WSBA | Meet the Teams Ride

Meet the Teams Rides - Seattle
If you're thinking of joining a (new) team for the 2010 racing season, here's your chance to meet members of many of the teams in the Seattle area (and beyond). Starting Saturday, September 12, clubs will lead weekend rides around the south end of Lake Washington (and elsewhere) for riders of all skill levels who are interested in racing. The complete ride schedule and information about each team are listed below.

Now is the time to find a team that matches your interests and goals. The winter months (November-February) are when teams ride together, learn from and motivate each other, and make plans for next season. By March, you'll be ready to start racing! Many teams close their rosters sometime in the fall because of deadlines for clothing orders, so choosing a team is not a decision to postpone.

Leschi rides leave on Saturdays and Sundays from Pert's Deli (120 Lakeside Ave, Seattle, WA 98122). There is ample parking nearby. Please be at Pert's by 9:20 for a 9:30 AM departure. Locations and times of other rides are noted.

These are social rides, at a conversational pace, around the south end of Lake Washington for those starting from Leschi. Allow about 2 hours. The ride may stop for 5-10 minutes along the way, but otherwise, be prepared for a continuous ride. These rides happen rain, wind, or sunshine! Bring a functioning road bike (full fenders are appreciated on damp days), helmet, water, some food, weather-appropriate clothing, a little money, and an extra tube in case you flat.

If your team would like to host a ride and be added to this list, please contact marthalwalsh [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Saturday, September 12: Starbucks Cycing
Location: Leschi
www.starbuckscycling.com
Contact: Barbara Wilkie blwilkie [at] gmail [dot] com (women's team)
Peter Rouse info [at] starbuckscycling [dot] com (men's team)

Starbucks Cycling is a regional bike racing team spanning road, track, mountain, and cyclocross racing. Our goal is to develop committed racers who embrace and support a strong team community by:
- adhering to standards of excellence and safety;
- upholding a positive image for team sponsors;
- embracing diversity;
- supporting individual improvement and team success;
- contributing constructively to our cycling and home communities; and
- participating in challenging and fun training, racing, and social opportunities.

Saturday, September 12: Old Town Bicycles (9:00 in Tacoma)
www.narrowsvelo.org
Contact: Chris Nelson cnelsonvelo [at] gmail [dot] com
Location: Cutters Point Coffee, 6th Avenue & N Orchard Street, Tacoma

Old Town Bicycle is a team that has been part of the regional racing scene for many years. Historically the team was focused on masters level races, but in the last few years has grown a respectable cat 3-5 team. We promote a laid back, open enjoyable atmosphere and are based around Tacoma, for those interested in joining a South Sound team. We are currently looking for: women of all levels to expand our women's team, and primarily cat 3 racers on the men's side, but all categories are welcome.

Sunday, September 13: Blue Rooster/Sports Medicine Clinic
Location: Leschi
www.blueroostercycling.com
Contact: Annette Williams annettelw [at] gmail [dot] com

One of the only multidisciplinary teams in Seattle, Avanti Racing (Blue Rooster/Sports Medicine Clinic) has been active in the Northwest peloton since 1988, competing in road, track, mountain, and cyclocross events. We focus on racing and providing the training and support necessary to compete effectively while maintaining balance in our busy lives. For 2010 Blue Rooster/Sports Medicine Clinic is looking to add depth in all categories and disciplines. If you are looking to race and develop team-centric racing skills by being a part of a competitive yet fun racing team, please join us on our Meet the Teams Ride.

Saturday, September 19: Team Group Health & Second Ascent
Location: Leschi

Team Group Health
www.soundvelocycling.com
Contact: Karen Wilkinson karen.wilkinson [at] seattlechildrens [dot] org

Team Group Health (TGH) is a competitive women's cycling club based in Seattle, WA. Our mission is to promote women's health, fitness, and competitive spirit through bicycle racing. We're one of the largest women's cycling teams in the Pacific Northwest; with approximately 80 members, our team is a veritable force whenever the rubber meets the road, the track, and the dirt. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of cycling among women in the PNW. We encourage teammates to participate in local, regional, and national cycling competitions. We're passionate about investing time to educate and train our members, as well as the community at large about the sport of cycling. You'll also find us volunteering in the cycling community and at cycling-related events. Our focus on women allows us to direct our resources and energies on achieving new horizons for women in the sport of cycling, as well as differentiating ourselves among other NW teams.

Second Ascent
www.stepdownracing.com
Contact: membership [at] stepdownracing [dot] com

Second Ascent/Step Down Racing is a regional men's team, formed in 2002 with an emphasis on the fun and camaraderie of team training and racing. We like to train hard, race to win, and also enjoy team functions off the bike. We look forward to another season of growth and success with the committed sponsorship of our title sponsor Second Ascent. For 2010 we are looking to expand our team at every level and we invite all riders who are interested in bike racing to come out and join us for our introductory ride.

Saturday, September 26: Hagens-Berman Cycling Team
Location: Leschi
www.hagensbermancycling.com
Contacts: Brian Marr membership [at] hagensbermancycling [dot] com

Hagens-Berman Cycling Team is the trade team title for the racing membership of the Lake Washington Velo cycling club. Lake Washington Velo was established in 1997 with the goal of developing not only the cycling abilities of its members, but also the sport of competitive cycling in the Northwest. In addition to our focus on team-oriented racing, members are highly encouraged to be active in the club and assist in the club's operations and projects. For the 2010 racing season, we are recruiting in all categories, and have added a new women's team that we are excited to grow. In addition to our Meet the Team ride, you can join us any Saturday during the fall for a 3-hour ride leaving from Leschi at 9:30 am.

Saturday, September 26: The Valley Athletic Club (9:30 departure, 2-hour ride in Olympia)
Location: The Valley Athletic Club, 4833 Tumwater Valley Dr SE, Olympia WA 98506
www.cbcracing.org
Contacts: Dan Donahue dnjdonahue [at] mac [dot] com
Michelle Kautzmann mtkkautzmann [at] yahoo [dot] com

The Valley Athletic Club/CBC racing is a regional race team that supports year round road, track, and cyclocross racing for members. An aggressive approach to gaining sponsorship enables us to give members maximum benefit toward their racing success. One primary goal this coming year is to continue to grow our developmental program, which guides new riders in understanding and implementing race strategy and developing bike handling techniques. For 2010 we look forward to expanding our team at all levels and disciplines. Come join us for an introductory ride on September 26.

Sunday, September 27: APEX Racing
Location: Leschi
Contact: Don Perry donmperry [at] comcast [dot] net

Note: This is a men-only team, thus a men-only ride, and therefore does not conflict with the Women's Intro to Racing Ride on this date.

Apex riders share a passion for bicycle road racing while competing in all disciplines. Our organization is rigidly structured around laissez faire decentralization. We celebrate great team results that are derived from strong personal work ethic. Apex knows that off-the-bike character and individuality are as important as on-the-bike presence, both of which are almost as important as how sweet your equipment is. We invite experienced or aspiring Category 3 and 4 senior and master racers who are looking for something different... is the green jersey for you?

Saturday, October 3: Wines of Washington
Location: Leschi
www.unionbaycycling.com
Contacts: Joe joe.baratto [at] boeing [dot] com (men's team)
Gina gina [at] rentonww [dot] com (women's team)

UBC, Wines of Washington, is looking for new riders interested in racing. At UBC, we value the teamwork it takes to create great racers in all women's, men's, and master's categories. We believe in the impact teamwork makes and are committed to the growth of the team and the individual riders. UBC has a development program aimed at providing a structured program for progressing within the sport of bicycle racing. All new (Category 5) and Cat 4 riders are welcome to check out our program. Upper category riders (3s and 1-2s), please inquire with the respective team captains (you can also contact them via e-mail from web site).

Saturday, October 3: Fanatik Bike Co. Women's Ride (9:00 departure, 2.5-hour ride in Bellingham)
Location: Fanatik Bike Co., 2025 James Street, Bellingham
www.shuksanveloclub.org
Contacts: Stuart Bowmer stewartbowmer [at] gmail [dot] com
MaryMargaret Bowmer mmflowernut [at] gmail [dot] com

Looking for fun, supportive, and energetic women who want to ride and train with other women. The women's team is also looking to increase the number of women who race, but racing is not required to be part of Shuksan Velo Club (Fanatik Bike Co. Team). Focus is on building the club in the women's arena so that we have a larger pool of women to ride with. SVC is not looking for the fastest riders out there, but those that enjoy the sport, enjoy supporting each other in races, enjoy learning and improving thru monthly team rides that are skill development rides. There are additional benefits for those riders that want to achieve or are at the Cat 1-3 level.

Saturday, October 10: Cucina Fresca
Location: Leschi
www.supersquadra.com
Contact: info [at] supersquadra [dot] com

Cucina Fresca (a.k.a. Seattle Super Squadra, or "S3") is welcoming racers of all categories for the 2010 season. We like to call ourselves "a serious racing team that doesn't take itself too seriously." We've built a solid team environment out of people who enjoy being with each other both on and off the race course. When we say we're accepting racers of all categories, that doesn't mean you have to have prior racing experience, but it does mean that you are willing to make a serious commitment to some discipline of competitive cycling, whether it is road, cyclocross, mountain bike, track, or triathlon. Come ride with us, and let's see what we can do for each other.

Sunday, October 11: Cycle University's Developmental Road Team
Location: Leschi
www.cycleu.com
Contact: Kristi Berg kristi [at ] cycleu [dot] com

We are looking for riders, both men and women, who want to be part of a team focused on learning and improving. Cycle U will provide the skills classes and support in exchange for your commitment of time, energy, and resources to improve your results. Cycle U is focused on developing new racers on its Cat 4/5 development team, and is expanding its support to build a Cat 3 team in 2010. The focus of the Cycle U Road Team will be on developing racers to either start racing or move to the next category, meeting team and individual 2010 race season goals, and having lots of fun. Cycle U coaching will be encouraged for newer racers and those wanting to significantly improve their race-day performance. Just as we ask for commitment from each team member, Cycle U will be offering an impressive range of product and coaching discounts that will give racers the tools they need to achieve their goals.

Sunday, October 11: Fanatik Bike Co. (9:00 departure, 2.5-hour ride in Bellingham)
Location: Fanatik Bike Co., 2025 James Street, Bellingham
www.shuksanveloclub.org
Contacts: Stuart Bowmer stewartbowmer [at] gmail [dot] com

All Whatcom/Skagit cyclists with a serious interest or experience in road, cyclocross, or track racing are welcome to attend and meet the best bike race team in Bellingham.

Saturday, October 17: Joe Bar/Market Street Cycling
Location: Leschi
www.marketstreetcycling.org
Contact: J. Juelis jjuelis [at] gmail [dot] com

Market Street Cycling Club (Joe Bar Racing) is a community-based organization whose goal is to promote cycling as a means of transportation, recreation, and sport in the Seattle area. We recognize that there are many barriers which prohibit certain segments of the local population from participating in both competitive and noncompetitive cycling. Because we believe that the healthful benefits of cycling should be available to all, we promote cycling through volunteer work with youth and cycling advocacy groups.

Saturday, October 17: Bicycle Centres/Collision 1 (9:00 departure)
Location: 4707-A Evergreen Way, Everett
www.bicyclecentresracing.com
Contact: Don Miller donmiller66 [at] gmail [dot] com

Bicycle Centres/Collision 1 is looking for racers interested in disciplines including road, track, mountain, and cyclocross. For 2010 Bicycle Centres/Collision 1 is looking to add depth in all categories and disciplines for both men and women. Bicycle Centres/Collision 1 aims to foster a positive, team centric approach to training and racing. Bicycle Centres/Collision 1 is based in the south Snohomish County (Everett) area but have riders from Tacoma to Anacortes. If you are looking to race and develop team-centric training and racing skills by being a part of a competitive and fun racing team, please come and ride with us.

Sunday, October 18: ByrneInvent Cycling Team
Location: Leschi
www.jetcityvelo.com
Contacts: Brian Cole cole.b [at] comcast [dot] net

The ByrneInvent Cycling Team is a group of people who like to ride together, enjoy each other’s company, and generally have fun. We encourage team members to race but do not expect it. There are no minimum race requirements. We have developed very solid groups of men's masters and women racers for the track, road, and cyclocross from beginners to world champion and record holders. We also have a strong group of up-and-coming men's and women's category racers. We support several charitable and recreational rides, including the Tour de Cure, Ride of Silence, and Bike MS. Racing is not the "be all and end all" of our lives; however, we enjoy it and work hard to get better. We are here because we want to be and look for like-minded individuals who also understand the team concept. We are open for new members who share this philosophy and will commit to participate in the team by volunteering to help support team efforts.

Saturday, October 24: Native Planet
Location: Leschi
www.ride4areason.org
Contact: Bart Hawkinson bart [at] ride4areason [dot] org

Would you like your racing to support a good cause? Native Planet is expanding our roster of the women's and men's teams. We are looking for racers interested in disciplines including road, track, mountain, cyclocross, and triathlon. Our members range from Cat 4,5 racers to Ironman triathletes to expert female mountain bikers. We race competitively, yet put no pressure on our team. We understand that family and work are a priority and do not require racing or training commitments. We focus on friendship and promoting the Native Planet Outdoor Club (NPOC)'s mission. NPOC aims to promoting the fitness and recreation of its members and raising awareness for Native Planet, a separate charitable organization, which works to protect indigenous cultures worldwide.

Sunday, October 25: Counterbalance Bicycles
Location: Leschi
www.avacbbracing.com
Contact: avacbbracing [at] gmail [dot] com

Counterbalance is an amateur racing team whose mission is to support racers on the fringes of the mainstream bicycle racing. With heavy roots in Seattle's bike messenger community, the team has grown to include racers male and female, of all disciplines and ages. The team focuses most heavily on track and cyclocross racing, with racers involved in all disciplines. Come share our vision of racing bicycles and enjoying every moment of it.

Sunday, November 1: First Rate Mortgage
Location: Leschi
www.northwestvelo.com
Contacts: Garth Billstin gbillstin [at] hotmail [dot] com

Northwest Velo (First Rate Mortgage Cycling Team) is focused on developing team-centric racing and rider development in the road, track, and cross disciplines throughout the Northwest. For 2010 FRM is looking to add depth in all categories. If you are looking to race and continue to develop team-centric racing skills by being a part of a cohesive racing team, please join us on our Meet the Teams Ride.

Saturday, November 14: Recycled Cycles Racing
Location: Leschi
recycledcyclesracing.wordpress.com
Contacts: Nick Adsero recycledcyclesracingteam [at] gmail [dot] com

Since its inception the Recycled Cycles Racing team has emphasized rider development by encouraging racers to fulfill their potential. This relationship promotes the sport of cycling and demonstrates our commitment to teamwork and to the cycling community. We support grassroots men’s, women’s, and junior’s racing programs, local race promotion, helmet safety, cycling organizations such as USAC, Washington State Bicycle Association (WSBA), IMBA, NORBA, and affiliate associations. For the 2010 season we are seeking commited cat 4/5 racers, both men and women, that want to learn the in's and out's of racing with the goal of upgrading by seasons end. Additionally we are seeking racers for all disciplines next season, especially mountain biking.