SoCalCycling.com

[teambearclaw]

Hey everyone, if you are looking for a ride to do while also getting a chance to watch the Tour of California as it comes to Pasadena, perhaps consider joining us on our ride.

We are leaving at 8:30am Feb. 24th from Montrose Bike Shop in Montrose. We will head to Santa Clarita to check out the expo, then we will leave about an hour before the race starts and will ride the first 13.65 miles of the race route. Then, the ride will split in two. One ride will take an easy route back to the Rose Bowl, while the other ride will head over the mountains and attempt to beat the tour racer to the Rose Bowl.

Both routes are about 75 miles. The harder route will be at race-pace, so if you are in the mood for a hammer-fest up and over the mountains, bring it!

Some more details are at www.montrosebike.com/toc

Thanks

[bmbcyclist]

Who should we RSVP to?
Or do we just show up?

[teambearclaw]

just show up. its a non-supported ride, so bring whatever it is that you like to eat and drink.

There will be fast riders and slower riders, so the ride should suit just about anyone. The ride from Montrose to Santa Clarita should be pretty casual. The fast guys aren't going to go hard until the ride back when the ride splits into two rides. You can go back the easier way with one group or come with those of us who are going to climb over the mountains as fast as we can go. There will be some Cat 2, maybe even Cat 1, riders, so the ride over the mountains will hurt and potentially lead to vomitting.

Hope to see you there!

-Daniel

[bmbcyclist]

we'll be there, but not goin over any mountains......

[teambearclaw]

Sweet, see you there. Hopefully about 2,000,003 people show up. If only 2,000,002 show up, that will still be ok.

[teambearclaw]

In case anyone is wondering, we are doing this ride rain or shine. If the racers in the tour have to ride in the rain, we should honor them by doing the same.

[mike]

Hey, I think one of you guys droped your stache on the climb.... it's ok, Zabriskie picked it up for you...

[teambearclaw]

We have learned that mustaches are more effective if you train without them and then grow one out in the week or two leading up to a big race. It's scientific stuff most people wouldn't understand. Slipstream uses a lot of second hand science passed down to them from us. However, we are NOT responsible for the science behind their kits argyle madness. Chet would never approve.

Thanks to everyone who came and partied at the Winnebeargo RV at the Rose Bowl on Sunday. We hope you enjoyed the food and beer, compliments of Team Owner, Chet Bearclaw.

Unfortunately, only 8 MEN showed up for our 75 miles in the rain. It was actually a very fun ride. Cold and wet, but still fun. Perhaps the weather will be more cooperative next time we plan a ride.

Seacrest, out

[mike]

I was just wondering, are you guys named after an actual Bear's claw or a breakfast pastry? I'm also starting a team and I want to keep your theme going but I don't know If I should go with Team Rabbitfoot or Team Strudel? Do you mind if we use the goatee?

[teambearclaw]

I wish we were named after the pastry, but "Bearclaw" is actually the last name of "Chet Bearclaw". Chet is the greatest rock singer in the universe and is a billionaire. He uses some of his pocket change to fund our team. If you want to run with our theme, you will need to find the second greatest rock singer in the universe and get him to sponsor your team.

Unfortunately for other aspiring team owners, there will never be another team like Team Bearclaw. Chet's wealth gives him the power to never allow it. Rock Racing tried to rip off certain elements of our style, but after one intimidating phone call from Chet himself, they backed way off. Chet also threatened to buy their team and then destroy it. Yeah, they don't mess with us anymore.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

I'm gonna go do about 500 one armed push-ups now.

[Cookie]

Nice photo of your team on Bicycling Magazine's website.

http://www.bicycling.com/channel/0,6609,s1-2-0-0-0,00.html?location=_*topnav*

[mike]

Yo, Bearclaw dude...so I was checking the bylaws, are you sure humor and fun are part of cycling? I know they are reviewing the aerodynamic and endorphin producing effect of the stache but I'm not sure they allow fun?

[teambearclaw]

Humor and fun do NOT belong in cycling - just go watch a local race and listen to all the men in tights bitching at each other. A couple weeks ago I was racing in Costa Mesa... A few guys were off the front, and after a couple laps they were starting to get away. Since nobody seemed to be interested in doing something about it, I went to the front of the pack and did a super mega hard pull for a lap. My effort cut their gap down about 90%. Then, some old career Cat 3 guy asked me if I had a teammate in the break up ahead. I said "no". Then he said, "well then why don't you f*#kin pull through on your pulls?" This guy was very serious. Not only was he serious, but he was also a freakin retard. I explained to him that I just pulled an entire lap and basically bridged the pack to the break. Oh, I then called him a "f@*kin moron". While this was humorous and fun to me, it was very serious for the old man who apparently felt his billion dollar cat 3 sponsorship deal with nike was at jeopardy.

Cycling is very serious and is in no way associated with fun. We take ourselves and the sport very seriously. I'm serious. Seriously.

[runninboy]

Bearclaw u r so right, no fun in cycling. I occasionally read some other racers blogs and realized THEY were the only people who knew how to race properly. The blogs get old when u realize its just the same as the guys whining at the local crit "i woulda won but..."
I never hear Thurlow make excuses though, hmmmmmmm

Even casual cyclists on cruisers know there is no fun in cycling nowadays.
I was in Hollywood on Thursday and this nicely dressed woman was obviously commuting to work. I gave here a wide berth when passing(slowly i might add) i look in my rearview mirror and she is flippeing me off and is screaming at me. Good for her, that's productive. I'm proud that she realizes cycling is serious and wants to spread the word.

[teambearclaw]

I'm using my handy new verizon pc wireless card so I can surf the webbernet while also sitting on the curb at the crash for cash race in dominguez hills. Quite handy!

After my race today (cat 3) I overheard a fella complaining to officials that someone had bumped in to him durign the race. THIS IS CRIT RACING!!!! I got bumped in to a few times during the race and got pinched off into the curb just before the sprint. Bitching I shall not do. It's all part of racing. I think perhaps many road racers were only children growing up. They complain and whine like they are used to getting their way if they cry hard enough. It makes me want to climb to the top of the highest mountain and whale out the greatest guitar solo ever, perhaps with thunderous clouds in the backdrop.

Ok, I'm gonna finish watching this race now.

Say no to drugs

[runninboy]

Bumping is what makes crits worthwhile I fondly remember the bumping & leaning drills we used to practice on the track, Seriously, it is alot of fun but people seem to be so afraid of any contact. I think it's alot safer rubbing elbows through the turn, then some guy taking a totally different line and chopping wheels. Too many guys panic the moment someone brushes them, of course there are always those little weasels who attempt to make a hole where there isn't one. You know the type, they like to use their front wheel like a wedge between riders, then they try bouncing back & forth off both until they have created a hole. Thats just dumb...and i've never seen it work yet

[Cookie]

[teambearclaw]