In January, the team got together for a training camp in Park City. Yeah, most teams want to go some place warm to train. We are not like most teams however. This camp consisted of a survivalist snowshoe adventure complete with moose wrestling!! We also previewed the Elite National Championship course we will be racing in June. Hopefully, in June it will be warmer as this was a brute of a ride, which no doubt made us all tougher.
February and March saw the team crack and head for warmer climes. Unfortunately, they were not to be found at the Valley of the Sun stage race in Arizona, where it rained nearly the entire race. The team had better luck (at least weatherwise!!) at the Redlands Classic Stage Race. This was the second year the team has entered this UCI International Event. We came away with a top 20 finish on one of the stages, but largely used this event for training.
Finally in April, the racing begins here in Utah. The first week we missed an early breakaway which wound up making it to the finish. We still put two riders in the top ten, but that was not what we were looking for. This was the first time the entire team raced together, so it was normal (if unfortunate) that it would take some time for us to gel. The next race would see us heading to southern Utah for the Tour of the Storm, where the team would come together to win two stages, as well as have six podium finishes for the weekend. Unfortunately, the overall G.C. for the race went to Seasilver pro Burke Swindlehurst, but we fought hard and still finished 2nd overall and with three in the top 5 overall. Suffice to say, the team has found it's groove and looks forward to many more wins in the coming weeks.
Outside of racing, the team has been very active in bicycle safety activities at local elemenatary schools. Through partnerships with the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and SafeKids, we participated in two safety fairs so far this year. We have also donated helmets to several kids who did not own them. Outside of team member Gardie Jacksons flowing locks, the highlight for many of the kids seemed to be our sweet pink Giant bikes. It is awesome how many of the kids are familiar with Giant. Some frequently asked questions during the fairs:
"Why do you guys shave your legs?" So many reasons.
"Who is the fastest?" We had to fight over this one.
"Have you ever crashed?" Ummm, yeah. Some more than others.
"Is that guy (Gardie) married?" No, he is not!!
Coming up for Health Choice/Goble Knee Clinic:
Race Promotions:
Bear Lake RR and TTT
State Championship RR
We will have sponsor booths set up at these events to highlight our awesome sponsors.
More bicycle safety fairs:
Salt Lake City, Park City, and Logan
And of course, much more racing!!
Thank you all for your support!!
Ryan Barrett
Healthy Choice/Goble Knee Clinic C.T.
"Bring It!!!"
Healthy Choice/Goble Knee Clinic Podium Board 2005 (this is just the beginning, folks!!)
1st- Stage 1 Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Gardie Jackson.
1st- Stage 3 Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Ryan Barrett.
2nd- G.C. Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Ryan Barrett.
3rd- Stage 1 Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Nate Thomas.
3rd- Stage 2 Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Marc Yap.
3rd- Stage 3 Tour of the Storm. Hurricane, UT. Marc Yap.