Tyler Farrar is a sprinter in the language of cycling, meaning he prefers the straight and flat to the up and down. Keeping things level is a trait that has proved helpful during a year in which he has had to navigate through some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
On Saturday, the 2002 graduate of Wenatchee High School will become the first Washington native to participate in the Tour de France. He is one of nine riders for the Garmin-Slipstream team. The selection, which officially arrived last week, fulfilled a dream for the 25-year-old, who began competitive riding when he was 12. "It's probably the biggest race in the world," Tyler Farrar said. "It's pretty exciting I get to do it." Yet that happy news came nine months after he rushed from his current home base in Ghent, Belgium, back to Wenatchee after his father, Ed, was in a serious accident while biking to work. Ed Farrar, a local orthopedist and cycling enthusiast whose love for the sport helped get his son interested, was hit head-on by a car that had crossed lanes while the driver searched for a dropped clipboard, according to a report in The Wenatchee World. Ed Farrar suffered life-threatening injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Tyler Farrar spent most of the winter in Wenatchee helping care for his father.
When Ed Farrar returned home in January, Tyler returned to Belgium and racing.
"This is my job," Tyler Farrar said. "When the time comes, you have to get back on it."
After narrowly missing a spot in the Tour last year, making that team became the goal for this season. He essentially clinched a spot when he finished second in two stages of the Giro d'Italia last month.
"I've kind of known for a while now that as long as everything kept going OK that I would probably be doing the Tour," Farrar said in a phone interview from Spain. "I've been training to prepare for it." While cycling may seem from the outside like the ultimate individual sport, teamwork is actually a vitally important aspect. "Everybody has a job to do," Farrar said.
Farrar's job is to sprint, to set the pace on the flat stages and try to earn a stage win.
By nearly winning in Italy, he proved he was ready for cycling's biggest race. "It kind of showed that I had the speed that was necessary to win [a stage]," he said, "so I'll take another crack at it here at the Tour." Farrar is the first to admit his sprinting acumen means he's never likely to win the whole thing at a race like the Tour de France. "You have what you are good at and what you are not so good at," he said. "I happen to be really good at sprinting. But, no, I don't think I'll ever be able to be competitive in the mountains ... That just selects a different kind of rider."
Farrar is in his second season with Garmin-Slipstream, a team that has taken an outspoken stance as being drug-free, ordering what Farrar calls "strict in-house testing" on top of the regular tests conducted by race officials. Farrar says that attracted him to the team.
"Cycling has had its share of scandals over the year, and I don't want to become involved in that," he said. "I've always been a clean rider, and now I know all my team is. I don't have to worry about them doing something stupid that is going to bite me, too [entire teams are penalized when a rider tests positive]." Farrar got hooked on cycling when he was a young kid in Wenatchee. Both parents were avid riders, and "I knew by the time I was 14 or 15 I wanted to be a pro bike racer," he said. By 18, Farrar had made the U.S. National Team and knew being a pro was a realistic goal. Family lore has it that Tyler was just 8 when he fell in love with the Tour de France during a trip to France to visit an aunt while the race was going on. That's when he decided he wanted to return someday as a rider. Today, he laughs when that story is brought up and insists he doesn't really remember the trip all that well. "Maybe it sunk down into my subconscious," he said. Starting Saturday, he'll get to experience the real thing on his bike. His mother and father, meanwhile, will be forced to watch their son's greatest moment on TV from home. Though his dad is doing well, Tyler said, "he's just not ready for a trip of that size yet."
Maybe his father — like his son had to do — will just have to wait an extra year to make that trip to France.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sad Days for Missy the Missle
Former world downhill champion Melissa “Missy” Giove and two alleged co-conspirators were arrested in New York Tuesday, charged with plans to distribute some 400 pounds of marijuana.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested the 37-year-old Giove, 26-year-old Tamara Geagly and 30-year-old Eric Canori north of Saratoga Springs, New York. Earlier unconfirmed reports that investigators had also seized some $2 million in cash appear to have been inaccurate.
Agents were alerted to the distribution conspiracy by a police informant. Giove, a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia, reportedly flew to New York, met with the informant and took possession of a truck containing the marijuana soon after.
Giove was later followed to Canori’s home where the contents were unloaded. An unnamed police official said that it is believed the marijuana was intended to be distributed in the New York City area.
The three are being charged with federal drug violations and could face up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines. Existing federal drug statutes call for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in such cases, although recent Supreme Court rulings have granted considerable latitude to sentencing judges, particularly in cases involving first-time offenders.
Giove, also known as "The Missile," earned a total of 14 NORBA national downhill titles, 11 UCI World Cup victories, two overall World Cup titles and the world championship in 1994.
Apparently aware of Giove’s competitive background, DEA agent John Gilbride felt compelled to offer the observation that “drug trafficking can lead you downhill fast."
Giove is not the first American downhill racer to have been charged with a marijuana-related offense. Giove, however, faces penalties far more serious than those handed down to 2000 world champion Myles Rockwell, who was arrested in 2004 for operating a sophisticated hydroponic system used to grow 52 high quality sinsemilla plants in his home in Colorado. A state judge sentenced Rockwell to 30 nights in jail, permitting him to spend his days as a free man, and ordered him to attend a drug rehabilitation program
Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested the 37-year-old Giove, 26-year-old Tamara Geagly and 30-year-old Eric Canori north of Saratoga Springs, New York. Earlier unconfirmed reports that investigators had also seized some $2 million in cash appear to have been inaccurate.
Agents were alerted to the distribution conspiracy by a police informant. Giove, a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia, reportedly flew to New York, met with the informant and took possession of a truck containing the marijuana soon after.
Giove was later followed to Canori’s home where the contents were unloaded. An unnamed police official said that it is believed the marijuana was intended to be distributed in the New York City area.
The three are being charged with federal drug violations and could face up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines. Existing federal drug statutes call for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in such cases, although recent Supreme Court rulings have granted considerable latitude to sentencing judges, particularly in cases involving first-time offenders.
Giove, also known as "The Missile," earned a total of 14 NORBA national downhill titles, 11 UCI World Cup victories, two overall World Cup titles and the world championship in 1994.
Apparently aware of Giove’s competitive background, DEA agent John Gilbride felt compelled to offer the observation that “drug trafficking can lead you downhill fast."
Giove is not the first American downhill racer to have been charged with a marijuana-related offense. Giove, however, faces penalties far more serious than those handed down to 2000 world champion Myles Rockwell, who was arrested in 2004 for operating a sophisticated hydroponic system used to grow 52 high quality sinsemilla plants in his home in Colorado. A state judge sentenced Rockwell to 30 nights in jail, permitting him to spend his days as a free man, and ordered him to attend a drug rehabilitation program
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
DH beats TT any day
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2009
Work on Burke-Gilman Trail Starts Today, North of the U of W
SEATTLE—SDOT paving crews will begin work today on the Burke-GilmanTrail north of the University of Washington, from 36th Avenue NE to NE 50th Street, and plan to complete the work by 3 p.m. on Friday June 19. They will close the Burke-Gilman Trail from 37th Avenue NE to NE 50th Street 24-hours a day. A detour will be provided on 39th Avenue NE, which will be closed to motor vehicles except for drivers headed for destinations within that area.
The crews will remove and replace areas of the trail damaged by tree roots.
Advance notice was not provided for this work due to an unscheduled rush job that preceded this project. Because of the high level of interest in repairing the trail, SDOT is choosing not to delay the work.
June 15, 2009
Work on Burke-Gilman Trail Starts Today, North of the U of W
SEATTLE—SDOT paving crews will begin work today on the Burke-GilmanTrail north of the University of Washington, from 36th Avenue NE to NE 50th Street, and plan to complete the work by 3 p.m. on Friday June 19. They will close the Burke-Gilman Trail from 37th Avenue NE to NE 50th Street 24-hours a day. A detour will be provided on 39th Avenue NE, which will be closed to motor vehicles except for drivers headed for destinations within that area.
The crews will remove and replace areas of the trail damaged by tree roots.
Advance notice was not provided for this work due to an unscheduled rush job that preceded this project. Because of the high level of interest in repairing the trail, SDOT is choosing not to delay the work.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A CALL TO ACTION: On Wednesday – June 24, 2009 various important officials associated with South Seatac Park will be attending the Wednesday Night World Championships to better understand how we are using the park. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate how many mountain bikers will be displaced should the trails be closed. Please show your commitment to saving our trails by attending this event. More information on Wednesday Night World Championships can be found at www.wednesdaynightworlds.com.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
On Deck
Another mtb race in Port Gamble via the good folks at Ridge Racing. I'm sure there is probably some road stuff somewhere. Possibly track. Anyone who attended last weeknends Whidbey Island Mudder can't complain about the tight twisty dirt that was to be had. Team DiamondBack Grassroots was in force and made our presence known. Adam, Matt and Paul were all there, rocking the DiamondBack Sortie, as was I.
Paul's Sortie built up to around 27 lbs with 5 inches of travel!!!!!!! Mine is a little heavier as I've focused on downhill + cross country. It's always a little bit of a "In your Face" when you roll by a carbon ulta light hard tail on a bike that you are downhilling the next day!
Anywhoo, I'll be in Whistler all weekend - on the Sortie - prepping for the Black Rock down hill the next weekend that is followed by the Ashland OR Super D (Nationals) the next weekend. Believe that I will see you at Colonnade next week figuring out that last kicker.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Seattle bicycling clubs for disadvantaged kids get rolling
Seattle's Cascade Bicycle Club launches biking clubs — named for African-American cycling champ and pioneer Marshall "Major" Taylor — for disadvantaged kids around King County to promote the activity as a form of fitness, recreation, alternate transportation and independence.
Before joining the after-school cycling club at SeaTac's Global Connections High, Oliyad Beyene had never heard of Marshall "Major" Taylor.
But after a ride through nearby Des Moines Park, the diminutive 15-year-old, three years removed from his native Ethiopia, could tell you one thing: He'd never ridden 10 miles before. Now, thanks to the Major Taylor Cycling Clubs, he had.
"We get to see other cities, and rivers. We exercise and we get to see the neighborhoods," said Oliyad, who joined at the urging of principal Rick Harwood.
"It makes me feel good that I can go somewhere by myself," he added.
Such independence is the driving force behind the Major Taylor Cycling Clubs, a project of Seattle's Cascade Bicycle Club that aims to launch such clubs in disadvantaged areas throughout King County.
"Before the Greg LeMonds, before the Lance Armstrongs, there was Major Taylor," said project director Ed Ewing. "If you grow up in the sport and you are African American, you know about Major Taylor, just like you know about Jack Johnson or Muhammad Ali."
Born in 1878 to African-American parents who'd left Kentucky around the time of the Civil War, Marshall Taylor grew up in the home of a well-to-do Indianapolis family who'd hired his dad as coachman.
Given a bicycle, he learned to ride and did stunts in front of a local bike shop while costumed in a soldier's uniform, earning the nickname "Major."
Eventually, he'd go on to become the first African-American cycling champ and the second African-American athlete — after bantamweight boxer George Dixon in 1890-91 — ever to win a world sports title.
He earned his laurels in the face of what he called "that dreadful monster prejudice" — being refused hotel lodging, banned from some tracks, impeded on others by white cyclists who ganged up to block his path, even attacked by one rider after a race.
But for a time, he was the fastest man in the world's most popular sport, setting seven world records in 1899 alone and setting the stage for other breakthrough African-American athletes such as Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson.
One recent Friday afternoon, Oliyad wore a T-shirt bearing Taylor's image as he and a dozen fellow Global Connections students donned helmets and climbed aboard their racing bikes.
Oliyad, the youngest son of a single mom raising three kids, still struggles with English, his second language. He likes that Harwood and other school faculty members, including his math teacher, join in on the rides, taking the lead or trailing protectively behind.
"They tell us better ways to use stuff," he said. "They are giving me good tips."
Creating access
As a kid in Minneapolis, Ewing, director of the clubs' program, sometimes felt like the only African-American cyclist of his age around.
Every day, he'd watched his dad bicycle off to work, and weekends meant two-wheeled family day trips around town.
But cycling, he knows, can be cost-prohibitive. "Not all kids have access to it," he said. "It's like golf, or tennis. So this is all about creating access. ... A lot of people don't know how to take that first step."
The program employs several former pro cyclists as instructors and a six-week curriculum that includes safety, mechanics, parking-lot drills and, eventually, field trips to sites such as Marymoor Park's Velodrome.
Once they've provided know-how, project leaders say the focus is on instilling cycling in kids' minds as a real option for exercise, recreation and transportation.
At Global Connections, where more than half the students are on free or reduced lunch, the club's 15 members represent European, Ethiopian, Syrian, Somali and Latino backgrounds. Some were prodded to join by teachers but now energetically show up every Friday. One girl had never ridden a bike at all.
"For them, a bike symbolizes a chance to get out and have fun and to not worry about all the other things they have going on," said Danielle Rose, the project's curriculum chief and fundraiser.
"Are we ready to roll?" asked instructor Dan Harm, a retired pro cyclist, as the group began its third weekly session. "Has everyone done their A-B-C quick-check? Does everyone remember what that is?"
Oliyad and friend Raj Singh, a 17-year-old senior, signal completion of their pre-ride maintenance checks, a list that includes air, brakes, chains and wheel quick-release mechanisms. Harm reviews hand signals and gear ratios for climbing "super-gnarly hills," and soon they're on their way to Des Moines Park.
Two hours later, after a 10-mile ride through the park and a stop to enjoy the Puget Sound view, the riders return. "To end up on a bike trail, at a place where they've gotten to only by car, was pretty cool," principal Harwood said.
Already, even as he traded playful helmet swats with classmate Raj, Oliyad was anticipating the following week's field trip to Marymoor Park, where the two planned to race. He enjoys being part of a group, he said, where half the cyclists on a ride stay behind to help someone with a flat tire.
"We stick for each other," he said. "We're like a team."
Before joining the after-school cycling club at SeaTac's Global Connections High, Oliyad Beyene had never heard of Marshall "Major" Taylor.
But after a ride through nearby Des Moines Park, the diminutive 15-year-old, three years removed from his native Ethiopia, could tell you one thing: He'd never ridden 10 miles before. Now, thanks to the Major Taylor Cycling Clubs, he had.
"We get to see other cities, and rivers. We exercise and we get to see the neighborhoods," said Oliyad, who joined at the urging of principal Rick Harwood.
"It makes me feel good that I can go somewhere by myself," he added.
Such independence is the driving force behind the Major Taylor Cycling Clubs, a project of Seattle's Cascade Bicycle Club that aims to launch such clubs in disadvantaged areas throughout King County.
"Before the Greg LeMonds, before the Lance Armstrongs, there was Major Taylor," said project director Ed Ewing. "If you grow up in the sport and you are African American, you know about Major Taylor, just like you know about Jack Johnson or Muhammad Ali."
Born in 1878 to African-American parents who'd left Kentucky around the time of the Civil War, Marshall Taylor grew up in the home of a well-to-do Indianapolis family who'd hired his dad as coachman.
Given a bicycle, he learned to ride and did stunts in front of a local bike shop while costumed in a soldier's uniform, earning the nickname "Major."
Eventually, he'd go on to become the first African-American cycling champ and the second African-American athlete — after bantamweight boxer George Dixon in 1890-91 — ever to win a world sports title.
He earned his laurels in the face of what he called "that dreadful monster prejudice" — being refused hotel lodging, banned from some tracks, impeded on others by white cyclists who ganged up to block his path, even attacked by one rider after a race.
But for a time, he was the fastest man in the world's most popular sport, setting seven world records in 1899 alone and setting the stage for other breakthrough African-American athletes such as Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson.
One recent Friday afternoon, Oliyad wore a T-shirt bearing Taylor's image as he and a dozen fellow Global Connections students donned helmets and climbed aboard their racing bikes.
Oliyad, the youngest son of a single mom raising three kids, still struggles with English, his second language. He likes that Harwood and other school faculty members, including his math teacher, join in on the rides, taking the lead or trailing protectively behind.
"They tell us better ways to use stuff," he said. "They are giving me good tips."
Creating access
As a kid in Minneapolis, Ewing, director of the clubs' program, sometimes felt like the only African-American cyclist of his age around.
Every day, he'd watched his dad bicycle off to work, and weekends meant two-wheeled family day trips around town.
But cycling, he knows, can be cost-prohibitive. "Not all kids have access to it," he said. "It's like golf, or tennis. So this is all about creating access. ... A lot of people don't know how to take that first step."
The program employs several former pro cyclists as instructors and a six-week curriculum that includes safety, mechanics, parking-lot drills and, eventually, field trips to sites such as Marymoor Park's Velodrome.
Once they've provided know-how, project leaders say the focus is on instilling cycling in kids' minds as a real option for exercise, recreation and transportation.
At Global Connections, where more than half the students are on free or reduced lunch, the club's 15 members represent European, Ethiopian, Syrian, Somali and Latino backgrounds. Some were prodded to join by teachers but now energetically show up every Friday. One girl had never ridden a bike at all.
"For them, a bike symbolizes a chance to get out and have fun and to not worry about all the other things they have going on," said Danielle Rose, the project's curriculum chief and fundraiser.
"Are we ready to roll?" asked instructor Dan Harm, a retired pro cyclist, as the group began its third weekly session. "Has everyone done their A-B-C quick-check? Does everyone remember what that is?"
Oliyad and friend Raj Singh, a 17-year-old senior, signal completion of their pre-ride maintenance checks, a list that includes air, brakes, chains and wheel quick-release mechanisms. Harm reviews hand signals and gear ratios for climbing "super-gnarly hills," and soon they're on their way to Des Moines Park.
Two hours later, after a 10-mile ride through the park and a stop to enjoy the Puget Sound view, the riders return. "To end up on a bike trail, at a place where they've gotten to only by car, was pretty cool," principal Harwood said.
Already, even as he traded playful helmet swats with classmate Raj, Oliyad was anticipating the following week's field trip to Marymoor Park, where the two planned to race. He enjoys being part of a group, he said, where half the cyclists on a ride stay behind to help someone with a flat tire.
"We stick for each other," he said. "We're like a team."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A Man after my own heart
Quick Step’s management said Sunday that it would not beg the Tour de France to include Tom Boonen in this year's race.
Boonen, a 28-year-old one-day specialist who was crowned world champion in 2005, is facing up to what could be a premature end to his impressive career after testing positive a second time for cocaine.
He tested positive for cocaine two weeks ago, after winning his third Paris-Roubaix. It was barely a year after he first tested positive for the drug, in May 2008.
That incident did not lead to criminal or sporting sanctions. But Tour organizers, despite Quick Step's pleas, gave Boonen's presence the thumbs-down over concerns of negative publicity.
This time, Quick Step company chief Frank De Cocksaid said the team would not ask the Tour to allow Boonen to race.
"Last year we went to the Tour de France organizers to plead Tom's case. This year there is no question of us doing that. We will not embarrass ourselves again," De Cock told the Sporza television channel.
Boonen, one of the biggest cycling stars of the past decade, was in such demand in Belgium that he fled the country to live in Monaco several years ago. He only recently returned home.
As well as winning notable races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, Boonen has also won the Tour de France green jersey, for the sprinters' points competition, in 2007.
News of his latest positive test led prosecutors on Friday to order a raid on his home.
Boonen has since faced questioning and despite the unlikelihood of a sporting ban — cocaine is not forbidden outside official competition by the sports authorities — he could now face criminal charges.
He avoided charges last year only on the condition there would be no repeat of similar incidents inside three years.
De Cock said Boonen's future with the team was uncertain, but he admitted it would be hard to see the former world champion end his career on such a note.
"I put all my weight behind Tom last year, and told him I would forgive him, on the condition it did not happen again," said De Cock. "Now, he's gone and done it again.
"He needs help. It would be a real pity for the sport of cycling to lose Boonen like this."
Boonen, a 28-year-old one-day specialist who was crowned world champion in 2005, is facing up to what could be a premature end to his impressive career after testing positive a second time for cocaine.
He tested positive for cocaine two weeks ago, after winning his third Paris-Roubaix. It was barely a year after he first tested positive for the drug, in May 2008.
That incident did not lead to criminal or sporting sanctions. But Tour organizers, despite Quick Step's pleas, gave Boonen's presence the thumbs-down over concerns of negative publicity.
This time, Quick Step company chief Frank De Cocksaid said the team would not ask the Tour to allow Boonen to race.
"Last year we went to the Tour de France organizers to plead Tom's case. This year there is no question of us doing that. We will not embarrass ourselves again," De Cock told the Sporza television channel.
Boonen, one of the biggest cycling stars of the past decade, was in such demand in Belgium that he fled the country to live in Monaco several years ago. He only recently returned home.
As well as winning notable races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, Boonen has also won the Tour de France green jersey, for the sprinters' points competition, in 2007.
News of his latest positive test led prosecutors on Friday to order a raid on his home.
Boonen has since faced questioning and despite the unlikelihood of a sporting ban — cocaine is not forbidden outside official competition by the sports authorities — he could now face criminal charges.
He avoided charges last year only on the condition there would be no repeat of similar incidents inside three years.
De Cock said Boonen's future with the team was uncertain, but he admitted it would be hard to see the former world champion end his career on such a note.
"I put all my weight behind Tom last year, and told him I would forgive him, on the condition it did not happen again," said De Cock. "Now, he's gone and done it again.
"He needs help. It would be a real pity for the sport of cycling to lose Boonen like this."
Friday, May 8, 2009
track, track, trackitty track!!!
First night of the year. Pre-season but racing is racing bitches! Beers won the scratch race which i dont think i did to much to help with. The we had a snowball....mathematics is the name of the game....7, 8, 9 and you can't lose. And I didn't. Then we did the new "wheel" race. essentially a n Australian pursuit. Yeah won that shit too. Points race was good. I felt really well in the sprints. Was trying to set Suggle Puss up for th first sprint but ended up riding him of my wheel to the line. I ended up second in the race and Beers got 4th. I got me some good form right now and using it while I can. gonna do some down time and get ready for crits and the regular track season. that shit got cold tonight though. My nipples were rattlin and shit. chilly, damn cold.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mini Super D @ Colonnade!!!!!!!!
Hey all - We here at the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance were thinking it would be fun to have Mini Super D races every once in a while at Colonnade........entry would be 10 bucks and proceeds would go toward the all mighty Alliance.Winners would gain street cred and could design the course for the next race.We could follow it up with a "pub ride" or urban assault on Seattle.We also plan on having a BBQ on hand to cook up hot dogs,burgers,veggie burgers,fish....whatever you want.I'm using this as a poll of sorts to gauge interest.Basically it would be a cool way to meet other riders, hang out and tell tall tales.Let me know what you think and I'll set it up. Get your race on!
__________________
-- Joshua King
Hey all - We here at the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance were thinking it would be fun to have Mini Super D races every once in a while at Colonnade........entry would be 10 bucks and proceeds would go toward the all mighty Alliance.Winners would gain street cred and could design the course for the next race.We could follow it up with a "pub ride" or urban assault on Seattle.We also plan on having a BBQ on hand to cook up hot dogs,burgers,veggie burgers,fish....whatever you want.I'm using this as a poll of sorts to gauge interest.Basically it would be a cool way to meet other riders, hang out and tell tall tales.Let me know what you think and I'll set it up. Get your race on!
__________________
-- Joshua King
Trail Crew Chief
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
Monday, May 4, 2009
RCR wins Cat 3 State RR
Luke St. Clair! He had a kid, took 4th in a tt then won the State RR. Next Day finished 6th at Longbranch to win the Omnium.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
4 Hours of SeaTac
This last weekend Team DiamondBack Grassroots was in action at the Evergreen 4 Hours of SeaTac event. Paul, Adam, Matt and myself prepared to pedal in fury in the effort to raise funds and awareness for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. These are the folks that bring new riders to the bike, build trails, maintain trails, and conduct a ton of fantastic rides over the year almost every weekend. Above you will find a Mission, Adam's beast of burden, ready to hammer.
Matt's Sortie 3, no little ring required.
Matt & Adam finishing the anchor lap.
Paul, lean and mean, with Megan.
DiamondBack Grassroots even offers assistance to the competition.
Since 1978. 
Rolling Thunder.
Adam at Work.
Matt's warface.
Here they come.
Pre Race Gong Show.
Sortie Black ready to do battle.
Some assembly required.
Friends of men and animals.
Team number 10. All metric like.
Base Camp DiamondBack Grassroots. A sunny day. 4 hours of hard riding. Good times and great bikes. 24 Hour Race
Hello All!
If you haven't already done so, now's the time to register for 24 Hours Round the Clock, taking place on Memorial Weekend, May 23-24th! Log onto www.roundandround.com for all the details! This year marks our 10th anniversary, and coincides with the 40th anniversary of Woodstock...and as you all know, this IS the Woodstock of mountain bike racing, so that is our theme this year....and you'll want to remember that when determining what to do to win our annual best campsite award!! We've got an announcer from WICN public radio in Worcester, MA coming out to announce and play all that great music for us....and other fun events planned. Speaking of fun events....don't forget the free kids race on Sunday at 10am....kids 11 and under can participate...on 2 wheels, 4 wheels or just running if they prefer...they're all invited and all winners! Prizes for everyone of them. Also, NiteRider will have lighting units to rent this year. The contact info for reserving them is on our website...so make sure to email Tommy if you want to take advantage of this offer. They'll also be onsite again for charging and support. The course looks to be in pretty good shape this year, and yes, we'll be able to use Little Vietnam! No flooding issues this year, even though we had a ton of winter weather! We have a GPS of the course on our website...so if you are interested and have the appropriate software, it's there for you. We'd like to ask that each of you bring a can of food for the local food bank. We will match whatever is donated and get it to the food bank. It's our community involvement that helps sustain the greatness of our nation. We're working on a recycling station this year...if anyone would like to work the station and receive a small stipend, let us know by calling Wendy at 509-953-9831. We'll work out the details with them. That's about it for now....hope you'll join us if you haven't already for a great weekend of camping, riding, and whatever else you are enlightened to do for a 24 hour period!
Thanks to our sponsors!
Hammer Nutrition
The Inlander
David's Pizza
WA State Parks
Nite Rider
Full Speed Ahead
Michael Angelos
If you haven't already done so, now's the time to register for 24 Hours Round the Clock, taking place on Memorial Weekend, May 23-24th! Log onto www.roundandround.com for all the details! This year marks our 10th anniversary, and coincides with the 40th anniversary of Woodstock...and as you all know, this IS the Woodstock of mountain bike racing, so that is our theme this year....and you'll want to remember that when determining what to do to win our annual best campsite award!! We've got an announcer from WICN public radio in Worcester, MA coming out to announce and play all that great music for us....and other fun events planned. Speaking of fun events....don't forget the free kids race on Sunday at 10am....kids 11 and under can participate...on 2 wheels, 4 wheels or just running if they prefer...they're all invited and all winners! Prizes for everyone of them. Also, NiteRider will have lighting units to rent this year. The contact info for reserving them is on our website...so make sure to email Tommy if you want to take advantage of this offer. They'll also be onsite again for charging and support. The course looks to be in pretty good shape this year, and yes, we'll be able to use Little Vietnam! No flooding issues this year, even though we had a ton of winter weather! We have a GPS of the course on our website...so if you are interested and have the appropriate software, it's there for you. We'd like to ask that each of you bring a can of food for the local food bank. We will match whatever is donated and get it to the food bank. It's our community involvement that helps sustain the greatness of our nation. We're working on a recycling station this year...if anyone would like to work the station and receive a small stipend, let us know by calling Wendy at 509-953-9831. We'll work out the details with them. That's about it for now....hope you'll join us if you haven't already for a great weekend of camping, riding, and whatever else you are enlightened to do for a 24 hour period!
Thanks to our sponsors!
Hammer Nutrition
The Inlander
David's Pizza
WA State Parks
Nite Rider
Full Speed Ahead
Michael Angelos
Monday, April 20, 2009
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