This year’s race hosted by the University of Washington Cycling Club will be on Sunday, March 28 at Seward Park in Seattle. Come on out and cheer on the Dawgs!

David Truong made an early-season statement with a 2nd place finish in men’s 5b field. Nate Pitts, in his first race ever, also represented Husky [...]]]> This past weekend, a few Huskies decided to kick of their race season a little earlier than usual with a trip to Corvallis, OR for the Cherry Pie road race.

David Truong made an early-season statement with a 2nd place finish in men’s 5b field. Nate Pitts, in his first race ever, also represented Husky Cycling well with a 5th place in the men’s 5a field. Ben Lukes, also in his first road race, got caught up in a crash mid-way through the race and demonstrated true determination by getting back on his bike (complete with twisted stem) and attempting to chase the surviving pack down; he finished in the top-half of the men’s 5b group.

In the afternoon, Marc Schwartz and Danny Koski-Karell had to contend with a cat 3 field of over 80 racers. The huge field and flat course quickly made not-crashing a priority, but Marc was able to get to the front to help chase down a six-man break. While working their way to the front for the finishing field-sprint, both Marc and Danny were caught behind a spectacular, road-spanning crash at the base of the last hill and rolled across the finish line, thankfully with their bikes and bodies intact.

Where: HUB 106B When: Saturday, January 30, from 7-10 PM Admission: FREE Food: also FREE (there will definitely be cheese, crackers, cookies, [...]]]> We’re having a movie night! It features a 40 minute cycling documentary by
our own Evan Schmitt, then the feel-good cycling classic “Breaking Away.” A
great chance to see everyone, hang out, and get (even more) stoked for race
season.

Where: HUB 106B
When: Saturday, January 30, from 7-10 PM
Admission: FREE
Food: also FREE (there will definitely be cheese, crackers, cookies, fruit,
etc… and hopefully some Ezell’s Fried Chicken if I can alter the food
permit.)

There is room for about 120 people in HUB 106B, so feel free to bring a
friend, significant other, roommate. Hope to see you all there!

This meeting is geared toward women who are planning to do collegiate races this spring (and possibly USAC races in [...]]]> There is a women’s meeting this Thursday at 7 PM at the IMA! We will meet in the little back room directly behind the smoothie stand, which is right near the entrance of the building.

This meeting is geared toward women who are planning to do collegiate races this spring (and possibly USAC races in early spring or through the summer). If you’re still on the fence about racing, we invite you to come to the meeting and ask questions and consider starting to train. If racing seems intimidating or the idea of starting a “training program” is overwhelming, come anyway. There is still time to get in shape; even getting out on the bike 2-3 times a week from now until March is enough to enjoy racing in the C’s if you make good use of your time on the bike.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

The University of Washington Cycling Club claimed its first Collegiate National Cyclocross Championship this past weekend at the US National Cyclocross Championships. Former Junior National Champion and World Championship team member Zach McDonald [...]]]>

UW Freshman Zach McDonald wins the first ever Cyclocross National title for the University of Washington. Photo by Dave McElwaine

The University of Washington Cycling Club claimed its first Collegiate National Cyclocross Championship this past weekend at the US National Cyclocross Championships. Former Junior National Champion and World Championship team member Zach McDonald won the Division I men’s individual title and led the Huskies to a fourth place overall finish in the team category. McDonald, a freshman, spent the first half of the race chasing down the lead and eventually took control with two laps remaining from Ben Sonntag (Fort Lewis College). The lead duo had a heated battle all the way to the finishing tarmac. Sonntag led out the sprint and McDonald came around in time to strike gold in Bend. It was a strong comeback after a mechanical de-railed McDonald’s under-23 chances the previous day. Marc Schwartz and Paul Young also represented the Huskies in the race. Young came in 26th place on the day and Schwartz was forced to abandon the race early due to a tire puncture. The Huskies had one rider in the Women’s field in Devon Simpson. Simpson battled with the nation’s fastest women to come out 18th on the day.

The race venue was in the historic Mill District of Bend, Oregon. The course had been hammered the previous week with snow and below freezing temperatures that continued through the weekend of races, making the course treacherous and a true test of bike handling skills.

McDonald holds his jersey. Photo by Evan Schmitt

The University of Washington Cycling Club is an NCCA (National Collegiate Cycling Association) and USAC (USA Cycling) registered club. Over the years, many riders have been launched from the program into the professional cycling ranks. Professional cyclists Morgan Schmitt and Adrian Hedgevary are both Husky alums who flew the Purple and Gold colors in their collegiate years. The club strives to provide opportunities in all cycling disciplines as well as all skill levels. The Husky Cycling Club proudly endorse our sponsors: The University of Washington, Cascade Bicycle Club, The Essential Baking Company, Hincapie Sportswear, Dunn Lumber, Nuun Hydration, Ezell’s Chicken, Corpore Sano, Cycle University, Recycled Cycles, Simbree, Odwalla and ASUW Bicycle Shop.

Cyclocross is the winter bicycle racing discipline. The races are short ranging from 30 for beginners to 60 minutes for the elite athletes. The bikes are a hybrid between a road bike and a mountain bike, with knobby tires and cantilever brakes to allow clearance. The courses consist of a 2-2.5 miles in length and contain various types of terrain and obstacles, some of which force the riders to dismount their bikes and run. The cyclocross season runs from September to December so the weather plays a major factor in the racing.

Mondays: 8:15am – 9:15am (Instructor: Geoffroy)

Wednesdays: 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Instructor: Ben)

Notes: Bring a water [...]]]> We’re happy to announce the finalized Winter Quarter 2010 FREE (to current Husky Cycling club members) Spin classes at the IMA. Classes will start on 11 JAN and end (pending more information) on 10 MAR. Weekly dates are as follows:

Mondays: 8:15am – 9:15am (Instructor: Geoffroy)

Wednesdays: 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Instructor: Ben)

Notes: Bring a water bottle to class, the pedals on the IMA spin bikes offer two options: 1) traditional toe clip w/strap (a men’s size 9 foot will get the ball of your foot directly over the pedal axle [optimal position]) and 2) SPD (Shimano 2 bolt cleats). We’d recommend the SPD option
since it will get the ball of your foot over the pedal axle no matter what your shoe size is, help to minimize any dead-spots in your pedal stroke and provide for a better workout.

In the event that these dates/times don’t sync with your personnel schedule, the IMA does offer multiple spin class for a nominal fee.

If you are a non-club member and would like to join, please email Danny, our club president, for more information: koski@uw.edu

There will also be regular women’s team rides, led by Lisa, on Tuesdays at 10:45am and Thursdays [...]]]> Lisa, the women’s team coordinator, is organizing a dinner for new and returning members of the Husky Cycling women’s team on Tuesday, October 6th.  We are meeting at 6:15pm at Bengal Tiger at the intersection of 65th and Roosevelt.

There will also be regular women’s team rides, led by Lisa, on Tuesdays at 10:45am and Thursdays at 9am.  Meet at the HUB.

If you have any questions or want to help out leading women’s team rides, email Lisa at lisadoubet[at]gmail.com.