La Voix May 2024

Tribute to Edgar Burcksen

 

La Grange has suffered an incredible loss. Edgar Burcksen’s sudden passing this past month has been painfully felt throughout the entire club, evident by an outpouring of messages from club members with kind words and ideas for how to pay tribute to Edgar. The Board has been working on how best to honor this club member who has been so incredibly important to the past, present, and future of our club. We received the following email earlier this month from Jonathan Weiss, with ideas that he, Boris Starcevik, and Bill Birrell brought to the board on two ways that LG can honor Edgar, a long-time, much-loved member of La Grange.

These are:

  • Giving an award to the long-distance rider of the year

  • Naming the Santa Barbara ride in his honor

Jonathan writes: “I support the first, though I don’t oppose the second; they are not mutually exclusive. 

Why the long-distance rider award? We honor members for many things, like road racing, serving on the board, leading teams, etc.  But I don’t know if we recognize the century/double century folks (if not, this would be a twofer). Awarding long-distance riders in Edgar’s name would recognize their achievement and honor Edgar’s memory. 

Why Edgar? Others have said what a nice guy he was and how much he contributed. For instance, Edgar (along with Bill Birrell) put together the lasting tribute to our founder: “The Gift” film. But we don’t/can’t name things for every member who passed. So here is how Edgar was exceptional. First, to my knowledge, no club member did more centuries and double centuries.  And he supported others in the endeavor, as Rich Hirschinger attested in an email yesterday.  Second, few ride as actively into their mid-70s.  (He was 76 and generally rode 3-4 days a week.)  For me, Edgar was an inspiration – a wheel to follow into old(er) age. That is a gift that he (and the other senior riders, like his buddy Boris) gave us.” - Jonathan Weiss

We couldn’t agree more, and so we chose to honor Edgar in lasting ways so we can remember him each year in connection to the things he loved most. The board voted unanimously to rename our annual Santa Barbara Century Ride the “Edgar Burcksen Santa Barbara Century Ride” and, in the likely event we continue the tradition of awards at our banquet, giving an award to the long-distance rider of the year. 

Edgar Burksen passed away in April from injuries from a heart attack that occurred while riding home from his regular Tuesday ride along San Vicente.  

Edgar was a long-time LaGrange member who was a dependable, hardworking wheel just as he was in his life as an accomplished film editor, husband, father, and friend. Well into his seventies, Edgar continued to ride numerous double centuries and participated in many club events including the LaGrange Cup races. In 2006 Edgar edited the documentary “The Gift” about club founder Raymond Fouquet and Velo Club LaGrange's early days.


Edgar’s cheerful smile and laugh will be missed.

Edgar is survived by his wife Jana, his son Branko, and his daughter Romaika.

The family will announce arrangements at a later date.

 

RACING NEWS

Tour De Murrieta Race Report by Morgan James

 
 
 

Tour De Murrieta had a fantastic turnout for the pro women’s field! We had a fun and fast time in the two-day stage race. La Grange had a special guest rider, Rebecca Lang, racing alongside Monique and me in the women’s field. With some great teamwork, Rebecca led me out in the Crit to get us a 2nd and 3rd place spot on the podium. At Sunday's Circuit Race, Rebecca had an amazing race and secured the overall win. I hung into the overall General Classification standing and took 4th overall! An amazing weekend with amazing teamwork and sportsmanship all around!

 

Individual TT State Championships: Race Report by Morgan James

 

Peter and I raced in the individual time trial state championships on April 20th. We got lucky with minimal wind that morning, with a nice even tailwind on the home straight. Peter and I had some great performances that day, and we each took home a state championship title in our respective categories! A great day for La Grange!

 

CBR #4 April 21: Race Report by Morgan James

 

CBR #4 was the day after the Individual TT State Championships. We had some strong winds on the day, and with battered sore legs from time trialing the day before made race day even more interesting. I have been working toward earning as many BAR (Best All-round Rider) points in the series and took both points sprints to further secure my positioning for the overall GC. In the final sprint, I got unlucky with positioning but was happy to take 5th in overall. Super happy with where my fitness is heading as I prepare for the final 2 CBR’s of the series and Track Nationals in July!

 

Eldo Race Series: Race Report by Morgan James

 

Local weekday Crit racing has begun at Eldo! A great event for having fun with the community and getting some SOLID race training. Every Tuesday through the summer this event is a fun way to reach your fitness goals for summer racing. Love the people turning out at this event and making it all happen.

 

Victor Valley Grand Prix: Race Report by Morgan James

 
 
 

Was super excited to take the top step at Victor Valley Grand Prix in the women’s pro1/2/3 race! A cold start at about 40 degrees, but the legs quickly warmed up once I was able to make the jump into the front breakaway group. Some fast ladies in the mix with a close call on the field sprint.

 

Conquering the Elements: A Wet and Wild Ride at Levi's GranFondo Race Report by Rob Imrie

 
 

(Rob Imrie traveled to Sonoma for the Levi Leipheimer's King Ridge Gran Fondo on Saturday, April 13th.)

In the heart of Sonoma County, amidst the rolling hills and lush vineyards, cyclists from far and wide gathered for a challenge unlike any other: Levi's Gran Fondo. Among them was myself, ready to tackle the 121-mile Gran route of this iconic event on Saturday, April 13th. Little did I know, he was about to embark on a journey that would test not only my physical endurance but also my resilience in the face of being very, very cold!

Levi's Gran Fondo is more than just a ride; it's a testament to the competitive spirit of cycling and the beauty of Sonoma County's landscape. Conceived by professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer in 2009, this event has grown into a legendary gathering, drawing riders to experience some of the toughest stages reminiscent of world-class road races.

I decided to take-on the “Gran” route, which promised over 10,500 feet of climbing and some gnarly ascents that would push even the most seasoned cyclists to their limits. Among these challenges was the infamous King Ridge, a road that cyclists both fear and revere for its steep grades and breathtaking views and that meandered along the ridge line. Rob found himself grinding through nearly an hour of ascent, navigating gradients ranging from 5% to a punishing 15%, and crossing over a dozen wet, metal cattle “grates” on the road. Ouch!

But it wasn't just the climbs that were a test; Mother Nature had her own plans for the day. While the event typically enjoys blue skies and pleasant weather, this year we were greeted with pouring rain and temperatures in the 40s. Despite the initial light sprinkle, the weather quickly escalated into a downpour, turning the roads slick and the air chilly.

As if the rain wasn't challenging enough, the temperature swung drastically throughout the ride, adding another layer of complexity to the already demanding course. While descending at speeds of up to 49 mph, I found myself battling freezing cold winds that penetrated every layer of clothing. Yet, as I began the climbs, the temperature forced me to shed layers.

I soldiered on through the rain, pushing himself mile after mile, fueled by the camaraderie of fellow riders and the stunning scenery that unfolded around him. However, after seven + hours of battling the elements, I reached a point where the cold had rendered my fingers and toes numb - thereby making the difficult decision to bow out at the 90-mile SAG stop, unable to continue eating or hydrating myself.

Looking  back on this experience, I would recommend it to anyone (note: preferably find a time with blue skies :)). Be sure not to underestimate the importance of preparing for those climbs… especially with nearly 11,000 feet of elevation gain scattered throughout the route.

Beyond the personal triumphs and challenges, Levi's GranFondo holds a deeper significance as a beacon of community and philanthropy. With a strong emphasis on charitable giving, the event supports organizations dedicated to youth, health, and cycling initiatives, leaving a positive impact on the Sonoma County community.

The memories of that wet and wild ride through Sonoma County will be remembered forever.

CLUB NEWS

April LG 50 Goes to PV With Photo Opp at Luxxe New Location in MB!

 

April’s LG50 began at Ballona Creek and wound down the coast for a quick and awesome photo op of a huge group at the newest Caffe Luxxe location in Manhattan Beach! Once in Palos Verdes, the group climbed the switchbacks to the iconic domes and returned home in the exquisite Spring weather. SAG was thanks to Peter Dorantes and Dan Mitnick led the ride with help from a few good shepherds in the club, shout out to Geoff Loui and Bodie Olmos!

 

Club Photo Day To Be Held On May 19

 
 
 

Calling all La Grange members!

We are calling on everyone to show up for LG for this year’s club photo! Join your fellow photogenic La Grangers wearing the most recent Pedal Mafia Kit. If you don’t have the 2024 kit yet now is the time to order it, and you will need to borrow a jersey or vest for the picture. If you have extra jerseys or vests please bring them for others to wear for the photo. We will meet at SVO at 8 am and the photo will be taken at 8:30 am sharp.

Show your love for Velo Club La Grange by helping us to make this a huge crowd, and be sure to wear your new 2024 kit designed by Lisa Goldfarb!

 

Meet an LG Member: Dail Shang

 
 

For those of you who don’t know Dail Shang, who has been a member of La Grange since 2017, you should, and if you do, I hope you’ll learn something about this passionate artist/ cyclist and active member of LaGrange.

Hello Daili, where are you from/ where do you call home? 

I am from Beijing, China. I came to the US for school in 2011. Now I call LA home. 

What do you love to do other than bikes? I know you are also an artist - please tell me a little about your practice.

I love to hike with my dog and create art. As a self-taught artist with a background in physics, my art documents my journey of self-exploration. I believe in the possibility of finding happiness and fulfillment in doing what one loves. Through my own transformative path, I hope to encourage and inspire those who share a similar journey. You can read my story here: https://shangdaili.com/

What drew you to the sport of cycling and how long have you been a cyclist?

I commuted on my bike for about 1 hour a day from age 10 to 22 when I was in China. Being on my bike, focusing on every pedal, and being in the moment make me grounded. My bikes make me mindfully practice living in the moment.

Tell us about your bike(s)!!

Before I went off-roading, I did not understand why anyone needs n+1 bikes. Boy, before I knew it, I had way too many bikes. I kept my Specialized Aethos, Diverge, and Levo around to ride with friends. My favorite bikes are my Specialized Epic evo and Stump Jumper Evo. I like the downhill. Mountain biking taught me so many life lessons. It is the foundation of everything I have today.

How long have you been a member of La Grange? Do you have special memories or stories of your time as a member?

I joined La Grange in 2017 when I moved here. It was the second weekend after I arrived in LA. I was at a restaurant waiting for food after a KOM hunting ride with James and Leo. Dan Funk, Brian Crommie, and Doug Sparr walked into the restaurant and sat with Leo and me. I had only been on the road and knew nothing about the dirt. I was wondering what these people covered in dust were doing with their dirty bikes. Dan Funk, being a great advocate for La Grange, asked me if I wanted to join the club and ride dirt with them. I then crashed on Westridge singletrack on my first-ever gravel ride on a borrowed bike the following week. I was hooked and never looked back.

Do you have favorite bike-friendly spots (restaurants, services, businesses) in LA you would recommend to the club?

I ride on the east side a lot. I like to start my ride at Montra Coffee and finish my ride at Congregation Brewery. I love street tacos in front of Mitsuwa Market.

Do you have a vision for the future of La Grange? 

I see a future when La Grange inspires more people to ride bikes, especially women and youth, by making the sport more attractive and inclusive.

New Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in the last month (you can find them in our Member Directory):

Ron M, Clay W, Tara K, Nick R, Tim G, and Daili S.

Welcome everyone, La Grange is proud to have you with us!

IN THE NEWS

Team EF Coaching Performance Podcast

 
 

Check out the Team EF Coaching Performance Podcast with Olympic coach Matt Shallcrass on becoming a great all-round athlete, Dr. Kevin Sprouse on optimizing health, and Tejay Van Garderen on how training has changed.

We recommend Episode 1: Matt Shallcrass - Becoming the Omni Rider

In this episode of the Team EF Coaching Performance podcast we sit down with coach Matt Shallcrass to discuss the latest trends in training, his philosophy behind building Olympic champions, and developing the abilities to compete in all areas of cycling, like athletes such as Tom Pidcock, Pauline Ferrand Prevot, and Wout Van Aert, in other words, how to become the omni rider.

Cycling in LA: Bike MS Update from Lisa Goldfarb

 
 

Hi Everyone!

Honoring my yearly commitment to ride and fundraise for MS, I signed up for Bike MS: Los Angeles Coastal Challenge 2024. I participated in Bike MS century rides since I was a teenager. My father rode a yearly century for MS because his uncle had MS and now that my father has also passed I continue his tradition. It's a cause that means a lot to me and an organization I believe in. I have been a top fundraiser for Bike MS Los Angeles for the past several years.

La Grange members have asked me since I’m a board member that we should do more for charity. I created Team La Grange for Bike MS a couple of years ago. Here is your chance to participate…or donate to Team LaGrange!

The best part of this ride for me has been the relationships I've forged with other La Grange members through this event!

You can be part of the team and just fundraise or do whichever ride you like. 

Route distances: Day One 100, 60, 30 Day Two 50, 30

Fundraising Minimum: $350

The rides are June 1 and 2nd starting from Santa Monica and Ventura sign up here: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/team/TeamLaGrange

Contact me for details!

Lisa Goldfarb, lisa.goldfarb@lagrange.org, (610) 703-8918

Cycling in the World: No US Rounds On Compact 2024-2025 Cyclocross World Cup Calendar

 
 

The UCI announced the Cyclocross World Cup calendar for 2024-2025 with sweeping changes including a much later start with the first round on November 24th, and a lack of any rounds in the United States, which had been a fixture of the early season since 2015 with the first World Cup in Las Vegas. Read more on Cycling News.

SOS - Support Our Sponsors - 4iiii

 
 

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Why train with power? Power meters are not just tools for the elites. Everyone from a triathlete to a Gran Fondo enthusiast to those just riding to their local coffee shop can benefit from using a power meter. Benefits include:

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La Voix April 2024

 

CLUB NEWS
Meet an LG Member Interview: Sonya Chapnick

 

Hey LG! Please meet the new LG Member, Sonya Chapnick. Interviewed by Renée Fox.

Welcome to LG Sonya, nice to meet you at Helen’s night last month. Please tell us where you are from originally?

I have been living in the Santa Monica/West LA area since 1996. I was born in Boston and lived there until age 11. Then my family moved multiple times to both Ohio and Michigan. College days were spent in Wisconsin. After graduating, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I worked as a biologist in an environmental consulting firm for 7 years before I finally settled in glorious Southern California appreciating the pleasant climate.

What do you do other than bikes?

As an avid lover of nature, I spend time gardening, hiking, going to the beach, and appreciating all the wonders of nature. In addition, I am married to my husband Adam, have two teenagers and we have a full life. Despite the fact that I’m legally blind, I love to cook, “watch” movies, and “read” books. I also am the founder of YogaGently, a private yoga therapy practice focused on helping older adults cultivate an empowered sense of their own health and wellbeing, specifically improving mobility and overcoming chronic pain. My website is www.yogagently.com.

What drew you to the sport of cycling?

I have loved bikes since I learned to ride them as a kid. I stopped being able to ride bikes due to a rare degenerative retinal dystrophy I was diagnosed with after college, resulting in the beginning of visual decline. My husband and I were gifted a tandem bike in 2004, but used it minimally. Recently, I became interested in increasing my heart health, so I wanted to dust off my tandem bike and put it to good use. I was able to find some pilots through Cycling Blind, but I want to take my love for the sport to the races. 

Please tell us about your bike(s).

I currently own one tandem cycle, which is a Tandemania commuter bike. I also spend time riding with my friend on a Co-Motion tandem - the greatest cycle I’ve ridden yet.

When did you join LG and why?

I joined LG at the beginning of this year to meet more people who love cycling, to connect with riders who know interesting routes, and to be involved in racing opportunities. But most of all, I would love to find a female tandem captain who wants to ride regularly!

Please share a cycling story for LG.

My favorite ride so far was a tandem ride I did with my friend where we rode from Venice Beach to the Palos Verdes golf course all the way up the strand to the top of Temescal and back down to Venice. It was the most fun, I wasn’t even sore afterward, and I hope for more experiences like that this year. 

Do you have favorite bike-friendly spots in LA you would recommend to the club?

Since I’m still discovering cycling, I don’t yet have any favorite spots, but I’m eager to learn!

What would you like to have La Grange do as a club in ways that would make the club experience better for you?

Helen’s Night was really fun, I would love to have more opportunities to meet more La Grange members. Maybe LG could offer a new member's event or mixer in the near future.

 

New Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in February and March 2024 (you can find them in our Member Directory):

William H, Noé S, Sean K, Doug S, Martin S, Michael B, Peta T, and David S.

Welcome everyone, La Grange is proud to have you with us!

IN THE NEWS

Training: How Soon Can You Exercise Again After a Bout of COVID-19?

 

By Becky Upham at Everyday Health

Is it safe to work out right after recovering from the coronavirus — or even while you’re still a little sick? Experts offer answers to common questions.

 

Cycling in LA: Access to Hollywood

 

By Michael Charboneau for LA Times

Hollywood Boulevard is perhaps the most famous street in Los Angeles. Council District 13’s Access to Hollywood program has the goal of making this iconic corridor a more welcoming street and improving the experience for people walking and bicycling along the Walk of Fame and attractions along the entire corridor that make the communities of Hollywood shine. Access to Hollywood is the name given to a related series of projects that will improve the safety and mobility along Hollywood Boulevard. It also refers to related capital improvement projects and potential funding programs such as the Hollywood Vine Visitor Center and Restrooms and Hollywood Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District. Click here to learn more about the efforts that will help transform Hollywood Boulevard.

 

Cycling in The World: E3 Saxo Classic, Mathieu van der Poel Takes Stunning Solo Win

 

By Barry Ryan, Stephen Farrand for Cycling News

Jasper Stuyven finishes second place while Wout van Aert takes third after a long pursuit of the Dutchman. Read the full article here.

 

From Cyclocross to Spring Classics - Fem van Empel Debuts at Gent-Wevelgem

 
 

By Kirsten Frattini for Cycling News

”I am curious to see where I am in my first race of the year”, says Visma-Lease, a Bike contender. Read the full article here.

Just When We Thought TT Helmets Couldn't Get Any Weirder: Giro Leaves Us Speechless

 

By Josh Croxton published March 4, Cycling News

Visma-Lease A Bike use an 'innovative' helmet at stage 1 recon.

In the world of time trial helmets, things have been getting weird for a couple of years now. But as of today, you can forget the Specialized TT5 and its accompanying 'head sock,' and you can forget the Sweet Protection Redeemer 2Vi which broke cover with Uno X last season. 

They both had a reputation for looking a little bit, well, mad, but thanks to Giro, there's now a whole other league.  

At the start of Tirreno Adriatico, the Giro-sponsored Visma-Lease a Bike team have unveiled the brand's latest model, complete with an enormous visor, massive protruding leading edge and wide wings at the rear. 

Like the other wild helmets of late, it is bulbous in its shape and size, but the defining feature is undoubtedly the extremely protruding leading edge, which extends upward from the rider by a good 20cm, perhaps even more. 

The top-down view shows a totally smooth leading edge, save for a small black wedge shape across the top. It's unclear what the purpose of this is, or whether it can be removed for airflow. 

It also shows a total width at the trailing edge that is about the same as the rider's shoulders - Attila Valter's, in this case.

An increased overall size is becoming common in time trial helmets as aerodynamicists look to push air off the smooth leading edge and around the rider's not-very-aerodynamic shoulders. 

The first to toy with this type of wild design was POC, whose Tempor helmet was first unveiled way back in 2012 ahead of the London Olympics. It fell out of favour very quickly, before gaining popularity among time triallists as the understanding of aerodynamics became more widespread. 

Over the past few years, that understanding has seemingly made its way back to engineers and designers, and the popularity has helped them create wilder designs to cheat the wind. 

At the 2022 Tour de France, Specialized unveiled the TT5, complete with internal 'headsock' which smoothed out the rider's faces. Notoriously unusual - some might say ugly - in its design, is garnered plenty of publicity for the brand, and for the big helmet movement. On the same day, Filippo Ganna rocked up with Kask's Bambino Pro, complete with an unusual lens deflector that helped further to push air around the rider's shoulders and body. 

Soon after, Sweet Protection, working in conjunction with the Uno-X Pro Cycling team, unveiled the Redeemer 2Vi to a similar amount of uproar and attention. We questioned if that was "the wildest one yet," and if it was, we're pretty confident this new Giro helmet has usurped it. 

Quite frankly, it has left the team here in the Cyclingnews office speechless, with one colleague likening it's tall frontal face to a "double-decker London bus," - probably not the aero accolade Giro was going for.

Regardless of our jestful opinion, Visma-Lease A Bike are notorious for testing every piece of equipment they use, and Jonas Vingegaard and company wouldn't be using it in today's opening time trial at the Italian week-long stage race if they weren't sure of its aero credentials.

 

SOS - Support Our Sponsors

 
 
 

Caffee Luxxe

Enjoy a visit to any of the 8 locations and receive a 15% discount on your entire purchase (excluding gift cards)  when you present your La Grange membership card.

Locations include:
925 Montana Avenue & 225 26th Street (Santa Monica)
11640 San Vicente Boulevard (Pacific Palisades)
15200 Sunset Boulevard (LA) 22333 Pacific Coast Highway (Malibu)
6420 E. Pacific Coast Highway (Long Beach)
1028A Coast Village Road (Santa Barbara)

New: 904 Manhattan Ave, (Manhattan Beach)

https://www.instagram.com/caffeluxxe/

ACTS LAW - APIR, COHEN, TREYZON & SALO, LLP (ACTS Law)

Founded by four premier trial attorneys (Apir, Cohen, Treyzon & Salo), ACTS LAW handles high-stakes litigation in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, insurance bad faith, employment law, construction defect, business litigation, and much more.

La Grange members receive access to free track certifications at the world-famous VELO Sports Center. 

Apir, Cohen, Treyzon & Salo, LLP (ACTS Law) specializes in cycling-related personal injury cases. They can be reached at 310-793-1400

 

La Voix March 2024

RACING NEWS

MTB Race Season

 

MTB Race season! Letter from Daniel Marsh:

Hi Everyone,

The mountain bike race season is upon us and to get into the MTB groove we'll be targeting 3 races of the Kenda Cup this year.

  • March 2nd  Vail Lake in Temecula

  • March 16th Vail Lake in Temecula

  • June 15th Big Bear/ Snow Summit

All of the dates we are targeting are XC races, if you are more inclined for some rowdier enduro all of these races have a Sunday enduro component.

And if these targeted dates don't work for you but you're still interested in getting dusty, we've compiled this attached google sheet with a list of all of the local races this year.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Daniel Marsh

404-895-1901 | daniel.marsh117@gmail.com

 

CLUB NEWS
Event Recap: Helen’s Night (Feb 22)

 
 
 

Helen’s Night was a Blast!

The recent return of Velo Club La Grange Helen's Night was a blast! Helen's Night, supported by the renewed sponsorship from Helen's Cycles, stands out as a very special event on the La Grange calendar for the year. Jay and Helens staff were all super warm and welcoming, and the store looked fantastic, decorated with an awesome "Welcome Back Velo Club La Grange" printed banner on display.  Pitfire Pizza and beer set the stage for a memorable atmosphere for socializing and camaraderie. 

The substantial and exclusive discounts offered by Helen's (10% off on electronics,15% off on bikes and 25% off on accessories) added tremendous value, fostering a positive and engaging experience for La Grange Members. 

The return of this event reflects the strength of the partnership between La Grange and its sponsors, setting a promising tone for future collaborations. A huge thank you to Jay Wolff and the entire team at Helens for putting on this event for La Grange! 

Photos by Dan Chapman and Dan Mitnick

 

Event Recap: February LG 50

 

The Feb LG 50 Report: Topanga Canyon / Old Topanga & Mulholland Hwy

The February LG50 led by Dan Mitnick was a stunning day- perfect low 60’s, with a sparkling ocean and green mountains. It began as usual, at San Vicente with coffee courtesy of Caffe Luxxe, & snacks. The ride along the Pacific Coast Highway was a thrill- dodging new missing areas of road, and although there were 2 flats, everyone kept the rubber side down. Topanga Canyon / Old Topanga and Mulholland Hwy offered some good wholesome climbs and rollers, and riders naturally split into groups, each at their own pace. The roads were wet with running water, and so were the riders. By the time we got to Cornell we were ready for a nice rest stop with SAG provided by Peter Do, then on to Calabasas where the air was even warmer. After looping back over Old Topanga and Topanga, a small group carried on the tradition of the after ride brews. It was great to see such a large group on this ride, of both seasoned and newer riders, old friends and new, and so many in the handsome new 2024 kit!

Photos by Dan Mitnick 

 

New Kit Day!

 

The new 2024 La Grange kits have been spotted in the world and if we may so ourselves, they look sharp! We love the striped cuffs on the bibs and arm sleeves, matching vests and the beautiful fit and quality that PM is known for.

 In case you are waiting for gloves, other items or have comments or compliments to share, Anthony from Pedal Mafia is available for you! His letter on Facebook to the club: 

Hi Team, Anthony from Pedal Mafia here. 

I hope you guys are enjoying the kits! We got everything sent out besides the gloves because our team had ran out of material. Once they get the material they will finish them up and send them. Once they are sent you guys will receive an email with tracking. In the meantime let me know if you guys need anything. Easiest way to contact me is through email: anthony@pedalmafia.cc Thank you!

Enjoy this photo album by Dan Mitnick of the fresh look for La Grange!>

 

Epic Rides, KOMs, QOMs, bike travel

 

LA Tourist race By Dan Funk

<Hi all, I participated this past Saturday in the LA Tourist race.  While technically not a race, it is a timed ride with definite goals, so in my book that qualifies it as a race.  

According to their website, and I’ll borrow generously, The L.A. Tourist is a self supported self navigated race.  Based out of Burbank, CA the race departs at the break of dawn and sends you out into the world in search of a few GPS locations.  Your job is to make your own map and navigate yourself to each point.  <PHOTO>  In your travels you may encounter normal city traffic, fire roads, down trees, Sasquatch, single track,  river crossings and much more.  We place checkpoints that racers must find with GPS coordinates, once they get to the location they must tear a page from a book that matches their plate number.     

A couple of things not in the website.  First the enthusiasm of the participants separates it from other gravel events where riders seem more serious.  People are sharing course options, gear choices, offering advice to newcomers and greeting riders they’ve met on past LA Tourist events like old friends.  While it’s gotten larger, the organizer, Let’s Ride Cyclery in Burbank, still puts out coffee, donuts and other snacks for the early morning arrivees.  They also offer an other-worldly delicious michelin starred meat or veggie burger at the end of the ride along with beer on tap and other treats.  All this for the bargain price of $30. 

My reasons for participating, and this was my 5th event, rest in riding new trails and roads, especially exploring parts of the city and mountains that I would normally never visit. While only 80 miles, it is a hard event.  Some of the trails require you to get off your bike, and there is a definite adventure aspect.  For those not daring or stupid enough to try the full-on Tourist, there is the beginner Tourist, but my suggestion is to go all the way.  You can always bail early and that burger will be waiting for you!!

 

Meet an LG Member Interview: Kirsten Swanson

 

Hey LG! Please meet new club member and inspiring athlete and cyclist; Kirsten Swanson, as interviewed by Renée Fox.

Welcome to La Grange Kirsten! Where are you from?

Chicago. I’ve been in LA just over a year with 9 years in CA. Don’t ask me about riding in Chicago. The coldest race I ever did was 17 degrees at the start.  It’s all about the right clothing folks!

What do you like to do other than ride? 

Surf, run, swim, ski, tennis.

What drew you to the sport of cycling? 

I’ve always ridden my bike, but when I decided to do an Ironman I knew I wanted to get faster so I joined a racing team. 

What do you love most about cycling? 

I love being outside and exploring. The bike takes me to places you can only really appreciate the effort it took to get there. I also feel like I’m 10 years old again.

Tell us about your bike(s)! 

My newest is the Cervelo R5.  Since moving to LA my Open U.P. gravel and Santa Cruz 5010 cc MTB are gathering cobwebs. I also have an old Jamis cyclocross bike and a vintage 1973 Schwinn cruiser. 

When did you join LG and why?  

I was looking for more comradery and to meet new people in LA. I like to build my network of friends through sports. 

Can you share a cycling story for La Grange? 

Years ago, while living in Chicago, I signed up to do the Tour of CA mountain stage up Mt. Baldy. Because it was in the Spring time,  I did all my training on the compu-trainer doing Alpe d’Huez repeats. I felt fairly confident until I got a call from a journalist asking if she could interview me. I of course asked why she wanted to interview me. She said I was one of the very few women that signed up to do the ride plus I lived in the flatlands of the country.  Needless to say I said no because she made me second guess my ability to finish the ride. Long story short, I should have said yes. I had an amazing day on the bike!

Do you have favorite bike friendly spots (restaurants, services, businesses) in LA you would recommend to the club? 

Love my local coffee shop in the Culver City arts district for breakfast burritos after a long ride. Super Domestic 8545 Washington Blvd.

What would you like to see La Grange do as a club in ways that would make the club experience better for you? 

Name tags at the social events. I’m so bad at names!

Would love a women’s only ride and social. 

 

New Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in February 2024 (you can find them in our Member Directory).

Welcome everyone, La Grange is proud to have you with us!

IN THE NEWS

Training

 

5 Important Things to Consider for On-Bike Performance

By Yago Alcalde for Training Peaks

Discover essential strategies to enhance cycling performance beyond traditional training methods. Explore insights on comfort, pacing, race course analysis, nutrition, and aerodynamics for optimal results on the bike.

When we think about performing well in any cycling event, we usually focus on training: doing more kilometers or more hours. Yes, it is clear that performance is closely related to training volume in endurance sports. However, in addition to training a lot and training well, we must consider other factors that will also be very important when it comes to optimizing performance on the bike.

The Importance of Being Comfortable on the Bike 

Comfort is performance. It’s that simple. A cyclist who is uncomfortable on his bike will never be able to optimize his performance. When we are uncomfortable on the bike, sooner or later, that discomfort will turn into some pain. If this pain is prolonged over time, it can become an injury or an overload that will limit training and performance. Apart from the physical and functional components, being uncomfortable is also a significant psychological burden since our attention will be focused on the discomfort instead of the task at hand.

Let’s look at some examples: if my head is focused on my neck hurting, I will concentrate less on keeping the pace, looking for the best line or choosing the best gear. For a comfortable and efficient position on the bike, the best investment is to look for a cycling biomechanic with experience and good references to help us adjust the bike according to our characteristics. Small changes in the configuration of our bike can mean significant differences with the passing of hours and thousands of pedal strokes. Getting a good position on the bike is not simply about setting the saddle height right; many more settings need to be optimized.

Managing Pacing 

In an endurance sport such as cycling, in any of its modalities, the management of pedaling intensity is a determining factor when it comes to optimizing performance, mainly because energy is finite and fatigue is cumulative. To use a car analogy, our fuel tank (muscle glycogen) is the same as a car: as we pedal, our tank empties. And the more intense we pedal, the faster it will exhaust. A car’s fuel consumption at 90 km/h isn’t the same as at 150km/h, is it? Well, no. The harder you go, the sooner you’ll use up your gas. And we never want to run out of gas before we reach the finish line. It’s easy to understand but difficult to execute.

Getting stricken with cramps usually indicates that our pace management has not been the best and we have reached the bottom of the tank. On many occasions, the so-called “race number effect” plays tricks on us when it comes to managing our pace since our motivation in the heat of battle makes us pedal beyond our means and disregard any planning. Learning to choose your rhythm well is mostly a matter of experience. In addition to learning to know our limits, we can use heart rate and/or power to help us not exceed certain thresholds.

Course Analysis

In any event we do (mountain, road, triathlon), knowing the characteristics of the route will help us establish a better strategy to optimize our performance. On the one hand, we have the technical aspect, especially in mountain bike (MTB) events. Ideally, you should try to pre-ride the course at least once to get to know the most technical areas and help you find the best lines for speed on competition day —  on the road, too. So, going to the race location a day or two in advance is highly recommended to try to recognize the terrain. An e-bike can help as it allows us to access the key points of the route with less effort, especially in MTB races.

In addition to the technical component in the descents, it is essential to know what the orography of the race is like, that is, how many climbs we must overcome as well as the characteristics of them. The duration of each climb will determine the optimal intensity to overcome it, and knowing this in advance will be very useful. We don’t face a five-minute climb the same as a one-hour climb.

A factor to also take into account is to know the terrain that comes after each climb, as it can be a decisive moment that decides a race. For example, if a downhill section comes after a climb, with little technical difficulty or a downward slope, it may not make sense to get away from the group on the climb. Since it is more than likely that we will be caught as soon as they take a few turns together on the descent. On the contrary, let’s imagine there is a technical descent after reaching the top, and then there is the finish line. It could be an opportunity to attack on the climb.

In the end, it’s about knowing the terrain to make a good strategy. The topography will also determine gearing choice.

Eat, Drink and Save Energy.

In cycling slang, this has always been referred to as “EDD” — eating, drinking, and drafting. What do we mean by the concept of drafting? We’re talking about trying to save as much energy as possible by taking advantage of the slipstream of other cyclists. In case you don’t know, aerodynamic drag is the main force we must overcome when riding on the flats and above 25 km/h. The force of gravity (weight) is the main resistance when we go uphill. Riding on the flat behind another cyclist saves around 20-25% of our energy output. And it can go up to 50% if we are in a peloton. Taking advantage of this opportunity is important to save as much energy as possible for the most critical moments.

This is not to encourage you to be the typical wheel-sucker cyclist who takes advantage of others. Whenever there is collaboration in a group, we are somewhat obligated to do our share and pull in front of the group equitably. But it’s one more strategy we should use to our advantage whenever possible. If there are riders who are stronger or more motivated to ride at the front of the pack, let them work for you.

Beginner cyclists often make big mistakes in eating and drinking. It is more than proven that eating (solid or liquid) regularly while pedaling is one of the best ways to delay fatigue and perform better. When racing, we must have a nutrition and hydration strategy defined in advance. Consider the duration and topography of the terrain to manage when, what and how much you need to eat. Focusing on carbs per hour is probably the easiest approach and should be practiced during several workouts in training for the race.

Optimize Aerodynamics

Except for most experienced triathletes, aerodynamics is easily ignored by many cyclists and triathletes. Optimizing aero details will give us an extra advantage that can always be welcomed. One belief is that aerodynamics are only important above 40km/h, which is false. From 25km/h and faster, aerodynamics plays a major role in speed and output. The most significant aerodynamic advantage we can get is free, as it consists of learning how to ride in a lower position on the bike.

It is very common to see cyclists riding on flat terrain, generating and wasting many watts with their arms stretched out and their heads held high. Unaware that so much power is not generating more speed since the shape of their body provides extra resistance to the air. In these cases, there is a big difference if we gradually train ourselves to ride with our hands on the front of the grips, our elbows more flexed, our head a little lower, and our elbows turned inward. It’s easy to save between 20 and 30 watts by adjusting your bike position.

In addition, if we add well-fitting clothes and an aerodynamic helmet, we will have more free speed. Even aerodynamic socks can be a little extra help that can always be welcomed. The opportunity for improving aerodynamics in mountain biking, where the average speeds are very low, is minimal, if at all worthwhile.

 

Cycling in LA

 

Want to see L.A. up close and personal? Join a group bike ride. 

By Michael Charboneau for LA Times

Image caption: Cyclists from the Total Trash Cycling Club ride up the Verdugo Mountains. The group’s name is an homage to Sonic Youth. (Los Angeles Times illustration; photo by Michael Charboneau)

Riding a bike in Los Angeles is an act of defiance — against car culture, against endless sprawl, against bike lanes that disappear without warning and against gaping potholes. But on the best days, riding a bike is a pure joy. And I’ve found that you can get even more out of those moments with this one easy trick: Ride your bike with other people.

<My intro to group riding came thanks to Total Trash Cycling Club (the name is an homage to Sonic Youth, one of the club founders’ favorite bands). I first discovered the group on Instagram, and I was intrigued by its videos of riders exploring trails around L.A., its all-are-welcome vibe and its members’ love for restored ‘80s and ‘90s mountain bikes — exactly what I ride. (Meet: Stu Pickles.) I joined my first ride with the group last spring, and it was a blast: The group was super friendly, and we explored some primo, new-to-me singletrack (a narrow dirt trail about the width of a bike) around Cherry Canyon Park in Glendale.

I recently joined another Total Trash ride, and I was reminded of how fulfilling and fun riding with other people can be. When I ride solo on L.A. streets, I’m painfully aware of how exposed I am and how easily a distracted driver can crush me. But while surrounded by a mass of riders, I felt safe and empowered. Our big crowd stood out so drivers couldn’t ignore us, and gliding along the street in a group helped me relax and soak in my surroundings in a way I never could riding solo, let alone from inside a car. I noticed brightly painted storefronts; I could smell meat cooking at a taco stand and hear people chatting outside bustling restaurants. I felt like I was part of the city rather than just moving through it.

The ride took us up into the Verdugo Mountains. And when we finally rolled onto some dirt, it was thrilling. Aside from my own adrenaline rush from riding a new trail, I loved watching other cyclists navigate the twists and turns, and talking with them about the ride at the bottom of the hill made the whole experience more vivid.

Of course, Total Trash is just one of many cycling clubs in Los Angeles. No matter where or how you like to ride, there’s a cycling group for you. The Mixed Race, for example, is a longstanding meetup that holds speedy road rides every Thursday in West L.A. (routes change with every ride, but they generally cover around 30 miles). Every Friday, Highland Park’s Allez LA bike shop hosts group rides showcasing all kinds of terrain. One recent ride took participants on a mixed-surface route past Lake Hollywood and up to the Hollywood sign for panoramic views of the city. For a beginner-friendly option, try one of the weekly Family Rides hosted by the Los Angeles Bike Academy and We Major. These rides often include a stretch along the paved Ballona Creek Trail, which gives you the chance to enjoy peaceful pedaling away from car traffic. And that’s just a sampling. You can browse a comprehensive calendar of open rides in L.A. that Trash Panda Cycling and Mobility for Who have put together; there are events happening all over the city almost every day of the week.

Pump up those tires, grab your helmet and get out there: Meeting other cyclists and experiencing the city at pedaling speed is always worth it.

 

Cycling in The World

 

New study shows cycling can reduce inflammation just like cold plunging

By Ron Johnson Momentum for MAG

A recent Finnish study published in the European Journal of Public Health looked into how walking or cycling to work, known as active commuting, might affect our health. The study involved over 6,000 working adults in Finland and found some interesting connections between this kind of commuting and our body’s inflammation levels.

Inflammation is bad, and, like many things, cycling has a role to play. Had a low back issue? Or maybe an allergic reaction to medication? Likely, inflammation, which causes an array of ailments, and has been linked to much worse medical issues such as arthritis and cancer, was at work. To stem the inflammation tide, we pop ibuprofen and other over-the-counter meds, but we also do things like plunging our bodies into frigid bodies of water. Cold plunging has become immensely popular for one reason: inflammation.

So, what if we told you that riding your beloved bicycle to work, alongside countless other benefits, also helps with inflammation? Does it beat plunging into ice water? For many, the answer is surely a resounding yes. Cue the study.

A recent Finnish study published in the European Journal of Public Health looked into how walking or cycling to work, known as active commuting, might affect our health. The study involved over 6,000 working adults in Finland and found some interesting connections between this kind of commuting and our body’s inflammation levels.

Good News for Cyclists

The study discovered that people who cycled or walked to work for 45 minutes or more every day had lower inflammation levels. In fact, the difference was quite significant, about 16.8% lower compared to those who didn’t engage in active commuting. Even when the researchers considered other factors like how much physical activity people did during their free time or at work, the link between active commuting and lower inflammation held up.

Even if you’re not cycling for 45 minutes, those who commuted actively for 15–29 minutes still showed lower inflammation levels, though not as much. Interestingly, these benefits were more noticeable in women.

Why Does It Matter?

Inflammation in our bodies is linked to various health issues, like heart problems. So, finding ways to bring down inflammation is generally good for our health. This study adds to what we already know about exercise being good for us, showing that even the simple act of biking to work can make a difference.

Considering Other Factors 

The researchers also thought about things that might not be so great about cycling, like breathing in more polluted air or dealing with more noise. Surprisingly, the health benefits of cycling seemed to outweigh these concerns.

What Does It Mean for Us?

This study suggests that choosing to cycle or walk to work doesn’t just benefit our health individually; it could also be good for the environment. It’s a win-win situation – we get healthier, and it’s better for the planet. As we all look for ways to take care of our health and the environment, hopping on a bike for the daily commute seems like a pretty good idea.

Here is a link to the full study https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurpub/ckad213/7464029?login=false

 

In other Racing News…

 
 

A Novel Piece of Fraud.

From Cycling Weekly 

By Adam Becket Image credit: Cynisca Cycling

Professional cycling is no stranger to skullduggery and intrigue, but an announcement from the sport's governing body, the UCI, on Monday morning, revealed a novel piece of fraud.

A press release from the UCI's Disciplinary Commission stated that the American women's Continental team Cynisca Cycling attempted to sign onto a Belgian one-day race last year using a mechanic dressed up as a rider to meet the five-person threshold. The squad did not take part in the Argenta Classic – 2 Districtenpijl Ekeren-Deurne, but attempted to "despite not having the required number of five riders to take the start". 

Cynisca, and the team's then-directeur sportif, Danny Van Haute, attempted to "deceive the Commissaires’ Panel into believing that a fifth rider was present and could take part in the event", the UCI said. Initially, this was done by the team's four riders lying about the whereabouts of the fifth rider, who was said to be ill. When this didn't allow the team to compete, Van Haute made the team's mechanic dress up as a rider and wear a face mask, in order to sign on.

"The Disciplinary Commission found that, although only four riders were present and available to start the event, several members of the team had participated in a fraud under article 12.4.008 of the UCI Regulations by attempting to deceive the Commissaires’ Panel into believing that a fifth rider was present and could take part in the event," a UCI spokesperson said. 

"The team’s Sports Director, Danny Van Haute, instructed the riders present (Anna Hicks, Cara O’Neil, Katherine Sarkisov and Claire Windsor) to lie about the whereabouts of a fifth rider – who was not physically present at the venue – when questioned by the Commissaires," they continued." The riders stated to the President of the Commissaires’ Panel that a fifth rider was present but ill. 

"Then, upon being informed by the Commissaires that the team could not participate if all five riders did not sign the start sheet and take the start, Mr Van Haute instructed the team mechanic, Moira Barrett, to wear a rider’s clothes and a face mask, to present herself at the start and sign the start sheet as the team’s fifth rider."

As a result of the attempted fraud being uncovered, Van Haute has been suspended from cycling activity until the end of 2025, and hit with a fine. Barrett has been suspended from cycling until September, and fined, while Hicks, O'Neil, Sarkisov and Windsor, have all been reprimanded.

Cynisca is also suspended from the next UCI race that they were due to participate in, the UCI said. Neither Van Haute or Barrett are employed by the team in 2024, but Windsor, Sarkisov, and O'Neil are still riders with the squad.

The decision remains subject to an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A spokesperson for Cynisca Cycling told Cycling Weekly on Monday afternoon that it was a "one-time mistake" and that they had apologised for the events.

"At the time of the event, other team management/staff were unaware of the deception carried out by Mr. Van Haute and the mechanic," they said. "Upon learning of the incident, the team took immediate actions internally and terminated all current and future relationships with Mr. Van Haute and the mechanic. The team then fully cooperated with the UCI investigation.

 "Cynisca Cycling understands the need for disciplinary action taken by the UCI. The team did not and will never condone this sort of behaviour. This was a one-time mistake by a rogue director."

"We thank the UCI Disciplinary Commission for their careful consideration of the actions. On behalf of the team, we once again apologise to the event organizers for the behavior that occurred at the event.  

"The team looks forward to continuing our mission to advance more women in cycling."

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