Team Escape Velocity Cycling Club

Please adjust your feed.

2007-04-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this in a newsfeed, please ensure that from now on, your RSS feed points at www.escapevelocity.bc.ca/rss.xml and that you check out our web site's new look and feel.

There's lots to like, I promise.

Pardon Our Dust

2007-04-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

With our apologies, we're going to make a few changes around our website very shortly. If our RSS/Atom feeds temporarily fall on their face or disappear, please drop by our home page and look for the soon-to-arrive New & Improved ("now less likely to drive the web guy crazy!") EV site. We'll try to avoid it, but we may also end up dropping some links on the floor, so to speak, or messing up our home page temporarily, but we'll try to make as little mess as possible.

You'll see a fair number of cosmetic changes, but those are mere window dressing on some astoundingly boring behind-the-scenes changes which will make EV's online presence vastly more manageable. With any luck (i.e. if the web guy isn't lazy) this will mean gobs and gobs of exciting (to the web guy, three other club members, and both of our RSS subscribers) new content for your delectation.

Well, that's the plan at least.

Harris-Roubaix: Get well soon, Tom!

2007-04-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, that was a bit crashy, eh?

Tom Fairs, who both works for and rides for EV sponsor La Bicicletta Pro Shop, got caught up in one of the numerous crashes in the Cat 4/5 race at Harris-Roubaix this weekend.

Tom broke 9 ribs, punctured a lung, and will likely be in the hospital for another week. He will probably be at home for another six weeks or so of recuperation after that.

Kevin Corkum, proprietor of La Bicicletta, thanks all of you for your calls. He has now set up a special mailing list to keep you updated on Tom's progress. Just click on that link and send off a blank email to the list address to subscribe.

In other EV Harris-Roubaix news, congrats to Russell Stead, Bob Chew, and Paul Beard, who all finished in the points. Note that the marshalls have incomplete results for most categories, so if you think you scored a top-15 on the weekend, please check the results and contact the organizers.

In other, other EV news, the Warp Speed Team Time Trial is coming, and we'll have yet more news soon. I just wanted to tell you that the team size is 3 for women and 4 for men. You can start 3 men if you prefer, but the clock stops on the third man.

Warp Speed Time Trial, plus Warp Speed TEAM Time Trial!

2007-04-12T00:58:00.000-07:00

So, you're all stoked for the annual running of the Warp Speed Time Trial on May 13, right?

Well now, we give you a bonus: on May 20th, Escape Velocity will present the Warp Speed Team Time Trial. We invite you to form a team and participate in this inaugural event. Course details to be confirmed, keep an eye on the website for more details.

But seriously, is there any bike event more beautiful than a really good TTT? The teamwork, the camraderie, the suffering. Think of those dominant ONCE teams, or US Postal's strong men pulling Lance to victory, or Zabriskie clipping a teammate's wheel while wearing the yellow jersey...

On second thought, don't think of Zabriskie.

Complete Spring Classic results, including TT

2007-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here we go, two Excel files, complete with the overall results for all racers who scored any points in the Omnium, and TT results for every participant.

And that, more or less, is it for another year of the Spring Series. Thanks again to Jeremy Storie and all the many dEVo kids and parents, and even a few EV hangers-on, who made this event a success.

Thanks also to all the racers: we hope you had fun, and you should feel good about participating. The Spring Series is a key fund-raiser for our youth-development squad, and your entry fees directly contribute to keeping our kids on the roads, where they belong.

One more pic from Tobin:

Spring Classic Stage Race: results

2007-04-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

(More photos of the Murrayville crit by Tobin Copley)

We're still tidying up a few results for you, but here are the preliminary top-3 Omnium standings for the three categories:

A Group
1. Christian Meier, Symmetrics
2. Svein Tuft, Symmetrics
3. Ryan Anderson, Trek/Red Truck Racing

B Group
1. Lloyd Thomas, Whistler
2. Matt Potma, Integrale
3. Cody Campbell, dEVo

C Group
Nathan Wallace, La Bicicletta
Dave Broemeling, Escape Velocity
Derek Ferguson

Complete results shortly.

TT Start List for Spring Series Classic

2007-03-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Number Last name First Name Start Time 4 PM
404 bauck neena 4:00:00
410 charleson casey 4:00:30
411 wallace nathan 4:01:00
415 pignott-duggan zeb 4:01:30
416 lynne stuart 4:02:00
418 gerth jennifer 4:02:30
419 short katherine 4:03:00
421 mcmurtry rob 4:03:30
424 zachery tony 4:04:00
428 ferguson derek 4:04:30
429 rainer mark 4:05:00
431 grund darrin 4:05:30
433 nonis camille 4:06:00
436 vaughn melanie 4:06:30
442 heilmeier sonja 4:07:00
443 nathan sarah 4:07:30
446 delisle stephane 4:08:00
448 siudut rodney 4:08:30
450 bilsbarrow chelsea bill pickle 4:09:00
454 manning dj 4:09:30
455 jung curtis 4:10:00
456 murphy pat 4:10:30
457 richardson dave 4:11:00
475 broemeling david 4:11:30
476 postlethwaite brian 4:12:00
492 sidic mike 4:12:30
493 bower travis 4:13:00
498 jung may 4:13:30
499 canning rachel 4:14:00
500 barlev adam 4:14:30
503 burton klint 4:15:00
505 kozak richard 4:15:30
506 berry nick 4:16:00
507 straight gus 4:16:30
509 giesbrecht kyla 4:17:00
514 laxson shoshauna 4:17:30
529 newsome ryan 4:18:00
530 bragg ken 4:18:30
532 lone kjersten 4:19:00
533 gerth heather 4:19:30
538 hess corey 4:20:00
539 brooks jason 4:20:30
542 mouellic aiden 4:21:00
546 jurcova julia 4:21:30
547 kenney rob 4:22:00
548 mwaikabo zwane 4:22:30
4:23:00
4:23:30
4:24:00
4:24:30
4:25:00
4:25:30
2 radomsky alena 4:26:00
3 bauck hans 4:26:30
5 guloien leah 4:27:00
6 wasiela jakub 4:27:30
14 firth-eagland evan 4:28:00
15 hale colin 4:28:30
16 campbell cody 4:29:00
17 hopkins trevor 4:29:30
18 gordon dustin 4:30:00
20 gerth david 4:30:30
23 howard lisa 4:31:00
24 trew jenny 4:31:30
27 falcon paul 4:32:00
29 riley bill 4:32:30
30 cassidy jenelle 4:33:00
40 mcbeth roy 4:33:30
51 manning jason 4:34:00
52 stead russel 4:34:30
57 tabbernor jennifer 4:35:00
58 thomas lloyd 4:35:30
59 routley tony 4:36:00
61 stott joshua 4:36:30
65 kosick david 4:37:00
68 chaves horacio 4:37:30
69 thorpe kevin 4:38:00
72 karu kalle 4:38:30
77 rothengatter mike 4:39:00
78 bird nic 4:39:30
79 machhein richard 4:40:00
86 cameron claire 4:40:30
89 harrison owen 4:41:00
93 dormer mark 4:41:30
118 potma matt 4:42:00
123 zimich barb 4:42:30
125 brown laura 4:43:00
126 watson karen 4:43:30
129 law matt 4:44:00
130 graham garrison 4:44:30
131 roorda steph 4:45:00
136 macleod fiona 4:45:30
137 guloien nels 4:46:00
144 shaw james 4:46:30
145 birk tom 4:47:00
147 chang edwin 4:47:30
150 peters andrew 4:48:00
152 van gaans gerry 4:48:30
154 dormer mark 4:49:00
155 bird nic 4:49:30
157 lea andrew 4:50:00
162 rutherford kevin 4:50:30
181 bisaro kiaro 4:51:00
185 kamstra otto 4:51:30
186 guthrie evan 4:52:00
188 bant graeme 4:52:30
189 hamilton nic 4:53:00
190 leeds rob 4:53:30
192 bower travis 4:54:00
193 lynem nick 4:54:30
196 testroete alison 4:55:00
197 base julian 4:55:30
198 lamson heather 4:56:00
199 brown andrew 4:56:30
4:57:00
4:57:30
4:58:00
4:58:30
4:59:00
4:59:30
701 tolkamp john 5:00:00
704 thompson jason 5:00:30
707 lepine joe 5:01:00
712 nelson brian 5:01:30
713 walker brett 5:02:00
714 ivey derrek 5:02:30
715 perkins john 5:03:00
716 howard alistair 5:03:30
718 reid chris 5:04:00
719 waugh damien 5:04:30
721 sturgess owen 5:05:00
723 gormick jonathan 5:05:30
725 bidniak mike 5:06:00
727 tsilemos jim 5:06:30
728 kwasnicki jim 5:07:00
733 anderson ryan 5:07:30
736 vukets dave 5:08:00
738 ain jeff 5:08:30
739 scheske mike 5:09:00
740 beard paul 5:09:30
741 cooper marsh 5:10:00
742 sherstobitoff jeff 5:10:30
743 bergman axel 5:11:00
744 worsfold chris 5:11:30
745 worsfold maurice 5:12:00
748 meier christian 5:12:30
753 savage shane 5:13:00
757 okuniewicz jack 5:13:30
758 elliston mike 5:14:00
760 kyle andrew 5:14:30
761 pinfold andrew 5:15:00
776 noiles kevin 5:15:30
781 kindree neal 5:16:00
783 savage matt 5:16:30
784 solem murray 5:17:00
785 hawranik jay 5:17:30
787 aarden marcel 5:18:00
789 hodgson fred 5:18:30
790 cortrell matt 5:19:00
792 white garth 5:19:30
793 sturm sven 5:20:00
797 routley will 5:20:30
798 de gier craig 5:21:00
799 hillier chris 5:21:30
803 boniface brett 5:22:00
807 james josh 5:22:30
809 sparling jamie 5:23:00
810 britton rob 5:23:30
811 brooks dave 5:24:00
812 connor trevor 5:24:30
813 trace tyler 5:25:00
814 mcnamara ryan 5:25:30
815 mcmaster derek 5:26:00
819 hansen matt 5:26:30
820 collins jesse jame 5:27:00
821 walker matthew 5:27:30
822 white robin 5:28:00
823 federeau ricky 5:28:30
824 taylor ryan 5:29:00

Spring Classic Stage Race: last-minute updates

2007-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked the page for the Spring Classic Stage Race this weekend, please do so. There's a few important changes and clarifications, which we'll summarize here:

-Sign-on for Saturday's road race is at 8th Avenue, east of Murchie Road, and parking is on 8th Ave between Murchie and 240th Street.
-Sunday crit is at Old Yale Road and 224 Street; parking is at the school at 222A Street and Old Yale Road.
-Crit start times are 9:15 for C, 10:15 for B, and 11:30 for A.
-TT starts at 4pm Sunday. Start times will be posted late Saturday night for Stage Race competitors on this and other websites.
-Stage Race scoring: in the event of a tie in total points after all three stages, then the tiebreakers are, in order: most stage wins, then second places, then third places. If there is still a tie, then best TT time is the final tie-break*.

Points distribution, prizes, fees, and virtually everything else is explained on the race page. So come on out, the weather looks good.

*we were hoping the final tie-break could be a posedown while wearing road cleats, but our event insurance wouldn't cover it.

Spring Series: March 24, 25 results

2007-03-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

As always, complete results, including omnium standings, are available at roadie.ca.

March 24: Atomic

The rain did not subside at all for this race. Still large fields coming out and all groups finished up in broken up sprints on the final climb save Symmetrics Jeff Sherstobitoff riding the whole last lap on a flat with no problem as he had a 6 minute plus cushion.


A Group   13 laps 130 km

1. Jeff Sherstobitoff   Symmetrics
2. Kevin Noiles         Trek/Red Truck Ale
3. Jim Tsilemos         Coastal
4. Jason Fluckinger     Coastal
5. Marcel Aarden        Integrale

B Group  11 laps  110 km

1. Jason Manning        dEVo
2. Lloyd Thomas         Team Whistler
3. David Penner         Escape Velocity
4. Hans Bauck           Coastal
5. Guy Biggar           Escape Velocity

C Group 6 laps 60 km

1. Nathan Wallace       La Bicicletta
2. Derek Ferguson
3. Nick Berry
4. Mike Laxdal          Integrale
5. Dave Broemeling      Escape Velocity

March 25: Aldergrove

Well it finally arrived, the sun that is and it was a glorious day of racing on a deceptively tough 7 km circuit which featured a short steep 400m climb to the finish and increasing headwinds on the flat Zero Ave section.

In the A's the La-Z-Boy Cycling Team made their first appearance of the Spring and placed 3 in the top five. But Trek/Red Truck Ale's Ryan Anderson was the primary aggressor all day on the climb, besting last year's winner Will Routley of Symmetrics as 4 riders stayed away for the last 5 laps to contest the sprint.

In the B's it was dEVo's 17 year old strongman Cody Campbell who was represented in every move of the day and led home, by 20-30 meters, his four other last-5-laps breakaway companions.

In the C race a large pack was whittled down to 10 at the finish but it was Derek Ferguson easily taking the win up the final pitch. The Novice race had 18 competitors and it did not disappoint with Drew Rickard picking up the win in a fairly tight sprint finish.


A group 20 laps 140 km

1. Ryan Anderson        Trek/Red Truck Ale
2. Will Routley         Symmetrics
3. Jamie Sparling       La-Z-Boy Cycling Team
4. Rob Britton          La-Z-Boy Cycling Team
5. Trevor Connor        La-Z-Boy Cycling Team


B Group  17 laps 119 km

1. Cody Campbell        dEVo
2. Andrew Lea           Coastal
3. Maurizio Giraldi     Mighty Riders
4. David Gerth          Coastal
5. Matt Potma           Integrale

C Group  9 laps  63 km

1. Derek Ferguson
2. Mike Laxdal          Integrale
3. Zeb Pignott-Duggan
4. John Livingstone
5. Ken Bragg

Novice Group  5 laps  35 km

1. Drew Rickard
2. Patrick Fergusson    dEVo
3. Rob Kenney
4. May Jung
5. Aiden Mouellic       dEVo

Spring Series: weekend racing results

2007-03-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well, another great, if wet weekend of racing.

Saturday March 17

On another day reminiscent of last weekends Armstrong deluge the riders headed out on a brand new course. The rain continued to decimate the fields and both the B and C groups finished in tight bunch gallops with the A field succumbing to the Symmetrics juggernaut.

Update: Jim Tsilemos (not John) finished 4th in the A race. Oops!


A Group 8 laps 128 km

1. Jeff Sherstobitoff   Symmetrics
2. Marsh Cooper         Symmetrics
3. Zach Bell            Symmetrics
4. Jim Tsilemos         Coastal
5. John Tolkamp         Escape Velocity

B Group 6 laps 96 km
1. Lloyd Thomas         Team Whistler
2. Mike Boehm           Team Whistler
3. Anselmo Rossiello    Coastal
4. Colin Hale           Coastal
5. Jenny Trew           Giant Women's Team

C Group 4 laps 64 km
1. Mathew Campbell
2. Mike Laxdal          Integrale
3. Richard Kozak        Escape Velocity
4. Derek Ferguson
5. Mark Rainer

Sunday March 18
The day started with a mild mist and the entire race save the last few laps of the A race had dry and quite warm weather. The Bradner course is probably one of the toughest of the month with relentless rolling hills which are situated to allow the riders to get very little rhythm with the course. All groups ended in solo or small bunch finishes.


A group 14 laps 126 km
1. Marsh Cooper         Symmetrics
2. Jeff Sherstobitoff   Symmetrics
3. Chris Diafuku        WWU
4. Cam Evans            Symmetrics
5. Tim Abercrombie      Escape Velocity

B Group 10 laps 90 km
1. Chris Reynolds        CVC
2. Tony Routley          Team Whistler
3. Jenny Trew            Giant Women's Team
4. Andrew Lea
5. Colin Hale            Coastal

C Group 6 laps 54 km
1. Nathan Wallace
2. Derek Ferguson
3. Colin Campbell
4. John Livingstone
5. Mark Rainer

Photo courtesy Richard Wooles, Cycling BC

Spring Series: new parking and weekend race details

2007-03-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 17, we will be running you through a new course for this year, but note that the previously published parking and start areas are incorrect. This PDF has the correct parking and start areas, so please consult it. Start/staging and registration is at the corner of 240th St and 32nd Ave., with all parking on 32nd Ave. east of 240th St.

Sunday March 18 is the much loved Bradner course. The finish is the same as past years, but the start/staging and registration is NOT at Jubilee Community Hall at north end of Bradner. This is all now located at Bradner Community Hall and school located at 5305 Bradner Rd and is south of the course about 1 km. There will be a neutral roll out with lead vehicle to get to course. As above, the map on the Spring Series pages does not show the proper start and staging area.

Weekend Update: world-famous Armstrong punishes all comers

2007-03-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ah, the Spring Series! What would you be without a bit of miserable weather?

The Zero Avenue race on Saturday happened under threatening conditions, but the rain held back until the racing was done. Symmetrics dominated the A race, sweeping the first four positions, with Jeff Sherstobitoff taking the win. The other races on the twisty but not hilly course all finished in bunch kicks: Lloyd Thomas, Dave Markham, and dEVo's Angus Straight took the B, C, and Novice races respectively.

The Armstrong race was another story. 110 riders braved epic conditions, and all the packs shattered under the combined strain of wind, rain, and the 3 km wall known as Armstrong. Christian Meier of Symmetrics took the A win, dEVo's Jonathan Page (no relation) scored a B group victory, and Terry Dillon gathered up top honours in C.

Complete results, including omnium standings, are now available from Roadie.ca's results page. Roadie.ca is the official score keeper of the dEVo Spring Series.

dEVo's Cody Campbell also did well in the B race, taking third place. I'm just mentioning that because it gives me an excuse to post these photos of Cody, at age 54 the oldest member of dEVo:

Spring Forward Sunday

2007-03-05T23:41:00.000-08:00

So everybody's really excited about the Armstrong race on Sunday, March 11, right? Okay, so don't miss it!

This Sunday is the daylight savings time change, so spring forward and you won't miss the Spring Series.

As to why you might want to race Armstrong, we present this compelling A Group photo of lap 2 of the 2005 edition:

As you can see, our Mr. Ross climbs the second half of the hill rather quickly: "I'm 5th or 6th wheel. We hit 37.8 kmh up an 7 or 8% incline. I max out at 195 bpm and feel my face go tingly."

Race Armstrong: it will make your face go tingly. But don't forget to set your clock, or you'll be an hour late. Or early. Math is hard.

Spring Series Race 1 results up

2007-03-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

They're available here. Congratulations to our winners: Cam Evans, Maurizio Giraldi, Zeb Piggot-Duggan, and Drew Rickard.

Oh, okay, a quick writeup. It was a lovely day, with only a hint of rain as the A group wrapped up. The Symmetrics train sent two riders off the front, and they stayed away for a lightly contested sprint between Evans and dEVo alumni Marsh Cooper. The remaining placings were made up by a small chase group.

In the B race, a group of five escaped from the clutches of the pack, and Maurizio Giraldi took a furious sprint after dEVo's Cody Campbell went a little too early and ended up as the accidental leadout man.

The Novice race stayed together virtually the whole way, and ended with the traditional bunch sprint, and I'm afraid I didn't hear about the C finish. Further bulletins as events warrant.

update: Got pictures? If you use Flickr, be sure to tag them "springseries" - and here's a video from Cycling BC of the starts and finishes.

Escape Velocity Announces Cat 1-2 Men's Team for 2007 Season

2007-02-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

photos: Greg Descantes

Team Escape Velocity is pleased to announce its 2007 Cat 1/2 Men's Team for 2007. "The Team has been training hard for 2007," said EV President Gordon Ross. "After last year with a number of strong individual performances in the BC Cup races and John Tolkamp's National Masters TT Champion title, I'm looking forward to seeing the team's progress this season." The team has strong management support, sponsorship from Louis Garneau and Powerbar, and has added new riders including Tahuya Seabeck Tahuya road race winner Damien Waugh from Masi-Adobe and dEVo graduate Jeff Ain.

The Cat 1/2 team represents an important part of Escape Velocity's commitment to the long-term athlete development model. The team's mission is to provide an environment where espoir-age dEVo graduates can gain valuable racing and training experience at the regional and provincial level with older and more experienced riders. The dEVo youth program, founded and managed by Jeremy Storie has developed cyclists like Cam Evans, Marsh Cooper, and Naomi Cooper. As a recent dEVo graduate himself, Jeff Ain intends on making this happen. "I can see a National Champ in every one of those kids. But first they'll ride with us!"

The team also encourages EV members to progress to the Cat 1/2 level and race with the team. Co-Team Leader Tim Abercrombie agrees, "There is a huge amount of talent within the club just waiting to be unleashed."

After taking the 2006 season off to pursue his firefighting career, Eric Kameka returns to volunteer his leadership and skills as Team Manager. "Having gone through the dEVo program and having raced Cat 2 with EV, I'm happy to be able to give something back and be involved with a great program", said Eric.

New for 2007 is a club-wide comprehensive sponsorship arrangement with Louis Garneau. LG Product Representative Joe Lepine is also a team member, "The 2007 Team's appearance and presentation will be very professional, with the highest quality products." The new Dura-Ace equipped carbon fibre Louis Garneau Sonix 6.5 SL bikes, custom painted in red, white, and black EV colors, are eagerly anticipated. John Tolkamp, co-Team Leader, test-rode the bike this fall. "It's a great bike. Rides like a dream," said John.

Escape Velocity Cat 1/2 Men's Team roster for 2007:
1.) Tim Abercrombie - co team leader
2.) Jeff Ain
3.) Paul Beard
4.) Joe Lepine
5.) Gordon Ross
6.) Chris Squires
7.) Jason Thompson
8.) John Tolkamp - co team leader
9.) Damien Waugh

Team Managers: Eric Kameka, Jak New and Twyla Biberdorf.

In addition, the team will have support from a number of other EV Cat 1/2 riders this season, including Axel Bergmann, Duncan Steele, Stephen Cork, and Robin Suopanki. Lastly, the team anticipates up and coming Cat 3 riders later in the summer including Jonathan Page, Owen Sturgess, Cody Campbell, Jonny Cheung, and Karl von Beckmann.

Spring Series: please be ready

2007-02-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

EV member David Broemeling (left) chats with fellow bike racer Tom Danielson. Mr. Danielson has not yet confirmed his Spring Series participation, but we're pretty sure Fumiyuki Beppu (background, in Japanese National Champion jersey) will show for Armstrong.

Photo: David Broemeling

Spring Series 2007 is Coming

2007-01-30T02:04:00.000-08:00

The birds are chirping and will be welcoming the start of March, as this means winter is on the way out and road racing is front and centre again in BC. The Escape Velocity/dEVo Spring Series is all set to go with two new courses and a new category added.

The series will start off with the traditional River Rd course and all of your favourites are back such as Armstrong and Bradner, but we have also added a new 16 km loop in central Langley to replace the second running of River Rd, and a new criterium in the heart or Murrayville.

We have also endeavoured to make racing as accessible to as many groups as possible and have added a Novice category for three races on March 10, 24, and 25. Please see the category suggestions on the Spring Series page to help advise you on which category to race.

Don't forget about the Learn to Race Clinic on March 3rd. The perfect way for any new or nervous rider to ease into racing.

So check out all the details now that we have updated the site. Get your license, take off your fenders, download the waiver, and be there!

Spring Series News: Learn to Race!

2007-01-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Once again, Escape Velocity will be hosting the much beloved (and occasionally, when it snows, behated) Spring Series. It's the best way to kick off your racing season.

Just like last year, we're starting in March, and just like last year, it will take place in the near reaches of the Fraser Valley, mostly Langley and Abbotsford. The new schedule is almost ready, and when it is, we'll let you know.

But we do know about one new event: a Learn to Race Road clinic on Saturday, March 3rd, 2007 at 10am.

Are you nervous about your first race or riding in a big group? Learn to Race Road is aimed at novice and first-time racers — for men, women, and kids. Get familiar with the Escape Velocity Spring Series race course #1 (River Road, Langley) and the people that you will be racing with while you learn to race safely and effectively.

The cost will be a super-cheap $20, your instructors are certified NCCP coaches and Elite-level racers, and the course will take about three hours. For complete details, including how to sign up, download the poster [pdf].

Hope to see you there!

Escape Velocity Hires dEVo Director Jeremy Storie

2006-12-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Escape Velocity strengthens dEVo junior program by hiring Jeremy Storie

Escape Velocity (EV) has strengthened its junior program by hiring Jeremy Storie, as its dEVo coach and program coordinator for 2007.

Jeremy will be responsible for overseeing the coordination and coaching of Escape Velocity's junior athletes in a new three-tiered model of delivery. There is now an entry level option (dEVo club), a group coaching option (dEVo race), and an individualized coaching option (dEVo peak). The new dEVo program structure recognizes the need to provide appropriate development opportunities for riders of all ages, an important aspect of EV's vision and mission. The model also reflects and re-enforces the Canadian Cycling Association's Long-term athlete development model, and the needs of our current juniors.

"Jeremy is so well known for his successes as a coach, that EV is very lucky to have him return to the program he started as a volunteer in 1999." says, Brian Storey, EV V.P. Jeremy has a long list of accomplishments in cycling, including coaching many junior and senior National Team Athletes to National Championship titles, World Cup medals, Commonwealth Games teams, and Pan Am Games teams. His program coordination an operations experience includes directing the 800.com women's pro-team and Symmetrics Cycling Team.

2006 a banner year for Escape

2006-12-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe another cycling season has come and gone. In 2006, Escape Velocity played host to 10 Spring Series races, 4 months of World Tuesday Night Championships, the BC Cup finale and BC Provincial Time Trial Championships, and even managed to host its first ever Cyclocross race. Our athletes had some great performances, wearing the red and green in events across BC, Canada, and the USA. And behind it all is a great club of amazing people who put in equally epic efforts off the road as they do when they're racing.

Our annual party, held this year at Dix BBQ & Brewery downtown, allowed us to celebrate our achievements and recognize some of the outstanding efforts of the year.

Without further ado, here's who went home with the awards.

Mechanically Declined

All it took was one near-death experience on Sidaway Rd in Richmond for Kenny James to catapult himself past the others (literally) to take the award for most unfortunate mechanical of the year. Kenny's exploding ear cassette and hub at speed (50kmh?) and resulting crash almost had him win the "Best Crash" award as well. Better luck this winter, Kenny.

Dedication to Training (dEVo)

Rain or shine (but mostly rain), Rachel Canning could be found riding over the Lions Gate bridge on her way to Richmond, hands kept warm with her signature dish-washing gloves. Rachel's persistence and determination won her this prestigious award. Few riders had the stamina and discipline to put in those kinds of miles.

Dedication to Training (EV)

Fresh off his mid-season upgrade to the big leagues, Jeff Ain traded his green jersey for a red one and found himself smack in the middle of BC Superweek. But Jeff had a plan and he stuck to it. Finishing all of the Superweek races with style, Jeff showed an unfaltering dedication to his methods, putting in a great year of training and racing. The results speak for themselves. Jeff wins the first ever "Bent Chainring" trophy fashioned by Bob Chew's legs and Steve Fenning's handiwork.

Wheelsuck

"Does this picture frighten you?" asks the headline caption of the wheelsuck award. While having been handed out in a more positive light in the past, this year's recipient Steven Ou rarely stuck his nose out in the wind. It's a shame he didn't more often, as he could be seen dropping the hammer at the end of a 4 hour ride, heading up the hill from Jericho. One thing's for certain, his pink and black carbon fibre beauty is clean and wind-burn free.

Most Improved (dEVo)

Joining the ranks of Marsh Cooper and his sister Naomi Cooper, another dEVo prodigy Cody Campbell wins this award and lets the world know he's a force to be reckoned with. Coming over from Team Soliton, Cody has been riding riders twice his age into the ground all season, putting in some very adult mileage, and winning races on the road and track. And to top it off, he's only a first year junior... next year. Watch out.

Most Improved (EV)

Within a big club like EV, sometimes it's hard to be noticed. One of the most consistent and impressive riders this year was Owen Sturgess, who marched his way up through the categories and found himself almost done Cat 3 by the end of 2006. If some fall club rides are any indication, Owen's trajectory will continue to point upwards for 2007. Watch for him in Cat 2 sometime soon.

Best Crash

We don't like doing it (well, not really), but every year we celebrate the biggest and baddest crash of the season. Few people could top Joe Lepine's 18 stitch monster crash at the Yaletown Grand Prix. A nice way to spend some time with our sponsor, it's been rumoured that club executives put in charge of taking care of Joe at the hospital inked the deal as Joe waited for his stitches. What else was he going to do - he wasn't going anywhere!

Yikes.

rEVolution Leaders Award (sportsmanlike)

Its second year of being awarded, the rEVolution Leaders Award goes to the club member that supports the morale of the club through the demonstration of their good sportsmanship, encouragement, and friendly attitude. Showing an attitude and demeanour a good number of years beyond his age, Austin MacDougall won this award handily. Austin demonstrated great leadership amongst his dEVo peers and was a great presence in 2006 on many race trips and events.

Keeper of the Flame

Driving EV forward to one of its most successful years ever, Brian Storey was awarded the Keeper of the Flame award, awarded to the person who made the most significant contribution to the club for the year. Brian was relentless in his development of committees, work on sponsorship, Devo, and everything in between. EV was able to benefit a great deal from his expertise, enthusiasm, passion, and endless energy.

Thanks again to our 120 members and all of those who turned up for a great evening at Dix. Big thanks to the Mark James Group for hosting us.

See you on the road.

Team Escape Contributes $2000 to Future Heroes

2006-11-26T00:36:00.000-08:00

VANCOUVER, BC - Cycling British Columbia is pleased to announce that Team Escape Velocity Cycling Club has contributed $2000 to the Cycling BC FutureHeroes Fund (www.futureheroes.ca). The Cycling BC FutureHeroes Fund is developed to acknowledge and financially support the next generation of cycling champions and help them achieve their dreams.

Keith Ryan, Cycling BC Chief Executive Officer stated, "FutureHeroes has been launched from the cycling community to benefit BC youth cyclists. This contribution from Escape Velocity is a very meaningful endorsement of FutureHeroes. The support of Escape Velocity will go a long way towards promoting the FutureHeroes Fund. Contributions from BC's cycling clubs underscore the importance of FutureHeroes and its broad support within BC's cycling community. With this contribution, Escape Velocity joins BC clubs Atomic Cycling and Team Coastal Cycling as contributors to the FutureHeroes Fund."

Gordon Ross, President of Team Escape Velocity Cycling Club noted, "Escape Velocity is well recognized as a strong supporter of youth development, highlighted by our support for dEVo, our youth development team. FutureHeroes is an important initiative for cycling in BC, and is the kind of activity that can make a big difference to attract youth to cycling. Escape Velocity is very pleased to be a part of FutureHeroes."

The Cycling BC FutureHeroes Endowment and the FutureHeroes Awards have been established to encourage, recognize and reward achievement in youth cyclists from BC. World Championship Bronze medalist Micayla Gatto was the first recipient of the FutureHeroes Awards in 2005. The FutureHeroes Awards are presented annually at the Cycling BC Annual Awards Gala.

Cycling BC is the provincial governing body for the sport of cycling in British Columbia. We represent the full range of disciplines including Road, Track & Cyclo-cross, Mountain Biking and BMX with over 1900 licensed riders and 4500 club members. Cycling BC is a not-for-profit association registered under the BC Societies Act.

Peloton for Presents raises $1200

2006-11-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

A big thank-you to the local cycling community for raising over $1200 and donating numerous food items and toys at yesterday's Escape Velocity Peloton for Presents ride. After two solid weeks of downpour, the skies held their rain for long enough for a large group to ride out from Jericho to UBC and down Southwest Marine Drive. Proceeds were gathered at Jericho and then forwarded to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and Greater Vancouver Food Banks for low income families at Christmas.

photo: Tobin Copley

Riders and particpants from Team Wedgewood, Masi-Adobe, and the Vancouver Velo Vets all rode in the annual fundraiser. Thanks once again to everyone for making a significant contribution.

Peloton for Presents Toy Ride

2006-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Escape Velocity Cycling Club (EV) invites Lower Mainland riders to ride for a worthy cause. On Saturday November 18th, join us in a Toy/Food drive to benefit the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and the Greater Vancouver Food Banks.

"We would all agree the Lower Mainland is a pretty good place to live. The coming holiday season brings families together for good food and good times, and we want to extend this experience to those less fortunate," says Lorne Bodin, Toy Ride Organizer.

Bring an unwrapped gift (or monetary contribution) and/or food item to the drop off area at Locarno Beach, and join the peleton for a short loop around UBC. Monetary contributions are preferable and contributions over $10.00 will receive a tax receipt.

Where: Jericho Beach Parking lot by the youth hostel at 1515 Discovery. Look for the tents and DEVO trailer.
When: 9:00am on Saturday, November 18th

Drop your name in the barrel for a Karma Metal Works Titanium Ring (1 only).

Can't make it to the event? You can drop off donations to La Bicicletta bicycle shop at 233 W. Broadway on Saturday November 11th between noon and closing. A table will be set up with an EV member attending.

Let's show the people of the Lower Mainland that we care about families.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Lorne Bodin, Escape Velocity Cycling Club, 604-277-5605

Louis Garneau Named Official Supplier

2006-10-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Louis Garneau Sports and Escape Velocity have completed a 3-year contract naming Louis Garneau Sports as Escape Velocity's official exclusive supplier of bikes, clothing, eyewear, and helmets.

"Louis Garneau Sports and Escape Velocity were philosophically aligned from the beginning of the sponsorship discussions", said Brian Storey, Vice President of Escape Velocity. "Louis Garneau is a Canadian company providing high-quality global solutions that are perfect for all of EV's bike, clothing, eyewear and helmet needs. We've been in existence for 17 years, and Escape Velocity is striving to follow an integrated cycling club model that supports junior up to elite riders; Louis Garneau understood our mission from square one."

"Louis Garneau Sports is looking forward to expanding its presence in British Columbia," said Louis Garneau, president and owner of Louis Garneau Sports Inc. "Partnering with Escape Velocity does not only allow us to extend our brand into the West, but also, allows us to give back to a community of cyclists that is growing the sport of cycling in British Columbia."

Louis Garneau Sports is the only Canadian company providing cycling team products from head to toe - The Global Solution. Louis Garneau custom team program is well-known for its high-quality product, fast delivery, service beyond compare and low minimum orders (16 for clothing and helmets).

In 2006, Escape Velocity ran 29 races, fielded a junior development team (dEVo) and supported riders from category 5 to 1 with a senior men's team competing at all the BC Superweek and other BC Cup races. For 2007, Escape Velocity is planning on expanding its junior development program (dEVo), expanding its category I/II men's team, and inaugurating a women's development project (dEVas).

Alex Pope, Super-Randonneur

2006-10-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Alex Pope in action at the Tsunami 300. Photo: Raymond Parker

Apparently, there's this type of organized bike riding where nobody cares who wins. No, not the Saturday Ride (believe me, the sprint is well-contested), but rather that special kind of long-distance ride known as a randonnee. And the riders, of course, are randonneurs.

One of the grand challenges of Rando riding is the "basic series." That's a set of four rides ("brevets"), 200, 300, 400 and 600 km long.

That last ride is about as long as three or four Tour de France stages.

This year, Escape Velocity's own Alex Pope (seen above in his Soliton kit) became one of 44 riders in BC to earn the Super Randonneur pin for completing that set. His time for the 600 was 35:30.

If you're interested in getting a taste of rando riding, the usual entry point is the very popular Pacific Populaire in early April. At only 100 km for the standard route, it's a pretty serious ride for most people, but I think Alex might see it as a good warm-up.

Update: Raymond Parker, photographer and Super Randonneur himself, reminds me that 2007 is a Paris-Brest-Paris year (that 1200 km king of the brevets), and if you wanted to ride it, you have to complete a basic series before June 3, 2007. The PBP only happens every four years, so this is like the Olympics of rando riding.