself to her and Lyle.
Regional MTB racing kicks off this weekend in the Quad Cities with the Sylvan Island Stampede.
Spin fast...
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4/3/08
Welcome!
Alicia Offutt is the newest member of the Gen X Cycling Team. Alicia hopes to enjoy both on and off-road events in 2008, including perhaps a 1/2 Ironman!? Alicia resides in Oshkosh and was introduced to the team by Kevin & Dave -- I am sure they have been nothing but a positive influence...
Welcome aboard Alicia!
Spin Fast...
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4/1/08
Gen X Pro Aire Inmatire Wins National Race
Ok, so maybe being pro is in some of our dreams, but it is April 1st and to my knowledge none of us are turning pro.
However, for those interested in racing off-road in the WORS series, the Gen X team will once again be entering the WORS Team Competition. We will either enter the small or mid-sized team category, depending on how many riders sign up for the series. Rosters are not due to WORS until June, so we have time to craft our roster. If you are interested in being part of our 2008 assault on the WORS trails, contact one of our team members to see if there is a good fit with what you are looking for and visit our Membership page too. No team uniform is required, so the cost of membership is pretty small, yet the fun to be had is unlimited!
Spin Fast!
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3/25/08
Trails Open by June?
Obviously there is time to dry out, but those of us that ride the trails are itching to get our knobbies dirty. Over a foot of snow remains on the ground in much of the state of Wisconsin, so those that treked south for some Spring training are one step ahead.
The Chequamegon Fat Tire lottery appears to have been completed, as checks begin to clear. Several Gen Xers hope to capture an invite this year, so fingers are crossed and checking accounts being monitored for the hopeful check clearance.
Road rides have become more common lately. Wrapping up with booties, gloves and head gear helps keep the cool wind at bay. Potholes are a problem, so packing a spare tube is a must!
Exciting new trails will continue to be built this year at Greenbush and other locations, as WORBA, the Parks Department, and various advocate groups drive the improvements, providing even more access for trail riding of all levels of difficulty. We are lucky here in Wisconsin during the short cycling season. When you peruse the calendars of events, a charity, fun ride, or competitive event of all kinds can be found on almost every weekend day and many group rides and time trials on week days. No shortage of opportunities to expand ones cycling horizons and dabble in new event types. One new event is the race around Lake Winnebago in August this year. Almost 90 miles of road -- should be an exciting day out!
Spring, we are waiting...
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3/11/08
Tune-ups and Relief...
As in World Bicycle Relief. I met with Chris at the Relief HQ which is based at SRAM in Chicago. He gave me a great update on the Relief efforts and a tour of SRAM. Casual, open environment that even has a test track in it & a work bench area for workers to wrench at. Cool set up with many cool ideas resonating. I can see why SRAM has taken it to the next level in recent years! Thank you Chris! And I have World Bicycle Relief water bottles too.
Big thanks to Niki and Lyle at Chain Reaction Cyclery in Appleton. Smooth running rigs are key as we get prepared to take on the great outdoors and their fine tuning knowledge makes all the difference. Stop in with a cuppa coffee and shoot the breeze when you have a few minutes.
40 degrees knocking on our doors! Those of us that dislike frigid riding conditions are getting antsy! Keep the weights and trainer time up and group ride-adrenaline will be here soon enough.
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2/27/08
Lull...
...before the storm. The storm of anticipation for equipment testing, event registration, outdoor cardio training and fitness level proof. 24-9 is on the calendar for some, Chequamegon is a target for many, and a season opening road race beckons a few.
Tick tock, tick tock....
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2/17/08
Go time!
The snow has not disappeared, but one could say the season is off and running! A high spirited team gathering allowed for some good story telling, goal setting and general banter. Anticipation for road, mountain, endurance and cyclocross events is high! The team kit design was approved by all and orders will be placed on Tuesday 2/19. If you have not yet contacted me about what you want, you have 2 more days to do so, as no Spring order will be placed this year.
Keep the spinning, running, weight training and stretching going. We'll be outdoors in no time.
Spin Fast...
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2/10/08
Spring who?
Hmmmm, I was all excited about Spring in my last post, and since then we have had record snowfall and now another subzero blast. Is Ol' Man winter done yet?
On a brighter note, the SRAM goodies have arrived and most people appear to be able to make it for wings and beverages at BW's on the 16th, so the season will seem a little closer once we all start bantering about what is to come. And yes, better halves are more than welcome to attend too. It's a casual gathering, with a focus on small talk and chill time. Also, bring your check books so you can place your apparel and/or nutrition orders. Some freebies will also be handed out for those that make it!
Trainer time has been all to common, but will be sure to pay off. Team kit proofs hopefully will be available soon (I'll have a cold one once that gets wrapped up!) and the order should be placed by Feb 19th and delivered by mid-April.
Also, we'll be having a Donation Drive to collect cycling apparel. Any gear you have that fits a little snugly (Justin & Mike likely have several pieces!), doesn't fit at all, or that you simply do not use anymore will be packed up and given to World Bicycle Relief. Shorts, helmets, socks, jerseys, gloves -- washing the goods before hand-off would be a nice touch too! The goods will be given to those overseas that do not have access to and can't afford cycling attire for their local events. Other drives have been a huge success, so start setting aside whatever you have to give and we'll have a collection this Spring.
Spin Fast...
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1/29/08
A Hint of Spring
As temps hit the 40's yesterday, the itch to be riding outside was worse than ever. Now ol' man winter is returning and the trainer continues to beckon. The team kit proof should be available soon, the SRAM order has been placed, and the nutrition pricing is now available, thanks to Niki at Chain Reaction Cyclery!
Mark your calendar: 2/16/08 @ 12PM, Buffalo Wild Wings in Oshkosh (East Frontage Road South of Hwy 21). We will have an informal gathering to shoot the breeze and generally catch up. Team kit orders will be taken (bring your check book!). Also, you will be able to order your gels, energy drink powder, bars, bloks or whatever else you like to consume.
Soon enough, race registrations will open also. Many of the Triathlons and multi-sport events have already opened! WORS opens March 1st, Chequamegon entires are due by early March, Ore to Shore should open soon and activity should really start to pick up in general, as bikes new and old get prepped for quality time on the road and trail.
Spin Fast...
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1/9/08
Gen Xers "Fuel" Steam Ahead
The Gen X team will be fueled by Chain Reaction Cyclery in 2008. Niki Jackson, Owner, has agreed to be Team Nutritional Sponsor for 2008, providing discounted nutritional products to team members. Stay tuned for details before you order your season supply...
Chain Reaction Cyclery is located on 818 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI. Niki has many years of industry experience. Stop in to meet Niki -- she will treat your prized rigs right! The shop # is (920)733-1141.
Spin Fast...
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12/19/07
Happy Holidays!
As we all prepare for the holiday season, time with family and friends, and perhaps outdoor adventure-related gifts & snowy excursions, don't forget to think about those less fortunate locally and in lands afar. Hopefully 2008 is healthy and prosperous for all of our friends & family. Be well, share whatever it is you have to offer one another and cheers to many adventures of all kinds!
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12/5/07
Season Finale...Snowy CX
The State Championship and final round of the 2007 WCA Series was held in 4-6" of heavy snow. Trails started snow covered with no racing lines and ended the day as hike-a-bike singletrack mud.
Aaron and Justin lined up for the Cat 4 race with Aaron finishing 34 out of 48 and Justin finishing 40th. Tire selections were critical and riding a consistent smooth race proved to be the way to go, with little to no traction available for quick efforts. See madcross.org for photos of the conditions. Thank you to Aaron's supportive crew for hand-ups and cheering! Allison's Mom may be back for more...watching we crazy riders get dirty and fall down definitely is cheap entertainment!
The off-season will fly by with 2008 schedules already being planned, goals being set, bike upgrades and parts replacement underway.
Time to hit the cross training and weights...Ho Ho Ho!
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11/28/07
State CX Championship on 12/2
The state Cyclocross races will be held at Hales Corners on 12/2. The course has a sand pit, several barrier sections, a long climb and ample spectator viewing. Wrap up in your cold weather gear and come out to enjoy the final WCA race of the year.
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11/26/07
Gen X Cycling to Promote World Bicycle Relief in 2008
After two years of team development, 2007 was a break out year for the team, with many new friends made, success was had on the trail and road and the potential for even more exposure became obvious. Gen Xers became more well known on the racing scene and the casual recreation spirit that the team was founded on appealed to many. 2008 looks to be another great year and with a focus on generating increased exposure for World Bicycle Relief, our team will be a great billboard to educate others about the efforts going on near & far from home.
So, with the changes for 2008, let us answer some questions that are undoubtedly running through one's mind.
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Q: If I was a team member in 2007, can I still be in 2008?
A: Yes. Just email Justin and let him know that you are interested in continuing to be part of the team. Due to the high amount of interest, returning members will be asked to complete a profile form also.
Q: Can I wear my 2007 team kit in 2008?
A: Yes! It is not required to buy a new kit in 2008. Orders will be taken and must be in hand with Justin by February 21st for new kits.
Q: Do I need a team kit to be a team member?
A: No.
Q: What team name do I list when I register for events?
A: "Gen X / World Bicycle Relief" is what you must list to maintain consistency.
Q: Can I be part of the team if I don't race mountain bikes?
A: While MTB racing is the core foundation of the team, road racers, triathletes, runners and rec riders alike
are welcome to join the team. It is about the friendships and adventures! Please contact Justin for a
profile form, complete and return it.
Q: Are there team fees?
A: The team membership fee for 2008 is $5.00. Please submit this amount with your profile form. We also encourage team members to donate to the World Bicycle Relief efforts. Please see the website for donation methods. Tax deductible of course!
Q: Will Gen X have a WORS team in 2008?
A: Gen X will be racing as "Gen X / World Bicycle Relief" in the 2008 WORS Series. A team roster will be submitted
according to the WORS rules (usually by June 1st-ish). NOTE: You must notify Justin on your team profile form that you will be racing in the series, so that you get listed on the official team roster. The team size we enter is dependent on the # of team members that plan to race in the series.
Q:Does it matter where I live?
A: No. In 2007, the team had riders from Greater Chicago to Ashland and Green Bay to Madison. It is up to team members to take the initiative to get to know one another, as with riders scattered far and wide, no regular team rides are held each week. You are welcome to invite your local riding partners to come on board the team also.
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Justin & Jeff after Ore to Shore in 2007 Happy Thanksgiving to all our riders, family and friends. Eat lots, travel safely, and cheers to all that we have to be grateful for (beyond functioning gears, tubes that hold air and gels that don't burst in our jersey pockets!) And some words of wisdom: Don't ride downhill into a "pile of leaves" head-on into a parked Honda Accord. The boulders below the leaves may cause you to Endo, but luckily if you possess Cirque du Soleil-like agility, the worst thing to happen will be the Honda owner's heart skipping a beat. And to Aaron's Mom & Allison also, fatten him up! All I need is 20 seconds! Spin Fast... Cow bells were echoing throughout the race venue all day long on Sunday. The penultimate round of the 2007 WCA CX series was held at Sun Prairie yesterday. The course was a fun variety of terrain and provided for awesome racing. Mark lined up for the Masters and also for the Cat 4 race, with Justin & Aaron also racing Cat 4. Aaron rode a strong race and with a good back and forth battle, ended up placing about 20 seconds ahead of Justin who managed to outsprint one foe at the finish. The top men and women put on a show with all race long battles coming down to the wire. Epic! The run-up hill preceded by a barrier was covered in rabid fans ringing bells, cheering riders and providing cheap beer hand-ups. Hales Corners for the State Championship should be wild...come out and see for yourself! Spin Fast! .............................................................. Well, sort of. The WCA race in Sun Prairie this Sunday is about as close as we can get here in Wisco to a Belgium-fan-crazed-cowbell-ringing-beer-handup-cyclocross event. With an entertaining course including a a ride through the beer party pavillion, even the 40 degree temps won't be noticeable. Well, maybe just a little! Keep that off-season fitness going and look for news soon on the Gen X plans for 2008. Spin Safely... A double header weekend to help work off the Turkey Day pumpkin pie in Iowa City, Jingle Cross Rock is one of the Midwest's best CX events. Check out the detailed website for information. Events slated for beginners all the way through the Elite ranks. An early morning rain greased up the trails, but racing quickly created a fast track. Mark started off the day in the Masters with a Top 10 on his Motobecane CX rig. He then jumped into the Cat 4 race where he joined Aaron and Justin. 3 sets of barriers and one uphill log obstacle were all that slowed the pace of the race. Mark placed 40th, Aaron 45th and Justin 48th out of a solid field of 60 riders. Winter is coming, so pull out the cold weather riding gear! These barriers should say "Objects in front of you appear smaller than they are". ........................................................... The Polska CX race at Kletzsch Park in Milwaukee provided a twisty course with one steep incline. Frost greeted early arrivals and the sun took the edge off the cool temps to make for a fast paced day on the trail. Mark competed in the Masters 40+ Cat 4 and Aaron & Justin competed in the Cat 4 race. While Justin got used to the barriers and got lapped after 4 laps, Aaron managed to stay on the lead lap and took his 29er to the finish in style! Next up is CX at Estabrook tomorrow, 11/4. Spin Fast... The WCA CX series is well underway. Mark, John and Aaron have been hammering the barriers and run-ups, with some of the best races yet to come. With mostly dry and warm conditions this Fall, the weather is due for a change with true CX weather -- mud and rain! Spin on...
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11/21/07
Happy Thanksgiving!
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11/19/07
Bell Ringing CX
11/15/07
Belgium in Wisconsin?
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11/8/07
Jingle Cross Rock (Nov 24th & 25th)
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11/4/07
Estabrook CX
11/3/07
Polska CX
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10/25/07
Cyclocross Season
PROMOTE A GREAT CAUSE - ENJOY THE OUTDOORS - RACE FOR TEAM POINTS - NEW FRIENDS & FUN!
