So, it’s been a while since I updated the team blog. Each of the things farther down in this post are worth their own page. I know, I’m off the back, so let’s play catch up. Racing wise, it is has been the quiet time of year. Finally a break from a busy race schedule, but behind the scenes, things are in full swing preparing for the 2011 season. I’ve been spending a lot of time making everything happen. It turns out there is a lot more to do than first meets the eye, even for a small team like ours. The good news is that things are coming together and the start of racing is right around the corner. Between my own training, my day job, duties to manage the team, and preparing for our trip to Africa in February, let’s just say I haven’t had much spare time. It’s all good work though and I am excited to do it all.
Update Wise, there is a lot to communicate…
The trip to Africa is happening! Simon Bennett and I from the Elite Team will be joining some of the Globalbike Board Members for a fantastic adventure that I believe will be transformative for the organization, the recipients of the 110 bicycles we will be delivering, and ourselves. It is a big production, but we’ll be riding some of the bikes from Nairobi in Kenya down to Tanzania. We have several events and bike giveaways planed on route and we will also be making an ascent to the summit of the highest peak on the African continent – Kilimanjaro. For me, it will be the first time I have been able to see the important work that Globalbike does first hand, up close and personal. There will be much more info coming out about the trip and how you can follow our journey. We are hoping the media that comes from the trip will lead to great exposure for the organization.
Welcom New Sponsor!
Welcome a new sponsor – Hydro One Beverages. Team Globalbike has forged a strong relationship with a fantastic new sponsor. Hydro One Beverages is a SC based company that makes healthy beverages that really work. They have 15 products that range from the “Bode” sport drinks (pronounced Body), to the “RevD” sugar free drinks, to the “True” green tea line. This company is growing rapidly on a platform that we really don’t need all that crap in our drinks to make them good for us and good tasting. You should really check them out at their website. We will have product available for tasting at many events this season. Stop by, grab one, and start on your path to better health.
Team Video to appear on The Sufferfest Videos. I hope you had the chance to check out some of the video I shot from my handlebar during cyclocross season. The makers of the Sufferfest series found the video and asked if they could include some of the footage in their latest creation – Local Hero. This time of year, even those of us in the best climates end up on the trainer every once and a while. The Sufferfest videos are fantastic workouts to keep you busy, entertained, and working hard while riding indoors. The videos feature first hand footage from people like me and footage of the biggest races in the world. You’ll feel like you are right in there, trading attacks with your heroes. Check them out here and watch the trailer below.
Team Camp. We managed to get all of the new team together over a weekend in January to get in a little riding, have some fun, and get to know each other. Icy roads left over from the snowpocalypse event in January meant the riding was a bit tenuous as we dodged the slick spots in the shade. More fun was had sampling sponsor product. Thankfully the products from Hydro One helped to re-hydrate after a night of sampling the excellent products from another sponsor – RJ Rockers Brewery. I’m really excited about the team this year. We have a great group of guys that are ready to race hard for a good cause. One of the events of the weekend was for Boyd to take on all comers in Arm Wrestling. Noah was the first victim.
Team Camp Arm Wrestling from Josh Whitmore on Vimeo.
Team Globalbike is now a registered “Domestic Elite Team”. USA Cycling created a new classification of team to help bridge the gap between a regular USA Cycling Club and the increasing cost and demands of becoming a UCI Continental Team. For Category 1 racers only, the new classification will help guarantee entry into the nations big Pro/1 races such as those on the National Race Calendar. This is an exciting step for us as we continue to try to make the baby steps towards becoming a UCI Continental team. Little by little we are making the kind of progress that will ensure stability and success when we reach that level. Check out the new classification on the USA Cycling website.