La Voix May 2024

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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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SOS - Support Our Sponsors - 4iiii

If you’re in the market for a power meter or heart rate monitor, remember that LG Members benefit from 35% off certain 4iiii products.

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:

Power Numbers Are Consistent
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Find your next power-product!

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