NOW front page at usparalympics.org

Due to a lack of a skinsuit my friend and teammate on the Para-cycling team Meg Fisher rocked the NOW kit to a third place in the TT and onto the squad heading to the world championships.
Will
http://usparalympics.org/news/2010/06/25/12-para-athletes-qualify-for-world-road-nationals/36808?ngb_id=15

Cory Greenberg gets Cat 1 upgrade!

Congratulations to our U25 rider Cory Greenberg who has received his Cat 1 upgrade. Way to cap off a great weekend at Nationals! Nice job Cory!

Report and Wrap up from Nationals

Report & Wrap Up from Nationals
Sunday, June 27, 2010

This morning the Elite women raced the Road Race at Nationals. Jenna, Julia and Lauren all started the race and had good rides, Julia despite catching the stomach bug that haunted the teams this weekend. Jenna had a great race, the culmination of her steady progression the past few races from Tulsa to Tahoe, Reno and this week at Nationals. There was a lead group of approximately 20 women including Mara Abbott of Peanut Butter & Co who won the race. Jenna was in a group of 12 or 15 farther back and finished strong.

Sergio is a lot better, he went out to the feed zone for today's race, with Dan Katz.

"This has been a successful Nationals for sure," said Team Director Kurt Stockton. USA Cycling's VP of Athletics Jim Miller spoke with Kurt and complimented the NOW-MS Society U25 program. Congratulations to all who raced this weekend!

Next up... Superweek, which begins July 9! And also the men's team will be headed back to Bend, Oregon for the Cascade Classic July 20-25.

Watch this post Road Race interview from Saturday with Kendall Ryan (and Kaitlin Antonneau, 2nd place in the RR) about Italy in July and the future possibility of racing at Worlds...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDu2lG0m0AQ&feature=player_embedded

P.S. The NOW-MS Society men and women were last sighted rafting down the river through Bend, Oregon, bonding "like one giant Brady Bunch" according to Kurt. Bertha (the team van) and the teams will be headed back to LA tomorrow. And apparently Bertha has made some fans of her own. She's received many compliments and a few offers!

Dan Katz in Velonews!

From Saturday's U23 Men's Road Race at Nationals...

"...Daniel Katz (Now-MS Society) led things off with an attack in the opening mile..."

Read more: http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/king-wins-u23-road-title_123393#ixzz0s2EJTvi2

Kendall Ryan gets another podium at Nationals

Report from Nationals
Saturday, June 26, 2010

Kendall Ryan and Ivie Crawford fought hard today in a very tough Women 17-18 Road Race. Ivie spent time in a break, and she helped Kendall who came in 3rd place after a long fight to the finish.

In the U23 Men's RR, Danny Katz was in the first break of the day. Cory Greenberg was in a big break as well. Danny Heeley and Stephen Leece finished in the front group of approx 36 riders, out of 100+ who started the race.

After yesterday's crash, Sergio is walking around very sore but on the mend. He will not be racing tomorrow. Take care and heal up, Sergio!

Tomorrow is the final day of Nationals. Only race left is the Elite women... Good luck to Lauren, Jenna and Julia who start their Road Race at 8:15am.

Follow the Action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter. com/KSMCycling
Elite Women's Team Captain Lauren Liscinski http://twitter. com/lliscinski
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter. com/JLAFRANCHISE

For more info about Nationals: http://www.usacycli ng.org/news/ user/story. php?id=5038

More from Nationals!

Report from Nationals
Friday, June 25, 2010

Kendall Ryan got 2nd today in the Women 17-18 Criterium. Coryn Rivera won the race. Kendall is fired up for the Road Race tomorrow...

The Elite women (Lauren, Jenna and Julia) fought hard against the best racers in the country. Their crit never let up for a moment, it was the hardest criterium they've done all season in terms of the quality of the field. It was a tough day and they gave it their all.

For the U23 men's race, Danny Heeley was riding the front, attacking. Cory Geenberg had a couple hard attacks inside 10 laps to go, his moves shaped that part of the race. All our racers avoided a huge crash in the last lap. In the end it was a break that got away toward the end of the race and succeeded.

Sergio was our only racer in the Elite men race. He stuck with the game plan to race conservatively and save his energy for some big attacks at the end. Inside six laps to go, he had just attacked when some riders went down in front of him and Sergio had nowhere to go. Unfortunately it ended Sergio's race. He walked away, very bruised, but okay.

More to come this weekend:

Saturday, June 26 - Road Race
8:30am Junior Women RR - Kendall, Ivie
12:00pm U23 Men RR - Cory, Corey, Danny Heeley, Danny Katz, Stephen

Sunday, June 27 - Road Race
8:15am Elite Women RR - Lauren, Jenna, Julia
12:00pm Elite Men RR - Sergio

Follow the Action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter. com/KSMCycling
Elite Women's Team Captain Lauren Liscinski http://twitter. com/lliscinski
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter. com/JLAFRANCHISE
Will Chesebro http://twitter. com/willchesebro
Cory Greenberg twitter http://twitter. com/corygreenber g
Cory Greenberg http://www.corygree nberg.blogspot. com

For more info about Nationals: http://www.usacycli ng.org/news/ user/story. php?id=5038

Kendall Ryan podiums at Nationals

Congratulations Kendall Ryan who placed 3rd in the Time Trial today at Nationals!

Tough TT day at Nationals!

Report from Nationals
Thursday, June 24, 2010

Today's TT course was extremely difficult. Per VeloNews, "The majority of 800 vertical feet of climbing came in the first half of the course, as riders ascended the gradual Skyliners Road into the Deschutes National Forest. The turnaround at 12km was the high point of the route – from there to the finish, riders plummeted back down to town before settling into the final 12km loop near Skyliners Park." In other words, it was a very, very tough day!

For the U23 men Stephen Leece 31st, Danny Heeley 34th, Corey Farrell 46th, Cory Greenberg 47th. Elite men, Sergio Hernandez 38th. As reported earlier, Kendall Ryan got 3rd in the Women's 17-18 TT, just seconds behind 2nd and 1st (Coryn Rivera's 39.24.40). Kendall was the only NOW-MS Society woman to race today.

Check out Will Chesebro's podium shot (attached) from Tuesday's C1-C3 Men's Road Race. Will placed 2nd.

Stay tuned for more tomorrow:
Friday, June 25 - Criterium
2:00pm Junior Women Crit – Kendall, Ivie
4:30pm U23 Men Crit - Cory G, Corey F, Danny Heeley, Danny Katz, Stephen
6:00pm Elite Women Crit - Jenna, Julia and Lauren
7:30pm Elite Men - Sergio

Follow the Action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter.com/KSMCycling
Elite Women's Team Captain Lauren Liscinski http://twitter.com/lliscinski
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter.com/JLAFRANCHISE
Will Chesebro http://twitter.com/willchesebro
Cory Greenberg twitter http://twitter.com/corygreenberg
Cory Greenberg http://www.corygreenberg.blogspot.com

For more info about Nationals: http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=5038

Will gets podium on 1st day of Nationals!

Congratulations to Will Chesebro who took 2nd yesterday in the C1-C3 Men's Road Race at Nationals! Pictures coming soon, and more info about all our U25s racing this week...

Tour de Nez Race Report-Jenna Kowalski

Tour de Nez Circuit Race W P1/2, Northstar, 6/19/10
The third and final day of the Tour de Nez was located at the newly redesigned village of the Northstar Ski and Bike Resort in Truckee, Ca. The course consisted of 2 mile hilly circuit through parking lots and cobbled walkway of the resort village. With professional mountain biker Katerina Nash of the Luna Pro Women’s team and Red Jersey holder Megan Gaurnier of TIBCO, it was destined to be a tough day of racing…did I mention we were at about 6700ft?
The race began with a 500m neutral start through the village as everyone fought for position before the chicane into the first climb. Moving rather quickly, I made my way into the front half of the peleton to secure my position for first 30 minutes of racing. An attack on one of the short power climbs found me struggling to maintain contact with the group. Once I regained my breath a bit, I was able to work with a group of girls from Touchstone Cycling; with one to go I was able to squeeze out one last effort before the finish to cross the line ahead of the 3 other girls and complete the race.
Nationals TT begins tomorrow for Kendall Ryan and the boys; followed by the Nationals Criterium on Friday for Julia, Lauren and myself. Wish us luck!
Jenna Kowalski

U25s Racing Nationals This Week!

This week our U25s are competing at The USA Cycling Junior, U23, Elite and Paralympic Road National Championships in Bend, Oregon. And NOW-MS Society is off to a great start with Will Chesebro's 2nd place yesterday in the C1-C3 Men's Road Race.

Representing NOW-MS Society at Nationals are Jenna Kowalski, Julia Lafranchise, Lauren Liscinski, Kendall Ryan, Ivie Crawford and for the men: Corey Farrell, Cory Greenberg, Danny Heeley, Sergio Hernandez, Danny Katz, Stephen Leece and Will Chesebro.

Our women and men will compete against some of the best young riders in the sport of cycling. Over 750 racers will attend this year's Nationals. Twenty-four national titles and seven spots on USA Cycling's 2010 UCI Road Cycling World Championships squad will be on the line as participants compete for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in criterium, time trial and road race events.

Wednesday, June 23
3:30pm Criterium - Will

Thursday, June 24 - Time Trial
Junior Women (24K) - Kendall
Elite Men (35K) - Sergio
U23 Men (35K) - Corey F, Cory G, Danny Heeley, Stephen

Friday, June 25 - Criterium
2:00pm Junior Women Crit – Kendall, Ivie
4:30pm U23 Men Crit - Cory G, Corey F, Danny Heeley, Danny Katz, Stephen
6:00pm Elite Women Crit - Jenna, Julia and Lauren
7:30pm Elite Men - Sergio

Saturday, June 26 - Road Race
8:30am Junior Women RR - Kendall, Ivie
12:00pm U23 Men RR - Cory, Corey, Danny Heeley, Danny Katz, Stephen

Sunday, June 27 - Road Race
8:15am Elite Women RR - Lauren, Jenna, Julia
12:00pm Elite Men RR - Sergio

For more info about Nationals: http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=5038
Attached is the Official Guide (with course maps).

Follow the Action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter. com/KSMCycling
Elite Women's Team Captain Lauren Liscinski http://twitter.com/lliscinski
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter. com/JLAFRANCHISE
Cory Greenberg twitter http://twitter. com/corygreenber g
Cory Greenberg http://www.corygree nberg.blogspot. com
Will Chesebro http://twitter.com/willchesebro

Below are some of the big names who will be racing this week (from the USA Cycling link above):

Coming off a third-place overall finish at the recent Canadian Nations Cup Ben King (North Garden, Va./Trek-Livestrong) is sure to be a favorite, along with recent Volta Tarragona runner-up Andrew Talansky (Napa, Calif./Cal Giant Berry Farms-Specialized) and 2009 criterium champion Alex Howes (Boulder, Colo./Clif Bar). Recent Pan American track medalist Cody O’Reilly (Santa Barbara, Calif./Bissell), Jacob Rathe (Portland, Ore./Jelly Belly) and local favorite Ian Boswell (Bend, Ore./Bissell) also look to be amongst a slew of talented cyclists who will contend for the Stars-and-Stripes.

Among this year’s favorites are 2008 Olympian and former time trial world champion Amber Neben (Irvine, Calif./Veloce-Webcor), second-place overall finisher in the 2009 Women’s Giro, Mara Abbott, (Boulder, Colo./Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12), current USA Cycling National Racing Calendar leader Alison Powers (Boulder, Colo./Vera Bradley Foundation),defending national road race champ Meredith Miller (Fort Collins, Colo./TIBCO), Brooke Miller (Santa Cruz, Calif./TIBCO) the 2008 road race champ and Shelley Evans (Scotts Valley, Pa./Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12) winner of this season’s Tour of New Zealand. Also expected to be major factors are former Wall Street investment banker turned champion cyclist Evelyn Stevens (New York, N.Y./HTC-Columbia), last year’s time trial winner Jessica Phillips (Aspen, Colo./Colavita-Baci-Cooking Light) and Amber Rais (Reno, Nevada/TIBCO).

Not to be overlooked, the junior 17-18 competition will feature some of the top talent seen in the U.S. in years as the most decorated junior cyclist in history, Coryn Rivera (Tustin, Calf./Peanut Butter & CO TWENTY 12), will look to pad her closet with her 26th Stars-and-Stripes jersey. Last year’s UCI Junior World Championship Time Trial silver-medalist Lawson Craddock (Houston, Texas/Hot Tubes) will also be on hand to prepare for another run at the prestigious world championship rainbow jersey. Reigning elite men’s road race champion Michael Olheiser (Huntsville, Ala./Tri Star Cycling) will also lead the field of the country’s top amateur men.

Tour de Nez Race Report-Julie Lafranchise

Race Report: Tour de Nez Criterium Women P/1/2:

After getting heckled by Dave Towle at the start line about the pronunciation of my last name; the Tour de Nez P/1/2 women’s criterium in downtown Reno, NV was off. In case you are wondering; it’s: La-fran-chise; pretty phonetic and sans the French accent.

A technical double lollipop shaped crit (with one street being used in both directions) was largely uneventful. I rode at the front; followed moves and eventually realized that unless the red leader’s jersey worn by TIBCO was up the road, no one was going to be up the road. The race came down to a sprint; and I had myself positioned well coming into the last few corners. A long; slightly downhill, tailwind sprint on a road that narrowed by half before the finish line. Dangerous?

Rounding the last corner the pace picked up and right when I was preparing to sprint the rider in front of me was on the ground, and she was taking up ALL the road. With nowhere to go I tried to minimize my loses (in my head I was saying: tuck and roll; take it in the hip and shoulder NOT the face)! I almost succeeded; my elbow got caught up in the mess of bikes and pavement. But I was lucky; I walked away with a bloody elbow, more bruises than I can count and VERY sore. I didn’t have to go to the hospital (possibly my least favorite place in the world).

Crashing is all part of the game; I brushed myself off and am preparing for the next race. Wishing those that got more seriously injured a speedy recovery.

JLAFRANCHISE

__._,_

Velonews on Kendall Ryan

(A quote in today's Velonews from Kendall Ryan after her 3rd place finish at
Nevada City Classic -- photo attached)

A brave move on the fast downhill left-hand Broad Street corner by
17-year-old Kendall Ryan (NOW MS Society) netted the 2010 Dana Point Grand
Prix winner third place.

“I didn’t touch my brakes in the last corner, and that gave me enough of a
gap,” Ryan said. She turned that gap into a four-second advantage over the
remnants of the group by the time the lap, and the race, were completed.

Quick results
* 1. Ian Boswell Bissell Pro Cycling
* 2. Paul Mach, Bissell Pro Cycling
* 3. Zach Davies, Groove Subaru
* 4. Floyd Landis
* 5. Burke Swindlehurst, Team Give p/b Blackbottoms
Women
* 1. Katerina Nash, Luna
* 2. Megan Guarnier, TIBCO
* 3. Kendall Ryan, NOW-MS Society
* 4. Samantha Schneider, TIBCO
* 5. Heather Pryor, Touchstone Climbing

Read more:
http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/bissell-goes-1-2-at-50th-nevada-
city-classic_122384#ixzz0rXdZNZkR

Race Report: San Pedro Cat 5 Men

Where: San Pedro Grand Prix

When: Sunday, June 20, 2010

Race: Cat 5

Who Raced: Jon Hippensteel, Mike Myles

Results: Jon Hippensteel- 6th, Mike Myles- 12th

Mike Myles and I were the sole representatives for the Men's Team NOW-MS Society at the San Pedro Grand Prix today. We're both getting closer to upgrading to Cat 4--Mike has seven Cat 5 races under his belt and I have nine--and looking forward to riding with all the Cat 4 guys soon. To give you quick feel for the course, Mike rode over to my car after riding a few warm-up laps and said, "If I had seen this course before I registered, I probably wouldn't have signed up; you might want to ride a few laps before we start." Oh great, it's that good, I thought, haha. I put my trainer away and headed out onto the course. It was a 1.1 mile, cigar-shaped track with about 75 feet of climbing per lap. The front straightaway with the finish line was nice and flat, though uphill, but after the first U-turn, the road got really ugly with a slight uphill dog-leg and then a descent into the hairpin at the other end.

The first 30- 35 minutes of the 40 minute race were pretty uneventful with a few failed breakaway attempts in the field of just under 30 riders. Mike and I were both feeling pretty strong and were able to maintain positions in the front 1/3 of the pack for most of the race. As we came across the line with one lap to go, I'd positioned myself in fourth in the pace-line as we went into the 180 degree turn before the back stretch. And thankfully so as I hear the all too familiar sound of bikes and bodies flying. I glance back briefly, hoping that Mike made it out alive, but keep my attention focused ahead as a one-man breakaway takes off. We let him go but then I pick up the pace over the crest of the hill and head into the final turn in second position. I'm pumping as hard as i can and gaining on the rider out in front as we charge up the 600-meter stretch to the finish. With about 250 meters to go, I notice the shadow of another rider (actually several riders) just inches behind my wheel and realize to my chagrin, that I just gave them one incredibly epic lead-out! Wish that had been you, Mike! I managed to salvage 6th place but my legs felt like they literally exploded once I was across the line. Fortunately, Mike was able to avoid the crash, and despite that, he pulled off a respectable 12th place.

That's it for now. Look forward to seeing everyone again soon now that I'm back from New Zealand!

Cheers,

Jon Hipp

Jonathan D Hippensteel

Kendall Ryan-3rd at Nevada City

Kendall Ryan takes 3rd at Nevada City!! Attacked 'em on the downhill with a
super tuck and no brakes. Way to think and race smart.

Christine wins!

Congratulations to Christine Barron who today won the 500m TT, match sprints, and team sprints at States! How many bear jerseys is that NOW?

More news from Tour de Nez:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/baker-and-guarnier-win-tour-de-nez-prologue_121703/attachment/tdn_day1_1

Final Tour de Nez results NOW Men and Women

Tour de Nez finishes up...

After two days of racing at Tour De Nez, the NOW-MS Society men started out today's circuit race with Sergio in 2nd overall, Danny Heeley leading in the Sprint Jersey competition, and Cory Greenberg in the Best Young Rider Jersey.

It was a tough course, a 90-minute race, with altitude. A break got away early and stuck. Sergio flatted and Corey Farrell gave him his wheel, but unfortunately he wasn't able to get back in the race. Danny Heeley rode very well, gave it all he had for the sprint points (2nd twice and 4th once) and placed 2nd overall in the Sprint competition. Cory Greenberg came in top 20 and tied for 1st in Best Young Rider. Aaron Schneider and Dan Katz rode well and were active in the race covering moves.

The women's race was equally tough. Jenna Kowalski was phenomenal today and finished the race. Julia Lafranchise came back strong after yesterday's crash. Ivie Crawford also rode well.

Tomorrow all will race Nevada City. And Nationals coming up next week...

NOW Energy Bars Available at Cynergy Cycling

Your very own NOW Energy Bar is available at Cynergy. Its Peanut Butter
Caramel, sweetened with Manuka honey from New Zealand. They are also Gluten
free. Does life get any better?

According to Jim at Cynergy, you can buy them individually, by the box, or
by the truck load.

Like everything at Cynergy, we get the special club discount, so go and grab
your favorite energy bar today.

__._,_.__

NOW-MS Society news from Tour de Nez-Saturday

Jenna in the news! Check out this great shot of Jenna Kowalski TTing at Tour de Nez Thursday...
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=J7&Dato=20100617&Kategori=SPORTS&Lopenr=6170804&Ref=PH&rgj_description=&rgj_date=June%2017.%202010

And read about the Prologue Time Trial, and Sergio's 2nd place finish, in VeloNews...
http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/baker-and-guarnier-win-tour-de-nez-prologue_121703

Stay tuned for reports from Stages 2 and 3...

Sergio 2nd in Tiur de Nez TT

Sergio Hernandez got 2nd in today's Prologue Time Trial at Tour de Nez. Great ride for Sergio! The rest of the men and women rode well on the very technical TT course. Cory Greenberg and Julia Lafranchise unofficial top-15, pending official results. Looks promising for team to do well overall.

Correction from yesterday's email: Danny Katz is racing Tour de Nez with the men. Kit Karzen is not at this event.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's racing, in the evening as well...
Friday, June 18
Downtown Reno Circuit Race (a flat 1.5 mile loop through downtown Reno)
5:30pm Pro Women (50 minutes)
7:30pm Pro Cat 1, 2 Men (50 minutes)

U25s to race Tour de Nez starting Thursday

Our U25s will begin racing the TOUR DE NEZ tomorrow, Thursday, June 17, 2010. Tour de Nez is a 3-day stage race with a TT and circuit races.

The Tour de Nez began in 1986 as the 1st anniversary of Reno’s first coffee house, Deux Gros Nez. But it wasn't until the 7th anniversary in 1992, that bicycle races were part of the festival's entertainment. Organizers included the mighty Tour de Nez criterium. Today, nearly two decades later, Tour de Nez is one of the more significant pro stage races in the country. It takes place in Nevada and California, the cities of Reno and Truckee, along the shores of Lake Tahoe, and up to the mountains surrounding the resort at Northstar at Tahoe.

NOW-MS Society will be represented by Jenna Kowalski, Julia Lafranchise, Ivie Crawford and for the men: Corey Farrell, Cory Greenbery, Danny Heeley, Sergio Hernandez, Kit Karzen, Aaron Schneider.

Thursday, June 17
Prologue Time Trial in Sparks, NV (1.5 miles turny course through Victorian Square)
5:00pm Pro Women followed by Pro Men Cat 1, 2

Friday, June 18
Downtown Reno Circuit Race (a flat 1.5 mile loop through downtown Reno)
5:30pm Pro Women (50 minutes)
7:30pm Pro Cat 1, 2 Men (50 minutes)

Saturday, June 19
Northstar Village Circuit Race (The race course is a hilly, difficult two mile loop.) / Tour de Nez Omnium
3:45pm Pro Women Circuit (1 hour)
5:00pm Pro Cat 1, 2 Men (1.5 hours)

Follow the Action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter.com/KSMCycling
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter.com/JLAFRANCHISE
Aaron Schneider http://twitter.com/AirBorns86
Kit Karzen http://twitter.com/kitkarzen
Cory Greenberg twitter http://twitter.com/corygreenberg
Cory Greenberg http://www.corygreenberg.blogspot.com
Tour de Nez http://twitter.com/tour_de_nez
Tour de Nez http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tour-de-Nez/289905098904

For more info about Tour de Nez: http://www.tourdenez.com

NOW Men's Race Report CBR #6

This in depth race report (it is like a sterile hospital synopsis) truly underplays the passion and panache of the enthusiastic masters team compadres... and my name is spelt wrong (he’s talking about JV’s Race Report).

we should add the trials and tribulations of forming, storming, norming and performing as a new and developing old guys team!

for example:

We ride in numbers like a drooling pack of hyenas and we are nearly as attractive. The intent is clear: survival first; we circulate within the peloton seeking the weak and then we take the offerings as they present themselves. As we gain confidence and camaraderie each race is more fun and we have more influence. As our knowledge of the racing and each others strengths grow it is clear to see we are having a greater impact on the racing momentum.

As part of our development comes the incremental goals that will culminate in the ultimate goal of a win for the masters team. My first goal is to stay rubber side down. At this point I have not had the nerve to to really fight for the final spint and end up in the cavendish/haussler crash feast. So that being said I have been trying to win the two bottles of Aussie wine (I know I could go to Ralphs and buy them but that would not be nearly as much fun) for the suicide prime at domingus hills. It started out as a fun thing and now after being second wheel 4 times it has become an objective I must complete. Nick has achieved this goal in the 4s so I must be able to do it in the 35+ race.

To date this objective has been a personal mission, a laugh, and something to laugh about at the end of the race... oh and a way to let all know that the MS NOW Masters contingent is in the house! The time has come to solicit the help of the team to get this monkey off my back. Going forward there will be a plan, a strategic alliance, that will ensure success and reap the rewards of a few glasses of cheap vino... not to mention the bragging rights and a good laugh. I mean jees if we can survive the saturday slug feast (team ride) to trancas a few bottles of wine must be well with in our reach...

The mission is clear and the determination resolute.... This message will self destruct in 5 seconds

4

3

2

1

NOW men's race report CBR #6

CBR Cat 4
who raced: Jens Wallrabe, John velez

who placed: John Velez 7th, Jens Wallrabe pack

The gun went off and off we went. The race was uneventful few breaks and all were brought back. 5 laps to go race was picking up I was looking for Jens and
he was up front in the mix with me. I knew that being up in the front would be the safest place to be. I was feeling strong and for the first time I was going to fight to stay up in the front.
3 laps to go Jens was up in the front with me. I knew that when he took off I was going to be on his wheel that was my wheel to follow. 1 lap to go, the pace picked up and I made sure
I was up in the front on the right side. I saw Jens on the left coming up strong. We were on the second to the last corner when that dreadful sound of medal hitting the ground. I saw guys and bikes crashing from the corner of my eye; it was on the left side the same side Jens was in. I got a sick feeling in my stomach, but I started to put the power down. I went past a few riders before the last turn and
went as hard as I could to the finish for a respectable 7th place. Jens thankfully made it safely through the crash.

CBR 30+ 4/5
who raced: John Velez, Jens Wallrabe, Hugh Templeton

Who placed: John 11th, with Jens and Hugh in the pack

In the next race, Cat IV/V, Jens took a prime with seemingless effort!! Hugh went for a prime with two laps to go, but missed it by one rider. I finished a respectable 11th.

A good day in racing for NOW - MS Society at CBR.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the rider who crashed in the Cat IV race.

NOW Women-Tulsa Tough-day 2

Tulsa Tough: Day 2

After a late night at the McNellies Pub (scarfing down dinner and watching race footage on TV - courtesy of our awesome sponsor, Joel Kantor), we managed to drag ourselves out of bed for a 10am breakfast and spin. Saturday's forecast was for a blazing 100+ degrees, so we spent most of the afternoon lounging in our air conditioned room at the MAYO. By 5:00pm we were rolling down to the course to park ourselves at the MS booth until our 6:00pm start. With the brilliant thinking of Kurt? Emily? we filled latex gloves with ice to pack into our sports bras and bib shorts to keep us cool, considering the temperature at 6:00 was 95degreesF...what a life saver!

With spots at the front of the line, we began our race. Not but 10 minutes in, Dave Towles favorite, Coryn Rivera aka "Cocktail napkin with an outboard motor" slid out causing a crash after corner 4, taking out our very own Kendall Ryan. Luckily, I was able to grab a handful of brake and ran into the curb, staying upright. Then proceeded to the wheel pit for my free lap, chased back on, attempted to recover, and found myself behind a girl sliding out through the final corner only minutes later. With no where to go, I again grabbed a handful of brake and eventually skidded to a stop, thankfully staying upright - the 10 other girls were not so lucky. Jumping back in with my second free lap, I found myself struggling to recover and make my way to the front of the field. Last I recall, I saw 10 lap to go, told myself to hang tough...but ended up cracking off the back within minutes of the finish. Props to Kendall who got back in the race on a neutral bike after bruising her bum and breaking her Red shifter, and Julia who put out some solid effort at the front of the field!

Jenna Kowalski

=

Betsy Kogan gets Cat 3 Upgrade!!!

Congratulations Betsy Kogan who is now officially a Cat 3!!!!!! Betsy just won the Elite State RR Championships this weekend in Bakersfield for the Cat 4s. She is having a great season, her second racing with the women's team. Way to go Betsy!!!!

NOW Men's Race Report for Tulsa Tough by Aaron Schneider

Race: Tulsa Tough
Players: Sergio Hernandez, Cory Greenberg, Stephen Leece, Aaron Schneider

By far one of the funnest crit series I've ever done. The weather may have been considered miserable, but in my opinion it just made the racing that much more fun. It was hot and humid all three days and made it a real tough guys'/girls' race. The first thing I have to say is a big thank you to Joel Kantor (Kit's second cousin) for sponsoring the entire men's and women's teams. We were put up in the nicest hotel in Tulsa, and treated to free food all weekend at all of Joel's 4 restaurants. To say we were treated like professionals is an understatement. It was an experience I doubt I will ever forget, and was amazingly motivating.
Day one of racing started off faster than I expected. It was like a cat 3 race...attack, chase, slow down, attack, chase, slow down, for 60 minutes. Unfortunately I got caught in a crash and made the rookie mistake of trying to chase back on and ended up dropping out...but not before I picked up the first prime for the team. I watched from the sideline as Sergio took the win.
Day two was a lot better. Though Sergio only took 2nd (we were aiming for the win of course), we rode well as a team, riding the front of the race, getting into breaks, and chasing where needed. Cory got into a near winning breakaway late in the race and was still able to ride for Sergio in the end. Kit, Stephen, and I were caught behind a crash with two laps to go and were unable to make it back up to the front, though we certainly tried.
Day 3 was by far the best for the team, though it was the worst in the results. Sergio placed 8th, but we rode like a real team. The atmosphere was amazing, even tour-like. The climb in the crit was lined with crazy fans, spraying water on the riders and cheering like mad. The entire team was active at the front and controlling the race. It was a thing of beauty. With three laps to go Cory almost single-handedly brought back the final breakaway and with 1 1/2 laps to go I pulled through at the top of the hill. Hoping I would be followed by the peleton I slowed up a bit so I could stay with Sergio for the final lap. But coming around the last turn going into the last lap, I opened up a substantial gap and it continued to grow as I put my head down and pedaled down the straightaway. So, I decided to just go for glory. Only glory sometimes is replaced with explosions. I completely popped on the last climb and that was my race. I hoped I could hold on for Serg and get him another win. I was confident that I could. Unfortunately, I was not able to and Serg got 8th, and 2nd in the overall omnium.
Fun times in Tulsa.

A

NOW Women Tulsa Tough Race Report by Julia Lafranchise

Tulsa Tough 2010:



Day one of Tulsa Tough began at 9am with breakfast at the Dilly Deli, an awesome little spot on the day’s race course (owned by Joel Kantor our amazing Tulsa Tough sponsor), which is known for its pickles AND cinnamon rolls the size of your head! The actual racing didn’t begin until 7pm, and thank goodness for that, the mid day heat reminded me of summers in Bakersfield. With little need for a long warm up Jenna Kowalski, Kendall Ryan and I showed up around 6:15pm and enjoyed the company of the volunteers at the MS-Society tent; what an inspiring bunch!



After pinning my number and a quick wheel fix from SRAM neutral I was at the start line. A very efficient race I must say; we were off before I knew it, eight fast corners in the heart of downtown Tulsa over and over and over again. A few big money primes and a several laps later we saw ten to go. I swear everyone greased their elbows before the start anticipating a sprint finish; inside ten to go I felt like a pinball constantly getting pushed to the back and having to fight my way back to the front. Right as each team was preparing to lead out our fastest sprinters; a Tibco rider rolled off the front and held off the field for the win. Kendall pulled of a 13th place finish and our NOW MS-Society women’s squad had our work cut out for us with two days of racing still to come.



Yours Truly,

Julia Lafranchise

__._,_.___

Teams finish strong at Tulsa Tough!!!

Strong finish at Tulsa Tough!
Sergio Hernandez Gets 2nd in Tulsa Omnium!

Today was the most physically challenging course of the 3-day Tulsa Tough, with the notorious Cry Baby Hill, a multi-step climb. It wasn’t a day to just sit in and expect results. Throughout the race, riders continued to go off the back.

All of Tulsa came out to see the action. The course rolled through neighborhood streets lined with partying spectators, some dressed less than conservatively.

Kendall Ryan, Julia Lafranchise and Jenna Kowalski all rode very well. Unfortunately Jenna got stuck behind a crash and wasn’t allowed back to the field. Julia fought her way back after technical difficulties. Kendall covered moves and came in at the front of the main field, top-15, just behind a break of approximately seven.

The men also rode incredibly well, as a team, sacrificed and controlled the race. A 2-rider break got up to about 25 seconds. NOW-MS Society men organized, did the bulk of the work and sacrificed for several laps to bring the race back together and set up Sergio for the win. They were the only team that had organization at the front, changing the outcome of the race. Cory Greenberg did an amazing job, Stephen Leece and Aaron Schneider did great too. As did Kit Karzen who rode phenomenally well, the track star becoming more and more of a road racer.

Sergio Hernandez had a top -10 finish today. Overall, Sergio 2nd place in Tulsa Omnium, by 6 points.

Great weekend for NOW-MS Society in an incredible series of races. A very big thank you to Marc’s cousin Joel Kantor and Joel’s family for generously sponsoring the team’s trip to Tulsa Tough and for their wonderful support throughout the weekend.

Betsy Kogan gets 1st Place!!!

Congratulations to Betsy Kogan, 1st place of Cat 4 Women and 5th Overall in combined Women 3/ 4 State Road Race Championships, at Golden Empire Classic in Bakersfield!! Check out Betsy's podium shot!!

More Tulsa Tough Race Results

Sergio Hernandez sprints to 2nd place finish in the Brady Village Criterium Men's 1/2 today! All the men rode well, like a team. Earlier, Kendall Ryan got another top-15 finish (13th yesterday) after a crash-- she's okay!-- and a bike change. Great job by NOW-MS Society in Tulsa!

Overall results TBA.

Tomorrow, Cry Baby Hill!
Home of Cry Baby Hill, sure to test the hardest racers. The winners of the team and individual omnium competition will be crowned after Sunday’s races. The grueling course will test even the most fit racers. Running along the scenic Arkansas River and staged from the River Parks, Sunday’s races distinguish the “Tulsa Tough”.
Sunday, June 6 - Riverview Criterium
2:10pm NRC Race: Women's Pro 1/ 2
3:15pm Men's Cat 1/ 2

Follow the action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter. com/KSMCycling
Kit Karzen http://twitter. com/kitkarzen
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter. com/JLAFRANCHISE
Aaron Schneider http://twitter. com/AirBorns86
Cory Greenberg twitter http://twitter.com/corygreenberg
Cory Greenberg http://www.corygreenberg.blogspot.com
CRANKED with Kit http://www.youtube. com/user/ crankedwithkit
Tulsa Tough http://twitter. com/tulsa_ tough

Sergio Hernandez wins men's 1/2 ar Tulsa Tough!

Great news from Tulsa... Sergio Hernandez just won the Men's 1/2 race at Tulsa Tough!!! Sergio raced the Blue Dome Criterium this evening with teammates Cory Greenberg, Kit Karzen, Stephen Leece and Aaron Schneider. Congratulations!!!!!!!

Christine Barron gets Cat 3 upgrade!

Congratulations Christine Barron on your Cat 3 upgrade! It's official!!!!!!! Our youngest racer and track champion is now a Cat 1 track and Cat 3 road! Great job Christine!!

Follow U25 team NOW at Tulsa Tough multi day race

This week our U25 men and women head to the heartland and get ready to race TULSA TOUGH... 3 days, 3 intense crit races!

The Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is a three day cycling festival designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles while showcasing the beautiful city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tulsa Tough offers events and spectating opportunities for everyone with professional and amateur races, recreational and tour rides, kids and youth activities, live music and vendors in one action packed weekend. The Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is set to roll June 4, 5 and 6, 2010.

A big thank you to Marc Karzen's second cousin Joel Kantor who very generously offered to fly the team out to Tulsa for the weekend of races! Joel is an avid cyclist and he of course follows Kit and the team's racing. Joel is also a big supporter of the MS Society.

NOW-MS Society will be represented by the following riders: Cory Greenberg, Sergio Hernandez, Kit Karzen, Stephen Leece, Aaron Schneider and Jenna Kowalski, Julia Lafranchise, Kendall Ryan.

Below is the TULSA TOUGH race schedule. Note that local time is 2 hours ahead of LA time. (7:10pm race start is 5:10pm LA time) And check the links below for how to follow the action and find out more about Tulsa Tough.

Tulsa Tough kicks off Friday night under the lights of downtown Tulsa’s Blue Dome entertainment district. The races are fast - weaving through crowded streets lined with live music and vendors.

Friday, June 4 - Blue Dome Criterium
7:10pm NRC Race: Women's Pro 1/ 2
8:10pm Men's Cat 1/ 2
9:15pm Men's Pro 1

Saturday’s races run through the heart of the historic Brady Arts district.

Saturday, June 5 - Brady Village Criterium
6:05pm NRC Race: Women's Pro 1/ 2
7:10pm Men's Cat 1/ 2
8:30pm Men's Pro 1

Home of Cry Baby Hill, sure to test the hardest racers. The winners of the team and individual omnium competition will be crowned after Sunday’s races. The grueling course will test even the most fit racers. Running along the scenic Arkansas River and staged from the River Parks, Sunday’s races distinguish the “Tulsa Tough”.

Sunday, June 6 - Riverview Criterium
2:10pm NRC Race: Women's Pro 1/ 2
3:15pm Men's Cat 1/ 2
4:25pm Men's Pro 1

Follow the action:
Team Director Kurt Stockton http://twitter.com/KSMCycling
Kit Karzen http://twitter.com/kitkarzen
Julia Lafranchise http://twitter.com

Publish Post

/JLAFRANCHISE
Aaron Schneider http://twitter.com/AirBorns86
CRANKED with Kit http://www.youtube.com/user/crankedwithkit
Tulsa Tough http://twitter.com/tulsa_tough

For more about TULSA TOUGH: http://www.tulsatough.com
Watch the latest TV spots for the 2010 Tulsa Tough: http://www.tulsatough.com/site/postings/74?section_id=8

U25 Corey Farrell to race with National Team

Corey Farrell will race with the National Team at the Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay in Quebec, Canada, from Thursday, June 3 - Sunday, June 6.

The Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay is an integral part of the UCI U23 Nations Cup, which consists of seven events, and the only one to take place outside Europe. The world’s best 19 to 22 years old cyclists will represent their country, in teams of six, with the objective to gain as many UCI points as they can, which will determine how many riders each country will have at the Road World Championships.

The Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay consists of 4 stages, averaging over 100km per race. Other countries racing include Colombia, Demark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg.

For more info, check out: http://www.coupedesnationssaguenay.com. Click on English in the upper right (unless you speak French).

Good Luck Corey!!! We will be following you...

Elite State Champion-Sergio Hernandez- Race Report

Barry Wolf Grand Prix


Racers: Stephen Leece, Danny Heeley, Aaron Schneider, Corey Farrell, Cory Greenberg, Kit Karzen, Danny Katz, Adam Masters, Sergio Hernandez


Places: Sergio Hernandez 1st, Danny Heeley and Cory Greenberg top 20


So I think this is my first race report since I was last on NOW about 4 years ago so please bear with me. ;)


The Barry Wolf Grand Prix was a day we all had been waiting for since the beginning of the season. Not only was it the Criterium State Championship but also our very own club race so there was no doubt that this was our day and that we came to WIN despite most of us standing in the sun for 2+ hours earlier in the day.


Being the Criterium State Championship the competition was top notch and with the rules being changed and making the title available to UCI continental teams the field had its share of pros going after the title including last year’s defending State Champion Rahsaan Bahati! In our pre-race meeting I told the boys that we needed to step it up and win! No more getting showed up by the girl’s U25 team anymore especially after Kendall won her second big race of the season. I also urged that we needed at least two guys in every move since we had numbers on our side and if it came down to a sprint we would lead out Heeley with Karzen sweeping his wheel with the option of sitting up around the last turn or going for it if Heeley wasn't there.


"The Race" It was the hottest day of the year by far and the pace was even faster. Attacks were going off from turn one and as I directed we were on top of everything. I could see the pain on everyone’s face including former Pro Tour rider Hilton Clark and we were only 20 minutes into the race. We were in for the longest 75 minutes ever, "ehhhhhh" like Heeley and Farrell would say! Breaks were coming and going, going and coming, and it was all so fast I couldn't even give you details of who was in what. Finally a legit break separated itself from the field of about 25 strong with a good 3rd sitting on. Danny Heeley and I were in the selection so I was happy with that and made sure we did our part to stick the break. Unfortunately or fortunately we were caught but I hit out again which caused a shuffle in the field and we had gained Cory Greenberg with me and Heeley holding on! As I looked around I was happy to see that my friend Rahsaan was nowhere to be seen but Matt Rice had decided to join the party which was no bueno. The break was now down to about 20 strong riders.


The boys were looking great in the break and I knew we had the upper hand with more guys than any other team, we were sitting pretty! I made sure to sit on Matt Rice's wheel just to hit it a little harder every time he pulled off to put a sting in his legs for the finish. As the pace and heat increased the break decreased and Hilton Clark was one of the victims, beautiful!!! Greenburg and Heeley were incredible the whole day and never skipped a pull. I honestly couldn't have won without them, as I started to sit on the back with 4 to go, my ninos worked away. Somewhere along the way with 3 to go a break of 2 got away and they were distancing themselves with every pedal stroke. As I looked up off of the last wheel the duo had a straight on us with 2 to go! I can't lie I started to freak out and almost jump from where I was but like clockwork Greenberg and Heeley were on the front and moving fast. With a lap to go Heeley made a monster pull bringing the break a half straight away. Coming fast into turn 3 I new that this was my only chance and I jumped with half a lap to go. Coming out of turn 3 like a slingshot I knew I had to beat the 2 man breakaway to the last turn if I wanted to win. Diving into the last turn I launched my sprint and approached the line with 4 bike lengths to spare, VICTORY was ours at last!


Congrats to Kendall Ryan and her girls for picking up the title and awesome teamwork. Also thank you to Linda Smith for running the show and making the day possible as well as everyone who helped. Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors (NOW) (Specialized) (SRAM) (GU) to name a few, we couldn't do it without you and here's to more victories on the road, cheers!


-Sergio Hernandez