La Voix August 2021

La Verne Grand Prix: Bikes+Brews+Music

 

La Grange and Majestic Cycling’s inaugural La Verne Grand Prix was a rousing success. La Grange had podiums by Tina Grant, Taisha Walker, and Papo Panganiban. The course was exciting and challenging and seemed to be enjoyed by the racers. A few things that made this race unique is we had a beer garden sponsored by Worthy Brewing and Old Stump Brewing. The garden gave folks a place to chill, hang out, and have a beer. The afternoon/evening race format lent itself to the beer garden but we also had nighttime fixie bike racing that was just insane! Cash payouts in all categories, courtesy of Agnew/ Brusavich, made for dynamic racing. Lastly, having live music from Shaman Cult was a joy. Their groovy jazz/chill/funk, complete with a psychedelic light show, was a perfect end to great day! Check out the pictures below.

Special thanks to our following sponsors
who helped make the LVGP a unique and successful event.

A bonus video of the light show of Shaman Cult.

 

The LG Sprint is coming!

 
 

You love the Track? Do this! You’ve never ridden on the Track? Do this! You’ve never been to a Track? Do this! See more details here!

RACING NEWS
Tina and Taisha: 1st and 1st in 3/4/5 @ La Verne!

 
Cat 3: Captain Tina Grant

Cat 3: Captain Tina Grant

Cat 4/Novice: Taisha Walker

Cat 4/Novice: Taisha Walker

Full Race filmed by Tina Grant.

 

 

Papo Panganiban fights to 2nd @ The LVGP

Second place for Morgan in the W4/5 field at Ontario.
 

La Verne Grand Prix Cat 5 Race Report

This was my 1st Majestic crit race. I’ve done CBR a couple of times but this one was special because I’m representing La Grange, the first team that I joined when I first came here to the US. Before the race I already knew who to watch for a breakaway, sprints, and so on. My goal for the race was to stay up and avoid a crash. I’ve had some decent results in the past so I really wanted to win. On the last few laps, I knew I needed to go to the front to contest the sprint. It was a fight getting the best wheel since a lot of people knew me already and wouldn’t let me in. On the last turn, I was 3rd wheel and sprinted to 2nd place. Overall, I was very happy with my finish. Thank you to all the organizers. It’s an honor representing VCLG. Thanks for reading.

— Papo

JULY EVENTS RECAP
All-Clubs_LA Community Ride

It was a lovely day on the bike with the All-Clubs_LA group. We had a huge turnout of several hundred people from all walks of life. Numerous clubs were represented and smiles abounded as we rode in fraternity and respect. We should all be grateful for Ken Vinson and this wonderful group of riders. Velo Club La Grange is proud to be part of such an inclusive and diverse cycling community. (photos by Jaycee Cary)

All-Clubs_LA on Facebook

 
 

Raymond’s Birthday Ride with LABA

 
 

We had a great turnout at the annual Raymond’s Birthday ride! We started the day with an introduction to the young folks from La Bike Academy. Kudos to LABA founder, Damon Turner, for empowering these young folks with cycling and life skills. Velo Club La Grange was proud to present LABA with a check for $580 to help them with their mission.

The Nichols ride was the usual throwdown. There was good-time suffering had by all. The ride finished with free crepes, coffee, and croissants. New friends were made and old friends reunited. Raymond’s daughter, Zizi Fouquet Howell, brought some awesome pictures of Raymond’s life and shared many a story. Thanks, Zizi! We are proud to honor Raymond and his French heritage. (most photos by Tina Grant)

 
 

Support Our Sponsors

 
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Tom-Fitz.jpg
 
 

Agnew/Brusavich:
Bike Injury Law Firm

If you’ve been injured while riding a bike or just have a question about your rights as a bike rider, call Gerry Agnew at 310-928-9081. He will give you a prompt and honest assessment of your situation.

Apex Law:
General Law Firm

For the rest of your legal challenges, try Tom at Apex Law (310) 230-5280. La Grange members receive free initial consultations for Real Estate, Commercial, Environmental, Financial, and Insurance legal matters.

 

New Members

Please welcome our new members who joined in June 2021!

  • Daniel H., David H., Alfie S., Gerry A., Kevin C., Matt W., Philip K., Christa S., Drew P., Andrew J., Robert F., and Max K.

  • And a hearty welcome back to returning members, Susanne B. and Frank T.

Welcome, everyone! We are happy to have you.

LG Event Calendar for August

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 August!

  • August 7 – Tour de Big Bear

  • August 8 – LG Cup #2: The 500M Sprint

  • August 11 – LG Board Meeting

  • August 22 – Majestic Ontario Crit

  • August 2 – LG50 Ride, sponsored by TriFit LA

Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Sam at sam.selfridge@lagrange.org

La Voix July 2021

LG Sponsors The La Verne Grand Prix

Velo Club La Grange is very proud to announce that we are sponsoring an exciting criterium race, the La Verne Grand Prix, on July 24, 2021. This race will feature the best amateur and professional Crit racers in a beautiful tree-lined setting. We will have a beer garden, vendor and food expo, kid’s race, and some of the best women’s and men’s racing in the country! Did I mention the twilight Fixed-gear Turbulence Race? This is sure to be a highlight of the 2021 Southern California racing calendar. More details to come. Hope to see you there!

 
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Same race, different name…Cory Williams Wins!

 

VOLUNTEERS
Let’s make this race a success! We need volunteers! Volunteering is easy, fun and you can really help out. Reach out to Alfie Sanchez from Majestic Cycling at alfiesanchez@aol.com for more information.

 
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RACING NEWS
June La Grange Racing

 
 
 

Tour de Murrieta - W3/4/5 Grand Prix - Full Race filmed by Tina Grant, 6th place overall

 

 

Morgan James powers to 2nd @ Ontario

Second place for Morgan in the W4/5 field at Ontario.

Second place for Morgan in the W4/5 field at Ontario.

 

Ontario Majestic Crit Race Report

This was my first race of the season and I was a bit nervous. Coming to the race site and helping my fellow team members set up Fort La Grange early before the race start helped settle my nerves as we all got our bearings together to warm up. As we warmed up, I felt the moment settle in. This being the first race in over a year brought back the missed pre-race jitters. As we came to the line, the team felt strong together, standing out in our bright red kits. Once the race began, it was quite obvious everyone was being quite precautious, including myself. The race was holding a slow pace and we knew that could cause trouble. Speeding up the race by taking pulls off the front, many La Grangers showed their fitness in this aspect, although tiring many of us for the sake of a safe race. I was just recovering from a couple of weeks of having a cold, so my fitness wasn’t exactly where I wished it would be for my first race. Coming into the finish, Tina was anticipated to be my lead-out, but I wasn’t able to hold on to her wheel. I ended up with a 2nd place Cat 4 finish and so did captain Tina! Overall, it was a great day and venue, although I wish the primes were announced while the race was slow and dangerous in order to incentivize a more intense race. However, I am happy to have been surrounded by my fellow La Grangers and to have had a safe and fun race! Thanks for reading.

Morgan

Peter Do breaks away @ Tour de Murrieta

 
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Race Report: Tour de Murrieta 2021 (two stages)

The first stage was the usual six-turn criterium in downtown Murrieta. The race was really fast from the beginning. Unfortunately, I missed the break and ended up in a field sprint for 17th place. overall.

The second stage was the hard and exciting circuit course in Murrieta. We had a really strong 35+ / 45+ field. This race was also very, very fast from the beginning. On the third lap, Phil Tinstman and Rudy Napolitano went on a breakaway. I decided to bridge over to the break and brought four other guys with me. Then we had a very strong six-man breakaway for the next seven laps. We were able to stay away from the field with a really good gap. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the power at the end to sprint and ended up with 2nd place in the 45+ category. Thanks for reading!

Peter

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
All-Clubs_LA Community Ride

 
 

ALL-CLUBS_LA is Back! Our friend and local man-about-town, Ken Vinson, has organized a community ride where all local riders and clubs can come together in friendship, family, and respect. The ride is Saturday, July 17. La Grange will be rescheduling July’s LG50 ride to coordinate with this ride.

THE RIDE
On July 17, 2021, at 11 am, All Clubs_LA will resume activities with a short, easy pace recreational ride with purpose: "All-Clubs_LA!!! We are stronger together than apart!" This ride will go from Hawthorne to the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro. For a round trip of 35 miles, this will be a no-drop social ride. La Grange will be taking a group from the Marina del Rey Bridge at 6:30 am to join at the starting point, for a total of 70 miles. Refreshments will be available at the start and finish. More details to come.

THE MISSION
All Clubs_LA was created, in part, to build bridges among the diverse communities within our cycling ecosystem where open and honest dialogue could occur within an atmosphere of respect for differing opinions. The discourse that happens over the common act of riding a bike has proven to create bonds that turn acquaintances into friendships.

The All-Clubs_LA rides are intended to create an atmosphere where people can get to know each other and to be a place where everyone is invited and welcomed.

Here is the event on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/2e0WWXKLI

Ride with LA Bike Academy

 
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In the spirit of Velo Club La Grange’s efforts to support youth cycling in our community, we are thrilled to partner with Los Angeles Bike Academy. LABA’s mission is to empower, educate and develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills in boys and girls between the ages of 12-18. The Riders of LABA will be joining VCLG on Sunday, July 18, for a very special Nichols Ride. This will be a notable event as we present this worthy organization with monies raised from the proceeds of our Nichols kit. Not only that but we will be celebrating VCLG Founder, Raymond Fouquet’s birthday. More details to come but mark your calendars. This will be a day not to be missed.

LG Event Calendar is Live!

 
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The La Grange event calendar is up and running. 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 July!

  • July 10 – LG Cup #1: Trancas TT

  • July 14 – LG Monthly Board Meeting

  • July 17 – All-Clubs / LG50 Community RIde

  • July 18 – Raymond Fouquet Celebration / Nichols Ride with LABA

  • July 24 – The La Verne Grand Prix, sponsored by La Grange

  • July 31 – LG Santa Barbara Century

Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Sam at sam.selfridge@lagrange.org

SOS: Support Our Sponsors

 
 
 

Free Skratch Bottles now at Bike Improve

Every member of Velo Club La Grange gets TWO FREE SKRATCH WATER BOTTLES courtesy of our friends at Skratch Labs. If you haven’t already received yours then top by Bike Improve today to pick yours up.

How do I get a killer deal on _________ ?

In the market for a new helmet, a bike, sunglasses, legal advice, nutrition, cycling shoes, an aero fit, orthodontia, kustom clothing, an aero fit, a house in the hills, coffee, some gym time, or jaw yoga? Check out our wonderful sponsors.

 

New Members

Please welcome our new members who joined in June 2021!

  • Jonathan R., Shilpa R., Shayna S., Taisha W., Anna L., and Aaron W.,

Welcome, everyone! We are happy to have you.

La Voix June 2021

The Popular LG50 Rides Return with Epic Route

Last Saturday, La Grange held their first LG50 ride since the start of the pandemic. It was a welcome return. About 75 riders strong, They rode from Santa Monica to Griffith Park. They returned via Downtown LA and the Exposition Bike Path. It was an epic day. The day was challenging with the rolling hills of Mulholland and interesting with the urban grit of Downtown. We even had some “cyclo-cross” and “bike hauling” due to some unexpected closure on the LA River Bike Path. Overcast skies, hills, and detours did not dampen the spirits and humor of this great group of riders. A huge thanks go out to Dan Baron for leading the ride, Jan Datomi for SAG support, and Pablo Maida (and others) for shepherding the group.

 

Photos courtesy of Dan Mitnick, Dan Chapman, Jan Datomi, and Jaycee Cary

 

RACING NEWS
LG Race Team Holds 2021 Team Camp

La Grange’s Annual Team Camp is always fun and exciting! It’s a chance for team members to develop camaraderie while working on team exercises, technical drills, road safety, and BBQ eating. The LG race goal is to Race Hard and Have Fun. Typically our camps are weekend travel affairs but this year we brought the camp to Santa Monica and our own backyard. Relive the 2021 La Grange team camp on video!

 

Video: Tina Grant

Video: Tina Grant

 

May La Grange Racing

 
 

 

LG Releases 2021 Targeted Race Calendar

Garnett Whitmire lll flying the LG colors!

Garnett Whitmire lll flying the LG colors!

 

LA GRANGE DOES A LOT OF RACING!

La Grange is proud to release the 2021 race calendar. 2021 has gotten off to a late start but things are ramping up. The races above are La Grange’s targeted races which mean they are where La Grange brings the full complement of racers and support. But they are not the only races La Grange participates in. Go to any local bike in So Cal and expect to find La Grange racers throwing down. Interested in racing? Reach out to Tina or Trevor!

We Need Your Help!!

 
The Fantastic Adventures of Dan and Jan!

The Fantastic Adventures of Dan and Jan!

 

VOLUNTEERS MAKE THIS CLUB WORK!

Do you appreciate VCLG and want to help out? Your Board of Directors and numerous other generous members work hard to help Velo Club La Grange be the best club possible. We are constantly striving to deliver value, benefit, and compelling experiences to our members. But we can’t do it without you and we need your help. Some of the ways you can help would be:

  • Help SAG or setup an LG50 Ride

  • Assist the Race Team at a local race

  • Work with our Activities Committee on the LG Social Happy Hours

  • Recommend a sponsor

  • Submit a ride, race, or event suggestion

Running a bike club is hard work but so rewarding. What is your passion and how can you help? Please consider lending a hand and volunteering with La Grange today!

Head-down James, Rahsaan, Rudy, and Alex Tackle The Toughest Race in America!

 
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Race Across America (RAAM) is billed as “The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race!” For 36 years RAAM has been challenging ultracyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches. Starting June 15th, 2021 in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, RAAM spans 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states, and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca.

Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. This year there is a team racing that is from our local cycling community and contains a few La Granger’s and local legends! Team Bahati, led by 10x National Champion Rahsaan Bahati, features Alex Isaly, local hardman Rudy Napolitano, and the indefatigable James Cowan. These are “Riders With A Mission”!

If you know these guys, then you know they are all absolute beasts and are destined for a great result. I urge you to donate to their cause and follow them on their iconic journey in the Race Across America! Your support will help inner-city youth improve their life skills by promoting positive values, healthy habits, access to ed-tech, and cycling.

— Show your support today below! —

FOLLOW all the action with Results and Live Tracking here!

CHECK OUT about Team Bahati’s previous 2017 effort here!

READ the official Press Release

SOS: Support Our Sponsors

 
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Free Skratch Bottles now at Bike Improve

Every member of Velo Club La Grange gets TWO FREE SKRATCH WATER BOTTLES courtesy of our friends at Skratch Labs. If you haven’t already received yours then top by Bike Improve today to pick yours up.

How do I get a killer deal on _________ ?

In the market for a new helmet, a bike, sunglasses, legal advice, nutrition, cycling shoes, an aero fit, orthodontia, kustom clothing, an aero fit, a house in the hills, coffee, some gym time, or jaw yoga? Check out our wonderful sponsors.

 

New Members

Please welcome our new members who joined in May 2021!

Naty S., David S., Arielle M., Mili Del C., Roy S., Jake S., Thierry H., Mehdi S., Gena C., Billy Bob B., Elizabeth P., Jorge S-D., and Daniel H.

Welcome, everyone! We are happy to have you.

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