ATA Districts June 2013

ATA District Championships, Downingtown , PA.
Traveled with Andy and Joey Arduini, Karina Tolentino and Jill McVaugh. We represented Cranberry ATA in the District Championships bringing together 13 states and their respective champions. On a very hot 90 plus degree day, indoors in a non A/C controlled building we gathered with all the best of the best in the North East. My competitive ring did not start till after 2:00 pm making it one hot & long day. In the Black Belt ring were two familiar faces I have competed against before from PA and Virginia. New faces that made it through were from New Jersey. I faced the NJ State Champ in Sparring and Combat CBME. I did compete in Forms and weapons. Forms, Shim Jun, lets say I have much improving to do. Weapons, Ssahng Jeol Bong was my first time in a tournament with the weapon. I had not even tested with it for rank advancement. Sparring, I placed third and lets say I could and should have done better and I am very much looking forward to my next opportunity.
Here it is; Combat Sparring with a Bahng Mahng Ee I took District Champion. I am very proud of this as I felt very strong and particularly fast that day. The competition was at a very high level. The heat was my friend. I took up Taekwondo to help with my competitive cycling. In this case it was my cycling strength and skills that helped me gain the advantage win the title.

New Merckx

This years winter project was to bring my Merckx up to date. A 2001 Merckx Majestic Titanium model with about 60,000 miles. Came with a carbon fork, Dura Ace and Mavic wheels. I bought this bike while I lived in Chicago and consequently rode this throughout the Chicago land area in club rides and local races. I also proudly returned to Arizona on several trips back to my condo as well as rode this in the tour de Tucson and el tour de Phoenix an several occasions earning gold medals.
Here in Butler this is my daily ride and with Ag3r and North Park Velo have been just about everywhere in Beaver, Allegheny and Butler Counties. I love to take this bike back to Buffalo and ride around Grand Island and out to Akron to visit the Octagon house.
With the Help of Lightspeed and Pro Bikes the build went like this.
Pro Bikes strip the bike down to the frame. Send the frame to Lightspeed for bb repairs and a new head tube replacement. This was done to accommodate a 1 1/8" fork. Final finish treatment for the frame to look spanking new.
Pro Bikes built back up with an ENVE carbon fork, Full Dura Ace group 10 speed. New compact crank (to shut up Richey), carbon bars, race saddle and of course matching green tape. The Mavic wheels were sent back to Mavic for a rebuild of race wheels and Dura Ace hubs on Open Pro wheels. Don't forget the Ti bottle cages to top it off.
Now I'm ready.

Nite out with Sarah

Sarah and I took in the Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert in Munhall PA Carne
gie Library. Best Show ever.

SKI Colorado

This years trip with Diane returns us to our favorite slopes at Keystone and Copper. Going all out we stayed at Keystone's River Run Village, walking distance to the Gondola. Great accomodations, better skiing and the best companion. We traversed all of both mountains, basked in sunlight and partied the evenings away. Staying slopeside has its advantages with easy access to ski and food. We went into Frisco, Dillon and Breck for dinner.  Surprise was Linda joining us for some runs at the North Peak, she is the best. We met some new friends along the way and on the way out we went through Mt. Evans, Evergreen and Red Rocks.

Cross 2012

Cross 2012 season came to a close with the PA State Championships at South Park.
The season ran from a September start with double cross at Dirty Mikes and a close with a double weekend race at South Park. Plenty of competition and good teammates made the season a real success.

 Twelve races, plenty of action and no injuries.

Anyone Ready For Cross Season??? I Am

Colorado Calling

Team Select Ag3r traveled to Boulder Colorado to revisit last years climbing trip to the Rockies. Brew Crew was escorted by veterans Kirk, Rich and Ray. Diedre and Sam tried to keep a straight face as we tried our best to look good as serious cyclists in higher altitude.
Strava can tell the story best however I would be remiss not to expound on some of the hi-lites.
Somewhere up to Ward a rider was found carrying his bike barefoot. Not recommended.
The Gold Mill Hill climb cat hc reduced one of the riders to lap up spilled espresso off the table with his tongue. Not recommended.
Cyclists order pizza by the pound.
Often muttered was "Hannah where's my....Bring me a....WTF.....
Next trip a mechanic will be invited, and that will be for one specific individual. All others are good to go.
Sushi will have to be flown in to town in advance.
Directions will be inked for those who don't follow instructions.
Frozen Man will be summoned to clarify all the stories and keep it to a minimum.
Trout fishing is for weenies.

I need a caption for this photo.

These three kept me up at night with all the partying.