Now….we Third-Coasters know better than to put away the snow shovels and pack away the XC skies just yet…right?….but let’s enjoy it while it lasts, okay?

O-kay!

As you might expect – lotsa cool bike stuff happenin’ here @ the shop so c’mon in and let us show you around……

WEEKLY OUTDOOR RIDE CALENDAR - Such a huge part of who we are and what we’re about as a shop, our Weekly Rides are a blast! Join us!

The Tuesday Night Ride rolls @ 5:30 for about 70 minutes and 20 miles. You’ll need lights. The primary goal of this ride over the “winter” is to get out, stretch our legs and get back in time to get ready for VELO YOGA.

Jan’s Recovery Ride is @ 8:30am on Thursday. We’ll ride 25-ish miles @ 17-19mph and then stop for a lil’ brunch.

The Fat Thursday Ride meets @ the Riley Trails parking lot @ 6pm. Designed as a weekly celebration of our new favorite bikes this ride is intended to get’cha out on a fat bike (either yours or one of our demos) and show you just how much fun they can be!

The Bagel Ride “clips in” @ 8:30am on Friday. The usual route is the “Llama Loop” – about 26 miles – and winds up at The Good Earth Cafe for re-fueling. A “Very Civilized Way To Start The Day”!

WEEKLY INDOOR RIDE SCHEDULE- Even w/ clear roads and moderate temps there’s a place for intense indoor training. It’s easier to watch your heart rate, do intervals, one-leg drills etc. Mayor MC claims to have invented the concept of group indoor rides – at least around here. We don’t know if that’s true but we do know that he was organizin’ them as far back as the mid ’80s so……..could be. So – bring your trainer and bike and we’ll supply the fans, the space, the training DVD’s, the TV the company and the witty repartee. It’s as much fun as going nowhere fast gets!

Note – you are welcome to store your trainer, wheel block and even shoes here if that makes life easier for you. We haven’t been able to make room for bikes this winter however.

Indoor rides are Wed @ 8pm & Sat @ 8am.

VELO YOGA CLASSES GOING STRONG – You’ll be strong too, as well as more flexible when you treat yourself to the original yoga for cyclists! Let yoga instructor and avid cyclist Heather Allegrina show you how more core strength, flexibility and balance can make you a happier rider. As she says ” Cycling requires all three of those things – but gives you none!” The class is at 7pm on Tuesdays (right after the TNR!) and goes until 8:00. The $10 fee goes towards the establishment of the John Allegrina Memorial Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students @ GVSU.

“OTHER” RIDES – There are usually several other rides – “official” or otherwise – leaving from the shop every week. Crazy Bastard West Rides, Shut Up & Ride Club rides, impromptu fat bike beach rides, trips up to GH, etc. Some (not all) of these rides will be posted on our Facebook page so at the risk of repeating ourselves – the besy way to stay in the loop (especially a loop as busy as ours) is to follow us on FaceBook! You’ll be the first to hear about Jan Cookie deliveries and new stuff too!

SALE STUFF – As the shop continues to fill up w/ all sorts of rockin’ new gear we gotta make some room! As it happens – that turns out to be a good thing for y’all! Here’s a glimpse of some of the deals we have going this month –

All Fall/Winter riding gear 30-40% off! Oh sure – it’s nice NOW, but we all know that’s not gonna last, right? Might as well gear up! All warm gloves, hats, booties, tights, knickers, l/s jerseys, and related stuff from Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, Ibex, Smartwool & others is now on sale.

Get 20% off the Cycle-Ops JetFluid PRO or SuperMagneto PRO trainer!

We still have a very limited selection of 2011 bikes as well – you can get yourself a sweet new Cervelo, Cannondale or Electra right now at up to 30% off!

Fine Print: All sale prices apply to stuff in stock only, no special orders.

HEY – WHILE WE’RE TALKIN ‘ABOUT DEALS ‘N ALL….MAKE A NOTE TO ATTEND OUR ANNUAL SPRING GARAGE SALE HERE @ THE SHOP ON MARCH 2 & 3! (More details later via FaceBook and the Mar QR)

DON’T FORGET TO CASH IN YOUR VELO BUX!!! The last day that you can redeem your lovingly collected VeloBux is 2/29/12! After that – they’re only good as bookmarks!

WHAT WAS THAT YOU SAID ABOUT A DEMO FLEET…..? Way to pay attention! In the interest of spreading the word and giving you a chance to try Cool New Stuff we have a pretty decent lil’ group of bikes that exist for your education and enjoyment. Currently the fleet consists of:

Salsa MukLuk FatBikes – 4 of ‘em, Sm, Md and Lg

Cannondale 29r ATB’s – Flash Carbon Md, Flash Ally Md (and a Lg on the way)

Cannondale SuperSix w/ Ultegra Di2 – 56cm

So – wanna see what this fat bike craze is all about? Check out the electronic shifting thing? See if there’s a 29r in your future? We got’cha covered!

STILL TIME TO JOIN US @ THE ULTIMATE CYCLING CHALLENGE! The UCC is a 12/24 hour indoor relay ride on Feb 24/25 to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We’ve had a tean for years and would love to have you join us. Go to www.ultimatecyclechallenge.com for the scoop and then contact MC here @ the shop to get a time slot!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2012 JDRF RIDE TO CURE DIABETES SEASON! It won’t be news to many of you that as a shop we are hip-deep in supporting ther Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s efforts to ride the world of Type 1 Diabetes. Mayor MC is the Nat’l Co-Head Coach in addition to one of the West Mi coaches and Service Mgr Berber has been the Head Mechanic of the entire Ride Program since ’08. We are also proud to team up w/ Cannondale to sponsor the West Mi Ride Team – a fine band of local riders who have raised over 1 million dollars towards research! This season’s Rides are in VT, Wi, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley and Tucson and range from July to November. Check out www.ride.jdrf.orf or stop in and chat up MC! Find out how you can combike riding your bike & making the world a better place!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT – ARE “WOMEN’S SPECIFIC” BIKES A MYTH?  You’ll hear it in any bike shop – women are different that men. Now – no one’s gonna argue that, least of all me, but we’re referring to bike fit here. I’ve been fitting bikes to people for 30+ years now….and ever since the early ’80s, when Georgina Terry first introduced the “concept” of the women’s specific bicycle, the conventional and virtually unchallenged wisdom has been that women have different skeletal proportions than men. Longer legs, shorter torsos and arms, narrower shoulders, smaller hands, etc.  Women’s bikes have been designed around that notion ever since.

But……..(you heard that comin’, right?) there is mounting evidence that it’s simply not true. In this month’s issue of Bicycling magazine that theory was described as “total bunk” by the Product Mgr of the women’s line of bikes by a major brand. Nor was the first time I’ve heard that. At the Interbike show in 2010 the head engineer of Cervelo told me that they can’t find any soloid evidence to support that theory in 100 years of body measurements compiled by the US Military.

So – here’s the thing. Even IF there is a difference between Gender A and Gender B – so what? Bike fit is about YOU. Not humans w/ your build, not Americans your height or women w/ your shape or dudes with your build. YOU. Here @ Velo City our fitters are going to fit you…..with the right bike for you…..regardless of gender. That’s the only way to do it right.

And that’s the only way we do it.

MC

Okay, gotta go get kitted up and grab some of this day for a ride. We hope that you are doing the same thing. It’s been a crazy winter in a lot of ways so far but let’s keep it rollin’ huh? Thanks s always for supporting what we’re trying to do here @ the shop – it means an awful lot to all of us here! 

Be careful, ride lots and try and stop by to say hi, grab a cookie or cup of coffee and maybe join us for a ride!

Ride on!

MC, Berger, Chris, Nate, Sandy, Aaron, Kaat, Alex,

Keith & lil ‘Mike – the Velo-Citizens.

“I know myself through mountain biking. That’s how I center myself if things are out of whack personally”

Myles Rockwell

But here’s the thing……..we’re good w/ it either way! We’re gonna ride (inside and out) no matter what – we’re gonna celebrate the joy and power of cycling on nice days and foul ones and There Will Be Bike Face!

So – here’s the first QR of 2012…..check out all the stuff we’re planning – rides, events,  classes – and make sure that you stop in and see us!

We’ll be here!

WEEKLY RIDE SCHEDULE: We’re kinda proud of our rides….and people in the cycling world (like Bicycling magazine for instance) have been noticing as well. Here’s the menu for this month and pretty much all winter:

The Tuesday Night Ride (Outside) 5:30 – For the winter the TNR is a short ride (18-20 miles) intended to stake a claim to the roads, get some fresh air and remind Ol’ Man Winter just who runs things around here. Dress warm, charge up your lights and join us. We will be back in time to thaw out for yoga!

The Wednesday Indoor Ride 8:00pm – MC claims to have been leading the area’s first indoor group rides since the mid ’80′s (ask him to tell you the “Connault Story) and we’ve been doin’ ‘em ever since! Bring your trainer and bike – we’ll supply the TV, coaching DVDs, fans and company. We’ll post the scheduled workout on the FaceBook page so you don’t miss a fav! (Note – we don’t have the room to store your bike at the moment but you are free to store your trainer, wheelblock and even shoes here if it helps.)

Jan’s Recovery Ride (Outside) 8:30am – 25 miles @ 17-19mph, a high liklihood of a llama sighting and then a post-ride stop to warm up and re-fuel @ the local bagel shop. What’s not to like?

The Bagel Ride (Outside) 8:30am – Any resemblance to the Recovery Ride is pure coincidence! 25-28 miles @ 18-21 mph and then  we head to the Good Earth Cafe for bagels, muffins, coffee and heat!

The Saturday Indoor Ride, 8:00am – Just like Wed night, except on Sat morning! (In general the Wed night workouts will be longer and more “tempo-oriented” while the Sat morning ones will be shorter interval efforts)

THE “CRAZY BASTARD WEST” RIDES are both a tribute to and our version of a long-standing ride that we’ve enjoyed in GR. We meet at the Hamilton Food Center on M-40 (just south of town) @ 2:00pm on alternate Sundays and head back into the Allegan State Game Area looking for “seasonal” roads, 2 tracks…..who knows? Depending on the weather either ‘cross bikes, mountainbikes or fat bikes rule the day but it’s a classic case of “run what’cha brung”! It might also be the most fun you’ll ever have on 2 wheels! For January the official CBW dates are 1/8 and 1/22.

VELO YOGA CONTINUES! It’s been 3+ years now since we teamed up w/ instructor-cyclist Heather Allegrina to bring the concept of “yoga for cyclists” to the lakeshore. Her class has grown in popularity and spawned imitation. (Awww, we’re flattered, really).   This is atheletic, strenuous yoga – designed by an avid cyclist to make you a better rider. To quote Ms Allegrina – “Cycling requires core strength, balance and flexibiliy – but doesn’t give you any!” This class will!

Tuesday @ 7pm / 1 hour class / no registration required / $10 per session

(All proceeds go to the establishment of the John Allegrina Memorial Scholarship @ GVSU)

STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE!!!!!!What’s that? You were wondering if we had anything on sale? Well, we’re so glad you asked! We always like to kick off the new year by offering our friends some sweet deals on some cool bike stuff so check it out……

ALL CASTELLI CLOTHING 30% OFF!

ALL WOMEN’S FALL/WINTER CLOTHING 40% OFF!

ALL REMAINING 2010/2011 BIKES FROM CANNONDALE, CERVELO, ELECTRA & CO-MOTION MARKED DOWN FROM 15-30% OFF!

(Fine Print – Prices apply only to stuff in stock, no special orders)

2 MORE WEEKS TO EARN VELO BUCKS! You can still accumulate Velo Bucks w/ any purchase of $50 or more. Velo Bucks get you a 10% rebate on your purchases through Saturday Jan 15!

ANNNNNNNNND – for those of you that are already holding onto some – they can be redeemed from right now through Feb 29!

RIDE INSIDE / RIDE OUTSIDE! – If you’re gonna ride all winter you’re going to have to equip yourself to ride either inside or outside – or both! Lucky for you…we got’cha covered either way! Check it out -

For Inside Riding we feature Cycle Ops trainers, Kreitler rollers and all the fixin’s. We have a complete selection of training DVDs and other accessories. We can help you figure out which of the 6 models of trainer will serve you best.

When it comes to Outdoor riding we’re pretty sure that there’s no shop in the area w/ a better selection of gear or experience in using it! We have a tremendous selection of tights, jackets, jerseys, gloves, booties, socks, shoe covers and baselayers from Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, Ibex, Smartwool and others. We have winter shoes from Shimano, chemical toe warmers, Smartwool lined footbeds from Superfeet, handlebar mounted mittens from BarMitts and more! We also stock studded tires in 26″ and 700c sizes. Not to mention a full assortment of lights and fenders. If it’s what you need to stay warm and safe as you ride through a Michigan winter – chances are pretty good that we’ve tried it, tested it and – assuming that it works – carry it!

So – if you’re having trouble staying warm or not sure how to get started riding inside OR out…..we got’cha covered!

“Hold the pickles hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us”. Sorry about the fast food reference there – we just couldn’t resist. The point here (and we do have one) is that despite stocking and suplying our shop w/ the products that we think deserve your attention – we can’t stock everything! However – we can and gladly will special order you virtually anything the world of cycling has to offer. Now – are there exceptions to that? Yep – several brand names aren’t available to us (you can probably figure out the first 2-3!) but in general – if you want it, we can get it for you. The next time you’re in the shop ask to see the “Q” catalogs just to get a whiff of what we’re talking about. Lots of Outdoor Stuff too!

DIDJA KNOW ABOUT OUR DEMO FLEET?  Thinking about one of the new “fat bikes”? Looking for a new mountainbike? Curious about Shimano’s new electronic shifting? Well – we have a fleet of demo bikes that will allow you to try some of the latest and greatest on your favorite roads or trails. Our current fleet includes 3 Salsa Mukluks, 2 Cannondale 29′r mountainbikes (alloy and carbon), a Cannondale mountain tandem and a C-Dale Super Six w/ Ultegra Di-2! Stop in and talk to us about making use of ‘em!

MEET AND RIDE WITH PRO RIDER BRAD WHITE! Here’s a chance to hang out w/ a Big Time Pro Racer and ask him any questions about riding, bikes, training or whatever! Brad lives here in Holland when not on the road racing for the United HealthCare Team. He’s raced Pro since ’07 and has accumulated an impressive collection of trophies:

Most Aggressive Rider Jerseys @ the Tours of California, Missouri, Colorado & Utah.

Overall Sprint Winner – Tour of Utah

KOM jersey @ Tour of Utah for a day.

Needless to say – the man has some chops! So – c’mon down to the shop @ 2:00pm on Saturday 1/28 – he’ll lead a short (15-20 miles) ride and then head back to the shop to enjoy some snacks and answer your questions. Oughta be fun!

ALMOST ULTIMATE CYCLE CHALLENGE TIME AGAIN! The UCC is a 12 or 24 Hour indoor relay ride to raise money for Livestrong. It takes place on Feb 24th/25th and starts @ 8pm. For the 4th time we’ll be fielding a Velo City team so stop in the shop or otherwise contact MC (mike@velo-citycycles.com) and join in the fun. More info @ www.ultimatecyclechallenge.com

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS (a * means you will find more about it elsewhere in this newsletter):

Sun 1/8 – Crazy Bastard West Ride*

Sun 1/8 – Inside Out CX Race, Greenville

Mon 1/9 – WMMBA monthly meeting, GR

Sat 1/14 – Farmer’s Fat Bike Race, GR

Sun 1/22 – Crazy Bastard West Ride*

Sat 1/28 – Brad White @ VCC*

Sun 1/29 – MMBA Annual Meeting

EDITORIAL – “JUST ‘CUZ YOU ”CAN” DOESN’T  MEAN THAT YOU “SHOULD”. Probably not a bad rule to keep in mind in general but right now I’m talking about the relatively new phenonenon of the “Fat Bike”. These 4″ wide tired bikes are easily the hottest thing in the shop this winter, we’re riding them, we’re demo-ing them and we’re selling them – and that’s great. However – I’m becoming concerned that once again we (the bike industry) is revealing its historical inability to learn from its past mistakes. So bear w/ me a sec, okay?

Here’s the thing – I was in the bike biz in 1984, when mountainbikes first showed up in West Mich. I bought one right away and the few of us that had ‘em rode all over the place, on any trail we could find. It. Was. A. Blast. But guess what? By 1986 the DNR in this state (and most others) reacted to the presence of bikes where there had been none before in a predictable manner – they banned us from every state park and most of the county ones too. The Michigan MountainBike Association formed right about then ( I know – I wrote the 1st donation check they ever received) and since then volunteers have been busting their butts all over the country – working w/ various Goverment entities, co-operating w/ other user groups, paying their dues w/ work days and otherwise re-gaining access to public lands by virtue of being a responsible user group. Our local chaper of the MMBA – the aptly named WMMBA – has made amazing strides in the past few years – opening new trails, improving existing ones and making West Michigan a destination for mountainbikers from all over the Midwest.

See what I’m gettng at here? Fat bikes are mountainbikes. Simple as that. They have fatter tires and that means that they can go places that “normal” mountainbikes can’t and that’s a huge part of the fun but just ‘cuz ya can doesn’t mean that you should! If we start riding our fat bikes on trails closed to bikes, over fragile environments, on groomed ski trails or private beaches – we will negate all the hard work and progress that the bike advocacy folks have made since 1986.

And that would be a shame!

Please enjoy the awesome capabilities of your MukLuk or Pugsley responsibly! (And for the other 90% of our readers who don’t have a clue what I’m talking about here – I hope you skipped right past this part!)

Thanks, MC

So – that about covers it for this month. As usual the best way to “stay in the loop” on all of our rides and events is to make a habit of checking our FaceBook page on a regular basis. We send out updates nearly every day – including the latest news about new stuff, fresh cookies and special sales. It’s the easy way to stay in touch!

And with that – we’re gonna call it good. We’re gonna thank you one more time for helping us have such a great 2011 and we’re crazy excited for all that 2012 has to offer! More rides! More miles! More people on bikes more often! So – swing by the shop when you have a chance, demo a Mukluk (responsibly!), join us for an indoor ride, an outdoor ride or both. Celebrate cycling with us!

Thats the plan!

Happy New year from your buds @ VCC – Aaron, Alex,  Berger, Chris, Kaat, Keith, Lil’ Mike, Nate, MC & Sandy

“I delighted in the supreme sense of freedom that comes with the first mile of a bicycle journey. No bills, no messy relationships, no job. All I needed was stuffed into 4 sturdy panniers”

Dan Buettner, starting his 12,000 mile, 277 day ride across Africa

THE VELO REBATE PROGRAM is going strong! The details are simple – EVERY time you spend $50 or more w/ us ‘tween now and 1/15/12 we’re going to hand you Velo Bucks Certificates good for 10% of the purchase. Those certificates are good from 1/1/12 – 2/29/12.

So – buy that Salsa Mukluk 3 ($1600) and get’cher self a cool $160 in Velo Bucks! Do some Christmas shopping for the riders on your list and score them the Velo Bucks OR keep’em for yourself!

Remember – every purchase of $50 or more earns you a 10% Velo Bucks Rebate!

THE WEEKLY OUTDOOR RIDE SCHEDULE happens to be something that we are pretty proud of ’round here. We take our position as the hub of the local cycling community seriously & as such we offer a buncha rides all year. Here’s what we have going on this month:

The Tuesday Night Ride rolls @ 5:30. We’ll do an hour or so and be back in time to thaw out for yoga.  Figure on about 20 miles.

Jan’s Recovery Ride leaves on Thursday @ 8:30am.  This time of the season it’s less about “recovery” from a hard ride or race and more about having a nice morning ride. (And a stop at the baked goods place).  Figure on 25-28 miles and a 17-19mph pace.

The Bagel Ride is Friday @ 8:30am. We’ll do the “Llama Loop” (28 miles) and then head to The Good Earth Cafe for breakfast. Pace is generally 18-20mph. A “very civilized way to start your day”!

INDOOR TRAINING RIDES are @ 8:00pm Wed and 8:00am Saturday. C’mon down and sweat-n-suffer w/ a bunch of fellow riders. We’ll supply the TV, fans, coaching DVDs and company – you supply the bike and trainer. You are welcome to store your trainer and wheel block here but (for December anyway) we’re not going to have room for you to store your bike as in years past. That will hopefully change as we sell a buncha bikes (hint hint) or find more storage room.

SPECIAL DECEMBER RIDES – As usual we have a few things cooking that are hors catagorie – check ‘em out!

The Chili Chilly Ride is Sunday 12/11 @ 2:00. One of the most steadfast of our “Fun-Raiser” Ride Series, the C2 offers 25ish and 40ish mile road loops followed by a chili cookoff.  Bring a pot o’ your best chili and compete in the “Hottest” and/or “Tastiest” catagories. (Prizes for both.) We’ll supply the bread, drinks and such – you bring the chili!  Tip sheets provided – we’ll seperate into groups as required.

(Note – making/bringing chili is optional. You can bring snacks, dessert, cornbread or just your appetite!)

The 1st Crazy Bastard West Ride of the season rolls on Sunday 12/18! Meet us down @ the Hamilton Food Center on M-40 for a 2:00pm roll out. We’ll head SW into the Allegan Woods looking for “seasonal” roads and trouble! Road surfaces could include asphalt, dirt, gravel, sand, mud, snow, ice or all of the above! (Lots more CBW rides comin’ up in Jan-Mar! This is kind of a full month.)

The First Day of Winter MukFest is Thursday 12/22. Here’s your chance to try out the bike biz’s hottest niche if you haven’t already. We’ll meet @ the Hamilton Food Center and roll @ 6:00pm. The idea is to wander around back in the boonies and have some fun. We have a few sets  of demo lights available – as well as our 2 demo MukLuks. Bring your ‘cross or mtn bike and we’ll play musical bikes.

The New Year’s Day Ride – Okay, technically not a “December” ride – but we’d hate for you to miss the traditional chance to thumb your nose @ winter and kick off the new year right! We’ll roll from the shop @ 1:00pm (1-1-1, get it?) and get our ride on! Distance and route will be a “game day call” – but we’ll have fun and then head back to the shop for snacks and stories.

VELO YOGA CLASSES COMMENCE  12/6! Developed and led by instructor/ avid cyclist Heather Allegrina, our cycling-specific yoga class will make you a stronger, more balanced and more flexible rider. And that’s nothing but good!

Time – 7:00-8:00pm Tuesday

Cost – $10.00 per session (all proceeds go to the John Allegrina Memorial Scholarship @ GVSU)

STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE!!!!!! Well sure we have stuff on sale – it’s winter! Check out this list – and remember that our Velo Bucks Rebate applies to this stuff too!

All 2010 and 2011 bikes are marked down – if we have your size this might be a great time to get your next bike lined up!

All 2011 Cannondale road & fitness bikes are 10-15% off!

All 2011 Electra Townies, Ticinos & Cruisers are now 35% off!

All 2010/2011 Cervelos are 10-20% off!

We still have a few of the 2009 Cannondale F5 xs mtn bikes as well – they are 50% off! (now $375)

All Women’s Fall/Winter riding apparel – jerseys, jackets, tights, base layers, knickers – now 30% off!

We still have a few sets of wheels – Zipp, Mavic, Rolf, Velocity – @ 25% off!

Fine Print Department – all sale prices apply only to stock on hand, no special orders, sorry!)

LET’S TALK ABOUT OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A SEC – OKAY? Like any machine – Velo City runs on power provided by the ‘engine room”.  LIke most bike shops the “engine room” is the service department. We wanted to take a sec and talk about the folks back there -

Our Service manager is Jeremy “Berger” Berghorst. He’s been here since ’06 and around bikes his whole life. He’s also the Head Mechanic of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fooundation’s Ride to Cure Program – which has him working on bikes as he travels from Vt to Death Valley.

Jeremy’s main man is Nate Guiles. Nate’s fairly new to us – having pulled on the Big Boy Pants of Velo-Citizenship only about 6 weeks ago – but he’s worked at 2 of the busiest shops in GR for the past 6 years, assembling scads of high-end bikes and learning everything there is to know about disc brakes, tubeless set-ups and other mtn bike goodness. Working w/ Berger and Aaron he’s rapidly become equally proficient w/ road stuff and has already learned what a task it is keepin’ MC’s fleet running!

Speaking of Aaron….Aaron Dowling has been here for years, wrenching on bikes, assembling new ones & devising clever solutions for unforeseen problems. He’s part-time now, but still a huge part of what makes our service department rock.

Then there’s Alex Slikkers – bike assembler extradinaire! If you’re riding a bike that he built – you’re riding a good one! He’s been here for 3 seasons now, coming home from school in the winter and working through the summer.

So – what the point here? These guys rock, that’s the point here – and we just wanted to call ‘em out!

SERVICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL FOR DECEMBER! We’d really  like to work on your bikes now – while the boys have the time – and to entice you to think about it we offer you this -

Our “Deluxe” Tune-Up Package (which includes our full tune-up, fresh bar tape and cables) is now only $100! (reg price is $150) In addition we’ll give you 25% off any other items your bike needs during the repair (tires, chain, cassette etc)

We offer fast turn around & superlative work. So – let’s get your bike ready for next season now, huh?

(And need we add that yet again – you’d earn Velo Rebate Bucks?)

This offer good from now until 12/31.

BRING IN 2010 W/ THE LAST CALL BAND! MC and his musical cohorts will be doin’ their thing down @ the Saugatuck Brewery on 12/31 from 8:00 until it’s 2012. No cover, no need to wear a funny hat – just good music, beer and food.

DECEMBER/JANUARY EVENT CALENDAR: Lots goin’ on – how cool is that?!?!? (* means “read more about it elsewhere in this newsletter”)

Tues 12/6 – 1st Velo Yoga! 7pm.*

Sun 12/11 – The Chili Chilly Ride*

Sun 12/18 – 1st Crazy Bastard West Ride*

Thurs 12/22 – MukFest 1st Day o’ Winter Ride*

Sat  12/31 – Last Call Band @ SBC*

Sun 1/1 – New Year’s Day Ride*

1/8 – Inside Out CX Race – Greenville

1/14 – Farmer’s Fat Bike Race – GR

Whew! Is that a ton of stuff to be excited about or what?!?!? We’re looking forward to every bit of it and hope that you are too.

Stop by and see us – the coffee’s on, there are cookies (sometimes – watch FaceBook) and lotsa cool new stuff to check out.

We’ll be here…….and thanks again for helping this be such a fun year!

The Velo-Citizens…MC, Berger, Chris, Nate, Aaron, lil’ Mike,

Sandy, Keith, Kaat and Alex.

“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as

simply messing about on bicycles”

Tom Kunich

WEEKLY RIDES – Weekly rides !?!?!? In November!?!?! Well, in a word…..Yep! There’s a surprisingly large group that rides outside all year ’round and as long as folks keep showin ‘up we’ll keep havin’ rides. Our weekly ride menu is in many ways the very blood-n-sinew of the shop – what makes us who and what we are. (All rides leave from the shop unless otherwise noted)

The Tuesday Night Ride rolls @ 6pm. These days it’s pretty much a full-on night ride so come prepared w/ lights front and rear. 2 groups @ most, both led by Velo-Citizens so no one gets lost or left behind. Plan on 25-30 miles and the last Tuesday of each month is PIZZA NIGHT! (the 29th this month)

Kreple’s Thursday Night Gravel Ride departs from the Holland Christian High School lot on 40th @ 6pm. Be prepared for 35-40 miles of pavement and gravel. Lights required!

Jan’s Recovery Ride is Thursday @ 8:30am. We’ll do 25-ish miles @ a “recovery” pace of 17-19mph then hit the bagel shop.

The Bagel Ride is Friday @ 8:30am. A long-standing tradition and “very civilized way to start your day”, the BR offers you 28 miles, a llama sighting and then breakfast @ The Good Earth Cafe where our private heater often comes in handy!

Note – All VCC rides are open to everyone and every type of bike but we insist that you – wear a helmet, have at least 1 functioning brake on your bike and agree to obey the rules of the road and ride safe.

INTRODUCING – MUKFEST! If you’ve been paying ANY attention a’tall you’re well aware that we’ve fallen under the spell of the Salsa Mukluk! This so-called “Fat Bike” features 4″ wide tires that can be ridden @ air pressures as low as 6-7psi, allowing you to ride on the sand or snow! They have to be ridden to be believed – as they turn an ordinary trail ride into something else enTIREly. (Har!) To help spread the word and the love we’re gonna have a FatBike ride every month and November’s MUKFEST will be on Sunday 11/20. Join VCC’s resident MukFreak Chris D @ Pigeon Creek County Park on Standale @ 2pm. We’ll have our @ demo Muks out there so you can try ‘em. (Bring your ATB or ‘cross bike so we can all share). Watch our FaceBook page for more info as the day draws near……

SWEET DEAL DEPARTMENT - As the temps drop and the daylight fades it can be a really smart time to go bike shopping! Every 2011 Cannondale, Cervelo, Electra & Surly bike in stock is marked down and just might be your dream bike! How ya gonna know if you don’t come and see?

Here are just a few examples:

Cervelo RS, 58 cm. Equipped w/ a full Ultegra group this bad boy sold for $3500 in 2010. Make this one your ride for only $2500! That’s less than the 2012 version w/ Sram Rival! Just one!

2009 Cannondale F5, XS. The best deal in the shop @ the moment…and we have only a few left. This full-on trail-worthy ATB sports a Rock Shox fork, Avid disc brakes and a Sram drivetrain. The retail in ’09 was $750 and the current price is ONLY $375! If there is anyone in your household ‘tween 5’0″ & 5′ 5″….they oughta be looking at this bike!

Cervelo P1, 51cm – The best tri bike you’ll EVER see for under 2 grand is now only $1325! Just one!

That’s just a taste – at the risk of repeating ourselves every 2011 (and earlier!) bike is marked down. The sale price still includes everything that makes a Velo City bike better – superlative assembly, personalized fit and our TLC Service Package – so maybe, just m-a-y-b-e you oughta swing by and look around, huh?

(Fine Print Dept. – All sale prices limited to stock on hand, no returns, etc. Layaways ARE considered however)

RIDE OUTSIDE! – So, it’s a little cooler now, and it gets dark kinda early, so….how ya gonna continue to ride comfortably and safely? You will hopefully not be shocked to hear that we have some ideas! The shop is packed w/ all the gloves, booties, socks, hats, vests, jerseys, jackets, knickers, tights, toe covers, balaclavas, arm, knee & leg warmers from Ibex, Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Cannondale, Smartwool, Defeet and others to allow you to stay warm and dry as the season changes. All carefully chosen by our staff of dedicated year-round riders – we have the stuff you need! We’ll be glad to help you figure out the best way to  build the wardrobe you need too!

And……..you’re gonna want lights! We’ve tried ‘em all and products we have to show you from Serfas & Planet Bike are – to say the least – the set up!

Or……RIDE INSIDE! Too cold? Too wet? Too dark? Too much hassle? We get that, truly we do. That’s hy we also offer you the complete line up of Cycle-Ops trainers, as well as Kreitler rollers & a variety of workout DVDs and such. Indoor training is a remarkably time-efficient way to keep your fitness over the winter – no bundling up, cleaning your bike, etc.

INDOOR GROUP WORKOUTS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER!

SPEAKING OF THINGS THAT BEGIN IN DECEMBER…Our popular Velo-Yoga class, led as always by Heather Allegrina, will commence on 12/6!

WHY YOU NEED WOOL, A PRIMER…….If there’s one thing that nearly every rider here (i.e.- everybody) agrees on it’s how amazing the modern 100% Merino wool clothing is to ride and live in! It’s cozy, it keep you warm when you’rte wet n’ sweaty, it doesn’t stink, it’s easy to wash……..it’s dang-near perfect! A micro-thin wool baselayer from Ibex or Smartwool is the 1st thing many of us put on for the morning ride and the odds are that it stays on all day! The Ibex wool knickers are fast becoming our favorite recommendation for chilly legs and we don’t havfta tell you how much wool socks rock! In short – wool is the BEST thing to have against your skin…head to toe!

We stock wool gloves, hats, baselayers, jerseys, knickers, socks and warmers from Ibex, Smartwool & DeFeet. We CAN cover you head to toe!

IBEX INTRODUCTORY DEAL – TAKE 25% OFF ANY IBEX BASELAYER OR JERSEY IN NOVEMBER!

‘CROSS BIKES (AND ‘CROSS SEASON) ROCK! It could be said that our all-time fav bikes are cyclo-cross bikes. (CD might get over his Mukluk infatuation @ some point). A decent ‘cross bike eats dirt and gravel roads for lunch, is capable of smooth trails like Luton or Bass River and is a tire swap away from replacing your road bike! How cool is that? Besides – the Michigan ‘Cross Race Season is in full swing as this is written – w/ no fewer than 8 races in November alone! We are proud to offer you ‘cross bikes from Ridley, Cannondale & Surly so we have a bike in your price range!

Repeat after us – “Cross. Bikes. Rock!”

ARR THERE MATEYS, BE YE A-FOLLOWIN’ WE ON FACEBOOK YET? Sorry about that, we thought it was Nat’l Talk Like A Pirate Day there for a sec……..however – the question still stands! Given all the stuff we have going on around here the flat-out BEST way to stay in the loop is to follow us on FB. You’ll get reminders of the Weekly Rides, up-to-the-minute Jan Cookie Status,  race reports, the headsup on FaceBook Only Daily Deals, the occasional joke or picture…………and we promise not to get all “business-y” on you! (Hey – if we do you can always “un-friend” us, we can take it!)

RIDE, RACE AND EVENT CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER (& BEYOND):

11/5 Iceman XC Race

11/13 KissCross CX Race – Cascade Park

11/13 Tailwinds CX Race

11/19 Stomach of Anger CX Race

11/20 VCC MukFest – Pigeon Creek

11/20 Tailwinds CX Race

11/20 Einstein CX Race

11/24 Turkey Day, shop closed

11/26 Last Call Band @ The Saugatuck Brewery

11/27 KissCross Season Finale – Smallenberg Park, Holland

12/3 Registration opens for Barry-Roubaix Race

12/4 State CX State Championship Race

12/4 Shop “Crazy Bastard West” rides commence (Every Sunday)

12/7 VCC Indoor Rides start. (Every Wed and Sat through March)

12/11 VCC “Fun-Raiser” Ride – The Chili Chilly Ride!

See? It there a lot going on around here or what?!?!?! Add all the Weekly Rides and other stuff and you got’cher self a full schedule! That’s why we LOVE the cycling scene here on the “3rd Coast” as we do!

So – here we are @ the end of yet another Quick Release…it’s been a fantastic season – and we thank y’all again and again for that – and we’re as fired up as we’ve ever been as we roll into the “off-season” (there ain’t no off-season!) and look ahead to 2012. We’d like to invite you to stop by, have a cookie, chat about last week’s race or tomorrow’s ride or maybe check out some Cool Bike Stuff. We’ll be here………..so we’ll see you on the road or trail!

The Velo-Citizens (in “chronological” order,  you guess which direction) – Alex, lil’ Mike, Aaron, Berger, Nate, Kaat, Chris, Keith, Sandy & MC

“A bicycle, if understood correctly and used to its full potential, is actually a key to a completely different and more rewarding way of life.”  Bike Snob NYC

]]> http://www.velo-citycycles.com/news/the-november-quick-release-newsletter-2/feed/ 0 http://www.velo-citycycles.com/the-staff/nate-guiles/ http://www.velo-citycycles.com/the-staff/nate-guiles/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:14:46 +0000 Mike Clark http://www.velo-citycycles.com/?p=300 The latest addition to our top-notch Service Staff is Nate Guiles. He comes to us after 8 years @ shops in Grand Rapids and he’s way excited to join Jeremy and Aaron here @ VCC! He lives on the west side of GR and has been pretty mmuch a dedicated trail rider for the last few years. (But MC is already priming him for a ‘cross bike!) Nate’s here full time and needless to say – we’re 100% confident that your bike (and our tools) are in good hands!

However – here @ the cool bike shop October means Cyclo-Cross races, gravel road rides and lots of other Cool Bike Stuff ‘cuz after all……that’s how we roll. So – read on about the many ways you can roll w/ us……

WEEKLY RIDES – Still the very center of what our shop’s all about, our October Weekly Ride Menu offers quite a selection: (unless otherwise noted – all rides leave from the shop)

The Tuesday Night Ride rolls @ 6pm, offers 3 groups (all led by Veo-Citizens) and was chosen by Bicycling Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Shop Rides in the USA”.  Chose from the “Medium” group (24 miles @ 21-24mph), the “Mild” group (same loop @ 18-20mph) or the “Mellow” group (20miles @ 15-17mph). Lights are encouraged and the last TNR of each month is followed by PIZZA NIGHT!

‘Cross Practice 101 is on Wed @ 6pm & will give you a chance to pick up some tips on ‘cross technique (barriers, dis-mounts, etc) and a chance to practice ‘em.

Jan’s Recovery Ride is Thurs @ 8:30am. We’ll roll 24-ish miles @ a “recovery” pace of 17-19mph to give weary legs a chance to “spin out” some toxins. Followed by breakfast @ the local bakery/cafe.

Chris’ Gravel Road Ride rolls from Holland Christian High School (the lot on 40th st) @ 6pm on Thurs. Velo-Coach Chris will show you some of his fav dirt roads. 1.5-2 hours, lights required.

The Bagel Ride is Friday @ 8:30am. It covers 25-ish miles @ a 18-21mph pace and winds up @ The Good Earth Cafe for – what else? – bagels! (Or cupcakes, cookies, egg sandwiches, muffins, etc!)

The Sprint Ride rolls @ 8am on Saturday and is the longest running ride in the area. (nearly 3 decades!). 20-ish miles of furious sprints for every stop ahead sign ‘tween here and Saugatuck. Paceline speeds of 24-30mph. The pack re-groups after every sprint until the top of Beeline Hill so c’mon out and see what’cha got!

Please note – all VCC rides are open to anyone and any bike providing that you: wear a helmet, have at least 1 working brake, are equipped w/ lights when appropriate and are willing to ride in a safe and legal fashion.

SPECIAL RIDES & EVENTS THIS MONTH: There’s always extra stuff going on and this month is no exception – check it out…….

The Pineapple Bob Classic is Sunday 10/9 @ 2pm. Part of our famed “Fun-Raiser” Series, the P. BOB is a ride that features a mix of paved and gravel roads. There will be a 35-40 mile loop featuring as much gravel as we can find as well as a 25-30 mile paved only option. Snacks and munchies back at the shop afterwards – feel free to bring something to share. Tip sheets will be provided.

Dressing for Cool/Cold Weather 101 Seminar – Monday 10/10 @ 6pm & Thursday 10/20 @ 6pm. Confounded by the rapidly changing temps and conditions of Michigan’s Autumn? Trying to build the ultimate wardrobe @ the lowest cost? Just tired of wondering whatintheheck to wear? Come on down and let us help! (This seminar will also be offered as part of Kaat’s “Cycling for Women 101 Series – watch the FB page for dates and times)

NEW STUFF REPORT – We’ve been back from the Bike Show for a few weeks now and our efforts there are just starting to bear fruit. You’ll see a lotta cool new stuff  fillin’ up the shop as we roll into Fall.

One the new lines we are most excited about is our reunion w/ Salsa Cycles! We’ve been partnered w/ them in the past (MC rides a Mamasita 29r, Chris a MukLuk, Kaat an A La Carte, etc) but right now we are giddy w/ excitement for the arrival of our 1st shipment of Mukluks, the 4″ wide tire-equipped go-anywhere (and we mean anywhere!) so-called “Fat Bike! The huge tires allows super-low psi (like  6-8!) and that means sand and snow are no prob! Truly a full-on fun machine and they’ll be here any day! (We’ll have a demo or 2 as well!) Our initail shipment will include the already-legendary Fargo as well – a 29r do-all mtn/road/touring monster’cross rig. We are way excited to welcome Salsa back into the VCC stable!

We are also thrilled to offer you Ibex Wool Clothing! Made here in the USA of New Zealand Merino wool – Ibex offers wool base layers, jerseys and fabulous wool knickers and tights. All of the year-round-riding Velo-Citizens will talk your ear off about the wonders of wool if you give ‘em half a chance and y’know what? They’re right! You owe it to yourself to check ‘em out! (Ibex that is, not the Velo-Cits!)

Other new (or new-ish) stuff includes Castelli fall clothing, a fresh batch of VCC kit (including long sleeve jerseys for both genders & wind vests), the revolutionary Veleau bike-mounted hydration system (perfect for anyone that struggles to drink while riding) & a host of other bits and pieces – all vetted by our staff of dedicated bike geeks! If you see it here in our shop that means that we’ve tried it, tested it and believe in it. Simple as that.

Also we are happy to report that the “usual” Fall shipments have arrived and as you’ve come to expect we have pretty much anythign you could possibly crave in the way of gloves, booties, hats, tights, jerseys, jackets, vests, baselayers, socks, indoor trainers, rollers, and such from Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Ibex, Smartwool, Cycle-Ops, Kreitler, Cannondale and more!

We got’cha covered – that’s all we’re sayin’.

SPEAKING OF “NEW STUFF – STOP IN AND MEET NATE! As Aaron transitions to part-time here @ the shop (as he embarks on the next phase of his life) we’d like to introduce you to Nate Guiles, our new mechanic. Nate lives on GR’s west side and has been in the bike biz since 2006. He’s a skilled mechanic but is alos eager to learn the “VC Way” from Jeremy as he takes over the extremely critical task of taking care of the service needs of your bikes. Rest assured that we have 100% confidence in his ability to do just exactly that! He’s looking forward to meetin’ all y’all soon! (And looking forward to his 1st Jan Cookie too!)

STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE STUFF ON SALE! (Didja get that?) As all the 2012 bikes continue to roll in we have reduced the pricesd on all our 2011 bikes from Cannondale, Cervelo, Electra & Surly.  The selectiojn continues to dwindle but if we have what’cher looking for this could be the best time to go bike shoppin’! With 2012 prices trending upwards – the 15-25% discounts we’re offering on 2011 models will result in way more bike for your $!

We’ve also recently re-loaded the Deal Wheel with lotsa summer shorts, jerseys, tee shirts, etc to make room for the avalanche of Fall/Winter stuff.

SUPER-SPECIAL DEAL ON CANNONDALE F5 CONTINUES! They are goin’ fast but we still have a decent supply of that 2009 C-Dale F5 mtn bike we told you about last month. This bike retailed for $750 in ’09 and we bought a big pile of ‘em to offer you a 50% discount! Yup – $375 for a dirt-ready ATB w/ a RockShox fork, Avid disc brakes and a Sram drivetrain! Shucks – those parts alone are worth $375! Here’s the only catch – we only have it in XXS. Due to the way the bike fits that’ll fit most folks from 5’1′ to 5’6″ so if anyone in your fam falls within that range (or ever will!) you really oughta check this bad boy (girl) out!

OCTOBER RACE, RIDE AND EVENT CALENDAR: (A * means more info elsewhere in this newsletter)

10/9 – Pineapple Bob Classic *

10/9 – Run-Up CX Race, TK Lawless Park (runupcx.com)

10/10 – Dressing for Cold Weather 101 Seminar*

10/15 – Colorburst Tour (rapidwheelmen.com/colorburst)

10/16 – KissCross CX Race, Richmond Park GR (kisscross.com)

10/16 – TailWinds CX Race

10/20 – Kitting Up For the Cold 101 Seminar*

10/22 – Mad Anthony CX Race

10/23 – KissCross CX Race, Manhattan Park GR

10/29 – Last Call Band – Saugatuck Brewery Halloween Bash*

10/29 – Tailwinds CX Race, Ann Arbor

10/30 – KissCross CX Race, Caledonia

10/30 – Tailwinds CX Race, Ann Arbor

11/5 – Iceman XC Race

THE LAST CALL BAND GETS SCARY! (some might say that’s old news)At any rate your only chance to see/hear MC’s band this month will be @ Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Halloween Bash on 10/29.

THIS IS OUR MONTHLY PLEA/SUGGESTION TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!  (We thought we might try and put it here @ the end this time!) There is SO MUCH  going on here @ the shop that the flat-out best way to stay in the loop, get the heads up and stay off the front is to follow us on Facebook. We;ll let’cha know when the cookeis are here (and fresh!), when we’ve decided to put something on sale, when the next batch of Mukluks has arrived…….and much more! So – find us on FB and “friend” us….it won’t hurt a’tall!

So…..here we are again at the end of another Quick Release. That means that another month has flown by and we’re lookin’ ahead to the next! As always we wanna thank you for coming along for the ride(s), hangin’ out here @ letting us be a part of your cycling life. It means the world to us, it really does!

So – ride lots, be safe and we’ll see you on (or off) the road!

Your cyclin’ buds @ VCC….Berger, Aaron, Nate, lil’ Mike, Sandy, Alex, Keith, Chris, Kaat & MC

“Four Wheels Move my Stuff,  Two Wheels Move my Soul”

(poster we saw @ the bike show – author unknown)

September brings us some of the best ridin’ weather our fair state has to offer, some great events, (Apple Cider Century anyone?) some relief from the heat and……..CYCLO-CROSS SEASON!

Not to mention lotsa cool new bike models and other Cool Bike Stuff.

So – as you may have guesed by now – we’re gonna go w/ EXCITED!

Read on for some details as to why………..

WEEKLY RIDES - Our ride menu is our pride-n-joy & a huge part of who we are. There are a coupla new ones this month so pay attention! (There’s gonna be a quiz!)

Tuesday Night Ride – 6pm.  You’re hip to this one, right? Biggest ride in town? Chosen as one of the “Best Shop Rides in the US” by Bicycling Magazine? Good, we thought so.  4 Groups w/ paces from 15-17mph to 24+, distances from 24-35 miles and all presided over by members of the staff so no one gets lost or left. And – the last TNR of each month is PIZZA NIGHT! (That’s the 27th this month)

Jan’s Recovery Ride – 8:30am Thursday.  Give those weary legs a shot @ comin’ back w/ this ride! 28ish miles @ 17-18mph and a stop @ the bagel shop.

NEW RIDE! Chris’ Gravel Fest – 6pm Thursday. Join Velo-Coach Chris K for a zippy ride on as many dirt and/or gravel roads he can find. You oughta have lights just in case! Great training for ‘cross, Iceman or whatever events you have comin’ up. Just plain fun too!

Thursday Night Lights Ride – 8:15pm Thursday. Watching the sun set and night fall from the saddle is one of our favorite things! Charge up your lights and come see why! 25-45 miles, 18-20mph pace.

The Bagel Ride, 8:30am Friday. A classic ride and well-known “very civilized way to start your day”, this ride will add 28-ish miles to your weekly total, most likely offer you a llama sighting and deposit you @ our reserved table @ The Good Earth Cafe for breakfast. Mmmm – sounds good ‘cuz it is! 18-20 mph pace as a rule.

The Sprint Ride, 8am Saturday. Legend has it that this ride actually pre-dates VCC by a decade or more……..who can say for sure? At any rate – it’s the fastest and most aggressive ride of the week featuring furious sprints for the Stop Ahead signs and speeds of up to 30+mph. Short (24miles) & sweet! The pack re-groups after each sprint (until they crest Beeline Hill) so c’mon out and see what’cha got!

(Little brother the “No-Sprint Ride” leaves at the same time and does the same route @ a more conversational pace of 18-19mph)

Note – All VCC rides are open to anyone and any type of bike provided that you wear an approved helmet, have at least 1 working brake and are cool w/ adhering to our “Ride Ideals” which are riding in a safe and legal fashion, sharing the road and watching out for one another.

There will always be additional info and updates on our FaceBook page on these and any other rides, projects, events, etc.

IT’S BIKE SHOW TIME AGAIN! (Already? Geez!) Hard to believe it’s been a year but the fact is that a goodly % of the staff will be wingin’ west once again to take a look at all the Cool Stuff this biz has to offer. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)

Here’s what we need from y’all – some ideas as to what we should be looking for out there – clothing? Wheels? Electronic shifting? GPS units? More stuff for women, fixxies, off-road, commuting, ‘cross….??????? Drop MC a line w/ your wish list and he’ll route it to the appropriate Velo-Citizen. (mike@velo-citycycles.com).  We want our shop to be your shop y’know!

SPECIAL RIDES THIS MONTH – As per usual there’s even more goin’ on around here than the weekly rides – here are a couple to consider:

Cyclo-Cross 101 Clinic / Ride, 6pm Wednesday 9/7 & 9/21. Got some questions about ‘cross? Looking for advice on how to deal w/ the barriers, get embro off of your hands, pick the perfect tire? Here’s a low pressure / no travel chance to get those and any other questions answered, get some barrier practice and enjoy a nice ride. Led by Chris D, just one of the many ‘cross fanatics here @ VCC this get-together will commence w/ a short Q & A session in the shop then head down to a nearby park for barrier practice and other helpful tips.

Keith’s “Adult Beverage Ride”, 11am on Saturday 9/10.  This is something our resident brewer has been dreaming of for a while and now – it’s time! The route goes from the shop to a stop @ the Saugatuck Brewing Co – then to Fenn Valley Winery – then ends up @ New Holland across from the shop. 45-ish miles, an easy pace and some hook-ups along the way!

Dawn Patrol, 5am Friday 9/9 & 9/23.  Yep, that says “5am”! When we did the 1st Dawn patrol we nevered figured that it’d become a regular deal……..who knew? Still – we do ‘em twice a month and there’s always folks eager to join in the fun! This ride will get’cha 50-ish miles before linking up w/ the Bagel Ride for a total of 75ish before breakfast and that, friends is a great way to start a day!

IT’S TIME FOR ‘CROSS!  “Cross” in this case is shorthand for “Cyclo-Cross”, that crazy form of bike racing that takes place from Sept-Dec all over the USA and Europe. The local ‘cross scene is hopping w/ races, clinics and rides all over the place. Even if you have ZERO interest in racing you oughta make it a point ot watch at least one – it’s basically a bike race combined w/ a circus!

We’re ‘cross-crazy here @ VCC – always have been. The vast majority of the staff races, we offer the aforementioned “Cross 101 Clinics” and as you might expect….we have everything you need to enjoy yourself!

Cyclo-Cross bikes from Ridley, Cannondale & Surly from as little as $1050 and as much as you wanna spend.

Tires and wheels and brakes and embrocation and all the clothing, footwear and accessories you could ever need.

And most important – we’re fueled (as always) by our love for the sport and our burning desire to share it w/ you. We’re here to answer your questions, make sure you know what’s going on (and when) and to help you figure it all out.

(A complete calendar of MI ‘cross races is included in the Event Calendar @ the end of this newsletter!)

THE ‘CROSS BIKE AS UBER-BIKE……..SUBMITTED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: One trend we’re seeing among local riders is folks taking advantage of a ‘cross bike’s inherent versatility to make it a true year-’round ride. Since a good ‘cross bike is literally a tire swap away from serving as a perfectly capable road bike an increasing # of avid local riders/friends have replaced their road bikes w/ a ‘crosser and then simply switched back to the fatter tires for the ‘cross season.

Now – don’t get us wrong…..we’d be delighted to help you add to your stable – it’s what we do after all – but the fact is that a decent ‘cross bike can serve quite capably as road bike and  ‘cross bike! And that’s what’cha call a great deal!

So w/ that in mind…….feel free to stop by and ride one of the many Ridley or Cannondale ‘crossers we have here for you to check out. At the races you’ll see MC and Chris on their new Ridleys, Aaron and Berger rockin’ Cannondales & Kaat riding the same Seven that she’s ridden 4000+ road miles on this season. (See what we mean?!)

HUP HUP HUP!

SPEAKING OF GOOD DEALS…….check this out………………….!!!

Every 2011 bike from Cannondale, Cervelo, Co-Motion, Surly and Electra is now marked down from 10-25% !

Given the price increases we’re seeing on 2012 models thus far  these deals look even better!

(The usual “fine print” applies – sale prices only apply to bikes in stock)

SUPER SPECIAL CANNONDALE MTN BIKE DEAL! 50% OFF!!

We’ve just been offered a remarkable deal from our friends @ Cannondale on a 2009 F5 Feminine Mountain Bike. This is a completely trail-worthy bike, ready for the local trails, the Iceman race or next Spring’s trip to Moab. It features a light aluminm frame, a Rock Shox fork, Avid disc brakes and a solid list of drivetrain & wheel components.  Again – this bike is ready-to-rock!

The only “catch” is that it’s only available in one size – XS. Now – due to Cannondale’s frame design we’ve fit women on this bike ranging from 5’2 to 5’6′ so it’s not as limited as you might think.

We’ll have them in stock in a week or so….every time we bring one in we sell it – so you can sit on it, ride it around and see for yourself. If there is anyone in your family that might fit on this bike – whether they are looking for a solid bike to ride back and forth to school or one to race the 12 Hours of Pando or anywhere in between – you really need to check this bike out!

 (Okay – “Hard Sell Mode” -off, but we are excited about this bike!)

2009 Retail $750.

Now – $375!

Yep – Three. Seventy. Five.

HEY! WHATEVER HAPPEND TO THE “FUN-RAISER” RIDES?!?!?!? Great question and we’re glad you asked! With the calendar as crowded as it is in the Fall ‘now days we struggle to find an open date for our series of food-themed Fun Rides. You’ll see more in the Spring but there will be 2 this Autumn! Mark your calendars!

10/9 – The Pineapple Bob Classic is the grandaddy of all Fun-Raiser Rides and the inspiration for Crazy Bastard Rides near and far! 30-40 miles of asphalt, dirt and gravel roads and then back to the shop for tacos! 2:00pm

12/11 – The Chilly Chili Ride offers you a chance to ride your bike and then eat as much chili as you can hold! More details later! 2:00pm.

THE LAST CALL BAND RIDES AGAIN! No matter how we try we can’t seem to kep MC from high-jackin’ the QR to blabber about his band.  Sorry about that. Here’s the scoop on a coupla chances to see & hear ‘em:

Sat 9/24 – Saugatuck Brewing Co. 7-11pm

Sat 10/1 – Park Theatre w/ 2 other bands doing a benefit concert for Community Action House.  Details on FB in a bit.

RIDE AND EVENT CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER: (* means more info elsewhere in this newsletter)

Wed 9/7 – ‘Cross 101 Clinic/Ride @ VCC*

Wed 9/7 – CX Training Race#1, Kent Co Fairgrounds.

Fri 9/9 – Dawn Patrol*

Sat 9/10 – Keith’s Beverage Ride*

Sun 9/11 – KissCross CX Race #1 – Plaster Creek Park, GR

Wed 9/14 – CX Training Race #2 – Kent Co Fairgrounds

Sat 9/17 – Harber Springs Tour

Sat 9/17 – Tailwinds CX Race

Sat/Sun 9/17-18 – 12/24 Hours of Harbor Springs XC Race

Sun 9/18 – KissCross CX Race #2 – Highland Park, GR

Sun 9/18 – Cycle For Life Tour, Holland

Sun 9/18 – Tailwinds CX Race

Wed 9/21 – CX Training Race #3, Kent Co Fairgrounds

Wed 9/21 – ‘Cross 101 Clinic/Ride @ VCC*

Fr1 9/23 – Dawn Patrol*

Sat 9/24 – Last call Band @ SBC*

Sun 9/25 – Apple Cider Century, Three Oaks

Sun 9/25 – Stomach of Anger CX Race, Lansing

Sun 9/25 – Pando XC Race

Wed 9/28 – CX Training Race #4, Kent Co Fairgrounds.

Fri/Sat 9/30-10/1 – 2 Be Continued 24 Hour Road Event to Benefit LiveStrong,  Zeeland.

Sat 10/1 – Cry Baby Classic XC Race, Harbor Springs

Sat 10/1 – Last Call Band @ The Park Theatre*

Sat/Sun 10 1/2 – White Pine Trail Tour

Sun 10/2 – KissCross CX Race #3, Kalamazoo

Sun 10/2 – Tailwinds CX Night Race

Sun 10/2 – CX Race Traverse City

Sun 10/9 – The Pineapple Bob Classic*

Info on all these events is available here @ the shop – just ask!

So – see what we meant waaaaay up there @ the top of this letter? There’s a ton of cool stuff comin’ up this month, plenty of reasons to be excited for September and hopefully a reason or 2 to stop by the Cool Bike Shop and say howdy. We’ll be here, holdin’ down the fort, unpackin’ all the cool new stuff, assembling all the sweet new bikes and adding everything we can to the West Mi cycling scene.

Stop by when you get a sec, have a Jan Cookie (FaceBook’ll tell ya when they’re fresh!), pick up a copy of CycloCross magazine, check out the new Cervelo S5 (hottest 2012 model so far by a looooong shot!) or that sweet deal on the ’09 C-Dale F5……or maybe to just hear about  last weekend’s race or tomorrow’s ride.

That’s what we’re here for, y’know?

See you on (or off) the road……be safe & ride lots!

Your buds @ VCC:

 Keith, Berger, Aaron, Sandy, lil’ Mike, Kaat, Chris & MC

“Train your weakness & race your strength.”

Chris Carmichael

March, 2011

March is one of our favorite months! More daylight! Warmer temps! Clear roads! (ok – sometimes) The “official” start of the racing season w/ Barry-Roubaix & Fisk Knob! March means that Spring is here (or a-l-m-o-s-t), that we made it through the Winter again, that soon we can pack away the trainers & the booties & and the embrocation & the heavy tights and just ……..ride!  And ride we shall – read on………..

OUTDOOR RIDES: We’ve been at it all winter and we’re not gonna stop now! Our “off season” outdoor rides are all about defying the elements and having some fun – no pressure or worries about “keeping up”.  Bundle up, lower your tire pressure & come along for the ride!

Jan’s Recovery Ride – 8:30am Thursday. A great way to spin out legs still feelin’ the Wed Indoor Ride! 20-ish miles and a stop for breakfast @ the end.

The Bagel Ride – 8:30am Friday. A timeless classic! 20-25 miles and then it’s The Good Earth Cafe for bagels, muffins and more!

INDOOR RIDES:  MC claims to have invented this whole notion of group trainer rides back in the mid ’80′s and as far as we know he might even be right. Regardless – we’ve been doin’ ‘em forever seems like and they are more popular than ever. This is the last month so if you’re thinkin’ you’re gonna – it’s time!

We provide the Training DVD’s, the TV, the fans and the company. You bring your bike and trainer. (You can store ‘em here if you want to)

Wed @ 8pm for 60-80 minutes / Sat @ 8am for 45-60 minutes

Also – don’t forget our special “Fisk Knob TT Specific” 60 min workout on Tues @ 5:30 utilizing a DVD of the actual race course!

VELO YOGA!  Our “yoga for cyclists” class was the first one offered around here and in all modesty we’re inclined to think that it’s the best! Here’s why:

  Heather Allegrina had been an avid student and teacher of yoga when she took up road cycling in 2008. Once she took to the bike, she realized that her yoga practice could help improve her cycling performance.  Allegrina developed her Velo Yoga class in 2009 to share her practice with some of her cycling friends, and the class has grown steadily. Her classes focus on developing core strength, increasing flexibility and developing calm and concentration — all skills that are important on the bike, and useful off the bike as well.

The original cycling yoga in the area – our VELO YOGA classes continue to grow in popularity. Now ably assisted by Joy Wilkin, Heather is constantly “tweaking” the class as her students develop.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm

$10 per class

MARCH “FUN-RAISER” RIDE ON 3/20!  – Regular readers of the QR are familiar w/ our “Fun Raisers”, a menu of rides designed to lift the fun level for our area. Usually centered around food they happen from Oct – April and always include a buncha hangin’ out @ the shop after the riding. This month brings the “HOMEBREW RIDE”,  a celebration of the art and passion of homemade beer and ridin’ bikes. We’ll be featuring the fruits of Keith Walker’s labors – but anyone else is welcome to add to the offerings as well. There will be plenty of food and snacks a-plenty! There will be 20-ish & 35-ish mile loops w/ tip sheets and we roll at 2:00pm sharp.

HOT DEALS ON WARM STUFF! – Despite our hopes to the contrary we’re sure to have some cold weather this month so having a shot @ any of the jackets, tights, gloves, booties etc we have left @ 40% off might come in handy! Gear up while the gettin’s good!

While we’re talkin’ deals – remember that our remaining supply of trainers, rollers, accessories and training DVDs are now 40% off as well!

BIKES ON SALE TOO! – Thanks to a special chance to help Cannondale clear out their warehouse we got a great deal on a truckload of CAAD 8 road bikes. now it’s your turn! Imagine getting a Cannondale road bike w/ all the service that we offer (pro fitting, extra careful assembly, etc) for as little as $600! Yup a Cannondale from Velo City for less than the price of an ordinary bike from an ordinary shop! Full selection of sizes too! (For now anyway). There are great prices on all of other 2010 bikes too – now’s a good time to shop!

SPECIAL “ADOPT A BIKE” DEPARTMENT! – We have some fine bikes that just plain need a new home. Some are brand new, some have been around the block a time or two but they are all ready to roll, looking for a new life and offer great value. Check out this list and see if anything sounds like you might want to swing by and take a look-see!

2010 Cervelo R3 SL 58cm Demo. This guy has maybe 400 miles on it. Cervelo’s top of the line race frame w/ a Sram Red group (D/A cranks) and Fulcrum wheelset.About 16 lbs! Retail was over 7 grand, ride it into the sunset for $3800 w/ a full warranty.

2010 Cervelo S1 61cm. This is a new bike w/ some minor cosmetic shipping damage. The last of the classic aluminun Cervelo aero road bikes and arguably the one that started the whole craze! $2100 retail, now $1450!

2010 Cannondale F3 Medium. Great US made mountainbike w/ the Lefty fork, Sram drivetrain, hydraulic brakes and more! Ready for everything from local trails to Moab’s SlickRock! Retail was $1650 and now it’s only $1175!

2009 Cannondale Capo 58cm. This is the last of the US-made C-Dale fixie / single speed track bikes set up for road use. Brand new. Retail was $875 and now it’s only $600!

2009 Redline 925.  All sizes. A great 1st fixie, commuter or even s/s ‘cross bike! Ultra versatile design w/ room for fenders, fatter tires, etc. Comes set up as an urban warrior w/ a chain guard and fenders but can roll in many other guises as well. Retail was $525 and now they are only $350!!!

This is a partial list….. we’re offering pretty sweet deals on all of our 2009/2010 bikes so it might be time for a test ride, huh?

IT’S TIME FOR OUR SPRING GARAGE SALE! Stop by on 3/18 or 19 and see what we’ve found in the basement. You’ll see components, clothing, bikes, wheels, helmets…….you name it! All marked waaaaayyyyyy down and ready to go home w/ you!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MARCH: Call or stop by for the sccop on any-and-all of these Cool Bike Happenings!

3/6 – Crazy Bastard West Ride. Hamilton Food Center 2pm

3/7 – Macatawa Cycling Club meeting. City Flats Hotel 8pm

3/11 – Last Call Band @ New Holland Brewery 10pm

3/13 – Crazy Bastard West Ride. Hamilton Food Center 2pm

3/18-19 – Velo City Garage Sale!

3/19 – Last Call Band @ Saugatuck Brewery

3/20 – HomeBrew Ride! 2pm

3/26 – Barry-Roubaix Gravel Road Race

3/27 – Fisk Knob Time Trial

 So there you have it. Another month, another Quick Release. We’re so excited to see Spring comin’ around, it’s gonna be a great season and we’re hoping that you’ll share yours with us! Stop in for cookies, to hang out, to hook up w/ a ride or to see all the latest coolness from Cervelo, Zipp, Cannondale, Sidi, Co-Motion, Pearl Izumi, LunaSport and all of our other partners. Every day the FedEx and UPS guys back up their trucks and bring in the Cool Stuff! 

We’ll see you on the road, the trail or here in the shop!

Ride on – your friends here @ Velo City – Berger,  Aaron,  Lil’ Mike, Sandy,  Keith, Kaat & MC

“Death may nave no master, but the bicycle is – most emphatically – not its slave.”

James E. Starr

a newsletter from Velo City Cycles

September 2010

September!?!?!? Yup – sho’ nuff! Wanna know what we here @ the Cool Bike Shop think of when you say “September”? More summer! To us September is yet another glorious month of summer w/ a little less daylight! This might be the best month of the year to be a cyclist here on the 3rd coast – great weather, lotsa cool events (Mapleleaf Metric, Harvest Tour, DALMAC, Apple Cider Century to name a few), the start of cyclo-cross season…..it’s an awesome month!

While other shops cut their hours, lay off their staff and prepare to hibernate we’re keepin’ it inthe big ring! Same massive menu of shop rides, same hours, same faces (okay – the teachers might be here a little less!) and cool stuff comin’ in nearly everyday!

So – stop by when you get a sec. Let us tell you about all that September (and our lil’ ol’ shop) has in store for you if you’re fortunate enough to be a cyclist in West Michigan in September.

WEEKLY RIDES – The same schedule (w/ one addition) that’s been rollin’ since April. If it ain’ t broke………

Tuesday Night Ride – Our biggie! 3 groups w/ a distance and pace to suit pretty much anyone. 6:00pm. Last Tuesday of the month is pizza night!

Wednesday Night ‘Cross Practice – Dust off your ‘cross bike, pump up them knobbies and refine your skills w/ us every Wed night. Time is 6pm and the location for the time being is Paw Paw Park  just west of the corner of Paw Paw and 112th. Note – this location might change after the middle of the month - watch our FaceBook page for updates.

Thursday Recovery Ride – Spin out weary legs w/ 25-ish miles @ a 17-19mph pace and then breakfast @ the Good Earth Cafe. 8:30am

Thursday Night Lights Ride – Discover the joy of a nighttime group road ride. We quite often watch thesun set and the moon rise on this ride. Full lights required, ‘natch! 35-45 miles @ a 18-20mph pace. 8:15pm

Friday Bagel Ride – A classic and “very civilized way to start your day”.  25-30 miles @ a 19-21mph pace. And then……….it’s bagel time!

The Saturday Sprint Ride – a 30+ year tradition! 25 miles of sprints for stop ahead signs and zippy paceline work. 8am.

“SPECIAL RIDES” – these guys don’t come around every week so grab ‘em when you can!

Danielle’s Dirt Rides are a work in progress as this is written so check our FB page and her blog for updates. (www.daniellemusto.blogspot.com)

Dawn Patrol! – A great way to get a whooe buncha miles in before breakfast! Leaves the shop @ 5am for 50 miles before joining up w/ the Bagel Ride. For this month the sole Dawn Patrol is on 9/17. A production of the “Shut up & Ride Club” about which you are invited to read more about on our website. (www.velo-citycycles.com)

THIS MONTH’S TOP 5 REASONS YOU OUGHTA “FOLLOW” US ON FACEBOOK:

#1 – Our FB buds got several special offers in August.

#2 – Daily updates for the Interbike Show later this month.

#3 – A heads up on the arrival of fresh Jan Cookies!

#4 – Word up on the latest arrivals of the coolest newest stuff!

#5 – ‘Cuz maybe, just ma-y-b-e we’re not kiddin’ about that 24 hour Berger-cam!

Yep – our FB followers receive regular-but-not-annoying notes about this that or the other. Simple to sign up for and 100% fat free! (Except for the cookie thing)

SPEAKING OF THE BIKE SHOW………we need to go, so we can stay connected to our industry, see our suppliers and friends and find all the cool little companies that make the cool stuff that makes us different, but we wanna  be here when you need us too. So – this years’ comprimise is that we will be closed on Wed and Thurs 9/22 & 23.  That’s it. Other than that – we’re here our regular summer (aka year-round) hours. Please plan service needs, shopping trips and cookie visits accordingly. Thanks!

BUT IT’S GETTING A LITTLE COOLER….WHAT DO I WEAR? Great question and as you might have guessed (since we brought it up) we have the answer(s)! most of us ride all year ’round so we are well-equipped to help you figure out just what you need (and don’t need!) to stay comfy, happy and safe as we roll into Fall. (or as we like to refer to it – later summer). As this is being typed (late on 9/2) trucks fulla cool and cold weather clothing and accessories are en route from Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, Smartwool, Ibex and many more fine brands. We’re here to help you sort it out and stay in the saddle!

BOT WHAT IF I WANNA RIDE INSIDE? Okay – got’cha covered there as well! By mid-month we’ll have indoor trainers, rollers and all the fixin’s, once again accompanied w/ our no BS advice, derived from our personal experiences.

STUFF ON SALE DEPARTMENT As more 2011 bikes roll in and the summer clothing gets crowded out by the arrival of the warmer stuff you can expect to see sale prices on 2010 bikes and all the sunmmer jerseys and such. It’s always worth checkin’ the “Deal Wheel” to see what cool clothing we’ve added to it recently and you’re gonna start to see sale tages onthe bikes any day now. The selection could be better frankly…it’s been a great season….but the prices wil be sweet!

LAST CALL BAND RIDES AGAIN! Yes, yet again MC has the outright bald-faced nerve to hijack our shop newsletter to babble about his band. Sad but true. Anyway – check ‘em out @ the Saugatuck Brewery this month on 9/18 from 7-11pm. They’re actually sorta good! (If you like that sort of alt-country/old rock kinda thang)

SEPTEMBER EVENT CALENDAR (a * means you can read more about it elsewhere in this newsletter. Otherwise we have info here @ the shop)

9/4 – 6/12 Hours of Drummond Island ATB race

9/11 – MapleLeaf Metric Tour / KissCross race and season kick off / Mt Baldy run

9/12 – KissCross race / Vinyard Classic Tour / Addison Oaks ATB  race

9/17 – Dawn Patrol!*

9/18 – 12 Hours of Hanson Hills ATB race / Tailwinds CX race / Last Call Band @ SBC*

9/19 – KissCross race / Leelanau Harvest Tour / Tailwinds CX race

9/22-23 – Shop closed for the bike show*

9/25 – Ride for Runaways Charity Tour

9/26 – Apple Cider Century Tour / Pando ATB race

See what we mean !?!?!?!?!??!? tons of cool stuff!  What a great month to be on 2 wheels!

Okay – it’s only a few minutes away from being tomorrow so we’re gonna wrap this up and call it a day. We sure would dig it if you were to stop by, join us for a ride or maybe even test ride a bike or 2. ( We have a couple of sweet Cervelo demos @ the moment for instance!) We also wanna thank you for making this one of the best seasons we’ve ever had here @ the shop…we are much obliged! Keep riding, be safe, watch out for one another and we will see you on (or off) the road!

Your bikin’ buds here @ VCC ( in order of frame size)

Alan, Kaat, Keith, MC, Sandy, Glenn, Aaron & Berger

“The bicycle is a Truly Great Invention because it is part of the entire range of human existence, from frivolity to necessity.”

Bike Snob NYC

Why? Type 1 Diabetes is a crappy deal and JDRF is the largest non-govermental source of funding for research in the world. We believe in the mission, we believe in the foundation and we’re glad to help out.

So – think about joining the Team and ride w/ JDRF in Death Valley, Tahoe, Tucson, Wisconsin or VT (in 2010). Visit www.jdrf.org for more details or talk to MC here @ the shop.