Monday, April 28, 2008

Cullman Spring Classic 2008

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The 2008 version of the Cullman Spring Classic lived up to its reputation. What started as a warm sunny day in northern Alabama ended like the classics of northern Europe, cold windy pouring rain. All this at the most crucial sector of the race, at the final climb to the top of Prospect Mountain to win the KOM.


Early in the ride the Bicycle Works boys were doing alot of the work, seemed to be some background rivalry going on with the Cullman Cycling Club. The selection was made early and a group of about 15 riders escaped on the first climb up Prospect Mountain. On the rollers through the coal mines the lead group got whittled down to the very elite.



The King of the Mountain in the 2008 CSC was Dusty Davis from Birmingham, who won with a blistering attack on the final acent of Prospect Mountain.



Adam Goldweber won the Masters, ahead of Casey Fannin and Chris Rossi.



Austin Oliver took the Junior title. Above with Chris Rossi showing a little gratitude for some help in the chase group. A first ever for Cullman Cycling Club was Havilah Burton winning the womens race.



SuperDave putting his spin on what happend or didnt happen. Dave is the owner of Bicycle Works in Huntsville and sponsors the Bicycle Works Cycling Team.



Dusty giving his victory speech after an incredible throw down done by Liz and Bill St. John.



Does that say Alabama Wheelmen? James Hall wearing a vintage jersey from those olden daze.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Black Gold

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What does this mean? The Cullman Spring Classic will be massive energy expended for the BLACK GOLD. Here is a cheat of the trophies, prediction is an epic ride for the coveted trophies.


Thursday, April 24, 2008

Prospect Mountain

This a quick video of some Cullman Cycling Club members including Austin Oliver climbing Prospect Mountain. Austin just finished 2nd in the Crit in Chattanooga, he survived the carnage very respectably in the Cat 4 race.

Word is that a flotilla of cyclists will be passing over Prospect this weekend.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Tracy McKay Races Heart of the South 500

I have known Tracy for a long time, we met about 20 years ago when I was doing alot of racing and he was just getting into endurance sports. My career wound down and Tracy kept going full tilt. He now runs an endurance and coaching company, Transitions Multisport. He does personalized coaching on all levels from novice to world class athletes. I enjoy going by his gym over in Homewood just to escape and touch base with whats going on in the multisport world. Tracy is an incurable optimist, I am not sure I have met too many more dynamic and creative.

What possessed Tracy to compete and finish RAAM (Race Across America) tells you something about him. He also attempted the world 12 hour distance record on the Talladega International Racetrack. This year he is back in the mix having raced and finished the Heart of the South 500 mile bike race (that's 500miles in one stage!). Here are some excepts from Tracy's website. You can read his blog/recap of his race that ended up with Tracy in the hospital after the finish. http://www.transitionsmultisport.com/

"My knees are very sore, my tongue is ulcerated, my ankles hurt and my toes are numb, my ass is cut up pretty good and my eyes are swollen partially shut.....things couldn't be better! really!!"

The Heart of the South 500 is actually 517 miles,starts in Bham, Al. and travels north east into Ga. and back to Bham for the finish

We raced for about 390 miles straight in the rain

We climbed 2600 feet in a 7.3 mile stretch

I was wet and cold during the entire time

The crew told crude jokes and played various IPOD favorites to help pass the time

The "FLYING J" truck stop was a little slice of heaven, it provided warmth, civilization and coffee!!!!

As the night went on and into Peidmont, I acquired double vision...

I found myself with rollers that would lead me to Mt. Cheaha

Then the epic climb! We hit Cheaha at the 400 mile mark...

Every pedal, stroke was accounted for

We reached the top in dark of the early morning

Saturday, April 12, 2008

The Buddy Bike

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Now this a good change of pace, The Buddy Bike. While stumbling around one night in Villefranche I had to do a double take. I know I had a couple of Kronenbourgs but this bike has two riders side by side. I just starred for a few moments to try to figure out how you ride it. Sometimes the drawback to a typical tandem is someone has to be in the front and someone in the back, enough said. Maybe this makes sense for a bicycle made for two.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Goldweber Pipped for the Podium

Tour de Tuscaloosa 2008


Hard charging Adam Goldweber gets pipped at the line. Goldweber is on the far left front wearing the blue kit of Cullman Cycling Club.
 

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