In the early days of the Cascade Bicycle Club's Major Taylor Project (aka "MTP"), founder Ed Ewing described cycling as a mind-expanding experience for the Project's target audience: "Most of these kids live in a what is essentially a tunnel between wherever they are sleeping (which might not be their home), to school. They have no awareness of the world outside that tunnel. … [Read more...] about Rider Profile: Dashawn Hutchinson
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Young Rider Profile: Sam Zivin
Although many of us learn to cycle at an early age, by the time we're teens it's an outlier sport. As Conor Klupar mentioned in 2012 "Being a high school athlete is tough if your sport doesn't involve a ball." Hence, it's always exciting to see juniors who are passionate about cycling. Sam Zivin has been on my radar for quite a while (his proud mom Julie does a great job … [Read more...] about Young Rider Profile: Sam Zivin
Jennifer Wheeler: Team USA @ Tour of California
Seattle's Jennifer Wheeler raced professionally in 2011 and 2012 with the TIBCO/Silicon Valley Bank Women’s Cycling Team when, after a couple of hard crashes and unsatisfying results, she quit bike racing and focused on establishing a "normal" work career. She got a job at Microsoft. She tried Crossfit and weightlifting, but those never really quenched her competitive spirit. … [Read more...] about Jennifer Wheeler: Team USA @ Tour of California
Phil Stephens: Exit Interview
After ten years in the Seattle area, Phil "Bilko" Stephens is leaving us to be closer to his family in the midwest. Phil had been working at BikeFit in Kirkland, but was more widely known for teaching skills clinics at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, and as "the voice" announcing at the Velodrome and at local criterium races. Some of Phil's announcing roles will be assumed … [Read more...] about Phil Stephens: Exit Interview
Rider Profile: Dennis Crane
Dennis Crane is probably the most visible and creative photographer documenting Seattle's bike racing scene. At area cyclocross races, and at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, you'll see Dennis dashing around with multiple cameras dangling from his tall lanky frame trying get the next perfect shot, or as he puts it, to "paint with light." Dennis is a hometown boy who grew … [Read more...] about Rider Profile: Dennis Crane
Greg Barton, Pedaling Paddler
If you've been cycling (or doing whatever your sport is) for very long, you quickly realize to never to underestimate anyone's abilities, despite physical appearances. First impressions can be deceiving. A few years ago, at the start of a High Performance Cycling team ride, Greg Barton introduced himself as a new member, and that he was nervous about keeping up with the … [Read more...] about Greg Barton, Pedaling Paddler
Rider Profile: Dale Harless
For me, some of the best inspiration comes from both ends of the age spectrum. Earlier this year we touched base with the young Apex rider, Adrian Magun. In the "age is no excuse category," Seattle septuagenarian Dale Harless has been a fierce competitor since high school, racing bikes since the late 1980s, and doing a stint as member of the age group champion baseball team … [Read more...] about Rider Profile: Dale Harless
Starstruck at Seward Park
After one of the wettest and coldest winters on record, stupendous spring conditions inspired a huge turnout at the May 25 edition of the Voler Seward Park Thursday Night Cycling Series. The Seward Park Series is classic Seattle bike racing: Ride to the race, race, ride home with buddies and stop for optional beverages on the way home. I also sometimes incorporate a run … [Read more...] about Starstruck at Seward Park
Jennifer Wheeler 2.0
Back in 2010 a young(er) Jennifer Wheeler, a transplant from Indiana, was lighting up the local racing scene, which led to a two-year stint as a pro. After leaving pro cycling she experimented with several different athletic endeavors, but has once again set her sights on competing at the highest levels of cycling. Jennifer has started to train for the pursuit, and hopes to … [Read more...] about Jennifer Wheeler 2.0