Carolina Subaru-Gary Fisher Elite Road Team

NC Winter Cross Race #2

2009-12-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Subaru-Gary Fisher Elite Road Team is excited to be promoting our first cross race in conjunction with the Giordana-Cliff Bar Team and Carolina Bicycle Company Huntersville location. The race will be #2 in the NC Winter Cyclocross series and will be held in Mooresville, NC. Multiple race categories will have the chance to go at it for some sweet prizes. "Hey...do i have to have a cyclocross bike?" Heck no, borrow an old mountain bike and enjoy the fun.

Harrisburg Short Track MTB Race #1

2009-11-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

The gals bring home the medals at the first Harrisburg Short Track series!

Left to right:

Lisa Preslar (3rd wms cat 2)

Angela Krol (1st wms cat 3)

Lori Harkey (1st wms cat 2)

Congrats also to Adam Little (3rd Mens Super Sport)

Our team is a proud sponsor of the Harrisburg Series, along with our friend from http://www.classiccycling.com/ and http://www.carolinabicyclecompany.com/ The second series race is this Saturday night. Night racing! Bring those lights.

Team to become Subaru/Gary Fisher Road Team for 2010! Partners with Carolina Bicycle Company.

2009-10-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Team News Release:
The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Elite Team is pleased to announce Subaru and Gary Fisher Bikes as our new title sponsors for the 2010 race season. Both the men's and women's elite teams will compete across the Southeast as the Carolina Subaru/Gary Fisher Elite Road Team, racing the new Gary Fisher flagship carbon road bike, the Cronus.

The 2010 Carolina Subaru/Gary Fisher Men's Elite Team will consist of 13 racers, including the additon of two new racers to the program for this year, AJ Meyer (Hincapie U23 Team) and Andrew Olson (DLP Pro Cycling). We have also expanded our 8 person womens roster to include 2 new strong racers, Sara Tussy and Nancy Jones for the 2010 season. Both Elite teams will be competing in Southeast road and cyclocross events as well as select national NRC races and the US National Championships (Elite, Masters and U23 Nationals).

"We are looking forward to a great year with the addition of Subaru to our program along with the contunued support of Fisher, Bontrager, SRAM and many of our other dedicated team sponsors. I forsee us having the strongest men's and women's squads that we have had for several years with the recent signing of some strong talent and the awesome tech advancements to the new Gary Fisher Cronus bike we will be using. We are also proud to continue with our team's heritage and support from Hincapie Sportwear as a presenting sponsor in 2010." Adam Little - Subaru/Gary Fisher Team Manager

Title Sponsors for the 2010 Team include Subaru and Gary Fisher. Other returning sponsors include Hincapie Sportswear, SRAM, Bontrager, VETTA, KMC Chains USA, DeFeet, ClassicCycling.com, Hall Clinic of Chiropractic, Finish Line Lubes, Qoleum, Chamois Butt'r, and Moose Pharmacy.

Additionally, new for the 2010 season is our partnership with the Carolina Bicycle Company, one of the areas top Gary Fisher/Bontrager dealers. In addition to racing with the CBC logos and team colors, our team will also be instrumental in helping aid CBC's team of 15-20 road category 3, 4, 5 racers to further promote Subaru and Gary Fisher also as the Carolina Subaru-Gary Fisher Team. CBC will also have a core MTB race team of 5 racers who will also be racing the Gary Fisher Superfly and Superfly 100.

Carolina Subaru / Gary Fisher Elite Men:
Adam Little
AJ Meyer
Andrew Olson

AT Stamp

Chris Knetsche

Chris Harkey

David Flynn

Darren Fuller

Geri Mewett

John Delong

Mike Kelly

Reid Beloni

Shane Martin

Richard Howard - Masters www.greencreation.com

Mac Canon - Masters

Subaru / Gary Fisher Women's Elite Team:

Angela Krol

Bridgette McClean

Lauren Rigby

Lisa Preslar

Lori Harkey

Marianne Holt

Nancy Jones

Sara Tussy

Oct 24th Team Supported Charity Ride Route Maps

2009-10-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Join us on Oct. 24th for a great ride. Below are the routes for the 100K and 50K options. See the earlier post below for registration links. Remember that 100% of the money raised goes directly to Stanly County Habitat for Humanity!

100K Option
100k Habitat
Find more Bike Rides in New London, North Carolina

50K Option
Habitat Metric Half
Find more Bike Rides in Albemarle, North Carolina

HGFB Team to Host Habitat Charity Ride Oct. 24th

2009-09-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Plan to join the Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team and our friends on Oct. 24th for the 1st Annual Overcoming Obstacles Charity Ride. Proceeds from this year's ride will go to benefit the programs offered by the Stanly County Habitat for Humanity. You can choose from either a 100K or 50K route, both rolling through the great roads of Stanly Co. Bring the family, we will have kids events (face painting, bounce house, games) as well as great food and fellowship.
See the registration flyer for details.
You can also Register ONLINE through Pre-reg at the following link.

Additionally, plan to stop by the Team Gary Fisher Tent to check out the sweet 2010 Gary Fisher bikes we will have on site to show off. We will have out the new Gary Fisher Cronus and Ion road bikes, along with some of the 2010 model mountain bikes complements of http://www.fisherbikes.com/ and Carolina Bicycle Company.

Hincapie/Fisher/Barkley recruiting Female Team Members

2009-09-11T12:28:00.001-07:00

With the success of our Women's Road Team in it's 3rd year now, we are looking to add one or two additional motivated female racers to our strong squad of gals for 2010. Ideally we are looking for Cat 1,2,3 females who live in the NC/SC area and love to race. Sense of adventure a plus, sense of humor a must, and love of competition is well...duh! In addition to Southeastern races, we are looking for gals who plan on competing at the US National Championships, State Championships and select races in the surrounding states. Racers interested should email their goals for 2010, resume and a bit about themselves to info@hincapiecycling.com or see Adam Little at the races.
Thanks for your interest in our program.

Flynn 2nd at Lexinton Road Race

2009-07-19T18:02:00.001-07:00

Congrats to David Flynn for an insanely close sprint for 2nd place at the Lexington Omnium Road Race. David was barely outsprinted at the line by Rich Harper (Kenda Pro Cycling). Congrats to David, and to Rich for the win.
2nd - David Flynn - Lexington RR Pro 1-2

Rich's wisdom

2009-07-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Rich Hincapie summed it up perfectly. http://www.hincapie.com/blogs/rich_hincapie/post/Painful-to-Watch-Today.aspx
George is a true class act and will come out on top. We are behind you!

Marianne nabs two Medals at the National Championships

2009-07-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Big congrats to Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley racer Marianne Holt for bringing home two medals from the Masters National Championships in Louisville, KY. Marianne placed 5th in the Road Race and 5th in the Criterium along with 7th place in the Indivudual TT. "My plan was to attack until I blew up in the Crit, after having bad luck in the RR and TT. Those girls had to chase the Gary Fisher!" And attack she did. Eventually the race came down to a sprint with Marianne taking 5th. Not bad for a self-proclaimed "non-sprinter". Great riding to Marianne and all the other team members who competed at Nationals.
5th Marianne Holt - Nationals RR
5th Marianne Holt - Nationals Crit
7th Marianne Holt - Nationals TT
7th Lori Harkey - Nationals RR
12th Chris Harkey - Nationals RR
On the podium after the RR

Attacking...again!

Solo on the backside of the crit course
Marianne takes 5th in the Criterium

Justin, Bridgette WIN NC State RR Championship Titles

2009-07-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Justin and Bridgette for their wins at the NC RR Championships. Both will have the privelage of wearing the State Champion jersey for the year. Both the men's and women's teams have great races during the RR Championships and racked up a slew of results.

1st Justin Beard - Pro 1-2 RR NC State Champion
1st Bridgette McClean - U23 Wmns RR NC State Champion
2nd Lori Harkey - Womens Pro 1-2-3 RR
2nd Justin Beard - NC U23 RR
2nd Lauren Trull - Womens U23 RR
3rd Reid Beloni - NC U23 RR
3rd Chris Harkey - Masters RR
4th Chris Harkey - Pro 1-2 RR
4th Bridgette McClean - Womens Pro 1-2-3 RR
6th Lori Harkey - Womens Masters RR
8th David Flynn - Pro 1-2 RR
8th Marianne Holt - Womens Masters RR
9th Chris Knetsche - Masters RR
10th Marianne Holt - Womens Pro 1-2-3 RR
11th Lisa Preslar - Womens Pro 1-2-3 RR

A look at the Gary Fisher Team Bike

2009-06-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

2009 Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team Bike:
-Frame: 2009 Gary Fisher ARC Pro (aluminum/carbon)
-Wheelsets: Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 ACC and Bontrager Race X Lite
-Crankset: SRAM Red
-Shifters: SRAM Red
-Brakeset: SRAM Force
-Derailures: SRAM Force
-Cassette: SRAM Red 11x23
-Chain: KMC X10SL-CP
-Bars: Bontrager Race Lite aluminum anatomic
-Bartape: Bontrager gel cork
-Stem: Bontrager Race X Lite -7 degree
-Seatpost: Bontrager Race X Lite ACC 5mm offset
-Tires: Bontrager Race X Lite AC (racing), Bontrager Race X Lite Hardcase (training)
-Saddle: Bontrager Inform R
-Computer: VETTA V100
-Pedals: Speedplay Zero
-Cages: Bontrager Batcage

Our team has been very impressed with the stiff and responsive ride from our 09 ARC Pro's. This is a perfect crit and road race bike to pilot onto the podium. The stiff and durable aluminum frame is complemented with a lightweight carbon rear triangle to take the sting out of the road. Equally impressive is the offering of a women's specific model which our women's elite team are racing, the ARC Pro GS. Check out which model is best for you, and read about the latest news at www.fisherbikes.com

Bridgette WINS U23 State Games, Harkey / Marianne 3rd

2009-06-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley racer Bridgette M. for her win at the NC State Games in the women's U23 division and 4th overall in the women's open (podium pic to come). In the men's Pro/Am Criterium, Chris Harkey followed up a very hard TDK race by taking 3rd place in the NC State Games. Marianne also took 3rd in the womens open. Way to go.

Mewett to lead Bermuda Junior Cycling Camp

2009-06-19T14:38:00.001-07:00

The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Cycling Team is please to be sending 3 team members to lead the 2009 Bermuda National Junior Cycling Summer Camp. Chillin' at the 2008 camp Mewett fylin' the Bermuda National Kit at Charleston
The camp will be led by our own Geri Mewett (current Bermuda Pro RR National Champion) with two other teammates. Over 60 junior cyclists ranging from ages 10-18 will be attending the weeklong development camp, learning a full set of cycling skills, training tips and teamwork. The camp will run one full week from July 6th - 11th. Special thanks goes out to the Bermuda Cycling Association for this honor to help grow jr. cycling. A big thanks also goes out to our friends at Paceline Products for donating Chamois Butt'r product for all participants of the Jr. Camp. In addition our team will be donating a Vetta Cycling computer and Finish Line products as raffle prizes to the kids.

Delong WINS Crit and Overall at Sanofi Aventis Omnium

2009-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Reid attacking off the front
John Delong through the turns
Reid Beloni followed by Bermuda National Champ Geri Mewett

Harkey, Reid and Geri through the technical course

John takes the win...AJ Meyers (Hincapie Development Team takes 2nd)

Monte in latest VELONEWS Magazine

2009-06-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Monteleone with his USA U23 National Team

See if you can spot Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley racer, Christopher Monteleone in the latest issue of Velonews next time you are doing your bathroom reading. Monte aka "Blackfoot" has started his days of racing with us at the age of 15 as a Jr racer and has raced with us ever since. He is currently a member of the USA U23 National team living and racing in Belgium along with Phinney, and the best U23 talent in the nation. Although he has suffered some nasty crashes while there, probably his biggest obsticle has been that pesky Starbucks withdraw.

This is Monte's 2nd year with the U23 Team and is has seen him racing pretty much non-stop in Europe, competeing most recently in the U23 Paris-Roubaix last weekend. We have been very please as a team to have been part of his cycling experience and are honored to have him as a teammate. We have watched Monte grown in talent and maturity beyond his years, aided by the help of Dee, Monte's father and our longtime team soigneur. Our team is proud to aid Monte in his pursuits to secure a spot on a Pro Tour team in the next few years. Monte will return to the states in July, and be ripping it up with us flying the Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley team colors. Oh yeah, he is the one on the left, deep in meditative thought...likely about when he gets to be back on his Gary Fisher. Way to go Monte! Later, Adam

Flynn WINS Ace Speedway Criterium

2009-06-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

David Flynn kept up the teams winning streak with his first win of the season at Ace Speedway this week. David, who joined our team as a new rider this year, has flown through the USFC ranks after just starting racing bikes 2 years ago.
1st - ACE Speedway Criterium - David Flynn

M. Holt WINS NC State Championship...TWICE!!!

2009-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Holt WINS, Lori Harkey 2nd
Marianne Holt WINS the 2009 NC State Pro/Am Criterium Championships...AND the women's Masters State Championships for a little added bonus. Marianne soloed in for the her first title in the women's masters race as a warm up to the pro race with the rest of the Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley womens team. In the Pro/Am race, Marianne and teammate, Lori Harkey worked aggressively to establish and drive the winning break, with Lisa Preslar keeping the field in check. Our ladies continued their winning ways by taking their second WIN, along with 2nd place (Harkey), and Lisa finishing 4th.
Lori powers to 2nd in the Womens NC Pro Criterium
Men's Team take 5th, 6th and 9th
With a small break up the road in the mens Pro Criterium, Chris Harkey was able to jump free from the field with 6 laps to go for 5th place with Knetsche winning the field sprint for 6th, and David Flynn rounding out the money spots for 10th place.

1st - NC State Pro Crit Championship - Marianne Holt

1st - NC State Masters Crit Championship - M. Holt

2nd - NC State Pro Crit Championship - Lori Harkey

4th - NC State Pro Crit Championship - Lisa Preslar

5th - NC State Pro Crit Championship - Chris Harkey

6th - NC State Pro Crit Championship - Chris Knetsche

9th - NC State Pro Crit Championship - David Flynn

Reid WINS Springer Mtn. Road Race, 3rd in Crit

2009-06-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team racer, Reid Beloni pulled out some awesome results at the Springer Mountain Omnium the other week. Reid started off the weekend by placing 3rd in the Pro/Am Criterium Saturday in a close sprint finish. He capped off the weekend with a solo WIN in the Road Race, after shaking all of the 5 other riders in his winning break on a tough and mountainous course and a nasty crash. Check out Reid's account of the WIN in his own words. Good job Reid.
1st - Springer Mtn Road Race - Reid Beloni
3rd - Springer Mtn Criterium - Reid Beloni

Where's Blair?

2009-05-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

A few of the team guys did the Gold Hill Invitational ride today. It is a great recreational ride, put on by a super bunch of people and we got to see a ton of our friends and team supporters there which was refreshing. Here is a link to the route if you are interested. However, coming up on the eve of the NC State Crit Championship on Monday, my thoughts drifted to last year's crit. Darren, Shane, Blair, Knetch and myself all had a great race there. We knew we had 3 great sprinters in the bunch so we started laying it down in the last two laps. Blair jumped coming into the last turn, and opened up a 40ft gap on 2nd place, taking the win easily for the team and the NC Pro 1-2 State Championship. Shortly thereafter, Blair and the team were interviewd by the local news and race promotor...we were all pretty stoked.

Chasing down the escapie with the leadout

Blair opening his gap for the WIN
Sadly life sometimes makes you change your priorities. Work and family are strong factors that pull us away from the trivial fun we have on the bikes. With that said, Blair, one of the best guys I know, "retired" at the end of last season from our team as the reigning NC Pro State Champ. So on the eve of the 2009 Championship, the team is ready and have a strong group of riders motivated and determined for a repeat. But, I can't help but wonder...where is Blair? And how cool would it be if he lined up to defend his title with us. Later, Adam.

Resistance Training

2009-05-20T12:46:00.001-07:00

Puttin' the Gary Fisher to work!

Mewett 7th at Maryville Criterium

2009-05-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the photos from our freind Bart Nave:
Photo #2 - Mewett pulling back the break
Congrats to Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley racer Geri Mewett for another solid placing at the Maryville Tomato Head Criterium...I wonder if they named that race after him...?

Delong 14th at Bank Of America NRC Criterium

2009-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

John Delong had a great ride for the team finishing 14th in the NRC ranked Bank of America Criterium in Delaware last Saturday. He had great support from teammate, Justin Beard, to stay in the lead group in the closing laps and keep a good position for the finish. John also improved on his previous NRC result the week before at the Sunny King Criterium in Alabama where he finished 20th. Great job to both John and Justin for their strong racing.
...check out a two pics below:
Is John actually smiling?

Teamwork

VETTA Memorial Day SALE 35% OFF

2009-05-19T05:41:00.001-07:00

Visit VETTA between 5-24 and 5-30-09 to get 35% off of regularly priced computers, tools and lights. Be sure to use the promo code above. A Great deal on some Great Gear! We suggest the new V100HR WL2X computer with heartrate, cadence and much more.

Fuller WINS 6 hr Solo MTB Race, Gals take 2nd

2009-05-11T13:02:00.001-07:00

Taking a brief break from the road scene...Darren Fuller pulled off a great win on the dirt with his victory at the 6 hour Solo MTB race at the Anne Springs Grind on the Greenway. Lori Harkey and Lisa Preslar also ripped up the dirt, taking 2nd place in the women's 6 hour Duo event. Great chance for the Gary Fisher roadies to teach a few lessions in the mud.

Team 3rd and 7th in Belize Cross Country

2009-05-11T12:55:00.001-07:00

Our Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley gals had a great race in Belize yesterday with Lori Harkey (right) taking 3rd place in the overall with her teammate Marianne Holt finishing 7th place after both experiencing some bad crashes that took out the entire field of riders. Fine International results for the team. The wet, rainy conditions made the race very difficult and dangerous, but the HGFB gals toughed it out. Lisa Preslar, unfortunatly had a crash that caused her to have to abandon the 2nd half of the race with a broken hanger. Overall a great job gals...

Beloni 4th at Waynesboro Criterium

2009-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Reid drivin' the train on his Gary Fisher

Congrats to Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley racer, Reid Beloni for a strong 4th place finish at the Waynesboro Pro 1-2 Critrerum.

Women compete in SOL Cross Country Race - Belize

2009-05-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday the Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley women's elite team flew out from Charlotte to compete in the SOL Cross Country Race out of Belize City, Belize. The race will be this Sunday, and our ladies will be competing against some top level competition not only from Belize, but also Mexico, Guatamala and Columbia. Lori, placed 3rd in the race last year, and is in good fitness to be our go to gal for the win after her recent win in the Belize New Years Classic road race. Join us in wishing them the best of luck...oh yeah, stay away from that swine flu junk too! Check back for race updates and results.

Tour de Ephrata - day 1,2 RR

2009-04-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

After a nice long drive up to AT's pad in Lancaster, PA we jumped on the bikes for little ride. Great country riding in the heart of Amish territory. We went out for an hour or so and got to ride alongside of horsedrawn buggies, tons of dariy cattle, and sporatic batches of horse crap on the roads. The Amish keep their homes, yards and farms immaculate. The women were out working in the gardens and pushmowing the yards with non-motoried push mowers. Our ride was beautiful, windy, rolling back country roads, covered bridges...and more horse crap.

We had 120 guys in the road race today. John and AT had ridden the course before, but it was new to the rest of us. Within the firist 4 miles we had a screaming 40+mph down hill with a kick to the left, then a right turn dead into a covered bridge with cover slats....going to be a long day. The field almost came to a dead stop, sliding left and right inside the bridge, then sprinted out the otherside. I could tell Harkey was behind me in the bridge freaking out at how sketchy it was. The race was fast and single file with a big kicker hill halfway through. Justin and John were active early, both bridging up to breaks that didn't stick. Harkey got in the final break of 15 and attacked 1K out, but got caught at the line and passed for 12th place.

Had a great meal thanks to team cheif John Delong. Chicken sausage, buffalo burgers, veggies, pasta, watermelon. Big thanks to Justin for washing the monster bugs (and horse crap) off the bikes and installing our new VETTA computers tonight. We are going to roll the team time trail tomorrow am, but not worry too much about it. Our goal now is to shoot for a win in the crit and let the GC work itself out.

Reid WINS ACCC Conference Championship

2009-04-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley rider Reid Beloni (left) won the ACCC Men's D1 Conference Championship Individual Omnium this last weekend, representing his Virginia Tech collegiate team which he is also the president of. Reid has been consitantly fininshing in the top 5 out of his last batch of races and is showing great fitness right now. Reid will be part of our 6 man team racing at the Tour de Ephrata this coming weekend in Lancaster, PA. We look forward to turning him (and his red mullett locks) loose on the other guys this weekend...Congrats Reid and VT.

Post race recovery meal...you pick

2009-04-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

We'll let our readers weigh in on our delema...Darren opted for a Muscle Milk shake ($2.95), while Adam ventured for a streetcar vendor Sausage Dog and Coke ($3.00).

Fuller Wins ION Village Criterium

2009-04-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

Darren Fuller pulled off an easy win in the masters criterium at the beautiful ION Village in Chaleston, SC. Darren, along with Harkey, Bruce and Adam jumped in the masters race as a warmup for the Pro event. We worked great together, and Darren had a perfect leadout to the sprint.

Following, in the Pro Criterum, we were joined by Geri (sporting his brand new Bermuda National Championship Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley kit) and Justin. Geri worked the race like a champ on the front...maybe he just wanted to show of his kit...The race was fast and single file the entire time through the tight course. Thad Dulin (Myogenesis) jumped away with 2 laps to go, and held his gap for the win. Justin focused on the sprint, and took 6th place, just behind Johnathan Clarke (Jelly Belly Pro Cycling). We are looking forward to racing at the Citadel tomorrow.

Darren Fuller - 1st masters
Chris Harkey - 5th masters
Justin Beard - 6th Pro/Am
Adam Little - 12th masters

Belize day 5- Take me home, country road

2009-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Belize day 4 - race day (Viva Mexico)

2009-04-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

OK - so this is a long one, but that is what you get

4:14am Chris and I woke up and choked down a bagel and peanut butter for breakfast. I chased mine with Gatorade, while Harkey chose a warm Muscle Milk (keep that in your memory for later). Charles knocks at the door ready to go...reluctanly and half asleep, we get kitted up. Temp outside is already in the low 80's and humid.

5:30am Head out on the bikes through town to sign in at the race in front of Leslie Imports. Kind of a sureal feeling riding through the dirty, downtown streets lined with shacks and homeless sleeping on the sidewalk as we set to begin the highest paying sports event of the entire country. Hundreds of people already out lining the streets and staging area, music pumping, shouts of encouragement. Charles and Blackheart get us ready and bottles filled.

6:00am (Hour 0 of the race) At the line. 140+ riders starting the race, mostly Belizians, but also a big group of racers from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Columbia, USA, Canada. Race starts with the sounding of a bugle and a roar of the crowd egar for a belizian win today. Pace is high from the gun! The first few miles are total caos with people swerving left and right, high potential for crashes early. Our plan is to set in early and save for the headwind return from San Agnachio. Small groups of guys start jumping off the front and we decide to lay low for now. Santinos, Sugar City (Roger and Murphy), Red Bull and a few strong mexican riders are in there, but it is way too early. I feel really good and am chomping at the bit to jump across, but we are sticking to the plan.

(Hour 1) Race is fast! Already losing riders through Hattiville. Probably 12 guys off the front holding a 2 min gap on us. Out of their group a Columbian rider and Mexican rider are jumping clear and start a rampage on taking the station prizes along the way. Eric Murphy from the US is working hard to pull everything together. We are still holding back, althrough it is getting harder to see 1-2 guys trickle off the front. I drop back to the service truck to get some bottles from Charles and pass Harkey setting near the back of the field. He was not feeling good, having a bad headache, and the warm Muscle Milk for breakfast was coming back to haunt him a little.

(Hour 2-3) We are starting to be much more active now and I am feeling really good about that. We are both riding at the front, jumping with anything that moves and trying to keep the pace high when it slows. At one point we both got into a nice split with Potter, Elliston, and Santinos, but got pulled back. Eating and drinking well. I have gone through about 3 bottles so far, and a gel every 45min. Harkey still battleing a bad headache. The race slowed a bit and I told him I was dropping back to get us bottles. "Now is good time." he said. I float to the back of the field to the truck. Charles starts yelling at me, but I can't understand him. I load up with bottle for me and Harkey and start heading back to the field. We take a small lefthand turn and I see a wall of a hill in front of me. Turns out Charles was yelling "Get back now, there is a big ass hill coming up!" Mount Hope to be exact, pretty steep, but short. I kill it to chase back to the pack and get over the top. Harkey had drifted back to help me when he realized the this was indeed NOT a "good time" to go back. The gap to the lead group starts coming down to around 2:30 from the 5 min it grew to. I make a long pull as we get closer to San Agnachio and Harkey drags the peleton down over the bridge and through the turn around in town with the lead group in site a little less than 2 minutes. He attacked outside of town and was followed by Potter and Elliston. I jumped to go, but had 2 Santinos with my so I fell back to let Harkey slip away. Their group eventually bridged to the lead break, I am in the 2nd group on the road, field behind breaking up bad over the hills.

(Hour 4) Harkey's lead groups gap has grown to 5 minutes over my chase group. Unfortunately our service vehicle had to follow him and now I am isolated without any feeds for Gatorade. I start looking for locals holding out neutral bags of water, but starting to get that cramping feeling in my legs from losing salt from the heat. The Guatamalians in my group are chasing pretty good, and for some reason the 3 Santino's guys start trying to chase back/jump across even though they have 5 of their strongest riders in the break up the road including 2 great sprinters. Good example of how it seems the Belizians sometimes work against each other than together. I am following each of their wheels when they jump in hopes to get a free ride across. Started to feel a little cramp the 2nd time over Mount Hope, so I start really thinking about nutrition and focusing on trying to get some Gatorade from someone since I don't have any bottles...no luck.

(Hour 5) Mexican national champion has jumped clear of the lead group and is heading towards town stealing primes. Santinos is chasing hard. Harkey, Roger, Potter, Elliston, Travisio, Lovell, Froggy, all all up there. I am coming through the round about at Hattiville with 130 miles under my belt and less than 15 to the finish when I stand up to go with a guy, and both of my legs lock up. Can't even unclip and get off my bike. I ride into the crowd at the turn around and a guy grabs me and holds me up, otherwise I would have falled straight over still in my pedals. Finally, I get off of the bike and start working on my legs, but they are gone. 5 hours 10 min into my race I accept my fate. I hitch a ride with a truckload of Mexicans following one of their riders from my group. I am in the back seat of a crew cab pickup with 3 other riders who abbandoned the race (none speak english) and have about 1/2" leg room...yeap, another cramp sets in. They got a kick out of that and started offering me "red bull" in some generic can in 100% spanish lettering and some homemade mexican cookies...heaven!?!

...check back for the finish

Belize day 3 - Hydrate or die

2009-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

The locals have been saying they were experiencing a cold front, temps in the mid 80's since we have been here. Well...cold front is over! After finally being able to sleep late, we did an easy spin along he sea wall at 10:00....HOT! Spent the rest of the day focusing on drinking as much water and gatorade as we can get down. We have a great support group here with Andrew, Charlie, Matthew and Blackheart. Charlie "my buddy" Leslie and Blackheart will be in the team's service vehicle tomorrow and we are in great hands. Harkey's 6th place at the last race (Belmopan Classic) put us in the drawing of the top 5 teams for places in the caravan...we drew spot #1, AWESOME. Our service call will be the first in the caravan so feeds will be easy for us, don't have to fight through the caravan traffic.

Santino's team is probably going to be the team to beat with 18 guys in the race, 4 of them good foriegn ridders including Traviaso. Mexican National team also has a team that is going to be strong. Race tomorrow at 6:00...

Belize Day 2 - "Speed ride"...man it's hot here

2009-04-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Crawled out of bed at 4:45am... That in itself is enough to sum up the day.

Met up with a group of locals and racers here for the Sat race for their Thursday weekly "speed ride". We later found out that today was "camera day". The local news channel were out with their cameras following the guys out training and then pulled some of the top favorites out for some face time interviews. Harkey worked the camera like a pro. After lunch we went back out with a Santino's rider on the Boom road loop for a few more hours, so a great day of miles on the bike.

Belize CC - day 1 Touchdown

2009-04-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Landed in Belize City today for the upcoming historic Cross Country Race on Saturday. Had a great flight, and things have been going smooth so far, but we feel pretty bad that we had to leave our guys at home. The team had originally planned to have 6-8 riders come down to do the race, but unfortunately some last minute plans fell through. Harkey and I had jumped the gun and purchased our tickets about a month ago to lock in a good flight/rate, so we were not able to bring the full team down here for the race. I feel bad, especially for our rider John Delong, who is going really good right now, and would have to have been a favorite in the race...I wish he, along with the more of the team where here.

Got the bikes together and went out for a late evening ride to Hattiville and back to the city. Got a nice taste of the massive head wind we are going to have to fight for the last 30-40 miles of the 140 mile road race Sat. Harkey, as always got several shout-outs on the ride (after his 2 wins and multiple top 3 finishes), but I did get my first "die white boy" experience today while on the bike. While coming through the city, we got behind a funeral ( a great chance to see our cultural differences). 80 to 100 people formed a procession and were walking down the street towards the graveyard. There were partying, drinking and celebrating, walking behind a flatbed truck with a huge rack of speakers blasting club music. The person who passed was a 27 year old local DJ. Neat to observe that with respect.
Tomorrow we are heading out for the locally named 'speed ride' that leaves at 5:15am!

Road trip tip of the day: TSA really gets mad when you try to smuggle a jar of peanut butter through the x-ray machine! Leave it at home or chance the body cavity search.

DeLong 5th at City Park Crit

2009-03-31T20:12:00.001-07:00

John Delong rode like a madman with tons of support from Darren and Knetch, getting into the final break and making them hurt. A great result for a stacked team with fast racing from Mt. Khakis Pro, DLP Pro, and many other strong domestic and Canadian teams. When asked of his secret..."it's the wheels". Speaking of his new Bontrager 5.0 ACC wheels he pulled out of the box the night before. However I don't think his engine was working too shaby either.

Lori 2nd at Out Like a Lion Road Race

2009-03-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley ladies had a great weekend in Albemarle and Sailsbury, NC last week. Lori took a very close 2nd place in the Road Race, just missing the win by inches with Bridgette 10th, Marianne and Lisa rounding out the top 20. Their domination continued in the following crit with a group finish of 6th, 7th and 8th place (hey...they like to stick together, what can I say?) Congrats

Team Accepts Invite to Tour de Ephrata NEW Videos

2009-03-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team has accepted the invitation to participate in the 2009 Tour de Ephrata Stage Race in Lancaster Country, PA. This Stage Race has historically been known for its challenging routes and attraction of many of the best Pro and Elite teams in the country. Our team will field a team of 6 racers. We are also looking forward to getting to see our lone PA racer, AT Stamp and give him a little "hometown help".

Lori takes 3rd at Falls River Road Race

2009-03-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Falls River Road Race, a tough course...trust me, was no match for Lori. Lori along with the women's team had a great ride, and the Gary Fishers did great over the climb. Congrats to the gals. John and Bruce had strong rides in the men's pro event, almost chasing down the break and finishing just outside of the top 10. More power to em...I hated that hill, personally!
3rd - Lori Harkey (Womens Pro 1,2,3)
11th - Marianne Holt (Womens Pro 1,2,3)
12th - Bridgette McClean (Womens Pro 1,2,3)
16th - Lisa Preslar (Womens Pro 1,2,3)

Hincapie Team Clothes for SALE

2009-03-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here's your chance to purchase some of the great Hincapie Sportswear team clothing from our 2008 season as Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley. Click here to visit our online STORE. All proceeds go to fund the team. Thanks for your support.

Greenville (3 top 10 results)

2009-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Results from the last 3 Greenville Spring Series Races
Greenville #1 - 9th Chris Harkey (Pro 1-2)
Greenville #2 - 7th Geri Mewett (Pro 1-2)
Greenville #3 - 10th Chris Montelone (Pro 1-2)

Holt takes 5th, 7th at Wolfpack - DeLong 8th

2009-02-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Marianne Holt had a good race at the Wolfpack Cycling Road Race and Criterium last weekend. Marking Marianne's first race of the 2009 season, she started it off in fine fashion, placing herself in the winning break of the day. With one lone rider breaking free from the break, Marianne had a fantastic ride to take 5th place in the Road Race. Lori provided solid support keeping the field in check as Marianne's break became established, with help from the Lees McCrae Team who also had good representation in the break. She capped off the weekend with a 7th place finish in the Criterium from Sunday.

Even though the road race was on Sat the 14th, John Delong must have had that black cloud of Friday the 13th still hanging over his head. With great early season fitness, John spent the 3rd of 4 laps away from the group. With his gap growing to close to 2 minutes, his police escort pace car took a wrong turn that took him off course. After turning around and correcting his course, the gap had drindled to less than 30 seconds. John went again for the final lap with a small group of 10+ riders and had to settle for 8th after his efforts.

On a side note, Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team rider, Reid Beloni, placed 2nd and 6th in the NCSU Collegiate RR and Criterium for Virginia Tech.

Racing has begun! Look to see all of you at the Greenville Spring Series races which start this Sat-Sun at the Donaldson Center Road Race course and will continue for the next 3 weekends. Check out the calander on our website for the venues.

Tool Box: How to Install Speedplay Zero Cleats

2009-02-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Spring marks the beginning of those thoughts of racing again. What better time to think about switching out your worn out cleats for a better ride. The Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team choose the Speedplay Zero pedal and cleat system as our secret weapon, therefore the pictures below apply to Speedplay cleats. If you have Speedplays then you can follow along with the fun...What? You don't currently use Speedplays? What, are you crazy? Now is a great time to try them out! http://www.speedplay.com/
Step 1: Remove old cleats - If you are using old shoes, you must remove those worn out cleats. Different pedal manufactures have various suggestions as to when you need to replace your cleats. Speedplay suggest every 5000 miles or so. Remember that a worn out cleat will effect your amount of float, pedal contact and the amount of pressure it takes to engage or disengage so you don't come out of your pedal in that mad dash city limit sprint with your training buddies. If you are using new shoes, you get to skip this step. Do notice, however, the fore/aft and lateral markings on the soles of your shoes, they will be important later. Step 2: Install the baseplate - The Speedplay baseplate allows you to mount to any road shoe with the traditional 3 bolt pattern. Your pedals will come with two baseplates, which are not right/left specific (so if you get them mixed up I won't tell). Your pedals also come with a set of added plastic shims that you may need to have a tight fit to your shoe's sole profile. I like to place the baseplate on the shoe first without bolting down to see if shims are needed or not. In our example, we are mounting the cleats on the 2009 Bontrager RXL Shoes. (Yes the shoes really are that awesome looking...look for an introduction in the near future). We have found that the stock baseplate fits perfectly with the shoe's profile, so we will not be needing the extra shims. You can also go to http://www.speedplay.com/ to look up your shoe's compatability and shim suggestions. You have 2 bolts to choose from here (see pic below). The center bolt on the is for the top cleat plate (save it for later). The far left bolt and far right can both be used to mount the baseplate. The left (black) one is your standard bolt and should work on most shoes, and where you are not using any extra shims. The far right (silver) bolt is a few mm longer and is best used when you need to add the Speedplay shims to customize your fit to your sole, or if the shorter bolts don't seem to thread fully into your shoe. Tighten them down until they are snug...no need to be Hercules here. The bolts are all lock-tighted so they will hold.

Step 3: Install the top cleat plate - Ok, now you need to get your right and lefts correct here...luckily the cleats are clearly marked. You mess this one up, and you are on your own. Notice that the top of the cleat plate have 2 holes drilled closer together than the 2 at the bottom, to help you allign the top/bottom of the cleat. Allign all the screws with the brass wear plate on top and anchor with the 8 smaller black screw that we saved from earlier. You also now have the option to freely change the left/right position of your cleats prior to tightening down. Notice the 8-10mm of adjustibility in the two pics below. (You may want to suggest someone with experience fitting cyclist help determine your perfect cleat position, or you can use the trial and error method. Either way, you can always loosen the bolts and adjust again if they feel a little off.) I suggest tightening them down til they are snug and then backing off a half turn. If the bolts are too tight they will not allow the cleat spring ample freedom to move, and your pedals may feel too tight when clipped in. Step 4: Adjust the amount of float - Float is the amount of freedom your pedal system gives for lateral motion of your heel/toe while pedaling. While widely know for their large amout of knee saving float, the Speedplay Zero's give the you the ability to customize the amount and direction of your float all the way down to ...well Zero. Using a small screwdriver you can tighten the screws in to limit the amount of float, or back them out to increase the amount of float. You can also adjust them to independently to customize your heel in/heel out travel. Personally, I back out my "heel out" screw entirely and keep the "heel in" close to it's original position. Other team riders back both screws out to create a large amount of float. Conversely, tightening both screws inward will bind the cleat ring and create zero degrees of float, if that is what you desire.Now go enjoy the freedom of your new found float!
Adam Little - Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team

Lewis featured on VeloNews

2009-01-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

Congrats go out to one of our very own former Hincapie Cycling teammembers, Craig Lewis. Craig was recently featured on VeloNews.com for his great first year with Team Columbia and his bright future in the sport. Click here for the read the full article. Lewis (24) started off his now famous cycling career with our Hincapie team way back in 2002 where he raced as a Jr. with us (then we were the Fairway-Cyfac team, and Hincapie Sportswear was just starting to boom in the Southeast). Craig raced the 2002 and 2003 season with the team and them moved to TIAA-CREF in 2004, Slipstream in 2007, and landed his current spot with Team Columbia in 2008. Congrats to Craig for making it to the big stage...best of luck with all your future races.

Training Camp: part 1

2009-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

We had a good team training ride today. In total we had 12 of the team members out together which was great. We had a nice long ride and it was good to catch up with everyone and see that they were all looking forward to a great year. I was the lucky dog who got the honor of being the first to test out the new Gary Fisher ARC Pro team bike, and was very impressed. I spent 4 hours on the new bike today on the ride, and it was a nice ride straight out of the box. Other than looking freakin hot, the frame was very responsive (as always, we played around with a few city limit sprints) and also climbed well. It was very easy for me to dial in my position on the bike, since it's geometries were virtually identical to the Lemond's we rode last year. The new Bontrager Race Lite bars were perfect and had a good feel on the ride. We are still waiting for a few extra parts to get all the bikes built up, but I know the other guys will be equally impressed once they get their first ride. We were able to hand out a few pairs of the new Bontrager RXL Shoes and the fits were perfect. Hopefully we can get our cleats dialed in and get our first ride in them tomorrow. Stay tuned for some pics of the new rides...Later, Adam

Gary Fisher: 2009 Team Bike and Co-Sponsor

2009-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

NEW for 2009: The 2008 Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team will become the Hincapie/Gary Fisher Team presented by BARKLEY! We are pleased to introduce Gary Fisher Bikes as our new Co-Sponsor for 2009 and beyond. The team will race the newly introduced Gary Fisher ARC Pro, equipt with top of the line Bontrager and SRAM components. The ARC Pro features a stiff aluminum frame with carbon fiber seatstays and chainstays, along with a Bontrager carbon fork. Look for the team edition Gary Fisher ARC Pro at the head of the races in 09'. Thanks to Travis, Chris, Jeff and Travis G. for making the dream a reality.

SRAM Pledges 2009 Support

2009-01-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

SRAM Continues 2009 Team Support

For our second year in a row, the Hincapie/Gary Fisher Team presented by Barkley is pleased to have SRAM return as our official groupo sponsor for our Gary Fisher ARC Pro framesets. Our team had great success with the SRAM Force groupos last year and look forward to a great 2009 season with their continued support. This year the team bikes will be equipt with a combination of SRAM Force and SRAM Red shifters, cranks, brakesets, bottom brackets and derailures. Thanks to Alex, Ed, Paul and Jim for all their help. The team is also proud to be contributing through SRAM to the World Bicycle Relief program, along with other SRAM sponsored teams, in order to provide stable and sustainable bicycles to areas around the world for transportation and labor uses. http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/Visit our friends from SRAM at http://www.sram.com/ and follow other fellow SRAM Athletes at http://www.theroaddiaries.com/

Just Training

2009-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were glad to get in a little "mini-camp" with the guys. Saturday we did the Polar Bear together for some miles, and Sunday took a jount out to Morrow Mountain. John was able to come down from VA, and Reid, who has been spending the last week training with the Virginia Tech Team in Florida also popped in. Sometimes it is just good to get together and experience the ride... going to be a good year.

Reid cropped this picture to hide his uncontrolled mullet
John and Adam pondering the meaning of life (and the future joy of our Gary Fisher bikes) at the overlook down to the Pee Dee River

Belize Day 7: One the Road Again

2009-01-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday: Monte, Lori, David and I got up early on hit the road on the bikes for a 55 mile ride back up to Orange Walk. Monte said "he was really tired, but wanted to get in one last good ride". I matched him 2 up for a 3x 15minute pulls, and he was must have been feeling a little "better" than he thought. Seemed like the Northern Highway never ended. Made it into town around 9:30am and found a nice local fruit concoction to cool us down. After a quick parking lot change we started packing up the bikes for the flight. Got to see our friends and sponsors from the Sugar City team one last time which was nice. Went outside of the box and tried some local rice/beans and grilled fish for lunch. Harkey stuck with his same boring grilled chicken, Coke and baked tater.
Jumped in the van and did the long 6 hour mach 3 run to Cancun. Andrew scored us some great fresh pineapple from the locals on the side of the road. (You may have noticed that the theme of food seems to run through these posts...funny how comforting good local food can make a long, hot, sometimes stressful trip seem a little more easy. 'Bout all you can think about when you days shape up like "eat, ride your bike, travel, eat, travel, eat, travel some more, sleep") Scored a nice room at the Avalon Grand on the strip in Cancun for a few hours, then off to the airport tomorrow back to good ol God's Counrty NC. Thanks for joining us for the ride! Adam

Belize Day 6: Let's be Tourists!

2009-01-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday: Not sure if we had another night's room, we packed up all our gear, left it in the hotel lobby and headed off to meet Tony for a 12 hour tour of Belize (Caracol Mayan temples, Rio Frio river and caverns, Twin Tunnel Caves and 1000ft falls). Long day, but a once in a lifetime experience to see the awesome sights of highland Belize. I got to share a pizza with Charles and life was good.

Belize Day 5: Recovery Day

2009-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

Friday: We are all busted, but had a great night at the Radisson Fort George thanks to the help of our friend and supporter, Jim Scott! We slept a little late today and had breakfast at the bakery (cinnabuns, johnny cakes and scones). After going to sweeten my java, the lid pops off and I dump about 2 cups of pure, fresh Belizian Cane Sugar in my coffee...needless to say I was having a little sugar high for the rest of the morning. We ride out to meet our friends Charles and Tony from Leslie Imports and then out of town for a 30 mile recovery ride on the Western Highway to Hattiville.
After lunch we met up with Roger, Shalini and Christian at the bowling alley and test our skills on the worst bowling lanes in history.
Dinner with Charles at the Stone Grill (Monte opted for the Jerk Beef strips for a little spice) and then visited the Smiling Meats shop with Matthew.

Belize Day 4: Sucki-Suck WINS the KREM Classic Race!

2009-01-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday: Race Day -
Women's Race:
Lori was our lone female team member representing the Hincapie/Gary Fisher/Barkley Team in the abbreviated 60 mile womens version of the race. After a Builder Bar breakfast, her race left at 9:00 combined with the Jr's field. She spent most of her race chasing attacks and breaks with the Jrs in order to form seperation with her other female racers, which included Shalini Z. (winner of the 2008 race). Lori, not known for her sprinting knew that she had to lead out the sprint into town as fast as she could. She took a great line through the round-about and held off her other girls to the line for the WIN! After a little post race interview with KREM Radio and Belize Channel 5 TV, Lori was presented with her monster trophy, prize money, Championship ring, and Sheep (yeap, she won a sheep as a prime on the road!) Big props to good ol' "sucki-suck" for her biggest win to date!!!

Men's Race:
Monte, David and I roll out to breakfast at Melin's house in Orange Walk, eggs over easy, fried ham and tortillas at 5:30am. We leave for the race at 7:00 after I had already made 3 pit stops at the bathroom...a little Montazuma zoom zoom action. Lori's (aka sucki suck) race leaves from Orange Walk so she got a little more sleep time. We stop on the road about 6 miles from the startline at the Mexico boarder and get our bikes ready and suited up. I duck out into the sugar cane fields with a newspaper for round #4. After riding to the start we sign in and go through the pre-race check up and find some shade. Race starts...crazy! Full on cat 5 action. Moto official dumps his bike just in front of the pack, we are bunny hopping speedbumps, dodging chickens and stray dogs, caravan traffic, sugar cane...you name it. Entering Corazal the road looks like a mine field of potholes. Chris and I both loose all of our water bottles, and our sprinter, Mateo flats his front wheel. I dropped back with 2 teammates to get him, but he is nowhere in site and chase back on through the maddening caravan (Repeat step 1 three more times!) After my third time dropping back for my sprinter, I closed the gap back to the field and a crash of 10-15 guys blocks the road. I run off the left side of the road to avoid running into the moto official, and get bogged down in a ditch in the cane fields (this is where my race went south). I spent the next 5 miles or so trying to chase back on to no avail through Orange Walk. Monte is in a 5 man break at this point and the race is going fast into town for the $1000 prime. Monte takes a narrow 2nd for the prime and his break gets caught. David goes back to the caravan for water, eats bumper and crashes into a service vehicle while pacing up. I settle in for a lonley 55 mile ride to Belize City with no water. Marlon (Team Santinos) attacks just past Crooked Tree towards Belize City which puts us on the defensive. Monte and Nery set up a strong chase at 28-30mph for the next 5+ miles but can't close to the leader up the road. They pull the 2nd group of about 20 riders to the line and get passed in the sprint for 11th and 12th place, with Jose Choto taking trophies for 1st master and Chris 3rd place master.

Belize Day 3: Can we race? (Updated)

2008-12-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

Did a nice 2-3 hour ride today to Crooked Tree, but our whole gang is pretty stressed out. It was really nice to meet up on the road with the Sugar City Boys team and train together. The roads here are really rough and it was good to have friends, teamates and a support truck to share the ride with. We are running into some opposition down here to letting us americans race. There were some heated discussions at the team meeting last night that lasted late into the evening. We have been going round and round with the Belizian Cycling Association constantly. Their intentions are good, but we are having to scramble to get documentations squared away that we had already sent prior to us buying tickets to race. Foriegners racing in the USA don't have anywere close to the hard time as they evidently do down here with registration. We just want to race! Right now there is about a 70% chance we can race tomorrow, but that other 30% is driving us crazy. Big thanks to our NC/SC Cycling Association President, Vicki Lyons for all of her help in getting us the repeatitive documentation they are needing down here. All in all a real stressful night last night and today. We need to get out and go for a walk to clear our minds. Great Country, great climate, great people, but a totally different approach to allowing foriegn riders to race.

5:30pm: Things look much more promising for us to race tomorrow and we are prepared. Our local friends, Melin with the Sugar City team and Andrew with Acros-Guiness, have taken great care of us while we have been down here and helping us get things squared away with the race. We re-sent all of our documents and are ready for a good race. Our spirits have picked up greatly. I am looking forward to dinner tonight at La Hacinda and a nice team meeting tonight. Everyone is fit and ready, but heat is definately going to be a factor, but we have a good plan and great teammates and support. Breakfast early tomorrow and we head off to Corizal to start the race at 9:00, which runs from the Belize-Mexico boarder to Belize City, 100 miles south.

Someone local at home keep Melissa in the loop, my email is down and I can't get through. Adam

Belize Day 2: "Chicken Slayer"

2008-12-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Woke up today at 5:00am to ride at 6:00...Monte looked outside and proclaimed that is was "pitch ass dark outside" and about 80 degrees. The equatorial Sun soon came up with force and we set out with bellies full of tropical bananas and mini clif bars. We rode 60 miles on the roughest roads I have ever seen to the Mexican boarder and back to Orange Walk with our Sugar City teammates Nery, Bertrain and their director Damion. Basically the roads are a mixture of 1-2" sided gravel with huge gaps between. The smooth sections lack the characteristic mindfield of 2 foot HOLES that the really rough sections have. Monte was having a little trouble with his hands going numb, and I know we will be really sore tonight. We stopped just shy of the Mexican boarder (long story again) and decided to turn around. A quick stop at the local store for some bagged water (chilled 1 quart plastic bags of water, rather than bottles) and Gatorade.
Passed another guy on the bike with a gun (double barrel this time) on our way back to Orange Walk. About 20 miles outside of town went through a pretty rual area (mile of sugar cane mixed with shanty shacks along the roadside with various livestock roaming free in the "yard"). A huge golden chicken was running across the road, and diverted its path straigh towards us. Harkey narrowly dodged the fleeing fowl, but Adam t-boned and ran right over the entire chicken with his bike, both wheels. Feathers flying, know known as the "chicken slayer of belize".
Late 10:00 Breakfast of tortillas, beans, eggs and fried jack pies was a welcomed blessing. We all agreed that we would crawl across a desert of broken glass for the homemade thick totillias from here. We cracked and caught up on some sleep and will head back out tonight for dinner.

Belize: Day 1 Run over the Boarder

2008-12-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

We flew out of Charlotte today on the way to Cancun. After the 3 hour flight, we waiting in about an equally long line at customs and immigration. Andrew picked us up and we started our run into Belize. During our 6 hour drive...yeah, I could not help but notice that there are tons of machine guns in Mexico. Military checkpoints every few miles will well armed chaps, heck we even passed a civilian riding a bike with his gun straped to his back. Crossed the boarder out of Mexico (real scary, ask me about the details) and into the "Free Zone" a short area between the 2 countries. Our van was searched as we left the free zone and again as we entered Belize but Andrew definately helped clear us through. Arived in Orange Walk, Belize at around 6:00pm and met up with Melin, owner of the local Sugar City Boys Team. Due to some registration problems, we will not be able to race as our own team. Monte and Adam are racing with the Sugar City crew (Orange Walk is famous for sugar cane), and Harkey and David are racing with the Guiness Team in Thursday's race.
Melin has been a great help and has taken great care of us. We had a nice meal of chicken fajitas and bottled Coke tonight and met on of his riders from Guatemala, Nery Valasquz who just won the climbers jersey in the Tour of Guatemala, who will be racing with Monte and Adam. We checked into the Hotel de La Fuentes here in Orange Walk. Will try to get pics us as available.

KMC Test Chain - 1000 Miles

2008-12-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

With just over 1000 miles on or KMC test chain (see original article below), we have noticed some wear to the paint. The outer links on the outer drive side show about 20% wear, mostly on the center portions due to the cassette teeth while down shifting. The inner side of the chain (the side against the frame) shows much more wear with about 50% of the paint gone. As you can see, most of the wear is found on the outer X-Bridge links as well as the hollow pins. This wear is attributed to repeated upshifting up the cassette. Other than the paint wear, the functioning of the chain is still perfect. Shifting is smooth and the wear life of the chain seem unaffected. Look for future updates.

Product Test: KMC X10SL Colored Chain KMC 2009 Official Chain Sponsor

2008-11-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Our friends at KMC Chain sent us a new gift to test out. We are currently testing the new KMC X10SL chain... now in Color! KMC currently offers several versions of single speed chains with colored finishes, but currently only offers their road chains in either silver or gold (see our previous article for pics). In the world of bike bling, who would not want to ride up to their next club ride or criterium sporting a new KMC chain in blue, white, yellow or pink in our case? The color possibilities are limitless. While the team may not be riding pink chains next year, as is our test chain, you may see some red or white versions on the 2009 Gary Fishers.

KMC has entered into their third year as the official chain supplier for the Hincapie/Gary Fisher Team presented by Barkley, during the upcoming 2009 season. We appreciate their support and look forward to an awesome season of wins on KMC chains. Their products are incredibly durable and shift very smoothly. I recommend a KMC Chain as your next bike upgrade purchase.

On Test: KMC X10SL colored chain

Various color options offered from KMC Chain

Our chain is made of an alloy steel that has been powder coated, pink. Over the next months we will be logging as many miles as possible to test the shifting, durability and lasting color finish on the X10SL chain. We will regularly clean the chain with Finish Line Super Bike Wash and Multi-Degreaser, and keep the chain lubed with Finish Line Dry Lube. We cleaned the new chain and applied lube prior to our first ride. During the first test ride we put the chain through multiple shifting through the gears, the chain shifted smoothly and the finish on the chain looked just a good after the ride as it did at the begining. Stay tuned for more updates.

"Missing Link" for easy removal and cleaning

Hollow pins and hollow X-Bridge outer plate

The KMC Test Group! Making your ride a little more colorful!

"How can I get my own colored chain?" Great question...for now you will have to wait if you are looking for a 10 speed version of this chain. However, you can visit your local shop to order a colored KMC chain for your fixie, track bike, single speed MTB or BMX. To learn more, visit http://www.kmcchain.com/ "Don't hate me because my chain is beautiful."

Short-track MTB Race #2: 2 more WINS in the Dark

2008-11-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the first of the 2 Nite Races in the Fall Shorttrack series. The course was fast and smooth after 2 days of raining, an suited us roadies well. It was pretty cold and windy, and starting a race in the dark at 9:00pm is, lets say, interesting! Lori and Lisa had a great ride doing a repeat Win and 2nd place. Ol' Adam also had a great ride to Win the Super Sport division. Chris "I like to do squat workouts before racing" Harkey had to settle for a well fought 3rd place tonight after closing a big gap after Justin crashed out of the lead group on the back side of the course. On a side note: Two of our training partners, Danny and Daniel also took 1st and 2nd in the beginner class after riding away from the other racers. Looks like the winter training plan is paying off.
1st - Lori Harkey (Wms Sport)
Adam Little (Super Sport)
2nd - Lisa Preaslar (Wms Sport)
3rd - Chris Harkey (Expert)
Thanks again to our sponsors for their support...even during the "off season".

BARKLEY Pledges 2009 Team Support

2008-11-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

After a great season at the Team's presenting sponsor, BARKLEY has pledged continued support of the Hincapie / Coca-Cola / BARKLEY Team for the 2009 season. BARKLEY's support has allowed the team to enjoy several successes on the road throughout the season spreading the word of the benefits of healthy living. We look forward to racing in the Kansas City area, their home base, and connecting the cycling communities of the midwest and southeast. We would like to thank Andy Woolard, IV Whitman and the Senior Staff at BARKLEY for their efforts in allowing us to represent BARKLEY for another great year! Look for great things to come!

2 WINS on the Dirt - Shortrack Race #1

2008-11-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday marked the first of the Harrisburg short track MTB races, so we figured we would get a little dirty...Lori and Lisa started off the winning streak by taking 1st and 2nd place in the Women's Sport categories. Chris, Justin and Darren rocked the Expert race with Chris lapping most of the field of racers for the WIN with Justin 4th. Adam also had a good time on the mountain bike riding to 3rd in the Super Sport race. We look forward to racing in the dark this Sat in the first series Night Race...stay tuned, see you on the trails.
1st - Lori Harkey (Wms Sport)
Chris Harkey (Expert)
2nd - Lisa Preaslar (Wms Sport)
3rd - Adam Little (Super Sport)
4th - Justin Beard (Expert)
8th - Darren Fuller (Expert)

VA Cycling Cyclocross Weekend

2008-11-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hincape Team Rider, and VA Tech student, Reid Beloni is helping put on a cyclocross race this weekend in VA for all you cross crazy fans. Check it out and show some love. Proceeds go back to the VA Cycling program. Here is the link to the flyer...

The Importance of Sponsorship

2008-11-01T18:28:00.003-07:00

Our team could not exist without our awesome sponsors. We would like to take a minute to thank all of our friends and sponsors who helped make 2008 a great year for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team. A special thanks has to go out to Hincapie Sportswear, Trek, Coca-Cola, Barkley, Speedplay, The Bobby Labonte Foundation, SRAM and VETTA for your continued help throughout the year.

Many thanks to Andy and the crew at Barkley for putting together this promotional video. The support from Barkley has allowed us to further our program and have many successes this season.

We are currently in the process of securing our sponsors for the 2009 season. We are excited to have a majority of our sponsors returning to the team (look for a post shortly to announce 2009 sponsors). If you are interested in joining our program as a NEW financial or equipment sponsor for 2009, please contact Adam Little at http://www.info@hincapiecycling.com/

"Off-season" Update

2008-10-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Now that the official road season has come to an end, we have started to turn our attention to other aspects of life that we have neglected a little by being on the road so much this season. For me that is family. My girls and I have a trick-or-treating date planned, and lots of playtime at the house. Along with this time of year, comes work around the house on those projects that you just never got around to. Mowing, yard work, and organizing the garage...again. However, after you take your traditional week or so off the bike, there still exists the urge to train and keep your body moving around. Luckily most of us can follow a less structured training plan for now with some fun stuff thrown in there for measure.

Most of the team has been playing around with the mountain bikes for a week or so now. We have all taking our share of tumbles, but we are pumped to be out riding in a different environment. There are some short-track races here in Charlotte coming up in Nov. that we plan to tackle to keep our competative bug at ease.

Several of our folks are also having fun with other pursuits as well. Our longtime friend and Regional Sales Manager for Trek/ Gary Fisher and Bontrager, Jeff "eat my dust" Haase took the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team's first cyclocross WIN. Jeff crused to a win out of a pretty deep field of racers in the MSCross masters race 2 weeks ago. Jeff started racing cross close to 15 years ago on an old Schwinn road bike and has been hooked ever since.

Bridgette McClean, our jr womens racer, has turned her Winter training focus to her High School Cross Country team. Bridgette's school won first place in their Conference Championships today at McAlpine Park in Charlotte. Bridgette had a great run, taking 3th herself with one of her best times.

I am sure that on your next group ride you are going to hear guys talking about core training - this, and gym workouts - that, but remember that the off-season is also a time to focus on family, health and home. At least for now...all those workouts will come sooner than later.

Thanks to all of our sponsors, supporters, training partners, friends and family for a great 2008 season. Adam

Interbike Goodies pt 1: New Goodies from SRAM

2008-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Rumor was that our friends and long time supporters of the team from SRAM had some new products to introduce for 2009...so we had to check out the buzz. Sure enough, we were pleased to see their new inovations for 2009 and you will be to.

New for 2009 is the SRAM line of wheels. The S40, S60 and S80 wheels are a combination of technology from SRAM and their partners at ZIPP. All three sets of wheels feature a deep carbon rim (40mm, 60mm, or 80mm hence the names) married with an aluminum clincher braking surface. The rims are laced with bladed aero sapim spokes to a ZIPP hub found on the current Flashpoint wheelsets with sealed bearings. Smart and stylish wheel graphics finish off the total package.

Our team has been fortunate to use the SRAM Force groupo for the 2008 season with great success. It was great to see that some of its features have trickled down to the 09' SRAM Rival Groupo. The new Rival hits the streets with a new black gloss finish on all components and carbon brake levers, mirroring the Force groupo.

Those hardcore freeriders out there will also be blow away with SRAM's new Truvativ Hammerschmidt crankset, which uses internal gearing to switch chainring gear ratios while using only one chainring...I know, I had to see it to beleive it too! Even got a chance to ride it. The 1:1 and 1:1.6 overdrive internal gearing give you the security of a single chainring and the shifting abilities of a double. Technology that will prove to revolutionize the ideas of shifting and gear ratios for the MTB crowd and beyond.

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Cycling Team is pleased to continue its partnership with SRAM as our official groupo provider for the 2009 race season. Check them out at http://www.sramnation.com/ and make the leap.

Team takes on the Dirt...and WINS!

2008-10-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

We put up the road bikes for a weekend and whipped out the mountain bikes to get a little dirty at the 6 hour and 12 hour Tree Shaker Endurace Race in Rock Hill. Turns out, we had a blast, and did great on the trails. Deb won the solo 6hr race, while we took 2nd place in two 12hr races and 3rd in the 6hr mens duo. Everyone had a blast. Harkey got to take a little swim in the after drifting off course, jumping an eight foot bank and landing in the middle of the river. Blair and Shane had a clear lead of more than 30 minutes in the mens 6 hour duo event, but slipped to 3rd with only 2 laps to go after Blair breaking his chain and having to run several miles of the course.

On the same weekend, John tackled the Poor Mountain Hill Climb. This event was won by, and a record time set by our very own Scottie Weiss back in 2002. The Hill Climb is a mountain bike event with 4000 feet of climbing over 7 miles of dirt road/trail...super tough. Yeah, but not for John, who decided to make it even tougher by racing his road bike rather than a MTB. Other than a 28 cassette and a wider set of tires, he rode his bike stock. John won the "AnyBike" category and took 2nd OVERALL!

Results for the weekend:
*Fastest Lap - Darren Fuller
1st place - 6 Hour Women's Solo - Deb Elliot
1st place - Poor Mountain Hill Climb (AnyBike) - John Delong
2nd place - Poor Mountain Hill Climb Overall - John Delong
2nd place - 12 Hour Men's Trio (Harkey, Fuller, Harkey)
2nd place - 12 Hour Women's Trio (Lori, Lisa, Lauren)
3rd place - 6 Hour Men's Duo (Blair, Shane)

Marianne WINS NC State TT Championship, Bruce takes 2nd

2008-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Big congrats go out to our very own Marianne Holt for winning the North Carolina Womens Pro 1,2,3 Time Trial State Championship. A little history here...Marianne won the Masters National TT Championship in 2007 and wore the stars and stripes most of the year. She suffered an unfortunate crash in the Bristol Criterium one month prior to this year's National Championships and broke 2 ribs along with a punctured lung. While still attending Nationals to support her teammates, Marianne dreamed of the day she could get healed up and race again. After a short recovery, and some secret training (don't tell her doctor). Marianne's mounted a strong comeback, taking 2nd place in her first criterium back on the bike (Lexington Crit). The NC State TT was a great chance for her to demonstrate that she is still the fastest gal on the TT bike.

We have to also give a shout out to Bruce Humpries for taking 2nd place in the South Carolina State TT Championships. Bruce had a great ride...you need to check out the custom painted Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley TT bike he used to pilot his journey. Great job Bruce.

Bunch-O-Results: Blair 4th in Fort Mill, Justin 2nd at Columbia, Girls rack up!

2008-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fort Mill, SC 9-19: This was the first event of the Dylan Mitchell Memorial Criterium sponsored by John Deere. Dylan was a local category 2 racer who was killed by a motorist while on a local training ride. Know by his characteristic strong riding style and that cool tribal flame tattoo, Dylan was a good friend to the local cycling community. Eric Peterson, Dylan's coach on the John Deere Development Team, organized and funded the event. Great course, great prizes...great folks to support. Spread the word on this event and lets make it bigger and better next year. Our rider Reid Beloni (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley) and Alder Marcs (Hot Tubes Development) were both teammates with Dylan before he was killed. It was awesome to see them racing in their old John Deere team jerseys to honor Dylan in this event...class act!

Gals did an awesome job in their 1,2,3 criterium. Marriane and Lori got in the lead break of 7 girls, and took 5th and 6th. Deb and Lisa were at the front of the chase group taking 8th and 9th.
After missing the lead break, the men's team dug deep to chase it back. With 10 laps to go, we abbandoned the win and started setting the field sprint for Blair. The boys did a great leadout with Bruce punching up the back hill and Justin turning on the gas to the finish. Blair won the field sprint for 4th, while Justin (only passed by one other rider) took 6th. Chris Knetche came just behind for 9th.

Sunday's Criterium in Columbia was a great ride for Justin, who took 2nd place in the Pro 1-2 event just behind a member of the Slavanian National Team after lapping the field.

Sat: Women's Pro 1,2,3
5th -Marianne Holt
6th - Lori Harkey
8th - Deb Elliott
9th - Lisa Preaslar

Men's Pro 1-2
4th - Blair Craig
6th - Justin Beard
9th - Chris Knetsche

Sunday: Men's Pro 1-2
2nd - Justin Beard

Interbike Preview - Product Goodies you really need

2008-09-17T19:25:00.002-07:00

On the eve of the famous Interbike Trade Show (starts next week) in Vegas, lets take a look at some of the new products that you are going to start hearing a buzz over. May not be a bad idea for your early Christmas lists either.

SRAM, who we all know are already for producing the best, lightest groupos on the planet, have recently added to their lineup for 09 with race wheels. After purchasing ZIPP a month ago, SRAM has decided to dress up the Flash Point line from ZIPP as the new SRAM aero wheels for 2009. The wheels come in 40mm, 60mm and 80mm depths with an aluminum braking surface and carbon deep rim. We have tested the 60mm version and found it to be an awesome wheel. See Link for pictures. Booth 1339

BELL Sports introduced the new Volt road helmet at a little race called the Tour de France this year. Remember that Sastre guy? With massive vents, it's structure is built around sculpted Composite Fiber Intakes to keep the air flow coming. The Volt is made even more comfortable by Bell’s new Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system that allows riders to both dial in the exact fit as well as adjust the mechanism’s horizontal position on the back of the head. Booth #3553 http://www.bellbikenews.blogspot.com/

VETTA: Inside sources tell me that VETTA is planning to unveil a new computer for 09 that will detect power functions. The top secret computer is designed to work with both Quark and Powertap powermeter systems and uses the ANT+ technology to pick up all the digits you need. You heard it here first! Booth 4819

Timbuk2 must have forseen the hike in gas prices on the horizon. Already know by racers, commuters and bike messengers as a go anywhere, do it all bag, Timbuk2 raises the bar with the new Covert bag. The bag features the new Covert Reflective Fabric on the center panel to show those gas guzzlers where you are. Check out the video of the bag in action.

If you are lucky enough to attend Interbike this year, take a close at the "superlight" display bikes that various vendors build up for show. You will notice that nearly all of the 9-10lb bikes on display will have the super light KMC X10SL-TI Gold chain. At only 240 grams, this is the lightest production race chain on the market. Its easy to use "missing link" quick link lets you pull the chain off easily for repairs or cleaning. Hollow pins, machined links and smooth shifting make it a great chain for your own super bike. If you are lucky you might get the gold one. Also look for the DX10 chain with solid pins and solid links for a bombproof training and race chain. http://www.kmcchain.us/ Booth #2951

Liquid Gold

2008-09-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

Ok, let's all try to commute to work next week at least once...you in with me? $0.00/gal

Winning Streak Continues! Conn Wins at Wake Forest. Weiss 4th in Asheville

2008-09-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

After very successful weekend for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/BARKLEY Team, Jeremy Conn ensures that the winning streak is kept alive Sunday. Jeremy lapped the field with a small group at the Wake Forest Pro 1-2 Criterium and then jump free to solo in for the WIN! Don't let the smile fool ya, Jeremy is one tough cookie on the bike. Great job "Conn Man" for the well deserved win.Saturday the Team had a great race at the 1st running of the Asheville Grand Prix in Asheville close to the Biltmore Village. The team was very active from the gun in the hilly, technical course. Scottie got in a break chasing down three leaders (Toyota, Jittery Joes, T-type1). Scottie hit it to the line from his group to win the field sprint for 4th place. Other results for the team - Justin 12th, Harkey 14th, Monte 18th.

Harkey 3rd at 100K Classic (NRC Road Race)

2008-09-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

7:00am - Line up with a sea of close to 200 Pro and Elite racers from the US and abroad.

8:00am - Toughing it out over the climbs in the main loop as 10,000+ runners race by cheering you on. Justin and Chris are in a break up the road.

9:12am - Flying into last lap. Chris is going on his 2nd lap off the front with one Time Pro rider, Jelly Belly Pro rider, and Bajadali from Kelly Benefits Pro team. Colavita Pro Team and Jittery Joes Pro Cycling have missed the move and are chasing fast!

9:23am - Field closing down, but Chris is still away through the feedzone, dropped the Time rider, now only 3 up the road. Justin, Blair, Knetch holding position.

9:24am - Final last turn, left onto the finishing 3/4 mile.

9:25am - Harkey leads it out...sprint for the chicken. Jelly Belly and Kelly Benefits on his wheel down the final desent(look closely behind the Publix flag). Field only 100 ft behind, closing fast. Blair is in the grass. Crashes start.

9:25:27am - 3 up sprint at the line. Baj. and Jelly Belly jump Chris and start to come around.

9:25:31am - Harkey takes 3rd at the 100K Classic! Field only feet behind as Huff, Heckman, AC, HealthNet, Barajo and Travisio duke it out for 4th place. Lemond bikes finish 2nd(Baj) and 3rd(Harkey)10:05am - Podium pictures on stage...opening act for Jordin Sparks (Blair starts dancing at this point) 50 screaming teenage American Idol fans go nuts. Harkey can't put down the 100K Cup.

10:08am - Hammin' it up with some Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley fans (Bruce jumps in on the dancing kick) Local Coca-Cola fans Cornelia Nicholas and Tammy Wright jump in the pic after running their 6th 10K Classic in ATL. Note cup flex pose.10:09am - Everyone dancing! Go Jordin

10:48am - 6 mile bike ride back to the hotel never seemed so easy.

Congrats to Chris and the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team doing us proud in the heart of Coca-Cola country Atlanta, GA. Thanks to Cornelia for some great pics. See you next year! Andy, wish you could have been there. Next year you are road-tripping with us.

Super Big weekend - 5 WINS!!!

2008-09-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday:
-1st place Pro 1-2 TN Omnium Road Race - John Delong (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)
-1st place Cat 3 TN Omnium Road Race - Roger Troyer (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)
-1st place Pro 1-2 Walnut Cove Criterium - Chris Harkey (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)
-2nd place Wmn's open Walnut Cove Criterium - Marianne Holt (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)

Sunday:
-1st place Pro 1-2 TN Omnium Criterium -Geri Mewett (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)
-1st place Wmn's Cat 4 Carolina Cup Criterium - Bridgette McLean (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)
-5th place Pro 1-2 Carolina Cup Criterium - Chris Monteleone (Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley)

...nuff said?

Trek Launches Gary Fisher Road Bikes for 2009

2008-08-14T15:24:00.001-07:00

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/gary-fisher-to-debut-road-bikes-in-2009/

This week Trek, the parent company of the Gary Fisher brand, launched the new line of Gary Fisher road bikes to hit local shops for 2009. Gary Fisher has long been a mainstay in the world of mountain bikes, but this marks its first crack at road bikes. The new line is highlighted by the ARC Pro and ARC Super (aluminum frames with carbon seat and chainstays), and the all aluminum AR Super. Also new in the line are the Presidio (true temper steel frame cyclocross machine) and Triton (steel framed fixie). All the bikes are decked out with the best components from Bontrager, SRAM and Shimano.

A Visit from our Friends at BARKLEY

2008-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Andy learns about Sports Nutrition

During the recent 8 day Crossroads race series, we were able to have a great visit from our presenting sponsor, BARKLEY. Andy Woolard from BARKLEY flew down Friday night to check out the Statesville Crit, Presbyterian Criterium, and Hanes Park Race.

All of the guys had a blast visiting with him and sharing their experiences of the week of racing. All of the races had great turnouts.

Andy interviews Coach Eric about the future of youth in cycling

While here, Andy was able to meet with and interview several local cyclist and spectators to find out what has drawn them to the sport, and the love of a healthy lifestyle that comes along with cycling. BARKLEY, which sponsors our team along with the Hincapie/Barkley Development Team, has long been a supporter of the sport, and the benefits of healthy living. Through the interviews the Andy conducted, they hope to learn more about the sport and it's culture. The Team was very appreciative to have Andy visit us. It is always great to know that your sponsors value you as much as you value them. Read Andy's recap of the visit "When Sponsorship Works" on his blog.

Racing was great. Jeremy, Chris and Mike took 4 total wins in the Masters races, Lara and Lori took 1st and 2nd at Hanes Park, and Scottie, Darren and Justin all took top 10 finishes in the Pro races. However, we are all glad that it is over...lots of racing and long nights.

Thanks again to all of our supporters at BARKLEY. We race for you!

Bridgette competes at the US Junior National Championships

2008-08-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Bridgette McClean is currently representing the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team at the US Junior National Championships in Irvine, CA. She competed in the first event, individual time trial, Wednesday and had a great 11th place result. Thursday's crit proved to be a tough one, but Bridgette toughed it out for 21st place. Friday marks a short rest day before her final event, the road race, on Saturday. We wish Bridgette the best of luck. UPDATE (8-11-08) Bridgette had an awesome ride in her final Road Race placing 7th, just two spots off the podium. Congrats again to Bridgette for doing a great job representing the team at Junior Nationals.

Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley boys on Cyclingnews.com, Velonews.com

2008-08-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Check out some great pics of the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team at http://www.cyclingnews.com/ from Emory Ball and http://www.velonews.com/

Presbyterian Criterium (NRC) Charlotte, NC Sat. 8-2-08
*Harkey get his call up to the line
*Scottie ready to go
*Jeremy Conn keeping the pace high

Hanes Park Criterium (NRC) Winston Salem, NC Sun 8-3-08
*Scottie beats the heat at the line
*Blair Craig works the early moves
*Chris Harkey takes a dig
*Harkey goes hard on the inside
*Scottie (5th wheel) ready to make a move

Team takes 2nd and 3rd at Piedmont

2008-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Attack, keep rolling at 30mph, lap the field, keep the field in check. That's how it went down for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team at the Piedmont Criterium. The Pro 1-2 twilight crit started late under the lights at 9:30. Our team was very active and worked great to cover everything as Chris jumped away with current Masters TT Nat. Champ Pete Cannel (Mob), and Bobby Sweeting (Toshiba Pro). After dropping Sweeting from the break. Chris and Pete kept the pace high on the classic 4 corner course. Jeremy, Darren, Reid, Mike, Adam and Knetch followed wheels and covered the field with included several strong riders from DLP Pro, Inferno, Jittery Joes, Toshiba, Time Pro Cycling and several other strong local elite racers. Chris and Pete lapped the field, deciding to dangle 3-5 seconds off the pack to keep from getting mixed up with everyone in the sprint. Darren (Mr. $ Banks) sprinted to win a sweet $100 prime with 5 laps to go, promting 4 other riders to jump just off the front. Jeremy rode like a madman to jump across to the chase group, attacking with 4 laps to go. Adam attacked with 2 laps to go, and Jeremy countered again with one lap to go. Knetch rode at the front and took 2nd in the fieldsprint for 8th place.

Women's Crit: Shalini and Lori's field was combined with the Jr's field. Coming down to a field sprint, Shalini and Lori took 7th and 8th, with local racer Holly Steelman (Juice Plus) winning the sprint.

Road Race: Hot, hilly and humid. From the gun, Jeremy Conn got up the road with Jon Hamblen(Time Pro), and Bobby Sweeting(Tosiba Pro). With the gap growing to 4.5 minutes Chris, Roger, Blair, Adam, Reid and Rigby rode tempo in the field. Jeremy finished 3rd, great result after being away for close to 50 miles in the heat. Great job Conn.

Women's RR: The newly wed Lauren Rigby proved that she is still was a fast sprint, taking a close 2nd in the field sprint after several weeks off the bike. With one lone racers off the front, Lauren finished 3rd overall with Shalini 6th. All in all a great weekend for the team and a successful first event for the promotors of the Piedmont Omnium.

SRAM Force ROCKS!

2008-07-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team is powered by SRAM. The SRAM Force group keeps us ahead of the pack, on top of our game, and on the podium. "Will you make the leap?" Trust us, you will be glad you did. We offer our utmost thanks to the folks at SRAM for their support of the team, and innovation in the world of cycling. The team's LeMond Zurich's are equipt with a full SRAM Force groupo, Bontrager Race X Lite wheels, Michelin Pro Race tires, KMC chain, Vetta V100 computer. What more could you ask for?

Nationals Update (Days 5-7) Fuller Takes 2nd!

2008-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Day 5: We woke to a hot, rainy morning for the women's 30-34 criterium at the famous Churchhill Downs (Kentucky Derby Horse Race Track). We went out to support Lori, knowing how much she loves to race in the rain. Lori did a great job covering early moves from the nervous field. With close to 10 laps to go, a strong group of 3 riders (including the 2007 Crit National Champion) broke free. Lori, and 5 other racers formed a chase group, with Lori coming to the line to claim a great 7th place finish. I think she was just happy to leave with all her skin.
Day 6: REST DAY- Finally. We drove out to the Horseshoe Casino in Indiana to do a little spin on the time trial course. Nice relaxing flat route in some awesome country. We stayed together for the first mile or two...then it was ON! Seems like even we are not racing...we ARE racing, but it was great to clear our minds, legs and break some cabin fever.
Day 7: Last day, last races, last chance at the National jersey...pressure is on. Darren and Knetch raced first. A small group jumped free, and Knetch jumped on Dirk's wheel and almost got across. The lead reshuffled, and Darren jumped across to 2 lone riders to make the lead break of 3. Darren worked hard in the break to keep it away for close to 30 laps, eventually lapping the field with a chase group of 10+ racers. The chase group came bearing down, closing the gap to only 4 seconds with 2 laps to go. Darren sprinted to the line to take 2nd place! Our best finish so far. He was stocked, and we were pumped going into our races.

While Darren styled for his podium pics, Chris, Conn, Shane, Scottie, and Blair lined up to do battle in the 35-39 crit. From the gun the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley boys were super aggressive. Scottie started the first move, which Conn countered to establish the lead break. Chris bridged up to the break with 3 other riders. Chris and Conn started driving the break to build up a lead of close to 1 min. Scottie and two other riders jumped clear, and started the long process of trying to bridge across, which they did with close to 10 laps to secure us 3 men in the lead break of 11. This group of 11 lapped the field, and unfortunately had to come to the line of the sprint along with all the other lapped riders fighting for 12th place. We came out 7th, 8th, and 9th place. Not the finish we were hoping for, but we were all proud at how strong the boys rode. Big props to Blair and Shane for covering the field and keeping the wolves at bay, saving up for a strong leadout and sticking to the plan.

Blair and Adam went to work in the last race of the day (30-34). Bruce and Adam were aggressive early on, covering Texas Roadhouse and Crater from Wheel and Sprocket. Bruce got in a small group up the road, but was eventually chased down. A lead break of 7 riders formed, without any of our team in there. Adam layed it all out for 2 laps to chase the break down, pulling it back. Bruce got set up for the sprint, but got caught behind 2 crashes in the final two turns to cruise in around 15th.
Thanks to all the team riders for giving up their week to do what we do best. Thanks also to all of our sponsors, especially the folks at Barkley for their support of our bid at Nationals.

Nationals Tally Total(13 top 20 finishes) : *Podium Finishes
*2nd - Darren Fuller (40+ Crit) -Silver Medal
*3rd - Lori Harkey (30+ RR) - Bronze Medal
*4th - Scottie Weiss (35+ RR) - Bronze Medal
*5th - Chris Harkey (35+TT) - Bronze Medal
6th - Lara Cassidy (35+ RR)
7th - Jeremy Conn (35+ RR)
8th - Scottie Weiss (35+Crit)
9th - Lisa Preslar (35+ Crit)
9th - Jeremy Conn (35+Crit)
10th - Chris Harkey (35+Crit)
12th - Darren Fuller (40+RR)
15th - Bruce Humphries (30+Crit)
18th - AT Stamp (30+RR)

Nationals Update (Days 1-4) Lori 3rd, Scottie 4th, Harkey 5th, Conn 7th!

2008-07-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Chris started off our bid for the Stars ad Stipes with the 35-39 time trial at 8:20am. Taking 5th on the windy course, Chris was the first to get the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team up on the podium with a great ride. He has been showing great form, and look for him to do well in the Road Race.
Day 2: (Wmn's 30-34 RR) Lori and Lisa both managed to secure a spot in the final break of 10 riders after the field was destroyed on the very tough Road Race course. Lori took them to the line for the sprint to take a fantastic 3rd place, and our 2nd podium spot of the week. Lisa had a fine showing, taking 9th place. (Wmn's 35-39 RR) Lara Cassidy lined up to a strong field in her RR. With no teammates, she rode a smart race using her strength to power through the hilly course to take a great 6th place finish...just off the podium. We are very proud of the fantastic showing the gals had at Nats so far.
Day 3: AT, Bruce and myself lined up for the 30-34 Road Race at 4:00. The heat proved to be pretty bad for the longest race of the day. Bruce attached early and pulled the lead break of 3 other riders out to join him, but had some extreme pain/cramping in his calf and had to pull out. AT worked hard to pull back the lead break, taking 18th after cramping up himself in the final sprint. I came in 22nd, after dropping my chain at the base of the 2nd climb on the backside.
Stay tuned for the 35-39 RR, 40+ RR, and Women's Criterium next.
Day 4: Scottie, Chris, Shane, Blair and Jeremy started the 35-39 Road Race at 7:00am. A little too early, but the team was primed to do battle. We had riders placed in every break of the race, with Scottie in the final winning break of the day. With Scottie were 2 Texas Roadhouse riders, including 2007 Champion Paul Martin, and 3 other individual riders. The nervous field, realizing all 5 podium spots were up the road drove the field hard. Scottie attached hard through the feedzone hill with less than 1K to go, was caught, and countered by Paul and 2 others. Scottie kept driving to take 4th place on the podium of all former pro racer. Jeremy Conn, meanwhile was swining away in the chase group and sprinted to 7th place. Awesome racing from the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team.

Blair and Bridgette take 2nd at State Games

2008-06-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team took two 2nd place results at the NC State Games Circuit Races. Blair and Bridgette both claimed 2nd place in the Womens cat 4, and Mens Pro 1-2 races respectfully. Both races, on the infamous Carolina Cup course, came down to close field sprints. The Pro 1-2 race got a little interesting as it started raining the last 20 minutes of the race. Our good friend Ben Faulk (Giordana/Clif Bar) took a spill on the final lap which shuffled up the sprinters positions as they came in to the last turns at the finish. It was also great to be able to race again with our old Hincapie teamate from back in the day, Chris Foster. Bridgette is showing great form and will be competing soon at the Junior Nationals in CA. Look for her to deliver the goods.

Team Score 5 NC State Championship Titles

2008-06-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Blair set the bar pretty high with his win for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team 3 weeks ago at the NC State Criterium Championship, winning the Pro 1-2 Crit. We had to keep the momentum going for the NC State Road Race Championships. Mission accomplished! The team scored another 4 State Championship Titles ranging from the U23 divsion up to the Masters divisions. Reid, Chris H., Darren, and Mac all won their races and the NC State Champ jerseys. Lara Cassidy and Jeremy Conn both had great rides and came close to taking our 5th and 6th titles, scoring a close 2nd in the Womens 1-2-3, and Mens Pro 1-2 races on Sunday. Congrats to all the new Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley State Champs.

USA National Championships Preview

2008-06-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

Best of luck the the members of the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team racing this week at the USA Masters National Championships in Louisville, KY. Both squads will be racing in three events - Individual Time Trial, Road Race and Criterium. Men's Team(10 racers competing) : Adam Little, AT Stamp, Blair Craig, Bruce Humphries, Chris Harkey, Chris Knetsche, Darren Fuller, Jeremy Conn, Scottie Weiss, Shane Martin. Women's Team(4 racers competing): Lara Cassidy, Lisa Preslar, Lori Harkey, Marianne Holt (injured, but will be supporting her gals). Special thanks to our sponsors at Barkley and Coca-Cola for helping to fund our efforts at Nationals. We could not do it without your support.

Good luck...hit em hard!

Geri WINS Bermuda National Championship!!!

2008-06-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

A huge pat on the back goes out to our very own Geri Mewett for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team's biggest win of the season. Mewett is the new 2008 Bermuda National Champion after winning the men's pro road race this past Sunday. After a long day in the saddle and some muggy conditions, Geri was able to drop his other break partners on the final hill before the finish to solo in for his National Championship title (a feat that has become old hat for Geri).

Geri, a Bermuda national citizen, also spends some of his days in Knoxville where he is expecting an addition to his family soon. Well, they say good things come in threes, baby, National Championship...wonder what is next? Great job Geri on a well deserved victory for a well deserving rider! check out his other musings at http://www.toadandmo.blogspot.com/

Team rides with Carolina Youth Triathlon Club

2008-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Future World Champs ready to Rock

Recently, the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team had a great chance to ride alongside of the guys and gals of the Carolina Youth Triathlon Club. The CYTC, based out of Greenville, SC, consists of over 100 fit kids ranging from age 6 and up. The goal of the club is to encourage children to become more active, enjoying the sport of Triathlon. Headed up by Susannah and Sean Hogan, our sponsors from Hogan Properies, the club also looks to give the young athletes guidance, advice, safe training sessions, and planned tri events to flex their muscle in.

Miller fuels up, while Andrew shows off his skills
Lara, Lori, Chris and myself were able to meet up with the future Ironman Champions to do a few training laps as the infamous Donaldson Center loop. While getting the ride instructions from Susannah, it started pouring down rain with wind gusts to 35mph. I felt a little worried about taking the kids out, but they were pumped...riding circles in the parking lot, practicing bunny-hops, and dowing POWERADE getting ready to burn up some pavement. (Check out Andrew's aero top tube riding) So, we took off and the kids all rode great! We were having to struggle to keep up with them! Afterwards we enjoyed some carb-reloading and fellowship.

Chris gives a little advice. Lori with Alex- 2012 National Champion
Thanks to all the kids, Coaches and Parents for letting us see what the real spirit of sport looks like again. We all left motivated. Go out and share YOUR love of the sport with youth in your area...they will thank you for it.

Blair Craig NC State Criterium Champion!

2008-05-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Blair Craig for his heathy sprint finish to WIN the 2008 NC State Pro 1-2 Criterium Championships. The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team did some great racing at the Championships held in Fayetteville, NC today. Shout outs also go to Lara Cassidy for her 2nd Place (Silver Medal) in the Women's Open, with Lisa Preslar taking home 6th place. Also to the multiple State Champ winner, Mac Canon, for his 3rd Place (Bronze Medal) finish in the Masters race. Stay tuned for pics.

Belize Cross Country - Lori 3rd! Holt 6th!

2008-05-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

After a long week of traveling and prep to get to Belize, the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Women's Team finally got their chance to play in the Sun. Lori Harkey and Marianne Holt both placed themselves in the major break of the day which finally whittled down to only 3 riders. Lori placed a great third place (finished 4th in the 2007 Belize Cross Country) after a long day in the tropical heat. Marianne worked hard in the field sprint to take 6th place for the day. A great international showing for the team and our sponsors. Photos and more details to come.

Sponsor Spotlight: VETTA Computers

2008-05-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

V100HR WL2X Head Unit in custom team colors

Speed and Cadence Sensors with Battery Indicator Lights

VETTA, know primarily for their world class cycling computers, also are makers of lighting systems, heart rate monitors, tools, saddles and more. The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team currently uses the V100HR WL2X computer, and has relied on the dependability of VETTA for the past 5 years. The computer offers wireless speed, cadence, temperature, HR training zones in addition to a multitude of functions listed below.

Our particular computer is wireless and features a fork mount sensor to detect speed off the front wheel, paired with a cadence sensor that mounts to the left chainstay to detect cadence from your non-drive crank arm. The head unit is clean and easy to use with three well placed buttons to switch between function screens and scroll through your ride data. The computer features an automatic cut-off that times out when not in use to conserve battery life, and a comfortable heart-rate strap to keep track of your ticker.

Overall the VETTA products have proven to be reliable, easy to use and maintain, and extremely durable due to the amount of abuse we throw at them through the season.

V100HR WL2X Features
Current Speed
Average Speed
Maximum Speed
Speed Comparator
Cumulative Odometer
Trip Distance
Intermediate Distance
Current Heart Rate
Average & Maximum Heart Rate
Percent of Maximum Heart Rate
EZ-Set Programmable Upper & Lower HR Limit
Time In, Above & Below Target Zone
Average Heart Rate In, Above & Below TZ
User Selected Audible & Visible Alarms
Wireless HR Transmission
12/24 Hour Clock
Current Cadence ( Available )
Average & Maximum Cadence ( Available )
Stopwatch
Ride Time/Total Time
Service Timer
Dual Bike Memory
Freeze Frame Memory
Energy Saving Sleep Mode
Low Battery Warning - Head Unit
LED Low Battery Indicator - Transmitters
LED Installation Alignment Indicator - Transmitters

Visit http://www.vetta.com/ to see which computer is right for your. Also check out VETTA's New Personalized Computer Program which allows you to totally customize your computer's looks and features to match your ride and needs You can even ask for our signature Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley red computers...they even look fast!

Thanks again to VETTA for their fantastic support of our Team!

Double WINS at McMinville

2008-05-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

Mewett Off the Front for the WIN!

http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=73380363308595&mkt=en-US&lang=en-US&w=c4f675ab,15a92fd2&FORM=CVRE9

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Elite Team had a great weekend of racing in McMinville, TN, taking home double WINS in the Road Race and Criterium. Chris and Geri pulled a bold move in the 110 mile road race, by attacking at mile 1. Yeap, mile 1. Their attack stuck and they stayed away from the field for the next 109 miles! The gap eventually grew to over 5 minutes. Chris and Geri dominated their break (which included 2 other riders) and took 1st and 2nd for their hard work. Blown from their efforts, the uphill TT the same evening proved to be tough. Bruce, however, had a great ride in the TT taking 6th place and only missing the win by 3 seconds. Geri "I like to attack from the gun" Mewett was up to his same old tricks in the criterium on Sunday. He got away with a Myogenesis rider and held off the field for his own win in the Criterium. Scottie, Conn-man, Chris, Geri and Bruce all rode great and all finished in the payout for the omnium, with Chris and Bruce taking 2nd and 3rd in the Overall Classification. Check out the link above from McMinville's paper.

Harkey WINS Tour de Moore, Conn 3rd

2008-05-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

Chris Harkey won his 3rd Tour de Moore while teammate Jeremy Conn took 3rd...while getting a little "front page" action. Check out the article from The Pilot out of Southern Pines.
http://www.thepilot.com/stories/20080427/sports/sports/20080427Harkey.html

Chris Knetsche started off the action of the day, riding off the front of the race for the first 12 miles. Once caught, Jeremy Conn aka "Conn-man" countered with one other rider, rode away from the group for close to 40 miles. Their gap continued to grow, however was eventually reeled back in. Jeremy recovered a bit, but then went again with Chris Harkey on an attack. Our two teamates initiated the winning break of 10 riders. Chris and Jeremy eventually seperated themselfs from the other break riders, along with Pat Raines (Time). Congrats to Chris and Jeremy on their 1st - 3rd finish.

"Conn-Man" is Back!

2008-05-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Other Teams Beware: After taking a brief break from racing, Jeremy Conn is back with the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley boys racing full time...and as strong as ever. Jeremy's history with our Team family goes back many years with him last racing with us as the Hincapie/Bianchi team back in 2005. Jeremy will add to our team's strength as yet another go-to guy for long breaks and strong finishing power late in the race. In his first "official" race back with up at the Tour de Moore RR, he rode clear of the group for close to 40 miles early in the race, got caught, and went again to ride in solo for 3rd place...going to be a good year. We are happy to have him back. (look for more details of the TDM race in an upcoming race report).

SC Crit Championships - Blair takes the WIN

2008-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Blair Craig for his first place finish Sunday. Blair, along with most of the team entered the Masters 30+ crit as a warm up to the Pro 1-2 event later that day. Blair was able to jump clear of the group along with Charlie Brown (Carolina Master's), and Jim Cunningham (Carolina Tri). The group of 3 worked well together with our guys covering moves from the field. Blair took the sprint for the WIN with Charlie 2nd and Jim 3rd. With Jim the only SC resident in the break, he took the Gold metal for SC.

Pro 1-2: The Team rode well together with everyone active throughout the race. Many breaks attempted to form, but the flat, relatively easy course made it easy for the field to pull them back. Our best move included Geri, Harkey, Bruce and Shane in a break of about 10 riders. This break stayed clear for the last 10 laps of the course and looked good. Blair, Knetche and I all worked to try to clog up things in the field and discourage the chase, but the break ended up being caught with 1.5 laps to go. Knetsche did a great job trying to take Blair and I to the front for the sprint. We both lost our line when another rider dive bombed in on us, taking me to the grass, and Blair lost valuable spots. Bruce was able to keep close to the front at the sprint and took 3rd (SC Bronze Metal) with his 10th place finish overall.

Women's Open: Coming down to a fieldsprint, Lara Cassidy rode very well taking 8th place.

Thanks to all who came out, and all who have supported us this weekend - Adam

ION Village Criterium: 2nd Place X 3

2008-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Chaleston set the backdrop for the Ion Village "Smackdown" Criterium. The Team competed in 3 different events: Men's Pro 1-2, Master 30+, and Womens Open.

Pro 1-2: Our entire team was really active with Geri, Chris, Blair, Shane, Bruce, Knetsche, and Adam all in the mix. Geri rode really aggresively and finally put Bruce in the winning break of 6 riders including Dulin from DLP Pro. Bruce broke free of the break with LeDuc and pulled away. It came down to a very close sprint between the two, with Bruce taking a fantasit 2nd place finish (his best Pro 1-2 finish of the season).

Masters 30+: Chris Harkey rode off from the race with Ryan Jenkins (Carolina Master's). Both are very strong racers and the field was trying hard to pull the two time trialists back, to no avail. A lone Charleston Team racer bridged up and was able to hang with Chris/Ryan for about 2 laps. They stayed away with Chris taking 2nd place.

Women's Open: Lara and Marianne were our only two gals doing battle. Marianne looked great sporting the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley US National Champion skinsuit for the first time. Lara was really agressive early on in the race attempting to get away. Marianne set herself up for the sprint and took a great 2nd place (to Christina Dekray - former Masters World Champion).

Thanks so much to Wymm for the sweet beach house for the weekend and to Mike and Diane Balister for their host housing at the race course on Saturday.

Sponsor Spotlight - SolRx Sunscreen

2008-04-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sponsor Spotlight-SolRx SunscreenApril 24th, 2008
Product review from Bruce Humphries
If you are a cyclist, you need this…Period! We put ourselves thru torture of training, racing, eating right and trying to get enough sleep to keep from falling over, but I know a lot of us neglect the fact that we are out in the sun for long periods of time without protection.
This is where SolRx steps in. Quick and simple, this is a killer sunscreen, goes on easy, and works.
From their Website:
SolRx® Sunscreen Products Formulations and Characteristics:
8-hour waterproof
Water-based or organic aloe-based
Non-greasy, oil-free light lotions that go on clear
100% PABA free, with no PABA derivatives
Animal free with no animal testing
Padimate-o free
Non-irritating to the skin
Paraben free
SolRx Original SPF #35 & #15 are Salicylate free
Non-irritating: This one is really good for me, well for my son, because in the past he would break-out from other sunscreens. This past weekend in Charleston, SC we used the 44 on him and he never broke out, and never complained about sunscreen getting in his eyes from him sweating and playing. This is a big plus for anyone who has sensitive skin.
I used the 44…..Why you ask? Well, I do not want to get burned to a crisp while I am out training, and if you are in the sun long enough, you still get the savage tan, but in a more moderate safer way….And who doesn’t want the saveage tan.
Go to their website and check them out, get some for yourself, and for goodness sake, use it…You work hard to be in shape so you can kick the grandkids butt on there bikes, make sure you are around to be able to. http://www.solrx.com/

Look'n Good - Team Photos

2008-04-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Angela (Team Photog), Lori and Lisa strike a pose
Marianne Rocks the National Champion Kit

Harkey and "The Twins"

Timbuk2...everything but the kitchen sink

Lara, thanks for the jackets!

Female Fury on 2 Wheels!

Always the joker

Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Elite Cycling Team 2008

Masters Team at Walnut Grove

2008-04-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a snippet from our Master's Teams riders Mac and Glenn on their adventures at the Walnut Grove Road Race

Greetings,
We are the two oldest guys on the team, Glenn thrift and Mac canon. We race the 45+, sometimes if we are lucky the 50+(both of us are 51 this year!). And if we are a good dog,we race pro-am!
Sunday was a great day for the odd couple. Glenn, coming back from being diagnosed with type II diabetes last year, was on the move right away in the 55 mile ,hilly road race.
We were racing with the 35+ today and that is always a tall order with the Carolina Masters Team led by Ryan Jenkins and Judge Charlie Brown. Several 35 ers got up the road and one 45+ made it. Later, he was dropped by the Ryan express.
I decided to go on one of the hills before the finish. Glenn held back the usual chasers so I could get a gap. He did have a conversation with Gorden Stiel, a former 30+ masters national champ, to get away and come to me. It worked and we rode the final 27 miles loop together. Gorden and I picked up Pat McCallion, a former teammate and world time trial champion. Pat is an excellent stone mason and father of two. He is making a comeback this year.
We rolled in together for 6,7 and 8th overall. Isecured the 1st 45er for the day. Glenn gave a country mile leadout for 3rd in 45 for an awesome ride. Papa Glenn was happy to get his first "envelope" in several years. It was a real pleasure working together once again!
Mac

Career Day 08

2008-04-13T12:45:00.001-07:00

Sharing a little of their time, Chris and Lori dropped by Mount Pleasant Elementary School this Wed. for Career Day. Everyone had a great time while they discussed the in's and out's of racing fulltime as a profession. While the most common questions seemed to be centered around how much their LeMond bikes cost, and "what was the most they had won at a race", they were able to discuss other topics including proper hydration, nutrition, training and race prep, and the importance of wearing helmets. The kids loved the POWERADE and Jelly Bell SPORT BEANS that we passed out. I am sure they were full of energy for recess. Thanks again to the 3rd Grade MPES Class for letting us visit.

Cheers to you!

2008-03-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Blair, Adam and Bruce get their last minute caffeine buzz before racing in the rain/hail at the Albemarle Out Like a Lion Road Race.

Want a FREE Water Bottle???

2008-03-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sure you do...The weekend of April 4th and 5th marks the Famous Right Gear "End of Winter Sale".

Visit The Right Gear in Kannapolis for the sale...mention to Jim the Hincapie/Coca-Cola Cycling Team presented by Barkley with your purchase... and he will toss you a FREE Water Bottle! Simple!

End of Winter Sale!
Who says the Good Stuff is never on sale?
Winter is almost gone, the Time has changed and we don’t have to ride in the Dark anymore! For two days only Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th The Right Gear is celebrating Spring's arrival! Come celebrate with us!

Save 10-40% on Everything in stock! You read it right…Everything in stock! Bikes, shoes, wheels, clothing (winter AND summer!), framesets, nutrition products, helmets, gloves….you get the picture!
If you take it home we don’t have to pack it up!

All sales final and subject to stock on hand. Exchanges only with valid receipt within 30 days. Store hours Friday 11-7, Saturday 9-5. M/C, Visa and Discover accepted along with good checks, Krugerrands and the coin of the Realm. Don't eat the yellow snow. Wrestling is real; our government is fake! Never eat at a place called Mom's. Never play cards with a man named Doc. Don't stick your tongue in the spokes. Please, no dealers!