Save the date! Tuesday January 10 @ 7PM I’m hosting a panel discussion @ REI’s Flagship store about long distance cycling.
Despite (or because of?) our consistently drippy weather, the Pacific Northwest has perhaps the deepest bench of long distance cycling enthusiasts in North America if not the world. The presentation will feature some of the strongest long-distance cyclists in the area, and offers insights into what motivates them along with a bit of inspiration for cyclists interested in doing rides longer than 100 miles.
Brian Ecker’s career highlights include top 20 finishes at USCF Elite National Championships, top 5 finishes at the Duathalon National Championships, several multisport solo category wins, and several podium finishes at the Furnace Creek 508 ultra marathon cycling race.
Brian has a reputation for paying close attention to the numbers—wattage and calories—during his events. His discussion of the numbers in ultra events can also apply to riders who are perfectly content with riding centurys or double centurys.
Chris Ragsdale is an ultra distance bicycle racer who is a 5-time National 24 hr winner and record holder, holds the 1000km road world record, and was the fastest American finisher in the 2011 Paris-Brest-Paris.
In addition to his success in solo events, Chris has been on several two and four-man teams which he considers to be some of the best fun he’s had on a bike. Chris will discuss competing in long distance events as part of a team.
Mark Thomas is a veteran randonneur, past president of Randonneurs USA, and current president of the Seattle International Randonneurs, the largest randonneur club in America. Mark has completed fourteen grand randonnees (1200km or longer) on four continents, including Paris-Brest-Paris four times. In the past three years, Mark has completed over 40,000km of randonneur events.
Mark will relate his passion for randonneuring, or self-supported long distance cycling, which contrasts with the other presenters who will focus more on competitive events.
Mick Walsh is an ultra cyclist with a lengthy competitive resume that includes 1983 Irish Triathlon Champion, being a member of the 1987-89 Irish National Team, the 1999 WA state Road Race champion and Best All Around Rider, and the 2010 Race Across Oregon Solo Champion.
Mick has been racing bikes since he was a teen and will discuss how he transitioned from being strictly a road racer to now considering himself an ultra distance competitor.
Whether you are merely curious about the personalities doing these kinds of events (are they really crazy?), are planning to do your first big event, or already have an addiction to distance events, our presentation will be both entertaining and informational.
The presentation will include time for questions and discussion with the audience.
When:
Tuesday January 10, 7PM
Where:
REI Flagship Store
222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA
