Monday, November 15, 2010

2011 RAGBRAI-XXXIX

Registration opened today, Monday 15 November, 2010 for the 2011 (Des Moines) egisters Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI-XXXIX) and will remain open until 15 February, 2011 for manual (i.e., paper/non-electronic) applications and 1 April for electronic/on-line applications. Entire week long riders will be limited to 8,500 with an additional 1,500 single day riders (per each day of the ride). You can enter as an individual, a group or individual searching for a group by checking out their web-site at: http://ragbrai.com/ and clicking on Registration. Due to the popularity of this ride final selection (of all groups/riders) will be by Lottery and though chances of getting in are well above average, but it JUST wouldn't hurt to be pre-register (on-line), have waivers signed and turned in to the Des Moines Register and have all final(refundable) payments made early.

The route for 2011 will be annouced on January 29, 2011. If you look at all the previous rides, you can expect the 2011 route to be around 500 miles with averages of 50-65 miles per day (...and one or two days being so close to a full blown Century it is scary).

The event itself will take place starting 22 July, 2011 starting somewhere on the East side of the state (on the Missouri or Sioux Rivers)through 30 July, 2011 and ending somewhere on the West side of the state (on the Mississippi River). In between is an entire state full of some of the most friendly and hospitable people that you will ever meet in your life (...go to the website and read up on all the "chuch lady pies" and pit cooked BBQ sandwiches).

This is intended to be a fun RIDE and not a RACE (...I've heard rumor that Lance Armstrong wannabe's MAY make it to the beer trucks in the overnight town long before anyone else but that doesn't automatically guarantee them ALL of the "chuch lady pie").

I will know if the 2-3 people who are still undecided if they are going to ride in our group in a week or two. There is a POSSIBILITY that we may have a couple of openings in our group (I am originally from Iowa and riding with some folks I graduated HS in NW Iowa with). Regardless, I will be in my RV as a SAG wagon (provided WE get drawn in the Lottery) and will be happy to haul some gear and spare parts for anybody else who wants to ride but will not have a support vehicle. There is transportation provided to haul all your stuff but as you can image with 10,000 riders...chances of you AND your gear being at the same place at the same time COULD be a bit on the risky side.

Ride Safe

B.A. Lindstrom
Lime River Farms
Norwood, Louisiana

Starting at the Missouri or Sioux Rivers on the WEST side of the state...ending at Mississippi River on the EAST side of the the state...OOPS!!!...my bad.

Bike Ped Public Input Session, 6 PM Wednesday 17 November at Independence Park Tennis Center

Reminder:

You are invited to the bicycle and pedestrian safety public education campaign Public input session. We need your input to formulate a campaign to inform not just cyclists and pedestrians, but the motorists with whom we share the roads with radio, TV, billboards, or whatever media is required.

We need your reaction on the proposals, as well as input on areas of most concern to you, to change the campaign to what is most important to you.

The session will be Wednesday evening 17 November starting at 6 PM in Room 137 at the BREC Independence Park Tennis Recreation and Fitness Center. The center is located at the corner of Independence Boulevard (Government St.) and Lobdell, next to the fire station.

There will be a brief introduction followed by facilitated table discussions and a questionnaire to share your ideas.

I look forward to seeing your there! Reply to blwickert@cox.net if you need directions, or consult the BREC website http://www.brec.org

Bruce
225.963.8616

Monday, October 25, 2010

The completed LAMRT Feasibility Study will be presented at the October CRPC Transportation Policy Committee meeting

The completed LAMRT Feasibility Study will be presented at the October CRPC Transportation Policy Committee meeting, and you are welcome to attend this public meeting.

Eric Poche, of the SJB Group (one of the authors) will present the completed study at the meeting 1:30 PM Tuesday October 26 at the Bluebonnet Library.

The study describes trail benefits, trail dimensions and amenities, cost estimate, and logical pieces for implementation. When all phases are complete, the trail will run between Audubon Park in New Orleans and Downtown Baton Rouge. The study was jointly funded by the US Corps of Engineers and Parish governments along the way (East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Charles)

Parish Presidents from the Baton Rouge MPO (including trail participants East Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Ascension parishes) are expected to be at the meeting to receive the document.

This is another milestone towards in improving livability in our communities.

Bruce

Friday, October 22, 2010

National Anthem at the Super Bowl

Super Bowl

Tired of all those "recording stars" singing the national anthem? Here's what our military can do.
If this doesn't put a lump in your throat, and fill your heart with PRIDE, you need to move to another country.


CLICK HERE: And this my friends is the way it should be sung.........
with no"artistic interpretation"

WOW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE

The big deal about 29er bicycles

Hello All,
Please click on the link below. The KHS Tucson is the 4th bike in the review.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-gear-big-wheels-20101018,0,4702391.column

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Track is Back!

The wait is over!!!!!!

Come out to the Velodrome in Baton Rouge Saturday!

Whether you've never ridden on the track or are a regular at Nationals, our beginner and advanced clinics are designed to make you a better racer on the track and a stronger racer on the road.

Coming all the way from Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta, GA, professional road and track racer Tim Henry will be on hand to teach you the skills you need to dominate the track.

Topics will include:

Getting familiar with the track
De-mystification of fixed gear
The perfect Time Trial
Winning tactics for Match Sprints
How to read and dominate a group race

And more!

There will also be an opportunity to apply what you've learned in practice race situations all afternoon.

Lunch will be provided by Extreme Pita and the first 50 registered will receive a custom Bondi Band sweat band.

Plus, there will be door prizes courtesy of Road ID, Cannondale, and Pedal Play Bikes.

For more information, check out http://www.teamgeauxrace.com/events.htm

Or register online at:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=11757

See you on the track!

Chris Clark
Team Geaux Race

Velodrome Clinic's This Saturday!

Sounds too good to be true?

Come out to the Velodrome Saturday!

Beginner clinics are perfect for anyone who wants to have the security of riding without worrying about cars.

Topics will include:

Getting familiar with the track
Riding on the banking
Riding around others
Riding in pace lines
Things to watch for when riding a road bike on the track
De-mystification of fixed gear

And more!

Lunch will be provided by Extreme Pita and the first 50 registered will receive a custom Bondi Band sweat band.

Plus, there will be door prizes courtesy of Road ID, Cannondale, and Pedal Play Bikes.

For more information, check out http://www.teamgeauxrace.com/events.htm

Or register online at:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=11757

See you on the track!

Chris Clark
Team Geaux Race

Levee Path Phase 2 Groundbreaking

Please join us for the Levee Path Phase 2 Groundbreaking. Details below:

What: Levee Path Phase 2 Groundbreaking
Where: Vet Med Trailhead, Skip Bertman Drive @ River Road
When: Thursday, October 14th, ceremony begins 10 AM, try to arrive by 9.45 AM
Why: Demonstrating support for this effort and encouraging continuing pavement south to the Parish line

We plan to have a group ride as well:

What: Group ride to Groundbreaking
Where: Gather @ LSU Tower
When: Thursday, October 14th, gather 9.15 - 9.30, leave for Ceremony, 9.35 AM
Why: Group rides are fun! And, it will make an impression seeing a group of riders approaching from the east on Skip Bertman

We are waiting for word from the Mayor's Office regarding a short (1/2 hour) coffee klatch following the ceremony at a downtown coffee shop to chat about the current state of bicycle plans for the city-parish. More word on that as it develops.

See you tomorrow morning!

--
Mark E. Martin
Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets
BRASS
PO Box 19403
Baton Rouge LA 70893-0403
www.brsafestreets.org
markemartin@brsafestreets.org
225.892.3059

Join B.R.A.S.S.!
http://www.brsafestreets.org/joinbrass

Monday, October 04, 2010

Short Clip of Shimano vs Sram

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-B4jzp8AqA&feature=related

Zac

BRBC Fall Century October 10th, 2010

Pre-register for the BRBC Fall Century and receive one free Blinky 7 back red light.

Baton Rouge Bicycle Club Fall Century

When: Sunday, October 10th, 2010
Where: Centenary College, Jackson, LA

Join the BRBC for a ride through the rolling terrain of the East and West Feliciana parishes. Included in the fee are tours of Rosedown Plantation and the Oakley House at Audubon State Historic Site. There will be SAG stops at these locations along the route.

BRBC will provide to participants: lunch (11:00am til 3:30 pm), full SAG support, maps, road markings, rest stops with restroom facilities, water, snacks, and sports drinks. All pre-registered riders will receive one free Blinky 7 back red light for their bike. Free one-year membership in the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club is included with participation.

Click here to see the routes

Ride lengths are 33, 52, 63, and 100 miles. Registration the day of the event opens at 6:45 am. Departure time for the routes is 7:30 am for the 100 mile, and 8:00 am for the 33, 52, and 63 routes.

Online registration on www.active.com, for mail-in registration click here.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Join the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club Saturday (9/4/2010) for a beginner's bicycle ride.

Please pass this along to your friends.

Join the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club Saturday (9/4/2010) for a beginner's bicycle ride.This Saturday's ride will be combined with a SERF ride. SERF means Short, Easy, Relaxing, Fun rides for anyone or any age on any bike. Ride as a group with no one left behind. The pace varies from 8-12 mph . Distance varies by capability.

The ride begins at 9:00 am at Webb Memorial Park's parking lot at the corner of Broussard and Country Club Drive.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Here is a summary of the upcoming Sept/Oct organized and supported rides available in the area. If the table and/or links do not work from this email, then check it out from the club website www.batonrougebikeclub.com Thanks!

Saturday, September 18 Tour De Tangipahoa. Hammond, LA. 30 and 60 mile routes. kiwanis.i-55.com
Saturday, September 25 Big Dam Bridge 100, Little Rock Arkansas. 16, 30, 50, 68, and 100 mile routes. www.bigdambridge.org
Sunday, September 26 Cresent City Cyclists (CCC) Century, Franklinton, LA. 27, 52, 64, and 101 mile routes. www.cresentcitycyclists.org
Saturday/Sunday, October 2,3 MS 150, Hammond, LA to McComb, MS and back. Bikelam.nationalmssociety.org
Saturday, October 9 One Can Make a Difference Charity Ride. Prairieville, LA. 4.5 mile family ride and 34 mile. www.active.com
Sunday, October 10 Baton Rouge Bicycle Club Fall Century. Details will be available soon.
Saturday, October 23 15th Annual Parrot Head Club Bike Ride for Our Environment, West Feliciana Parish. 19 and 27 mile routes. Information Flyer, Registration Form www.brphc.org

Final results of the Meridian-Cuba Challenge

Final results of the Meridian-Cuba Challenge are available on the LAMBRA website:
http://www.lambra.org/results/2010/meridian_cuba_2010_r.htm

- Randy.
______________________________________
Randall Legeai
President, Louisiana-Mississippi Bicycle Racing Assn.
504-228-5891
http://www.lambra.org/

Help fight hunger in Ascension Parish!

Help fight hunger in Ascension Parish!

"One person can make a difference and every person should try." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

On October 9th, friends, family and Fusion Health and Fitness in Prairieville will team up to help fight hunger in Ascension Parish by hosting the ONE CAN Make a Difference Charity Ride. The goal of this ride is to donate canned goods and raise money through rider fees to give to the food pantry at the Fellowship Center in Gonzales.

Please join us for a day of "giving" to our community, fun fellowship with family and friends and great cycling. 100% of your entry fee will go towards purchasing food for the Fellowship Center located in Gonzales.

RIDE INFORMATION
Event Cost: $25 per rider. Kids are free if they bring 10 cans of nonperishable food items each! Additionally, for every 10 cans donated, riders will be included in a drawing for special prizes. Special prizes donated by 1 Can sponsors!

Route Information: 4.5 mile Family Ride or 34 mile ride--River Road with pit stop turn around at Bocage Plantation

Event Location: Route begins/ends at Fusion Health and Fitness, Prairieville, LA
™@
EVENT DETAILS
6:00- 7:00 a.m.: Volunteer Check-in & Sponsor Tent Set up
8:00-9:00 a.m.: Rider Check-in and Packet Pick Up
9:00 a.m.: Invocation and Ride Start
8:00-2:00 p.m.: Ride and Tent Fair (Free Jambalaya for Riders and Volunteers)
2:00 p.m.: Route Closes

Register for Ride @ www.active.com. Sign up today! Search 1 Can Ride on active.com.

Sign up, Volunteer and/or become a Sponsor! For more information, please contact Emily Smith at hoggemily@hotmail.com

Cyclist gets Article in Local Paper

http://www.mcherald.com/article/D6/20100821/NEWS/8210310

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Contact Your Senator Today to Vote Yes on Complete Streets

AARP, co-sponsor of bills HB 1137 and HB 1125, Says

Contact Your Senator Today to Vote Yes on Complete Streets

Louisiana needs streets designed to be safe and convenient for travel by automobile, foot, bicycle, and transit, regardless of age or ability. As Louisiana's population ages, Complete Streets planning presents an opportunity to increase the safety and availability of older adults' travel options. Complete Streets initiatives encourage local, regional, and state planning agencies to change policies, procedures, and laws so that non-auto forms of travel become a routine part of project development. As this happens across Louisiana, we will see neighborhoods and communities, towns and cities connected once again.

HB 1137 supporting legislation to proposed Complete Streets policies in the Department of Transportation and Development

HB 1125 authorizes "Share the Road" specialty license tag

Find out who your senator is and how to contact him or her by clicking on the link below.

http://senate.legis.state.la.us/senators/ByAddress.htm

--
Mark E. Martin
Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets
BRASS
PO Box 19403
Baton Rouge LA 70893-0403
www.brsafestreets.org
markemartin@brsafestreets.org
225.892.3059

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Monday, May 24, 2010

Baton Rouge Bike Club Century

Please join the Baton Rouge Bike Club next Sunday, May 30th, at the West Feliciana Sports Park for our annual Spring Century! Register online at Active.com (no active.com fees will apply) or by mail.

Or, join the West Feliciana Classic Stage Race on Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30. Register online at Active.com (no active.com fees will apply). See www.westfelclassic.org for more details.

There will be plenty of free beer, food, drinks, and entertainment at the Sports Park to enjoy after the ride!!

What: Baton Rouge Bike Club Century
When: Sunday, May 30th
Where: West Feliciana Sports Park, just north of St. Francisville, La.

This year the BRBC Spring Century will be part of the West Feliciana Memorial Weekend Classic. The ride will include four routes: 100 miles departing at 7:30am, 50 and 61 miles both departing at 8:00am, and a family route of 21 miles departing at 9:00am. All routes will start at the West Feliciana Sports Park, take the riders through the beautiful rolling hills of West Feliciana Parish, past live oaks and plantations, and then back to the Sports Park.

Included with the ride are: rest stops with snacks, water, sport drinks, and toilet facilities; route maps; route markings; pre-ride announcements; t-shirts; and participation in the West Feliciana Classic Festival events. A roving support van will be available to support tired bikes and riders. With participation, the rider will also receive a one year membership in the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club.

Fee is $25 for early registration, $30 after May 28th. Registration the day of the ride will open at 6:30 am.
Mail-in registration forms are here. Online registration on Active.com (No active fees will apply!)

For more information, go to www.batonrougebikeclub.com , or www.westfelclassic.org

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Monday, May 17, 2010

According to the official report filed by the State Police, Mr. Hahn gave a statement in which he said he was dirving south on River Road: "eating a breakfast sandwich from McDonald's when he struck a bicyclist riding south on River Road in the southbound lane."

So much for the unavoidable accident claim by his attorney. After hitting Mike, Hahn didn't stop, drove away from the scene and went to work. The judge set bond at FIFTEEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!! Thats right, $10, 000 for running Mike down, $5,000 for leaving the scene and $100 each for the traffic charges. Judge Johnson set the bond which I am sure was posted before Hahn spent any time in jail.

We have to make ouselves heard about this. If we don't then you can be sure that Hahn won't spend anytime in jail. Its up to us to let the District Attorney and the Judge know that enough is enough. This man needs to be convicted and go to jail as an example to other criminally negligent drivers.

I also want to remind all of you about the Colin Goodier Memorial Ride on Saturday, June 19, starting at 8:00 from Pharr Park. We need to turn out in big numbers to make our voices heard.
Looks like Hahn will be the first person in the state to be charged with breaking the "3-foot law" (the Colin Goodier act). This law is to protect everyone not in a motorized vehicle who is standing, walking, running or cycling on a roadway. You have to pass people no closer than 3 feet. It's the law!

WBRZ News 2 Louisiana : Baton Rouge, LA | Hahn booked into EBR Parish Prison

The Ride of Silence this Wednesday

The Ride of Silence is an international rolling memorial to cyclists injured and killed by motorists. It happens to be this Wendesday, May 17th from 7-8PM. The Baton Rouge version will be starting from the parking lot on Skip Bertman and River Road across from the Vet School. The ride will progress at 8-12mph for about 10 miles through downtown, midcity, and LSU and will be silent. Helmets are required and lights are reccomended.

I have confirmed media coverage from WBRZ and others for Wednesday. Let's show motorists that we are here to stay.

I would urge everyone here to find a Ride of Silence in their area and participate. I would also urge everyone to continue to advocate for safer roads and respect from motorists by contacting your local, state, and national politicians to support bicycling legislation, give to the League of American Bicyclists, join your local bike advocacy group, and do everything in your power to be seen and follow the rules of the road.

Following the ride, there will be a benefit for Mike Bitton at Chelsea's under the Perkins Rd overpass. The LSU cycling team is working on this now and will have more details soon. Please consider comming out to help support Mike and his family.

For more information, check out:

www.rideofsilence.com
ride of silence, Baton Rouge facebook page
Support Mike Bitton facebook page

The Ride Will Not Be Silent!

Chris Clark

"Donate blood in the name of Michael Bitton"

Taylor invited you to "Donate blood in the name of Michael Bitton" on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8:00am.

Event: Donate blood in the name of Michael Bitton
Start Time: Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8:00am
End Time: Monday, May 16, 2011 at 4:30pm
Where: LifeShare Blood Centers, 3849 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, other locations throughout Louisiana

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=128897213787346&mid=25abd5aG5af32dc2ebd6G4d28fdG7&n_m=pedalplay%40eatel.net

Thanks,
The Facebook Team

Ride of Silence Ride Wednesday...

Fellow Cyclists,

In light of the recent hit and run severely injuring Mike Bitton, we are moving the Ride of Silence start to the parking lot on Skip Bertman and River Road across from the Vet School near the site of the collision. The ride will still begin at 7PM, head down Nicholson to Government to Acadian and back to the Vet School. We will be done with this 10 mile loop around 8PM

Everyone is invited to Chelsea's under the Perkins Road overpass following the ride for a benefit to raise money for Mike Bitton. The LSU Cycling team is organizing a benefit to help defray the massive costs him and his family are incurring following the accident.

Remember, Helmets are mandatory for the ride and lights are highly recommended. If possible, wear a black armband for those who have died, or a red armband if you have been injured by a motorist.

For more information, see:

www.rideofsilence.org
Ride of Silence, Baton Rouge facebook page
Support Mike Bitton facebook page

-Chris

This is just sad! Hit and Run, Come on Burton Guidry, really?

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - State police have arrested the man they believe is responsible for sending an LSU graduate student to the hospital with life threatening injuries. State police say Marshall Hahn, 30, from Lacombe accompanied by an attorney, turned himself in around 2 p.m. Sunday. Hahn is accused of hitting 34-year-old Michael Bitton as he rode his bicycle along river road early Saturday. Police say after hitting Bitton, Hahn took off in his friends black 2005 Toyota Tundra. State Trooper Russell Graham says after getting a tip from the public police were able to find the Tundra, which led to Hahn turning himself in. He now faces a long list of charges including felony hit and run and negligent injury. "You get in a crash and I understand people get scared when things like that happen," said Graham. "But you need to stop and you need to check on these people to see what's going on. State law requires you to stop and render aid."

Hahn's attorney, Burton Guidry, released the following statement. "Our investigation so far reveals that the accident was unavoidable and that the cyclist was traveling River Road in an area that has no bicycle path and inadequate shoulders, and where cyclists must travel within the roadway in the path of oncoming vehicles." He went on to say, "It is our understanding that at least four cyclists have died in the past 10 years after being hit by vehicles in the same area of River Road. "Marshall and his family sincerely regret the error in judgment in his not remaining at or near the accident scene. Marshall and his family are praying for Mr. Bitton's full recovery and wish him and his family Godspeed."

Bitton is still in the intensive care unit fighting for his life.

John Couvillon wrote:Also, too, I drove by the site tonight. There was about a 1-2’ of standing water in the ditch where we found Michae

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

come on out to Hooper Road this Sunday

I know there are alot of you here who find occassion to ride some dirt. If you have not been in awhile, come on out to Hooper Road this Sunday. Weather alleged to be great! Trail in great shape! Get out there a grab you a root!

Pre-register on Active.com or show up for 8AM.
Online Registration is live: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1842033

BREC's Hooper Rd Bike Trails
6261 Guynell Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70811

Divisions:
First Timers- Men, Women and Children: 1 Lap- $20
Beginners- Men, Beginners- Women: 2 Laps- $25
Sport-Men, Sport-Women: 4 Laps- $25
Expert-Men, Expert-Women: 5 Laps- $25


Check In/Race Day Registration will be at 8 am. Races will begin at 9 am. Volunteers will be needed on the course as well as for timing. Please email Jason Hoggatt at jasonh@brec.org to volunteer and please specify whether you would like to help time or man a spot on the trail.

Discussion also available here: http://www.bramba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3515

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

“Cruisin’ The Bayou” in Thibodaux

For those who want to do a century or metric this weekend you can do “Cruisin’ The Bayou” in Thibodaux. The website is below and a flyer is attached.

http://www.bccbike.org/

Peter Giambrone

"Pave the Levee Public Input Meeting"

"Pave the Levee Public Input Meeting" tomorrow.

Event: Pave the Levee Public Input Meeting
Start Time: Tomorrow, April 14 at 6:30pm
End Time: Tomorrow, April 14 at 8:30pm
Where: Bluebonnet Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge

2010 MS Gran Prix Team Geaux Race Cat 5 Report

2010 MS Gran Prix Team Geaux Race Cat 5 Report
Road Race
Kevin, Gregg, Rupert and Chris L. aka “747 Jumbo Jet” participated in the Cat 5 road race on Saturday morning. After a good warm up we waited for the start, which happened to be on top of a hill. The race began and 75 racers accelerated from 0 to 30 mph in about a minute, Kevin was the only team member to stay in the front of the pack. Gregg, me and Rupert were at the back of the pack when in the first 2 miles a large crash of carbon fiber, aluminum and riders hit the pavement blocking the entire road. Gregg, Rupert and I made it through unharmed but we lost the leaders and never would see them again. The rest of the race for us was uneventful until the town of Wesson where the arrows marking the course got us confused with the arrows marking the circuit race. The rider in front of Gregg actually turned around to head the opposite direction, which made Gregg do the same then we figured it out and continued in the right direction. On the second big climb of the race, Gregg was able to drop me and eventually catch and pass a couple of other riders prior to the finish. I continued on to the finish by myself as did Rupert who was a few minutes behind me. Kevin maintained his position with the lead pack and was able to sprint to a 11th place finish, great job Kevin!
We had hoped to stay with the main pack longer to learn some things but the crash prevented that and taught us a valuable lesson, stay in front of the pack if possible. We plan to increase our training to better our chances of hanging on when the pack surges.
Time Trial
Saturday afternoon found us warming up on the 3 mile time trial course, which was actually pretty nice with some gradual ups and downs. Rupert went off first, then me, Kevin and Gregg at 30 second intervals. At about half way through the race I was closing the distance on Rupert, which I later found out was having back issues. At about 2 K to go Kevin passed me then a few seconds later the rider that started behind Gregg flew by me at about 35 mph. Kevin passed Rupert in the last few meters but the fast guy passed both of them, which meant he passed up all four of our team riders for a 2 minute gain! That guy went on to post a 6.08 winning time. Kevin averaged 24.4 mph for the race, Gregg 23, Chris 22.2 and Rupert 21.5, great job by all.
Circuit Race
The circuit race course was a 1 mile trek through a community college campus with one gradual climb, one short steep climb and a few downhill’s. The course was actually pretty fast and not too tight. The start field was less than 40 riders, which was good. Team Geaux Race started to the back as the leaders again pushed the pace very fast at the beginning of the race. Gregg, Rupert and I fell off the back and after a few laps we exited the course and watched the race from the sidelines. Kevin fell from the lead group but hung in to finish the race. The final sprint of the 10 or so riders in the lead pack resulted in a 2 rider crash; both were bruised but walked away.

Overall Kevin finished 18th out of the 75 riders that started, great job!

Lessons Learned
1. Stay in front of the pack if you can.
2. Increase interval training to be able to hang when the pack surges, i.e. training races.

CPLemoine@dow.com

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Red Bug Hill Challenge, May 1, 2010




Get ready for the RED BUG HILL CHALLENGE on Saturday, May 1, 2010!

Start and finish will be at Mike and Marie Rourke's farm on Hwy. 421 in St. Francisville.

ALL proceeds from this ride will benefit people in Louisiana with Spina Bifida. The ride is held in memory of our son Jordy, born in 1987 with Spina Bifida, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack in May 2008.

Rides of 20, 40, and 60 miles, as well as a 1-mile fun run, will wind through the rolling hills of West Feliciana Parish and end on "Red Bug Hill."

There will be an optional time trial up "Red Bug Hill," (the Challenge). Age group awards and extra raffle tickets will be given for those who participate in the Challenge. Drawings will be held for thousands of dollars worth of bikes and merchandise after the ride.

Join us for food, drink, music, and the raffle after the ride. Hope to see you there!

Marie and Mike Rourke

To register, go to: http://www.active.com/running/saint-francisville-la/red-bug-hill-challenge-2010

Bicycle Pace Line Etiquette

Riders,

The weather should still be nice for Thursday at 4:30, hope to see you there.

On another note, I received some complaints about the ride I missed on Tuesday, it seems that there were several violations of pace line etiquette taking place. I think this is indicative of a large group of mixed skill riders so I'm proposing some guidelines for this ride. Please pass this along to those that ride with us that aren't on the email list.

What I would like to propose is that we have sections of the ride for ramping up the speed as well as sections for regrouping. Basically, we need to regroup after we make turns then slowly ramp the speed up following pace line etiquette until the group chooses to slow down or make another turn. If you want to do intervals, please drop out of the pace line and do your thing then return to the pace line if you so desire. The goal is to keep the pace line safe, together as much as possible and moving fast.

If the group keeps growing the way it has been we may have to double pace line to keep from getting too spread out. If this occurs, please follow the pace line etiquette but roll out to the right if you are in the right line and to the left if you are on the left line. Allow room for the riders rolling out to drop back.

Please read the attached Pace Line Etiquette file or visit the http://hubpages.com/hub/Bicycle-Pace-line-Etiquette link to learn more about pace line riding. Below are 4 key areas I would like everyone to know.

Ride at an even speed when leading. Hold the speed of the rider that just gave up the lead until he has time to get on the back then increase speed gradually if you want to. If you are too tired or weak to do your turn at the front of the pace line, don’t pull at the front. Just rotate smoothly through without disrupting the group's pace.
No sudden movements by any single rider, this can be disastrous. This means that abrupt braking, swerving, and any type of erratic riding is always a dangerous, poor technique.
Do not brake or soft pedal at the front of a pace line, this causes the ripple in the “train” behind you.
Keep pedaling as you move off the front. Don't stop or slow your cadence until the following rider has begun to pull through. Don’t drag race the overtaking rider. When the overtaking rider has pulled up adjacent to you, then drop your cadence not your gearing and fall back.


Happy Riding,

Chris LeMoine

3rd Annual Back to the Bogue mtn bike race


Hey guys, just a reminder the 3rd Annual Back to the Bogue mtn bike race is a week away! We have a great course this year, good (warmer) weather, and a very competitive field!

For more info check out: www.mobilevelo.org.
Save time, Pre-Register Now!!

Hope to see you guys in Mobile next Sunday!

Willie
Mobile Velo

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Louisiana Mississippi River Trail Meeting

Please see the e-mail below and the attached flyer regarding a community meeting to discuss the Louisiana Mississippi River Trail.
Danielle Ourso
Legislative Assistant to Councilman Loupe
Louisiana Mississippi River Trail Feasibility Study Community Meetings
The Pontchartrain Levee District has undertaken a feasibility study to provide the six parishes within their jurisdiction a guide to future levee trail development. Issues such as alignment, access, trailhead location, phasing, and cost are being analyzed. You are invited to attend a community meeting being conducted by SJB Group to get your input on issues you feel are important to levee trail development through your parish.
Baton Rouge
Bluebonnet Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Boulevard
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Please help us spread the word! Post the attached flyer, or forward this email to a friend or colleague.
The meeting facility is handicapped accessible. Persons requiring special assistance due to a disability in order to participate in the public meetings should contact the project team at least 5 working days prior to the meeting.
For more information, contact me, Eric M. Poche’ at 225-769-3400
Epoche@SJBGroup. com or reply to this email.
I hope to see you there!
Eric M. Poche’
Project Manager
Louisiana Mississippi River Trail Feasibility Study
Sincerely,

Eric M. Poche', ASLA, CLARB, LEED AP
Director of Parks and Planning



EPoche@SJBGroup. com
Office (225) 769-3400
Fax (225) 769-3596
Direct Line (225) 706-5656

P.O. Box 1751
Baton Rouge, LA 70821

beginner's bike ride!

Join the Baton Rouge Bike Club (BRBC) the first Saturday of each month for a beginner's bike ride. Rides begin at 9:00 at Webb Memorial Park's parking lot at the corner of Broussard and Country Club Drive. These rides will begin in March and conclude in October 2010.

Rides will be at a slow comfortable pace and will meander through surrounding neighborhoods. Distance will depend on the participants and the weather but will be fairly short.

Benefits:
-Healthy.
-Learn to ride with a group.
-Learn basic road etiquette and laws.
-Meet others with same interest.
-Not intimidating.

Required:
-A bike; mountain, hybrid, or road.
-Helmet.
-Water bottle or camel back.
-Guardian for ages 12 and under.

Contact: Mike 937-9157

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Training Races Start Today!


Training races start today from Farr Horse park at 5:30. These 34-mile rides are a great way to hone your racing skills and punish your legs without mercy. Throw on your 'Just for Fun' jersey if you have one and head out just to try, there's sure to be several groups for all levels, just be wary of the sketchy riders :)

Lil' Chris

Saturday, March 13, 2010

"Velo Louisiane" on Saturday, April 10 at 8:00am

Justin invited you to "Velo Louisiane" on Saturday, April 10 at 8:00am.

Event: Velo Louisiane
"First Annual Bike Festival"
What: Festival
Start Time: Saturday, April 10 at 8:00am
End Time: Sunday, April 11 at 6:00pm
Where: BREC's City/Brooks Park

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Natchez Trace Century Ride


Can you forward this to your club members? Thank you.

Wendy Bourdin
special events coordinator
wendy.bourdin@ridgelandms.org

p.o. box 217
ridgeland, ms 39158
304 highway 51
ridgeland, ms 39157
601.853.2011 ext. 1015
www.ridgelandms.org

Monday, March 01, 2010

Ride to Live Cancer Classic Road Circuit Race

Ride to Live Cancer Classic Road Circuit Races at the Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL, April 3, 2010. We'll be racing on the same track that the Alabama Grand Prix Indy car race will run the following week. Please pass this information along to your club, team and fellow cycling racers. Races benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. Full details at www.ridetoliverace.com.
Thanks
Jerry Kelly
race director

--
::::::::::::::::::::
:::LiveStrong::
::::::::::::::::::::
Jerry & Angie Kelly
Lance Armstrong Foundation
1737 Cedarwood Road
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 823-4513 / cell (205) 960-5203
http://www.ridetoliverace.com/

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Belles on Bikes May 1st

Ladies,
It is time to brave the cold and get the bike out in preparation for the 2010 Belles on Bikes. This year's edition will be held May 1st on the bluff of the Mississippi river in conjunction with the annual Natchez Bluff Blues Festival. Yes, this ride is just for the ladies.

More information and online registration can be found here:
http://www.natchezbike.org/bellesonbikes.htm

Allen Richard
Event Promoter

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Mineral Wells Stage Race



Greetings ... Andy Hollinger here. I wanted to let you and
your group know about an incredible new race held in Mineral
Wells, Texas on April 18 and 19th. The Mineral Wells Stage
Race will have some exciting features:

Most fields will have Rolling enclosure - so you'll have the
whole road!

We're paying over $10,000 to racers in GC and TEAM bonuses.
This means that the top three teams (based on the top three
team member performance in each event) will split hundreds of
dollars. Because it's a points based race, with point prime
opportunities - everybody is in the game, not just the few
specialists that typically dominate the event.

The weather should be good and we have $78 a night housing
available at our host hotel.
more information can be found at www.teambicyclesinc.org.

We're obviously running a tight budget so I can't help with
travel costs or provide host housing. But, what I can do is
give you a free entry.
For every 4 paid entries - I will comp a 5th teammate for
"out of state"
teams. (think of that as a special 20% discount for
non-Texans!) The Stage Race price is $75 but we're
discounting it to $65 per racer till the last day of
February. Register your four and send me the info for the
free fifth!!!

Act now ... it's going to be a very cool event.

Thanks

Andy Hollinger
817-980-7787

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Comite Mountain Bike Race Tomorrow!


Comite Mountain Bike Race -

Sunday January 31st.

It all begins with BREC.

Comite River Mountain Bike Trails, 8900 Hooper Rd.

Time: 8 a.m. registration with races beginning at 9 a.m.

Divisions: First-timers, beginner, sport and expert...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Cannondale in the News again...

It's Buyer's Guide time and Cannondale bikes score some major coverage in the latest Velo News with 9 top picks!

If that's not enough I'm sure you'll like to see the RZ One Forty on the cover of MBA along with coverage of the Flash Team and RZ One Twenty -4

Enjoy...


The Cannondale SuperSix Ultimate uses SRAM Red shifting, DT Swiss carbon tubular wheels, and Zero Gravity brakes to tip the scales at 12 pounds. However it's the 2010 SuperSix frame design features we like the most!

Friday, January 08, 2010

Cycling Performance Study at Pennington

If you are looking for a better way to train this season, want to know your VO2max, Lactate Thresholds, and Power Output surrounding these zones, then we have the study for you!

Please read the following study details below on how to test your cycling abilities this year!

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study on the behalf of Gatorade Sports Science to examine the effectiveness of a dietary supplement on cycling performance.

Goals of the study:

One: To determine whether a new dietary ingredient will increase the use of body fat during exercise.

Two: To examine whether those using the supplement will increase 20 km time trial (TT) performance after a period of strenuous exercise.

Who is eligible?

• Men between 18 and 35 years of age

• Capable of attaining a V02 max: 50 ml/kg/min. This would be equivalent to a good Category IV or Category III+ rider.

• Must be willing to commit to a testing protocol that will last -40-days.

What the test entails:

The following tests will be performed before and after four (4) weeks of supplementation:

• A V02max test with the determination of VO2max, lactate thresholds and the corresponding power output associated with each.

• A two (2) hour ride at an established percentage of your lactate threshold. Several blood samples will be taken during this portion of the test; however, we will take no muscle
biopsies.

• A 20 km TT to see how fast you can complete the TT.

Upon completion of the study you will receive:

• $200

• A full report detailing your V02max, lactate threshold, heart rates, and power outputs associated with your test.

• A report detailing your time to complete each time trial along with your average heart rate and average power output during each test.

• Various schwag courtesy of Gatorade

If you are interested in participating in our study please contact me directly.

If you know of someone who might be interested in the trial, please forward this to them.

Thank you,

Melissa Lupo
Exercise Testing Core - Research Associate
Gatorade Performance Study - Coordinator
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Direct: (225) 763-2924
Fax: (225) 763-0905

Thursday, January 07, 2010

"Oxbow Triathlon" on Saturday, April 10 at 7:00am

Andy invited you to "Oxbow Triathlon" on Saturday, April 10 at 7:00am.

Andy says, "The registration prices begin increasing February 15 so don't miss out on the early registration prices.
Not ready to do an individual triathlon? Be a part of relay team! Join the fun! ".

Event: Oxbow Triathlon
What: Sporting Event
Start Time: Saturday, April 10 at 7:00am
End Time: Saturday, April 10 at 11:00am
Where: The 2010 USAT Louisiana State Triathlon Championship