An interview with Gary Fisher…

I listened to an audio interview of Gary Fisher today.  It is about an hour long and worth checking out.  He talks about his early years, racing road bikes, cyclocross and how he and his riding buds started to build “klunkerz” that became the first mountain bikes. Fisher was one of the first to take this sport to the next level. Now he serves as “the inspirer” within the Gary Fisher company. He reveals the direction that “his” company is trying to take biking, as we look into the future.

The interview takes place in a noisy coffee shop and has a lengthy musical intro, but once you get into it, I think that you will enjoy it too.  Click the link below to the MP3 file, or subscribe to the bikescape podcast in iTunes.

Interview with Gary Fisher – MP3 link

Also check out the bikescape blog: http://bikescape.blogspot.com/

I’d like to check out the movie Klunkerz sometime too.  Does anyone have it?

Kids Bike Race (Midland)

This is a very last minute notice, but your son or daughter (age 11-14) is invited to compete in a bike race. Here are the details:

• Northeast Middle School in Midland
• Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 4 p.m.
• Meet at Cinder track
• The race is only 20 minutes long
• FREE!
• Ages, 11 to 14
• Any type of bike, helmet required.
• Parents must sign a waiver.
• Participant ribbons given
• Contact Steve Weckle (989) 600-5152

Blower Brigade Deployment…

If you have ridden MMCC lately, you know that the trail is buried in leaves. Thankfully, many of the orange marker ribbons are still in place from the trail build last Spring.  Jim Crissman (DirtPo) has posted in the MMBA NE Chapter forum, that we clear the leaves for safe Fall/Winter riding.  If you have a gas blower or a rake and strong shoulders, reply to Jim’s post.  We need to declare a time and deploy the blower brigade.  Thanks for any of your help.

http://mmba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=93945

UPDATE: Thanks to Jim Crissman and Ken Eddy for checking this task off of our list. The MMCC Trail is ready to ride again.  Join up with the group ride at MMCC on Sunday Nov. 15th @ 10am, if you aren’t gunning for a deer.  No worries, the buckslayers are not allowed to hunt on MMCC property.

Winter Youth Spin Classes…

The Tri-City Cyclists have organized a youth spin class that will meet at Smitty’s Iron Works gym in Midland.  The class begins January 2nd at 8:30am.  Kids will need to be able to fit a standard stationary bike.  Adults are welcome to join, however, the kids get first dibs on the bikes.  Adults can BYOBikes and trainers, if necessary.

If you want to begin the 2010 bike season in prime form, contact Steve Weckle at (989) 839-2024 or <srweckle@chartermi.net> and get signed up!

…I forgot to mention that there is no charge for this class.

Iceman Prep Ride…

This is the final week of preparations before Saturday’s 2009 Iceman Cometh Challenge. A group Rail Trail ride is planned for Wednesday Nov. 4th at 5:15 pm sharp.  Meet at the Sanford main trail head (where the bathrooms are).   Bring a light if you have one.

Good luck to all of the “Iceman” participants! The weather forecast looks promising.  I hope that their calculations are accurate.  Stay safe, have fun!

If you are planning to be in the 2009 Iceman, click on the comments button below and post your name and any tips that you may have for first time Iceman riders (like myself).  It would be interesting to see which of our chapter members (and/or followers of this site) will be competing. See you in the beer tent at the finish!

Here is the “Iceman” Schedule of Events

Or see link: http://www.iceman.com/raceinfo/schedule/schedule.php

Friday, Nov 6, 2009

12:00n – 11:00pm  Packet Pick-up (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

12:00n – 11:00pm  Concessions Open (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

12:00n – 9:00pm  Ice Cycle Expo (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)

Saturday, Nov 7, 2009

7:30am – 11:30am  Late Iceman Packet Pick-up (Downtown Kalkaska)

7:30am – 11:30am  Late Slush Cup Packet Pick-up (Timber Ridge)

9:00am  ICEMAN START (Downtown Kalkaska)

9:00am  SLUSH CUP START (Timber Ridge)

10:00am  Food Tent opens (Timber Ridge)

10:00am  First Slushie finishes (Timber Ridge)

10:30am  First Iceman finishes (Timber Ridge)

11:00am  First Bus to Kalkaska leaves Timber Ridge

2:30pm  ICEMAN START – PROs (Downtown Kalkaska)

3:15pm  SNO-CONE RACE (Timber Ridge)

4:00pm  Pro’s Arrive  Last Bus to Kalkaska leaves (Timber Ridge)

6:00pm  Ice Capades Awards Party (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa)