Click on a blue link to go to that section of La Voix
RECAP: The 2022 LG Cup 500m Sprint
MTB Race Report: Colin Rose finds joy in the dirt
EPIC RIDE SUMMER: Lisa G.’s Big Bear Rumble
The LG Cup Piuma Hill Climb (+ LG50) is Coming This Month.
SAVE THE DATE: The 2022 La Grange Club Photo
EPIC RIDE SUMMER: Joey B. gravels in Iceland
Griffith Park Road Changes Make It Safer for Cyclists
SPONSOR: Apex Law: For your Complex Legal Issues!
Do you know about your Member Benefits?
RACING NEWS
August Racing in Pictures
The race season is winding down but your LG racers made the most of it by racking up some impressive results. The team raced south in Irvine, over in La Verne, and Nicole and Maya respresented up north. Congrats, Team!!
Notable Results:
Aurélia Taleb-Ahmed — 1st Cat 5 women (La Verne Grand Prix)
Renee Hagen — 1st Cat 4 women (La Verne Grand Prix)
Nicole Steinmetz — 2nd Cat 1-4 women (University Road Race)
Maya Debrouwer — 2nd Varsity women (NICA Collegiate Championships)
Peter Do — 3rd 45+ Cat 1-3 men (La Verne Grand Prix)
Morgan James — 5th Cat 3 women (La Verne Grand Prix)
Peter Do — 5th 30+ Cat 3/4 men (La Verne Grand Prix)
Dan Funk — 10th 60+ Cat 1-3 men (Irvine Grand Prix)
photos: ©Island Cyclist, some unknown LGer
Short and Sweet: Another LG Cup Sprint!
Wow, another great event! Folks turned to brave the valley heat and go as fast as possible around the concrete oval. Special thanks to everyone who helped out: Thomas Byrnes, Geoff Loui, Bruce Tsai, Jonathan Rios, and Jan Datomi. We appreciate you all!
Notable Facts:
Fastest Woman: Aurélia Taleb-Ahmed (44.496)
Fastest Man: Makoto Okamoto (40.283)
photos: Rich Hirschinger and Geoff Loui
LG MTB: Colin Rose finds joy in the dirt
By Colin Rose
(TL;DR - Yes, La Grange does ride dirt. Join Colin for some fun! - Ed.)
I'm new to LaGrange, and I've been looking forward to racing cyclocross with the team this fall. I wanted to do some racing this summer in preparation for the cross season and thought this would be a good excuse to try out cross-country mountain bike racing. I have an old mountain bike and what I thought was pretty good fitness at the start of summer, so I tuned up my bike and picked a four-race XC series near Big Bear.
I borrowed a LaGrange jersey from Daniel Funk and signed up for the 40-45 Sport Category (which is roughly equivalent to a 3/4 category race on the road). I didn't figure I'd do well in my first race, and I wasn't disappointed, but I did learn a few things: 1) XC racing is NOT like cross racing -- the tactics are really different. I went out far too hard, then had a difficult time controlling my bike on the technical descents because my heart was about to explode. Which led me to; 2) I had the wrong type of fitness for XC racing. XC races are about twice as long as cross races and require better stamina than I expected. My legs didn't hurt too much, but my lungs were in agony. And 3) I learned that I really needed to learn how to descend on a mountain bike. A lot of the gains I'd make while pedaling uphill were quickly lost whenever we went downhill. But I had a great time!
So after the first race was done I started training specifically for XC races. I renewed my Zwift account and started the Singletrack Slayer training program, which is a 10-week set of rides to help with the punchy, low-cadence efforts that you encounter in a cross-country race. After that, things improved dramatically. I picked up on race tactics pretty quickly, my downhill skills started improving, and the fitness gains I got from Zwift allowed me to keep up with the best racers in my category. I did two more races in the series and got second place in both of them, and ended second overall in the series standings. I had a great time and thought it was a fantastic experience. As a long-time cyclist and racer, it was really fun to feel like a newcomer to the sport again, and it was really satisfying to work on new skills and see my efforts pay off. For anyone thinking of trying out XC racing, I would really recommend it -- let's get some more LaGrange racers out there next summer!
CLUB NEWS
“Hi, Craig!” The August LG50 Ride to Calabasas.
The LG50 rides into the shady respite of King Gillette Ranch. Video: Geoff Loui.
Our popular tradition of the monthly LG50 ride continued last month to Calabasas. We traversed some beautiful and sparsely traveled roads, taking riders to places many had never been. The lovely rest stop at shady King Gillette Ranch featured ice-cold cokes and watermelon slices. Special thanks to our new secret weapon, Craig White, for driving SAG.
Photos: Craig White, Rich Hirschinger, Geoff Loui
EPIC RIDE SUMMER!!
Lisa G’s Big Bear Ramble
By Lisa Goldfarb
(TL;DR - Always smile and have fun. It distracts from the misery. - Ed.)
This year I’ve made some new best friends since joining the Velo Club La Grange; Rachel Noonan and Megan Yang. These ladies are so fun and are killing it on their bicycles. All I had to do was mention Tour de Big Bear and 5 min later Rachel booked an Airbnb. She gets things done! Our friends Thomas Hass, Kristy Fleek, Alan Brunell, Alesia Gainer, and La Grange's one and only Larry Leisten joined us for a 3-day house party, some hiking, and lots of biking!
“A few of us” who dwell at sea level experience some unpleasant brain-melting, reduced lung capacity, and digestive nonsense at 6,759 ft., the altitude of Big Bear Lake. Luckily we arrived Thursday to acclimate. It was a rainy day but the cloud formations were amazing. We took some beautiful hikes and easy rides, ate delicious home-cooked food, and really enjoyed each other's company. We literally went a bit bananas with how much food we all brought.
I didn't sleep well the night before the race. Maybe it was the altitude, maybe I was just overly excited, or maybe that super steep 6-mile hike was just a little too much the day before but boy, did I feel like crap Saturday morning. My Whoop monitor was deep in the red, for once confirming how I felt! I really couldn't imagine how I was going to cycle 100 miles when I woke up at 1 am and didn't get back to sleep.
Thankfully after some coffee “we” were able to shake off the sandman's grip as well as begin the ride lighter than when “we” went to bed and then rode the 2 miles to the start at Bear Mountain Resort. The temperature was crisp and cool at 7 am. It felt nice. It warmed up throughout the afternoon but the weather couldn't have been better the entire day. We really lucked out!
Each rest stop had a different theme like Hawaiian or Pirate and was staffed with bubbly volunteers in costumes. The offerings were always fresh fruit, homemade granola balls, boiled potatoes, and sometimes bacon, pickle pops, chocolate fondue, or s'mores!
The route was gorgeous. It included the climb up to Snow Summit and back, around Big Bear Lake and up to Onyx peak, around Jenks Lake (which I somehow imagined as a flat loop and was shocked with the steepest climbing of the whole route), and back up Onyx peak.
I kept a moderate pace, took some pulls and drafted whenever I could, made some friends en route, downed a lot of Gatorade and my personal stash of cliff gels, kept trucking and nothing was holding me back!
Epic 100-mile Big Bear in the books!
Next up, Mammoth Gran Fondo. See you wheel suckers there!
(Ed - Total Mileage 104.4 miles, 8,255 ft of climbing, Historic 499 Effort Level!!! Great job, Lisa!)
The LG Piuma Hillclimb is Here + LG50 + Picnic!
The world-famous La Grange Piuma Hill Climb returns Saturday, September 24th! This hammerfest is always a highlight of the year, with 100+ members and non-members giving their all as they race up the vaunted Piuma Road. On the same day, September’s LG50 ascends the climb as well, albeit at a much more civilized pace. Racer or not, there is something for everyone. This day will be awesome! Race registration opens Sept. 10.
And the Annual Post-Piuma Picnic starts at 12 noon following the hill climb. Details coming soon. Hope to see everyone at both events.
SAVE THE DATE!
More details coming soon!
EPIC RIDE SUMMER!!
Joey B. in the Land of the Ice and Snow
By Joe Bernadello
(TL;DR - My name is Joe and I take “epic” to a whole new level. - Ed.)
The Rift - Gravel Race Iceland is over! Hardest, roughest gravel terrain I’ve ever ridden. Rocky, sandy, snowy, bumpy…we had 4 seasons in a day and at least 10 river crossings. It was a blast!
IN THE NEWS
New Griffith Park Road Changes Benefit Cyclists
I have always thought of Griffith Park as one of LA’s most valued outdoor gems. When I lived Eastside, I rode in the park weekly and always marveled at this bastion of nature surrounded by major urban sprawl. After the recent tragic killing of a cyclist, city officials have now closed a portion of the park roads to cars. And more changes are promised. I am a firm believer that parks like this should be havens for cyclists, pedestrians, and kids and not speeding drivers. I look forward to seeing more families and cyclists enjoying the park more safely.
APEX LAW: What are Complex Legal Issues?
What are complex legal disputes? Who should I talk to if my business or I face a lawsuit? Who do I talk to if I want to make sure I get sound legal advice when entering into significant transactions or making important business decisions so I can protect myself and minimize the risk of litigation? Read on to find out!
Complex legal disputes are ones that may involve many parties in the litigation, involve multiple related lawsuits including associated insurance disputes, involve significant amounts of money or valuable real estate, involve lots of evidence in the form of electronically stored information, or involve complicated areas of law, including cases in federal court. These can arise in many business and personal contexts, such as buying or selling real property or entering into a commercial lease, developing a new business or negotiating terms with one or more business partners, buying or selling a business or investing in a business, entering into a construction contract, selecting the proper types of insurance for your business or entering into important business contracts with vendors, customers or key employees.
It is important that you seek legal advice early in the process and understand that you don’t pay lawyers to be scriveners and simply write agreements--they should understand your business and be a key resource to provide timely and insightful advice and ask many questions so you can properly structure transactions and manage the risk associated with your business and economic activity. Or they can help you navigate out of disputes successfully in the most cost-effective manner when they do arise. If you remember one thing from this article, the earlier you get your legal counsel involved, the better and more cost-effective their advice will be!
Complex matters are different than typical legal matters such as personal injury claims, simple property damage situations covered by insurance, modest-size landlord-tenant disputes, or family law matters. While those cases are important to the litigants, which is almost everyone at some point, the legal services required are typically handled by lawyers from the insurance company or lawyers that specialize in that narrow field of expertise, such as family law.
Apex Law APC is a law firm run by Tom FitzGibbon that specializes in handling complex legal matters of all types, often in (1) real estate & environmental matters for both litigation and compliance, (2) insurance and financial services disputes, and (3) corporate and technology matters including intellectual property, for litigation and advice. We work with clients to develop procedures to avoid litigation where possible, including effective negotiation approaches and contract drafting, understanding applicable regulatory requirements, and having effective internal policies and procedures.
Our practice involves thoroughly understanding the interests of the client and developing a strategy to resolve disputes cost-effectively, including through the use of technology to analyze information and budgeting to make sure outcomes are as economically efficient as possible. While legal matters can be expensive, not addressing them properly early on can be more expensive.
WE HELP CLUB MEMBERS
If club members have questions about their business activities or specific legal questions, including if litigation has already arisen, we are happy to consult with you about effective approaches to making sure your legal needs are met. We have handled a great many legal matters for club members over the years, and if we are not the right fit for your matter, we can usually point you in the right direction to find the best legal counsel for your case. Remember, reach out early for the best outcome! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you succeed!
Business E-mail: tom@apexlaw.com
Business Phone: (310) 230-5280
UKRAINE: A War and a Bike
Words and pictures by Artur Edamov
In the relative safety of the United States, it is not uncommon to consider world events with a certain level of detachment. The Russian invasion of Ukraine however, has struck a nerve with many citizens of the world. This photo essay by a Ukrainian cyclist makes the invasion feel very close to home and his modern bicycle reminds us that it is happening to people like you and me, now and not in the distant past.
HEY!!!!! What are my Member Benefits?
La Grange is incredibly lucky to have such awesome partners! With our partners, you can satisfy virtually every aspect of cycling: Apparel, Accessories, Bikes, Repair, and training. We also have partners to assist you when you have to live your non-bike life: Legal, Real Estate, and Engineering. Log into the La Grange website and check out your member-only benefits.
Support Our Sponsors
Apex Law (Tom Fitz)
Life is complicated so everyone needs a good lawyer. We have one of the best with Tom Fitzgibbon and Apex Law. Call Tom today and get it done right.
About Apex Law…
Canyon Bikes
Whether you’re winning stages at the Vuelta or cruising the LG50, Canyon has the right bike for you. Find yourself a new ride today and use your La Grange discount.
Find a new Canyon here…
New and Returning Members
Please say hello to our new members who joined in August 2022!
New members: Jonathan M., Ryan K., Pietrangelo V., Laura M., Joe D., and Freddie J.
And a hearty welcome back to returning member, Michael M.
Welcome, Everyone! We are thrilled to have you.
LG Event Calendar for September
This calendar is where you’ll find all of our upcoming events IN ONE PLACE. You’ll find both LG On-Bike and Off-Bike events as well as non-LG events. Check it out and bookmark it! Here is the schedule for September. Bold events are LG Team Targeted Events.
September 10 – Mammoth Grand Fondo
September 14 – LG Board of Directors Meeting (All Members Welcome)
September 24 – LG Cup Piuma Hillclimb & Picnic (club event; All Members Welcome)
September 24 – September LG50 Ride (club event; All Members Welcome)
Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Jaycee at jaycee.cary@lagrange.org
