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The warp9bikes.com/Tristar met up in Pelham, AL (near Birmingham) the weekend of the 20-22. We met up on Friday and went for a short ride at Oak Mountain State Park. The pace was tame and sociable and everyone was able to take in the hidden treasure in Birmingham called Oak Mountain. We finished off a perfect ride at 2 Pesos Mexican restaurant and then with Versus' coverage of the Tour of California.
Saturday, about 12 of us gathered for a 4 or 4.5 hour ride, depending on whether or not someone wanted "bonus miles" that featured some climbs in the Weatherly subdivision that touched on 18% grades. Those who didn't opt for the bonus miles, showered and went down to the Chik-Fil-A (one of the team sponsors) and bought bags full of sandwiches. The guys feasted on Chik-Fil-A and cereal and coffee. We discussed the goals, desires, plans, vision, etc for the new club and team. We watched Versus and we simply enjoyed each others company. At 7 p.m., the guys enjoyed an Italian dinner from Alfredos. Three 16 inch pizzas, a family tray of Ziti and a family tray of spaghetti and bread sticks disappeared like a trailer in a tornado...the remnants looked about the same as well. The guys were visited by one of the team sponsors, Brad Fish with American Safety Tread and Brad and his son Gardner visited with the guys and got to meet everyone. As I write this, the guys are on the 3rd pot of coffee this morning (Sunday) and gearing up for day 3 of the training camp...the training race at Camp Sumatanga. The camp went well. Everyone got to meet the new faces. We had some great riding, great food, great times. I am excited for the new team and the new club and I'm excited that in a matter of weeks (and without a formal announcement) we have grown the team and the club to over 30 members all ranging from club riders who don't race all the way up to category 1 racers (including the highest ranked amateur in the country). We're always looking for new members, especially category 4 racers. We look forward to having you. |
