Bike-RX Blog

In times like these

2008-11-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

We know that our clients understand the value of supporting their local businesses. As such many of our loyal clients tell us why they choose us over the larger retail chains and the internet for everything from nutritional products to spare parts to bikes themselves. . But sometimes, particularly in hard economic times like these, even our best clients seek 'cheaper' prices or better deals elsewhere. Many find out saving 10% online, for example, is not worth the hassle or uncertainty of what they are going to get.

A case in point: The other day a customer of ours came into the shop to buy some new tires. Like most durable and high-quality
products good tires are not cheap. After all tires and tubes are made from oil. There are of course some cheap tires out there but this customer wanted something good. Initially, he told me later, he went online to find the same tires we recommended and sold to him 8 months earlier, but decided that the $10 savings for two tires was not worth it. He told me that 1) he wanted to ensure that we, as a small independent bicycle dealer, would be here next spring when he needed his bike tuned up and refitted and 2) he valued his relationship with the shop so much so that he'd rather pay $10 more and receive proper installation and selection while building a long-term relationship.

While we can't always compete on price alone, we know that we offer many things other cannot: the intangible suggestions on good bike routes, proper layering for the morning rides, the best and safest commute lights, proper ride fueling, etc. In the end, our clients realize that when they support us, we support them in return. Last minute services, on-the-fly flat repairs, so on and so forth, our bond and loyalty to our customers and their loyalty to us is what makes owning your own, local business so rewarding.

As always, we open our blog to your thoughts and feedback.

Scott
Founder/Partner

The Finish

2008-08-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks for Veronica Lenzi (www.veronikalenzi.com) I have a picture of yesterday's finish.

Carrera de San Rafael

2008-08-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Bike Rx rides to its second victory! One of the best crits in the NorCal circuit tonight's twilight race illustrates the fun, tactical nature of crit racing. After a day at the shop, Scott and Tryon road to the race in San Rafael for a good 45min warm up, arriving just as the Masters 1-2-3 warmed up the crowd for our CAT 4 race.

Our friends from Dolce Vita, Rich Stagliano of Live Fit Medicine, Devon Koch, and Steve O joined the group of 90 riders for the many laps around this fairly technical course.

With wind in our face, no one broke away. Patience and calm kept the race safe but tactically challenging. With several strong teams (ie. Kovarus, Active Athlete/Squadra, and Whole Athlete), Team Bike Rx stayed near the front to attack on the final lap.

Following a strong wheel into the second to last corner Scott emerged from the final corner, hesitated not, and hit the gas for the 350 or so meters to the finish. A second victory in two weeks. Looks like CAT 3 is right around the corner.

A great day on the road!

Bike Racing - 1st Season

2008-08-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Over the past 2 years, since I returned to the bike after an injury that kept me off the bike for 4 years, I have been trying to get back into good cycling shape. Last year, with a year under my legs, I entered some of the local cycle cross races. Cross, after all, always appealed to me and it seemed like a good transition to the world of cycling. Little by little my partner Colin encouraged me to ride the road bike to obtain better riding fitness. I refused. I bought a MTB and hit the trails as often as possible. Colin and I road 3-4 days a week, starting night rides on Thursday nights with friends and clients. Last year, when Chris Reed joined our team, it became inevitable that I'd get a road bike. While Chris too shared a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the MTB, he too road a few days a week to maintain his overall ride fitness. So last year I started to ride the road bike. It was fun. Much more fun that I anticipated. After a year on the road and most of the MTB races over, I thought I would try my hand at road racing. I remember watching Colin's twin brother Aaron Beardsley race the Pro 1-2 San Rafael crit last August. It was so exciting. I thought it would be fun to race a local road race or crit with some of our clients and friends who also race the local races. When I decided to sign up for the San Rafael crit early this year, I realized that one had to be a Cat 4 to enter the race. No crash 5 welcomed. I decided to start planning to race this spring and summer to officially upgrade to the 4s and race this August in San Rafael. Well, here we are in the beginning of August and I am a week away from racing the CAT 4 crit in San Rafael.

These past few months of road and crit racing have been so much fun. I raced my first road race at Sea Otter, passing up the MTB XC race to get some road upgrade points. I travelled from Livermore to Santa Clara to Berkeley to Menlo Park and little by little I counted off the 10 races to upgrade. With three Cat 4 crits and one Cat 4 road race (Pescadero) under my belt I think I am ready for San Rafael. Yesterday's victory at the Timpani Road crit was glorious. I have never won a race before (except for a few wins at the training races in Santa Rosa (Colin quickly reminds me that the Santa Rosa Corporate Crits are training races!) and a Cat C cross race last winter but that is all. This year, in reality, has been both fun and frustrating. I have gotten "so many" 2nd place finishes that my friends have been calling me "deuce." Victory yesterday at Timpani was sweet!

So, what is the point of this blog? Well, I thought it would be fun to share some of my experience with you on the local race circuit, perhaps inspiring you to come join me at the next local race. A few of our clients have already joined me at the Santa Rosa crits the past few weeks and my friend Tyron, a seasoned crit racers, recently upgraded with me to CAT 4. He has become a real domestique, guiding me through the crazy packs of riders at the most opportune moment for a strong finish. I big thanks for Tryon for all his help this season.

Here are some pictures of my season thus far. I hope you enjoy these pages of my "race history" in '08. Many race updates to follow.

Day 7 – Last Stage: Whistler Mountain 46km

2008-07-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Day 7 – Last Stage: Whistler Mountain

Too tired to write last night after the final stage, we now make our way back home relishing in our accomplishment.
What a great race. To our amazement, we finished unbroken and in one piece, which includes our bikes: we had not one mechanical, not one flat. Truly amazing. Over 500 kms and both our bikes and our bodies are in one piece. Not even a major fall. Considering over 50 teams did not finish the race due to mechanical issues or crashes, we did amazingly well. Grant’s smooth technical descending worked well. Not too fast, not too slow, just right. We passed so many riders whose rapid descents caused minor and major issues. Grant is the man.. As you can see from the photo.. all nicely dressed in the Bike Rx kit.

Yesterday’s final stage commenced with one of the hardest climbs of the race. After a short road hill climbs, we quickly hit double track up one of Blackcomb’s double track/cat track trails up the mountain. A 40 minutes climb, 3000 feet. Though the stage’s total distance was the shortest thus far, just 47kms, we did over 5000+ vertical feet for a second day at race pace and the first climb nearly killed us. Riders were cracking all over. I think we too showed our fatigue. While the opportunity presented itself for a 20th place position if we attacked on the hill, the legs were just not there. Knowing we were in for a hilly day, we decided to take it steady like all week long and once again it did us well. I think we finished 25th for the day.
We took the shop video camera so we have some race video that we are now going to edit for your review. We can’t show you how we cracked or were passed by the pro girls team in the last 1km.

All in all, today’s finish was glorious. Once again no issues, neither mechanical nor mental nor physical. We did “our thing” as Grant says and are now on our way home with only positive things to say of the BC Bike Race.

A summary entry of the week to follow...

Day 6 - The Best of Squamish

2008-07-03T21:34:00.001-07:00

An epic BC single track day. Hard climbs (think climbing Bobcat in TV 8 times straight) then descending the sickest, most illegal trail on Tam (x 10 in quality).. think northside to Potrero meadows to cross country boys.. all day long. Super fun and fast. Race time 4:22 minutes; 65k.

The competition is crumbling around us. War of attrition. We currently sit in 22nd place. With no major falls and no flats again today we are riding a very good race and now wish it went on for another week (not really; but if it did, we would be top 10 for sure). The race-pace starts are the hardest part but fortunately today there were no major crashes.

A good day on the hill and now time for bed. We are staying in Squamish, a town known for its single track.

tomorrow we are off to Whistler for the final stage. While only 47km, it is suppose to be an epic 4hr race.

Wish us luck.

Day 5 Sechelt - Squamish

2008-07-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

another long day. only 64 km but with 5 days under our legs (and on our asses) we are getting tired. 4:50 minutes. not our best ride thus far. I think the long days, early mornings and late nights are taking their toll.

Today's stage was very technical with lots of climbs. What we anticipated to be a shorter stage than yesterday turned out to be longer and harder. Grant's cold showed its signs today and his inability to eat made it a long and hard stage. Fortunately he is a kiwi and rides hard no matter what the situation. I on the other hand have no excuse. I am simply tired. These young, untested legs showed their limits today. And while it sounds bad, our overall position is unchanged. We held steady at 25th position, gaining on a few and loosing to a few (in overall minutes).

The ride began again with a hard road start that lead to another ugly road crash. One of the top 10 riders caught the wheel of another at 40km/hour on a downhill and sure enough it was load cracks and bodies all over the ground. Ugly. Not a fun way to start a 5hr race. Fortunately Grant and I were far enough away that we were unaffected. The pace quickly increased and the pack entered the first single and double track for the day w/ a long 5km climb to the first downhill section. As usual the 500 rides began to split up and we settled in for another long, hot day on the hills.

The technical riding was superb and final 10 km were all downhill w/ banked corners, log bridges and sweeping switch backs. I truly unique cycling experience.

that is all for now.. back to a large pizza and lots of water. Grant is already sleeping, with two nyquil down the hatch. I hope the poor guy feels better tomorrow. I am so proud of him for sticking it out. Begin sick is no fun and boy he is digging deep to finish this race.

Stage 6 tomorrow. 9am start.

Scott

a post race dip in the pacific ocean (Georgia Straits)

2008-07-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sick Grant at 5am Day 4

2008-07-01T19:54:00.001-07:00

Day 4 Earls Cover to Sechelt: Only 60km!

2008-07-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

The single track continued today. 4:01 ride time. Grant is a stud! Sick w/ a cold (yeah, that’s right a summer cold -- first one in two years... can you believe it?), Granted rallied more than one could ask for today. Up all night blowing his horn and coughing, today’s surprise recovery is one to highlight.

Up at 4:25am, today’s beginning was long and tiring. We hit the bus at 4:55 for the local ferry station and proceed to Earls Cover, via another bus and another ferry, making this morning one of the longest and mundane thus far. Despite the tediousness of travel, the views of the Cumberland to Sechelt area were tremendous.
Starting at 0 meters today’s stage climbed and descending over and over for 60k. With two aid stations and lower tempertures than the previous three days, today’s race was another tough one. We followed the suncoast trails and made good time w/ no incidentals.

The single track throughout the race was really good, with classic wood bridge crossings along the way. We also encountered a number of river crossing again, soaking our fit for another day. The descents were challenging but nothing too difficult. Grant once again tempered me to ensure we got no flats and suffered no injury….. he sure is a wise fella!

Unsure of our overall standing we are confident we moved up again in the rankings. After yesterday’s finish we were seated well at 25th place. Considering that more than twelve teams are pro athletes we are really pleased with our performance thus far. If we can make top 20 we will be really happy.

Now resting back at the Bella hotel on the waterway with west and north, it’s time to relax and prepare for another day: Stage 5 tomorrow is said to be even more technical than today. A downhill start w/ a tough single track up 30k! Then lots of single track. We hope our 29ers treat us well again.
See you tomorrow. Scott and Grant

Day 4 Revised.

Grant just reminded me that today, and most of the previous days, were much like this. (not as described in the previous flowery postings—writing by myself.. after all Grant doesn’t even know what a computer is). This is the real BC bike race experience: We feel like laboratory rate, force fed gu’s, electrolyte drinks, bananas and more water than you would think humanly possible to drink. All the while, we endure granny ring climbs, brutal hike-a-bike sections, fast-pro riding starts to enter the single track, gasping for air w/ dust filling our lungs ( see above picture). It’s hard to believe that there nothing in the way, riding by brail as grant describes it. It’s hot, dusty and many times the mud is deep. While the weather is good, the steam crossings are deep, slippery and usually cold. Talk is little and competitors not so friendly at times, barking “let me pass” on the single track even though there are so many riders ahead. We push the bikes up the steep hills like Sherpas carrying their beast of burden. Once we get to the top, it’s an all out race for position on the next road or single track toward the end.
A few falls here and there, mud in the eye , and wet shoes, it’s pretty much a day of all out suffering. So why did we choose to do this 7-day bike race. The end. At the conclusion of each day, our hard work is rewarded when we safely enter the finish area with the announcing congratulation Scott and Grant from Team Bike Rx and we dive into recovery drinks, cookies and more. Unfortunately, the glory is short lived. We then proceed to our daily chores of washing and tuning the bikes, cleaning our cloths by hand and preparing for the next day (oh, and of course we eat and drink until sickness sets in), knowing we burned more than 5000 calories over the course of the race.. 5k calories.. Is that possible Dr. Stagliano? ‘till tomorrow.

Stage 3 Port Alberni to Cumberland

2008-06-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

87k.. another long day. Day began at 4:45 w/ cold pizza from yesterday. A pre-breakfast snack to begin our fueling for day 3.

Today's stage was a turning point for me and Grant! After yesterday's tough 125k, we moved up from 32 overall to 28th place. Happy with our top 10% position, we decided to hold on today w/ no great efforts.

After a short police escort out of town, the raced quickly escalated into a double track pathway to a single-track that lead us to the first of a series of climbs. The field tore apart after hill one, during which Grant reminded me to go easy and save it for the end. Good advise as Grant kept getting stronger and stronger as the day proceeded and it reflected by the end of the day and the countless pulls we did to earn out position.

Good advice. We tackled the hills w/ moderate efforts (in the granny) and made our way to to the first of a long series of logging roads. At km 31, single track resumed and we descended quickly to our first big river crossing. Waist deep we slowly crossed the river on our way to the first aid station. We quickly moved through the three tents, first water, then electrolyte drinks onto some Sharkies, Honey gu's and bananas. Thanks to Rich at Live Fit Medicine we fueled throughout the day and it payed off.

Once onto the trail after aid station 1, we created a nice group w/ a few teams, including Steve (of Fusion) and Joe from Perth and quickly accelerated to the next aid station. we made very good time, making our way to the final 15k where we encountered some of the best single track thus far. Grant and I pulled away from the aforementioned teams and were the first to enter a steep and winding section. Grant warmed us of going too fast for fear of punctures and we made good time winding through the trees down the slope safely. We hit the last bit of fire road to the finish with a time of 4:29. A moderate day w/ no drama. Happy we our time for the day, we are now looking forward to another big dinner and some good rest. Up very early tomorrow to take our first ferry ride from Cumberland to Sechelt. Tomorrow's stage 4 is just over 60k.. looks like it is going to get easier and easier..not! lot's of climbing tomorrow!

Till then. Grant and Scott

a few races photos from Day 1 and Day 2

2008-06-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

photos..

Day 2 Lake Cowichan to Port Alberni

2008-06-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Dusty long day... 128+ kilometers. a couple of really ugly crashes at the start. two poor guys went over the bars when initial pack left the the start line. we were suppose to have a 10k controlled start but once again too many anxious, novice riders moved to the front and a for bad luck two or more went down hard. not a fun start.

once the controlled start terminated the race too off fast. Grant, with much enthusiasm and strong will, and I were in the beginning dropped from the main pack but were able to get back on at kilometer 22. Fortunately we got on the wheels of many and stayed w/ the pros until kilometer 58. At the first aid station, many blew through and we were once again dropped. We are actually, along w/ many other riders, going to contest this. The race mandates "proper" check in.

Anyhow, we filled up our deuter packs (thanks to Rich Stagliano of Live Fit Medicine) we knew the importance of proper fueling. And at 90 deg water consumption was critical. With plenty of water and food, we raced on again w/ a few other riders, trying to bridge the gap to the lead group. Too far ahead, we picked up some more riders also dropped by the main group and worked on. Pull after pull, we charged on to aid station #2 at km 99. With a long hard hill a few kilometer before the station we pulled ahead of most of our group, along w/ 3 mixed male female teams, of which two are pros! boy they were tough. At km 15 grant and began to do much of the work and pulled us right to the 2km single track at 125km. I, regretfully, went the wrong way (on a badly marked intesection) and lost about 2min, enough time for 3 more teams to catch up. Determined, we recovered and repositioned ourselves for a strong finish. Grant with true determination gave it his in the last kms. It was a great finish and we rolled w/ lots of enthusiasm to a strong finish. 5:07min.

take a look at the attached photos! It was so dirty and dusty on Stage 2 from Lake Cowichan to Port Alberni we'll report back on our overall standing tonight! Scott/Grant Team Bike Rx

RACE DAY 1

2008-06-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

WOW!! What a day... hot, hot and really hot. 90+ degrees and competition is tough. 89k today with some really tough riding. much harder than we anticipated and boy there are a lot of pros racing here. the boys from Costa Rica (La Ruta winners), Tinker Juarez, many specialized pro teams, etc.

After a good breakfast at the start line, the raced quickly entered the challenging single track w/ many hard climbs that we were told about. We had no idea how hard it was really going to be. boy do we feel unprepared. Despite the challenge, we took 32nd today out of 300+ 2-man teams. Grant rode well but his cramps are back and they made it really hard to keep up w/ the main teams. We kind of got stock in no mans land w/ a few wrong turns here and there. The biggest factor was the heat and lack of water.

I, for once, pulled for the last 25k up a light, false flat to the finish w/ a few hard kilometers from Grant. The fast start tooks it toll but no doubt the locomotive Kiwi will be back tomorrow.

Well feed and ready for bed, tomorrow is another long one: 125k! We are up at 6am, back to the starting line for a 7am chow down. let's hope we can do as well again tomorrow. From Cowichan Lake. 'till tomorrow.

Day 1 travels to BC Bike Race

2008-06-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2008

Travel Day. Off To BC for the BC Bike Race. Epic it is said to be.. .
Welcome to the official launch of the Bike Rx blog. We thought it would be fun to post a blog on our popular web site to inform our clients and friends of our current status. All too often we don’t have enough time in the day to share w/ our friends and clients our expereiences on the bike. Avid cyclist ourselves, we wanted to share with you (and from you) on our adventures and yours via our new blog.

This inauguration starts with a summary of the Day 1.
My partner, Grant Smith, and I left SFO at 7am for an 8-day journey through BC. We are off on 7 days of MTB racing that will take us 500 kilometers from Victoria, Island BC to Whistler, BC. It is said to be the most technical single-track endurance MTB race in the world. Yikes.. what have us Marin boys gotten ourselves into?
As the owner/founder of Bike Rx, it’s hard to get away, especially in the summer months. But this year, my very competent partners, Chris and Colin, are back at the shop holding down the fort . It is a really pleasure to get away to do such an event and I thank my guys for keeping the Bike Rx spirit alive and well while I am gone.
This race is a celebration of sorts, back on the bike for 2 seasons after an injury in Spain took me out of the riding scene for 4 years. Now, hours away from the start of this epic race the nerves begin to race.
At the moment, I am riding the shuttle from Victoria to the start line, anxious to build my box, register and then (I hope) pre-ride a part of the first day’s race course.

I’ll be checking in again tonight with an update before tomorrow’s commencement.

Scott – owner/founder Bike Rx

BC Bike Race starts Friday!

2008-06-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

3 days away...