roll: get on your bike!

Elizabeth Lessner And Delivery By Bike.

2012-01-19T18:02:00.002-05:00

**My order of pumpkin pasta from The Jury Room would be a struggle to deliver by bike.**

It's funny how life works. One day you are sitting in a political science class in San Francisco, and the next you are being interviewed in the roll: bike shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio. That's how things work around here. Columbus is a midwestern hub of just about every walk of life, every background, every story you could imagine. Speaking with restuaranteur Elizabeth Lessner today (it was snowing here) was like being a part of some "Seven Degrees To Kevin Bacon" exploratory mission. California link? Got it. Business partner who was a late '80's punk/rock musician..well I have one of those too (Lydia). An intimate link to the Athletic Club Of Columbus? Guilty as charged. Turns out we both love Tater Tots and bikes too. Crazy stuff.

I had first heard about Mrs. Lessner's embracing of bike culture with a simple post about a new bike rack she had installed in front of Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace. Sounds easy enough..except that it took a mountain of work to get the city to green light it. You see, her approach to a better and more green environment actually starts within her business. She's actually been responsible for changing legislation in Columbus to allow composting/recycling for restuarants! Cycling and this type of endeavor go hand in hand..and the city's cyclists FLOCK to her various joints in Columbus thanks to a tasty and creative menu, great drinks, and $1 PBR cans on certain days at the Tip Top for cyclists who ride in.

Thankfully she did not listen to the begging of instructors to stay in school in her early twenties. She followed her love of the bar/restaurant scene and went for it. I heard a rumor (wait..that's a Bananarama song)a

couple of weeks ago regarding her use of a courier service to deliver BY BIKE the amazing vittles from her latest spot The Jury Room, and asked her to meet me for an interview....

Q. You are constantly pushing the boundaries for "green" restaurant stewardship. What have been your biggest successes and highest hurdles?

A. Changing the SWACO laws regarding composting and recycling last year was a huge victory..for everyone really. It took a year of lobbying to finally get the law changed allowing everyone to do it. Up until then, all the waste generated was the property of SWACO. The big hurdle is more of a disappointment thing. A lot of my staff lives in the urban core, and travel by car is just not practical or necessary. It's an infrastructure thing. It's not seeing a more comprehensive public transportation package..you know..like light rail, better bike lanes and access and the like. When we decided to open The Jury Room, we thought "How are we going to get people to stop and eat here..there's no parking at all?" I applaud COTA for mounting the bike racks..but it's been a struggle.

Q. Having lived in San Francisco for six years, how would you describe the differences in the cycling scene there versus here?

A. It's a big reason I look for a complete plan or push here. In San Francisco, all you need is a bus pass and a bike and you can get to any place in the region. Getting to the East Bay to Sausalito to Palo Alto was easy, and you had no need for a car. Once in Columbus..it was 1996 when I moved here...I missed it. I gained a ton of weight when I moved here because all of a sudden I was driving everywhere. Having that daily excercise...which was excercise I didn't even consider..was a big loss. It disappointed me to see how things were going here at that time. I do get a little frustrated sometimes with Columbus...it's 2012 and we just started a recycling program. Things are improving, I guess it's just never as fast as you'd like when you are involved.

Q. What is your favorite pre-ride "carb-load" meal from The Jury Room?

A. I love the chicken parm....that's actually what most of the marathoners and Pelotonia folks who live downtown have been eating the night before a big training run or ride.

Q. Why did you choose bike delivery for the Jury Room?

A. Well we have been asked to deliver for years. It didn't seem like a good idea to put another car on the road...we actually thought about scooters too. Then we were approached by Ian (bike courier) to deliver by bike, and it just made sense.

Q. Will all the fabulous locations in town eventually get bike delivery service? What's the added cost for delivery?

A. Right now the test market is at The Jury Room only, but the delivery area is pretty wide..about five miles. The range goes from 5th Avenue in Grandview, to Franklinton on the West Side, south to Greenlawn and east to Taylor. Delivery cost is only an added $2.00, plus tip. Beyond that range you can still get delivery, but you need to have a microwave or oven to heat it up, as it may get a bit colder on a route of that length.

Q. Tater Tots at Dirty Franks are my guilty pleasure, and the Nina West cocktail at The Jury Room would be my wife's. The candy cigarrette is a great touch. What is your guilty pleasure?

A. At my places or somewhere else? I have one at each place..like the Mac & Cheese at Betty's, the True Love Always dog at Dirty Frank's and Frito Pie at Surly Girl. I eat our stuff a ton though, so to get away from my own stuff I will come to Pho Asian Noodles on Lane Avenue (just two blocks east of roll: bikes), or I'll swing by Cup O Joe on The Cap for their grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's kind of spicy and is just perfect on a day like today. My other go-to is Blocks Bagels. I'm from a family that always had great bagels on hand in Chicago, and Blocks Bagels and cream cheese are perfect.

Q. Were you afraid of losing any weiners in the Great Bomb Squad Incident Of January 6th?

A. *chuckle* No...no..and oddly enough that was the second time I have seen the bomb squad in front of our places. We had one place shut down for an entire day as the bomb-squad's robot repeatedly grabbed, then shook an igloo cooler for about six hours before they went in and picked it up. The one across from Dirty Frank's was the same scenario.

Q. New bike racks were installed in front of Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace recently. How has that been received?

A. It's been great! It was a long battle, but highly necessary for both the staff and the downtown customers. Prior to the bike rack, people would ride and have to lock up to a meter out of view of the windows. That made people uneasy, and would even result in some not coming at all because they couldn't keep track of their equipment. Now you can see your bike from the bar, and that's a "win-win" for everyone.

Huge thanks to Elizabeth Lessner for taking the time out of juggling five restuarants to swing in and talk with me about cycling, food and the politics of Green in the Capitol City!

Here are some helpful links..

www.thejuryroom.com

www.bettyscolumbus.com

www.surlygirlsaloon.com

www.tiptopcolumbus.com

www.dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

www.roll-online.com

www.blocksbagelsdeli.com

www.cupojoe.com

www.cota.com

www.swaco.org

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrbuckshot/3298562597/ (Bomb Squad pix)

Cuyahoga Valley Awesomefest Weekend Wrap-Up.

2011-10-30T19:00:00.003-04:00

What began as a simple getaway for Lydia, Luka and I quickly evolved into something much more awesome. You see, we don't get out much. Everyone we know, we know on such a superficial level it's really quite disgusting. In an effort to be better friends to the folks we know, we thought it might be really cool to open up our little weekend hide-out to any roll: customers who were insane enough to buy in at the rock-bottom and non-refundable price of thirty dollars.
The Cuyahoga Valley Awesomefest was born. Siobhan Blake and I met clandestinely at Cup-O-Joe in Lennox Center to plot the numerous routes that would send riders throughout the only National Park in the state of Ohio.

The e-mail was sent via the store's Google-Groups group-ride e-mail list. Here's the pitch...
"Anyone wanna come up and stay with us in the historic Stanford House B & B for the last weekend of October? It's $30 bucks, and I'm not babysitting any one of you." In six hours, we had forty two people fighting for twenty nine spots. Luckily for Chris Blumenschein, after a two month wait..there was a cancellation. He was in so fast it was scary.

With a sales pitch like that, who wouldn't want in? The entire house was rented for the weekend. It was done. Sweet baby Jesus help us. I'm bad enough on my own, but sprinkle in Shanna from Graeter's Ice Cream and Steve Priest, and we have problems. Deep seated, emotional problems. Be patient...we'll get there..

Meeting at 8a.m. in the Lane Avenue parking lot, what assembled in the thirty one degree temps was far from the Justice League..more like the rag-tag bunch of misfits from the A-Team. I'm B.A., by the way. Siobhan is "Face Man"...you know..minus the "man." We made like a baby and headed out towards the sleepy town of Boston Mill. I think the Headless Horseman lives there, but don't quote me on that. Arriving by 11a.m., we quickly poured ourselves into Spandex and split up into three different groups.

The bulk of the house headed up and out to the "paved" bike path at the edge of the park, where they split in two and some went north towards Lake Erie, while the rest went south towards Akron. Lyd, Luka and I chose the scenic and historic tow-path trail to Akron.

Chris B. blew a rear tube at mile 1, and "Spray and Pray" Barry Jackson busted a spoke on his brand new Ksyrium Elite's. Everyone managed to handle their bid'ness, and the riders kept going. I love it when a plan comes together (flagrant A-Team reference, get it?).

Lyd and I stopped with Luka in tow at Botsam station. Turns out, this weekend was the last for the year that the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train picks up bike riders for a paltry $3 and will carry them in heated comfort back to the nearest train station from whence they came. Perfect.

Train staff are always very pleasant, and to get to snack on a massive hot-dog and beer from the trains' food car is always better than it sounds after riding for hours on a thirty one degree day. They let us ride both ways for the price of a one way ticket..so I bought the guys a six pack as a thank you on behalf of all the cyclists for the season. Nice.

The roll: Element was clutch in the ferrying of Awesomefest participants to and from the Winking Lizard restaurant in the nearby town of Peninsula. With ages ranging from two to sixty-five years old, the Lizard was a perfect spot for a large group with feral children. Having ridden all day, beer and anything fried was the order of the evening. Upon returning to the Stanford House, everyone began to settle in for the night.

After a failed attempt to start the massive fire pit, Siobhan Blake and Chris B. channeled their inner Rambo and siphoned jet fuel from a nearby passenger liner to "accelerate" the process. I miss having eyebrows. Shanna and I reminisced about the Golden State, and Lydia broke out the Martin acoustic and played some music for the house in the cozy and acoustically sufficient living room. roll: customer John Scott arrived late with his wife and two kids, but made themselves part of the group quickly.With a raging and presumably deadly inferno outside, and Lyd playing inside, everyone seemed to be quietly rolling in to that fuzzy area between wiped out asleep and "let's stay up all night." I had made the mistake of strapping on the lights and hammering out an extra thirty miles, rolling north past the historic Frazee House before turning around. Holding an average speed like that on a mountain bike ain't easy, and I paid for it on Sunday.

Sleep came quickly to all who got horizontal. The beds are amazing in the house, and nobody failed to mention how all-enveloping the snooze-a-riffic comforters were on the beds. Nighty-night hit about midnight. Everyone was up and ready Sunday a.m. by 8. The temp was just below freezing, so the decision was made to wait until 10a.m. to begin riding...so coffee and lies about how fast we are quickly filled the house.

The deal was this. Ride the perfectly groomed tow-path to Botsam Station near Akron, board the last train of the year, and ride it north the stop above Boston Mill, and ride back before heading home. One mile in, Barry blew his spoke. Again. Barry is not a large man. How this happened is still a mystery...or IS IT? Colonel Mustard WAS seen in the study with a candlestick, so who knows. Letting out the rear brake and removing the pads completely, Big B finished the ride tough-guy style. Barely making the north bound train by minutes, everyone was overjoyed with the prospect of warm grub and a final push home. The tow path can occupy an entire weekend with all the historic placards explaining the locks, mills, boat yards and stone quarrys in the area. Highly recommended.

We disembarked at Brecksville Station. Five miles back to Boston Mill. It was on. Siobhan, Chris B. and I pinned it with no rest stops at all..two mountain bikes and a BMC Street Machine.
It was fun averaging 19.5 m.p.h. on a fat-tired mountain bike with Siobhan for that entire run.

Chris has been riding a lot, and has learned to go with every attack just to get faster. It paid off, and we found ourselves pace-lining back to Boston Mill. Lyd and Luka were there awaiting our return, and after recovering and talking about all the endangered species we could eat with cheese and bacon on the top, we split up and everyone called it a weekend.

Some things to ask people about for the week....bother Chris B. about how he grabbed a stray black cat by the neck in attempt to get the two park rangers from wasting three more hours of tax-payer funded gas money waiting for the animal to enter a cage.

Be sure to ask Lydia about the much longer than necessary hugs she was finding herself involved in with Barry. Then ask Barry about how he beat up that kid's fist with his face on a road ride the day before we left.

Ask Shanna to perform a cheer for you from her san Diego high school. Really..she will totally do it.

Ask Siobhan how she managed to start a raging inferno..in the rain..with nothing more than a cel phone and a Whiffle Ball bat.

I'd like to personally thank all who took the chance this weekend and made the Awesomefest a really memorable weekend escape. I hope that all of you sign up for the next one, which I'll begin planning right now...

Marta Becket & The Amargosa Opera House

2011-08-09T10:15:00.000-04:00

Born in NY in 1925, Marta would live a life entirely alien to her contemporaries. As a child, she supported her family with modeling, dancing and artwork comissions. She had even worked on Broadway and the Radio City Music Hall. In 1967 Marta was on a long camping trip with her husband, and ended up breaking down in the hot and windy village of Death Valley Junction, CA.

**The mysterious rocks of Racetrack Playa**

While stranded and awaiting the repair, she poked around the town and fell in love with the local but abandoned theatre. It was known at the time as Corkhill Hall, and completed by the Borax Soap Company in 1925. She had found a home for her one-woman show, and began making plans to acquire it.

She would often dance to an empty theatre in the early days..and even today. She began to paint murals on the walls of an "audience" to keep her company, heated still by a pot-bellied stove to this day (Death Valley winters are strikingly harsh). Her husband long dead, Marta remains as the sole population number for Death Valley Junction. She opens her theatre every day, visitors or not, and performs as much of her show as she can. She mostly talks to the visitors now, kind of a living history lesson in her eighties. The show is not the draw at the Amargosa. It never has been. It's Marta, and her magic lifetime of performance art. She will make you cry a little and you aren't sure why, but not in a bad way. She represents something in all of us that we rarely pursue. To chase your life's dream to a place like this is something few are willing to do.

Marta is all alone now in her Death Valley Junction home...population 1. Now is your chance to go keep her company. The riding here in the fall/early winter is epic on a grand scale. Ghost towns, abandoned mines, Scotty's Castle, Badwater..all things you really should experience. You can start in the fuel-stop town of Baker, California (the Greek place is really good, by the way) which is about half way between Ontario Int'l Airport and Las Vegas' McCarren Airport. Ride in to the National Park via State Route 127, which travels north from Baker to Shoshone and Death Valley Junction. There are campgrounds inside the park, and a hotel..but they fill up quick.

Contact the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at (760) 786-3200. You can end up all the way out at the base of the Sierra Nevada range at Lone Pine if you are lucky. If you are REALLY lucky, you'll get there right after a 100 year flood and get to witness something few have the chance to..ancient flowers bursting through the rock, and enormous shallow lakes that are so salty they will eat your shoes.

Go to the Amargosa Theatre as fast as you can, as soon as you can and sit with Marta before it's too late...

...for you.

Randy Rush And The 2011 Giant TCR Advanced 1

2011-08-04T22:24:00.000-04:00

**Randy's TCR write up comes all the way from Ramona, CA. His bike was purchased at roll:!**

"Chris,

Well first off man, I want to thank you again (and please pass along a very big thank you to the big cheese at roll:) for hooking me up with this absolutely smoking new ride! I very much appreciate it. Now with that said on to the bike! Dude this thing freaking rocks. It is such an unbelievably fast bike....I am just amazed.

Kim and I went for a ride on Friday night in Ramona for about an hour, and I was like "Wow this thing is pretty nice!" On Saturday we went down to the coast and did a 65 mile ride through Rancho Santa Fe into Escondido, then back down to Carlsbad to the coast highway. We then went back down south to where we parked just east of Torrey Pines.

**Randy's wife, Kim, enjoying the race action at Sea Otter**

Like I said it was just short of 65 miles, and I know this because I had my very trustworthy Sigma Rox 8.0 (see pic) telling me mileage, cadence, miles uphill and mine also tells me I am an old slow piece of junk! These computers are amazing.

**The Sigma ROX never lies!**

Well anyway we had about 1900 feet of climbing and some really fast windy downhills through Elfin Forest. It is such a blast, but this bike is unreal! The thing has no flex anywhere thanks to the BB30 bottom bracket. It is so rigid it is crazy! When you pedal there is nothing but forward motion.

This bike is so sweet that I would say anyone looking for a road bike should consider getting Giant. I love this thing and this weekend we are heading out for 100 miles on Saturday and then the grand loop (inside Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) on Sunday.

Chris thanks to you and roll: bikes again I love this bike.

Talk to ya soon,

Randy"

**Randy is a Cross Country, Downhill and Super-D racer who's "backyard loop" ascends to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in the Big Laguna Mountains.**

Blue Skies Video; Push Bike #2!

2011-08-02T14:22:00.001-04:00

Ava's Push Bike from Blue Skies HD Video & Film Produ on Vimeo.

The 24 Hour Turnaround; Stanford House

2011-08-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

The weekend was a blur. Up and out by 6:30a.m. Saturday morning to support all the athletes at the Giant Eagle Tri For The Cure, it was going to be a long day. Done by 10a.m., we then had to pack it all in, drive home, unload...RE-LOAD the outdoor gear and hit the road. The clock starts now, 12:30p.m. The drive north from Columbus to Ohio's only National Park only takes an hour and a half..not bad considering the alternatives. Destination? Not really sure....because it's "Adventure Time!" We were packed and prepared for anything. Be it primitive campground, sleeping under a bench, B&B, or a nasty little road side motel...we were ready. After a short stop for lunch, we landed in Boston Mills at about 2:30 and took a walk. Stopping by the visitor center, we learned that this little town was once a busy trade center and shipyard along a major canal system heading to Lake Erie from the Akron area. Turns out, the Cuyahoga River flows NORTH..a very rare thing..to the lake. A flood in 1913 wiped out the entire shipping/canal industry here, leaving numerous little Victorian towns and villages in the lurch until decades later. They would be re-born as the National Park took over. We lucked out and were standing at the office door to Stanford Farm (call them for a reservation at 330-657-2909, ext 135), a recently renovated 1856 home that is now a B&B along the trail to Brandywine Falls. One room left...we'll take it. No a/c in these rooms, but well-positioned in the park to allow you to ride to just about anything you could ever want to see or do, and it's always more fun to crash in historic homes anyway, right?

The trail to Brandywine Falls is well marked. It begins crossing a tall-grass meadow and then crosses a bridge into the woods. You ascend for about one and a half miles along the creeks and hillsides until you reach a split in the trail. Recent work has left the shortcut off limits..so the hike is now about twice as long, if not more. Carry water and food, as there are no places to refill and it gets extraordinarily hot and humid in the woods. Don't even get me started on the mosquitos. The trail is in good shape, and the pay-off at Brandywine Falls is well worth the trip. On the way back, be sure to make like Tarzan and swing from a vine or two. I'm about 215 pounds, and they held my carcass just fine! While the hiking trail is off limits to mountain bikes, you can take the tow-path along the old canal system for HOURS through the park on your knobby-tired machine. The path goes from gravel to pavement, crossing beautiful bridges over the river and often times right over the top of the old locks used to float boats up and down the waterway. This is what most people come for, and bikes can be rented in Peninsula at Century Cycles (info at www.centurycycles.com) if you don't have one already from your neighborhood roll: location. Visitors typically begin their rides here. The road rides are breathtaking, and you can actually get in a ton of climbing if you so desire. Loops abound through the park roads and highways, and there are so many places to stop and eat/get water/sight-see, you'll not be bored at all. Oh...and in Peninsula you can buy a train ticket and ride the historic train BACK from wherever you end up along the route in air conditioned comfort. Tickets run about 12 bucks and are WELL worth it.

The trains are comfy, and they even have a snack car that has everything from candy to hot dogs, Gatorade to beer. There is a slight upcharge if you want to take the scenic "Sky Dome" car, but tired legs don't really care, so we chose the regular coach fare for our round trip to Akron and back. Look for the large brass statue of the canoe-wielding native. That spot marks the Continental Divide where water flows either north or south. We spotted numerous deer, birds, and brightly colored roadies wearing their full-yellow race leader kits spinning along the tow-path and highway.

We departed the train and headed down to the covered bridge south of Peninsula. The Burning River 100 trail run/race was on that day, and the bridge was an aid station for the runners. Gaunt and near death, we saw the top 5 runners come through and none of them looked very happy at mile 55. I wonder if they know the wheel was invented a loooong time ago? We managed to find the one cut-in below the bridge that would allow us to play in the creek (highly recommended on a hot day), and took full advantage. Giant trees with roots exposed littered the rocky creek bed. A recent storm had decimated the watersheds here, and it was clearly visible. Road riders raced by the two lane road smiling as they passed.

Dinner at The Winking Lizard was inexpensive (as were all food places we visited), and very filling. We made haste back to the Stanford House and hung out by the large outdoor fire pit and told stories. It was amazingly serene and quiet here, mostly because the campsites were well off the Stanford Trail in the woods, and the house was down the road from the small village about a mile or so. The lights from the kitchen looked eerily "Civil-War" as the embers roiled in the fire pit. I scared Luka bad enough with the tale of The Headless Horseman, he wanted to be in bed before midnight so as not to "lose his head."

The house had a stellar breakfast of fruit, yogurt, granola, coffee and sweet breads ready for us in the morning. A nice chat with other house guests and then we made for the door. Luka enjoyed the train tracks, Lyd was dying to ride the tow-path, and I enjoyed planning my next visit with the bikes. Upon our return in the fall, we plan to ride from Boston Mills to Akron and return on the train. Anyone down to come with us?

OH..and by the way..we left the park at 12:30pm, just 24 hrs after leaving Columbus.

Dropping The Hammer; Riding Ocean City!

2011-07-05T12:31:00.010-04:00

The first thing I noticed was heavy brown paper covering the table. The aroma of pepper and cumin fill my nostrils. A sharp "WHACK" prefaces the spray of warm crustacean innards on my wife's blouse. We are in the heart of Maryland Crab Country, and it's about time to drop the hammer. That of course means the small wooden crab-splitter in my meaty paw, sprung back as though I were about to drive a ten inch railroad spike through a creosote-soaked timber. God knows I'm in no shape to actually "drop the hammer" on the road bike, it's vacation time!

Bike riding along the Maryland coast between Rehoboth Beach and Assateague Island is an exercise in aerodynamics. Dead flat with the exception of two bridges, you really only saw two types of cyclist here. Tri bikes were the dominant species, and while I would typically advise against it unless you already own a dedicated road bike, I can completely understand why I saw so many here. Coastal winds ramp up quick, and with nothing to block the wind it's a fight to the death for every mile. There must have been a hugely successful FELT dealer somewhere in the greater Chesapeake Bay area, because without exception it was Felt DA's and B-series bikes that made up the "race-bike" population. Nary a traditional road bike could be found anywhere along the coast. The rare exception was a lifeguard riding a beach cruiser north to his or her daily station post.

Ocean City is the big vacation destination..or at least it has been since a 1930's hurricane blew a gaping hole in the narrow sand-shoal that makes up the island. The small town of Berlin was the previous destination, but with a new harbor inlet that market dried up quickly. The boardwalk in the Victorian sector of Ocean City is the big draw here..but don't get "locked in" to this area if you are looking to ride.

The various vendors and old rickety Carnival rides are fun, but no match for the numerous 100-plus mile scenic rides that exist here. Don't lose your head, there are some suggested routes that are worth a look!

There is a spectacular ride called the "View Trail 100" (full map at www.visitworcester.org). It is a patch-work of smaller rides that all add up to the big enchilada (not unlike the Lake Hope mountain bike loop that utilizes various smaller trails to create a larger course) for a day of hammering through some historically significant countryside. A short drive to Berlin from OC and the ride starts. Take LOTS of water, and slather on the chamois butter with a plaster gun...it's humid and not many chances for fresh water exist between towns. Tunnel vision from dehydration looks a lot like this view (below) from inside the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum. Drink often.

Riding out from Berlin you head south through the towns of Iron, Basket Switch (WHAT?), then out towards the bay to Spence. Rolling along Assateauge Bay, you head into Boxiron and down to the state's southern border to Stockton and Cedar Hill. You will soon be heading north, and crossing the Pokomoke River. Towns like Whitesburg, Furnace and Whiton await..once you get to Libertytown, the ride is almost over. Make sure you stop and read some of the Historical Site markers along the way, and once back in Berlin you may wish to book a room at the famous Atlantic Hotel's "Garden Bungalow." It's a separate house off the hotel property, with a great coffee house across the street.

Other smaller, but enjoyable rides would include a jaunt from the visitor center outside the town of Trappe out to see the wild horses on Assateuage Island. These descendants of settlers' animals roam the entire island freely, and the park's bike paths are as wide as the road used by cars. Watch out for "Assateague Island Cookies" though, as they are selfishly left for you to find with your bike tires by the island's equine inhabitants.

The long stretch of flatness from OC to Rehoboth was a favorite amongst the locals, and why not? Rehoboth Beach is a beautiful little spot that is less touristy than OC. The boardwalk lends itself to post-ride fried treats and salt-water taffy...and more candy stores than your glycemic index can tolerate.

The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel (302-227-7169) is right on the beach, and is just far enough past the arcades on the boardwalk that you would actually get some much needed sleep for the ride back to OC the next day.

Before leaving Ocean City, be sure to spend some time on the Boardwalk. Reminiscent of the 1930's, it's slimy "skill game" hosts begging you to part with your money and Victorian architecture are always a treat. If you like to SLEEP at night, though..I would recommend staying in a condo well north of this area (near 100th street). It's more expensive, but a cyclist needs his sleep, y'know? Noisy high school seniors on break make the boardwalk area less than family-friendly most summer nights, so unless you like hearing "Hey bro!" I would suggested staying to the north and VISITING the south.

Oh..and Spring Breaking seniors? Try not to emulate the fellow pictured below, ok?
Thanks so much...

Day Trippin'; Olentangy Indian Caverns

2011-05-31T08:53:00.008-04:00

The children are coming. That's right...school is out at the end of this week. The panic is already gripping me like I would a greasy pork sandwich. What to do?? MONTHS of time to fill with things you hope are stimulating and fun for tiny people who still think Pop Tarts are good for you. We have a go-to, clutch spot that is both inexpensive and fun...for all of us! I found it when I first moved to Columbus, and would spend my mornings riding from my German Village spot out to explore the new home town. I am surprised how many folks don't know about this little gem just about thirty minutes north of downtown, between 315 and 33 off of Home Road. The portion of 33 from Emerald Parkway north up to and past Home Road is a pretty nice ride, but I quickly found out why I never see anyone riding on that highway south of there. Ugh.

I lied a LITTLE when I said it was inexpensive. The actual attractions are really reasonable (mini-golf, the cavern tour, gem panning, etc.)...it's the gift shop that kills you. If you are weakened by the constant whining of the little ones, like a blanket of Kryptonite rocking Superman to sleep..you may need to bring the credit card. A menagerie of Native American reproductions are available for purchase. Arrows, gem stones, 'coon skin caps, all of it...is just within reach of slender and ice-cream-sticky fingers. I recommend the fake-feather headdress (pictured).

The cavern tour is our favorite. It starts with a short walk down to the OTHER gift shop that sits above the cave entrance. A long, wet, and steep set of stairs takes you about one hundred and twenty feet below the surface. The temperature drops to a cool fifty eight degrees. Perfect on a sub-tropical Ohio summer day. It's wet down here, so don't bring good shoes or white shorts..they won't stay nice OR white for too long. Mention to the kids the difference between stalactites and stalagmites..then giggle as they try to repeat those words. Tee-hee..

The Cathedral Room (pictured) has an enormous underground lake below it, and swimming in it's inky depths are sightless cave fish. Turns out, eyes are kind of useless when there is absolutely no light whatsoever. Look to the large walls in this room for fossils! Be sure to press the buttons on the voice boxes in each room, they are very informative and interesting.

Before we also turned into sightless cave dwellers, we ascended the treacherous staircase back to the land of light. Just outside the lower gift shop lies a long flume, water descending a set of stairs with sluice boxes at the ready. You can either buy bags of gems and sand to sluice, or just get down at the end and scoop up the sediment at the bottom for free..the gems will be smaller, but it's way more fun to get dirty. The water is cool to the touch on a ninety degree day and is a nice spot to hang out for a while.

Miniature Golf is also available (according to the sign along the road, it's actually "Miniture" golf) for a pretty slim price..about 3.50 per person. Ask for an extra ball, as the course is surrounded by poison oak and you don't want to chase after any errant ball. The course gets progressively more challenging, and the cheesy native motif is sure to anger just about every tribe on the continent..but it is admittedly fun.

With the mid-day sun beating down on us, we retreated to the gift shop for some post-golf ice cream before heading to the pool. Pack a lunch and hang out for the Wild West shoot-out show on the far side of the park! Plan at least a couple of hours, and be sure to scope out a new road bike route while north of the zoo..it's fun and rural out there, and the roads are in great shape. See ya in the caves!

The Alpenchallenge

2011-05-25T15:42:00.002-04:00

Fast enough for the city. Powerful enough for the mountains. The Alpenchallenge 01 is the bike for all occasions. And the Alpenchallenge also has a new frame for 2011. With the new eccentric bottom bracket/inner bearing, adjustments in geometry are easy to manage.

The Alpenchallenge AC01 is packed with amazing parts. The highly touted SRAM APEX gruppo starts it all off, and then you throw in hydraulic AVID JUICY 3 disc brakes..and just start packing up the house for a month long ride through Utah. Bolt on grips, highly manipulated ans shaped aluminum frame..and fully enclosed cable routing makes this an amzing bike for the commuter..or the person who wants to go reall, really FAST!

The AC01 is available in two alternative wheel sizes: the 700C wheelset guarantees smooth running while the 26" wheelset delivers maneuverability and superb rates of acceleration. So that you can carry your shopping and stay dry in the rain, the frame and fork are equipped with eyes for easy retrofitting of fenders and carriers.

XYLENOL!

2011-05-05T10:35:00.003-04:00

It sounds like a smog-choked, all-metal planet in the far reaches of space. From the Izumi Nebula, the robot-overlords of Xylenol keep a small number of human survivors as slaves working in the dimly-lit underworld. I picture Erin Grey (complete with '80's "Buck Rogers In The 21st Century" skin-suit) racing in to save the planet..but that's just me. How that show got cancelled after just two seasons is beyond me.

Xylenol..at least for now..does not exist as a sinister planet of robot death machines. It's actually quite cool. REALLY cool as a matter of fact. It's a chemical treatment used in many things, like menthol cigarettes! Xylenols are used as pesticides and used in the manufacture of antioxidants. Turns out, the fabric wizards at Pearl Izumi also use it for their top shelf jerseys!

The treatment allows for the clothing..when wet..to drop in temperature so much it is noticeable to the touch with just a very small sample of the yarn (which we have here..crazy stuff!). If you have the chance, stop in ask for a sample, then rejoice as you take one home for what will surely be a HOT and sticky summer. Also, you should rejoice that I found a picture of Erin Grey from Buck Rogers. Classic.

Giant Defy Line Gets Top Nods!

2011-04-20T13:49:00.002-04:00

Giant topped all other manufacturers in the 2011 Bicycling Magazine Editors’ Choice Awards, winning three of the eight major road bike categories featured in the magazine’s extensive annual review of the best bikes on the market. Giant was the only brand to win multiple categories, and the three it won this year surpassed its two awar...ds in 2010. Giant won the Best Women’s Road Bike for the third consecutive year. This time it was the Avail Advanced 1 taking top honors, with Bicycling editors praising the bike's versatility and Giant's attention to women’s-specific ergonomic design. Giant also repeated in the Entry Level Road category, with the Defy 2 winning for the second consecutive year. Editors cited the bike’s stable handling and comfortable, upright positioning as key factors in choosing Defy 2 once again. Adding one more win to the two it scored last year, Giant also took home the Plush Bike category with the Defy Advanced 1. Test editors reported the Defy Advanced 1 featured "the most spirited ride quality” of the other top contenders, and described it as “particularly smooth.”

National Geographic has made it’s Spring/Summer “2011 Gear of the Year” picks and the Giant Defy Advanced 3 is in the mix, right alongside the Apple IPad 2 and the Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR. “…an ideal road bike,” says Nat Geo. “Its geometry is more relaxed than you’d find in the pro peloton—and that’s exactly the point, since relaxed ...geometry is more comfortable on your neck and shoulders.”
Here’s more: “Yet if the Giant is “defying” anything, it’s the notion that a less aggressive geometry equals soft handling, since this full-carbon rig still offers snappy acceleration and takes corners effortlessly. Note that is ride is smooth as glass, though somehow just lively enough to not feel like it’s tuning out the road, a trait that’s often too common at this price.”

DH Practice Run By Charles

2011-04-16T12:57:00.002-04:00

Ride along with DH racer Charles Libolt on a pre-race practice run (he took third for his race!) over the weekend at Woodward West. The course was new, snowy, wet and very short...and the 15 foot gap jump out of the start ended many riders weekend before the race even started. Ride along!

The Norcross Loop

2011-04-15T14:35:00.005-04:00

**Jimmy and Joe checking for trout this morning on the Chatahoochie.

Coming from a long and grey Columbus winter, my eyes struggled to adjust to the sparkling and blissfully clear Georgia afternoon. Here for four days, I decided to bring the new Giant TCR and roam the Norcoss, Georgia area where we are staying. The home of a former elected official here in the greater Atlanta area, Neely Farm is a spectacular place to be able to call home for a few days. Reading the owners recently published work of poetry "Red Clay," one gets a much better idea of what it must have been like to grow up on an enormous dairy farm in the land of peach blossoms.

Inspecting the tire pressure before departure, I am happy to leave while the wife is meeting with former band mates to go over the game plan for the weekend's sold-out shows here. I'm not much of a music aficionado. I was the guy who had all the Howard Jones CD's, and still knows every word to Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance." It's best if I leave. "Come on Jimmy, let's go Joe" I say, as the dogs get worked up to tag along on the short and sketchy gravel road that exits the property.

**"Ants. Why does it always have to be ants."

History abounds here. It's hard to even leave the property without that being the apparent reality. Farm equipment that spans the last hundred and thirty years lies strewn about the property. A 1927 Rolls Royce lies hidden in the studio, it's bulbous headlamps having not seen the light of day since about 1945. Just down Frank Neely Drive there is an Antebellum era home, perched right in the middle of what is now a large tract of expensive custom homes where cattle used to graze. It is one of only about five plantation homes that General Sherman
spared on his march to the sea. It's hard not to push pedals past it and wonder what was promised in order to keep that home from being burnt to cinders.

Making a left and heading up Spalding, it's a short ascent to the left turn at Peachtree Corners Circle. Be advised..EVERY street here has the word "Peachtree" in it. This place is hell for a Fed Ex driver. The undulating nature of the roads make you wish your heart rate monitor had no zone alarm. Luckily, the TCR climbs like Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and the rollers flow under the smooth shifting Ultegra 6700 crankset. Birds of a million varieties and colors dart past your face as you steam through the quiet neighborhoods. Another left at West Jones Bridge puts you within striking distance of a new Flying Biscuit, one of the most lusted after breakfast spots in all of Atlanta.

A quick right at Jones Bridge Circle, then another right at East Jones Bridge puts you into a bit of traffic for a mile or two, but after crossing 141, you make a left on Bush Rd and just disappear. Crowded neighborhoods give way to large manor homes, and tree-lined avenues lead you to Berkeley Lake. A turn in either direction puts you on the circumnavigatory (not a word) lap around the lake, on Lakeshore Dr. After three laps of this I'm finally ready for my Flying Biscuit breakfast. Grits, biscuit, eggs, sausage, bacon and whole wheat French Toast sound REALLY good right now.

**This kitchen table sketch morphed into a beautiful painting...

...created right on the farm, and mounted in the living room.

Squeezing back into my bibs was no easy feat after that gut-buster breakfast, and I'm fairly sure I heard the Fruit Of The Loom guys snickering. I felt compelled to ride a bit further on the way back, since everyone else I know is out killing themselves for a podium spot at Sea Otter in Monterey.

Arriving back at the Farm, ol' Joe and Jimmy were wriggling about in excitement at my return. Ride groups here on weekend mornings are thick, and finding a great route near your hotel or friend's house is easy on the roll: website via the MAP MY RIDE button. Be sure to stop by
neighborhoods like L5P (Little 5 Points) and Virginia Highlands either on the bike, or after the ride while in town.

By the way..I'm in heavy negotions to get Ms. Hoffman to let me carve a stellar Short Track loop through the log-strewn property here...if I get that worked out I'll let ya know.

roll: Bikes In (614) Magazine This Month!

2011-04-01T10:21:00.003-04:00

Reinventing the Wheel
OSU engineering students help put young girl on the road again
By Kelly Laine Abrams
Published March 28, 2011

The most unique aspect of Leah O’Keefe is easily overlooked; underneath the shiny black locks of hair and her mischievous 11-year-old smile, you barely notice the difference in her fingers, which have never developed past her first knuckles.

Perhaps that’s because as she whirrs around the O’Keefe household, texting at an astounding rate, preparing after-dinner tea, and stopping only long enough to beat a grown man at foosball, it’s clear she is neither denied nor defined by the rarity of her hands.

In fact, Leah has seldom run into something she could not conquer with ease. That is, until she outgrew her old bicycle.

Once Leah expressed interest in a new bicycle to her mother Bobbi – the ‘big girl’ bike with gears and handlebar brakes – they began to look for a solution to their problem: Leah’s fingers do not extend to a length that allow her to squeeze the stock handlebar brakes that come on an average bicycle. After months of reaching out to local bike shops, friends who build bikes, and overturning every rock she could think of, Bobbi finally stumbled upon a path lit with possibility.

Enter Paul Scudieri and Kyle Russ: two men with an endless supply of problem-solving possibilities. Bobbi was led to these Columbus innovators with an open mind and a thankful heart.

“I don’t know if I had a whole lot of expectations, but I had a whole lot of gratitude,” she said. “I was open to any ideas they had, any alternatives they could think of. But more than anything, I was just really grateful.”

Scudieri, 26, was brought onto Leah’s bike project for his design expertise. He holds an undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering, a master’s degree in Industrial Design and is now working on a PhD in Systems Engineering at the Ohio State University. Russ, 25, holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and is well on his way to a master’s in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at OSU. Russ not only offered his notable engineering skills to the project, but also his tangible passion for cycling.

About a year ago, when their advisor Blaine Lilly approached them with the O’Keefe’s predicament, the men immediately accepted the challenge of building a bike that would be safe, comfortable and easy for Leah to utilize.

“We had to get this girl a bike that she could ride,” Scudieri said. “We went into it with goal one: she had to be able to stop the bike. Very quickly we figured out that stability was just as big of an issue.”

Once they pinpointed the barriers they would have to break, the men hit the pavement for some practical observation.

“I had Paul and myself considering all of the motions while we were riding our own bikes,” said Russ. “It wasn’t until I was on a bike, squeezing the brake that I realized the amount of momentum you have carrying your body forward.” They needed to design a braking system that would offer Leah a gradual method of stopping, like at a stop sign, as well as quick braking for unexpected stops.

However the braking system wasn’t the only challenge they had to surmount. They needed Leah.

They cultivated a friendship with Leah before they even approached the bike system, to ensure that she was comfortable with them looking at her hands and even taking molds. A sincere bond was formed and the guys ventured to Leah’s Gahanna home a number of times, often just to hang out.

After months of Play-Doh prototypes and hopeful failures, Paul and Kyle claimed triumph with a confident brake design. They reached out to some of the best bicycle companies in the nation to ask for a little assistance, and were overwhelmed by the responses.

Hayes Disc Brakes donated a hydraulic disc brake system all the way from Wisconsin. SRAM, a bicycle component company out of Chicago, donated the gear shifters, and Giant Bicycles donated the high-quality bike frame.

Josh Hassenzahl, manager of the OSU Systems Engineering machine shop, was a critical supporter, supplying his services and a workspace. Research Alloys right here in Columbus gifted the aluminum required to fabricate the shifters, and the Roll: bike shop on Lane Avenue shared their time, energy and proficiency. The generosity of these companies reveals the nature of the biking community across the country, as well as in Columbus.

Russ remarked that one of the SRAM employees said it best: “Anything we can do to get another person on a bike, we’ll do.”

Leah had been waiting patiently for her bicycle, although her mother says it was never too far from conversation. As 2010 was nearing an end, anticipation for the bike’s arrival was palpable. On Christmas Day, the O’Keefe family began with their normal holiday routine. “Christmas morning was so awesome,” said Bobbi, “Leah had been asking and asking about the bike. I kept telling her I didn’t think it would be ready by Christmas.”

But it was.

Once the presents had been opened and things began to settle down, Bobbi noticed a slight air of disappointment in her daughter’s attitude. So she sent an unsuspecting Leah to grab something from the room where the finished bicycle had been hiding. Excitement filled the house. The thought of an 11-year-old girl finding a bicycle on Christmas morning might sound like a pretty average scenario, but Leah and her custom bicycle are anything but average.

After the completion of such a successful project, the engineers look to their future with renewed inspiration.

“Kyle wants to work for a bike company,” Scudieri said. “And me? I want to not fall off my bike.”

BIG FUN; April Events With roll:bikes!

2011-03-28T12:53:00.007-04:00

*MIX 107.9 radio D.J. and roll: radio host Mark Dantzer enjoying the show.

Get close to your television tonight folks! roll: Radio is on T.V. tonight, thanks to this week's guest, Channel 6 newswoman Maria Durant! Slated for the 6p.m. news feed, this week's program talks about Maria's busy schedule as a mother, wife, reporter and avid cyclist and how she is preparing for her THIRD Pelotonia ride! Also said to be aired on local FOX 28, the segment will be up for the 10p.m. news feed on that channel. Tune in to MIX 107.9 for the interview between 8 and 8:15a.m. Maria is a regular for the Saturday roll: on lane Breakfast Ride, and she is a great person to talk to about what you need to do to get ready for Pelotonia.

COMING SUNDAY...AND BRING YOUR BIKES! At our Lane Avenue location (1510 West Lane Ave) we will be opening the doors at 9a.m. and hosting a huge PARKING LOT PARTY for Lynette Pate! Lynette is on a mission to cure your foodie condition with her "Fuel For The Body" bike tour. She will be on hand from 9 to 11 along with local businesses Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Clever Crow Pizza, Events Plus Racing, Local matters and more to talk about locally grown food. bring your bike and escort her through Columbus on the first portion of her ride ALL THE WAY BACK TO FLORIDA! She will be accompanied by the roll: race team as well, so come join us and Lynette for a great Sunday of bikes, food and general awesomeness.

That not enough for you? On April 5th, at 7p.m. we will be out at the Grandview Public Library on 1st Ave. hanging out and teaching a FREE basic repair class for families! Bring the kids and we'll go over flat repair, brake adjustments, and derailluer workings. Thanks to the Grandview Library for having us that night!

Not ones to rest on our well-padded chamois'..we will be providing neutral rider support for all of you "A-Types" out there (like roll: customer Janie Purvis) for Carla Sokol's amazing new multi-sport company, Events Plus Racing. Their season opener "Duel At Darby" goes down on APRIL 10th, and is a fantabulous duathlon (bike and run) in Hilliard. We'll be there to do last minute flat repairs, adjustments, etc. and maybe even scoop you up if you are just too pooped to finish. Register online at www.eventsplusracing.com!

Something I am particularly proud of is our involvement with the City Of Upper Arlington's Parks and Rec Department. As many have already experienced, TONS of the program we have enjoyed in the past have been chopped out to due budgetary constraints. One such program was the much-loved community and family bike rides the city put on in past years.

Well...guess what? IT'S ON! Reaching out a hand to help our community, we asked if maybe we might use OUR resources to keep those rides going for 2011. James and Cheryl and UA Parks and Rec love their city and the bike programs, so they were very pleased to be able to continue doing them with our help this year! LOVE THAT, right? Be on the look-out for the rides this year, mostly taking place during the larger festivals that U.A. puts on throughout the year. Busy store...please send coffee...:)

Get Away Weekend; Nashville's Cumberland Greenway Path

2011-03-11T09:44:00.008-05:00

Leaving at 9a.m. Monday morning, the six hour drive down to Nashville was quick. Large barns distracting the needed attention of truck drivers with threats of eternal damnation dot the landscape along the route through Kentucky and Tennessee. I haven't been to Nashville for twenty six years, and the wife hadn't been there since she had played The Bluebird Cafe twenty years ago.
I remembered it being larger, but it was raining then and it was a busy summer weekend in 1985. This past Monday was perfect.

Nashville has been working hard to improve their cycling/hiking infrastructure, much the way mayor Coleman and Columbus have. With the creation and completion of the Cumberland Greenway trail, locals and visitors alike have a great riverfront path to ride on that takes them around most of the "horseshoe bend" that Nashville sits on...and beyond. The new pedestrian/cycling bridge that connects the entertainment district on Broadway to the near east side does more than provide a fun outdoor outlet. It also provides free transportation to the throngs of young and old alike who descend upon Opryland to try and make their country and bluegrass music dreams come true.

While I'm sure weekends are a bit crazier, the weekdays in the main tourist area of Nashville were quite tame. The Honky-Tonks here stay open until 3a.m. and later, so rarely do you see cars and people out and about before noon. This is great for cyclists wanting to explore the city and the Greenway path, since you have all but unobstructed access to the city streets. It's a fun place, and it's so appreciative of the money that the music industry machine draws here, even boot stores and t-shirt shops have elevated stages and microphones for local acts to come and play. Hat stores are everywhere, so it may be a great idea before going down there to stop in to your local roll: store and get a rear rack and/or a large removable basket to take all of your newly-found country duds back to the hotel.

**The BASIL Prima Vista saddle bags are large enough for hat...and some boots!

Arriving at 3p.m., we checked in to our lavish hotel room in the boutique downtown Hotel Indigo, just three blocks from Broadway. I highly recommend this hotel based on our stay. The price was in line with every other major chain, but the decor and location were by far better than any other we had found in town. Within just three short blocks of Broadway, we never had to drive to get to anything we wanted to do. Oh, and a killer breakfast spot was a block down the road, called 417 Union..you have GOT to check it out! The hotel also had a Starbucks inside, so that pre-ride coffee was always ready to go.

Make no mistake...Nashville is most decidedly not the place to visit if you aren't in to country, bluegrass, or west coast swing music. Kanye wouldn't go over well here. If there's one truth about Nashville, it's true to it's roots. It's roots thankfully also include killer BBQ and smoked meat.

Old record stores dotted the landscape, and even the shop clerks have music industry resumes that would beg you to ask for their autograph. Wearing an old Chris Isaac concert shirt, a seventy year old woman inside Tubb's record shop said she had the chance to meet him..right where I was standing..and he was the nicest man she had ever met. Then she went back to work.

Honky-Tonks like Robert's are much the same. Open until 3a.m. on week nights, the house band members had a music rap sheet that spanned 82 years and had ties to just about veery man, woman and child that ever succeeded in Opryland U.S.A. Various forms of Elvii were everywhere, like this one watching over the passers by from atop a local storefront. Apparently, Johny Cash is the Mayor of Nashville. Everyone has some story or photo of him in their stores or on their bodies.

Gruhn's guitar shop had everything. A man was playing a guitar he was looking to buy who had just left the studio where he was recording with Jeff Beck. The guitar he was playing was a vintage Les Paul worth about 100k...seriously. And people freak out when they see a two thousand dollar road bike! At least I can ride my bike to work..I'd have to use a guitar as a flotation device if I needed an alternative form of transport!

Flowers were in bloom along the wide sidewalks leading back to our hotel. The entertainment district was clean and well monitored by police..and Elvis. I was amazed at how little traffic there was on a weekday here, and wondered why more folks didn't ride. That's bad for them, GREAT for you! With plenty of restaurants with patios, there is no shortage of stops to eat with your bike in easy view.

The Hotel Indigo on Union Street was a great old place to stay..but with a very modern twist. The lobby was stunning, and the beds were probably the most comfortable I have ever slept in. They do nightly music performances in their nicely appointed lounge area, and the house band is fabulous.

After the show, we went out with Columbus ex-pat musicians, Grace Adele and Keenan of "Grace Adele & The Grand Band." They moved to Nashville a year ago to immerse themselves in the genre of music they loved, and it has paid off in spades. Just returning that night from a mini-tour that ended in North Carolina, they hung out with us until it was time to power-down and go to bed.

If you plan to head south to Nashville, we left at 9a.m., and arrived at 3pm on the nose. The timing was great, allowing us to slip undetected past all the "rush hours" in the major cities we passed through. Weekdays for riding are the easiest and most accessible, and most of the REALLY good local bands hang out and play on those nights in the clubs and bars on Broadway. So what are you waiting for? Get that bike and hit the road!

Sir Harry and The Chateau

2011-02-15T16:20:00.006-05:00

There are some really quirky people, places and things here in Ohio. As a lover of all things quirky and odd (you have seen my wife, for example), I packed up the family last weekend for a half day tour of three of the Buckeye State's kooky places.
Way down in the southeast corner of the state just above Cinci lies the life-long pursuit of a very interesting fellow. His name is Sir Harry Andrews, and for a guy who was clinically dead just after the turn of the century he sure managed to do a lot.

Harry was stationed inside Fort Dix just before WWI when was stricken down with cerebrospinal meningitis. He was one of seven thousand soldiers who contracted it there, and one of only TWO who survived the outbreak thanks to a new medicine called adrenaline. Stabbing his chest with the new wonder drug, his heart began to beat again. He was blind and paralyzed, but alive. He was given a day or two to live, but instead managed to eat after weighing just eighty nine pounds...surviving by eating six times a day. His blood would later be used as a vaccine to cure others of the same deadly disease.

A short time later he was stationed in France at a forward army medical post in the southwest, located inside the magnificent Chateau La Roche, pres Razac-sur-l'Isle. After the war, he studied architecture in Toulouse. He returned from France hoping to bring some the magnificence of the French countryside with him, and started to build.

Harry bought a large chunk of land along the Little Miami river in 1927, near Loveland, Ohio. What began as a place for local boys to camp and fish (until the tents were too worn-out to use anymore) became a small stone building with two rooms. From this, the "Knights Of The Golden Trail" were born, wherein harry instructed the lads on the ways of the knight. Thing is...knights need a a castle to meet in, right? RIGHT!

In 1929 he and the boys got to work. His architecture degree being put to good use, he drew up plans for said castle. The Civilian Conservation Corps would syphon off much of his young-lad labor, and the endeavor would be put on partial hold until he retired and had time to adequately get to work. He never had a girlfriend or wife, was an only child, and had no choice to live in what he could build alone. Constructed of concrete "bricks" made with milk-jug forms, he used light bulbs and normal garbage in many of them for their insulating properties. While building the Chateau, he is said to have hauled over 56,000 pails of stones by hand out of the river to build the home.
Cost to build the place? About twelve thousand dollars.
Upon completion, Harry had numerous women offer their hands in marriage, just so they could live in the castle. While we were there it was about 45 degrees outside..and about 28 degrees INSIDE, so maybe they should have thought that one through. No matter, because he would never marry any of them. Oddly enough (because this story isn't odd enough) he had applied for his military pension many years later, and had to fight like mad to convince the pentagon that he wasn't DEAD, based on the initial 1915 paperwork from Fort Dix!

It gets a little more crazy, and one more reason to hate polyester pants is coming your way right now. On March 14, 1981..at 91 years old, he was out on the property burning trash. Wind picked up, and embers caught the woods on fire. Running to the fire, he began to stomp out the flames in his super-awesome disco-style polyester pants. They promptly caught on fire, and immediately melted to his legs. He was taken to the hospital and told he would need to amputate both legs, but ol' harry never built a single lift, ramp or elevator at the Chateau..and refused medical treatment. He would die soon after of gangrene on April 16th 1981, never wanting to part with his legs.

OH...and about that title of Knight? Well, rumor has it that he saved the son of an English nobleman while in France, and the father knighted Andrews for his service. While a little beat-down from neglect, if you have a small child or two and don't REALLY want to fly to France this weekend...drive the hour and a half to Loveland and visit the Chateau. It's $3 per person, and yes Margaret, there ARE ghosts there.
It's also located just across the river from the beautiful Little Miami River Scenic Bike Trail and I can't wait to go ride that thing!

On the way home, we stopped by the birthplace of the Banana Split (they were closed) in Wilmington, Ohio..then we went to a little known place in Sabina, Ohio. Last stop? The final resting place of "Eugene The Mummy." I'll save his story for another day, but he lived quite a life for a guy that died in 1929 and wasn't actually buried until 1964!

Jay Parsons' PHAT BIKE!

2011-02-06T15:42:00.003-05:00

It's not called the Fatback just because it's rider is fat (although he is!).

I lasted 45 minutes in the sleet/snow, but 35 minutes into it the road snow was melting from the salt, and the spray from the road soaked my butt and legs. 10 minutes like that with a 24 degree wind chill ended the "dry run." Time to look for the matching Endura pants--the jacket was simply awesome (as was the Roll jersey underneath). I rode pretty hard, sweated a lot, and my top was virtually dry when I finished (on the inside--the outside was dripping), and I only had a thin base layer shirt on under the Roll jersey and was perfectly warm with no issues. Pretty sweet (or lame?) that the coat matches the bike AND my Mini Cooper so well. Accidental, I swear.

The bike handled amazingly well on the icy/snowy roads but as we found yesterday outside the shop, the ice-crusty off-road snow is a bit too much for it (I think they're made for packed snow and only a few inches of fresh powder with no ice if you don't want it to be a bitch). I dropped the tire pressure to probably half of what we were at yesterday (to like 8-10 lbs. probably?) and it was good, even on the hard road.

The "poagies" are from another Alaska company called Dogwood Designs (gay name) but were super warm, and I rode with only my fingerless Pearl gloves and it was perfect.

In the snowy conditions I never really needed the top chainring, as 9th gear on the middle ring on a decent cadence had me going too fast to feel perfectly safe. May think about swapping the large ring for one of those "bash guards" to replace it so I can wear wider/dryer pants in the snow. Might want the big ring for summer dry conditions and fuller tires, however, so might be worth swapping with the season.

Now I just have to get back in shape!

BOOTLEG!

2011-02-03T13:07:00.004-05:00

Bootleg Canyon May Day DH Race Practice from Rondo on Vimeo.

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Whoever "they" are, they likely don't have a DH bike and a helmet cam! Bootleg Canyon MTB Park lies just about 30 minutes west of Vegas, out near Hoover Dam. If you have to visit Vegas and don't run out there and rent a bike, you will "..cry yourself to sleep on your great, huge pillow." The DH courses have so many options, you'll never ride the same course twice, and the XC loops are like a roller coaster. There's even a pump-track to play around on! Shuttle service is offered as well, so grab that Leatt Brace and get it on! Bootleg Canyon is also the place where the annual Outdoor Demo goes down prior to Interbike.

**Inside Cycling TV stopping by to interview Vanessa Humic at Outdoor Demo in Bootleg.

Contact the park by visiting www.bootlegcanyon.org (website is being updated currently, but e-mail is there to send questions to!)

ACC Endurance Sports Expo Tomorrow!

2011-02-02T13:32:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow evening inside The Athletic Club Of Columbus will be the 2011 Endurance Sports Expo! This event is sponsored by Team ACC, and is designed to meet the needs of runners, cyclists, swimmers and triathletes.

**Olympian Hunter Kemper swimming inside the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Stop in and pick up race schedules, speak to experts in their various fields, and even lay your eyes upon the amazing new 2011 bikes from BMC, Felt, and Giant courtesy of roll: bikes! Disocunts and deals, along with expert advice will give you plenty of reasons to attend the event in a fabulous location.

**Even the metal sculptures at the Olympic Training Center are fast.

The Expo is free to the public, and will feature booths from roll: bikes, Ohio State Tri Club, Consider Biking, Frontrunner, Ohio Cycling Association, Kast A Way Swimwear and many others. The ACC building is located at 136 East Broad Street, Columbus Ohio. Need more info? You can call them at 614-221-3344, or visit their ste at www.acccolumbus.com. Friend them on FB and get updates on future events!

**Garden Of The Gods SP in Colorado is a bike riders dream. This is where many of the nation's best get their weekly miles in. Please note that I am not even Grandview's best:)

Be sure to visit Carla Sokol's "Events Plus Racing" booth while at ACC. She has started a new multi-sport racing company here in Columbus, and has a series coming in 2011 that promises to be a well-run and fun competitive experience. For more info, visit www.eventsplusracing.com!

**A rare look down at the swimming pool inside the Olympic Training Center from the catwalks.

The temperature tomorrow night may be less than desireable, so I would recommend NOT riding your new carbon road bike to the event. Maybe a new Giant TCX 'Cross bike with studded tires..but not the road bike!

**You will likely wish to purchase a membership to the ACC once inside. The building is amazing!

Be like Olympian Hunter Kemper and RUN, don't walk to the ACC Endurance Sports Expo tomorrow at 6pm!

2011 Giant Anthem X 29 Takes Top Honors

2011-01-19T17:58:00.004-05:00

THIS JUST IN from Giant!

And so it came to pass that in the year 2011, bike magazine delivered unto the people “the bible,” which was filled with reviews and recommendations of the best in mountain bikes and gear. And it was good. And lo, the bible commanded the people, “thou shalt buy” two Giant bikes because they are among the very best in their respective divisions: the Anthem X 29er 1 in the XC/Marathon category, and the Reign 0 which climbed to the top of the All-Mountain category. The scribes and editors in their wisdom delivered great praise for these bikes so that the masses would feel confident in purchasing, and so their hearts would thereby be filled with joy as they went up the mountains and then descended them.

So it was written: “Giant Factory Off-Road Team rider Carl Decker laid waste to the rest of the field in the XC leg of the Downieville All-Mountain World Championship aboard his Anthem X 29er, so I took our test bike to some trails with more to challenge the Giant…I could see how Decker was able to rule the Downieville course on this ‘XC’ bike. Not only is its handling stable and predictable, it’s downright fun…The Anthem X 29er is another candidate for ditching the labels that pigeonhole bikes into a specialist category, because it flat-out performs.”

And it was further written: “On descents, the Reign’s rear end sticks like glue to the trail and feels exceptionally dialed on bigger hits. In fact, the Reign’s rear suspension worked so well that we found ourselves pushing the bike harder and harder, and soon found ourselves wishing for a fork with bigger stanchions and crown. …Favor a light and nimble bike with an extraordinarily capable rear end? Test ride the Reign. Looking for a burlier model with the same killer rear end? Get the Reign X.”

Get thee right away to a news stand and secure a printing of “the bible” – because even though it be there until mid-April, as sure as the sun rises in the east the people who hunger for the word on the best rides will be clasping this tome to their breasts, memorizing it’s pages, then running thither to their nearest Giant retailer. But be not afraid of their excitement. For yea though you ride through the valley of rocks and roots and terrible terrain, fear no single-track – for Maestro art with thee.

2011 Giant Team Video!

2011-01-12T17:18:00.001-05:00

Sea Otter Classic Is Coming!

2011-01-12T09:36:00.007-05:00

I know it's February and it's snowing here in Columbus. I also know that April feels like an eternity from now. Unfortunately, I also know how quickly registration fills up for the race, and how quickly all the hotels/motels/campsites/rental homes fill up in Monterey and the surrounding communities for the largest cycling event in North America. This year, the week's events begin on April 14th. The four full days of racing, riding, trade-show style pit area shenanigans and oversized articulated sea mammals will be a spectacle to behold.

Road racing? Of course...it's even sweeter because they do it on the epic Laguna Seca Raceway track! There is also XC, DH, Super-D, Short Track, BMX, Trials, and just about everything else you could imagine..like the always exciting Dual Slalom seen below..

Just about every bike manufacturer on the planet is there with a full demo fleet. Every Pro racer is there to talk to, and even take a hot-lap with on the long, fast and flowy Sea Otter courses. The whole area is set inside an old military test-firing range, and the drive in to the park is littered with burnt-out tank hulks and signs that say "Peligro."

That's Spanish for "You Go First."

Don't want to throw down with the best athletes in the world? That's cool too. You can be a Gran Fondo rider in both road and mountain! The 96 mile road tour ride is called the "Carmel Valley Route" and packs elevation and typically some winds that will make you earn the ride. The "Coastal Route" is a 49 miler that goes out and back along the beautiful Central Coast shoreline. There is also a 20 mile mountain bike Fondo. You won't be disappointed by either, but I would suggest doing the mountain route on your own time with a friend, as the road rides can open up more than narrow singletrack.

The event has morphed and changed over time. You no longer have to pay to park on site, but you will need to buy a Festival pass to get into the pit area where all the good stuff happens. It's worth it just to ride all the stuff and see the podium displays.
For all pricing, lodging info, and everything else, just visit www.seaotterclassic.com!

**Pro XC racer Bert "The Hurt" Blanchette on his way to a podium finish in Super-D.

As a team (or a large group, if you go with friends) we typically stay off-site in one of the many well-appointed rental homes. The fact is, the camp-sites during Sea Otter are jacked waaay up in price (from about $12 per night before the event, to about $60 dollars during!) and there are almost NO showers/bathroooms to speak of.

**Sometimes, if you are lucky, your team bike arrives at Sea Otter. :)

It rains here frequently as well, and you don't want to be stuck in a muddy parking lot with a tent full of muck on the morning of your race. Look to the town of Seaside for beach-front hotels that are race-close, and about the same price as a disgusting Sea Otter camp site..I'm just sayin'..trust me on this one.

**NINER Pro Rider Heidi Volpe practicing her salon skills on me in our NOT A CAMP SITE hotel room a couple of years ago. She's fast, and gives a mean cucumber face cleansing!

The Seaside Inn is great for four people or less, and there are restaurants right near the hotel. It's nice also to be there in the evenings to walk around Monterey Bay, look at the historic buildings, tour Fisherman's Wharf, etc.

**El Presidio Real de San Carlos de Monterey, founded in 1770 by Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola. The American Naval Commodore John D. Sloat took it over in 1846, and it still stands today right next to the pier in Monterey.

If your are lucky enough to even GET a hotel, and lucky enough to GET a registration spot to race, it will likely be one of the crowning achievements of your cycling life. Lining up with three hundred riders in your three year age bracket is amazing, and watching it all thin out after the first punishing road climb to the singletrack is even better. There are several places on the dirt course where you can let the bike reach speeds in excess of 45 miles an hour. If your REALLY lucky, you may even come home with one of these......

....like Vegas Bob did in 2008 for his first Short Track race! At least you get something for all that abject suffering. :)

This is a great family event, so even if you can't make it this year, start planning for next year and do it! What could be better than a week of bike racing, right on the Central Coast? Funnel Cake...but this is a close second, I promise.

Picasso On A Bicycle.

2011-01-11T22:42:00.001-05:00

POLARIS Awesomeness

2010-12-28T14:00:00.003-05:00

Remember folks, tomorrow night is movie night featuring Lifecycles.
It's a movie about a boy, his bike, and the relationship he has never
had with his goldfish Riley. NO. It's a movie full of ridiculously
sick mountain biking. It'll pretty much make you feel very inadequate
about your bike-handling skills. Or at least me anyway. Movie starts
at 8:30ish p.m. Bring your own beverage and snacks (or bring enough
for everyone).

Thursday night is Open Stand. Tools and stands will be open for use at
7 p.m. to allow you to destroy your bicycle. I, however, will be here
to advise you on how to put it all back together; more or less.

So put the shiny new toys away, and come down to the Polaris store to
enjoy some bikey things.

peace out my homies
dante

I Hate Frostbite; Bar Mitts Are Here!

2010-12-21T15:04:00.004-05:00

There are certain things in life that you just DON'T want for Christmas. Gangrenous, frostbitten fingers are one such gift that I will work hard all year to avoid. Luckily for me (and you) we carry Bar Mitts. Coming in road or mountain configurations, these babies are made of an uber-marine neoprene and are soft and fuzzy on the inside...kinda like a warm hug from gran-gran. If you like to stay outside in winter and train, or use your bike as the primary means of locomotion you need to get these things. Need a pair? roll: stores have 'em, and you can even buy on line at www.roll-online.com!

The Great Library

2010-12-12T10:07:00.007-05:00

It was cavernous. A spectacle to behold, and one of the great wonders of the ancient world. The Library Of Alexandria was magnificent, even amongst some of the world's greatest achievements. Designed to house information from all over the known world, it was said that their acquisitions department would remove books from ships docked in their port and copy them for the library, returning them later to their rightful owners. They would even visit book fairs in far away places like Rhodes

*The Colossus Of Rhodes had a custom Independent Fabrications bike built for himself at roll:
and Athens to amass their literary collection. Built during the third century B.C. by a student of Aristotle, it was torched (allegedly on accident) by visiting Julius Caesar during a visit in 48 BCE while torching his ships in an attempt to disrupt naval communication between Achillas' army. Even the "daughter" library was destroyed some time later by Theophilus (Bishop of Alexandria) who wanted the site demolished in 391.

*"Nice job Jules, you just smoked the largest collection of knowledge on the entire planet."

The loss of this library oddly saddens me to this day. Who knows what secrets went up in flames along with that building? Did 29er mountain bikes have a previously unknown designer from the Ptolemaic reign? Is it possible that an ancient Greek could have found his papers on Maestro chariot suspension here while on vacation? Anything is said to have been possible within the confines of this great library. Thankfully, we have books that you could spend HOURS in the cold winter months reading inside the well-light and fire-sprinkler equipped roll: bike shops! The Great Library Of Alexandria likely held the location to the ancient city of Atlantis, but did it have the Park Tool BBB-2 Big Blue Book Of Bike Repair resting on a marble shelf? Probably not...but we do, and that little book can grant you hours of fabulous alone time with you and your new bike. TAKE THAT SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD! Lucky for you, you won't need to book a seat on any of the Abydos Ships to get to the library..you can just hop on your bike and ride to your nearest roll: location and pick one up.

Just don't burn your car in the parking lot, I hear that ends badly for everyone.

An Anasazi Christmas

2010-12-11T10:02:00.004-05:00

Veteran Kenda mountain bike racer Tom Wehe and his wife drove from their Durango, Colorado home this week to hang out in some of the most interesting spots in the country. One such stop was this Anasazi cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde during the annual "lighting of the luminaries" ceremony. The site has been around since about 600 A.D., and really is a trip worth taking.

November and December in the "Four Corners" area of the U.S. is amazing. Sites like Chaco Canyon, Bryce and Zion, Escalante National Monument, Betataken, Hovenweep, and Keet Steel are mesmerizing places to take the kids for a few days. Ancient sites like Snake Town or a wintery drive along the Grand Canyon are spectacular windows into an alien landscape for a stellar domestic getaway. Be sure to bring the soundtrack to National Lampoon's "Vacation!"

Here's a shot of "Indiana Wehe" the Austrian Adventurer trying to ascend a ladder and learn Hovitos all at the same time. "Why does it always have to be snakes?"

If Tom had lived here, this is where he would have stored the kraut for all of his schnitzel...and probably his bike shorts, too. He eats a lot of kraut.

Thanks to Tom for the amazing photos!

roll:PUSH BIKE Races 'Cross!

2010-12-09T18:00:00.001-05:00

You have GOT to see this little ripper! He is on one of our famous roll: PUSH bikes!

The Original BYOT.

2010-12-06T16:54:00.006-05:00

*Vegas Bob and Vanessa warming up prior to a Mountain States Cup race in Colorado. They always bring their own trainers!

"Don't be fooled by imitations" the ads always say, as you sit on the couch buried in empty Cap'n Crunch boxes watching old Scooby Doo reruns. That actually does have SOME merit, especially when you look at available winter biking shennanigans. A couple of years ago, roll: started up the whole notion of the "BYOT." That's "Bring Your Own Trainer" sessions for the winter crowd who still wanted to turn the pedals over. Well, all three roll: stores have their own BYOT sessions. Visit the roll: website, and check the store's time/days..and if you need a trainer or new bike to put in one, you can even BYOW! That's "Bring Your Own Wallet." :)

roll:bikes Be:Spoke Bike Show Snaps!

2010-12-02T19:05:00.014-05:00

First off, let's just bow heads in silent appreciation for the Ely Bros Photography set up we had that night...www.elybrothers.com for their site!

O.K., so here are some (not all) of the photos taken that night, both by Caleb and by all who wandered in to the photo booth. This is what happens when you mix lots of Barley's cold stuff with cyclists and industry reps. This is what it means to be a roll: customer...and yes, that's the owner licking that man's face. Gross.

Dick Brink from Felt Bikes/Zipp/SRAM etc. and a few dozen of his closest friends.

roll: employee Michael Szajna believes that nothing says love like a hermetically sealed, plastic-entombed artificial handlebar flower from Electra bikes. Works every time...

This guy was looking at the Colnago CLX2.0, which would later be taken home by Kris Anderson. You snooze you lose, I guess!

I'm not even really sure what I'm looking at. Lauren Lichtenauer from roll: Polaris worries me.

Mr. Stanley from Niner Bikes extolling the virtues of wagon wheels to someone who already knows.

These two guys TOTALLY have no spatial awareness issues at all.

Named after a James Bond film that was never finished ("Gundelfinger" starring little known actor Chet Yubetcha), the Chicken Lady arrived sans poultry to have a few laughs.

Brooke and Melissa just finished a whopper of a trans-continental bike ride, and had lots of spring in their step for this pic!

Lane Avenue's fearless leader Anna Haney appears to be slashing prices like Crazy Gideon, just in time for the holidays.

The BMC rep was in house as well, talking about the amazing products from the Land of Neutrality.

I'm pretty sure that one of those guys represents the Lollypop Guild.

All around super-awesome customer Patricia Samuelson is seen her showing her rock-star hubby what is on the wish list for Christmas. Paddy doesn't realize you have to be a GOOD girl to get a pair of SIDI shoes...

Dave "I win, you lose" Tillery is seen here aboard the Perfect Fit Machine with roll: owner Stuart Hunter, after he won the $500 dollar gift card to the store! It seriously couldn't have happened to a nicer guy..except maybe Lady GaGa.

Caleb Ely and Nicholas Carey wondering "Where's The Beef?"

The Rolling Stones' LIVERS even came to the party that night, seen here in their travel cases.

roll: Easton's Chelsea Castle was at the front door to provide the smiling face everyone expects. Watch yourself, that girl is a tycoon in the making.

This is Lee Castor, from the Lane Avenue store. He is amazed that anyone would ever put vegetables near a steak. I couldn't agree more.

Looks like a kid in a candy store to me!

Jake, Brody, and Nick Chenowith (background) from roll: Easton are explaining how, with just a few years of training, you too can learn to suffer like a dog on bicycle!

Kris Anderson and his posse are looking pretty happy right there. A new Colnago tends to do that to a man.

These two crazy kids wandered in to the shop, completely unaware of the event. I'd say they were happy, especially after the laser fit and test ride of a new Avail road bike!

Peace out. See you all next year at Be:Spoke!

roll: & YEPP Products!

2010-11-30T11:59:00.002-05:00

Due to popular demand, we now have the super-awesome (that's the official roll: unit of measurement) YEPP brand of bicycle child seats! Front mount, rear mount, windshields, even sweet little nappy-time pillows for the tiny-ones when they zonk out after a heavy meal of strained carrots and peas.

Dutch designed, these babies were the 2009 Red Dot Design Award Winner, 2009 Good Industrial Design Winner, Lets Innovate Award 2009, and has also won the Dutch Design Award for 2009.

Stop in to your local roll: store and check them out! They are super-light, very well made, and come in colors that even Shaggy and Scooby could be happy with. Look for the big YEPP display rack!

OSU Chili Cook-Off!

2010-11-30T09:18:00.006-05:00

The fine folks at the OSU 4H Center invited us to participate in their fundraiser for the James Cancer Center a looooong time ago. Our task? To show up, eat forty two types of chili, and determine a winner. Let's see...what do we know about the folks here at roll:? We like to ride, and we LOVE to eat. O.K., it's really just me who who loves to eat, and that's fine as I would be the one attending with Michael. Arriving there early enough to get a booth set up and grab my judges badge, Michael and I were all set for the job at hand. Greeting us were Jennifer Whetstone and Jess Noble, very deftly handling a HUGE event.

As the chili cookers poured in and set up, the costumes were as impressive as the chili's names. Sombrero's, fire-fighter outfits, roll: t-shirts, kilts, chef's jackets...even a Wonderwoman costume! At 5pm, it was on. Meaty, spicey and sometimes soupy (that's me, not the chili) the tasting went on for well over an hour. At the end, there were winners that would span several different award criteria. The gentleman that would take home the top honors..The roll: Award For Supreme Chile Awesomeness, took home a flower basket, roll: t-shirt, water bottle, certificate, and bragging rights. Here are some of the night's photos!

Thanks to the ladies at the 4H camp for inviting us down for the event. I pray nightly that they will soon have a "Krispy Kreme Tasting Contest" that I may be invited to be the Grand Marshall of soon...

DH vs. KTM

2010-11-30T09:09:00.002-05:00

The epic battle between muscle and machine rages on in Fort William, Scotland...

More Mountain Biking Videos

Watch how much more speed Gee carries on his DH bike through the really rough stuff..smoooooove!

Polaris roll: MOVIE NIGHT!

2010-11-29T15:08:00.002-05:00

That's right! A movie! This Wednesday it's going to be "American
Flyers," with a young Kevin Costner; known for mega-blockbusters such
as "Robin Hood" and "Waterworld."

There is some vintage racing to be had in this movie from the great
year of 1985 (which also brought that masterpiece "Rad"). Bonus points
to anyone who can name the race they compete in (it was an actual
race). The movie could get a little emotional, so this may be a BYOT
(Bring Your Own Tissues). You can also try to wrestle Whoppers away
from Jamie, which is not easy (given his size and all).

Hope to see you at the movies!
dante

The Giant Rapid 2 In Bicycle Times Magazine!

2010-11-23T18:57:00.003-05:00

This sent in from Larry at Giant!

The December 1 issue of Bicycle Times devotes two pages to a thorough test of the Giant Rapid 2 On-Road Sport Fitness bike. Editor Adam Lipinski enjoys the number one feature of the entire Giant Rapid and Dash series of bicycles: the smooth, efficient ride of a road bike with the increased control and comfort of a flat handlebar. Here are some of Adam’s choice comments from his test of the Rapid 2: “Old injuries to my neck and shoulders make the flat bar a better choice for me. I’m more at home in the upright position and my local streets tend to be in pretty bad shape; the large, 31.8mm-diameter bar makes bunny-hopping holes and small creatures a simple task.”

“All the tubes are tweaked, curved, and butted to create a very responsive, yet subtle ride. The frame has great lines.”

“…the Rapid 2 has definitely opened me up to more possibilities of road riding. The stability offered from the combination of the geometry and flat handlebar suits me well.”

Street Racer

2010-11-22T17:00:00.006-05:00

The name reminds of the crazy-fast import Nissan Skyline's drifting around the track at the Irwindale Speedway. Tachometer flirting with the small red hash lines, the smell of screeching rubber and oil-drenched "butter-flavored" pop-corn was a sensory overload. At roll:, we have a sensory overload too. Enter the BMC Street Racer.

Turns out most companies no longer make an aluminum race geometry road bike. So what's the deal? Because you don't have fifteen large to drop on a road bike for local crit races, you can't have an aggressive AND affordable bike? Not so at BMC. The Street Racer may not let you drift in corners, and the smell of pop-corn may be replaced with the scent of your synapses burning..but this is in fact a race machine.

Shimano 105 equipped (the new stuff) and rolling the SR20 hoops, this thing will rip the chip-n-seal in half. The raceably stiff rear end of this thing would blow up a "beyond category" climb like Cadel Evans on nitrous.
Amazingly enough, this little "pocket rocket" is only $1,499.00. It also comes with an INSTANT $100 bucks cleaned off the total price at the register right now at all roll: locations.

Merry frikkin' Christmas, right?

BIKE FIGHT!

2010-11-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

O.K., so you have to understand how awesome the '80's were. Dubbed-over-multi-language fight scenes, quick-edit-cuts from the actors to the stunt people (clearly on vivid display in this film), and purple anodized everything. Here's a short clip for your viewing pleasure, showcasing how deadly your old Kuwahara BMX bike can be in the hands of an all girl ninja assassin squad. These guys never knew what them..except for the plastic mag wheel pieces embedded in their forehead! "So, you wanna be a Kung-Fu fighter, eh?"

MOVIE NIGHT AT POLARIS!

2010-11-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Academy Award winning motion picture (Best Original Screenplay,
1979) "Breaking Away" will be showing Wednesday night the 17th. This
film features a young Dennis Quaid (for the ladies), an equally young
Daniel Stern (for you 80s & 90s kids), and the ugly guy who played
Rorshach in the Watchmen as well as the new Freddy Krueger (for you
nerds).

Joining the party will be Mike from Niner! It's sure to be a nostalgic
night (I wanted to bike when I saw this movie, though I have yet to
motorpace a semi; do COTA buses count?). We're also not above adding
our own dialogue (a la MST3000, if you don't know what that is, find
out).

So come to the Polaris shop around 8 p.m. the 17th for the fun! It's
BYOBC (Bring Your Own Beanbag Chair), as well as BYOB, BYOP, ADD, OCD,
and ASCPA.

"Mama, the Italians; they're not so nice."

Dante

Supercruise.

2010-11-11T20:21:00.009-05:00

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F22 Raptor. The United States' most technologically advanced fighter aircraft. It has a radar-elusive coating, an airframe so advanced that it can only stay aloft with computer assistance, internal armament to decrease it's radar signature, and something else....

"Supercruise."

Supercruise is a term used to describe a top secret engine technology that allows the aircraft to fly at a rate of speed that is just short of a full blown afterburner cook-off...but with the fuel economy of a Yugo GVX. Thanks to its' Pratt & Whitney F119 turbofan engines it can fly faster, farther, on less fuel.

Turns out you have Supercruise too.

*Jr.Olympic Gold Medalist Claudia Espinoza on her way to another win..clearly in Supercruise mode.

There is a magical blend of power output, gear ratios, calorie intake and cadence that give you your very own version of "Supercruise." It's that sweet spot between effort and speed that you can sustain for what seems like forever. For me, that usually ends up being somewhere around 92 on the ol' SIGMA ROX 8.0 cadence meter. At that point, I'm not blowing up my heart rate monitor, but my average speed seems to be "pursuit mode" high. It's a great feeling to be in that zone, and while in Supercruise mode, you feel unstoppable.

*U.S. Cup West Champion Vanessa Humic racing in Fontana, CA..Supercruise in full effect.

On the mountain bike, Supercruise allows you to flow over and through the obstacles before you even remember where they are. On the road bike, it ends up allowing you to TRUCK over mountain passes at a speed that just sucks other riders in and discards them behind you, at a pace that you feel could continue forever. Supercruise is a state of mind.

*2006 Super D National Champion Bert Blanchette in Los Olivos aboard his NINER single speed, racing Pro XC in Supercruise mode.

Find your Supercruise with the help of a new SIGMA, Mavic, or Cateye wireless computer today. Be sure it has at LEAST cadence...better if you can lump in a heart rate monitor. Ask your local roll: sales associate for help in dialing in the perfect computer for your riding needs, and show your friends what Supercruise looks like...even if they only get to see it for a second.

Mountain Biking Flume Trail In Nat Geo's Top American Adventures.

2010-11-09T12:52:00.008-05:00

National Geographic Magazine has a doozy of a website. If you love travel and do it, or if you love travel and can't do it, their pages and site allow you to really feel as though you are there. They have a segment now that points out their "Best 100 American Adventures." On that list? Mountain biking the Flume Trail in Tahoe. This region also has some amazing road rides, like the ride around Lake Tahoe and up the old two lane road to the summit of Donner Pass.

*Meet Mr. Keseberg. He ate the members of his party who froze to death during the ill-fated Donner Party trip over this mountain. If you get caught in the cold, don't stop...he might still be hungry.

Along that road ride, you can get off and walk amongst ancient petroglyphs that sit below abandoned 19th century gold-rush train tunnels. Mountain biking those tunnels with lights on yield spectacular finds, like subterranean waterfalls and the occasional large mammal (not me, bears).

*Pro endurance racer Timari "Booty" Pruis calls the Tahoe area home, as do many other top ranked pro cyclists.

A quick drive from the Flume Trail will take you to Northstar Ski resort, a mountain bike riders Mecca in the Sierra Nevadas. This area is so full of epic rides for both road and dirt riders, the trip is well worth it. Just up the mountain from Sacramento, or a mind-blowing drive from L.A. via 395 (where you'll pass the entrance to Death Valley, Mono Lake, Gold Rush towns, and the historic Manzanar Japanese internment camp) lies this "complete vacation package" for cyclists of any type or ability. The Nat Geo article is listed below!

*Pro DH racer Charles Libolt taking 8th in the Kamikaze, just down the road from Tahoe. The bike is a Giant DH Team.

By Doug Schnitzspahn
Encircling the largest alpine lake in North America, the 165-mile (266-kilometer) Tahoe Rim Trail just may be the singletrack with the greatest view in the United States. More than 80 miles (129 kilometers) of the trail are open to mountain bikes. In fact, the riding here is so sublime that the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) named the 21.8-mile (35-kilometer) section between Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Summit as one of its Epics, an honor bestowed on trails that epitomize the best that mountain biking has to offer.

*Another area pro gravity racer, James Schwanke (dual slalom) is pictured here in blue getting WORKED by Brian Lopes. Sorry Schwanke, had to burn ya!

For good reason: The trail takes in gritty climbs and fast descents with spectacular views of Tahoe to the west and the Nevada desert to the east. Nine miles (14 kilometers) in, you’ll split off onto the adjacent 22-mile (35-kilometer) Flume Trail, which starts at the Spooner Lake campground. Though not officially part of the Rim Trail itself, it’s the signature ride here, and it requires a decent climb and a bit of singletrack to get down. Just remember, it’s tough to keep your eyes on the trail with all those eye-popping views of the lake. One of the best things about the rides on the Rim Trail is that it can be just as much fun for novices as it is for fat-tire vets.

*Nor Cal's Jr. World Cup racer Austin Benge airing it out in Tahoe.

Need to Know: Some sections of the trail are only open to bikes on certain days. Many local bike shops provide shuttles for the point-to-point rides in the Rim Trail. Rent bikes and check in on trail conditions at Flume Trail Mountain Bikes (www.theflumetrail.com). Bike rentals start at $45 a day; shuttles from $15. Read about the trail at www.tahoerimtrail.org.

*Chucky-T. Seventy Miler Per Hour, south of Tahoe in Mammoth. Full tuck.

roll: Bikes At COSI's "FIT FEST" Saturday!

2010-11-03T10:02:00.003-04:00

*Laura Miller, of Followmekids.org.

This Saturday is going to be a blast! Up early and loading the truck, Nick, Lyd and I will be heading downtown to the children's science center here in Columbus (COSI). Friend and founder of Followmekids.org Laura Miller asked us to hang out with her for the day inside the cavernous and fun spot. Located inside the room where the Titanic exhibit has been for the past few months, Laura will be there to fight the good fight against childhood obesity..which is what her organization does.

*Luka enjoying the great outdoors. He loves parks that don't have a theme.
By educating the parents and the kids, she has made a tangible impact here in Columbus. With tips on proper nutrition, exercise, outdoor and indoor play, local parks and facilities that promote active lifestyles, cooking tips and much more, this is an organization roll: is always happy to help out.

Nick and I will be there on behalf of roll: bikes to set up a killer "Parents vs. Kids Speed Trap," talk about the importance of wearing a helmet, proper bike fit, rules of the road, etc. ALSO, Laura asked Lyd to show up and sing her kids songs to the throngs from 10 to 11a.m.

*Lydia Brownfield being interviewed earlier this year by NBC 4's Monica Day, inside roll: on Lane.

I'm trying to get her to belt out "Puff The Magic Dragon," but I'll probably be the only one who has any idea how that song goes. I think they call that "old."

Stop by the COSI building Saturday! Just a few things to expect:
- Join us for the first Family Fitness Walk at COSI ( by Asics & Fleet Feet)
- Inflatable bounce house, obstacle course, joust, slides & more (I will sooo be doing that.)
- Participate on a scavenger hunt for your Passport to Health
- Free interactive activities for the family held every 30 minutes
- Meet & take pictures with former Ohio State athletes
- Cooking demonstrations and sampling of healthy foods

For more info go to http://www.familyfitfest.com/

Hope to see you there!

Day Trippin'; Mary Bach's Detachable Digits.

2010-10-28T12:47:00.006-04:00

*In that jar are ladyfingers of a non-edible variety.

Keeping with this week's theme of creepy Halloween stuff, let's turn our cycle-centric gaze on the northwestern Ohio town of Bowling Green. Back in 1881, there was a farmer by the name of Carl Bach. He was crazy. He was also married to a woman named Mary (Get it? "Married and Mary?" I know..I'm goooood) who had been tasked with a great many chores each day on the farm. Apparently Mary just wasn't "gettin' 'er done" and ol' Carl decided to take his trusty Corn-Knife-O-Much-Finger-Severage and whack his wife into pieces. Now Carl wasn't a complete dirt-bag..he actually turned himself in a few days later. Needing some evidence to convict Carl, the police placed three of Mary's fingers in a jar for picklin'.

Carl would soon swing from the neck on freshly built gallows, custom made just for him. The County actually sold TICKETS to the hanging, and on October 13 1883, he was hung..on the final day of the County Fair. How nice. Although nobody has been hung since in Wood County, they felt that the educational benefits of a good hanging shouldn't be lost to history. They decided to put up a display case in the courthouse, and inside it lies the corn knife, the noose, a ticket to the big show, and a jar containing Mary Bach's fingers. AWESOME I SAY! The entire thing was moved to Wood County Historical Center, where it can be viewed today. The address is 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402. They are open from Monday-Friday, 9-4:30, and Sat-Sunday from 1-4pm. There is no cost, and since you are getting closer to the mountains out east, the riding gets hillier out there!

You can ride from North Baltimore along 75 into Bowling Green along the Slippery Elm Trail as well, and make a day out if it!

Day Trip; The Seville Giants.

2010-10-27T10:03:00.005-04:00

*That's Tom Cruise next to the Van Buren family. OK, not really. This guy is taller.

Looking for something "different" to do on your bike this weekend? Want something that might freak your kids out? Me, too!

Ohio is full of historically wacky stuff, and the Seville Giants are no exception. Martin Van Buren Bates and his wife fit the bill. The very large bill. At 478lbs and standing at a stratospheric 7' 8.5" tall, this dude was not your average Lilliputian. Odd thing is, he was the runt of the family. His wife, Nova Scotia-born Anna Swan all but towered over him at just a hair under EIGHT FEET TALL! He was born in Kentucky in 1845, and was known as the Kentucky River Giant. His wife was born in New Annan, Nova Scotia and had the catchy and lovely nickname "The Giantess Of Nova Scotia." Awww...that's so sweet. Martin was a U.S. Cavalry Officer..and that horse must have prayed for death every day.

*Martin's horse likely looked like this.
After the war he signed on as a side-show freak and toured Europe...where he met Anna doing the same thing (for P.T. Barnum's traveling show).

After returning to the U.S. and settling in seville, Ohio in 1873, they built a huge mansion (torn down in 1948) and had a baby. This was no regular baby. Weighing in at 23.75lbs, and at THIRTY INCHES LONG, this infant was like Mork & Mindy giving birth to Jonathan Winters. Sadly, the baby would only survive for 11 hours, and was interred at Mound Hill Cemetery. While Mr. Bates outlived his wife by twenty years (passing in 1919) his wife had died just a decade after the baby in 1889. Her funeral was delayed because the casket maker in Cleveland thought the measurements he had been sent for the coffin were a mistake, and shipped a normal sized one instead.

Although Martin remarried, he was laid to rest beside his wife and child inside the confines of the Mound Hill Cemetery, located at East Main Street, in Sevillle. Their grave markers are gigantic, and you should have no trouble spotting these larger than life Ohioans in the afterlife. Seville is to the northwest of Columbus, at the intersection of Route 3, County Hwy 46, and County Hwy 43.

Giant TCR Advanced 1 Gets High Marks!

2010-10-26T15:04:00.003-04:00

The December 2010 issue of Bicycling is about to hit newsstands, and cyclists making holiday wish lists will discover editor Joe Lindsey’s admiring review of the Giant TCR Advanced 1. “It’s light. The oversize, integrated-bearing bottom bracket and boxy down tube offer great power transfer. In fact, the bike’s single best attribute isn’t any one thing, but how Giant blends them into a very finished-feeling ride.” And there’s also this: “All in all, it’s hard to believe this bike is a full $1000 less than the least-expensive, integrated-mast bike in Giant’s line, the Ultegra-equipped TCR Advanced SL 3.”

Garmisch By Bike

2010-10-26T09:03:00.003-04:00

Friend and fellow Kenda family racer Tom Wehe grew up near Garmisch, Germany. While he is way too old now to ride this stuff (he was actually there to help build the Temple Of Athena at Delphi), in his advanced age of racing Vet Masters/Pro he still vaguely recollects having the kind of fear-management skills it takes to navigate such difficult slabs of rock. He sent me this link of riding in Garmisch from his home in Durango....reminds me a TON of the riding in and around Nevada City....good times....

A Steep Trail with KaptnFR from Big Col on Vimeo.

roll: At COSI Nov 6th For Fit Fest!

2010-10-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

roll: bikes will be inside COSI with Laura Miller of Followmekids.org for the Fit Fest on November 6th! Stop by and enjoy a day of great kids (and adults!) activities..like kids bike speedtraps! AWESOME..love Followmekids.org, and COSI!

"...easy to go fast." The XTC 29er In Men's Journal.

2010-10-14T11:08:00.002-04:00

The October issue of Men’s Journal (circulation 736,000) lists the Giant XTC 29er1 as “Best Climber” in a gear feature on mountain bikes. The tester praises the bike, saying “It climbed better than any other hardtail I’ve ridden. This bike makes it easy to go fast.”

Superprestige Podium For Giant!

2010-10-12T14:39:00.002-04:00

Bart Aernouts of the Rabobank-Giant Off-Road Team stormed to a podium finish at the Superprestige Cyclocross Series opener on Sunday in Ruddervoorde, Belgium. Aernouts, who has surprised many with his strong form in early-season races, battled with World Champion Zdenek Stybar for the win, and eventually finished second, 5 seconds back.

Fifty-four of the world’s best cyclocross racers faced a fast, dry course in Ruddervoorde. Aernouts’ Rabobank-Giant teammate Gerben de Knegt also played a factor in the race as the two joined forces at the front early on. Both riders raced on their Giant TCX Advanced SL team bikes.

The Return Of Dr. Brown.

2010-10-12T13:48:00.004-04:00

If you missed it last time she was here, you my friend are in luck. OSU Sports Med's amazing and talented Dr. Kari Brown is returning on the 24th at 11a.m., and with back-up. She's coming back to Lane Avenue for another KILLER presentation that can't be denied.

She will bringing the heat Physical Therapy style, focusing on repetitive motion injury prevention, proper bike fit for the discipline you are involved in, proper stretching techniques, and an all-around awesome PILE of well thought-out and informative 411. Guess what. She's bringing others this time, too.

Street Cred.
•Bachelor of Science, Health Science from Grand Valley State University, MI – 2004
•Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University, MI – 2007
•Sports Physical Therapy Residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center – 2009

MORE Street Cred.
Kari Brown has been practicing in sports medicine since her graduation from Grand Valley State University’s Doctoral program in 2007. She completed her residency training in Sports Physical Therapy at The OSU Sports Medicine Center in 2009.

Kari has experience teaching in OSU’s physical therapy school, is on faculty with the OSU Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program and enjoys giving lectures on the local, state and national level. She is certified as a Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Professional and has provided medical coverage for marathons, triathlons, hockey, rugby, football, soccer, volleyball, track and field as well as the performing arts.

Kari's clinical interests include endurance athletes. She is an integral team member of the OSU Sports Medicine Endurance Medicine Program. As part of the Endurance Medicine Program she provides medical support at local running and multisport events, gives educational lectures at training series and specializes in performing video gait analyses and cycling fittings. She is also an active volunteer for the United States Track and Field team.

Personally, Kari enjoys running, adventure and multisport events and is currently endeavoring toward the 50 States Marathon Club.

See you on the 24th, at 11am!

Brooke & Missy's Awesome Adventure

2010-10-12T09:42:00.006-04:00

Former roll: employee Brooke and her friend Melissa decided to see America this year. By bike. I know, right? here are some of the amazing shots they managed to take between flat ire changes and trying to eat enough calories to stay alive...and not become cougar bait.

*Leaving Columbus, all happy and excited.

*Climbing endlessly on a route expected to be flat. I'm guessing the shot from the front is not happy.

*Reaching the Continental Divide, finally!

*Hoosier Pass, Colorado makes Brooke happy!

*Rest stop at Yellowstone.

*Another flat outside DuBois, Wyoming.

*Hells Canyon, Idaho. I don't see a single potato.

*Picture Gorge, Oregon. The face of determination.

*Brooke is now a flat repair specialist.

*Almost there, Brooke does the Happy Dance as they cross the Oregon state line.

*Somewhere in the mountains near Seattle. Turns out Starbucks just put in a coffee shop on the granite face behind them.

*Cape Lookout, State Park, Oregon.

*San Juan Island, off the coast of Seattle in the Strait Of Juan de Fuca. Friday Harbor is a great place to visit and ride bikes, and the old historic Roche Harbor Resort is perfect for an overnight stay.

Epic ride ladies, can't wait to get the low-down..if you ever come home..

GIANT RIDERS MEDAL AT WORLD'S!

2010-10-08T15:28:00.004-04:00

Giant Riders Medal at Road Worlds

Two young German athletes riding Giant bikes—John Degenkolb and Marcel Kittel—made names for themselves with podium performances at the 2010 Road World Championships in Australia.

Degenkolb and Kittel were among the dozens of riders—from up-and-coming amateurs to seasoned pros—who rode Giant at the five-day event that concluded with a thrilling elite men’s road race on October 3.

On September 29, the first day of competition, Kittel rode his Trinity Advanced SL time trial bike to a bronze medal in the Under-23 men’s time trial. Kittel completed the 31.8-kilometer circuit in Geelong 24 seconds off the winning time of American Taylor Phinney to collect the third World Championship medal of his young career. The 22-year-old, a two-time time trial World Champion in the junior ranks, will join the Skil-Shimano professional team in 2011.

Two days after Kittel won bronze, his German teammate Degenkolb rode his TCR Advanced SL road bike to a silver medal in the Under-23 men’s road race. Degenkolb rode a strong race and dashed to second in an exciting sprint finale in the 159-kilometer race in Geelong.

Degenkolb is a talented, well-rounded young road racer—he has already won sprint stages at the Tour de l’Avenir and was also a silver medalist in the time trial at the 2007 World Championships. The German rider will race for the U.S.-based HTC-Columbia team in 2011.

Giant-sponsored riders also factored into the results in elite category races in Australia. Representing The Netherlands, Rabobank pro Koos Moerenhout rode to a sixth-place finish in the men’s time trial. And in the final race of the 2010 Worlds, the elite men’s road race, Spaniard Oscar Freire finished sixth on his TCR Advanced SL. Giant riders Koos Moerenhout and Paul Martens also played roles in the elite men’s race, riding aggressively and finishing in the select lead group at the end of the 263-kilometer race.

Polaris Group Rides!

2010-09-30T11:56:00.002-04:00

Sharpie,

Just giving you a heads up, I'm leading a regularly scheduled mountain bike ride Saturday mornings at 9am at alum (this week is phase 2).

As well, Dante has been leading road rides out of this store since June. Beginner's groups (15-25miles @ 15mph no drop) and B groups regularly. Sundays at 8am behind the polaris store. Noticed you posted blog about Lane's rides, and Easton's rides, so here is our rides.

email/google group sign up:
http://groups.google.com/group/roll-bicycles-group-rides

Please spread the word!

With all the BACON wrapped man-flowers in the world,
Jamie

UA Fall Fest Coming

2010-09-28T10:16:00.004-04:00

*This child may be blood relation, I should find out.

I can think of few things that could make me happier than a McRib. OK, maybe one would be BACON on my McRib..but anyway, back to the topic. One such thing is the pending UA Fall Fest, slated for October 17th at Fancyburg park. Now normally I wouldn't be all giddy like a school girl over a Fall Fest, but this one is different. From to 2 to 6pm, this 'fest will have a WHIPPED CREAM EATING CONTEST! That's right. You read that correctly. Do not expect to see me in the store from 2 to 6pm on that day. My calling is, well...CALLING! That's great, because like most operators, I have been standing by for just such an event.

I don't really care about anything else, but if you want to come and check out this great local event, it will also feature caramel apple making, sack races (the Sack brothers, Gunny and Burlap always win that one), an adrenaline maze, obstacle course, squeeze plays, tunnel crawls, a giant slide, pumpkin carving, scarecrows, and a football toss! Lots of stuff to do for all of you, and if you all are doing THAT stuff, that just leaves more whipped cream for me. I best call Lane Avenue and reserve a XXXXL jersey...

Market To Market Ride Saturday!

2010-09-27T16:51:00.005-04:00

Two of Columbus' premiere independent, locally-owned specialty foods markets, North Market and The Hills Market, are returning with what is now one of the most anticipated bicycling events of the season, Market to Market. We are proud to celebrate our third event on the anniversary of the inaugural Market to Market ride with the cycling adventure that was named the “Best Bike Ride for Foodies” in 2010 by Columbus Monthly. Join both markets on Saturday, October 2, as we kick-off Local Matters Local Foods Week in Columbus and celebrate the end of a great summer season with a cross-city local foods-centric bike ride.

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a local foods passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Greenovate, Local Matters, Pattycake Bakery, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), Opera Columbus, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, the Wexner Center for the Arts and Wild Goose Creative. Participants who show completed passports at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for prizes including a custom messenger bag created by local courier bag gurus Seagull Bags, tickets to the Local Matters Harvest Ball and a bonanza of gift certificates to local businesses provided by the Small Business Beanstalk.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, October 2. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online here> or by phone by calling 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning September 10.

Market to Market will take place in conjunction with The Hills Market's Ohio Market Day and the North Market Harvest Festival. Ohio Market Day at the Hills Market is a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. featuring the wares of Ohio's best food producers. The North Market Harvest Festival is also a free event that celebrates the end of a great growing season in Ohio with fall produce and an abundance of baking contests.

COMBO "Take A Kid Mountain Biking Event" This Saturday!

2010-09-27T16:44:00.003-04:00

Saturday, October 2nd at 10:30a.m. the boys at COMBO will be hosting their "Take A Kid Mountain Biking" event at Alum Creek's Phase 1 trail! There will be group rides for elementary to high school kids, and all rides will be paced to the level of the participants. New riders will go for a group ride on the beginner mt trail.

COMBO is also looking for adult and kid ride leaders to help out!

National MTB Patrol will accompany each ride for first aid/ mechanical needs.

There will be a free kids raffle for biking stuff!

SUNDAY FAST RIDES!

2010-09-26T11:35:00.002-04:00

roll: on Lane will start their Sunday a.m. fast-group rides on October 2nd! I knwo, FINALLY, right? Our own Michael Szajna will be hosting the rides, and planning the routes. Here are the details..

SUPER SUNDAY FAST RIDE!

Meet at 8a.m at Lane Ave store, depart by 8:30.
This ride will be a 45 to 75 mile fast-paced ride (21 to 27mph), that will likely evolve into an "A" and "B" group ride (figure about 15 to 20mph), allowing a slower pace for those just strating out with group rides. The route will be altered each week, with maps provided DAY OF ride. Rides will be based on customer feedback, submitted via e-mail to ride leader Michael at michael.szajna@gmail.com

Store will be open for last minute provisions only, NO MECHANIC, so please have the bike ready to ride prior to arrival.

ALSO, at roll: Easton..Nick is doing a sweet Night Ride that goes up the bike path between Easton and Polaris! This one is really fun, and you can demo lights!

See you Saturday!

Tony Buffington's Birthday Ride!

2010-09-26T11:33:00.002-04:00

Hey Chris, I did a "6-hour Century to Celebrate my 60th Birthday" yesterday. It is a beautiful ride, even music at lunch (please see pic), and there were plenty of roll: kits present ! :-)

Regards,
Tony

Pelotonia; help fight cancer - here - now - just do it http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=77932&SearchStart=0&PAGING

C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, DACVN

KROSSTOBERFEST!

2010-09-22T08:47:00.004-04:00

UCI points are up for grabs next month!

Two days of World Class Cyclocross racing and bicycle festival...
"Feiert Mit Eu'ren Fahrraederni!"... celebrate with your bicycles!

Chances to win UCI points seem to be fairly rare here in North America, so I thought I'd let you all know about a race coming up in a few days at Bonelli Park, in San Dimas California. It's a schlepp for sure, but to race against the best in the country (that's what the allure of UCI points bring) on a fast and dry course, on what will likely be an 80 degree day..with a backdrop of 10,068 foot high Mt. Baldy/Mt. San Antonio right above you is well worth the trip out there. Here are the details!

*Bicycle & Fitness Expo!
*Velo-Cross Swap Meet!
*Kids Bike Skills Zone & Kids Cross Race!

SAT 10/2:
*Ride Route 66: A bicycle ride from Santa Monica to San Dimas in support of transportation cycling!
*Route 66: Classic - Custom Bike Show & Bike Parade!
*Attack of the Crossberg Launch Party hosted by Ritte Racing, Mafia Racing, and Attack Cycles!
*SoCalCross Brewer's Society Homebrew Competition!

SUN 10/3:
*Sunrise Yoga and Women's Ride,
*IMBA Kids MTB Ride hosted by PMBC
*Team Duke 5k Cross Country Run

The Ox Roast! (No Oxen were injured in this roast)

2010-09-20T13:32:00.004-04:00

I saw a TON of our customers in Grandview last weekend, hanging out at the Ox Roast. Now, don't call PETA just yet...there hasn't been an Ox on a spit in decades here. Although steeped in Ox-roasty tradition, they have since replaced the smell of singed mammal hair with pre-cooked slices of beef. Located each year at Pierce Field in Grandview (just across from Luck Bros Coffee), carnival rides begin to sprout where baseball diamonds typically sit unused until evening practice sessions.

Carni skill games abound, and for just $5.00 you too can take home a giant "Spongebeob" inflatable hammer with a retail value of twelve cents. The big draw for me is funnel cake, but all the kids at neighboring Stephenson Elementary just want to see how far they can push their stomachs on the "G-Force 2000."

All the usual suspects were there. The attendees read like the customer e-mail list from roll:, like the Buscemi's who's son Zach just landed a new helmet. It was cool to see so many roll: bought bikes and clothing items out and about in the 'hood Saturday night!

Most of the rides in the park (like the one pictured below, the "Tilt-N-Hurl")involve spinning of some kind. Luka loves spinning rides, but he's seven and still has all of his mental and physical faculties. I didn't see any adults riding those rides, opting instead to hang out in the Blackjack tent.

The Slide-O-Death loomed high above the neighborhood, striking fear into all the children soon to be pillaging their parents' pockets for cash to buy ride tickets. Potato sacks with foot-covers were used as the friction reducer that allowed the kids to hurtle down the slide at maximum velocity. Luka poured White Lightening chain lube on his for faster sliding.

**That's too bad, I was hoping Jake could go on this ride with me! :)

Although designed for kids 5 to 10 years old, the rides were clearly more than we could handle. Thankfully I had my beloved chamois butter (available at all roll: locations)applied, and it made the 45 minute stint on the "Puke-O-Rama" ride almost bearable. From the top I could see the gentle glow of the roll: sign on Lane Avenue, beckoning me to get back to work.

The Ox-less Roast happens every year, and the City Of Grandview puts up signs all over the neighborhood as it approaches. It's super fun, and for the parents who get hungry, the Old Bag Of Nails is right across the street! MMMmmmm...fish tacos...

Giant Makes The News...AGAIN!

2010-09-17T10:17:00.001-04:00

The November issue of Mountain Bike Action gives up two pages to “Giant’s Newest Maestro Machines.” “When Giant invited us to check out their new Maestro suspension bikes in Downieville, California,” the rag says, “we knew were in for some amazing riding on some of the sport’s most proven bikes. One week of riding with the Giant Factory Team during the Downieville All-Mountain World Championship event was full of incredible trail riding that was perfect for their Trance X platform.” The article features photos and spec highlights of the Trance X1, Reign 0, Anthem X1, and Anthem X 29er 1. The editor also says: “The remarkable Downieville event was punctuated by Giant team racers Carl Decker and Kelli Emmett winning the pro men’s and women’s All-Mountain World Championship titles by having the best combined time from their cross-country and downhill races. Kelli rode her Trance to victory, while Carl won his championship aboard the prototype Anthem X29er.”

Also in the issue is a photo of Kelli Emmett on her way to winning the Super D title at Nationals in Granby, CO. Lots of nice images that say “Giant” all over the magazine…..

Nic's California Photo Essay

2010-09-14T12:41:00.003-04:00

Nic works at roll: on Lane Avenue, and he recently several days out riding in California. Here are some highlights!

The giant fake permanent sand roller in Santa Monica.

Venice Beach graffiti.

Uhhh..Nic. She's dead, dude. Let it go. There's no smooching dead people on Sunset Blvd.

The ride along P.C.H.

San Francisco Bay Bridge.

The Presidio is below, and Nic is the one uglying up the scenery.

Bass Lake, up in the mountains! I hear they have bass in there.

Alex's Bike & Build Update

2010-09-07T15:17:00.003-04:00

Hey Chris,

I made it to Santa Baraba! We finished the other day, so here's the second installment of my summer with Bike & Build.

Pictures: 1. World's largest windmill collection in Portales, NM. 2. The Toaster House in Pie Town, NM. 3. Red rocks in Sedona. 4. The Grand Canyon. 5. Finishing in Santa Barbara, CA.

Thanks again!
Alex

After Oklahoma came Texas. We only rode through the Panhandle, but from what I saw, just about every stereotype you've ever heard about Texas is true. Everyone wears cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, everyone says y'all, and a woman told my friend Brian that his name wasn't “Texas enough.” He needed a Bob at the end of it: Brian Bob. If anything, Texas was certainly interesting. We passed a lot of feed lots and saw hundreds of thousands of cows, which was honestly pretty disturbing. I was relieved when we hit the Texas-New Mexico border at lunch, and showed up just in time for the annual border town parade between Farwell, Texas and Texico, New Mexico. Of course, we joined in the middle of the parade, behind the floats and in front of the classic cars, and people loved it and were asking us where we had come from. From there we went on to Portales, where we saw the world's largest collection of windmills. From there we went on to Roswell, the UFO capital of the world. The ride there was probably one of the worst: it was incredible hot and windy, and we went 70 miles without passing anything. We stopped for lunch at an abandoned brick building, because there was nothing else. I have never wanted cold water, or water at all, more, than on one of our hardest days through the desert. After that, however, things improved, and New Mexico quickly became our favorite state. The rest of our time there, our rides were filled with beautiful mountains, wild sunflowers, and some incredible descents. Every day I felt bad for the people passing us in cars, because we got to spend all day soaking in what they saw through car windows in two hours. They definitely missed out. Our last day in New Mexico was spent in Pie Town, a small town with nothing else except three pie restaurants and maybe a population of 30 people on the Continental Divide. We stayed in a place called the “Toaster House,” which is a house open to hikers and bikers along the continental divide, were fed a wonderful meal by the community... including pies of course, and camped out and hiked to see a beautiful sunset and sunrise. From there we headed into Arizona, and after a few days riding through the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and then Flagstaff, we reached the Grand Canyon, where we got to spend a day off. We spent our time camping, hiking and exploring the absolutely beautiful canyon. For many of us who had never been before, it was an amazing sight. Descending from the high altitude, the days became hotter and felt a lot longer as we traveled through the Mojave Desert. Leaving Arizona, we spent a night in a small town in Nevada, and made a pit-stop in Las Vegas, which was definitely an interesting way to spend an evening. Not wasting any time, we left bright and early the next day and headed on to our final state: California! We had a long day into Baker, which welcomed us with a temperature of 118ｰ, and prided itself on being the “Gateway to Death Valley.” Needless to say, it was pretty miserable, and after another couple days of riding, we were finally out of the Mojave Desert, and were finally seeing the California we had been dreaming about the entire trip. We rode in to Santa Clarita, where the weather was beautiful and palm trees abounded, and because it was a short day, spent the afternoon at Six Flags, getting our thrills on the rides and having a great time all around. From there we had a lovely ride past orchards the entire day to Santa Paula, and then finally, SANTA BARBARA! The last ride was absolutely beautiful, and after a couple of miles out, we were riding along the coast the rest of the day. It was a wonderful last ride, and couldn't have been any more fun. Riding in to the beach, we were greeted by friends and family, who we sped past so that we could jump off our bicycles and jump into the Pacific. The Pacific Ocean marked the end of an incredible journey, one that is hard to believe is now over, but that I will certainly never forget! I'll miss you, Bike & Build!

Atlanta By Bike.

2010-09-07T10:29:00.007-04:00

I will never, ever, ever ride by a sign like that without stopping. Ever.

Imagine Columbus a bit larger. O.K., a LOT larger, and with about ten different neighborhoods like The Short North, but each one having it's own very distinct identity and flavor. Now link them all together with public greenways and bike paths, and you have Atlanta. Bike culture here runs deep, and the city knows it. Restaurants like Decatur's "Leon's Diner" have ride-up service, and an arugula salad that is not to be missed.

Downtown Decatur has a very prominent Civil War history, and the numerous plaques will tell you all about it.

Atlanta is a music town, and even if you aren't seeing someone play to hundreds in a dimly lit bar, the street performers (called "busking") are great. They will make you stop riding and listen, even if you are late for work.

Everyone in Atlanta rides, and they ride to do everything. The bike paths are hundreds of miles deep here, so driving on a cool and sunny afternoon is not an option.

The Music Room on Edgewood East is a new (but amazing) live local music venue, and it sits below Pizza Vesuvius. This artisinal pizza joint has an indoor, UPSTAIRS bike rack...

...and it is used by everyone who eats here. Located right in downtown, it's a very popular local spot.

We were there for the long weekend for the wife's show, but spent a TON of time cruising the city on bikes when we had the time. Road bikes were everywhere in Norcross, riding out Spalding Avenue by the hundreds Sunday morning.

Riding out to "Little Five Points" is always fun, and the shops, foodie spots and street performers are always crazy.

Fixies and geared bikes alike dotted the bike corrals. No one style dominated the others in Virginia Highlands, where bike clubs would ride for hours to get brunch on a Sunday.

Popular bar "ELMYR" in L5P always has interesting bike culture items inside and out. This place has some of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat.

Rickshaws are as popular in Victoria Highlands as they are in The Short North. They are a great way to move from one neighborhood to another.

Cycling is everywhere here in Atlanta...

...and the artistic community is very busy. Atlanta is still holding on to some of it's Antebellum past, but manages a good bit to look towards the future.

Open spaces can deliver the goods for nature lovers...

and clutches of old barns can hold secrets, like this well preserved vintage Rolls Royce tucked next to artist Sal Brownfield's studio in Norcross.

Just a nine hour drive south along 75, you can drive to a city that loves it's cyclists, both road and mountain (just like Columbus!). Be sure to plan on at least three days of non-travel time to take in all the museums, bars, restaurants, parks and neighborhoods. The fall here is amazing, so get packed!

The Ohio PAWPAW Festival!

2010-08-31T15:20:00.003-04:00

One of our customers grows Pawpaw trees in several states, and is a HUGE fan of this fruit!

September 17-19th marks the return of a great festival, dedicated to a great fruit, both of which you have never heard of. The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is coming, and you should check it out! What is a Pawpaw? It's a fruit that has greater nutritional value than a banana, but is NATIVE to North America. It is a genus of small clustered trees with large leaves and fruit, native to North America. The genus includes the largest edible fruit indigenous to the continent. They are understory trees found in well drained deep fertile bottomland and hilly upland habitat. Pawpaw is in the same family (Annonaceae) as the custard-apple, cherimoya, sweetsop, ylang-ylang and soursop, and it is the only member of that family not confined to the tropics.

Visit http://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ for details!

Fall Has Fallen?

2010-08-27T09:43:00.004-04:00

WOW! What a dramatic shift in the space-time-continuum of Columbus riding weather this week! Monday? Hot and disgusting. Tuesday? Fifty eight degree morning and crisp as an apple. The riding weather is IDEAL right now, and only getting better.

**If the kids can make it, they will be rewarded with a great place to slosh around in the river!
That's great, because you certainly wouldn't want to blow all that awesome hard work you put in for Pelotonia! To that end, we here at roll: on Lane Avenue are starting a Fall tradition. THE SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST RIDE! That's right. Saturday mornings we are going to meet up at 8a.m. at the Lane Avenue roll: location (and maybe even at the Polaris store as well), and ride north to Hills Market for their bike-in breakfast! Sausage, pancakes (with optional fruit added), and coffee all for the super ridiculous price of $5.00. All who have tried it said that the meal is so plentiful, there was no need for seconds.

**Jr. Olympic Gold Medalist Claudia Espinoza will totally race you for pancakes.

What could beat a cool morning ride for sausage, pancakes and coffee? OK, maybe if they threw in some gravy tots, fired chicken and a McRib..or maybe a Turtleburger..but then the price would go WAY up. The new BREAKFAST RIDE from roll: on Lane will begin on Saturday, September the 11th. The ride will vary from the Olentangy Bike Path to UA streets, depending on the comfort level of the riders.
See you there!

Beautiful Disaster; The San Francisquito Canyon Ride.

2010-08-23T12:48:00.006-04:00

**The mountains between L.A. and Palmdale provide epic lessons in riding and history. This is Santa Clarita in the winter.**

I run into a ton of customers here at roll: who make frequent trips for business/family out west. Many of them ask for tips on "secret" places to ride road and mountain. Last week I had the chance to send a customer through one of the most amazing rides
in the greater Los Angeles area...but not just because of the elevation or scenery. The ride has a tragic history as well...but you'd have to know where to look to see it. San Francisquito Canyon in Valencia is a place few Angelinos have ever seen, and fewer know what happened here on March 3rd, 1928.

The L.A. rivers actually only produce enough annual water from the local mountains to provide for about a thousand people year round. Yeah..that's right..a thousand. Despite the parks, fountains, and Bentley's, Southern California is mostly desert. We get more rain on a Columbus afternoon in August than they get all year. Solution? William Mulholland. This once great hero of Angelinos brought water from the Central Valley (totally stolen) via aqueducts and pumps, dams and flood catch basins all the way in through "The Grapevine" to L.A. One such reservoir and dam was constructed in what was (up until a few years ago) still a very rural Spanish Land Grant farming community.

San Francisquito Canyon was chosen as a great site for the construction of a dam. It's a VERY narrow slot canyon, and ran a direct line into the West Side to provide much needed water. The engineers however had a problem. The dam's south side was anchored to less-than-ideal sedimentary rock...and the dam was to hold a ridiculous amount of acre-feet of water (12 billion gallons!). Well, it broke. At midnight. William Mulholland received a phone call from the dam's superintendant warning of a crack in the dam wall, and he said "it'll be fine." Hero to zero in about two seconds flat.

The mighty dam burst, and a ten story tall wall of water flushed the canyon, and it's inhabitants all the way out to the beach in Ventura. It swept every town clean from Santa Clarita to Fillmore, Piru to Valencia. No one will ever know how many perished that night, but rough estimates are at about 500. Bodies would continue to be found as far south as Mexico in the ocean for weeks after. This would be the end for the once great William M. Slowly being driven mad by the hatred cast upon him for not emptying the reservoir and saving lives, he would die all but penniless and alone.

Riding up the canyon's narrow two lane road, you are hemmed in to an ever-narrowing pair of canyon walls, and climbing steadily. the climb stays fairly reasonable as you begin to pass Pump House #2...huge 20' diameter pipes still pumping water down to the L.A. basin. This place was swept clean on the night of the dam break, but rebuilt later. You continue up, and right when the canyon couldn't seem to get any thinner, you see these HUGE white "marbles" about 40' around. Most ride right on by, completely unaware that those "marbles" were once part of a mighty dam. When it blew, it send concrete flying so forcefully, it turned it all back into powder-like dust. As the water re-mixed with it, it began to snowball down the canyon and roll into enormous spheres. As the water receded, the marbles slowed to s atop and have rested there for decades.

**The Ruiz family cemetery plot, made full by the dam break.**

Just past this point, you see what could be an old road, gradually increasing in elevation, then seemingly crossing in front of you. Then it just disappears. You ride along the road, and go around this escarpment and continue on to the more climby and scenic portion of this ride. You just rolled right past the remains of the dam, riding along the road on the side where it gave out that fateful night. If you were to dismount, and take a short walk up the unmarked and often overgrown path, you would reach the top of the dam. Tangled re-bar and bits of rusted ornamental iron where the gangway used to be are littered everywhere. Once on the top, you can see it all laid out before you. After eighty two years, you can still make out the old water-line in the surrounding valley where the billions of gallons of liquid once sat calmy in it's comfy confines. below the dam, devastation.

As you continue on, you climb like a goat on espresso. Starting the ride at almost sea level in Piru, and now ascending to a lofty several-thousand-feet, the final pitch past the town of Green Valley is brutal. Down the back side you go, making a right onto Elizabeth Lake Rd. It's a downhill cruise for several miles until you make another right turn onto Bouquet Canyon Road.
Climbing again up and over the back side of the mountain, you have a short descent to the blue waters of Bouquet canyon reservoir. A short climb, then downhill for so many miles on this narrow two lane canyon pass, it's just unnatural.

**The Bouquet Canyon aqueduct, looking out over the Santa Clarita Valley.**
You are so close to the stream at times you feel like if you lean the bike over any harder, you'd get wet. Finally arriving back in Valencia at the corner of Bouquet canyon and Newhall Ranch Road, you make another right and head west back into Piru. This one is epic, and the total mileage is about 90. the climbing and death-to-legs factor is much worse than you could imagine, but take a camera (or a helmet cam for the downhill) and lots of food and water.

Mohican 100 video!

2010-08-22T22:45:00.001-04:00

Wait for it, it gets better!

(VeloEpic.com) 2010 Mohican 100 mountain bike race from VeloEpic on Vimeo.

Numero Uno!

2010-08-19T12:07:00.004-04:00

It's official! The Other paper's "This, That and The Other" reader poll found out what we already kinda knew..roll: is the BEST BIKE SHOP IN TOWN. That's not US boasting, that's the fine folks here in Cbus who took time out of their day to vote for us. Thanks to everyone who did so...now let's go celebrate!

Teddy Herrera Rides To End Childhood Obesity

2010-08-13T11:12:00.004-04:00

I was checking e-mails and facebook notes last week when I saw a message pop up. It was Columbus FitClique friend and roll: store customer Greg Holmes,

**Here's Greg, being all fit and stuff. He's lifting enough weights to equal the gravy that was poured on to my DK Diner breakfast this morning.
and he needed some help. It seems that a guy who I had actually been alerted to back in California was soon to be in Columbus, and was in need of some bike love. Teddy Herrera has been on his bike for a long time now. He departed Saturday, June 5th, 2010, from Elk Grove, CA embarking on an 11,000 mile bicycle ride around our great nation to raise awareness about childhood obesity. That's where the FitClique came in!

The FitClique and roll: bikes also partner with Followmekids.org, which directly works to fight childhood obesity as well...thanks largely due to the efforts of Laura Miller and her staff. After riding through the Rockies, the plains, and miles of endless cornfields (even stopping at the Cub's home turf, and throwing out the first pitch at a Clippers game Wednesday), Teddy's bike was shagged.

Greg asked if we could help, and OF COURSE we can help! We scheduled a sweet tune up for his bike at the Easton store, installed a new chain, and sent him back out to complete his mission.

Teddy has been to the top of Loveland Pass (killer road ride), out to Wrigley Field, and everywhere in between. Check his facebook page for updates and photos, and keep in mind that roll: bikes was an integral part of keeping him roll:ing!

Keep up the good work Teddy, and we'll keep checking up on your progress....

Giant Bikes As far The Eye Can See...

2010-08-09T12:07:00.002-04:00

..or maybe at least as far as the stage is wide! This pic was just taken of the Huntington Bank crew (ALL on Giant bikes from roll:) doing a little press junket. Great variety of bikes, from Defy and Avails, to Rapids and dashes..and even a Seek1 thrown in for good measure!

OSU Sports Med Training Seminar Tomorrow!

2010-08-06T10:25:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow roll: on Lane Avenue will be hosting another great Pelotonia seminar with the fine folks at the OSU Medical Center! The event will end with a ride up to roll: on Lane Avenue for some follow up fits...and maybe a milkshake at Graeter's...I'm just sayin'!

M.C. Spandex Rocks The Mic.

2010-08-05T22:38:00.001-04:00

Live T.V. Spot On Channel 10!

2010-08-03T12:30:00.001-04:00

This was shot inside the ONN studios a couple of weeks ago, thanks to Angela An, A.J. Smith and Stuart Hunter! The bags under the eyes are indicative of the four hours of sleep I had prior to the live feed. Super fun, hope we get to go back!

Jakob's Race Report!

2010-08-03T11:59:00.003-04:00

Hey Chris,

Thanks for offering to get Jakob’s race victory Saturday’s Westerville Criterium up on your dressing room wall, as well as on the roll: blog. That’s very cool of you, my man! Here are a couple more from the top step of the podium from last weeks’ Alum Creek OMBC race as well as yesterdays OMBC LakeHope. If you ever want to add a junior team to your roster, I’ve got a candidate for you!

Take care,

Trent Lundberg
Guru Graphix, LLC
7457 Oakmeadows Drive
Columbus, OH43085
P-614-395-9604
F-614-543-9417
www.gurugraphix.net

The Odyssey Of Alex.

2010-08-01T12:05:00.005-04:00

***Hi Chris,

It's Alex, the girl biking across the country this summer who you helped out at Roll. I said I'd send you some updates, so I'm sorry this is a little late, but I'll try to get you a couple soon. The first photo is of the group starting our ride from the Atlantic Ocean. The second is a stop in the mountains in Pennsylvania. The third is at a Habitat for Humanity build site. The last one is us celebrating as we cross into a new state. Feel free to use none or all of them. Hope this is useful!

Alex Naegele
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some background information: My name is Alex Naegele, and I just graduated from Ohio State this past June. This summer, I’m biking across the country from Boston to Santa Barbara with an organization called Bike & Build to raise money and awareness for affordable housing.

The trip started out of Boston on June 20th. Then, a group of 32 strangers, we spent our first night, as well as the majority of our nights since, staying on the floor of a church, with our sleeping bags and luggage strewn around the building. A normal day begins with a 5 am wakeup, and we try to get out the door by 6:30 so we can beat the heat. We ride on average 75 miles each day, though they’ve ranged from 50 to 102 so far. We spend the day riding in small groups, sometimes talking and playing games and taking our time, and sometimes pacelining when the wind is strong or we don’t want to waste time. The first couple of days started out slowly, and we increased our mileage each day as we rode through Massachusetts. Coming from the flatness of central Ohio, the Appalachians kicked my butt, to say it politely. But now that we’ve been riding through the plains for a while, I’ll admit that I do miss the rush of flying down the mountains at forty-something mph, descending in minutes what took the good part of an hour to climb.
The mountains continued throughout all of Pennsylvania, and we finally got our first day off in Pittsburgh. We explored the city, saw the Pirates play the Phillies, and enjoyed the fireworks after the game, which served as our Fourth of July celebration, since there was nothing exciting happening in the small town we rode to that day, though we celebrated on our own with a patriotic-themed bike decorating contest. We continued on throughout the familiar scenery of the Midwest through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, riding past field after field and not much else. From there we rode into St. Louis, where we went to the arch, climbed and played in the City Museum, and ended the day seeing a bluegrass band play at the botanical gardens. We spent the next day building in the city, and it was one of the ten “build days” we have throughout the trip. In various cities, some big and some small, we spend the day building most often with Habitat for Humanity, but sometimes we work with smaller local affordable housing organizations. Either way, it is amazing to see what a large group of enthusiastic young adults can accomplish in a single day, and it’s always interesting to learn about the different plans and projects each organization has planned in their city. Both of the nights we were in St. Louis, we had dinner provided by the families of two guys on the trip, and it’s been so fun meeting the families, relatives, and friends of the riders as we make our way across the country. Most of the time our dinners are provided by the churches that host us, and it is so amazing how generous and welcoming everyone is. Everywhere we go, we are graciously welcomed, and it’s been great to meet and talk with people from across the country. We came across some hills again as we went through the Ozarks, and even spent one night going to the county fair, complete with rides, a tractor pull, and a livestock show. Missouri was hot and humid, with every day in the high 90s and what I’m pretty sure was 100% humidity. The rides became much more bearable as we rode into Oklahoma and the humidity dropped, and we started seeing armadillos on the side of the road instead of squirrels. We spent a day in Tulsa, and hit our half way mark of 1882 miles in Chandler, Oklahoma. Through OK, we’ve spent a good portion biking along Route 66,

*Historic Route 66 near Oatman, California.
and it’s been fun stopping at all of the goofy roadside attractions, like the giant blue whale, and small museums along the way, and I look forward to what’s ahead in Texas and the Southwest!

*Mmmmm...his name is "Patty." :)

Stuart Hunter And roll: Bikes in (614) Magazine!

2010-07-31T17:48:00.004-04:00

(Portion of the article taken from the current issue of (614) Magazine!)

Stuart Hunter is the founder of roll: a specialty bicycle shop with locations at Easton, Lane Avenue and Polaris. They are sponsoring cancer patient and Pelotonia rider Alex Kip in this year's race after he contacted them last year.

"He told us his story and of his commitment to ride in the event. It seemed like a great opportunity to help someone who is not only riding but is also personally touched by the cause, so we jumped at the chance," said Hunter.

Hunter said while his own "team roll" will feature about a dozen, they are committed to support all pelotons on the road. Roll contributes 10 percent of any money Pelotonia riders spend in their stores back to the race, with more than $30,000 going into last year's race.

Hunter is clearly moved by the enthusiasm Columbus has for Pelotonia, calling it "absolutely phenomenal."

"Seeing the number of people who sat at the end of their driveways and out in their yards along the entire length of the route last year, with signs of support, and thanks, and photographs of friends and family they've lost, or who have won their battle, it was so amazing," he said. "To see that very human connection between what we are doing and the people we are trying to help is such a rewarding experience."

Kip and his friend Erin Scott will ride with the team roll peloton for the 43-mile leg of the race from Columbus to Amanda, Ohio, in spite of the fact Alex is currently undergoing chemo at The James, his fourth round of six treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"I'm riding in Pelotonia for all the other patients who can't," he said.

Pelotonia happens to fall on the weekend of Kip's birthday, and these two friends have found a special way to celebrate his life and fight this disease through their involvement in the race.

Calling All Dirty Girls

2010-07-30T15:06:00.002-04:00

Calling all Dirty Girls ...

A new date is set for the GIRLS RULE ride, Sunday, August 22, 11:00
at MoMBA. No agenda, just pack a lunch and come ride. Beginners and/
or first time on MTB will be paired with an experienced rider, if
desired. We can ride as a group, by skill level, or come and go as
you choose. The KENDA social tent will be set up and Diana and PJ
will have coolers with extra water bottles. There are changing rooms
and portajohns at the trailhead.

Tell your friends and help spread the word! :D Let's make it a real
"dirty girls" ride!! 8)

Need directions: http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/Huffman/MoMBA.aspx

See you there!!!!

Tabby

P.S. Check back here Sunday morning around 9:00 to see if weather
messes up our plans. We will only post if we must postpone. There
will also be posting and updates at MVMBA Facebook page.

GIANT Riders Dominate Downieville

2010-07-28T14:10:00.002-04:00

Decker, Emmett crowned All Mountain Champs

Giant put on a show of force at the July 10-11 Downieville Classic, a popular mountain bike festival in California featuring the unofficial “All Mountain World Championship,” a two-day stage race combining a grueling 27-mile cross-country and a 17-mile downhill race.

Factory Off-Road Team riders Carl Decker and Kelli Emmett each walked away with the top prize, the All-Mountain World Championship title. Adding to the success, Rabobank-Giant rider Adam Craig finished second overall to Decker, proving his form has returned after missing the early part of the season with a knee injury.

Downieville’s All Mountain competition is seen as the ultimate measuring stick for off-road racers and their equipment. Riders must choose one bike for both events. With more than 4000 feet of climbing on day one and nearly 5500 feet of rough, technical descending on day two, success requires a truly capable all-around trail bike.

As usual, Downieville sold out its entries, and more than 600 racers lined up for Saturday’s 27-mile cross-country race. Decker, who chose the 2011 Anthem X 29er—the all-new Maestro full-suspension XC bike with 29-inch wheels—attacked early and rode off the front the entire way to set a new course record.

“I pre-rode the course and I was pretty certain I’d have a trick up my sleeve with the Anthem X 29er,” Decker said. “It’s an old-school course with one big climb for about an hour and then a rowdy descent. I was feeling good so I went hard from the start—I figured I’d need at least a three-minute advantage over Adam at the top; he was riding the Trance X Advanced SL with more travel so I knew he’d be flying on the descent.”

Decker powered to the top alone and held on to win the XC by nearly six minutes. Craig, the defending All Mountain World Champion, finished second to his Giant teammate on day one.

Carrying a comfortable lead into Sunday’s 17-mile downhill, Decker knew the riders who chose bigger bikes with more suspension would have an advantage, but he said the Anthem X 29er’s larger wheels and stable ride characteristics gave him confidence in the rough, rocky, high-speed descent. “It carves through high-speed turns better than any bike I’ve ever ridden,” he said.

Despite crashing once, Decker finished well within his margin and took the overall victory. Craig put in the third-best DH time on his Trance X Advanced SL, which put him second overall in the All-Mountain competition.

Emmett also chose the Trance X Advanced SL for the women’s All Mountain competition. Like Decker, she built up a lead with a dominant victory in the XC event, and then held her advantage in the downhill. In the end, Emmett edged out downhill stage winner Katerina Nash by 24 seconds overall.

Amazing Finishes By Giant Racers!

2010-07-28T14:01:00.004-04:00

Here's a quick recap of recent GIANT finishes!

Gesink 6th, giving Rabo two top-10s

A brilliant time trial effort in the penultimate stage of the Tour de France lifted Rabobank team leader Denis Menchov onto the final podium in Paris. Joining the Russian near the top of the final standings was teammate Robert Geskink in sixth, making Rabobank the only team to land two top-10 overall finishers.

Menchov and Gesink formed a powerful one-two punch for Rabobank as they endured the Tour’s many challenges including early cobblestone stages in The Netherlands and Belgium, the high peaks of The Alps and Pyrénées, and finally, a tough Stage 19 time trial made even more difficult by strong winds.

The 52-kilometer TT from Bordeaux to Pauillac was especially daunting for the top General Classification riders who started late in the day with crosswinds and headwinds at their highest. Menchov, riding his Giant Trinity Advanced SL TT bike, proved strongest of the top GC men, finishing more than two minutes faster than Spanish rider Samuel Sanchez, who had started the day third overall.

That effort was enough to move Menchov into third overall and earn him his first-ever podium finish at the Tour de France. Afterward, the 32-year-old Russian said he had ridden the best time trial of his life.

Menchov, who won the Giro d’Italia last year and has two wins at the Vuelta a España, is now one of the select riders in the sport to have appeared on the podium in all three grand tours.

Menchov’s teammate Gesink lived up to the challenge of protecting his sixth-place standing during the final time trial. He had earned his high placing with masterful rides in the mountains but said the final TT was his toughest challenge.

“I’ve never been in as much pain in my life,” Gesink told Cyclingnews.com. “I’m super satisfied and super proud with my sixth place. It’s my third grand tour and—looking back—my first full Tour de France.”

In the end, a solid all-around team effort earned the Rabobank squad third place in the team standings. Rabobank was also represented in the final stage in Paris with a fifth-place finish by sprinter Oscar Freire.

Podium finishes for Emmett, Craig, Beckingsale

Riders from the Giant Factory Off-Road Team and the Rabobank-Giant Off-Road Team rode to several podium appearances at this past weekend’s various MTB National Championship events around the world.

In the U.S., Factory Team rider Kelli Emmett led the way by winning her second National Championship in Super D. Racing in her home state of Colorado—where the U.S MTB Nationals were held at Sol Vista ski resort in Granby—Emmett scored a convincing win on her Giant Trance X Advanced SL bike. The course, lengthy by Super D standards, challenged racers with one tough climb followed by fast singletrack descending.

“The climb separated us pretty well this year,” Emmett told Cyclingnews.com after her win. “I was able to get around and away there, which was my strategy.”

Emmett’s fellow American racer Adam Craig, representing the Rabobank-Giant Off-Road Team, also made it to the podium in Colorado, scoring a bronze medal in the Short Track XC. Craig, who has been building his form after missing the first half of the season due to knee surgery, surged ahead in the final lap, moving up to finish third on his Anthem X Advanced SL.

Craig said his comeback is right on track and he’s looking forward to returning to Europe for the next group of World Cup races, starting this coming weekend in Switzerland.

Across the Atlantic in Great Britain, Factory Off-Road rider Oli Beckingsale rode to a silver medal in the British XC National Championships in Pippingford. Beckingsale was in a tight battle with his rival and fellow British Olympian Liam Killeen until a broken chain brought his medal hopes to a halt. Beckingsale still managed to stay in the race, and despite losing close to 5 minutes, he made the repair and passed more than a dozen riders to finish second.

KID'S BIKE TRADE UP PROGRAM!

2010-07-27T15:42:00.003-04:00

*Our goal is to help every child enjoy a safe and quality bicycle while still making it affordable for families as they grow. So, when you buy any new kids or youth bicycle (24" wheel or less) at roll: we'll give you back 50% of the original purchase price, in trade, when you're ready to buy the next bike size up. Simple as that. And while the program might be a brand new, we're also making it retro, with the same trade up value for eligible children's bicycles bought from us in the past. So what are you waiting for? :get on your bike!

Here's the details: The roll: kids bike trade up is good up to two years after the original bike purchase from any roll: store and is valid for trade-in for a larger wheel bicycle only. Just bring the original roll: sales receipt and your child's bike in reasonable, ridable condition, and we'll take care of the rest. We apologize that we are not able to offer credits against new bicycles that have already been purchased. Ask any associate for more details.

As well as getting something back, roll: customers also get the satisfaction of knowing they are giving something back. Traded bicycles go towards supporting our roll:model program and local area charities that work to provide youth development and advancement through bicycles. We thank you for your support!

WOW! The Felt DA TT Bike From Polaris!

2010-07-24T10:11:00.003-04:00

O.K., so while we do a pretty amazing amount of high-end custom builds through our stores, this one is new to us as a recent FELT dealer. It's the DA, and it's ridiculous! Dura Ace drive train, ZIPP wheels, Bayonnet steering system, everything good all at once. Cost? It closed out at about $10,000.00! That is one sexy bike....

"Starry, Starry Nite" Night Ride!

2010-07-23T10:19:00.003-04:00

**van Gogh's "Starry Night."

**Tookie pictured here at the 24 Hrs Of Burn, in NC.

Come out on Saturday July 31st and join the MVMBA for the Starry, Starry Nite ride and stargaze with the Miami Valley Astronomical Society! 6:30p.m. at John Bryan State Park, everyone is set to meet at the gazebo. THIS IS A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE, so please have lights fully charged and be ready to ride. Beginners are welcomed, and this ride has a "no riders left behind" policy as well, so there will be a "sweeper." Yay! Night Rides!