Moronacity Cycling Journal » Entries tagged with "Red Jacket"
UP Cyclocross Series a Huge Success
The following is an article I wrote for the Red Jacket Cycling Team web site. *** Tourist Park, Marquette, October 19, 2008 The UP Cyclocross Series regular season met its end this past weekend at Tourist Park in Marquette. Riders of all abilities lined up at the start for an anaerobic sprint that is as much a battle of the minds as it is a true test of physical strength and speed. The UP Cyclocross Series is a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cyclocross
The Keweenaw Cup – Day One
Image by Chris Schmidt. My hope of being inspired became a realization this weekend. Friday, I was invited on a night ride in Copper Harbor and turned that down in favor of a mighty filling dinner that my friend, Amanda, and I made. We chased it with some Cabernet Sauvignon and mocha cheesecake. THAT was followed by plenty of beer. Saturday commenced the festivities for the Keweenaw Cup – the two-day cyclocross event split … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cyclocross
Keweenaw Chain Drive Recap
Di (left) enjoying her second place age group finish. Photo by Sean Evans and edited by Di. I realize I rushed through my Keweenaw Chain Drive commentary. I didn’t really say anything except, “Here ya go!” . . . basically. One of my team mates started a thread for Chain Drive recaps and I decided to do my race play-by-play. Here you go! After realizing how well I did in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
2008 Keweenaw Chain Drive
Di racing her heart out. It couldn’t have been any better! I had the pleasure of meeting new people, chatting with familiar friends and acquaintances, and putting forth a great effort on a course that was in great condition! Last year, the course was so dry; my face was black from the sand and dirt. This year, it has been raining off and on, and the trails were dampened enough to keep anything … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Bridgefest
Friday was the beginning of Houghton/Hancock’s Bridgefest celebration. One of the longest parades you’ll ever see is here. Lasting at least a couple hours, the parade traveled through Houghton, crossed the Portage Life Bridge, and ended on the far side of Hancock. After a pre-race spaghetti dinner at the Temple Jacob in Hancock, the Red Jackets rode in the Houghton part of the parade and had to bail before the Hancock part. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bike Culture
Anticipatory Housework
I got quite a bit done, today, including a drivetrain clean and lube. I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning, some rearranging, and some unpacking from last year’s move. Lots needs to be done. Until last week, my screened-in porch was more of a storage area than anything. Now, it’s being transformed into party central for the post-Keweenaw Chain Drive Red Jacket party. My house still needs some work, and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Lifestyle
Spring Road Rides Beneficial at Cable
The following is a write-up I did for the Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Racing Team web site. The Red Jackets traveled to Cable, WI this weekend for the Cable Area Off-Road Classic. Two hundred thirty-nine riders, 216 men, attempted the 23-mile race and 120 riders attempted the 18-mile race. Although 14 racers did not finish, all of the Red Jackets had successful races free of any mechanical difficulties. Pat Szubielak, 50, and James Bialas, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Try Something New
I’m having a lot of fun with National Bike Month. Not only am I packing on the mileage and packing in the hours, but I’m using this month to reset my bicycle clock and get me back into the swing of things. Last fall, I tried something new. I joined an impromptu cyclocross team call “The Red Jackets.” I was very nervous about trying the unexpected. The thought of mounting and dismounting throughout a race and actually having to learn the proper technique for doing so plucked away at my confidence. After a fun cyclocross season, I realized that I learned skills and techniques that could translate into my mountain biking to make for faster races. I will continue to practice cyclocross throughout … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bike Culture
Red Jackets Ride Strong at Pontiac Lake
The following is the news tidbit I wrote for the Red Jacket-BlueSky Health Cycling Team web site. Pat Szubielak took first place in the Sport Men 50+ category and 19th overall. Left to right: Niel Scharphorn – Cross Country Cycle, Pat Szubielak – Red Jacket–BlueSky Health, Glenn Willyard, and Roger Pelkey. The Red Jacket – BlueSky Health Cycling Team swept the Pontiac Lake Time Trial this weekend in Waterford, Michigan. Pat Szubielak took first … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Bikes, Burgers, and Brew
Today was our first Red Jacket team ride. Four of us showed up and did a loop between Calumet and McClain State Park. It was a breezy, partly cloudy day—the sun didn’t come out until after the ride. I started the ride a little nervous because I was riding with three guys who have a lot more experience than I and who are in better shape. Fortunately, we managed to keep … Read entire article »
Filed under: Road Riding
