Giant Mid Atlantic Off-Road Team

The highest level of domestic racing takes place on the US Pro XCT circuit. Here guys toe the line from countries like Mexico, Canada, Australia, and the US. The top guys are some of the fastest in the world and it is a feat to start with them and not get lapped.

Many people think national level races are simply dirt roads with some freshly cut singletrack connecting them. Those ideas are normally elevated knowing that one of the race courses would be held on the ranch of a seven-time Tour de France winner. I would challenge anyone who thinks like that to actually get out there and see what it was all about. The Mellow Johnny's course was one of the most technical trails I have been on, and having lived in the locales of Michaux State Forest and Lehigh University, I am no stranger to technical trails. Add in intense southern 95 degree heat, no shade, and thick clouds of dust, I completed the most difficult XC race I ever started.

We got to the race at 1pm as Aaron and I got ready for our 2pm start. We got dressed and went to the start area to see the rest of the 60 some pro field lining up. It was then that we found out our start time was 1:15 and we would start the race with no warm-up and food still in our stomachs. I was called up 5th row by some lucky chance and Aaron was 2 rows up. Jen gave us some cold wet towels to put on our necks for the 6 minutes we stood there and thought about how much it would hurt to race with no warm-up.

The gun went off and we followed a massive cloud of dust into the start loop. I found a hole and went for it as I moved somewhere in the mid 20s. I was happy to have good legs and kept the hammer down. I punched every climb and railed each descent. Every time I would slow, I could hear tires in the grass behind me; every second you waste someone is ready to pass you. Against my better judgement, I kept the power down, and I could see Aaron only a few guys up.

You can see where this is going...

About 3/4 way through the first 8 mile lap I blew up. At first, I thought I could salvage it, and slowed down. I got passed, and passed, and passed. I went into damage control by lap 2 and coasted every chance I could hoping to somehow get back the good sensations I had and inkling of in the beginning. About a mile into lap 2 I had polished off my second bottle and scoured the ground for a dropped bottle by some less fortunate chap. Twenty minutes later I found one baking in the sun half full and sucked down the 120 degree water. It tasted like plastic.

Starting lap 3 I had just about lost hope. I took 2 fresh bottles this time and drank them both by halfway. I pretty much knew I would not feel good anymore and I could hear the lead moto somewhere behind me. I hated life, and in my terrible state of mind and body I slowed down in hopes of it catching me and getting pulled. I cleared the rock sections this time, and there were a few spectators left watching. Took the rock jump line because it was awesome and skidded a few turns when I had the energy. Approaching the finish I sat up and was ready to stop, but came through and was not told my day was over and I sucked. They looked at me and cheered and said one more.

Planning to pull the plug, I came to the feed zone and grabbed 3 bottles and a cold towel from Jen and Gunnar. I poured a bottle on my head and put the cold towel on my neck. It felt so good I kept going for a little, and then, like Forrest Gump, I figured I had gone this far so I might as well finish. Quarter through the last lap I came up on a familiar guy but an unfamiliar sight as I inched up on Aaron on one of the hairy descents. I tried to pass on some of the will to survive that I had come across, but kept moving thinking of that cold Dr. Pepper waiting for me. Made a few more passes that lap after the spectators had packed up and left. I crossed the line and someone took my bike while someone else helped me to a tent and another cold towel. I sat for about 20 minutes and tried to get my bearings before making it over to the results.

It was then that I realized a bad day is a hard day, but 34th in a UCI Pro race is also 34th in a UCI Pro race.
-Matt

By: Hebrew Cyclist


I traveled solo this past weekend to the second stop in the Campmor/H2H race series in Lagrangeville, NY, the Tymor Park Challenge.  I did this race last year, and liked the course which is a good mix of steep & difficult climbs and technically tasty singletrack.  For the 2010 edition, the course designers took out a climb, which sped the course up a bit, but didn't take away from the experience.


The start of the race was average, and after passing one or two 'fast-starters' I settled into a fast rhythm in the singletrack sections, while attacking the climbs in order to claw back the leaders.  The Anthem X rode beautifully with the shock in the pro-pedal position during the first lap, giving me some extra stiffness for out-of-the-saddle climbing.  Into the second lap, I threw the shock open and started ripping the descents to help make up more time.  The Geax Barro Mountain tires hooked up everywhere and kept me confident through the corners and over the rocks & roots and off-camber trail sections.


After riding most of the race in 4th, I finally saw 3rd place with less than 1 mile to go.  I dug deep, hoping that he was suffering and just trying to finish, but ultimately ran out of course and finished in 4th. After a confusing podium ceremony (I couldn't figure out when the picture was getting taken, since the said it 3 times), I grabbed some Chipotle with my friends Tim and Janel and headed home.


Great time, great course, and great burrito!  Thanks again to all of our great sponsors for providing such great equipment and products to help make this racing addiction even more fun!

Labels: Anthem X, Chipotle, geax, Giant Bicycles, Silly Shorts, Stan's NoTubes.com

By:  Giant Mid-Atlantic


It's been a few months now with our new ESI Silicone grips.  Throughout that time, we've put them through all sorts of conditions and scenarios, including last weekend's muddy race at the Cascade Classic.  The entire team received the 'Chunky' version, as opposed to the 'Racer's Edge' version, for its extra padding and comfort.  Here's the low-down on the goods:

First Impression:  Out of the packaging, these things are hot looking (especially in white, pictured above).  Once out of the packaging, the first thing that hits you is the incredibly light weight of these grips.  In fact, the packaging is heavier than the grips.  I kid you not.

Installation:  Amongst the team, we've used water and rubbing alcohol.  Both seem to work very well and leave no residue.  Just wet the inside of the grip and slide on, making sure the thicker side is facing up so your palms are resting there while riding.  Note:  if using rubbing alcohol, installation should be performed quickly, as it is volatile and evaporates quickly.

First Ride:  Once installed, the grips are solid on our bars.  No slipping, twisting, sliding, etc.  The feel is superb, with a great balance of softness and firmness.  Without gloves, you still have adequate grip on the bars, and with gloves it's like your hands are glued on.  The team had previously used a mix of grips, and everyone has been able to adjust to these immediately without problem.

Long-term performance:  The grips are still in great shape, very little wear is noticed after countless rides in dry and wet.  Our white grips are still relatively clean as well, maintained with soapy water and some elbow grease.  They are still solidly installed, with no slipping, twisting, or sliding since installation.

Final Verdict:  It's hard to imagine using any other grip for our race and trail bikes.  The overall performance of the ESI grips is heads and foam above the competition.

Get yours at www.esigrips.com

Labels: chunky, esi grips, Giant Bicycles

By:  Hebrew Cyclist


For a nice recap of the beginning of the race, check out Matt's blog HERE.  Very accurate.

As for the rest of our story, it begins in East Stroudsburg amidst delicious vegan pancakes and scrumptious homemade cinnamon bread french toast.  Just some of the breakfasts of choice of the Giant Mid-Atlantic Cycling Team.  Toeing the line today for the team were Matt and Jordan.  The weather was great, and the course conditions were just a bit soggy, but still nice.  After the start of the race, both Matt and Jordan were in solid position for a top-5 podium run, with Jordan in 5th and Matt in 6th.  Navigating the technical singletrack was challenging, but made much easier on our new Anthem X race bikes.  Seriously, these bikes make you feel like you're cheating.  Unfortunately, as the group containing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place got within 10 seconds, we (along with many other riders) took a wrong turn at an unmarked trail junction and had to make due with chasing back through the pack for the rest of the race.

This was all good, as we were still having a good day and didn't let the setback bother us, but late in the third lap we both suffered time-consuming mechanicals which allowed a few more riders to slip past.  In the end, the team finished with Matt in 7th and Jordan in 8th.  Not too shabby considering the time lost out on the course.  

Speaking of the course, it was awesome!  Super techy, with lots of steep climbs to help make up more time, or reel riders in.  Our new Stan's ZTR Crest wheelsets were superb, and felt great the entire time!  Thanks Stan's NoTubes!  And of course, our Geax treads gave us confidence, even in the muddy, rocky, and rooty conditions on course.

Next race on tap is one of the Campmor/H2H series races in Lagrangeville, NY, the Tymor Park Challenge.  We all did this race last year and it was a blast!  Hope you can make it!

Labels: Anthem X, Cascade Classic, geax, Giant Bicycles, Mid-Atlantic Super Series, Stan's NoTubes.com

By:  Hebrew Cyclist

Twas a fine occasion this past Saturday, with all the Giant Mid-Atlantic crew in attendance!  The day started off early with some rain and Jordan setting up the pit area for Rich's 6hr race (Jordan also forgot the camera, which is why there are no pics of the sweet set-up).  Rich had his new Anthem X set up and was feeling as good as one can feel for a cold, wet, 9am start to an endurance race.  The Expert loop was about an hour long, so there was little chance to get bored out there.  Unfortunately, as Rich started warming up and feeling good, some of his spokes were wearing out and decided to throw in the towel early (along with some rotor bolts too).  With a wobbly rear wheel and no spares on hand, Rich had to call it quits after 2 laps.  Total bummer, but that is racing!  He is riding strong and is heading towards good form for June 5th's Mohican 100.
On tap for this weekend is the Cascade Classic, which is the next stop in the Mid-Atlantic Super Series.  See you there!

The May Newsletter is out!  Interested in receiving the Giant Mid-Atlantic Newsletter?  E-mail the team at GiantMidAtlantic@gmail.com!

By:  Giant Mid-Atlantic

On Saturday May 1st (MAY DAY!), Giant Mid-Atlantic Pro rider Jordan Kahlenberg got the chance to hang out with the crew from Intercourse Brewing Company at the McCoole's Spring Beer Festival in Quakertown, PA.  Jordan may have found his dream job of talking about beer and bicycles, but alas it only lasted from 12-4pm, and then it was off to do a training ride to get ready for Sundays' Granogue Mtb race in Wilmington, DE.





On the menu for the day was the delicious Blue Ball Porter and the tasty Bareville Pilsner.  Both got rave reviews and positive comments from all who enjoyed them!  If you haven't tried them out for yourself, then go to www.intercoursebrewingco.com and find the distributor closest to you!

Labels: Beer, Giant Bicycles, Intercourse Brewing Company

By Hebrew Cyclist


While Matt was ripping up the trails at the Wawayanda Campmor/H2H series opener in northern New Jersey, I (Jordan) was in Delaware for XC #3 in the Mid-Atlantic Super Series, Andrew Mein's Excellent Adventure at Granogue.

The heat & humidity, combined with the usual stacked field of Elite Open racers, made this race particularly tough.  Fortunately, I had been using my Elete Add-In and Tablytes and wasn't too worried about hydration and cramping.  That stuff is seriously amazing and is a race-saver in the hot weather!


Unlike last year, the trails were relatively dry and fast, but good handling skills were still in order with plenty of off-camber sections containing roots, rocks, and loose soil.  The start was a bit chaotic but once things settled I found myself in the top-10 with room to move-up quickly.  Halfway through the race, I found myself in 6th place, but was having some trouble with the slick climbs towards the end of the lap, and I started to lose ground.  In the middle of the last lap, I got passed by a trio of riders while having some minor mechanical issues and despite a hard chase I couldn't overtake them and settled for 10th on the day.  I'm capable of better, but finishing 10th after a mediocre race is better than 20th.  The XTC 29er, as usual, rode like a champ and was yelling at me to get my stuff together on those steep climbs.

Thanks to Marc V. and the crew who put the race on, excellent adventures were definitely had by all.  Also, BIG thanks to Elete Add-in for getting me through a hot and humid weekend with no cramps and well hydrated!

Labels: Elete, Fatmarc Vanderbacon, Giant Bicycles, Giant XTC 29er