La Voix November 2023

RACING NEWS

Monique Snieders Takes Gold In Manchester

 

Monique Snieders won gold in the track Points race in Manchester this year representing La Grange! La Grange Women’s road race team captain Laura Martin interviewed Monique to learn how she achieved this major success.

What was the pivotal moment or event in your career that made you realize you could become a world champion in cycling?

It all started with cycling on the road with a fast group of cyclists in San Clemente. I started riding with this group and was quickly able to keep up and they recommended the track for me. I signed up at the Carson Velodrome to be certified and loved it. It just came naturally to me. I knew track racing was what I wanted to do and knew I could be very good but I never thought I could be a world champion because that honestly didn’t even cross my mind. In fact, I didn’t know I could be a world champion until I actually competed in the world championships and won.

Can you describe your training regimen and the sacrifices you've made to reach this level of excellence in your sport? 

I train 6 days a week and before a big event sometimes twice a day. It’s a huge sacrifice. It is not cheap and requires a lot of time but I am very goal oriented so it’s fun for me. I love a new challenge and want to be the best in everything I do. I know that sounds intense but I am just wired that way.

How do you mentally prepare for high-pressure races and maintain focus during competition?

Track racing is nerve-racking (the slightest mistake can cause you to lose and/or crash) and physically painful. Plus, I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to win, which causes anxiety. Prior to the race, I try to remind myself how rewarding it feels after the race when I perform well. If track racing was easy to win, it would not be nearly as fun. Of course, sometimes I lose, but so long as I give it my all I can live with the result. Reminding myself of this ahead of time makes the hours leading up to a race easier to deal with. Maintaining concentration during the race is relatively easy because I’m in the zone and racing is so intense it is difficult to lose focus.

What is your favorite cycling memory from your championship-winning journey, and why does it stand out to you?

I loved last year's world championships where I won 4 gold medals but I also realized I competed against mostly American racers, and so to compete in Europe this year and win a gold, silver, and 2 bronze, and far exceed my personal best in the 500 and 2000 meters was very gratifying, especially since I had changed coaches about two months before the competition and so was adjusting to a brand new training regimen. I was confident it would pay dividends but until you go out there and do it you never know.

Could you share a particularly challenging moment or setback you've faced in your career and how you overcame it? 

Yes, I took out the entire USA pursuit team this year at the Elite National Championships when I made a really stupid mistake. I just wanted to quit after that. I let my whole team down, physically injured myself and a member of the opposing team. I felt horrible and never wanted to see the track again. But after a couple of hours, I realized cycling meant too much to me to quit and got back on the horse. My coach BJ Olson helped me to get my confidence back. We worked very hard to get me ready for the World Championships in Manchester, England and I had an amazing week: one Gold, one Silver, and 2 Bronze. I am still celebrating. LOL!

Cycling involves a great deal of strategy. How do you approach tactical decisions during a race, especially in high-stakes situations? 

You can’t completely plan track racing. It doesn’t matter how many races you watch live or on YouTube. Every race is different and so I am just following my instincts most of the time and letting adrenaline take over. That said, as I have become a more experienced racer (I have only been competing on the track for two years) and become more familiar with the sometimes technical rules of the various events (scratch race versus points race versus tempo race versus elimination race, etc.), it is easier for me to make tactical decisions on the fly.

Many aspiring cyclists look up to you as a role model. What advice would you give to young athletes aiming to achieve success in the sport of cycling? 

When you know your passion is cycling and you know you excel at it, stay focused and disciplined so you can realize your potential at an early age. I wasn’t focused when I was a young athlete so now I will never know what my true potential could have been if I had started pursuing the sport seriously as a child or teenager.

Nutrition and recovery are crucial in an athlete's life. Can you discuss your dietary habits and recovery routines that help you maintain peak performance? 

I have a pretty balanced diet and eat healthy most of the time. Rather than eating large meals, I eat small amounts continuously throughout the day. I have difficulty consuming a lot of protein but after I started training 6 days a week I managed to increase my protein consumption with the help of protein shakes. Every day I add trace minerals and iodine to my diet and before races I drink coffee and beet juice, and consume GU. I trust my coach when it comes to peak performance and recovery. I do what he tells me to do. I still need to discuss further my daily dietary habits with him because I feel I can do better with that. I probably eat too many potato chips, cookies, and processed carbohydrates. Besides trying to eat right most of the time, I wear compression boots almost every day after tough workouts. Lastly, I make sure I get enough sleep especially when I race.

What do you believe sets you apart from your competitors in the world of cycling? Is there a specific quality or skill that you think gives you an edge?

I am naturally very competitive and want to be the best in everything I do. I am very determined and have high expectations of myself. In the sports I love to do you have to be fearless and aggressive. I am both of those and it helps to win.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow for good luck or mental preparation?

Yes, I want to get good sleep the night before I race, otherwise, I am tempted to give myself an excuse not to do well. Same thing with my coffee, GU, and beet juice. I need to have that before I race.

Can you reflect on the importance of teamwork and the support of your coaches and teammates in your journey to becoming a world champion?

Yes, coaching is very important. I am a self-motivator but the fact I have a schedule in TrainingPeaks helps to keep me on track towards my goals. Obviously the kind of customized program, including weight training, my coach writes for me is important to achieve my goals.  Track cycling is not really a team sport but I love training with people who are better than me. It makes me stronger. Finally, it is fun during break time to be with a good group of athletes for the comradery and mental support.

How do you stay motivated and set new goals for yourself after achieving such a high level of success in your career?

Setting goals is the most important thing, otherwise, you are training your butt off and might not even know why. After the Masters World Championships, it’s always a little hard to stay motivated. It’s October, the race season is over and the Holidays are around the corner but I will have my new goals for 2024 picked out and sent to my coach by the end of November. For me, it is easy to stay motivated as long as I am getting faster year over year.  Because I am relatively new to the sport and work very hard, so far my times and mass racing results have only been getting better. It may become a struggle for me when that is no longer the case. At that point, I may search for my next challenge. 

Could you share your thoughts on the future of cycling, potential changes in the sport, and your own aspirations going forward?  

My goal is to keep winning and improving. I have observed that in all the races I participate in there are more male than female racers. I would love to see more women compete. I believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there. Probably the biggest barrier to entering the sport for most people is the cost. I would like to see more venues built to make the sport more accessible.

Lastly, what message or inspiration would you like to convey to the cycling community?

Cycling is a healthy sport people can do their whole life. It can be done anywhere at varying intensity levels ranging from recreational to serious racing, and in many different environments—e.g., track racing, mountain biking, road racing, or gravel racing, etc. You never know where cycling can take you but you can be certain you will meet a lot of great people along the way.  While I will retire from racing someday, I will continue to ride my bike for the rest of my life. I simply love it. 

 

CLUB NEWS
Recap: Oktoberfest LG50 To Encinal

 

October’s LG50 was a ride filled with stunning vistas and heart-pounding moments. Led by Peter Dorantes with SAG provided by David Newcombe and John Fox, the ride delivered what it promised: scenic views, camaraderie, and a touch of Bavarian charm. 

October’s LG50 began with a large festive group in double paceline. We pedaled through Malibu and regrouped after the inevitable splits imposed on us by the Pepperdine hill. The group conquered the mesmerizing Encinal climb to arrive at an opulent sag stop on Decker just before Mulholland. Delicious treats, handmade by Peter, like Bavarian salad (sliced ring bologna, Emmental cheese, and pickles) and big soft pretzels with homemade herb and garlic butter were on offer, making the SAG feel like a fun party!

The descent of Mulholland Hwy was truly thrilling, with big sweeping turns and technical tight hairpins. Gravel in the road caused a flat and sidewall tear, which gave our members a chance to support one another, as Geoff Loui helped repair Lee Ziff’s tire with a boot, and a small groupetto with leadership by Jaycee Cary, Peter Do, Aaron Druckman, and Alain Giaimowaited for the last riders and Geoff and Lee to ride back to SVO and finally Brew Works where we enjoyed delicious cold beer and Chicago style pizza together.

- As reported by Renée Fox

 

The Annual La Grange Banquet

 
 
 

(Renée Hagen, 2022 Winner of Robert Fouquet Award for the Best Racer, and Rich Hirshinger, 2022 Winner of the La-Granger-of-the-Year Award)

It's time for the Annual La Grange Banquet, Sunday, November 5th from 12 pm to 3 pm. This year, for the first time the wonderful Santa Monica Italian food gem, Stella Barra, will host!

This year’s banquet will include The La Granger-of-the-Year winner announcement and another awesome raffle, where you have a chance to win some great prizes from our Sponsors:

  • 4 Rudy Project Glasses: Spinshield & Kelion models ($840 value)

  • 4 gift cards to fuel yourself up, courtesy of The Feed

  • Framed art from Shang Daili ($250 value) 

  • 2x $50 gift cards for coffee from Gary @ CAFFE LUXXE ($100 value)

  • A gift card to the Pedal Mafia’s retail store ($100 value)

  • 3x $25 gift cards for Gilbert’s El Indio ($75 value)

  • A gift card for Lunetta ($50 value)

  • A choice of either 1x 10-week group lesson or 2x one-hour private lessons for either pickleball or tennis at Beverly Hills Tennis, from our sponson Lee Ziff

The Grand Prize Raffle will be held again this year! Prizes include:

  • 4iiii Power Meter Certificates

  • A wheelset, courtesy of Bike Improve ($1,200 value)

  • A gift voucher, courtesy of Canyon Bikes ($4,000 value)

Raffle tickets are available for $1 for the smaller prizes and $15 for the Grand Prizes. The $1 tickets are only available at the banquet and the winner must be present. The $15 tickets are available both online and in-person and the winner need not be present to win.

You must be present to win the wheelset and the power meters, but you don’t have to be there to win the bike.

We hope to see you there and be sure to buy plenty of raffle tickets to increase your chances of winning.

Banquet Details:

November 5, 2023, 12 pm - 3 pm

Stella Barra

2000 Main St

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Price: $30 per person

You can purchase $15 raffle tickets here

Purchase banquet tickets here (note: you must logged in)

 

FDR And La Grange Members Rode Glacier National Park!

 
 
 

LG club members Renée Fox, David Newcombe, and Geoff Loui (who is also a member of Big Orange) joined FDR (Friendly Donut Ride) this October for an epic cycling trip to Glacier National Park! Carefully organized by FDR founder Joann Zwaggerman, this was truly a bucket list experience. Joann and Eric Arentson drove with bikes and gear in the Big O van and the rest of us flew to Kalispell, Montana. We stayed in Wonderstone, a new resort in Glacier, with beautiful rooms designed by Joann!

Our first ride was led by the fabulous Megan Jones, @skiergirl who used to race in LA. Meeting Megan was one of the highlights of our trip. With her magnetic smile and gorgeous new salmon pink Specialized Diverge, Megan took us on a stunning ride on champagne gravel roads where locals use gravel bikes but we, especially David N., tore it up on road bikes with 25’s. The air was divine with the scent of sweet pine and the fall foliage peaking, with shimmering gold aspens and Larch pines that stood in exquisite contrast to turquoise glacial lakes and streams. 

The queen stage was Road to the Sun inside Glacier National Park. After the previous day’s road closure for winter weather conditions, we were in luck for a chilly start! I’ve seen rides like this watching the Tour: long snaking climbs up imposing mountains, through a rock tunnel with stone arched windows so you can see the lake below, snow at the clouded summit, and snow melt flowing across the narrow road! 

At the top, we put on insulated coats and puffer jackets and descended the road we climbed. Just glorious. I ride for times like these!

A huge thank you to all the Big Orange Sponsors, FDR, and Joann for making this trip possible. I can clearly envision LG hosting travel trips like this someday!

- As reported by Renée Fox

Piuma Hillclimb & LG Picnic

 
 

The Piuma Hillclimb has become the fall classic of cycling on the west side. Since 2001, La Grange has offered up an intramural smackdown where club members can engage in friendly battles amongst themselves for nothing more than a recorded time and bragging rights… until the next year!

A solid 50 club members and a host of invited guests including TdF yellow jersey wearer, Dave Zabriskie, assembled at the base of Piuma Road in Malibu for pre-event chatter, tactics, photos taken by Dan Chapman, etc… Most riders simply wanted the opportunity to complete the event so their name would be included in the master list of club member participants that now stands at an even 600! 

Temps could not have been better for climbing. Low 50s at the start and mid to upper 60s at the finish line. Larry Goodman did the honors with the whistle blow and we were off at a hair after 9 am. Despite the perfect conditions, a number of LG ringers were unable to match their times from 2022. Chalk it up to all of us being a year older! Still, some solid times were recorded and the festivities at the summit of Saddle Peak were top-notch (Thanks Jaycee!!!) 

Our category winners:

Peter Dorantes                 Men’s 40-49    0:36:54

Eddie Monnier                  Men’s 50-59    0:38:44

Daniel Funk                       Men’s 60-69    0:40:29

Renée Fox                          Women’s 40-49    0:54:20

Janice Carrelle                  Women’s 50-59    1:09:37

Trish Bakst                         Women’s 60+        1:02:08

Andy & Cara Applegate      Tandem                0:48:13

Special mention goes out to Waylon Zabriskie who spanked everyone with a time of 0:33:36!

- As reported by Marco Fantone

 

La Grangers, Friends and Family enjoying the Picnic

 

Another good turnout for the La Grange Annual Picnic at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. Many familiar faces and some new ones were out and about enjoying the near-perfect weather on Saturday, October 14th. 

Long-time La Grange food purveyor Charlie Hacker of Rich Friedman Catering managed to transport a wonderful meal to and fro. Despite a locked gate, steep access ramp, and bumpy trek, an attractive setting allowed many hungry cyclists and their friends to enjoy a generous helping of delicious food. 

As a tradition, Seniori Fantone officiated the scoring announcement, beer stein, and all.  More than one onlooker speculated that if Marco had climbed Piuma with as much alacrity as he bounded atop the picnic table he might have moved up several places in the results. Regardless, while some old-timers shed a tear when they heard their time, not a drop of beer was spilled during the officiation.

All in all, it was a lovely day in the park to get together with friends and fellow cycling enthusiasts. 

- As reported by Dan Mitnick

La Granger Stair Climber Nick Gillock

 
 

NICK’S REPORT:

“This is my one Crossover event of the year. The 30th edition of the YMCA/US Bank Tower Stair Climb. The challenge: how fast can you climb the 75 floors / 1,664 steps.  I again rocked the La Grange kit and finished well, around 22 seconds off my PR from last year. 

Pacing was terrible and my HR was completely read-lined by about ½ way up. Suffered massively for the last 30-floors. Next year’s plan is to have a strategy for pacing. This is a great test of the late season cycling muscles/fitness.

LMK if there are any LG’ers who want to join me in 2024.” 

2023 Details:

Event: Friday September 29, 11:30 am start

Results: 12:49

10th fastest for the day out of 1,886 finishers  

7th “Elite”  Finisher   

Fastest Male over 50 by nearly 2 minutes

La Granger Rob Imrie Takes Podium At The SB100

 
 

While his preference is the full SB100 mi + Gibraltar ride, this year La Granger Rob Imrie decided on the SB100 km Metric Coastal Route instead.

The scenic views inspired him to give a little more, resulting in a 3rd place finish with a time of 3h 40 mins (less than half of one second behind first place) leading him to wonder what just one extra hard push off the saddle would have done.

See the route and the views on Strava.

Meet A Member: New LG President Peter Dorantes

 
 

For this month’s Meet an LG Member, board members Renée Fox and Dan Mitnick interviewed the new La Grange President, and bike racer, Peter Dorantes, a self-described perfectionist and focused hard worker who shared his vision for LG and how cycling is a way of life.

Can you tell us about when you first learned to ride a bike?

I learned to ride a bike by myself at the age of 5. I was obsessed with road bikes at a very young age. We had a big international race that went through my hometown and I always dreamt about participating one day. My first job in the summer of 1986 was working for a local bike shop where I learned all about bikes and training. My first road bike was a Schwinn special build 10-speed with tubular tires.

What is your vision for the club, racing, and non-racing members?

My vision for the club is to create a dynamic and welcoming environment for both racing and non-racing members. I believe in the power of community and the positive impact it can have on individuals' lives. I believe we can achieve this vision through the following initiatives:

  • A variety of social events on and off the bike will foster camaraderie among our members. We can create more opportunities for everyone to connect and have a great time.

  • By introducing young people to the joy of cycling and our supportive club atmosphere, we aim to inspire the next generation of riders. We can launch outreach programs to local schools and communities.

  • I'll actively work on creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their skill level, background, or experience. I see our club as a place where riders of all levels can thrive and grow. 

  • I’d like to see La Grange provide resources and training for both new and experienced riders to enhance their skills, promote safety, and build confidence.

  • Beyond our club, we have the opportunity to engage with the broader community through charity rides, partnerships with local businesses, and support for cycling-related initiatives.

Philosophically how does bicycling fit into your life at large?

It's more than just a means of transportation or a hobby - it's a core element that reflects my values and beliefs. 

Bicycling provides a unique and intimate connection with Nature. Whether it's cycling through scenic landscapes, urban environments, or quiet country roads, the act of riding a bike is a reminder of our interdependence with the environment. 

Cycling promotes a healthy lifestyle, keeps me active, and helps me clear my mind and find balance. Bicycling is a low-impact mode of transportation that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. I can actively contribute to a greener future. 

Cycling has introduced me to a diverse and passionate community that shares the same love for the sport, and reinforces my belief in the power of shared experiences. Every hill climbed, every distance covered, and every obstacle overcome is a metaphor for personal growth and resilience. Bicycling has taught me to persevere and push my limits. 

In sum, my personal philosophy prioritizes a harmonious connection with nature, personal well-being, sustainability, community, and personal growth. And so bicycling is a way of life that contributes to my overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.

IN THE NEWS
Women's Cycling Is Let Down By A Lack Of TV Coverage

 

Kasia Niewiadoma, Winner of UCI Gravel World Championships 2023.

 

Hot on the heels of the non-televised women’s UCI Gravel World Championships came the Tour of Chongming Island, where there was confusion and a lack of clarity over the race’s live coverage, and then shortened coverage itself. Read the full article on The Leadout.

Training For A Century On A Tight Schedule

 
 

With a focused and structured training plan, you can get in the best shape of your life while training an average of one hour per day. See the full article by Zach Nehr on Trainingpeaks.

UCLA Reintroduces Earn-A-Bike Program

 
 

UCLA Transportation announced Oct. 16 that it is bringing back its Earn-A-Bike program, which will allow employees and graduate students to trade their parking permit for a free bicycle. Learn more here by Leyton Breese.

Sponsored: VELOFIX

 
 

Submitted by Velofix

Velofix is your one-stop mobile bike shop and they do a lot more than you may have thought.

Whether it’s at home or on the road, did you know that…

1) They build & service all types of bikes (Road, MTB, Gravel, TT, E-bike, etc.)

2) They provide full suspension rebuilds in-house (90 and 200 hr services) 

3) They provide warranty services like for the Shimano Hollowtech II Crank 

4) They have all parts and groupset needed to repair, swap, or build out your new frameset

5) They box and ready your bike for travel with you or via Bikeflights

6) They support at-home bike trainer setup and troubleshooting

Contact Velofix for your bike needs!

Enjoy ALL Of Our Wonderful Partners!

 

2023 La Grange Partners

 

La Grange is incredibly fortunate to have such awesome partners! With our partners, you can satisfy virtually every aspect of cycling: Apparel, Accessories, Bikes, Repair, and nutrition. We also have partners to assist you when you have to live your non-bike life: Dining, Legal, Real Estate, and Engineering. Log into the La Grange website and check out your member-only benefits.

SOS—Support Our Sponsors

 
 
 

APEX LAW

Life is complicated so everyone needs a good lawyer. We have one of the best with Tom Fitzgibbon and Apex Law. Specializing in Real Estate, Construction, Environmental, and Complex Commercial Litigation, Tom will take care of you!

Read more about Apex Law.

LEE ZIFF REAL ESTATE

As a longtime LG member and once a US National Cycling Team member, Lee is your “real estate champion”. Lee can handle all of your real estate needs, from residential to income properties, buyer to investor. Lee is your man!

Contact Lee.

 

New Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in October 2023: Troy H., Scharla H., Joann Z., Cindy S.

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

(In case you were wondering, we don’t include last names here to protect online personal privacy.)

November LG Event Calendar

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! Bold events are LG Team Targeted Events.

  • November 5th — The Annual LG Banquet

  • November 8th — LG Board of Directors Meeting

  • November 25th — The November LG50 Ride

Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Renée at renee.fox@lagrange.org

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