Swami's Cycling Club Swami's News

Spy-Swami's DET - Accepted to The Redlands Bicycle Classic

Bryon Black — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:31:15 GMT

The Spy-Swamis Development Elite Team has been accepted to race The Redlands Bicycle Classic stage race this March. Redlands has been one of the premier pro/am stage races since 1985 and always features the top pro and amateur teams from across the country. The Spy-Swamis DET is proud to be included in such elite company and is excited to showcase their talents as well as represent our sponsors/club in front of a national audience. Many of the guys will be racing the Merco Cycling Classic stage race this weekend in preparation for Redlands so let's all wish the guys luck for Merco and for Redlands.

New Ride Start * Sunday Ride * New Ride Start

Bryon Black — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:20:40 GMT

Gurus,

Beginning this Sunday the start location of the Sunday ride will move to the Starbucks in the Poinsettia Village Shopping Center (7130 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad).

The cornerstone to a successful group ride is a consistent start time and location. The Sambazon start for the Sunday ride never really gained traction and recently the meeting point seemed to be moving each week. Since Sambazon is no longer a sponsor and we're not obligated to start there, we polled a number of Sunday ride regulars and decided the aforementioned Starbucks would be a better and more centrally located start location: It's on the coast for when the ride heads up to San Clemente and when the ride heads inland it can follow Poinsettia to Peet's in Bressi Ranch and onto the Vista Twist.

In keeping with the Sunday ride tradition, the route will vary depending on everyone's mood. When it heads inland it'll still swing by Peet's to pick up riders but make sure you check the Google group to verify the route before planning on meeting the ride along the way. Of course as long as you show up on time at Starbucks you won't miss the ride.

We'll update the Swamis website with new maps and ride info in the next day or so but in the meantime spread the word.

Sorry for the change and any confusion it may cause but I think the new start location is for the best.

Ride safe

Steve

2012 Spring Kit Order Information: Feb 15th - Feb 24th Click here for Details!!!

Bryon Black — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:10:36 GMT

Swami’s,

It has appeared that many of you thought you lived in Hawaii or the
Bahamas where it’s 70 degrees when you roll out of bed for an early
morning ride. Our typical am winter temps in the 30’s and 40’s at 6:30
am have obviously caught many of you off guard based on how fast the
arm/knee warmers and vests sold out of our extra allotment.

Because of this, we have decided to move the date of our second and
last 2012 kit order up. Usually we shoot for a June delivery for our
second and final order with Capo. By moving the date ahead you can
still get your warmers and vests and other presently sold out items in
time for the balance of this cold season and into winter next year.

So I will open the estore up for new purchases on Wednesday, February
15th and it will stay open until February 24th. During those dates
anything you think you will need in the next 10 months should be
ordered then. We plan on having the bulk order in our hands around the
end of April if all goes well.

To re-emphasize, this is the final order we will place for 2012 kit
items. And for all you know we may go back to tiger stripes next year
so you better stock up.

Also, a replenishment order with Hutchinson has been placed for Tubes,
Atoms, and Fusion 3's. We should get that soon, so stay tuned.

ATB

Fred (clothing czar) clothing@swamis.org

Spy Swami's DET Photos from Palomar Mountain

Bryon Black — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:24:20 GMT

Checkout the photos on the Swami's Facebook Page featuring the 2012 Spy Swami's Development Elite Team clad in the new 2012 kit from Capo Forma.

Spy Swami's DET Palomar Photos

Spy Optic - New Title Sponsor

Steve Masterson — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:02:13 GMT

Swami's is stoked to announce a two-year sponsorship agreement with Spy Optic. Spy will be the title sponsor for Swamis Cycling and the Swamis Development Elite Team (DET) for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Tue/Thu morning ride start changes to 6:45a

Steve Masterson — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:59:41 GMT

Due to darkness the start time of the Tue/Thu morning rides changes to 6:45a from Tue Sept. 27 until DST ends on Nov 6. Despite the start time change it will still be dark so remember to bring lights. On Tue Nov 8th the ride will revert to its standard 6:30a start time.

Swami's Breaks the 200 member mark!

Bryon Black — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:33:22 GMT

Swami's now has 200 members for the first time ever! Thanks to everyone for your support and membership. More good things to come!

2011 Kit Inventory is Low

Steve Masterson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:57:35 GMT

Inventory of 2011 kits are running low. Prospective members who want to buy a kit are advised to check on availability with the clothing czar before joining.

We will begin to accept 2012 memberships and kit orders from Oct 1 to Oct 21. 2012 kits will arrive in Jan.

Swamis on Fox 5 Morning News (Monday 5/16)

Bryon Black — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:10:02 GMT

Video Link from the Fox 5 morning news with Heather Ford in support of Bike to Work week. Video from the Fox 5 Morning News

Date Set for Swamis Summer BBQ

Steve Masterson — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:31:40 GMT

The annual summer BBQ will be held on Sat Aug 27th. Details to be announced at a later date.

Bibs and Jerseys on Backorder

Steve Masterson — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:00:34 GMT

Several sizes of jerseys and bibs are out of stock and on backorder. The new shipment of clothing is due in mid June so if you don't see what you want in the web store please check back in June. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Lebowski-in-Wet-Suits

Bryon Black — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:05:22 GMT

Swami's got a great shout out on What's New at CompetitiveCyclist.com - perhaps the best cycling blog on the planet.

Lebowski in Wet Suits

Tues/Thurs Ride time reverts to

Bryon Black — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:15:53 GMT

Guru's

On Tue April 5th the ride will revert to the normal 6:30a start time.

Details for the ride can be found on http://swamis.org/rides

Ride safe
Steve

Swamis Development Team Invited to race Redlands Bicycle Classic with some 'Special Guest Racers'

Bryon Black — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:17:53 GMT

By Pat Jak - Development Team Coach

It has been much too long since I sent word about the Swami’s
Development Team and I wanted to share our latest news with you.

This afternoon we were invited to race in the 2011 Redlands Bicycle
Classic presented by PossAbilities.

Now, because the race is on the NRC schedule, it must meet the USA
Cycling requirement that only Pros and Cat 1s race in it. The race is
also a team stage race, which requires a minimum of 5 riders and
maximum of 8. Since we only have four Cat 1s on our team, we had to
drum up members if we were going to get into Redlands. They are only
with us for Redlands, but once a Swami, always a Swami. Check out the
roster, I think we did pretty well.

Alex Jarman – one of our Swamis, who raced in Redlands last year
Orion Berryman – one of our Swamis, he also raced in Redlands last
year
Colby Elliot – one of our Swamis, he has been racing everywhere from
Fresno to Las Vegas the past few weeks
Lars Finanger – one of our Swamis, his GC win at Valley of the Sun
helped him earn his upgrade points
Anton Villatoro – former pro with US Postal Service he has been our
consultant this year and offers a great amount of feedback for the
team (and just became a Swami)
Julian Martinez – brought in as a composite team member, is a young
rider with plenty of horsepower
Dirk Friel – strong motor and founder of Training Peaks, you may have
heard of him or his dad!
Alexi Grewal – making his comeback this year he’s won a few major
races before!

As for the Redlands squad, we have riders who have raced 8 times at
Redlands and those who are getting their first taste of it. We have
seasoned pros and Cat 1s who just upgraded last week. We have riders
as young as 22 and those who are... older than 22. We will have a very
interested group of organizers and most likely some press watching our
every move.

It will be great to spend time with them and have our development team
learn from the best. What better way than to teach young riders? And
even better to see them in Swami’s blue. Yes, you read that correctly.
From this point forward, on starting lists and results sheets, Swami’s
Development Team will be listed at the 2011 Redlands Bicycle Classic.

I get to putz around in the caravan, fiddle with a race radio, and
hand out bottles. Some of our other riders will also be involved even
though they cannot race. Chris Burnham and Matt Shackley will be
helping me with feedzone and mechanical support. Skyler Bishop, Trevor
Haag, and Miles Ludi may also be able to assist depending on their
recoveries, school, and work commitments.

This is a tremendous honor and major milestone for the development
team. While it was a lengthy application process, it taught us
invaluable lessons and our learning will only continue. It establishes
us and gives legitimacy to our hard work and efforts. Further, it
gives everyone who is or has been a Swami a connection to a premier
race.

Thank you to all Swamis and sponsors for your support. It is because
of you we are able to make this possible.

I am looking forward to sharing this experience with each of you.

Kind regards,
Pat

Want to do the Track Class but don't have a Track Bike???? James Enright can hook you up (read more)

Bryon Black — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:57:52 GMT

Swamis!

Several people have signed up for the track class. Nice! Just wanted to remind everyone that there is no need to worry if you do not have a track bike yet. Rental Bikes re available free of charge if needed.

THE TRACK IS FUN AS HELL, come on out and take advantage of living so close to one of the few (20 or less) velodromes in the US. All types of riders will benifit from spending some time on the track. Leg speed and handeling skills are probably the most noticable.

For the racers out there... where else can you practice coming into the finish of a race several times in one day/night and repeat once a week. In other words next time you come into the finish of a Crit or RR with much more experience than the other riders (assuming they have been racing bikes about as long as you minus the time on the track). It has helped me emensly in terms of Crit racing and the first thing people ask when they see the photos of me winning the Cat 3 VOS crit is "do you always sprint seated?", But if you learn to sprint on the track, you find out pretty quick that you can jump out of the saddle, but can't spin 150+rpm out of the saddle.http://www.flickr.com/photos/7317938@N02/5485540223/in/set-72157626057731163/

Swamis Accelerated Track Class

We have organized an accelerated track class again with Sean Burke for 2011, similar to what did last year.

SIGN UP HERE: Members are welcome to sign up. In order to reg. for the event the will have to log in to the members only portion of the web site.
http://swamis.org/events?eventId=284951&EventViewMode=EventDetails

The dates are March 15, 22, 29, Tuesday Nights from 7-9pm at the Velodrome. These are the (3) weeks prior to the start of the adored TNR (Tuesday Night Racing) that typically begins the first Tuesday in April.

Price will be $60/ rider for the 3 week session. Note this is a 50% discount from the typical track class. NOTE: All riders MUST complete a track class prior to racing at the SD Velodrome.

Last year Swamis had heaps of fun with the class. We had about 20 riders getting out at the track. Some never been on a track bike or velodrome in their life and some with years of experience on the track. The classes will be a mix of skill drills and races and are set up so riders of all levels of experience and fitness can get a great workout and learn a thing or two.

Let me know if you have any questions.

-James

Swamis Accelerated Track Class - Registration Now Open!!!

Bryon Black — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:05:45 GMT

We have organized an accelerated track class again with Sean Burke for 2011, similar to what did last year.

Click here to Register

Price will be $60/ rider for the 3 week session. Note this is a 50% discount from the typical track class. NOTE: All riders MUST complete a track class prior to racing at the SD Velodrome.

James - James T. Enright

Meet new club president Steve Masterson - A chat about the club, the Godfather, racing, and knee warmers

Bryon Black — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:53:41 GMT

I recently sat down with new club president Steve Masterson for some Q and A about the club, the Godfather, racing, knee warmers and other matters of importance.

Swamis.org: Steve, how and when did the torch pass for club president happen?

Steve: We were having a board meeting a few weeks ago and Welch was trying to weasel out of being treasurer so he suggested we shuffle the officers. The other guys latched onto the idea and next thing I know I’m the prez. Ironically we didn’t let John bail out on being treasurer.

Swamis.org: Interesting, and yes, ironic. nobody wants to be treas, that is a tough job. Any thoughts on Albert and his contribution over the years?

Steve: Albert likes to work behind the scenes so sometimes he doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he’s done a great job leading the reemergence of Swamis as a top race club. He played a big role establishing the Development Team and the partnerships with Nytro and Cannondale so a lot of what we enjoy today as Swamis has Albert’s fingerprints on it

Swamis.org: I am conjuring up images of the Godfather when Vito hands the leadership of the family to Sonny, and then later on Michael becomes the Don, what kind of family leader do you see yourself, are you more Sonny or Michael?

Steve: Tough question but I like Sonny’s passion so I ‘m going to say Sonny so maybe I should avoid toll booths. Speaking of 70s film characters have you ever taken the “which Star Wars character are you” quiz? I saw that Albert took it and was Yoda. Guess it makes sense especially when you consider their facial hair.

Swamis.org: What’s your vision for the club for this year, and the foreseeable future?

Steve: I would like to see Swamis continue to come together as a community to do cool things like develop our race programs, establish rides, and promote cycling and charitable events. Of course its too much for one person or even for the board of directors to take on so my goal is to help motivate people to get involved and then provide the support to enable their success.

Swamis.org: Volunteer-ism is a big theme for Swamis, like Mike Birdit and the 55+ Masters, last year Mike raced basically solo now this year there are six very seasoned and talented racers which Mike coordinated, what are your thoughts on this effort, and how will the club support others that want to volunteer? Also are there any parameters for volunteering (needs to synch with common club goals, etc…)?

Steve: I admire what Mike’s done. It would have been easy for him to move to a more established team but instead Mike decided to build a great team within Swamis. Swamis is ultimately what the members make it, so I’m really happy to see guys like Mike and Herb with the Saturday B-ride stepping up and doing something that benefits both them and the club in general. Getting involved is easy. All anyone has to do is bring their idea to the board, a new ride, event, team, whatever and as long as its good for the membership, the sponsors and cycling then we’ll support it with all the resources we can.

Swamis.org: Any plans for a club sponsored USCF race something like the old Del Mar Crit?

Steve: We’ve talked about it a lot and to be a truly great club I think we need to host an annual race but it’s easier said than done. We really need a passionate and dedicated team to make it happen so that’s another of my goals to help bring that team together.

Swamis.org: What’s your favorite so cal race?

Steve: The best race in SoCal is the Swamis club race in RSF. It’s like a mini Ardennes classic. Unfortunately I don’t think the fine residents of RSF would ever allow us to get a permit to host a USAC race there so it’ll just have to stay our little secret.

Swamis.org: Pick one: Kevin Davenport or Fred Muir? Why?

Steve: That’s easy – Fred. No drama and he’s a great draft.

Swami.org: Favorite Pro racer of all time?

Steve: Hinault. A real bad ass who won everything from the monuments to the grand tours and he did it with a take no prisoners attacking style. His Paris-Roubaix win is classic. He never wanted to race it but eventually he relented to the pressure, raced it and won it with style crashing out of the elite lead goup, chasing back on then out sprinting them from the front. He never raced it again – one and done.

Swamis.org: Looks or Speedplay?

Steve: Lolipops are for kids...

Swamis.org: Toughest day ever on the bike?

Steve: This year’s King Ridge Gran Fondo. I rode the last 40 hilly miles with hellashish cramps. I guess a steady diet of short and fast Tue/Thu rides is not good prep for a hilly gran fondo.

Swamis.org: I was @ King Ridge Gran Fondo, dude...I could see your legs actually cramp, gnarly! I think it was the only time in the last 3 or 4 years I dropped you on a climb, bad for you, sweet for me!

What are your racing plans this year, which races Cat 3 or Masters?

Steve: I’ll do a few masters races whenever the spirit moves me (aka when Mrs Prez lets me out of the house).

Swamis.org: From the looks of the jersey it looks like we lost some sponsors did that affect the club treasury? Do you have plans for more sponsors?

Steve: Yeah, unfortunately that’s the nature of the business - sponsors come and go and when they go it of course has a negative impact on the bottom line. Fortunately the board has been careful to build up a rainy day fund so fluctuations in sponsorship don’t have too much effect on our race programs. We were also fortunate that Anthony de la Fuente and Bill Gross helped us close a couple new sponsors this year - Michelob Ultra and Sabazon. Then for the Development Team, Capo stepped up to provide kits, Nytro/Cannondale are providing bikes and at least one Swamis member has made a cash contribution to the team. Regarding the future, we are always working to develop new partnerships that will benefit our members and racers while preserving the relationships with our many current sponsors. It’s a difficult task but I think our support of a team of young development riders is a compelling story so I’m optimistic we’ll be successful.

Swamis.org: Now that you are prez are you still going to do clothing (you have done an awesome job of that over the years)?

Steve: Thanks. The great part about managing the kits is I get to meet all the members but this is my 5^thyear doing it so presidency aside it’s about time for me to train up a replacement.

Swamis.org: Any advice or thoughts on the proper way to wear leg/knee warmers?

Steve: Great question. I don’t know what’s so hard about knee warmers but I’ve seen a lot of knee warmer faux pas that make my inner Euro cyclist cringe - like Huerta on the Wednesday ride with his warmers pushed down around his ankles like he was auditioning for a Flash Dance remake.

Anyhow here are few rules for knee warmers: #1. Under no circumstances ever wear them push them down around your ankles!

#2 (John Welch pay attention to this one) The bottom of the warmer should be mid calf muscle with between 4-6” of skin between your socks and knee warmers.

#3 Logos should be on the side of the leg not the front like a shin-guard.

#4 Wear the warmer on the correct leg so on the right the logo reads from top to bottom and on the left the logo reads from bottom to top – just like the bibs. You are allowed to break rule 4 but only if you put on your knee warmers mid ride/race without dismounting.

Dude....where's my kit?

Bryon Black — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:16:05 GMT

If you missed the previous kit distributions your kit is now at Nytro and
avialable for pick up during business hours. Please ask for Danielle,
DH or Skip and they can help you.

If you have a balance due your kit will not be at Nytro. Contact Steve the clothing czar.

Also Nytro does not have any extra items so if you need additional items please
contact Steve the clothing czar.

New on the Swamis Web Site - Track (SD Velodrome) Page

Bryon Black — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:30:22 GMT

Check out the new track section on Swamis.org web site that has all the information you need to know about track racing and the San Diego Velodrome.

You can get to the page from the Racing menu or directly at http://www.swamis.org/track.

Special thanks to our track coordinator James Enright for assembling all the track info!

2011 Kits have arrived!

Bryon Black — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:14:21 GMT

Exciting news! The 2011 edition of the Swami's kit has arrived. Thanks to getting a pre-holiday production slot with our clothing manufacturer and sponsor CAPOforma, we are on track for clothing distribution in a couple of weeks.

According to clothing czar Steve Masterson clothing is slated to be distributed on or about the 24th, of January 2011. Between now and the clothing distribution the club needs to inventory the shipment and then build each members order. The annual kit building party will be in the next week or so and anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Steve.

The official clothing distribution event is tentatively scheduled for January 24th, 2011 at the Anheiser Busch distributor in San Marcos. Save the date BUT also consult the Swami's events calendar for official details.