Team Stories
The team gathered in El Dorado Hills, CA this past month for their annual training camp weekend. Check out the gallery below. Photos by Wil Matthews
After months of sun and balmy temps in the Bay, it was only fitting that the skies opened up during our annual team camp weekend, just as they’re done for the past FOUR years in a row! However, the wet weather did little to dampen our spirits, as evidenced by these incredible candid moments, captured throughout the weekend by our resident 35mm film photographer, Mr. Andrew Shimizu.
After training and racing seriously for several years, I decided to scale it back after Masters Nationals a year ago to focus more on family and work. The plan was to continue to ride but in a less structured way, and get back to more riding on the dirt. I’d jump in a few events and try to maintain enough fitness to help the team on the few occasions where I could race, but the plan was to take training much less seriously. I wasn’t sure how I'd feel watching my fitness slide over time and how’d I’d feel watching my team mates race but I was excited to try out the new trend in cycling, gravel racing. As it turns out, I have enjoyed riding much more over the last year as mountain biking and gravel riding have replaced intervals and I can use group rides more to get in some intensity. But the most challenging part was this spring as everyone’s fitness started to return and I was just maintaining. It sucked to not be able to hang, or even attack like I used to. But I’ve known I was going to do the San Rafael Sunset Crit for a while so it was time to try to get some form back. Part of that prep was needing to dust off the race legs and I found an opportunity last weekend at the Brisbane Criterium. Our team had a decent turnout as did the rest of the field so it was a good test. Maybe it was the time off from racing or just one of those reflective days, but the experience gave me some clarity around why road racing is so rad and why there’s nothing else like it.
Over this last year, I’ve done some “alternative events” like grasshoppers, the Lost and Found Gravel Race, and one day of the Haute Route. All very hard and very fun events but races where you can finish just about anywhere and still have a good day out. But there’s just no other style of racing that matches road racing. The teamwork, intensity, tactics, split second decision making and talent of the NorCal masters scene separate this racing style from all others. We like to joke that it’s like playing chess while at your physical limit. And while I get the draw of fondo’s and gravel racing, it’s just not the same. Yes, road racing is harder, and you have to put in more work in order for it to be fun, and getting dropped sucks. But when you’re fit enough to be up in the mix and participate in the racing rather than hanging on for dear life, there’s no better competitive experience on a bike.
But what really separates road racing from other styles is the post race get together. Maybe not all teams do this but our post race gatherings are one part race recap, one part top notch beer tasting. And yesterday was no exception. It certainly helped that Dana won and we didn’t have to dwell on what we did wrong, but I was struck by the experience and how it differed from the other events I had done. Those alternative races are generally a series of individual stories and it’s certainly fun to swap them around the campfire or over a cold beer. But with road racing, it’s a shared experience. We spoke about what we saw each other doing, and explained what we were thinking when we did what we did. We asked questions about what was happening in the break or back in the pack. We had all been in the same race but had different thoughts and experiences within the race. Our competitors would stop by and we’d chat with them about how the race played out. All of our stories were interwoven and made up the entirety of the race. And that’s what really makes road racing so special and unique. You experience it with others and each of us out there impact and contribute to the experience of the rest.
I’m a huge supporter of the new trend in racing and I love that these “alternative” races are so inclusive and can help introduce the competitive aspect to cycling or rekindle the fire in a retired racer. But I hope road racing never dies and maybe these new events will help newer riders catch the competitive bug. I can’t wait for San Rafael, my favorite race of the year. Now just need to get some intervals in...
TLDR: Ready to join!? Want to know more? Just fill out this handy Google Form and we'll reach out to you regarding team details and upcoming recruitment rides.
See a recap of Stages One and Three where Colin and Roman rode in big breakaways.
Have you ever wondered what goes into producing that hot cup of coffee you drink in the morning? For most, the process is simple: buy the coffee, put it in the coffee maker, add water, and drink the coffee. But there is much more to it. This past Monday, Andy, Steve O., Brandon, and myself were given the opportunity to learn all about the newest sponsor of Team Mike’s Bikes p/b Incase: Equator Coffees & Teas – a Marin-based coffee roaster with major focuses on quality and sustainability. Our tour began with a brief introduction to the company and its history by the company’s co-founder and CEO, Helen Russell. As she spoke about how the company was started in a garage, Ted Stachura (Director of Coffee at Equator) began brewing and pouring samples of the new TMB Speed Blend and their single-origin Don Pepe Bourbon for side-by-side comparison.
We continued the tour though the facility with Ted, as he thoroughly explained the process Equator takes in establishing long-term relationships with its growers around the world, and the life of the coffee bean from fruit to brew.
Equator is proud to be one of the first roasters in the nation to possess a Loring SmartRoaster, a sophisticated machine that reduces carbon emissions by 80% without compromising their artisan quality.
After taking a short look at their operations for packing and shipping, Ted and Caitlin took us through Equator’s cupping system of tasting coffees in small batches, from beans in green form, side by side. It’s a very delicate process, and allows them to try several different samples from potential suppliers in a timely manner.
To finish the tour, we were each given an Equator t-shirt and a freshly roasted bag of TMB Speed Blend before it hits the shelves at Mike’s Bikes stores around the Bay Area.
Equator’s commitment to producing their coffees and teas at the highest quality, and in such environmentally responsible methods, is beyond cool. This was an incredible learning experience, and we’re stoked to have such an awesome company on board to help support our racing and development.
It's official...Team Mike's Bikes p/b Incase (TMB) is excited to announce that locally based Equator Coffee & Teas (http://www.equatorcoffees.com) is the team's newest sponsor. We've been looking for a coffee company that believed in what we are trying to accomplish and wanted to come on board and help make it happen. We are thrilled to have found Equator Coffee & Teas. Equator is a San Rafael based company co-founded in 1995 by Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell. They have earned an outstanding reputation as purveyors and roasters who provide distinctive specialty coffees and rare teas at competitive prices, with unparallelled customer service. Their mission is to continue to be a growing customer-centric company, dedicated to quality, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Their commitment is to procure distinctive coffees from growers who practice responsible land stewardship and bio friendly farming techniques. This commitment has won over renowned chefs like Thomas Keller (French Laundry, Bouchon Restaurants & Bakeries), Traci Des Jardins (Jardiniere), Elizabeth Faulker (Citizen Cake) and Pascal Rigo (Bay Bread).
"Cycling and coffee just go together. We've been looking for a coffee company to partner with since the beginning of the year," explained Dana Williams, one of the team's senior elite riders who also helps with team marketing. "The introduction to Equator was made by a current employee of Mike's Bikes who used to work for them. Matt Adams (President of Mike's Bikes) and I sat down with Helen, Brooke and their marketing team and shared the team's vision, core values and benefits team partners receive. They got it right away and jumped on board."
If you're wondering 'So how can I try some of Equator's exceptional coffee and tea and/or meet and ride with TMB riders?', then there's a perfect opportunity this weekend. Equator will be opening their very first coffee bar at Proof Lab Surf Shop in Mill Valley this Saturday (June 22nd). Everybody is invited to the Grand Opening weekend celebration. Riders from TMB will be leading a ride around Paradise Drive departing the new coffee shop at 10AM.
Did we mention FREE coffee? Yep, Equator baristas will be serving up everything from freshly brewed coffee to cappuccinos all weekend long, plus herbal ice tea and hot chocolates for the kids. More details on the Grand Opening can be found here: Equator Coffees at Proof Lab.
We look forward to meeting new faces and supporters on Saturday.
In addition to keeping up with the team on our blog, you can now Like our Team Mike's Bikes Page on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter @TMBIncase, Like our photos on Instagram @TMBIncase, see our Photostream on Flickr, and even listen to our favorite tracks on Spotify! Dont forget to use #TMBIncase !
San Rafael, CA - January 8, 2012 - Mike’s Bikes, locally owned and operated since 1964, announces the formation of a men’s Masters race team.
Matt Adams, co-owner and President, said he is proud of the spirit and philosophy of Team Mike’s Bikes Masters.
“My motivation for assembling this team is not to create a strong masters team just for the sake of having a strong masters team. My motivation is to put together a great group of strong riders who want to commit to each other and who want to help us give back to the next generation of racers by supporting our Elite program.”
The mission of the Team Mike’s Bikes Elite program is to develop, inspire, and nurture the potential and happiness of the next generation of racers on and off the bike. “That is what matters to me, and that is what I think is important,” said Adams.
Our idea for the Masters team is to get a group of strong 35+ 1/2/3’s together who share our values of service, mentorship, and teamwork. Members will receive the personal gratification of helping to make a difference for the next generation of elite and professional racers, as part of the best team in Northern California and the vibrant Mike’s Bikes community, dedicated to getting more people on bikes.
Members will also enjoy the race day support that the elite team receives and a strong group of teammates who are dedicated to the team’s success. Further, they will be able to tap into the collective knowledge of the entire team, whether that’s training or nutrition advice, race tactics, or equipment choices. The roster includes nine men who have stepped up in support of the Team MB philosophy.
Matt Adams Marcel Appelman John Barbicas Jacob Berkman Mike Foley Chris Hobbs Michael Kopp Oli Ryan Dan Vigil
Mike's Bikes currently operates 11 stores throughout Northern California, is the largest local bike shop in America, and holds the title as #1 retailer in the US for both Specialized and Raleigh. Mike’s employs over 250 cycling enthusiasts in the area, all with the singular goal of getting more people involved in the cycling community.
For additional information: http://www.mikesbikes.com or http://www.teammikesbikes.com/
Interested in a great deal on a carbon road bike? 2012 Team Mike's Bikes custom Specialized bikes are up for sale! Best part, all proceeds go directly into the 2013 budget to send the team to more NRC level races.
Team Mike's Bikes Tarmac Race Machine
Wanna check one out? We'll be showing the bikes this Sunday in GGP!When: This Sunday 1/13/13 from 10:00am-1:00pm Where: Nancy Pelosi Dr & Bowling Green Dr in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park http://goo.gl/maps/xuUSW
Bikes are freshly tuned up and come with complete 2011 SRAM Red Black group, Zipp Service Course SL Beyond Black Bar/Stem/Post (Tarmac), Specialized Saddle, and other goodies. Bikes are being sold for $4,000 with Zipp wheels without tires, $2,800 without wheels. We will only be selling the wheels individually if a bike is sold without them. They do not come with a warranty or have any affiliation or benefits of buying a new bikes from Mike's Bikes. Here is what's available:
Team Mike's Bikes Venge Race Machine - 1
2 x Tarmac - 54 2 x Tarmac - 54 2 x Tarmac - 56 1 x Tarmac - 58 1 x Tarmac - 61 2 x Venge - 54 1 x Venge - 54 available in February
We have Zipp 303/404 Front and 404/808 Rear carbon clinchers to choose from. First sold, first pick from depth, most are 303 Fronts and 404 Rears. Most all are brand new rims just rebuilt in box from the Zipp factory, the remainder very minor wear.
Shoot me an e-mail with any questions or for more details! hank.scholz@mikesbikes.com
-Hank Scholz
Team Mike's Bikes Tarmac Race Machine - 2
Team Mike's Bikes Venge Race Machine - 2
Press Release San Francisco, CA., Dec 31, 2012 - Team Mike's Bikes elite cycling team is again poised to dominate Norcal racing and will also pursue success at NRC and NCC races with the announcement of new recruits: Daniel Holloway (25), Roman Kilun (31), Marcus Smith (19), and Nick Newcomb (20). Returning riders are: Eric Riggs (26), Dana Williams (37), James LaBerge (19) , Andy Goesling (25) , Travis Lyons (19) , Shawn Rosenthal (26) , Ryan Johnson (22) , Hank Scholz (24) , Rainier Schaefer (26), and Steve O'Mara (30), and Steve Pelaez (40).
As the best Elite team in Norcal with 50+ wins in 2012, Team Mike's Bikes will turn their attention to more quality wins at the national level. Daniel Holloway, 2010 US PRO Crit Champion, and Roman Kilun of Kenda 5 Hour Energy are both seasoned professionals who will add tremendous strength and leadership to the team.
"We are very excited to have Daniel and Roman on the squad. And I'm equally optimistic about the new young riders, Marcus and Nick. They will blossom in our U23 program, like James did in 2012. James will step it up this year in the national level," said team director, Steve Pelaez. "Riders like Eric Riggs, Dana Williams, Andy Goesling, Shawn Rosenthal will add serious horsepower and results potential to an incredibly talented team." Each rider was carefully picked from a long list of applicants. "It's easy to find talented riders, the hard part is finding selfless riders who share our team's values." said Pelaez.
At the team's recent team development camp on Dec. 8, 2012 in the headlands, Team Mike's Bikes focused on establishing the foundation that will see the team propel itself to greater success in 2013. "It's important that we develop the effective habits of a successful team from the beginning. We need to be a team first and foremost. Then the rest will take care of itself." Consequently, team director Steve Pelaez, who is also a leadership and team development consultant, is devoting a lot of attention and energy to making sure that the team's atmosphere and goals are inline with the team's core values and mission.
"It's going to be a fun year for Team Mike's Bikes, and I hope we can deliver a lot of happiness to the cycling community."
Here's the link to our team development camp: Enjoy! http://vimeo.com/56497993
The purpose of this team development camp was to establish the foundation for a successful 2013 team campaign. We worked on the team's collective emotional intelligence, strengthen our trust in each other, improved our communication, discussed effective leadership, and exhibited commitment to our team's goals and core values.
It was cold and raining and yet we all had a blast. If the attitudes and camaraderie from the team development camp is any indication for the upcoming season, then we are poised for great results in 2013.
This has the makings of a truly great team. It's going to be a fun 2013 race season!!
2013 Roster:
Steve Pelaez, Dana Williams, Hank Scholz, James LaBerge, Travis Lyons, Marcus Smith, Nick Newcomb, Andy Goesling, Daniel Holloway, Roman Kilun, Ryan Johnson, Steve O'mara, Eric Riggs, Shawn Rosenthal, and Rainier Schaefer.
