Sunday Practice

The forecast is looking like rain, which sucks. If the weather is good, we'll be heading over Gates Pass and do McCain's Loop. If not, we'll stay inside and have us a trainer workout. Let's meet at the clubhouse at 8 and determine where we'll go from there. Let's have our game faces on, like this stud:

(via Cycling Inquisition)

Pavé

If you follow professional cycling, click here for an excellent preview of this year's teams. Scroll down to the 2010 Season Preview.

Wednesday Night Crit

Max, Tulio and Logan gave the Wednesday night Crit a try this week down at the Musselman go-cart course. Here is an image of each them.

Thanks Ignacio!

This is my new seat. Pretty sweet, huh? Ignacio gave it to me. Next time you see him, please thank him for all the free parts he pulls out of his ass just for you.

Not Christian's video

This is the kind of work I aspire to. Phenomenal!

Hermosillo Track Trip

For the second time in three years El grupo will be heading down to the Olympic Training center in Hermosillo Mexico to ride the velodrome. Not only will be riding bikes though we will be getting to use the rest of the facility like the large swimming pool and the tracks. We will also be helping Bens Bells distribute bells for the lovely people of Hermosillo. We have a great weekend planned and we will see the beach. I am super excited and really can't wait.

We are going to be meeting at MY HOUSE on thursday morning at 7AM. Please have only what is on the gear list and it really should fit in one duffel bag. If it doesn't you have too much. Please pack smart.

Also you will be bringing your ROAD BIKES. The Director of cycling for the state of Sonora has invited kids from Obregon up and has put together a race for us on Sunday with kids from Hermosillo as well.


GEAR LIST

Road bike
2 bicycle shorts
2 Jerseys-- one of them your team jersey
gloves
helmet
extra tubes --2
bandanna
cycling shoes
4 cycling socks
sunnies/ cycling hat


swim shorts/ suit
goggles
running shoes


Appropriate clothes for 4 days-- nothing ripped polite clothes
4 nice shirts
2 pants
2 shorts
team t-shirt
1 sweat shirt/ sweater

passport
all necessary paperwork

tooth brush/ paste
towel
soap
shampoo/ conditioner

It's going to pretty warm so be smart about packing.

Thanks
Ignacio

remember to check out the video page to see the video that an old rider made from the last time we went down.

24 Hour MTB race recap

Well by this time you should have all seen Kathleen's photos from the earlier post.

You all know that Ashley is doing great, and her facial scab is already gone. Heck she is so ok that the Monday after the accident she was at the club house already telling us what to do. She is yet to ride with us again, but in short time we will have her back.

The club house still lies in disarray, for we have been unable to make time to clean it up. But at least we still have a ton of food left. Which I think is a major reason why work is not getting done. Whenever we get there now it is like at eating frenzy.

2010 was the third year in which El Grupo participated in this event and this year with 3 youth co-ed teams no less. The teams ended getting 3 and 4th place in the under 150 years old category and we would have gotten second as well if Ashley had not decided to take a nap at the wrong time.

The coaches team also had a first this year with it having two female riders. We all had a blast and some how for the second year in a row I had the fastest overall time. I am going to hold on to that as I am not sure how much longer that will last.

The whole event went over super well other than Milo falling into a cactus and Ashley getting helicoptered out with a concussion, but you know for 20 people out there riding, I suppose not a bad percentage.

We had amazing help by parents, loved ones, and friends and I tried to make a point in thanking them first before anything because without them this whole thing would not work.

I really cant wait for next year and there is even a chance that we go to Moab and do this silly 24 hour thing up there. Wait and see!!!

Just want to say I am really proud of the whole team for there efforts, next year we will be even tougher, and thanks I had a blast!!!

Results can be found here: http://64.119.44.58/liveresults/results/index.html

Ignacio

Practice Sunday February 21st

Yep that's right back to the road bikes on the weekends. And to kick it off right we are going up the mountain. Don't ask which one. Meeting at 8am let's be on time folks, and connor mama snacks await.

Ignacio

The Puker

On Wednesday, we were joined by Heidi Swift. She writes a cycling column for the Oregonian newspaper. She also writes a blog and she mentioned El Grupo in her last post here.

Thank You's

Thank You’s

Before I write any post about the race and the weekend I have to express my huge gratitude to many folks who made this weekend happen. Events and day like the ones we had do not happen by chance they are created by hard work and sacrifice by a lot of people and want to thank them all now. I also want to thank each one for “putting up” with me!!

Not in any real order:

Kathleen: We all know how important you are to this team and your work over the weekend was of superstar proportions. You made sure to get a photo of each rider racing and then had time to capture the whole weekend in still photos. You then stayed up most of Saturday night and made sure every rider was ready to go, and got what 2 hours of sleep and then put up with me. You helped out at the food table and really did just about everything that was needed. We are super lucky to have you as part of this team and I thank you for all your devotion and help.

Tony: Mr. Brooklyn pizza, donated the 8 pizzas that were Thursday dinner and Friday breakfast. So make sure to go buy some, some time soon.

Todd: Mr. Epic rides the guys that puts the whole thing on. Thanks for making it affordable for us to ride and giving us the chance of a lifetime.

Milenkovitch: The greatest mechanic in the whole world. I really do not want to ever do another one of these events with out you. You were absolutely incredible. I was blown away by your speed, quality, and devotion to the job. I will make sure you are with us next year.

Georgia: You jumped right in on the first asking and ensured that one of the teams was always ready to go. I would love to have you back next year and hope that the zero dollars of payment is enough to get you back.

Joe and Kandice: Camp cooks and fire makers. Did you guys even sleep? Joe you burned your hands just to make sure kids had food and Kandice after you finished pulling thorns out of your son you went right back to the tent to help with the cooking. THANKS!!!

Carole: Our CEO of the cooking area. You totally rocked that position and yes you are hired for next year. Thanks for taking care of the battle station!!!!

Natalie and Miguel: Not only did you let us borrow the repair stand, you brought up how much water and wood?

All Parents: We never even came close to being hungry, cold, or thirsty. Thank you for all that was contributed, cooked, and donated. Your support is essential and so very appreciated.

Chad: El Grupo is lucky to have a friend like you and no we can not do it without you.

Coaches: Christian, Travis, and Richard—your efforts are creating the greatest team in Arizona.

Lori: For putting up with me and helping Christian do the same, and the scone on day two.

DJ: The lights, yeah we can’t do it without those. Thanks man.

Pablo and Kramer: Without the efforts the two of you put in we would not have had two teams on the podium and almost 3. You guys truly showed that you understand what this team is all about.

Rachel: This was your first great El Grupo experience and you almost stayed up the whole night. Thanks for walking to the start tent so many times ensuring that the teams were ready to go.

If I missed you I am sorry, but thanks again to everyone involved it takes all of us together like Voltron.

Photo Album from the Kona 24-Hour Race!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147827&id=50038943556&saved#!/album.php?aid=147827&id=50038943556&ref=mf

There are 172 images posted on Facebook....click on the link above or cut and paste the link into your browser. The album is public so everyone should be able to access it even if you do not have a Facebook account. Please let me know directly if you can't open the link and I will repost it on MySpace. Congratulations to all of El Grupo, riders, coaches, friends and families. You are amazing!

If you have Facebook, please feel free to "tag" yourself and use the images as you want for profile pics, etc.

We are thinking of you, Ashley, and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Fastest lap times

According to the computer...

Fastest coach lap - Ignacio 1:10:07

Fastest youth lap - Max 1:11:39

Better luck next year kids!

Last Minute reminders

$5 for your camping entrance fee. Please have a 5 dollar bill ready to go.

2 cans of food, also for your camping entrance fee.

Camel back, tire levers, and a small pump if you have one.

Travis and Christian please bring as many small pumps as you have at home.

Fire wood if you can bring it.

Long finger gloves.

Pack smart, look at the check lists, and and lets have some fun.

Ignacio

Practice Wednesday

We are going to pedal on Wednesday. Please bring your bicycles and stuff and be ready to ride. I know I had said we were just going to get stuff ready, but we are ready. So we are going to go on an easy ride to warm up the legs. See you tomorrow.

Ignacio

Kona 24-Hour pics from 2009

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=177271694&albumId=1948140

This is a MySpace album from last year's 24-Hour. It is set for public access so everyone should be able to view it. Please let me know if you can't. Just copy/paste the link into your browser.

For those who were there, it will be nice to revisit and for those who will be going for the first time, it will give you a preview of what fun lies ahead.

We will have an awesome time!!!!

Chad's shuttle

For those of you who need a ride to the course on Friday around 2-3pm, please call Chad ASAP at 461-2192.

Directions to the 24hr Race

North on Oracle Rd (Hwy 77), past Oracle Junction toward the town of Oracle.
At Mile Marker 96, turn left (north) on dirt Willow Springs Rd.
Drive 9.3 miles to the entrance station.

Here is a link to the race webpage with much more info:
http://epicrides.com/twofour/24.htm

PRACTICE CANCELED SUN. FEB. 7TH

Yes due to the great weather I am canceling practice. So please go out enjoy it pretend you live in the northeast and for the first time in 6 months it is above 40 degrees and go outside and get crazy.

SO NO PRACTICE TODAY. HOWEVER


The team meeting is still on at 1:30pm.

See you then

Ignacio

BICAS Art Auction

Team Mtg - Sunday

(This was sent as an email to all parents for whom I have addresses, with the following exceptions...please see that your parents/guardians read this: Donovan, Lizzy, Pablo, Ricardo, Marcos, Ashley)

We will be having our monthly team meeting this coming Sunday, Feb. 7th at 1:30pm following practice at that clubhouse. We will be discussing the preparation needed to make the 24 hour event happen, among other things, with a special visit from Carmichael Training Systems, who have signed on to sponsor us and help out!

In advance of the meeting, I have attached the food list sign up sheet and gear lists that coaches prepared to give you a heads up. Please look this over before we meet so we can better answer questions about who needs what, and who can help out with what for the 24 hour event.

It is extremely important that each rider have the gear on this list (below), and if they don't that they let us know on Sunday so we can arrange to find this gear for the rider. If you have extra stuff, also let us know that. As far as the "camp" list goes, the main items that we need help with are in bold (namely, water, fire wood and one fire pit)

Please let me know if you have questions, hope to see you all Sunday.

Take care, Daniela & Ignacio


24 HOUR FOOD LIST & SIGN UP

In order to make the 24 hour event work, and keep kids riding bikes all night, we will need A LOT OF FOOD! We will need your help. Below is a rough outline of the food schedule, ideas and such. Please feel free to “sign up” for a meal, or to contribute to one or provide some of the snacks listed below. These are merely ideas, so feel free to be creative. Note: there will be 20 riders, and with parents and such, at least 30 people we will be feeding at the El Grupo Camp!

Thursday:
Pizzas from Brooklyn’s ?
Other snacks for car ride / after set up

Friday breakfast: Friday lunch
Bagels with cream cheese? PB & J sandwiches?

Friday dinner
Pasta dinner?
Beans for burritos?

Saturday breakfast Saturday lunch
Oatmeal with dried fruit, honey, etc Sandwiches?


Saturday dinner
Chili (veggie and meat options)?
Corn bread?

Sunday brunch
Scrambled Eggs with tortillas?

Other “meal” ideas
Ramen noodle soups, can be made individually on as needed basis
Quesadillas
Couscous & veggies


Other necessary items
Chips (Salty Snacks in general)
Salsa / Burrito fixings
Ready to go veggies (carrots, etc)
Dips/hummus
Bananas
Apples
Citrus
Other fruits
Bagels
Cream Cheese
Bread
Peanut Butter
Jam
Ramen noodle soups
Hot tea bags (herbal preferred)
Hot cocoa mix
Soy milk boxes
Tortillas, lots of them!
Dried Fruit/Nuts/Seeds
Fresh baked goods -:)
Anything else you would like to make/cook!


2010 24 Hour Race Gear List for RIDERS


Camping Stuff Hygiene
Sleeping bag tooth brush
sleeping mat tooth paste
Tent sunscreen **we will have toothpaste and sunscreen to share, unless you require something specific
Headlamp *El Grupo owns these if you need one.
alarm clock/ digital watch


Riding Clothes Camping Clothes
Team Jersey Toque/ beanie/ winter hat
Base layer x 2 warm jacket
arm warmers jeans/ pants
leg warmers/ leggings long undies
vest/ riding jacket 2 long sleeve shirts
long finger gloves 6 socks- wool if you got em
2 riding shorts bandana
helmet rain coat
sunglasses - optional Sweatshirt
riding hat- optional


Eating Stuffs Racing Stuff
insulated mug at the start of each lap
bowl this stuff will be in your camelback
utensil 2 tubes
patch kit
cell phone
tire levers
pump
comb


You must have everything on this list in your possesion before you leave for the race. Coaches and
some of the other parents have extra gear so please ask for it, if you do not have something.
It tends to be very cold at night so please bring appropriate clothes. Also the last 2 years it has
rained so again pack intelligently.

All of this stuff must fit into one normal size duffel bag. It should. If your stuff doesn't fit, look at your
chosen stuff and I bet you can down size some. Of course I am not including your tent and
sleeping stuff in the duffel bag.

Be smart about your gear selection and remember cotton kills--it does not work for this event!

Nice work Ricardo!

Rainy Days

Earlier today Daniela and I were talking. We were really talking about how great of team we have and I was explaining to her about how close I feel we are to the next level. Right now we are a team with a great group of kids who have many different cycling passions and desires. We are well on our way to meeting them, heck last week we won every division we entered a racer in except for 2, so 3 out of 5. The two old ladies on the team will soon be realizing their dreams of long distance bike tours and we will soon be making old people look slow in the dirt.

But I guess what gets me sometimes is that I feel like we still leave something on the table. I think their is something more we can all give but are unsure sometimes on how and when to give. If we all expected what we know is in each other every time we got together, I think we could rival the best in the nation. This team is compromised of some pretty talented riders that have accomplished some great things, but still I know there is more.

So I guess I want to put the challenge forth to what ever rider will take it. Challenge: Where is my youth riding captain that will except nothing but the best from every one of their teammates. I want one of you to grab this team by the neck and help make it into something that all of Tucson knows and loves.

I know this can happen.

Why?

Because Ricardo showed up late today for practice, a trainer practice that Hunter designed and led for us, and without even a hesitation put his bicycle in a trainer and asked what we did. I gave him the practice and on his own with no teammate to ride with or to encourage him he started down the path of an hour and a half of pain. He never even thought twice about his choice. I of course commended him on his courage and tenacity to practice though and encouraged him to stay tough. Every rider had left at this time except for one. Ashley. Yet as a brilliant teammate she asked, "Do you mind if I stay here with him and help?".

That right there is what this team is all about. If that same attitude and determination was shown at every turn, well I promise you it would not take long for this team to be recognized by this whole city.

Thanks everyone!!!
Ignacio

U of A Crit

Thanks Christian for the video!!!!

Thanks Kathleen for the photos!!!!!

For these races I like to give a play by play recap of the race but really how can I do better than the video. I was really impressed with the level of racing and just how well everyone rode. I really enjoyed myself and am super proud of the effort that everyone put in.

Results are posted here:
http://velocitygroupcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/uacrit_results_2010.pdf

Pretty impressive:

1st place
10- 12 boys
13-14 boys
15-16 boys

2nd Place
13-14 boys
13-14 girls

3rd place
17-18 boys

And other great finishes. We really looked good and proud out there.


thank you team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ignacio

U of A Crit - Photos

Check out the amazing images Kathleen captured last Saturday at this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=146955&id=703498722&l=b04137f463


Thanks so much Kathleen, and a big thanks to Christian for that awesome video!