Friendly, Knowledgeable Service in the Goldstream Valley

June 2007, Volume 2

We are full swing into racing season, and what a season it has been so far. Some of our regular customers have been making headlines in both cycling and running, and many others have been making their own personal bests - and really, that is all that matters. Congratulations to all. The next month has a full calendar of triathlons, road and mountain bike races, and runs. This beautiful state has such amazing scenery that it makes our endurance races less painful - seriously! If you have done a race and would to tell us about it, please email the story to amanda@goldstreamsports.com. I have also noticed as I drive around town many of the bikes we have sold to people. This makes me so happy to see these bikes going on adventures. Please let us know how our bikes are treating you; we care about your happiness the products we sell you. Remember, when you purchase a bike from Goldstream Sports, you are getting more than just a bike - you get a lifetime warranty on the frame, a year warranty on all components and a lifetime of minor tune-ups.

 

Sale item - Cake 2 full suspension 25% off

Cake

Suspension: 6061 T6 aluminum swingarm + Manitou Swinger 3-Way SPV shock w/4" travel | RockShox Recon 351 Air | External rebound, external compression and lock-out | Motion Control | 100mm travel | Manitou Swinger 3-Way SPV, External rebound

Components: Shimano M571 LX rear derailleur + Shimano M511 Deore shifters + Shimano M510 Deore front derailleur | Bontrager Select 44/32/22 crank | Hayes HFX-9 XC hydraulic disc, 6" rotor brakes w/ Hayes hydraulic levers | Shimano M505 ATB clipless pedals.
This bike is available in limited quantity and available in a women specific model as well.

 

Sale Item - Thule Mountaineer Roof Box $289

Travel with your skis and other equipment safely on your roof. The box is aerodynamic, so little drag is created. Normally $320, buy this travel box for the low price of $289.

Thule Mountaineer

 

Race preview: Fireweed 400

Some hardy Gold Rush adventurers first pioneered the Fireweed in 1906. The men rode their single speeds in their suits during winter over sled dog trails. The trail was hard packed, but it was not easy for the men. Nowadays, the race is run during the summer months under the 24-hour sunlight. The road is a lot smoother, and bike technology has improved drastically. The course runs from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Valdez and back. In the 400 mile race there is 19,000 feet of elevation gain. For those more inclined to enjoy their race, there are the 50, 100 and 200 races, and relay events as well.

This year there will be the first all woman 400-mile relay team. Currently there are almost 600 entrants total, with 24 entrants in the 400-mile race - 12 of those being soloists.

The website www.fireweed400.com has some fabulous stories from past races, great information on the race and information on signing up and race support.

 

Race report: Tour of Fairbanks

Mother Nature dealt perfect weather for the 6th annual Tour of Fairbanks. It was the largest turnout ever for the race, with 58 competitors total over the 4 days. The previous record number was 48. 7 competitors from each Yukon Territory and Anchorage graced the field, and the largest ever field competing for GC (General Classification), the equivalent of the Yellow Jersey.

Due to a snafoo, competitors had to make their own numbers, which was greatly appreciated by the organizing committee. Dan Harris, the race organizer says "This race is a family affair." Dan's mother, Sally, traveled from Walla Walla, WA to be the registrar, and his brother, John, traveled from Wasilla to be the director and official. John also laboriously compiled all of the data and official results. Ed Buoncore swept a vast amount of the course, while his wife, Sharon, provided the finish banquet food.

Dan Harris says a big thanks to all of the competitors for making the race successful again, and a huge thanks for all of the volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules. For results click here.

 

Tech Tip: Perfecting the pedal stroke

Pedaling is something we all take for granted - it is the only way to get the bicycle moving. But, making each pedal stroke efficient is a whole other ball game. Bicycling Magazine recently published a great story on pedal stroke. Rather than me try to explain the technical intricacies of pedal stroke, view the original article here.

 

Tech Tip: Hydration on the go

During exercise, you can lose anywhere from 1 to 2 quarts of perspiration an hour. On rides, you not only lose water, but also vital nutrients. Energy drinks are the best way to replenish your body because they contain the electrolytes and nutrients lost through sweating.

Go For Flavor

Choose an energy drink that also provides carbohydrates to fuel the muscles. But, it's got to be an energy drink you enjoy because if it tastes good, you'll drink more. And, if it tastes bad, you won't drink enough, if any at all.

When you're carrying energy drink in two bottles, lower the concentration in your second bottle because as you fatigue and heat up, you'll probably want less flavor and sweetness. If you're riding hard, it's also important that your energy drink isn't too concentrated. A drink that is too concentrated will slow you down and even dehydrate you.

Try new drinks on training runs, not during a race event. Find the drink you like best and replenishes you best. You can work out which drinks to avoid, and you will avoid stomach cramps as well. Often times, a long ride, such as an off road ride, a hydration pack would work better than the bottles as the hose is easier to drink from and the capacity is larger.

Gauge Your Hydration

Before an event, check your urine. This may be difficult in an outhouse situation, so improvise. Your urine should be pale yellow or clear. Dark yellow and strong smelling urine means that you need to drink a few more glasses of water. Remember that vitamin pills can have a coloring effect as well. Another key sign of proper hydration is having to get up during the night before the event to urinate. Do not over hydrate though this will actually dehydrate you.

Cool It

When the temperatures start soaring, an insulated bottle or hydration system can help keep your water cool, which in turn will help keep your body temperature lower. Also, try freezing water in your bottles the night before, filling the bottle only half way so you can top it off with drink before the ride. The ice in the bottom will chill the liquid for a while. Ice in a hydration pack can also help cool your torso.

Choose your flavor

There are many flavored drinks available including Cytomax and Acelerade. These are both great tasting and provide your body with the carbohydrates and vitamins your body has lost during exercise. Accelerade has flavors such as mountain berry, orange and lemonade, which are all very tasty. Cytomax has flavors like peachy keen, creamy orange, go grape and vanilla. It is important to know how each drink affects you and the best concentrations. We have a few flavors for you to try before you buy, so come in and test out the flavors.

 

Feature Item - Tandem Bicycles

Tandem bikes are a great way to see the countryside and bond with your friends at the same time. Think of it as canoeing, but on a bike! We have three tandem models - a true road bike, an all terrain bike, and a comfort cruiser. Bring a friend and test ride these bikes today, or ask one of us to join you - no arm-twisting needed.

T1000 Road Tandem Road Tandem
Cruiser Tandem Cruiser Tandem
T900 Tandem T900 Tandem

 

July calendar of events

1 Death Ride 5 Mi CHSR 1pm
2 Youth Series Cycling Ride Birch Hill 7pm
3 Doug Ride Ivory Jacks 7pm
4 Women's Ride Patty Center 6pm
5 Women's Less Fast Ride Patty Center 6pm
6-8 Fireweed Sheep Mtn Lodge  
7 Group Road Ride Goldstream Sports 8am
7 Santa Claus Half-Marathon Flint Hills Refinery 8.30am
7 Youth Series - Race 2 Birch Hill 11am
8 Skinny Dick's Weenie Ride Patty Center 9.30am
9 Youth Series Cycling Ride Birch Hill 7pm
10 Doug Ride 31.9 mi CHSR 7pm
11 Women's Ride Patty Center 6pm
12 Women's Less Fast Ride Patty Center 6pm
12 Anne's Greenhouse Circuit Race Anne's Green house 6.30pm
14 Sourdough Triathlon 41 Mi Steese

8.30am

14 Group Road Ride Goldstream Sports 8am
16 Youth Series Cycling Ride Birch Hill 7pm
17 Doug Ride 7 mi Murphy Dome 7pm
18 Women's ride Patty Center 6pm
19 Women's Less Fast Ride Patty Center 6pm
21 Nenana Family Ride Fund Raiser SRC Parking area 8am
21 Group Road Ride Goldstream Sports 8am
22 Gold Discovery Run Cleary Summit 8.30am
23 Youth Series Cycling Series Birch Hill 7pm
24 Doug Ride Pipeline View Steese 7pm
25 Women's Ride Patty Center 6pm
26 Women's Less Fast Ride Patty Center 6pm
28 Goldstream Time Trial Sheep Creek Turnout 8am
28 Group Road Ride Goldstream Sports 8am
28 Two Rivers Triathlon Granite Torrs Trail 8.30am
30 Youth Series Cycling Ride Birch Hill 7pm
31 Doug Ride Vallata 7pm

 

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