SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (September 26, 2023) — DNA Pro Cycling is delighted to unveil its 15-member team for the 2024 season. The team is coming off a highly successful season celebrating domestic and international success with numerous wins and podiums at stage races, one-day road races, criteriums and gravel events. DNA Pro Cycling is currently the top-ranked UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Continental Women’s Team in the Americas.
Members of the DNA Pro Cycling Team at the Tour Cycliste Feminin International de l’Ardèche. Photo by Florian Frison
The 2024 global roster boasts representation from the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Colombia, and Mexico, and is composed of 4 new riders and 11 returnees. New riders:
Sara Poidevin: Currently with the WorldTour team EF Education-Tibco-SVB, Poidevin is recognized for her climbing, breakaway riding, and vital contributions to team results.
Makayla MacPherson: MacPherson, the 2021 US junior national road race champion, is a fast-rising U23 rider with 2 years of European racing experience under the WorldTour team Human Powered Health.
Maeghan Easler and Nadia Gontova: Joining from the Continental team Roxo Racing, Easler made her mark in US stage racing this year with 2 podiums at the Tour of the Gila, while Gontova, a young Canadian climber, has celebrated success with stage wins at La Vuelta a Colombia and the Redlands Cycling Classic.
Returning riders include Diana Peñuela, the reigning and 2-time Colombian national road race champion and Sarah Van Dam, the current Canadian U23 road race champion who recently clinched her first European podiums at Le Tour de l’Ardeche.
2024 Roster
Anet Barrera (MEX)
Holly Breck (USA)
Olivia Cummins (USA)
Maeghan Easler (USA)
Heather Fischer (USA)
Nadia Gontova (CAN)
Rachel Langdon (GBR)
Kimberly Lucie (USA)
Makayla MacPherson (USA)
Harriet Owen (GBR)
Diana Peñuela (COL)
Sara Poidevin (CAN)
Shayna Powless (USA)
Kaitlyn Rauwerda (CAN)
– Sarah Van Dam (CAN)
“Our 2024 lineup boasts a versatile blend of climbers, sprinters, and all-rounders, each of whom have proven their dedication as team players. By harmonizing up-and-coming talent with experienced riders, we’ve strategically positioned ourselves for success in our ambitious calendar ahead,” said Catherine Fegan-Kim, Sports Director and Co-Owner.
Other notable 2023 results of returning riders: Kimberly Lucie, winner of the American Criterium Cup 2023 Sprint Points Competition; Kaitlyn Rauwerda, stage win at La Vuelta a Colombia and Most Combative Award winner at Le Tour de l’Ardeche; Shayna Powless, Points Competition winner at the Tour of the Gila; Holly Breck, Points Competition winner at the Redlands Cycling Classic; and Harriet Owen, winner of Colby Omnium at the Tour of America’s Dairyland.
In 2024, DNA Pro Cycling is set to compete in an extensive array of US and international UCI races, major US criteriums, and marquee gravel races.
Annual scenic bike ride will take participants along the oceanfront of San Diego County.
SAN DIEGO, California (September 2023) —Bike the Coast, San Diego’s iconic oceanfront cycling event, will be returning for its annual ride on Nov. 4. The ride provides opportunities for participants of all levels to enjoy a memorable course that takes them along the scenic views and quaint communities along Highway 101, and finishes with a party unlike any other ride. Registration is now open for all riding events.
Photo courtesy Bike the Coast.
“There’s really something for everyone at a ride like ours – not just for competitive riders,” said Mike Bone, President and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, which produces Bike the Coast. “We’ve put in a lot of work this year to make sure participants have a memorable experience. We encourage all participants to enjoy the ride, and it is a ride, not a race, this is a Rule of the Road ride designed to enjoy and celebrate all of our communities. We’ve shaped this into a community event that is meant to be fun for all. Come for the views, stay for the party at the Oceanside Pier post-ride!”
The ride includes a variety of distances, which allows for participation by all ages and experience levels. The courses that participants can choose from include seven, 15, 25, 50 and 100 miles. During the ride, participants will have the opportunity to cross through multiple beach towns, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, before reaching the finish line in Oceanside. Participants will receive specialized medals, rider caps and Bike the Coast themed socks. After crossing the finish line, participants can celebrate their accomplishment with live entertainment, food, and a beer garden at the Oceanside Pier.
This year, Bike the Coast is supporting Ride MS, on behalf of the National MS Society. The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. The post-ride beer garden, sponsored by BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse, sales will go to Bike MS, as well as a portion of the proceeds. Riders can also make an additional donation to Ride MS to help us rid the world of this disease.
Location of two letter code (in blue box) of affected cranksets. Picture courtesy CPSC/Shimano
Description: This recall involves Shimano Ultegra FC-6800, Dura-Ace FC-9000, Ultegra FC-R8000, Dura-Ace FC-R9100 and FC-R9100P 11-Speed Bonded Hollowtech Road Cranksets manufactured prior to July 2019 sold individually and on bicycles sold by other manufacturers such as Trek and Specialized. A crankset is the component of the bicycle that the chain and pedals attach to for pedaling. The recalled models have printed ‘Ultegra’ or Dura Ace’ logos on the arm. The affected models are pre-July 2019 production and have the following two letter production code on backside of the crank arm where the pedals are attached: KF, KG, KH, KI, KJ, KK, KL, LA, LB, LC, LD, LE, LF, LG, LH, LI, LJ, LK, LL, MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF, MG, MH, MI, MJ, MK, ML, NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI, NJ, NK, NL, OA, OB, OC, OD, OE, OF, OG, OH, OI, OJ, OK, OL, PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH, PI, PJ, PK, PL, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, QF, QG, QH, QI, QJ, QK, QL, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF.
Affected cranksets include models Ultegra FC-6800 and FC-R8000, and Dura Ace FC-9000, FC-R9100, and FC-R9100P (with power meter). Photo courtesy CPSC/Shimano
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the cranksets manufactured before July 1, 2019, and contact an authorized Shimano dealer to schedule a free crankset inspection. Only consumers whose cranksets show signs of bonding separation or delamination during the inspection will be provided a free replacement crankset and installation.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 4,519 incidents of cranksets separating, and six reported injuries, including bone fractures, joint displacement and lacerations.
Sold At: Bicycle stores nationwide from January 2012 through August 2023 for between $270 and $1,500.
Distributor(s): Shimano North America Bicycle Inc., of Irvine, California
(September 21, 2023) — Bikepacking Roots, the nation’s premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing bikepacking, proudly announces the commencement of public submissions for its esteemed Community Routes Project (CRoP). Launched in June, CRoP serves as a platform to showcase exceptional routes contributed by devoted Route Creators and Stewards for the benefit of the wider bikepacking community. These curated routes span the nation, offering a diverse range of distances and difficulty levels to cater to bikepackers of all backgrounds.
Beautiful fall colors greet riders on Transvirginia. Photo courtesy David Landis/Bikepacking Roots
This initiative embodies our commitment to not only share these captivating routes but also foster the growth of bikepacking. CRoP’s dedicated stewards maintain and update these routes regularly, with many residing near their designated routes and actively championing bikepacking within their communities.
Riders on the Michaux-vernighter in Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy Sean Byrne & Geoff Patterson/Bikepacking Roots
Following the successful release of two curated route batches over the summer, Bikepacking Roots now opens the door to public submissions. Noelle Battle, Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots, expresses enthusiasm about this development: “We are excited to connect and build relationships with additional passionate route creators who are eager to showcase the bikepacking opportunities in their region of the country,”
Quaint little markets in small towns can be found along the TransVirginia route. Photo courtesy David Landis/Bikepacking Roots
All route submissions will undergo a thorough review process by Bikepacking Roots. Accepted submissions will receive their own dedicated route page on Bikepacking Roots’ official website, as well as inclusion on the organization’s Interactive Map. The submission process welcomes existing routes, even those that have been stewarded for several years and featured on the route creator’s or another local/regional website. Additionally, it is open to newly developed routes specifically designed for this project, provided they meet the vetting criteria. It is essential to note that CRoP routes will not be rebranded as “Bikepacking Roots Routes”; our primary aim is to facilitate information sharing while supporting both route creators and the broader bikepacking community.
Slow down to enjoy the surroundings while riding The Pine Curtains of Texas. Photo courtesy Patrick Farnsworth/Bikepacking Roots
Route stewards for accepted submissions will become integral members of Bikepacking Roots’ Regional Stewards program. This program offers opportunities for learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among peer route creators nationwide. To access comprehensive details regarding submission criteria, Route Steward expectations, and a link to the Route Submission Form, please visit the CRoP section of the website. Prospective contributors are also encouraged to explore the current collection of Community Routes to gain insight into successful submissions.
HEBER, Utah (September 19, 2023) — Dirt De Utah is thrilled to announce its first annual gravel grinder race with some single-track, set to take place amidst the stunning backdrop of the 2002 Winter Olympics grounds on Saturday, September 30. This exciting event promises to be a thrilling and picturesque ride, showcasing the unique beauty of the area.
The race begins with an awe-inspiring journey through the biathlon range, leading participants onto the challenging single-track route, mirroring the renowned Solider Hollow Bike Fest course. Once the single-track section is conquered, riders will follow the gravel rail trail, meandering alongside the scenic banks of Deer Creek reservoir, before reaching a checkpoint at the dam.
The return leg of the race will guide riders through the private grazing ranch of Decker Canyon, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Timpanogos and the Heber Valley from the summit. Participants will then descend through a stunning canopy of fall leaves to cross the finish line.
For the adventurous 50-mile riders, the journey doesn’t end there, as they will embark on another lap, accumulating a total elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Meanwhile, those tackling the 25-mile course will have completed their ride having conquered 2,400 feet of elevation gain.
Photo courtesy Dirt De Utah
Beyond the personal achievement of completing this challenging race, participants will also take pride in giving back to the community. Proceeds from the event will be generously donated to support the SoHo Endurance Team and the Wasatch Mountain Bike Team, both initiatives aimed at getting more kids on bikes.
Photo courtesy Dirt De Utah
The event is organized by a dedicated team of local high school students, Kadence Preston, Bryan Moore, and Parker Caldwell, all hailing from Wasatch High School. Their deep commitment to community enrichment and the growth of cycling in the Wasatch Valley drives their efforts.
Photo courtesy Dirt De Utah
Looking ahead, Dirt De Utah has ambitious plans to expand and elevate the event in the coming years. In 2024, they aim to feature an exciting fat tire crit in downtown Heber, which will draw professional cyclists with an attractive cash purse. Additionally, they plan to introduce an 80–100-mile MTB race that provides a taste of all the exceptional trails in the Wasatch Front, as well as an Epic Gravel race designed to rival the esteemed SBT GRVL race, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Dirt De Utah invites all cycling enthusiasts to join them on September 30 for an unforgettable race experience that combines the thrill of competition with the beauty of nature, all while contributing to a worthy cause.
Riders should note that there is more double track, but the single-track is not for the average rider. A great bike choice would be a hard tail or a bike with lockout suspension, or a gravel bike with wider tires.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (September 18, 2023) – The 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships are set to take place in Veneto, Italy on October 7-8, 2023. In the event’s second year, USA Cycling is sending a team with goals of a podium for the American racers.
As part of the UCI’s Cycling for All initiative, the Gravel World Championships qualification process is multi-faceted. Riders can qualify for their age group by finishing in the top 25% of one of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series events. Additionally, riders who won their National Championship category at the 2023 National Championships were also nominated, including the top three of the elite races. Then, USA Cycling has the opportunity to enter an additional 20 athletes across all categories, including both amateur and elites. Athletes were required to petition for those final quota spots to be considered in the process.
Keegan Swenson of Park City, Utah wins Unbound Gravel, a 200 mile gravel race through the Flint Hills of Kansas, with a finish time of 10:06.4. Swenson finished second here last year in a similar sprint finish, after 200 miles of gravel and mud he claims victory in 2023.
In the end, USA Cycling is sending a team of 13 Elite Men and 10 Elite Women who will battle for the coveted Elite World Title. Off-road phenom Keegan Swenson (Heber City, Utah; Santa Cruz, SRAM, htSQD) will have Team USA on his side with gravel superstars like Alexey Vermeulen (Pinckney, Mich.; Jukebox – ENVE), Brennan Wertz (Mill Valley, Calif.; Mosaic Cycles), and Payson McElveen (Durango, Colo.; Allied Cycle Works), along with three-time U.S. Criterium National Champion Luke Lamperti (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing).
Lauren Stephens wins USA Cycling Gravel National Championships: Race Day – Civic Center in Gering, Nebraska, USA on September 09, 2023. (Photo: Craig Huffman / Craig Huffman Photography)
Elite Women’s Gravel National Champion Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; EF EDUCATION-TIBCO-SVB) will be leading the charge along with fellow Road Worlds team member Heidi Franz (Seattle, Wash.; DNA Pro Cycling), and returning Gravel Worlds members Emily Newsom (Fort Worth, Tex.; Roxo Racing) and Sarah Sturm (Durango, Colo.; Specialized/ Rapha/ Wahoo). Alexis Skarda (Grand Junction, Colo.; Santa Cruz Bicycles) and Crystal Anthony (Bentonville, Ark.; Liv Racing Collective) will also be ones to watch after their silver and bronze medal performances at the inaugural Gravel National Championships.
The Team USA Roster is as follows:
Elite Men
Zach Calton (Salt Lake City)
Ian Kutzleb (Durango, Colo.)
Luke Lamperti (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing)
By Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD — An estimated 30% to 60% of female athletes struggle with food, as do 10% to 33% of male athletes. Many of these athletes believe they are not “sick enough” to seek treatment. Others are too ashamed to ask for help. And some believe getting treatment will hinder them from reaching athletic goals. They fear:
they will gain weight, and any added weight will impair their performance.
they will not be able to participate in training or competitions during treatment, hence will lose status with their team; and
they might displease their coaches and teammates.
To eat or not to eat? Photo by Danielle Helm. Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
But the questions they want to ponder are:
What do you think your future will look like with the eating disorder?
Are you satisfied with your current quality of life?
At the October 2022 Food and Nutrition Expo and Conference of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the nation’s largest group of nutrition professionals), sports nutritionist Page Love MS RD CSSD (nutrifitga.com) of Atlanta and psychologist Ron Thompson PhD of Bloomington IN ([email protected]) addressed the topic of Athletes with Eating Disorders. They shared insights from their years of professional experience. This article passes along some of their words of wisdom and offers insights into why some athletes struggle with food, body image, and weight issues. and hopefully will nudge athletes’ friends, family, and loved ones to encourage these athletes to seek help.
When dieting goes awry and eating disorders take hold, relationships and quality of life suffer, to say nothing of longevity as an athlete. Athletes with eating disorders (ED) can easily believe they have more reasons to keep the eating disorder than they do to give it up. Eating disorders can distract from difficult emotions; offer a source of power and control; give a sense of security; provide an excuse for anything and everything; sustain an identity; offer a way to be angry, self-abusive, special, rebellious, and competitive inside and outside of sport.
Given many athletes with EDs are in denial of the seriousness of this mental health disease, Dr. Thompson has asked his clients, “Do you realize that people with your disorder sometimes die?” Indeed, athletes can—and have—died from eating disorders, often via suicide. Looking from the inside out, an athlete’s life can feel very stress-filled, despite the athlete appearing happy, bubbly, and “just fine” on the outside.
Ideally, food should be one of life’s pleasures, as well as an enjoyable source of energizing fuel that enhances performance. If you stop eating at mealtimes just because you think you should, or because your allotted portion of food is all gone (but you are still hungry), you might want to ask yourself a few probing questions:
—What are your food rules and nutrition beliefs that restrict your food choices and portions? For example, do you forbid yourself to eat birthday cake or holiday cookies?
—What percent of your time do you spend thinking about food and weight? Thinking about food includes shopping for food, preparing food for yourself and others, reading cookbooks or other food- and diet-related publications, binge-eating, purging, and thinking about how much you ate at your last meal. When the answer is “I spend way too much time thinking about food; it dominates my thoughts”, you likely have a problematic relationship with food and are living in a state of hunger. That’s no fun, and also limits your ability to fully recover after a hard workout, heal the micro-injuries that occur during hard workouts, and perform optimally. “Normal eaters” think about food as they appropriately get hungry before a meal or snack.
Do you enjoy eating socially with friends and teammates? Or do you avoid such situations?
Are your food allergies and intolerances real? Or are they convenient excuses to avoid certain foods?
Ladies, do you currently have regular menstrual periods? Amenorrhea—loss of menses—can be a sign of under-eating, to the point of disrupting normal body functions.
Gentlemen, are you experiencing reduced sex drive? Loss of morning erections can be a sign of under-eating, to the point of disrupting normal body functions.
Does your family have a history of eating issues, dieting practices, and/or mental health concerns? If yes, how have those issues influenced your food habits?
Chronically underfed bodies can end up “hibernating,” with slowed metabolic processes. Symptoms related to inadequate fueling include fatigue, lack of energy, dehydration, anemia, frequent injuries, amenorrhea, stress fractures, and “weird” eating habits. These are all good reasons to seek help from a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition (RD CSSD). The referral network at eatright.orgcan help you find a local RD CSSD).
Most of my clients report, “I know what I should eat. I just don’t do it.” Given today’s confusing food environment, any athlete with nutrition questions and weight concerns would be wise to meet with a sports RD to learn how to overcome barriers that limit optimal fueling. Don’t let (self-imposed) shame or embarrassment stop you. Eating “right” is not as simple as it once used to be.
All food can fit into a balanced sports diet—even fatty foods. Athletes should consume at least half of their calories from (preferably nutrient-rich) carbohydrate, and at least 20% of calories from (preferably health-promoting) fat. A fat intake less than that increases the risk of inadequate energy intake.
If you live in Food Jail and consume a very repetitive but “safe” diet, a sports RD can help you expand your menu so you can consume a wider variety of nutrients. If you want to try to do this on your own, start by making a list of your fear-foods (foods you are afraid to eat because they lack nutrient-density or because you deem them to be “fattening”). Challenge yourself to include at least one food each day into your meals and snacks, starting with the easiest and ending with the hardest foods. With time, you’ll be able to enjoy social eating with your friends and teammates.
Notice that other athletes look forward to, let’s say, a special holiday gathering like a New Year’s Brunch—but you don’t because the foods will be way too fattening or you’re afraid you’ll end up eating way too much. Other athletes can eat holiday treats; why can’t you? Your body is not different from everyone else’s and will not “get fat on you.” The problem isn’t the food or your body, but more likely your self-imposed food rules.
Few athletes will ever achieve a perfect body. Please don’t measure your self-worth as an athlete by your body weight or size. You may be an athletic person, but you are also a human, like the rest of us, and are excellent the way you are.
By Charles Pekow — Does reducing speed limits make bicycling safer? Sometimes yes; sometimes no, says a study from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The center looked at efforts in six cities to reduce traffic speeds to reduce conflicts with cyclists and pedestrians. Some were implemented during the pandemic.
20 miles an hour is plenty for Salt Lake City streets. Photo by Taylor Anderson
Some of the cities reduced the number of traffic lanes. These moves cut bicycle injuries between 10 and 19 percent.
Results were mixed when placing speed security cameras around town. Washington, DC put cameras up around the city. But they didn’t cut the number of incidents between autos and cyclists.
Projects put up quickly in response to the pandemic, such as converting traffic lanes to bike/pedestrian lanes, did seem to improve safety, at least in the short run. It remains to be seen if these conversions and safety improvements will last.
U.S. bicycle industry trade association and advocacy nonprofit lead marketer started his career in the Latino community of Newark, New Jersey
BOULDER, Colorado (September 13, 2023)— PeopleForBikes, the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association and a national advocacy nonprofit, announced Jose Maldonado as its first chief marketing officer. Maldonado started with PeopleForBikes in October 2019 and recently returned to lead strategy and amplify campaigns aimed at making the U.S. the best place to ride a bike in the world. Those campaigns include TheGreat Bike Infrastructure Project, a comprehensive City Ratings program, and the first industrywide electric bicycle battery recycling program in the U.S.
Jose Maldonado was named the new Chief Marketing Officer for People for Bikes, a national advocacy group. Photo courtesy People for Bikes
“Jose is a genuine inspiration to anyone with a passion for cycling,” said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. “He found his way to cycling from an unlikely background and turned his passion and totally unique point of view into a voice that is helping make riding a bike safer and more accessible for everyone across the entire United States.”
The road to Maldonado’s appointment as a CMO was as unlikely as it was challenging. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, into a proud Puerto Rican family. His father and mother were both hard-working, first-generation immigrants who focused on ensuring their children had access to the best education possible at Seton Hall Prep in nearby West Orange, New Jersey.
Despite crippling dyslexia, Maldonado attended Middlesex College before launching a music career and being signed to a major record label, Lava/Atlantic, in the late 1990s. A song on his first record called “Blunt Force Trauma” described the beating his father took at the hands of police officers who responded to the call of an intruder at the family’s home.
“Dyslexia was a huge obstacle in my early years that was compounded by my lack of awareness that my brain functioned differently than most other people’s,” said Maldonado. “Dyslexia forced me to operate and learn in unconventional ways throughout my early life and into my professional career. It challenged me to develop tactics to help cope with life’s demands and pushed me to process data with structured thinking.”
After picking up the cycling bug while living in Philadelphia, Maldonado rose through a series of cycling-related jobs, including time with Performance Bikes and Cadence Cycling in Philadelphia and Competitive Cyclist in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Park City, Utah.
“I decided to pursue a career in the cycling industry,” said Maldonado. “I knew nothing about bikes at the time but had a wealth of retail management and merchandising experience.”
In 2019, inspired by his mother’s work as a healthcare provider at a drug rehab clinic during the AIDS epidemic, Maldonado decided it was time to shift into work that would give back to his adopted community of cyclists.
“The bike has had a profound effect on my life and it motivates me every day to make bicycling more accessible for everyone. I am fortunate to be working with some of the most intelligent, passionate, and results-driven people I’ve ever met who are united under the same goal. The team at PeopleForBikes is truly the best and getting to work alongside industry experts and influential leaders makes us great,” said Maldonado.
At PeopleForBikes, Maldonado and the rest of the team focus on three areas of influence —infrastructure, policy, and participation — to help accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to access and welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike.
“My journey to leading marketing at PeopleForBikes has been unconventional, but I hope I can prove to other minorities and those from historically disadvantaged groups that it’s not impossible,” said Maldonado. “I hope that I can inspire others like me to be who they want to be.”
Trips for Kids National is in the process of completing a transfer of its programs to the League of American Bicyclists. Started 1988, Trips for Kids has built a movement around the principle that young people of all communities, especially those most in need, should be able to experience the transformative nature of bicycling. Through the leadership of its chapters across North America, Trips for Kids has reached more than 230,000 kids over the course of its history. Its programming, which will continue to be offered by Trips for Kids chapters and supported by the League, includes promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness through biking opportunities, bike-related STEM learning curriculum, and personal empowerment with positive adult role models and mentorship. “The League is honored to integrate Trips for Kids’ resources into our own and we are thrilled to be able continue supporting the work of Trips for Kids chapters as members of the League’s network of more than 1,000 member organizations,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We will offer Trips for Kids’ resources through our programming and platforms and we know the experience and expertise of TFK chapters will encourage and inspire more organizations and communities to reach more youth with the life-transforming power of biking and strengthen the movement to make bicycling safe, comfortable, and accessible for all.”
The League of American Bicyclists is the national grassroots advocacy organization working to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Founded in 1880, the League now counts more than 200,000 members and supporters and over 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities as part of the movement for better biking.
“The League’s demonstrated commitment to equity in bicycling is what drew us to them as we considered the future of Trips for Kids National. We share their vision of a nation where everyone, whether they bike or not, recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling and where everyone can experience the joy of bicycling,” said Patricia Gallery, former president and CEO of Trips for Kids National. “With their large national membership and influence, the League is in a unique position to bring youth cycling, education and opportunity to more kids and communities. The Trips for Kids movement is not going away – our momentum is stronger than ever!”
Now member organizations of the League, Trips for Kids chapters will continue to operate as independent organizations aligned with the League’s mission to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
“The opportunities we are able to offer kids in our communities through Trips for Kids has been life changing for so many young people,” said Charise Stephens, executive director of U Create Macon, a Trips for Kids chapter and an awardee of the League’s Bicycle Friendly Business award. “I’ve seen the impact both Trips for Kids and the League have had in empowering young people through cycling education, advocating for safer roads so everyone can more easily get around, and connecting communities through the joy of bicycling – through combining these efforts, the bike movement is going to grow stronger and larger than ever.”
“Giant Bicycles, Inc. is excited to see the important programming of Trips for Kids acquired by the League of American Bicyclists so that Trips for Kids chapters may continue to bring the joy of cycling to youth around the country,” Bill Miller, GRA Program Manager at Giant Bicycles USA. “This new structure will help bring the Sprockids program to a larger audience and, of course, we will continue with our ongoing support of Trips for Kids chapters through annual equipment donations.”
CABLE, Wisconsin (September 16, 2023) – The 2023 Life Time Chequamegon MTB Festival brought 2,800 riders to northern Wisconsin on Saturday. In the competitive professional division–part of the Life Time Grand Prix, Ruth Edwards and Alexey Vermeulen won the 40-mile race, while amateurs from all walks of life tested themselves on the 40-mile or 16-mile courses and the Little Loggers kids loop.
“We enjoyed welcoming all riders and spectators to the … Chequamegon MTB Festival … in its 40th year,” said Peter Spencer, Event Manager at Life Time. “The local communities, volunteers and entire race staff were proud to go above and beyond to provide a memorable experience for all who make the trek to revel in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.”
This unique point-to-point course begins in downtown Hayward, Wisconsin, and follows parts of the famed American Birkie Cross-country Ski Trail, taking racers on forest roads and snowmobile trails with short, punchy climbs throughout Sawyer and Bayfield counties to the finish line at the Great Hall in Cable, Wisconsin.
Ruth Edwards (left) outsprints Alexis Skarda to win the 40th Annual Chequamegon 40. Photo courtesy Life Time
Hannah Otto pushed the pace early in the race with a large group of more than 20 women staying together through the first 11 miles. The group gradually got whittled down with Alexa Skarda, Ruth Edwards, and Jenna Rinehart leading through mile 23. Edwards and Rinehart managed to gain a nearly 2 minute lead with Edwards beating Skarda in a sprint to the finish line. Sofia Gomez Villafane placed third and retains her lead in the Life Tie Grand Prix standings.
Eventual winner Alexey Vermeulen leading the race. Photo courtesy Life Time
The men’s race also stayed together early on, with Keegan Swenson, Alexey Vermeluen, and Peter Stetina all well placed through mile 11, but shortly after former Chequamegon winner Brian Matter broke off the front and gained 20 seconds. Matter was brought back by the group by mile 23. A large group of more than 10 riders stayed together until the end, with former Chequamegon winner Vermeulen winning the field sprint. Swenson placed second and retains his grasp as the Life Time Grand Prix leader.
The 7th Wild Card event in the Life Time Grand Prix is The Rad Dirt Fest; Grand Prix athletes will be taking on the Stubborn Delores 110 mile course.
The Rad is a fun and fast gravel course and will be a great addition to the race series. This adds a long, but not too long gravel event into the mix while giving athletes a more relaxed and grassroots event to participate in during the season. This also offers Life Time a chance to showcase Trinidad and one of their newer events to athletes that might not be familiar with the region.
Photo by Linda Guerrette, courtesy Life Time
More about The Rad
The Rad Dirt Fest features impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, small town charm and miles of smooth gravel and trails. The Rad was first introduced by Life Time in 2021 and has already grown into a fun weekend celebration! With all new courses for the 2023 event the three distances include – Stubborn Delores (110 miles with 10,000 ft of climbing), Anteloop (70 miles), and The Frijole (40 miles).
Photo by Linda Guerrette, courtesy Life Time
The courses features fast champagne gravel, along with unique features out on the course like old ruins and cars built into the mountains and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This year’s courses will take athletes from downtown Trinidad out to the beautiful gravel roads faster than in previous years. Similar to UNBOUND Gravel, Life Time will be switching up the course every two years to reduce impact on local farmers, ranchers, and hunters.
Photo by Linda Guerrette, courtesy Life Time
Race day will have an energetic finish festival with food trucks, beer, whiskey, live music and giveaways. The winners of Stubborn Delores will be awarded with a hand painted guitar, and other awards in the past have consisted of painted vinyl records & mini wooden instruments all created by local artists. In the evening after the race local businesses will host after parties and on Sunday there is a hangover ride to the iconic Trinidad sign followed by coffee and donuts!
Photo by Linda Guerrette, courtesy Life Time
What’s up Trinidad!
This unique and charming town is located in southern Colorado, just 13 miles above New Mexico. The town is surrounded by high-altitude, desert terrain that is a beautiful mix of rugged and serene landscapes.
Trinidad is a small but welcoming community, where locals and business owners have consistently shown support for Rad athletes over the past two years. The town is steeped in history, with its brick streets lined with TRINIDAD engraved on them and a mix of funky architecture such as skeletons driving cars and a painted piano downtown.
Trinidad is a haven for artists and musicians, hosting an art festival and a blues festival in the summertime and displaying artwork throughout the town. The local bars and music venues showcase the talented musicians that call Trinidad home. Outdoors enthusiasts will be drawn to Trinidad as well as the town is heavily focused on outdoor recreation, with an abundance of opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and camping.
Additionally, Trinidad is also home to a diverse range of wildlife such as tarantulas, mountain lions, and antelope that one might come across while out on the course.
Top 18 Mountain Bikers in the World Are Invited to Premier Big-Mountain Freeride Competition — In One Month, Riders will Return to the Site of the 2008-2013 and 2022 Competition Zone
VIRGIN, Utah (September 13, 2023) — Eighteen athletes have been invited to the 2023 Red Bull Rampage, the premier big-mountain freeride competition, which returns on October 13th. In one month’s time, the world’s top mountain bike athletes will descend on Southwestern Utah, where they’ll compete to determine the best in the sport.
Szymon Godziek rides his bike at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on 21 October, 2022. // Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210220308 // Usage for editorial use only //
“Red Bull Rampage is the ultimate test of your skill on a mountain bike,” said 2022 Rampage runner-up Szymon Godziek. “I’m excited to return to Utah for my seventh Rampage invitation, reconnect with the top riders in the freeride scene, and put together a run that showcases my style and technique.”
Szymon Godziek rides his bike at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on 21 October, 2022. // Paris Gore / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210220326 // Usage for editorial use only //
The top five riders from the 2022 competition were automatically pre-qualified for this year’s event, while the other 13 wildcards and 5 alternates were selected by a committee of former Rampage competitors, pro athletes, judges, and industry experts based on competition results and video submissions. Four former winners and three event rookies are among those set to compete, highlighting a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers ready to leave their mark at the event.
Reed Boggs performs at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah USA on October 15, 2021 // SI202110160122 // Usage for editorial use only //
This year marks the 17th edition in the event’s history, which returns to the site of the 2022 venue. Located just outside of Virgin, Utah, this venue has hosted the 2008-2013 and 2022 competition zone. Five events have been held at this location, where some of freeride’s most iconic moments have occurred, including:
As well as 2022’s iconic runs featuring Brandon Semenuk’s caveman drop, Szymon Godziek’s backflip over the canyon gap, and Brett Rheeder’s gnarly line that crowned him Red Bull Rampage champion.
Thomas Genon competes at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on 15 October, 2021. // SI202110160077 // Usage for editorial use only //
Only time will tell what this year’s riders will add to the freeride history books at Red Bull Rampage.
Brett Rheeder rides at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on 21 October, 2022. // Robin O’Neill / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210220343 // Usage for editorial use only //
2023 Red Bull Rampage Invited Athletes
Pre-Qualified Athletes:
Szymon Godziek (POL)
Reed Boggs (USA)
Thomas Genon (BEL)
Carson Storch (USA)
Wildcard Invites:
Adolf Silva (SPA)
Alex Volokhov (CAN)
Bienvenido Aguado Alba (SPA)
Brendan Fairclough (GBR)
Cam Zink (USA)
Clemens Kaudela (AUT)
DJ Brandt (USA)
Emil Johansson (SWE)
Jaxson Riddle (USA)
Kurt Sorge (CAN)
Kyle Strait (USA)
Talus Turk (USA)
Tom Van Steenbergen (USA)
Gee Atherton (UK)
Absent from the list this year is former four-time champion Brandon Semenuk, who cited scheduling conflicts. In his place, first alternate Gee Atherton will get the opportunity to come back to the venue he last rode in the 2012 Rampage.
ESPN+ returns to exclusively stream the event in the U.S., and the competition will be available live on Red Bull TV in all other countries. Following the live show, the complete event will be available on-demand on both ESPN+ and Red Bull TV. On October 22nd, viewers can also tune-in to a 90-minute highlight on ESPN.
Red Bull Rampage is proudly supported by BFGoodrich Tires, T-Mobile, GoPro, Carvana, OANDA, Maverik, Troy Lee Designs, AutoCamp and Utah Sports Commission.
To stay up to date on the latest Red Bull Rampage information, including venue details, ESPN+ and Red Bull TV tune-in times, and spectator info, follow @RedBullBike and visit the event website at www.redbull.com/us-en/events/rampage.
By Lou Melini — The following products have been used by me since early this year and on my recent Mickelson Trail bikepacking tour. I was able to obtain discounted prices for the products through my volunteer work at the Bicycle Collective or through my son at Storm Cycles. The discounts were nice and there was no expectation of bias in reviewing the products.
My primary purpose in purchasing the Checkpoint was to replace my cyclocross bike. Last season I went over the bars once and on a separate course on a steep descent with a left hand turn I went into the barriers a couple of times. I’m in my 70’s so stability and better brakes are a priority. I am over 10 years from finishing on the podium. Now I simply care about finishing.
Julie’s Trek Checkpoint SL5 Gravel-Specific Bicycle with Salsa, Ortlieb, and Trek bikepacking bags. These are the most widely spaced trailheads on South Dakota’s Mickelson Trail. Photo courtesy Julie Melini
My oldest son Ben works at Storm Cycles in Park City. I asked him about a Trek Boone cross bike. He countered with the Checkpoint because he knows my needs beyond cross racing and felt that I would be happier with the gravel bike seeing the big picture of my needs. He was correct.
I now have over 1100 miles on the Checkpoint since the first of the year. I’ve taken it on the Little Wild Horse trail, The Jeremy Ranch loop that has a rutted gravel road out of Jeremy Ranch to Henefer. Then there is a gravel road through Henefer followed by the rail trail from Echo to Park City. I’ve ridden on the road with the Bonneville Cycling Club and now bikepacking on the Mickelson trail. In all these circumstances, the Checkpoint has been an excellent choice. It rides well as a road bike, perhaps due to the 24-spoked wheels. It has been stable on unpaved surface with 40 mm tires set up as tubeless. What was a selling point for me was that the bike had fittings in the carbon fiber frame for racks and fenders. I knew right away that this bike will be used for bikepacking. I simply love riding this bike.
I read a review of the aluminum Checkpoint in Adventure Cycling magazine by Dan Meyer. I’ve met Dan and have read a lot of his reviews in the magazine. He does a great job with his reviews. Dan enjoyed the bike much like I have. His primary concern was that gearing was not low enough for bikepacking. I would tend to agree with him. At this time, I have been in my lowest gear once, on the little wild horse ride, going up a relatively long steepish climb (absent bike packing weight). I am happy with the current gearing. I have some upcoming bikepacking trips so I will see if the gearing is good for me. I am also “only” 60 kg (132 lbs.) so I have always climbed well which could be seen as a biased account of the gearing. The bike Dan reviewed has a single chainring. My Checkpoint has a double chainring and has slightly lower gears than the Aluminum “Driftless” Dan reviewed. I think for most people that are not bikepacking up long grades will find, the gearing to be adequate.
The Trek Checkpoint SL5 is more than an entry-level gravel bike at a reasonable price. It is my first non-American made, custom-built bike by Waterford or Seven since the 90’s. It is quickly becoming my favorite all-around bike. Julie has the same bike, a big confidence builder for her on gravel. For more details go to the Trek bicycles website.
Bikepacking bags
I have use racks and panniers since 1975 when I rode across the U.S. for the first time. Julie and I travel comfortably, which means I carry a bit on the heavy side though my bags are rarely full except after a grocery store visit. How one travels is a matter of style, each person sets their own style. I expect a small learning curve as I pack my new bags that are of different sizes and shapes from what I am used to.
I went with bike packing bags for the Mickelson trail primarily because I am not sure how much weight the fitting in carbon fiber can be tolerated. Julie and I were able to fit all we needed in our new set-up, albeit a bit tighter. We used a cylindrical 3-bolt Salsa EXP series Anything Cage HD kit (that includes a bag) instead of my usual front panniers. I don’t know if front rack movement would put too much stress on the fork fittings hence the change. The Salsa bags have a total (listed) volume of just under 7 liters compared to the 30 liters of the Ortlieb sport packer bags I currently use on my front racks. The size and shape of the bags seem to be made to fit a Jet Boil cooking system as an 8-ounce fuel canister fits precisely in the bag (I use a different cooking system that did not fit in the bag). Clothing seems to efficiently fit in the bags avoiding wasted space. A 6-pack of bagels fits well for those that are curious. I will see if the front fork bags work on future trips.
Trek makes under-the-top-tube bags that are sized specifically for different Checkpoint frame sizes. You can purchase option thumb screws for a nice clean look to the bag vs. straps that fit around the top tube of the bike. I have kept this bag on my bike as I really like the utility of it. For traveling I put a pump with a gauge, my rain jacket, a few tools, hat, and neck gaiter. Julie and I had to use small water bottles in order for the bottles to fit on the bike but that may be more of a function of our small sized bikes (49cm and 52).
The handle bar bag, also a Salsa EXP series kit, carried our sleeping bag that is a quilt to sleep two. The bag is a 1982 down bag by Marmot with a Gore-Tex shell. With good care it has worked well for perhaps 600 nights. The sleeping bag and Exped pillows fit well in the waterproof bag. The kit came with an accessory bag that I found to be cumbersome to strap on, so that was left behind.
The Salsa bag that attached to my seatpost and saddle held the tent. Julie and travel by bike with a 3-person tent, roomy and comfy. The Salsa seat bag worked well, but since I used a rack and small panniers, I could have strapped the tent to the rack. The seat bag works well when I take of the rack for small errands. I purchased a Topeak bag for Julie but due to the stiffness of the bag it would not work with a rack. Perhaps another factor of a small bike.
I am sure others have different opinions of bags used for bikepacking. Each person will have individual biases. Go ride and have fun.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
The OR Helium jacket is light, packable, sheds water and is warm. In addition, it is a scant 6.3 ounces (on my scale) including the hood. That is all of the good news. The weather in South Dakota was wetter and cooler than expected for late June. Rain, primarily evenings, in the days before and during the Mickelson trail ride were frequent. At times the rain was moderate but not prolonged. The jacket kept me warm and dry and packed well in my bag under the top tube of my bike. The OR Helium is not a cycling specific jacket but you may find the weight and packability of interest for bikepacking. It is comfortable to wear. The jacket is snug compared to the roomy Marmot PreCip and North Face equivalent that I have been using on bike trips. I am about 5’5”, 132 lb. frame. I could wear two thin long sleeve synthetics under the size small Helium, so I don’t wish to classify the jacket as too small. I found it just right for my needs.
Lou and his Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket. Last camp. On South Dakota’s Mickelson Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
The reviews that I read state that the jacket will not tolerate a heavy rain nor a prolonged rain. Reviews also say that it is a “warm” jacket as it does not have pit zips. Because of my age and weight, I need the extra warmth which was provided by the jacket on cool mornings. I didn’t find it overly warm but my need for warmth is different than a younger person. I normally like pit zips but given weight and packability, I will be using the Helium on my bike travels over the next couple of years or longer as my Marmot PreCip is starting to show wear and my North Face is long past it’s waterproof capability.
The market for rain jackets is changing due to retailers (REI in particular) and many manufactures moving away from PFAS waterproofing. I am not going to get in to the environmental impact of long chain vs. short chain PFAS and other material being touted.
Race Face Chester flat pedals and Five 10 shoes
My son Ben equeathed his pedals and shoes to Julie for her early on-bike knee replacement rehab rides. She loved the pedals and shoe combo on her commuter bike. As I learned about shoe composition from my son, the sole of the Five 10 shoes is soft to “stick” to the metal projections on the pedal so that the two were made for each other. Julie and I debated about using flat pedals on the Mickelson Trail so I bought the same pedal/shoe combination that I put on my commuter bike for several weeks. I have found that compared to being clipped in (either via a strap or pedals) where I have 360-degree contact rotation, with the Chester pedals and shoes I have about 270 degrees of rotation.
Race Face Chester flat pedals and Five Ten shoes. Photo by Lou Melini
In the end we stayed with being clipped in for our trip for the short steep hills found in Custer State Park. If one just rode the trail and perhaps some of the gravel roads, the flat pedals would work great. I like the simplicity of the pedals and that I can use whatever shoe I happen to be wearing with the pedals though the Five 10 shoes seem to work well in tandem with the pedals. For a more comprehensive review of “clip-in pedals vs flat” go to the excellent article by Tom Jow in the Early Summer 2023 edition of Cycling West.
Giro Bike Shorts/Adventure Cycling Activewear long sleeve t-shirt by Craft
The Giro bike shorts are meant to be worn over a padded liner when cycling. I used the shorts to have pockets when going to a store as I don’t always use cycling jerseys with back pockets when I tour. The shorts are very comfortable, fit well and provided a small amount of added warmth on cool mornings due to the length. There is a zippered pocket on the right leg as well. On the two occasions I had a phone in this pocket, it stayed stable without any swaying with pedal motion. Light, packable and comfortable, a nice reason to pack the shorts along on trips.
Giro Bike Shorts/Adventure Cycling Activewear long sleeve t-shirt by Craft. Crazy Lou and Crazy Horse monument on South Dakota’s Mickelson Trail. Photo by Julie Melini
The Adventure Cycling Association jersey was meant to be a loose fitting, sun protection (SPF 35+) t-shirt on this trip. In the past I have found this shirt and others like it, to be cooler than sun protecting arm warmers. However, on this bike trip, the shirt was used to provide warmth in the cool mornings. As the temperatures rose. I find that the shirt is not overly warm. The “safety orange” color is nice when on the road.
