The race will be held at Black Hills Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland.  Click on the map for the Ridewithgps.com file.

We are looking to make the kickoff to the MABRA season a memorable one.

And Thanks to Patriot on Vimeo, check out this great video of last year’s 123 race.

Team Bike Doctor is pleased to have DigiSource LLC (www.digisourcellc.com) come on board as presenting sponsor in 2012. We are excited to have a locally owned and operated business support us and cycling.

More about our sponsor:

DigiSource, LLC is a technology company focused on finding intelligent and effective solutions to the ever-increasing challenges of litigation support. Whether you need document analysis, early evidence assessment, or the development of a comprehensive preservation and collection plan, DigiSource, LLC can solve your e-discovery needs.

Founded in 2001, DigiSource, LLC is headquartered in the heart of Washington, DC. Throughout the past decade, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with numerous Am Law 100 firms to conduct and manage their discovery of electronic evidence. Our long-standing relationships with top law firms speak volumes about our successful track record and our commitment to excellent account service.

Despite the ever-increasing amount of data being created today, our objective remains simple: to provide our clientele with forward-thinking, cutting edge e-discovery processing and project management services. Our team members participate in an ongoing, iterative review of our core processes to ensure that our approach is continually strengthened and improved.

Our commitment to continual improvement extends to our technology infrastructure. Our facility offers state-of-the art hardware and software solutions that can easily scale to support the largest of projects. Our security protocols ensure that all client data remains secure, both physically and logically, at all times. We implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure accurate deliveries.

The landscape of e-discovery vendors is cluttered with “me too” companies that provide little more than a token nod in the direction of quality and service. DigiSource, LLC presents a unique combination of talent, technology, and innovation singularly focused on delivering high quality production results and timely service. In an era of strict fiscal constraints, rest assured that you can stay within your budget without sacrificing your e-discovery needs.

Joining the team are Mike Cordova, Pete Custer, Bruno Neto, Andrew Shelby and Nicholas Taylor.

Mike Cordova (Cat 2) – Mike joins the team from the Sierra Nevada regional team located in California. Mike has recently moved to Waldorf, Md full-time and is an employee at Bike Doctor Waldorf. Mike is an excellent climber but can also hold his own in any MABRA crit or circuit race.

Pete Custer (Cat 1) – Pete is a finishing threat in any race he enters.  2011 was a banner year for Pete at North Tek-Aria.  He’s our triple threat – finishing pack sprints, getting into breakaways along with a new found prowess for time trialing. He is an avid Washington Capitals fan and loves the ones and twos.

Bruno Neto (Cat 2) – Bruno returns to Bike Doctor after one year away. He missed us all. Bruno’s strengths are criterium breakaways and hair gel placement.

Andrew Shelby (Cat 2) – Andrew spent most of 2011 with Whole Wheel Velo Club based out of Virginia. He moved to North Tek-Aria for a stellar 2011 cyclocross tandem campaign. In addition to being a great all-arounder, Andrew might be the most sciency guy on the team and was 2nd in the team Movember competition to thewrob.

Nicholas Taylor (Cat 2) – Nicholas also joins Team Bike Doctor from North Tek-Aria. Nicholas automatically is our hardman of the year having raced cyclocross in 2011 only months after breaking parts of his back at the Altoona Stage Race. We should also mention that he received his Cat 1 upgrade in cross to boot.

Team Bike Doctor welcomes all the new team members for 2012 and beyond. Once you are in, you can’t get out!

Well,

I have a few moments this morning while everyone is sleeping to update you all on how things are going here in Tucson…warning, this may cause insane jealousy and if you are that type you should stop reading now!!

OK….if you are still reading.  Sunny, Me (Jim), and the Giles family machine (that is Scott and Katy) attended the Tri-Service Academy Cycling Training Camp in Tucson, AZ.  I started the camp a few years ago to bring the military academy cycling teams together for some good training and friendly competition.  Over the last few years I’ve expanded to invite mentors who help to keep things safe, organized and fun.  Oh…and the mentors get to impart some wisdom and the occasional “on-the-bike” ass kicking.

Riders are lodged in TLF’s which are military houses with full kitchens, nice bedrooms, and we put about 3-4 in a room so we get some good team bonding going on.  This year we have 46 people here.  31 are cadets/midshipmen from USMA, USAFA, and USNA…the rest of civilians and military mentors.

The riding plan is ambitious and very challenging.  It’s a combo of “good training” and some pinnacle achievement type riding.  Because of the wide ranging abilities we split the groups by ability.  This year we have had 4 groups.  Group1 (row the “A”) group does the longest hardest miles and that’s where our bike doctor folks (myself, Sunny, Scott, and Katy) have been helping and leading.

The first day of camp was a 75 mile ride that followed the famous shootout loop. We started very, very easy to just get folks used to riding together.  The roads here in Tucson have taken a pretty big hit (combo of bad weather and poor financial conditions) and as such, riding slow was also probably safer as we leave town from base.  But, once out on the false flat climbs south of the city, we lit it up with some hard riding …at the end my quads felt like hamburger meat

Sunny getting ready

Day 3….rest day.  Most folks had tired legs so I let folks do what they wanted, some road, some rested.  I chose to go out for a ride up Mt Lemmon to the 10  mile point.  Scott, Katy and Sunny went up much higher as sunny is leaving on Friday and won’t be able to make the climb with the group…..  They hit the snow and ice a few miles below the top and posted a great picture!!

Toward the top of Mount Lemmon

Enjoying the moment at the top of Kitt Peak

Today is Day 5 and for the brave souls. We’ll do an 88 mile loop with 2 climbs.  One is Gates Pass which is a short 5 minute effort with a 20%+  1/4 mile at the end.  I promised Scott I wouldn’t go easy on him

Friday is our big climbing day….we will climb Mt Lemmon with the group.  It’s a 26 mile climb of about 6% all the way to the top.  But…at the top is a place called the “cookie cabin”….I usually begin thinking about it at mile 16…..

One Big Happy Family

I think when the week is done I might have close to 30 hours.  I have 22 right now!

Cheers oh…and in case you aren’t jealous yet….I’m getting a sun tan   Weather has been in the 50s to 60s ….(except for some rain the first 2 days)….LOVING IT!!

Jim

Thanks Jim. We really needed that rubbed in!

The promoter, Chris Gould, and his legion of helpers hit this one out of the ballpark.  It was a gorgeous December day, a little nip in the air, but who can complain? Hopefully, in future editions Mother Nature will step in and add a little snow to the setting…that would be EPIC!

Luray Caverns Cross 123 Start

Now let’s get down to the action.  Warner lined up with a group of 10 to start the 1/2/3 race at 2 pm.  There were a few heavy hitters in the field; Fawley (Trek), Taylor (North-Tek), a few JRVS Virginia riders along with some other cross fanatics.  For Warner, he was focused on surviving the 60 minutes of hell, and if all went well, be slobbering all over himself with that painful smile of joy for having went out and performed the best to his ability.  From the gun, it was a knock down sufferfest.  Taylor and Fawley charged out of the gates and the field spread out in chase behind.

After a few bobbles and one slide-out on the first lap, Warner was able to steady himself and re-attach with Lance Byrd (Adventures for the Cure). The duo, battling for 5^th and 6^th kept at each other for the remainder of the race.  It’s one of the beautiful dynamics in cross, the race within the race.  Warner got a small gap after Byrd had slight trouble at the downhill gravel u-turn, but he fought hard to re-connect.  Then it was Warner’s turn to bobble that corner the next lap and Byrd commanded a gap that Warner had to bring back.  With two to go, Byrd inched out a small gap, forcing Warner to take a little more risk to close it down before the gravel.  It was a good move as Warner got too aggressive and got tied up in one of the corners.  Warner chased HARD to try and bring him back, but Byrd rode solidly to finish up strong for 5^th, Warner 6^th.  Fawley took the win, Taylor 2^nd, Holland and Runnals (JRVS) 3^rd and 4^th.

What a course! It threw a little bit of everything at you.  There were great sections where you really had to empty the tank, but it also consisted of flowing technical sections where you could recover. The course design definitely forced you to maintain focus and think about setting up your next move.

A big thank you to the owner’s of the Luray Caverns for allowing us with a cross addiction to come out and play on their land! We are so very thankful!

A little compiled video Warner’s wife shot (there were some rowdy hecklers!)

Team Bike Doctor is excited to begin announcing our sponsor partners for 2012, beginning with the introduction of Elite Endurance Training Systems (www.EliteEndurance.com). Several members of the team have been utilizing Elite Endurance services during the past few years with a high level of success. We are incredibly excited and thankful to have the opportunity to expand our relationship with Elite Endurance. Stay tuned, as in the coming months we will be establishing a Coach’s Corner, where we will be sharing many of the informative training articles Elite Endurance shares with us.

And now, a little bit of background into the history, philosophy, and guiding principles in the words of our new sponsor partner:

Coach Lundgren at Monarch Cross

“In 2011 alone, Elite Endurance athletes won over 130 races, 14 State Champions, and 1 National Champion.

“My name is Kenneth Lundgren, the owner of Elite Endurance Training Systems. My singular goal is to coach athletes to success by building specific training programs, offering guidance, diet, and training advice, and helping with racing tactics. What first started as a way to make extra money has grown into my true livelihood. I never thought coaching would have this effect on me. After all, when you do well, I very much feel like part of that victory, and this motivates me to become better at what I do. I started coaching in the fall of 2005 after two athletes asked me to work with them. What started as a small project has morphed into my full-time job.

“My mission has always been to do things differently, to do things better. There are so many overpriced, underworked coaches out there, who just use programs like Training Peaks and other online training services, just pumping out these blueprint programs, never communicating with the athlete. To me, that is not the way to go. That is the easy, lazy way out. That is not going to give the athlete max success. I treat each athlete like I am coaching myself, each program geared specifically to address the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, building towards a personal peak. Because training programs are not blueprints — you must look at an athlete’s background, at their strengths, their weaknesses, at their goals and objectives, then be able to pump this information into a personalized training program that is geared for maximum efficiency and, hopefully, wide success.

“Every athlete is different. Thus, every athlete should follow a different path. What works for Lance Armstrong, for me, for you, is not the same. Through fitness tests and training blocks, we will discover what works for you the athlete and build on physical gains. By utilizing periodization principles, by tracking progress and changes, by building and tapering fitness to a powerful peak, we are going to achieve maximal improvements and find 100% of our athlete’s potential.

“Coaching is what I do for a living, and I speak from absolute experience when I say, ‘Talk is cheap!’ 130+ wins this year is something I am so very proud of, almost have to pinch myself with how well everyone has ridden, and 2012 is going to be even better. Coaching aside, I still continue to race. I rode for Northeastern Hardware from 2006-2010 and the team won the Garden State Cup five consecutive times. I have become one of the region’s top time trialists. In 2011, I won 7 time trials and set 4 course records, winning the NJBA TT Cup in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, I will be riding with one of my athletes, 4-time NJ State Road Race and Criterium Champion Ryan Pettit, on the Heart House squad, and the team will be taking him to the national level.

“For Team Bike Doctor, I am offering a substantial discount off Level 1 Coaching. In my opinion, Elite Endurance athletes are just better and I honestly feel my service is far superior to those who charge 3-5 times as much. I always said I am not coaching to get rich — rather to help athletes. There is no novelty to coaching athletes. Seeing improvements never gets old, and I look forward to helping Team Bike Doctor discover their full potential, something few athletes ever come close to doing.”

Coach Lundgren - Colorado Cup!

Coach LOVES the drops!

Tanner Browne ended his season with a win at Capital Cross, and 2nd in the MABRA Super8 sereis standings. The race started, and Tanner was in a great position as they completed 
the first lap, however, Elite women racer Erin Siliman had a terrible crash on the course, and everything was neutralized until she could be taken to 
hospital in an ambulance. The racers waited for about 30 minutes, and in that time Tanner rode around easily keeping his legs in the game.

Tanner Browne

Once the race was restarted they were told it was only going to be 2 
laps. Tanner went hard from the start and came over the barriers in 
2nd.  He created a gap between him and 3rd, while trying to chase down 
Connor Bell in first, about 20 seconds ahead. By the middle of the 2nd 
lap Tanner was 45 seconds ahead of third place Matthew Ammann (the 
series leader), and about 45 second behind the leader.  Tanner has had 
his mechanical issues this year (two broken chains), but this race he 
rode technically well and had no issues.  Unfortunately for Connor 
Bell, this was not the case.  With less than a kilometer left to race, 
Connor suffered a flat rear tire.  He rode the flat the best he could, 
but that wasn’t going so well.  Tanner didn’t realize this until he 
rounded the corner for the finish and saw that Conner was struggling. 
He launched a sprint and managed to pass him before the finish to take 
the win. It has been a season of ups and downs, but Tanner managed to get on 
the podium for every race.

Tanner Browne checking his gap

Tanner Browne-WINNER!

The hotly contested Master’s ¾ series has seen 7 different winners stand on the top step, and Todd Bickling and Steve Fife lined up with the hopes of placing both men on the podium. But, it wasn’t to be. Fife fought hard, and made the lead group, holding 2^nd position for the first few laps. Unfortunately a dropped chain over the barriers created a gap that he couldn’t close, and he lost contact with the leaders. Fife tried to hold it together for the second half of the race, but just missed the podium, placing 6^th, which secured his 3^rd overall placing in the series.

Steve Fife Masters 3/4

Bickling’s race was less successful. His first lap and a half went great, but then the wheels fell off the cart. Somehow, Todd forgot how to handle his bike. With his air pressure way too high, he over-thought the roots and cobbles, got caught in the tape twice, went down twice, and slid out on nearly every 
corner.

Todd Bickling Masters 3/4 run up

Bickling is not the type of rider you want to go towards a finish line with on your wheel, and on the last lap a Coppi rider 
caught him and surfed his wheel for the last few hundred meters. Coming into the finish, Bickling put the pedal to the metal and gapped the Coppi rider across the line. Too bad all these races aren’t only 100 meters long, Todd would be in heaven. In cross, sometimes it’s the little victories that count,  and he rolled in around 15^th, securing his 5^th place overall in the series. Both racers are excited to move up to the Elite Master’s ranks next year, and hope for more continued success.

Pete Warner and Brian Sjoberg lined up for the Elite Masters race, and here is a race report in Warner’s own words:

Pete Warner Masters Elite barriers

“My main focus was to attempt to really push the start and try to limit inflicting damage to myself in the technical sections.  Strangely, I was able to shoot through some gaps during the initial minute or so and get in the top 20.  I think I got a little complacent with my position and rode hard enough to keep up with the folks I was with, but the top 10-15 riders were stretching the gap.  That downhill chute definitely had a little pucker factor to it for me.  I know I lost time there, but I just didn’t want to go down.  I ended up riding with Chris Mayhew and Neil Schirmer for most of the race.  I was a little timid since I knew I was probably the worst technical rider in the bunch, but it’s nice to finally see the progress I’ve made from when I started as I was able to get through the turns clean and in good shape.  Definitely feeling more comfortable out there.  I will admit that run up had me gasping for air.  I thought I was having an asthma attack a few times up that sucker and I don’t think I have asthma!  On the last lap, Neal let a gap go to Chris prior to crossing the dam.  I knew I had to jump up to him so I made contact right before the run up and then just stayed with him. I thought he was going to attack me on that last little back section but he held it steady, and I didn’t make any mistakes following him.  We had a fun duel to the line, but I just started my sprint too late (aka underestimating Mayhews’ sprint) and he held on by a few inches. A great way to cap off the race. I came away feeling positive about the race.  Hell, 3 months ago I was Mayhews’ pupil at his cross clinic and didn’t know diddly about cross.  Here I am going to the line with the guy…nice to see improvement.  I ended up 18th, but I think I have a good idea where I can make some improvements before next year and hopefully contend for Top 10′s in the masters elite field…maybe even throw in some cross specific training since all I’ve really been doing is base prep for road next  season. Definitely need to get some early season points so I can get in at least the second row.  Luray will be my final hurrah.”

Sjoberg about to get his crossfit on!

Thanks to the Bike Lane for a wonderful event, and to all the promoters that put on races in the MABRA Super 8 Series this year. Us racers couldn’t have had as much fun this cross season without your love and dedication to our sport! We are really looking forward to next season, and eagerly anticipate what’s in store for the 2012 MABRA cross series. Cyclocross is alive and healthy in our region, and we are LOVIN’ IT!

Bickling bringing home 2nd place and winning the Maryland/DC Championship for 35+ 3/4

Our very own Todd Bickling got the fireworks started early in the Masters 35+ 3 /4 race. At the halfway point, it became decidedly clear that it would be a shootout to the end. The four riders at the front of the field were pushing each other to the max. Bickling, deep in the hurt locker, worked hard with Cory Smith from Sportif Coaching to limit the damage once the lead rider built up a small gap on the chasing duo. Bickling commented that it was crucial having Cory’s help in the chase. If there was one big take away from this race, it was to never give up because anything could happen out there.

Well, low and behold, coming into the final stretch, the lead rider suffered a mechanical and was running his bike full gas up the finish straight. WOW! The announcer was going nuts on the play by play. Every spectator ran to the finish straight in nervous anticipation. Would he make it or be caught?! Todd and Cory were HOT on the heels and had him in sight, closing fast! Unfortunately for Bickling, there just wasn’t enough real estate and he came across the line behind the winner for the 2nd. What a thrilling finish! Congrats to Bickling for notching a MABRA silver medal as well as taking the Maryland State title (since the winner was from VA)!…And big thanks to Cory Smith for all the help!

Tanner Browne not letting a broken chain bring him down!

Next up was Tanner Browne in the 15-18 Juniors race. Tanner jumped on the gas from the whistle and led the field in the early goings. Tanner was riding strong and smooth. Then tragedy struck. Tanner’s chain broke! Did he throw in the towel? Heck, no! In an inspirational show of determination and pride, Tanner ran over half a lap and switched to his Dad’s bike at the pit. Game back on! Tanner managed to grit his teeth and power his way from 9th to 3rd by the finish. It’s beautiful to see a junior keep the fight alive. Very proud of the accomplishment!

Pete Warner, Bill Browne & Brian “Sobe” Sjoberg clipped in for the 35+/45+ open right afterward. The race unfolded as expected with the fellas trying to hang on and navigate the tricky conditions. Sobe fell victim to a failed rear derailleur about 3 laps in; off to drink beer for him. Browne kept the pedals a turning but the mud was winning the battle. Warner managed to eek out 22nd on the day after two spectacular wipeouts on the last lap. We send our apologies to the grounds crew who had to fix course tape after Warner’s last lap escapades. Bickling did console Warner with a post race Blue Moon Ale. Tasty!

That’s a wrap. Congrats to all the MABRA and Maryland/DC State Champs! You all earned it big time on Sunday.

Many of the riders on the team wouldn’t be able to race nearly as much as they are able without the fantastic support of their families and sponsors. Thank you to the mom’s, dad’s, wives, husbands, kids, future kids, dogs, cats, honey badgers that support the riders. And to the sponsors, Bike Doctor, Cannondale

Brian Sjoberg and Tanner Browne with their awards

What a year it was for Team Bike Doctor! This last Saturday night saw two of the riders receiving awards for best all around rider in MABRA for 2011. Sonoma Restaurant played the hosting duties for this year’s awards banquet and they didn’t disappoint. The turnout was one of the best in years. Lots of racing friends to catch up with throughout the evening and reminisce on some of the highlights of 2011.

The two riders receiving awards were Brian Sjoberg and Tanner Browne. Tanner had a very consistent year and secured 2nd place overall in the Junior 10-14 category. He was only one victory away from nabbing 1st place. Congratulations goes out to Jake Thompson for the top spot in the Junior 10-14 category.

Brian Sjoberg (aka Sobe) resurrected himself from his “has been” days and with the aid of an unbelievably selfless team of category 3 riders secured 1st place. Brian started to see form in mid-June and continued to improve with a number of top 5 placements, including four wins, until the season ended in late August. An exciting year of category 3 racing was made possible by many great teams as well as the rest of the podium for best all-around rider. Congratulations Jason Hall, Andrew Shelby and Ben Frederick!

The Bike Doctor team did a remarkable job of working together on and off the bike in all the categories throughout the year. Brian certainly accounts for the teamwork conducted within the category 3 ranks and would like to give a big thanks to those that helped along the way!

Additionally the team would like to thank all the promoters that put on great races and the officials that put up with riders and got results posted and resolved quickly. Thank you as well to the other teams that helped animate all the MABRA races.

Many of the riders on the team wouldn’t be able to race nearly as much as they are able without the fantastic support of their families and sponsors. Thank you to the mom’s, dad’s, wives, husbands, kids, future kids, dogs, cats, honey badgers that support the riders. And to the sponsors, Bike Doctor, Cannondale, Bell Helmets, Tifosi Optics.

Great job by all the riders that call themselves MABRAins and additional congratulations to all the riders that made the podium of each category for Best All-Around rider! See all of you next year!

Sunday’s Rockburn Cross hosted by Adventures For the Cure was full of new surprises as the MABRA series rolled into Rockburn Branch Park in Howard County, MD. Tanner Browne and Emir Crnovic lined up for the Junior 15-18 race ready to do battle. Tanner ended up 4^th after crashing on one of the technical sections, and fighting back from 7^th. Emir, fairly new to bike racing, but full of enthusiasm and fitness, ended up 7th. It was the first race where he stayed strong to the end, and didn’t give up or get frustrated.

Rockburn CX-Tanner and Emir at the start

Rockburn CX-Tanner after his crash

Rockburn CX-Emir hanging tough

Lumber Jack Evan Ellicott put his wood chopping axe down for a few minutes to line up for the Single Speed race. With only one gear, Ellicott found the Rockburn course to be pretty tough, but dug deep and crossed the line in 4^th place. However, clocking-in post race for Fatherly duties took priority over his well earned photo opportunity, and he missed his call up to the podium.

In the Master’s ¾ race. Todd Bickling and Steve Fife went into the race with a game plan. The plan was for Fife to set a hard but steady tempo at the front to try and create some separation, and for Bickling to hang out on the back of the group and launch some late race attacks with the hopes of either Bike Doctor rider getting the win.

Rockburn CX-Bickling and Fife: TEAMWORK

After crashing on his surgically repaired collarbone last week at Schooley Mill, Fife didn’t even know if he could pull it together for Sunday’s race. Wednesday’s visit to the orthopedist for x-rays confirmed nothing worse than deep bruising and swelling. Once the doctor gave the all clear, Fife put his mental game together and poured all of that stress and worry into his pedals at Rockburn.

Rockburn CX-Fife and Bickling (obscured) in the sand

Sticking to the plan, Bickling and Fife made the selection of the lead group, and during the last lap got a gap on the field with unattached rider John McGreevy in tow. Going into the last few turns, Fife assumed the lead just before the paved finish, and was able to hold off McGreevy with Bickling rolling in hot on his heals for 3^rd.

Rockburn Podium-1st Fife (and daughter Tavia), 3rd Bickling

Pete Warner and Brian Sjoberg battled it out in the Master’s 1/2/3 race against a stacked field. Warner finally picked up his new Felt CX bike from Bike Doctor in Waldorf, and was really looking forward to putting it through its paces. Here’s a race breakdown in Warner’s own words:

Rockburn CX-Pete Warner in "no man's land"

“At Rockburn, I’ll be honest, I was pretty happy about NOT being last. I was pleased with my start but then I could not shift down from the big ring and lost a bunch of spots trying to get it in the small ring. I just went as hard as I could in what felt like no man’s land. I’d get real close to the guy in front of me, and then have a blunder that would set me back, argh.  BUT, I never went down!!!!!!  Happy not to wreck the new bike in the first two races. I LOVE my new bike! I ended up 17th with Sobe damn near chasing me down for 18th.  I was like, “where the heck did he come from? Us roadies out doing cross like to stick together”

Emir and Pete ready to rock at 540 Cyclocross on Saturday!

Cyclocross racing is hard. Battling through all of the little and big setbacks are what makes overcoming them so worth it. It doesn’t matter if your fighting for 1^st or battling for 18^th, it’s a fight worth fighting. Hanging with your friends in a beautiful park after the race with a cold beverage in your hand sure does help too.

The team would like to thank its sponsors for their generous support, without whom we wouldn’t be able to promote and enjoy the sport that we love. Please check out their great products/services: Bike Doctor, Cannondale, Bell Helmets, Tifosi Optics.