Team Newsletter 10-29-08



submitted by Dave Byers

I love that we have cycling content to talk about and it is the end of October.
We had team members racing in Ketchum, ID, Rexburg, ID, Portland and Seattle this past weekend as well as those who simply decided to take advantage of the great weather and got out on their bikes. Has anyone seen JayP’s sweet new recumbent?

For anyone who has been on the fence about trying a cross race, The CUBE Cyclocross races in Rexburg would be a great place to get your first ‘cross on. There are men’s and women’s beginner categories, there are lots of folks racing cross on mtn bikes, the races are only 40 minutes long, and the Nature Park is a gorgeous venue off of the beaten path. For the experience crossers, there was plenty of solid competition as well. We have the opportunity to grow our cycling community by showing our support for events like these in neighboring towns. It would be great to see some new faces in Rexburg this weekend!

Don’t forget cross practice on Wednesday night at 5:30 PM in the Victor Park. Rain or shine, meet at the triple barriers. Hup Hup!

Thanks to everyone who sent in reports this week!

The CUBE Cyclocross, Race #1
Rexburg, ID

October 25, 2008
Our local cyclocross opportunities are expanding rapidly and that is a wonderful thing. Our neighbors in Rexburg, ID have their own three-race cyclocross series called the The Cube Cyclocross and they did a great job with Race #1. We had cross racers of all shapes and sizes, including the mayor of Rexburg, come out and enjoy the great weather and a fun course. The Nature Park in Rexburg is the perfect cross venue and they have a ton of flexibility to change the course configuration from week to week to keep it interesting.

It would be great to see a bigger showing from Jackson this weekend at Race #2! Don’t make me name names.

The CUBE Race report from Fitzy:

“Ok, I am not a racer. I repeat, I am not a racer. I’m simply a Cyclocross addict who needs to race in order to feed the addiction! This weeks feeding took place in Rexburg, ID about 40 min North West of Victor. Let me begin the report by praising the City of Rexburg for an outstanding race! The course was at a beautiful Nature Park complete with tree lined manicured grass, fast bike paths, high speed barriers, and of course a “Duck Crossing” sign by the Start/Finish that truly did reference all the Ducks and Geese that were walking across the course. Nice work fellas!

When it came time to line up for the Men’s race I kept Little TK’s advice close at hand, “Get up front right away, that’s were the race is won and lost”. Being a non-racer, it’s hard for me to walk right to the front of the line, but what the heck right? The horn sounded and we were off. What I lack in fitness I make up for in general bike riding skills, so I was able to clip in first and power off the line to own the hole shot. After two turns on the paved bike path we headed down a loooooong paved straight away into the head wind. I thought for sure the field would come screaming by me here, but for some reason they stayed behind. Before we rode across a narrow wooden bridge (with handrails) I looked over my shoulder to see who was behind. “Holy S*&T!” we were doing 25 mph heading at the first barrier and the entire 17 person field was drafting me. I had blurry images of being piled into the first barrier by the advancing pack of hungry riders. As I made my first dismount and hit the ground running my fears were almost confirmed. Think jumping off a skate board when you’re going faster than you can run! Somehow my feet kept up with my speed, I stayed up, got back on the bike and put a pretty substantial gap on the pack. Good advice TK!

The rest of the race was just a redline blur as I successfully held off the number two rider who was knocking on my door for 45 minutes. I would pull away through the barriers and the tech dirt sections. He would reel me in on the pavement. The whole race another key tip from Troy B kept shooting through my head. “Find places were you can make up 3 seconds”. I think all those 3 second spots kept my opponent at bay and put me across the finish line first. SO FUN! Can’t wait to head back to Rexburg this weekend to defend. Of course all the fast guys won’t be at States this weekend, so the glory might come from a strong mid pack finish… no problem, as long as the addiction gets fed!”

Editor’s Note: If Fitzy were not a racer, would he be thinking about ways to make up 3 seconds? That is all I have to say about that.

Another CUBE report from Jannine Fitzgerald:
“Byers, Fitzy and myself headed to Rexburg last weekend for the 1st race of the Cube Series Cyclocross Race. We were really curious on how the course was going to be, how the race was going to be organized, and what the participation would be. We were pleasantly surprised on all accounts. The race was organized really well. They paid much attention to details and laid out a really fun course in Nature Park. The course consisted of grass, pavement, dirt, woop dee doo’s, and multiple barrier sections. The park was a really pretty place to race. Plenty of people showed up to race. Many were racing for the first time, and they all had a blast. Cross racing is such a family friendly environment.

The organizers plan on changing the course for each of the remaining two races. I am challenging all of you that are interested to just come (don’t make me name names…hint hint). Rexburg is only 30-40 minutes from Victor, just over an hour from Jackson. It is really close and worth the trip. It is a great way to keep fit as well as hang out with a bunch of really fun people. So pile into a truck and come over this Saturday. Don’t forget your cow bells and cooler of favorite Belgian Ale! ” - J9

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Idaho State Cyclocross Championships

October 25, 2008

Dave Bergart reports from the Big One in Ketchum, ID:

“4 bikes and four riders piled into Will’s car and pointed it west to Sun Valley. Cyclocross State Championships! After an interesting (read; 4 dudes one car = smelly) road trip where I learned that Troy owns a sharp knife that can cut bagels, Will has an incredible eye for spotting beautiful women, and fellow Fitzy’s teammate Trevor is actually an under cover ultra distance runner freak just moonlighting as a bike racer, we arrived. In the parking lot we were greeted by fellow Teton Valley super mechanic Nate, and super fast bike racer Amanda Carey. They had been reconing the course since yesterday and gave us the low down. Did you bring your hard tail mountain bike? Uh oh. You see, the cool thing about cross racing is every promoter gets to design their own course. The roadie in me likes wide open, fast courses, which is about the complete opposite of what Sun Valley had in store for me. 40% single track, tight turns, off the saddle scary descents, ball bearing rocks. This course was knarly.

This was a 2 day affair. Saturday determined Sundays start position. At the gun we had a dream start. Sam Krieg from Pocatello got the hole shot followed by Troy, Trevor, and myself. Good showing off the line. ¼ of the way through the first lap Trevor bobbled a corner and I was able to sneak by into third. Then it got interesting. I over cooked a turn in the single track and ended up in the woods. 3 guys blew by. Determined, I got back and started to chase. 99% of the way around the first lap I went down again ripping my skin suit in the process. As luck would have it my crash was right in front of the beer tent to the chagrin of the un-relenting announcers and spectating Ocktober fest goers. Mentally crushed I took one lap to regroup. The wheel pit was busy and I was making up ground. Really, on this course the name of the game was no mechanicals and stay upright. I finished the day in 5th which was a lot better than I thought. So mental victory on the day.

For Sundays state race I was called up to the front row. Sweet! I looked back at the start on all the poor suckers who where going to eat my cyclocross dust. Really though as the day progressed they would get the last laugh as I officially would become the worst cyclocross racer in the state of Idaho. The day started well. I was top 5 going over the insanely long and steep run up. Then I front flatted. Luckily it was a semi-slow leak. As my PSI went from 38 to 18 the riding got more challenging. The off the saddle decent proved to be a religious experience. Nate had a wheel for me in the pit but it cost me 3 places. I started chasing and 2 laps later re-connected only literally at the point of contact blew my back tire. A 2km run with my bike on my shoulder got me back to the pit only to move into last place. I tried to catch at least one guy, but it proved not possible. Bummer, but that’s cross.
Overall the Victor crew had a great weekend. Amanda crushed the womens pro field, Troy placed 4th, Trevor top 15, and Will mid pack. Combined we overcame 6 flats and one broken chain! And still represented.

On the plus side I didn’t walk away a complete loser. Yep, that’s right, during the awards ceremony, I was crowned Idaho State Cyclocross Dance Off Champion! I didn’t get a State champion jersey and I’m told that my Fitzy kit for next season wont dawn any armband strips, but I called my mom and she said she’s proud.” - Bergy

Michelle Byers reported from the Idaho side:

“It’s been quite some time since I last rode what used to be a fall favorite for me, so this weekend I did a double-header on the Aspen Trail. Both rides started from the Darby Canyon trailhead in Driggs; Saturday I took our dog Kenai, and then Dave, Tina (aka Mini T) joined me for my second ride on Sunday. The trail is probably in the best shape I’ve seen it all year; buffed single track with only a couple of small muddy sections on the entire trail. It was riding really fast and two to three of the four creek crossings are rideable. What was so amazing about the trail was the yellow fall colors, not so much on the trees but on the trail itself. You ride through these amazing sections of big beautiful aspen groves while your tires roll over a seamless blanket of yellow. It’s the kind of ride where you want to ride as fast as you can on the down hills while at the same time wanting to stop to enjoy the moment with not much more than the wind whirling through the few remaining leaves on the Quaking Aspens. Although Saturday was a little cooler due to the cloud cover, it was still one of my best rides yet this year especially considering I only saw one other person and her dog during my entire ride. Both days were “perfect” fall riding days. Get out and enjoy while we still can!”- Michelle.

Hamilton Smith reported from the Big Holes:
“If anyone is curious about the big hole crest, I am happy to provide a report I will call Trail of Tears.2
Most importantly, I have become very opinionated about riding North-South vs. South-North. I have always suffered from trail amnesia, where literally weeks and even sometimes days after an adventurous ride, all negative aspects seem to vaporize. Given my 1-year hiatus from the Crest, it really seemed to be a perfectly sensible approach to zip over Pine Creek Pass, and approach the Crest from Spooky Trail. Uhm…no, at least not with 6-8″ of snow on north facing aspects, and moto-affected, saturated soils that bind like gumbo. Nothing like sliding a dark icy decent into a patch of sun-warmed clay. Therefore, trail report from BHC is: ridden North to South, and without additional snowfall, it is a fall classic for adventure seekers (given a sensible approach is used). Door to door from Victor, descending Mahogany Canyon, was 40 miles, or a shuttle can be used. It’s a rugged ride, i.e. - typical Big Hole ride, definitely bring more than two water bottles.
Btw- Spooky to the Crest was in perfect condition, so loops on the Southern end of the Big Holes are a great option.” - Hamilton

T-Race reported from a Tuesday late afternoon Arrow Trail ride”
“Freakin’ Sweeeeettt!…a little muddy, not too bad, and the same ol’ sick singletrack of the Arrow. Gosh, I should be riding my MTB every minute I’m not walking!” - T-Race

Editor’s Note: Amen Sista’!
Tim Kelley’s Cross Crusade makes a West Coast Swing

Stay tuned for another update from the racing & travels of our cross addict TK once he gets home from his trip to Portland & Seattle.

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Upcoming Races

Here are some of the events being attended by Fitzgerald’s Team members in October & November 2008:

Nov 1 - The CUBE Cyclocross Race #2, Rexburg, ID

Nov 1 - Utah Cyclocross Race #5
Nov 2 - Utah Cyclocross Race #6

Nov 8 - The CUBE Cyclocross Race #3, Rexburg, ID
Nov 9 - King & Queen of Cross, Pocatello, ID

Nov 15 - Utah Cyclocross Race #7

Nov 22 - Tour De Tucson (Email Dina Michev if you are heading south)

Nov 29 - Montana State Cyclocross Championships, Missoula, MT

Fitzgerald’s exists to grow Repect for the Planet!



This is an excerpt from our Mission Statement that we really like putting to use as seen here:

For the first time we successfully recycled all the used tires and tubes from the summer. All told we think our recycling efforts kept over 500 tubes and 100 tires out of the landfill. Here’s to doubling that number in ’09!

What’s New for ’09 Part 1



Need I say more?
OK, why not. I think this should sum it nicely:

I am very pleased to announce that Fitzgerald’s Bicycles is now your local Cervelo dealer. It’s getting late on Friday so I don’t have time to expound on the bikes, but if you don’t know how great they are check out their website for details. Have a great weekend thinking about your new Cervelo!

Keep an Eye on the Finish Line



Things are looking good for the National Election, but don’t put your hands up just yet! “Surpressing the Vote has been a cornerstone of GOP’s electoral strategy.”
- Robert F Kennedy Jr.

In fact since 2003, more than 2.7 million new voters have had their applications denied and over 1.6 million votes were not counted in 2004.

A lot of business owner friends try to keep their political views private so as not to “lose any business”. I have two thoughts about that. 1. If your customers are only shopping at your establishment because of your political views your doing something wrong and should lose business. 2. If anyone needs to fight for their beliefs it’s small business owners. Especially this election season, small business owners should always try to endorse candidates who will help sustain their business. So, this is the official Fitzgerald’s Bicycles endorsement for Barack Obama. That being said, I know you come to this site for bike related brain candy so don’t expect an on going political commentary. Unless I find more great political bike analogy videos!

Keep you eyes on the prize!

Team Newsletter Oct 21st



Submitted by Dave Byers

Victor Cross Series - Oct 18th Race Report
This past Saturday was the last cross race of the season for the Victor Cross Series. The results have been posted and can be found on the Victor Cross Series site. I want to personally thank JayP for all of his help throughout the series and especially this past Friday and Saturday. It is a bummer that he is healing up and can’t race cross with us this year but it has been great to have him on the team helping out.

Last week I posed some serious questions that would be answered come Saturday. Let’s review:

Will anyone challenge Bergy on his home course?
Answer - Yes, but he still threw down an impressive effort and placed 2nd

Will Fitzy upgrade this week?
Answer - Not only did Fitzy upgrade, he unleashed a fury we didn’t know he had and placed 3rd

What color argyle will Jannine wear?
Answer - Holy crap those socks were HOT! (see pic below)

Jannine sent in this great Victor Cross Race Report:

“When I woke up on Saturday morning I was really excited for Victor Cross. It was sunny, warm and just beautiful. After a leisurely morning I finally got my team kit on to start warming up. True confessions: I probably would not have warmed up, but I ran into Amanda Riley about 1 1/2 before the race at the post office and she was heading out for a warm up. Considering I was racing the same field I figured I should warm up a bit so at least I could avoid a lapping by Amanda.
I was about to walk out the door and I realized Watson, our 14 1/2 year old dog, was growling deeply in pain and dry heaving all over the place. His stomach was super distended and I was scared. I immediately called Fitzy, who was setting up the course, and within minutes we were heading to Jackson to see the vet. At the time I was not even thinking about racing, but once we realized he was probably going to be okay I started to get sad that I missed my race. Boo Hoo.
As we were heading back over the pass we realized that Scott could still race the expert/pro class. We had 30 minutes before that was starting. Then it dawned on me that maybe they would let me race with the boys. I gave Bergy a call from the road and he said no problem. Uh oh I thought….60 minutes of racing versus 45 is going to kill me. I must be a fun hater.

There I was, at the starting line with the big boys, with my hot pink stripped socks, ready to try and survive! Well, I am still here to tell the tale. It was an awesome race. The course was fast and the cheers were plentiful. I went out the first lap hard and I managed to pass quite a few boys at the barriers. This sense of victory was short lived once we hit the bike path…Time trialing is not my strong point. After feeling like I was going to puke during the first couple of laps I settled into a rhythm and felt really good. Dave Byers was my inspiration to hang on. I just concentrated on staying as close to him as possible. After is was all said and done…I finished without crashing and actually without crushing myself completely. I love this sport. Looking forward to the Rexburg series starting this weekend. Good luck to everyone going to Sun Valley this weekend. In case you are wondering, Watson is doing great now.” - Jannine

The organizer of the CUBE cyclocross contacted me this morning and extended this great offer. I know from experience that race day registration is hectic and it is easier to plan if you know how many racers are coming. Take advantage of this offer and sign up today!

50% OFF RACE REGISTRATION IF YOUR ENTRY IS RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, OCT 24TH

That means you can race ALL THREE races for $17.50. That leaves plenty of $$ left over for a cowbell and a tub of your favorite embrocation. There is already a crew of us heading to Rexburg for these races so come join the fun. All levels are welcome!

To register, fill out the form, write a check, slap a stamp on an envelope, and mail it in TODAY.

The CUBE Race Website

Hup Hup! Let’s keep the cross stoke alive!

Wednesday Night Cross Practice Continues

We will meet Wed evening at 5:30 PM in Victor’s Pioneer Park, on the cross course, at the triple barriers (near the pumpp house). Please park at the north end of the park, and ride south on the course until you see the group. All levels of crossers are welcome. Come join us for some skills practice and short race simulation. We will be out there in rain, snow, sleet, and I guess even if the sun is shining. Ha!

Cross Practice Wed Night / Race Saturday



Here’s your last chance for a local Cross Race this fall. If you want to hone your skills come on out tonight (Wednesday Oct 15th) at 5:30 in Pioneer Park Victor.

2008 Colnago C50 Deal of the Day!



2008 Colnago C50
Color: ST02, Size: 52S (55 Top Tube)
Grouppo: Campagnolo Chorus w/ Fulcrum Compact Cranks
Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing Zero

Reg: $8000
SALE PRICE: $5999

This deal will not last! In 2009 this bike will cost over $10,000!