Marc Bekoff to Speak at Book Signing in Boulder, CO

Vic's Espresso Rider Marc Bekoff to speak at the Boulder Bookstore this evening.

Marc Bekoff is a well-known Animal Behaviorist and has written a new book titled Wild Justice: the Moral lives of Animals. Marc will be speaking about his latest book this evening along with co-author Jessica Pierce. Come listen to Marc share his research and writings beginning at 7:30pm Wednesday, May 13th. Both Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce will be available after to sign copies.

Here is a short description of Marc's new book as it appeared in the Events Calendar for the Boulder Bookstore:

... Animals, in short, are incredibly adept social beings, relying on rules of conduct to navigate intricate social networks that are essential to their survival. Ultimately, Bekoff and Pierce draw the astonishing conclusion that there is no moral gap between humans and other species: morality is an evolved trait that we unquestionably share with other social mammals. ... "Wild Justice" offers not just cutting-edge science, but a provocative call to rethink our relationship with--and our responsibilities toward--our fellow animals.

Marc Bekoff is a member of the local Boulder, Colorado Vic's Espresso/Peerless Cycling Team.

Title of Event: MARC BEKOFF & JESSICA PIERCE
When: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 7:30 PM
Location: Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Description: Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce will speak and sign Wild Justice.
Pets are welcomed (leashed).

The Fame of our Sponsor Sugoi

New Inductees to the Colorado Running Hall of Fame

On May 13th, the Colorado Running Hall of Fame will be adding seven luminaries in Colorado running to its ranks. One of those honorees will be Sugoi's CEO Stan Mavis. Stan and his wife Bonnie came into town this week and joined the Vic's Espresso cycling team on a training ride.

Stan now lives in Vancouver, CA , the headquarters of Sugoi, but traveled to Colorado for this weeks activities and brought his bike along with him. Stan said he was interested in a nice long 4 hour ride with the team in his former hometown of Boulder, CO. We were happy to ride along with him and share our gratitude for our clothing sponsorship from Sugoi.

On May 13, 2009 at the Denver Athletic Club, Stan will be inducted along with Alan Culpepper (Marathoner and Miler), Kim Jones (Marathoner), Maureen Custy-Roben (Marathoner and Sport Promoter), Rich Castro (Coach), Benji Durden (Marathoner and Coach), and Creigh Kelly (Race Director).

Stan Mavis clocked a 4:02:6 in the Mile at Michigan State before moving to Colorado where he set an American record with a 1:02:16 half-marathon in 1980. He then moved into sports apparel; managing the first Frank Shorter Running stores in Boulder, CO. Over the years Stan helped to develop other performance apparel brands including Brooks Sports, Pearl-Izumi and Sugoi Performance Apparel.

If you would like to attend the ceremony Wednesday evening, which is open to the public (space is limited), to RSVP and purchase tickets, please contact John Raveling at raveling45@aol.com.

Congratulations Stan! and Thank you.
.

LA Track, Silky Smooth

Race Report and Results: Los Angeles Velodrome
Undaunted by flu threats Steve and Paul ventured to LA for some early season track racing at the silky smooth 250m, 46 degree bank, Olympic dimension ATD Velodrome at the Home Depot Center. The Saturday racing was in two sessions, open time trials in the morning, and age/category graded omnium mass start races in the afternoon - both hosted by the local association and one day in a series of five for the local enthusiasts.

We were hosted by a past teammate, Darrell Askey and his better-half Lynea, in there home in Irvine. FYI - the Askey's move to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada next week.

Options for the morning ran the spectrum, flying 200m to 4K TTT. We decided on our two national distance events: 500m, and 2K pursuit. For the afternoon we signed on for the 40+ series that included, miss'n out, 15 lap scratch, and 30 lap points race.

This velodrome puts to shame any facility I've ever raced - Lar2K may have seen equivalent or better in Manchester, UK. One thing that wasn't different was - the clock still ticks the same!

We began with the 500m. Our first full bore standing starts were strange - as expected for a new track, but we both a road well 39 to low 40 seconds covered our times and respectfully in the top third of a 25 member group. The 2K is of course a different animal, not an all out sprint, but a quick start and settle in at a high pace. I (sjw) was 2nd to ride out of 25 competing this pursuit length. The start was good and I had to reign in the horses a little in the first three laps (that's a good sign). The bulk of the eight laps went down as planned until the final two - then, as any pursuiter knows, things get very serious. I managed this well and finished feeling positive. BTW - this track is so smooth and well dimensioned I don't ever remember needing to handle the bike after the start, it simply follows the black line. Paul and Darrell put in excellent steady efforts - all I remember is Paul was riding very very tight on the black line (or slightly below) and the blue band gave him a little thrill slide. That little extracurricular action undoubtedly tagged him will a few extra seconds. Results:

• sjw 2:32
• pm 2:40ish
• da 2:40ish

When the smoke cleared 2:32 was a winner by 3 seconds and PM and DA were top 10. Attitudes were on the up and up - not surprising right!

After a handle bar change and a few hours we rolled into the mass start events against a group of 17 or so 40+ masters. The LA special quick start snagged PM by surprise he was caught victim early. SW finished 5th with the usual mistake - boxed in the sprinters lane and the other boys roll over the top.

Next up - the 15 lap scratch race ( a very short criterium). Basically, wanting a little vengeance I threw down in the first quarter lap. Track sprinters don't want to ride hard for 15 laps, so they let me go thinking "that guy is toast". They didn't know Vic's. As my lead stretch out to 50+ meters PM took charge in the group. He totally snookered the boys - what? they don't recognize team jerseys? Riding first, second, or third no organized chase was sustained. I had loaded up the 100 gear inch (52x14) so why not turn scratch into pursuit? End result SW did lap the field and win the race. Lesson, team work is the real deal. Many compliment were received from the field following the race - that is the best feeling.

Points Race - 30 laps and only 3 sprints. Yikes! That is different. PM and I pow wowed and figure anything I did would demand a serious chase. So, what the heck, at the first opening, about lap 2, I ripped off the front solo again. My ticket felt punched, but I did hang on to win the lap 10 points. PM delivered immediately, as expected and he was off with a few others - that was the race, K-pow (stealing from Karen), instantly riders were everywhere in groups of two and three. In the end PM and I were probably somewhere between 3rd and 6th - we did not hang out since it was 6:30 pm and we'd had 11 hours at the sweetest velodrome in the U.S.

That is a wrap. We'll keep digging for more and more on these speed merchant events. In my dreams Masters Nationals would be contested on these fine boards in LA.

Onward.

sjw

Where in the World is Steve Worley?

Steve Worley warms up prior to winning the 2000 m pursuit at the LA
Velodrome on Saturday. (even a camera lens can't slow down those legs)

Wheels of Thunder Crit May 9, 2009

Race Images: Wheels of Thunder Criterium, Centennial, CO
SM35+ Jerry (the Jet) Greenleaf, Brian Todedchini, Joe Paulson, John (JT) Talley, Scott Rost, Neal Henderson, and Mike (Spanky) Newsome at the Wheels of Thunder Race on Saturday.

Sugoi CEO Stan Mavis

Vic's Espresso Team Training Ride
Sugoi CEO and Runner/Cyclist Stan Mavis rides with the Vic's Espresso team on his recent visit to his former hometown of Boulder.

Girls putting the hurt on the coach

Training Ride: enjoying the Peak to Peak highway in Colorado

Karen, Daphne and Christy took the to the mountain Friday and put the hurt on Len , Scott Robinson an a few others

Look out boys, these girls can climb!!!!

To Error on the Side of Caution

What do we need to know about the new bicycle safety bill

A recent incident in Boulder on May 4th involving a cyclist threatened by a gun-toting driver (who received a felony menacing charge) makes me grateful for those who worked so hard to pass the new bicycle safety bill in Colorado. It also has me thinking we now face a period of reeducation of drivers and cyclists regarding the new state law to take affect this year. We know that cyclists can be cited for reckless driving (without incurring points on their driver's licenses), but most importantly what do we need to know to keep safe from obnoxious drivers and not be obnoxious ourselves - especially when wearing our sponsor names on our kits.

The Usuals – what we all know

• We must obey all traffic laws
• Heeding traffic signs and signals (event those pesky stop signs)
• We need to use hand signals before turns and stops (either arm for a right turn by law is acceptable)
• Colorado law does not prohibit riding on sidewalks but some municipalities do
• Lots of eye contact is not law, but smart

Lane Positioning in the Current Law
The current law says bicyclists shall ride as far right as "practicable," using paved shoulders when present, but they may move left when preparing to make a left turn or to avoid road hazards.

Lane Positioning in the New Law (SB 148)
The new law says the bicyclist shall ride far enough to the right "as judged safe by the bicyclist" to facilitate passing by overtaking vehicles. It also says cyclists may ride on the left side of a right-turn lane if they do not intend to turn right.

Here are the highlights of the new Law:
PASSING
The bill gives motorists more freedom to safely pass a bicyclist by allowing them to cross the centerline when safe to do so. By allowing three feet passing distance, it creates a safer environment on the road.

LANE POSITION
Clarifying language gives bicyclists the ability to ride as far right as is safe. Also on one-way roads with more than one lane, bicyclists may also ride as far left as is safe.

MORE THAN ONE RIDER
The bill clarifies that bicyclists may pass one another or ride side-by-side if they are not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

ANTI-HARASSMENT
Language in the bill makes throwing an object towards a bicyclist a class 2 misdemeanor and driving towards a bicyclist in a dangerous manner a careless driving offense.

Recent Articles

A recent article in the Denver Post by John Meyer makes me a little uneasy and wanting to discuss this idea more before trying it in Larimer county. Meyer writes, "The new law helps clarify that bicyclists need to give themselves a little buffer to the right," quoting Dan Grunig executive director of Bicycle Colorado. "Don't hug the curb, don't hug the fog line. It's better to be in that track where the right wheel of the car goes, because that's where people will see you — especially coming to an intersection."

Sometimes bicyclists should "take the lane" by moving to the center of it. "A bicyclist may take the travel lane when traffic is slow and the lane is narrow, there is no shoulder or bike lane, when approaching an intersection, or if you are moving at the same speed as the flow of traffic," according to CDOT's Bicycling Manual. "Moving to the center of the lane establishes your position and prevents motorists from passing until there's enough room."

In a separate article in the Boulder Daily Camera on May 5, 2009, by Heath Urie, Grunig was again quoted. If a motorist does threaten a rider’s safety, Grunig said, “the best thing to do is get the license plate number and a rough description of the car. If it’s something criminal, you file a report. But you also must be able to identify the driver.”

If drivers are acting aggressive, but not necessarily criminal, he said, riders can dial *CSP on cell phones to log a complaint with the Colorado State Patrol. Drivers who tally several complaints will get a letter or a visit from the State Patrol about their aggressive behavior.

Grunig said cyclists are encouraged to report problems but not make them worse by reacting to drivers with obscene gestures or yelling. “I think you have to use common sense,” he said. “You just don’t know who that other person is. The best thing is to play it safe and play it cool.”

CDOT's Bicycling Manual can be viewed online http://www.dot.state.co.us. The Bicycle Colorado website www.bicyclecolo.org has links to Colorado statutes governing bicyclists and Senate Bill 148.

KHMTT May 6, 2009, A Record Night!

Race Report and Results: Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series, Cherry Creek, CO
Sunny skies, warm temps, and calm air were on the menu last night at Cherry Creek. It felt like it was going to be faaaast!

In the 55+, Dennis "hammertime" Hastings made it 4 out of 5 with another fast ride of 23:27. The 55+ field features top TT'ers Shannon Fox and Wayne Watson and this win clinches the series for Dennis. Congrats!

Dennis has upped his game this year with great early form, and came within just a few seconds of the 55+ course record on the very first week. A state TT championship could be in the cards in a few short weeks.

In the 45+, Burt "angel of the mountains" Henry is locked in a fierce battle with Paul Hummiston for the overall. Paul took the first 3 races, twice coming within a couple of seconds of Macdaddy Caldwells 45+ course record of 22:05 set in 2000. This was the first time anyone has come remotely close to this record.

In week 4, Burt, after 3 second places, took a commanding win with Paul slipping to 12th. Since the series is the best 5 of 7, Burt needed to continue to win to keep the pressure on. Last night, he came through big time by shattering Caldwells record by 21 seconds, posting a smokin' 21:44. This bested Hummiston by 48 seconds with the rest of the field over 1:30 behind. This battle has 2 weeks to go and should continue all the way to states.

Author: Burt Henry

Photo: Burt and Brandon before the pain, by Karen Rakestraw

Rabbit Mtn 45+ TTT: 2nd

Race Results and Report: Rabbit Mountain Time Trial, Hygiene, CO - Vic's Espresso
Author: Joe Paulson

After days of deteriorating weather forecasts, race day for the Rabbit Mountain time trial dawned cool but dry and calm, perfect weather for our team's race. As he had the week before at Haystack, Burt crushed all in the ITT, Spanky rode to an impressive 4th, and Joe finished 6th (JT had a little issue with his race #, and the clock left the start house without him).

With 3 riders in the top 6 in the ITT, we were looking pretty solid for the TTT, but Mix1 placed all 4 of their TTT riders in the top 8, so we knew we had our hands full. Burt lead us out smoothly and got us settled down before starting the rotation. We were smooth and balanced heading west on the flats, and felt fast. When we turned north and headed uphill, we overcooked the start of the climb, but settled back quickly into an appropriate pace.

On the climb, it became apparent that Burt and Mike had brought their "A" games, and Joe and JT were in for an episode of "Survivor: Rabbit Mountain". Joe foolishly tried to be a hero and maintain long pulls. Thinking back post-race at Burt's awesome 7th finish at Lookout Mountain the day before, Joe realized that he should have known that when the road tilted up, Burt was going to slam us into the hurt locker.

Sure enough, Joe and JT were dangling by a thread and begging for mercy as we hit the top of the next to last climb and rounded the corner bound for the brief downhill respite. Burt pulled down and around the corner to base of the final climb to provide a chance to recover, but Joe and JT were deep in the red zone. With Burt and Mike offering encouragement, Joe and JT tried to find anything left to get up that wall to stop the clock. Finally smelling the finish line, Joe clawed across to put the race out of his misery.

Now we could only wait (and try to uncross our eyes), as our biggest threats had started 2 minutes (Vitamin Boys) and 4 minutes (Mixers) behind. After 2 minutes had ticked by, we knew we'd dodged one bullet, and we urged the clock on. About a minute and a half later, though, 3 Mix1's came through one by one, to hand us our first TTT defeat in years, taking the victory by 25 seconds or so. We were disappointed, but we didn't hang our heads because we rode hard and well, but were soundly beaten by a great ride from a very good team.

Vic's new Girls

Race Report: Rabbit Mountain Time Trial
New Vic's Women's team kicks butt at Rabbit Mountain TTT.
Beaten only by the CU women's Cat 3 team the new Vic's Women put TTT riders Christy Orris, Anita Lopez, Karen Rakestraw and Daphne McCabe out on the challenging Rabbit Mountain TT course, they rode to an impressive 1st place in their age group and and even more impressive 2nd place over, all beating all but a group of youngsters less than half their ages (sorry girls about mentioning age but that's just plain cool). As team member Daphne put it "We could be their mothers"
Way to go ladies, we are all proud!

Lookout Mtn Hillclimb 45+

Race Report and Results: Lookout Mountain Hill Climb, Golden, CO - Vic's Espresso
Riders: Joe Paulson, Burt Henry

Author: Burt Henry

It stayed dry today, but was cold and very foggy on the upper half of the mountain. I got a really good warmup after 2 easy recovery days following Wednesday at Cherry Creek.

I rolled to the line and saw no teammates and started near the back of 40 riders. 500 meters another rider and myself were slugging it out for 40th place (no joke). I had no idea how I would do, but I approached it just like a TT. I knew riders would blow and I knew what I was capable of so I didn't get sucked in.

Sure enough before the end of the first k, I started passing riders. Then I started passing alot of riders and really fast. It was a steady stream of "on your left/right at times." This was very motivating. I saw a teammate in the distance and kept my steady power output. I can't remember, but I think Joe said something as I went past. I was completely in the TT zone.

Just before the first big left turn I caught a group of 6 riders. They were going pretty fast, so I sat in. It was hard but manageable. It looked like 3 Mix, 1 Excel, 1 Great Divide, and a Vitamin Cottage. I stayed tagged on there as the Mix riders seemed to ride at the front. I was sure Jimi was well up the road.

We then hit the less steep section and were in the fog now. This felt easy, so I actually attacked and the mix guys and the VC rider jumped on me. Wait a minute, that was Wayne Watson. What is he doing here? Having a bad day?

After about 150M I had put myself into the red and eased off. That effort had dropped the G. D. rider. At the left before the upper switchbacks I made out 3 riders through the fog about 12-15 seconds ahead. I had absolutely no idea at the time, but it was Jimi Gibson, Bruce Polderman and Bruce Hodgkins which was the front of the race. I had passed over 30 riders to get up there.

Going into the first switchback, a Mix guy was dropped so we were down to 5 now. After the first steep switchback, my large frame got me and I fell out of the bunch.

After the switchbacks, I was 10-12 seconds back on the long stretch. I dug down (oh man it hurt) and got back on! That put me into the red again and I am such a heavy breather anyway, my arrival was well forecast.

Perhaps sensing a slowdown, Wayne went to the front before the big sweeping left turn and I was bye bye. I still kept plugging away. Ahead of me the Excel rider got dropped maybe 50 yards ahead. I held him there and on the last uphill before the flat section I put it in the big ring and gave it everything while still in the saddle to keep from losing my breathing completely. I hit the flat and gained speed. The Excel rider looked back at 250 or so and saw me coming fast. He got out of the saddle to sprint but I had too much speed and cruised past still in the saddle.

I was in super scary oxygen debt at the finish, but upon cooling down and talking to the Chris Leggre and Jimi (I'm trying to learn the players) I thought I had cracked the top 10. Wow, I was estatic...My best ever hillclimb result was this race in 2000, 13th in the 35+.

I actually finished 7th in 20:09, 25 seconds behind the winner Bruce Hodgkins. Joe rolled in 21st (I think in 21:39).

It was interesting to note how riders perceive power output. At the start, nerves and adrenaline make 500 watts seem easy. This is why riders rode fast away from me at the start. 60-90 seconds later anaerobic metabolism forces them to slow, so they go from 500W to 250W or worse while suffering and trying to recover. When I was passing those riders I was producing no more watts than I was during the first 500 meters.

This is where training with a power meter is so important. If you do it religeously (I have for 8 years) and understand physiologically what is happening with your body you can get better results. I would have to think that this experience really helped me get everything out of my legs today and maybe beat some more talented climbers than myself.

Lookout Mtn Hillclimb Jrs.

Race Report and Results: Lookout Mountain Hill Climb, Golden, CO - Vic's Espresso Juniors
Riders: Zack Gould 13-14, Alden Lowney 17-18

Author: Burt Henry

The Lookout Moutain hillclimb always hosts a large junior field, and today was no exception in spite of threatening weather. The roads however, remained dry while the upper half of the mountain was blanketed in heavy cold fog.

Zack Gould stormed the climb to take the victory in the 13-14 men. Zack just keeps growing taller, but in spite of his lanky and still growing frame, he's still able to produce big watts to climb fast. When he slows down some in the growth department and starts to fill out more, we're gonna see some monster wattage output. Congrats Zack!

Alden Lowney came oh so close. In what turned into a 3 man show for the overall juniors title, Alden was nosed out by a tire width on the line by a very promising rider named Max Burney. Danny Hiller lost contact in the last push for the line and finished a few seconds back. Alden's time of 20:20 is excellent, especially considering the cold damp conditions and the fact that he was making pace for much of the race instead of taking advantage of sitting in with a larger field.

Nice going today juniors!

Rider Profile Trivia

A Window into the Brain of a Vic's/Peerless Rider

Recently I have been preparing the Individual Rider Profiles for our (soon to be released) team website. I thought I'd share an interesting fact with you:

When asked the question: If you could be a super hero for a week who would you be?

• 1/2 of the team gave the name of a comic/TV/movie super hero
• 1/2 of the team gave the name of a Pro Cyclist

I was one of those who gave the name of a Pro Cyclist (mine was Tom Boonen), and I thought I was being original! Little did I know I was fitting right into a group norm. Should I worry about this? Or just realize I have found a group where 1/2 of them think like me. Should you worry about that?