Bike Shop Show Podcast

Scott Dedenbach, from the Bike Shop Show podcast, has done a couple of interviews in the last few weeks with David Palan and Lucas Wall about the Ann Arbor Spring Training Series, Cone-Azalia, and the club in general. This week he got the scoop on the final results from the Ann Arbor Spring Training Series and who won the Specialized S-Work Prevail helmet (care of Two Wheel Tango). Listen to the individual shows or subscribe to the show (weekly updates).

• Race Special 2 episode: Cone-Azalia info, STS info, and more
• Race Special 3 episode: STS results, helmet raffle winner, Cone-Azalia preview

Ann Arbor Spring Training Series Week 1 Races

It's clear that Michigan bicycle racing is off to a strong start for the 2012 season.  While the weather was nicer than usual in April, it certainly wasn't sunny and warm for the week 1 races.  Overnight rains left a morning mist with early temperatures hovering in the 40's.

Even with less than 'ideal' weather, there were large fields of racers all day long. The 40 degree temperatures seemed ample for the riders, and the sun did finally shine through.

The C race had over 50 racers, the largest in memory for series founder, Paul Alman. The other fields were all pretty big, too, with about 50 riders in each of the B and A fields. Ten women started in the women's only event, one of the largest starting groups for women's racing at the Spring Training Series in years.

Whether you'd like to learn about racing by getting involved or you'd like to come and watch some exciting race action, don't miss our upcoming races. Registration opens at 7:30am and free coaching begins at 8:15am to introduce new riders to paceline riding and racing.  Come on out, you'll be glad that you did.

Results for week 1 are now posted.

And just to whet your appetite, take a look at the action in the "B Race."

Black Bear Bicycle Tour

Calendar

Locations and other details are available by clicking the calendar listings below.

AAVC Events are in orange.
Other cycling-related community events are in dark blue.

Paul Fried Charity Ride

On August 4 in Kensington Metropark, the 3rd annual Paul Fried Charity Ride to Support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will take place. The ride was started by Paul Fried, and has grown each year as a way to raise money for the CCFA, and to showcase the spirit of Paul who hopes to make another ride this year. Check out (PDF) his inspiring story and find details about participating and/or being a sponsor.

Ann Arbor's Annual 'Tour de Kids' Returns

The Tour de Kids is coming!  While the event itself is still a few months off, the event's organizational staff is already getting things prepared to ensure success.


Many of us are familiar with the Tour de Kids and many of us have personal memories from previous TdK races.  My daughter's first ride without training wheels was during the Tour de Kids.  (Her  training wheels came off on their own in front of the law quad.  Shows the importance of a good bike mechanic.)

For those of you who are unaware, the Tour de Kids was started as part of the  Ann Arbor Festival of Cycling.  In 1991, the sponsors asked race organizers to conduct a kids' bike race in conjunction with the adult races. Approximately 50 kids raced on Main Street before the pro race -- and the Tour de Kids was born.

By historic attendance, it's estimated to be the fourth-largest Ann Arbor-based outdoor community athletic event (such as local runs, walks and biking) and the only top event aimed for kids.  From 1997 to 2000, approximately 1,000 kids, ages 3-12, raced bikes, trikes and big wheels in downtown Ann Arbor.

(for more complete review, see Ted Green's article on Mlive from which I derived the history)

Date: Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Volunteer: They are looking for volunteers at all levels, both in advance and on the day of the event. There are volunteer leadership roles, such as an overall Volunteer Coordinator, and Coordinators for Marketing, Race Staging, Course Marshaling, Rentals, Set-up, and Registration.

They'll have a Festival area with arts and crafts, music and food, which they'll need help with as well.  

Sponsorship Opportunities: They can always use sponsors to help defray costs and there are various levels of sponsorship. They will put the sponsor's name in the spotlight for a very good and healthy cause.

Website: http://www.tourdekids.org

To learn more, contact Rob Pulcipher via e-mail at: pulcipher (at) gmail (dot) com.

Spring Planning

The Ann Arbor Velo Club has a lot planned for this Spring.  Just a few weeks away we'll be hosting the 2012 Skills Clinic, presented by Ann Arbor Velo Club and Two Wheel Tango.  That event is scheduled for Sunday, March 25 and online registration can be found here:  2012 Skills Clinic

Beginning April 1,  and continuing on April 15, 22, and 29th, we will be hosting the 28th annual Spring Training Series.  This early season series is always well attended by some of Southeast Michigan's finest riders and offers a great opportunity to learn from and compete against riders of varying skills and abilities.  A coaching session is offered each week prior to the racing, to help riders familiarize themselves with the feel of riding a criterium course in a pack.

Scheduling and further details can be found at the Ann Arbor Velo Club Spring Training Series site.

The road season begins in earnest on Sunday, May 6 with The Cone-Azalia Classic Road Race.  Known as The Paris-Roubaix of the Midwest, Cone-Azalia features a 10.1 mile loop with 4 miles of gravel/dirt surface per lap.  Cone-Azalia is part of the Michigan Challenge Race Series and offers a great opportunity to rack up some early points.

So, isn't it time you took advantage of this unseasonably nice Michigan weather?  Get out there and ride!