This bike is FLY......SUPERFLY!

Gary Fisher Superfly, both the Superfly and Superfly 100, has become the overwhelming choice of the Culvers Racing Team.  In attempt to become masters of the dirt Culvers Racing interviewed each and every bike company over the last year looking for that bike to meet the speed of each rider.  Companies from the old school Diamond back to the new school Gary Fisher.  It was a tough choice as every bike company through deals our way begging the team to represent their company.  In the end it came down to Schwinn and Gary Fisher with Gary Fisher taking the crown and Schwinn running a very close 2nd.  Mr. Fisher himself was the deciding factor when he showed up to his best selling bike shop, QuickStop, and treated us all to our own Gary Fisher company review.  After learning the details of the company and how they have created an edge in the very competitive 29er bike market, it was an easy choice for us.  It was clear to see that Gary Fisher dominates 29er technology and has created the fastest machine in the world, The SUPERFLY.

The Superfly has been in huge demand this year to the point that Gary Fisher ran out of  the Superfly in March and are not planning on producing any more for the year 2010.  With this news the Superfly was a hot commodity and any bike shop that had one on the floor or on back order had a rare gem.  Lucky for us we had QuickStop bike shop as a premier sponsor of Culvers Racing.  "QuickStop Bike Shop holds the last 3 Superfly 100's in the world and has access to the only Superfly hardtail, of any model year.", says Jeff from Gary Fisher.  "Because the relationship of Gary Fisher and QuickStop we were able to supply these high end athletes the last available Superfly's and we are proud to be able to do that."

Gary Fisher/Culvers Racing Line Up

• Tim Palomaki - Superfly 100
• Glenn Lerlie - Superfly 100
• Ron Williams - Superfly 100
• Tyler Gauthier - Superfly

  

Ronde van Skandia Race Report

It was a classic day for a classic race.  The wind was howling at a steady 25 mph and gusting well over 30 mph and the planned roads were rough, wet, and dirty.  Tom Mahaney had set up what was sure to be a true April Classic.

The team entered the Ronde to give the legs an early season test and analyze areas that would need work for the upcoming races.  We wanted to be aggressive and be happy with the effort rather than worrying about placing.  After the 25 mi or so roll out the race started abruptly and we had noticed we missed the start throwing out our early plan of sending me (Tyler) on an early attack.  Two ACE riders shot off the front and started the breakaway.  Realizing this quick I wanted to stick to the plan so I went to the front immediately and threw an attack in hopes to gap to the ACE riders.  It didn't take me long to realize I had 2 ACE guys tagged on me like I was the donkey and they were the pin.  I was pulling them to the front and I realized this would not be such a good plan especially if I reached the 2 out front as it would of been 4 ACE riders vs. me.  I settled back in for 30 seconds and attacked again trying to ride away alone, another failed attempt.  I even tried a 3rd time with no avail.  We now noticed ACE was ready and it was going to be a tough day.

In a short version recap, Ron, Carp, Glen, Justin, and I were in the first chase group when we realized that one of the breakaways had a flat, it was quickly answered by an attack from a Houghton rider and followed by Matt Culligan.  We now had 3 riders up the road.  The chase group broke into two leaving it at about 10 guys.  Nor long after Culligan rejoined the group and not far after that the Houghton rider joined up also when he came to a turn in the road and didn't know where to go.  Come to find out at the end the 3rd rider in the break took a wrong turn so the chase group was now the lead group.  Coming up to Spoily Road Grant attacked and the tempo was increased all the way to the top.  At the top the group shrunk down to 7 guys, 3 ACE (Wes, Matt, Grant), 2 Culvers (Tyler and Ron), 1 SISU (Jesse), and  unattached Houghton rider.  At the top of Spoily, although gaps were created, all guys regrouped.  At this point I took my chance at a flyer and attacked.  I was able to create a gap and stayed way for about 30 min until I hit 94 and a dead 30 mph head wind.  I realized fast it was near impossible to manage the wind by myself  and dropped back.

The final stretch was brutal as the 7 of us fought to keep 14-15 mph.  Ron jumped to the front of the group and rode tempo trying to thin the group and was able to cut it down to 6.  Not knowing exactly where the finish was Ron and I had no choice but to be aggressive and aggressive we were.  We threw countless attacks countering each other each time.  The smart riding of ACE never let us get too much room and they all failed pretty quickly.  With each attack failing and not knowing where the finish was we figured we would wait for an ACE attack and follow it home.  Culligan did just that and I jumped second wheel followed by Grant and then Ron.  Culligan had great legs and I could not match his acceleration.  At the last second Grant rolled around giving ACE a 1-2 finish and I came in 3rd with Ron rolling in 4th.

We had nothing to be ashamed about as Ron and I were super aggressive all day and attacking at every opportunity showing positive early season form.  ACE rode a smart race and Culligan deserved the win with the legs he had.  Glen and Justin rolled in shortly after followed by Danny and Glen.  Tim still in early season form rolled in at an easy pace in order to save fitness.  All in all Culvers had a great day and we have a lot of information to work with to make us each better individually and as a team.      

          

Race Roster Announced for Ronde Van Skandia

PRESS RELEASE

Culvers Racing has officially announced their roster for the U.P. season opener and the U.P.'s only classic, Ronde Van Skandia.

Culvers Racing

• Tyler Gauthier
• Tim Palomaki
• Tom Carpenter
• Danny Hill
• Glenn Lerlie
• Justin Weber
• Ron Williams

The race is Saturday, April 17th starting at 10 a.m. from the Cycling Haus in Harvey.

This guy is right up there with Danny Macaskill. Happy Easter folks!

24 hour of 9 mile CANCELED

For those of you that have not heard 2 different  promoters have dissapointingly canceled 24 hour of 9 mile.  I know, I know I (Tyler) am as dissapointed as you.  After a unexpected sickness last year and not being able to contribute to my team I was ready for revenge.  Last years team of myself, Tom, Danny, and Glen managed a 3rd place finish with only 3 riders for over 12 hours as the rest of the teams ran 4 strong.  Needless to say this left a bitter taste in our mouths and we were excited to get back to 9 mile.

This video will better help explain our dissapointment.