Fitzy Newesletter 9/20/06

FITZGERALD’S BICYCLES NEWSLETTER-
SEPTEMBER 2006

BRRRrrr! It is NOT too hot to ride today. At least the smoke is gone though and the dare we say…skiing…is just around the corner.

Since so much has happened since the last update…I’m going to let it all flow- so tune in and out as you like, but here’s the news from the road and singletrack.

LOTOJA 2006..or was it 206 (miles)? It’s all a bad dream.
Even with a week of medicinal pizza, beer and ice-cream, it’s still giving me nightmares. But TEAM ORANGE represented huge!
Ian Tuttle’s 2nd Place in Cat IV was awesome. Even without super-domestic Tim Kelley for the final 110 miles, and reporting seeing dead people and other dark times near Alpine, Ian was able to out-sprint the case group (with only a 6’5” sandbag of all sandbags…besting him in his category). If the team can retain Tuttle in the off-season he will be a force in 2007.
Brian Shill(dog)Shilling’s 4th place in the Pro I-II field is reportedly the best overall result for a Jackson-ite, in this Utah dominated race. Kris Lunning put in great efforts throughout to keep Shilling in position for the final drag race up the village road. Lunner held on for 6th overall, his first time off the podium in Lotoja…but he could be heard muttering- “I’m going to kill those guys,” as he left the awards to begin his specialized training for a rematch next year.
Many others from the team deserve a call out, as it is still a monster accomplishment to simply finish this race. 206 miles, over 3 mountain passes (one a 20 mile climb), with wind and rumple strips…it’s one heck of a long, hard, ride.

Brian Schilling Pro – 4th place 9:17
Kris Lunning Pro – 6th place 9:19
Ian Tuttle Cat IV – 2nd place 9:34
Dave Bergart Cat III – 13th place 10:01
Tim Kelley Cat IV - 36th place 10:24
Dave Hutchinson Cit – 26th place 12:29
Len Carlman, Roger Brecheen, Roger Smith, Kevin Patno Relay Team – 9th place 10:10

Editor’s Note: I gotta say- seeing fellow Fitzgerald’s Bicycles riders out on the course was a huge help and having friends and JayP yelling out of passing cars in the final miles was awesome. This team thing is pretty cool.

MOOSE Roubaix. aka Moose to Moose. aka What Race?

It’s 3 hours to game time as I write, so a full report to come. But I’ve put my money on a 3-peat. You go Lunner! They can trash talk all they want, but barring a flat tire…your Furious Rage and Power is 2nd to none. (jayp has you beat on F.R. alone…but not the power combo).
Editors Note- The outcome is in. Sittin’ in and waiting to pounce, Ian Tuttle looked as cool as Cancellara hoisting his (teton granite) cobble trophy, to the dismay of 2 time defending champ Kris Cross (dressing) Lunning, who finally conceded after uncountable attacks by those who knew they couldn’t beat him, but also couldn’t stand to see him 3-peat. Lunner is rumored to be living out of his truck in down a Bend, OR forest service road this summer, alongside Chris Horner…hoping that Jedi Horner gives him the magic tactical view that will allow Lunning to out whit his rivals.
Chellie Terry took the W’s trophy, with a strong push through the first dirt and a gritty effort to hang with the leaders until the devil hill. Cheers to Lori Erickson for being the Devil (fan) on the Moose/Wilson road. Of note, fresh off his sailboat Scott Fitzgerald put in a serious effort and was seen swapping pulls with the Lion of Belgian Beer-Chris Erickson, in attempt to hold onto the family title. (Janine, slowed by a book club injury may not have been at her best.)

New Bikes! Who say’s Fall is not the time for new bike stoke? Luke Lynch’s 29-er is in the house. Beware a ride with JayP, DanK and Luke…as they’ve simply got bigger diameter than you. Sexy bike Luke…podium in Laramie next year?

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Tim, Tom, Scott and Janine head to Sin City for bike overload next week, here’s hoping they remember what hot stuff to order for ’07! Speaking of 07, it’s time to start your Christmas lists…so talk to Scott about the new Campy, New Orca, New FSA cranks, New New stuff. (as he already knows).

OK…..Just when you thought we were a little’ol bike club: Top Shelf Team Racers Chellie Terry get’s Fitzgerald’s Bicycles into Velonews.com! Chellie took on the W’s Pro Peleton in the Parker Mainstreet Omnium over the weekend outside Denver, CO. 6th in the Timetrail, 12th in the Road Race and 9th in the Criterium put Chellie and Fitzgerald’s Bicycles in 7th Overall. With some of the country’s top racers present, this was a huge season ending victory for Chellie. We’re all proud she represented the team so well at this national level event. Lunner’s wheels, Bergy’s Helmet, Shop Mechanic help on her bikes and team tdi help on her bio-team car all went into her successful weekend. See article: (scroll to bottom for Chellie/Fitzy Team listings in results) http://www.velonews.com/race/dom/articles/10890.0.html

MUST HAVE GEAR- If you don’t own the team edition, Alpine Light Jacket, I don’t envy you. This is simply the best cycling top going. It blocks wind, rain, cars (it’s bright), doesn’t flap, has rear pockets for vest, etc. and simply put…it will make you feel and look faster. Period.
Limited supply on sale at the shop- $120.

Thank you to our sponsors! We love you guys. And we hope we’ve represented you well all season. It has been the teams most successful and most visable season yet. I’ll have a recap of the season in October, with a guest writer to recap the mountain bike season.

Riding slow but clean,
tK