Okay, here it is, our 2014 schedule (tentative) go ahead and let us hear it.  It IS tentative so if there is a public outrage over the streamlined FTR series, the omission of Gran Fondo Winthrop or the fact that we have a conflicting date with your “A” priority race or your mommas birthday, let us know.  It is still early and we could potentially change things if the people want.  We are here to please.

Gran Fondo-
March 15 Ephrata
April 12 TBA
May 31  Leavenworth
June 21 Ellensburg

Fat Tire Revolution-
March 29 Beezley Burn
April 26 Beacon and Legs
May 17 TBA
June 7 Bike and Brews
June 28 Greenwater

What do we think about it?  Well since you asked, we have streamlined the FTR series in an effort to make it a little more accessible.  Our numbers were down a bit this year and we’re thinking maybe it was a bit much with 11 races, tough for folks to commit to that.  So we are hopeful that 2014 will be better.  In my personal opinion I’m bummed to do this. I love mtb racing.  I feel like a solid series should have at least 6-8 races.  But a solid series should also be attracting more than 100 participants on average so maybe the answer isn’t to just keep pumping out more races.  On the Gran Fondo side of things we’re up to four for 2014.  Our “road less traveled” theme continues.  I have been loving these rides and feel like this is what the bicycle was made for.  Experiencing new places off the beaten path, miles away.

Beezley is a month earlier than normal, because we can.  Early season mtb race venues are hard to find, and the Beez is in great shape in March.  Beacon was awesome this year easily my favorite course, so we’re excited to be back on April 26.  May 17 hmm still working on that one.  Bike and Brew is on the schedule for June 7.  Not exactly sure what it will look like this year, but I am sure it will be a good time as always.  We will be at Greenwater on June 28 for our final.  Beautiful area with a ton of fun riding.

Gran Fondo Ephrata will stay in mid March.  That is a good time for it.  I love the fact that the weather is so unpredictable, that’s half the challenge.  We have April 12 set aside for a yet to be announce GF.  Have a ton of options, but haven’t settled on one.  Leavenworth is on May 31, and yes I know it’s the same date as NWE Echo, that sucks, but May is busy.  Not sure how to get around that other then just bail on May altogether.  Then on June 21 we are planning to be in Ellensburg for what should finish our season with a bang.

So here it is.  The off season.  What to do now.  Sure there are still a few cross races out there, but things are starting to slow down.  My off season began Aug 4th following our final big event.  I’m not going to lie, I was tired and ready for a break.  (more…)

A couple weeks ago a few of us set out to get a taste of what’s to come for Gran Fondo Leavenworth. I had ridden parts of it before, but other parts I had only driven and I wasn’t sure how it would all come together. (more…)

Mountain bike race season is finally here!  We are headed to the fast and furious Vin du Lac Echo Valley Rally this weekend for the Raleigh Fat Tire Revolution Series presented by Clif Bar.  This is always one of our favorite rounds because, well, hello it’s Chelan!  Come out for the weekend, beat the summer crowds, and get some Chelan.  We’ll be having packet pick up/early reg going on at Vin du Lac Bistro Friday evening from 5-7 pm with a special buffet spread just for us.  The course will be fast and rad like last year.  We’ll also have Terri’s Treats on site cooking up all your favorites.  Hope to see you there!

AND don’t forget Bike and Brews is just around the corner.  Be sure to get signed up early, as registration is limited to 400 and fills up every year.

A few of us got out for a pre-ride on the Duathlon course on Saturday.  What a course!  Beautiful scenery and rolling terrain, good stuff.  I’m really starting to get excited for this one.  5k run, 16 mile bike, 5k run, on April 6 at Confluence Park in Wenatchee.  We have already placed our order for sunshine! (more…)

A couple of us set out on a ride today that I had been wanting to do for awhile.  Not because it’s some well know local hotspot or anything, quite the contrary.  In fact that was the biggest draw for me, the fact that it’s not a ride many would have any interest in doing.  (more…)

We are down to the final week leading up to the 2013 Gran Fondo Ephrata and a couple of us got out and rode the course last weekend.  Overall it was in great shape.  We came across a little snow on top of Norton Canyon, but that will easily be all be dried by March 10.  I was running a standard 700×23 road tire on my Trek Cronus cyclocross bike.  A road bike would do just fine too, but I think a 700×25 tubeless road tire would be the cats meow.  The weather is the big unknown here.  Every year we pre-ride with great conditions, but come the big day get slammed with foul weather.  Is this going to be the year we break the curse?  See you March 10 for a ride that is sure to leave its mark, regardless of the weather.

We are officially open for business.  We have a Duathlon, three Gran Fondos, and 11 rounds of the Fat Tire Revolution!  All of which are now open for registration.  The Apple Capital Spring Duathlon is a new event for us that we are excited to have handed off to us from local legend and SET Coaching founder Jason Jablonski.  Also super excited for another new thing: the Gran Fondo Triple.  This is going to be crazy, Ephrata, Leavenworth, and Winthrop, each with it’s own unique rugged terrain, but all with LOTS of climbing!  People are either going to love them or hate them, not quite sure.  The Fat Tire Revolution is up to 11 events, featuring cross country, short track, and enduro, with four new venues.  It’s going to be a great year for mountain biking!  With all of this going on be sure to register early to ensure your spot.  Yep, it’s going to be a busy spring/summer, can’t wait!

What an awesome year… dare I say epic. Well buckle up, next year is right around the corner and promises to be even awesomER!  Beginning with the Yeti ride (by our friends at Wenatatchee Valley Velo) on Jan 1.  Might as well start the new year out right, on the bike! And it’s loads of fun! Ride begins at Garlini’s in Wenatchee at noon.

As for our events the FTR Series is going to be bigger and better than ever.  Also we’ve been working on a series of three Gran Fondo rides!  Ouch!

Spindependent is right around the corner as well. Every Monday through-out January and February we’ll be meeting at the ERC from 6-7 pm for an indoor “spin class” I use the “quotes” to show my feeling of disdain toward the term “spin class.” You see your typical spin class is lead by a gym monkey who knows nothing about cycling. Mine on the other hand are lead by a tall skinny man in spandex… who knows nothing about cycling. But hey at least he’s in spandex, that’s worth the price alone, right?

And if your still reading this after that then there’s a good chance you’ll be interested in our (sort of) ongoing Saturday Winter rides. We seek out the road less traveled. And then we travel them.

Hope all had a nice Christmas and wish you a happy New Year!

It felt much more like a March base training ride than a miserable December death march. Although in an effort to stay upbeat and motivated to ride I’ve forbidden myself from using the term “training” or “death march” for awhile.  (more…)