Board of Directors Nominations

Here are the La Grange Board Nominations

Larry Goodman

Please consider my self-nomination for the next two year installment of the LaGrange board.

I am a long time member of LaGrange who previously served on the board, has raced my son through our former, FlightSchool Jr. Race program and dabble in Cyclocross racing myself. Topics I think important for the board to consider is how to place the club on sure footing as the membership profile changes, member engagement (fun), and safety. While holding onto our race heritage, I believe we need to broaden the definition of that to be more supportive of goal oriented cycling to bring in those who may not be ready or interested in entering the traditional USCF competitions. This diversity as well as diversity of standard demographics will make LaGrange a better value for potential sponsors and stronger club.

Thanks,

Larry

Michael Kludjian

I have been riding with LG since 1988 and have known and ridden with our founder Raymond Fouquet and believe in his passion and vision for the club. 

I enjoy the diversity and various programs that LaGrange offers its members.  I have participated in a wide spectrum of club events including: LG cup, LG races, LG picnics , LG special events, and LG member nights.  I look forward to enhancing and adding to these events.  Additionally, to offering various new programs that could be exciting and of value to Members.  

Rob Imrie

A brief summary of why I'd like to participate in the Club's direction over the next year:

I've been an LG Member for 10 yrs (joined the day after arriving in LA - from Toronto, Canada) & have enjoyed weekly rides (PR'd Fiji Way today) as well as the LG50's

The LG Community has had a tremendously positive impact on my time here in LA - including meeting new friends & discovering new places and routes

I have extensive experience in events (promoting, operating and working with sponsors) and in data/tech/software so could lend a hand in any of these areas

Overall, I'd love to be a part of the LG Team! To dig-into the 'behind the scenes' of the Club, support its growth and give back a bit of what's it's given me (I know, I know... wipe tear... but in all seriousness, very true!). And to have fun doing so.

Thanks for considering me.

Cheers,

Rob

Renée Fox

My name is Renée Fox. I am a current LG board member, elected during the special election this past February, and I am running for re-election to serve a full term. 

It has been a busy 7 months on the board! My board goal is to bring club members together, and so I initiated a La Voix interview feature called “Meet an LG Member” that has featured 5 different club members so far. I partnered with filmmaker Jessica Chen, a new cyclist and LG member, to produce a video of Morgan James, collegiate track cyclist for La Grange who has represented the club twice at nationals. I served on the new kit design committee - so excited for our new kits this fall! I also led an LG50 ride, with help from our wonderful board and all who joined.

La Grange has given me a lot, most importantly, cycling community. I know that we each represent La Grange to fellow members, local clubs, and cyclists everywhere. As an LG board member I will continue to share my strengths as a community builder, artist, and cyclist.


Peter Dorantes

My name is Peter Dorantes, and cycling has been an intrinsic part of my life, shaping my journey and defining who I am today. My story begins in the beautiful country of Hungary, where the thrill of cycling captivated me in 1987. As a young and eager rider, I found my calling on the saddle, commencing an adventure that would span continents and decades.

In pursuit of excellence and broader horizons, I ventured to Hamburg, Germany, in 2002. This move was a pivotal moment that expanded my cycling horizons and allowed me to immerse myself in a new cycling culture. Over the next three years, I had the honor of serving as the President of the Hamburger Radsport Club (HRSC), where my passion for the sport melded seamlessly with a sense of responsibility to the cycling community.

Through the years, I dedicated myself to mastering the art of individual time trials (ITT), earning the prestigious title of North German Champion three times. But my ambitions didn't stop at the finish line. I embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, establishing businesses like ELS Limousine Service and Procyclist Inc., showcasing my versatility and determination beyond the cycling circuit.

In 2016, I set my sights on a new adventure across the Atlantic, making Los Angeles, California, my new home. Here, I found a vibrant cycling community and became an integral member of the esteemed Velo Club La Grange. The camaraderie and shared passion for the sport fostered lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging.

Fast forward to 2023, a year that stands as a crowning achievement in my cycling odyssey. Assuming the role of Masters Capitan for Road Racing was an incredible honor, a testament to the years of hard work, dedication, and love for the sport. Furthermore, clinching the coveted title of California Road Race Champion in the same year was a dream realized—a culmination of years of sweat, tears, and relentless determination.

My cycling journey is far from over. It's a continual voyage fueled by a burning passion for the open road, the camaraderie of fellow cyclists, and the desire to inspire the next generation of riders. Each pedal stroke is a reminder of the incredible journey I've had so far and the promising roads that lie ahead.

La Voix - September 2023


RACING NEWS

Laura and Peter go to Masters Nationals

 

SPOILER ALERT: This is a teaser! Laura Martin and Peter Dorantes just spent an exciting and hard-fought week in Augusta, Georgia at USAC Masters National. Unsurprisingly, they competed against some of the nation’s best racers and endured that suffocating southern humidity. To fully grasp their experience, we will be sending out a Special Edition email soon, complete with race reports and pictures. Stay tuned.

 


JOIN US: The Mammoth Grand Fondo

 

The Mammoth Gran Fondo is coming up on Saturday, September 9th. This is an awesome timed-fondo so it’s basically a race LOL. La Grange has a bunch of folks going so you can hammer for the win or chill and enjoy the fantastic rest stops. There is something for everyone. Be sure to sign up as a Velo Club La Grange Team Member. The top three 102-mile finishers are combined for a Team Finish.

As an added bonus, Fondo and La Grange sponsor, Pedal Mafia is leading a fun warmup ride on Friday, Sept. 8th at 11 am from Footloose Sports.

 


CLUB NEWS

VIDEO: Morgan James: Life on Track

 

Check out our new video!
"Cycling is a sport of grit; a sport of suffering and pain. Every time you push a little farther, it unveils a depth of yourself you’ve never explored before”.

Morgan James, LG track cycling captain, reveals what it’s like to be a woman racer in the world of track cycling and her desire to bring more women to the sport. For Morgan, despite the obstacles, challenges, and naysayers, the self-exploration of racing, striving, and growing is worth every single minute!

Producer: Renée Fox
Producer / Cinematographer / Editor: Jessica Chen
Special Thanks: VELO Sports Center

 


 

Meet the LG Member: Jessica Chen

 

Speaking of…please meet: Jessica Chen

I'm a journalist and filmmaker from Southern California. I just started cycling this year but it’s been an amazing way to see L.A. and meet great people. In addition to cycling, I love to play guitar, learn languages, explore new places, and hang out with my sweet beagle mix that I adopted during the pandemic. 

As a new rider, can you share what makes you passionate about cycling?

I can honestly say that cycling's changed my outlook on life. It's an excuse to get up early and live healthier. I've gained a deeper appreciation of the landscape and the community in L.A. And it's something to continuously challenge yourself with while keeping you humble at the same time.

Please share some of your cycling goals/ wishlist items!

My goal was to complete a century this year, which was the Santa Barbara LG 100. Thanks to a lot of support, I was able to get close to 100. I'm aiming to complete a full century (or two) in the next year. I also want to do the Nichols ride, which feels like a rite of passage for this club. My wishlist items would be to travel to Italy, France, or Taiwan to ride.

Tell us about your bike!

It’s a 2014 Trek Madone

When did you join LG and what are you hoping to add to the club and get from it?

I joined in April this year! I hope to find people to ride with from the club and learn from them.

What regular LG rides do you participate in?

I've been on the Santa Barbara Century and about four LG 50 rides now. The LG 50 Renée led (last weekend) was epic! 

What has been your favorite ride?

PV Switchbacks : )

Please share a cycling story for LG:

I rode once in Oahu, and it has a very special place in my heart. As you can imagine, you're riding while surrounded by a rugged landscape and beautiful beaches. A specific memory in Oahu was what felt like a 15-minute descent down Pali Highway, in rain and wind, through tunnels—it was terrifying and ultimately one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had.

Do you have favorite bike-friendly spots (restaurants, services, businesses) in LA you love and would recommend to the club?

There's a neighborhood gem in Culver City called Jackson Market. It's a grocery store with sandwiches and wine, tucked away in a little residential section. There's also a secret garden in the back that serves pizza on the weekend. 

Thanks for reading
As told to Renée Fox


RECAP: The August LG50 Ride to PV

 
 

We had a great LG50 Ride last Saturday to Palos Verdes. We tried a remote start, which is rare for the LG50, but it was a rousing success. Led by Renée Fox and David Newcombe, we traversed the beach cities to a scenic overlook in PV where Bodie Olmos had an amazing rest stop ready. Then we attacked the switchbacks (or Forrestal / Ganado for the masochists) and rode to the domes. With a spirited ride home, we split between the MDR bridge and libations at Three Weavers Brewing. **Special thanks to Todd Bernhardt for the insider’s routing through the South Bay.


The La Grange Board: A Worthwhile Endeavor

 

By Jan Datomi

Cycling is a great sport. From the challenge of staying fit enough to keep up with fellow cyclists, to learning all the aspects of becoming a competent rider, to enjoying a good beer or coffee post ride with friends, to meeting all the like-minded people who are into health, fun, and bike racing. 

All these things I love, and gained when I joined La Grange. So, when I had an opportunity to join the La Grange board, I jumped at the chance.  

 

Being on the board lets you be a part of keeping this special club alive and thriving. Each new person brings their experiences and energies to make the club vital. What also makes La Grange special isn’t just its legacy and continuity, but how it continues to influence and impact racing and riding in Los Angeles. Being on the Board means you’re part of a proud tradition as well as helping La Grange pedal into the future.

Being on the Board isn’t hard, nor particularly time-consuming, but it is very worthwhile and important. Everything you do is to create enjoyment for people. From my experience, it’s extremely satisfying to plan and execute an LG50 ride and see how much fun people are having, or put together the yearly picnic and hang out with members after the Piuma Hill Climb.

I would encourage everyone to strongly consider running for the La Grange board. Give your time to this worthwhile venture. You won’t regret it. The club needs you, and you will gain something significant in return; the opportunity to create something positive for your community.


IN THE NEWS

The All Clubs LA BBQ & Eldo Finale are HERE!

 

TWO WEEKENDS AWAY; September 9th, 2023!!

The famous All Clubs LA BBQ returns in conjunction with the Eldo Race Series finale! Held in El Dorado East Regional Park, affectionately known as ELDO, join us for a lovely day in the park featuring bike racing, cycling clubs, vendors, families, friends, children, BBQ, music, games, awards, and so much more!

The mission of All Clubs LA is to unify the So Cal cycling community inclusive of all clubs and cyclists. We use All Clubs LA events to engage the cycling community in riding and social activities that bring us all together. From advocacy to mentoring, racing to recreation, we are stronger together than apart.

Velo Club La Grange supports All Clubs LA in their goal of diversity, unity, and community! La Grange will have a tent there. Join us and enjoy a day in the biking community.

Full Details including address and schedule are here…

Our Los Angeles cycling community is special. Hope to see you there!

 


PROFILE:
Pippa York—formerly Robert Millar
“One of Britain's most successful cyclists”

 

Born in Glasgow in 1958, York began life as Robert Millar and went on to blaze a trail for cyclists in Britain by winning the King of the Mountains jersey in the 1984 Tour de France, becoming the first ever Brit to win a classification in cycling’s most prestigious race. And it was the Tour, York says, that first inspired her to become a pro cyclist.

But something never felt right. “When I saw a trans person in real life I realized that’s what I was. Then I had to make a decision: Is it acceptable for me to transition as a pro cyclist in the environment as it was and with the profile that I have? No, it wasn’t. It was the 1980s with rampant homophobia, fear of AIDS, and the time of Thatcher’s Section 28 legislation, which banned education in schools of any kind of different lifestyle.”

As her career ended on the road as a racer, it opened a new door for York as she transitioned from male to female. It was something she had been waiting to do since childhood.

Read the full article…
and listen to the companion podcast…

 


Sponsored:
Gilbert’s El Indio–A Family Affair

 
 

The year is 1974. Carmen and Gilberto Rodriguez open the best Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica. Carmen had a dream to join the family business. Although already the mother to nine children and employed at La Cabana, Carmen knew she had the resources and know-how to start her own restaurant. After speaking with her husband Gilberto, the couple opened Gilbert’s El Indio—a product of love, perseverance and family.

The restaurant the Rodriguez’s purchased was called El Indio and Gilberto loved the name so much that he added his own to it. Gilbert’s El Indio was born. El Indio is a nod to the indigenous peoples of Latin America, including Gilberto’s own Native-Mexican heritage.

Besides the celebration of heritage through the food and decor, Gilbert’s El Indio is truly a family affair. All nine Rodriguez children have worked there since the beginning, sweeping the parking lot, washing windows, taking orders, accounting, managing, and more. Carmen, now 84, still comes in every morning and stuffs every taco for Taco Tuesdays.

Approaching their 50th anniversary, Gilbert’s El Indio hopes to continue the tradition of love and family that’s kept them going for so many years. Viva la familia.

We invite you to read more or better yet, stop by and enjoy a cocktail and some outstanding Mexican food. Tell them “La Grange’ sent you!


Sponsored:
Win a Free Canyon Endurace

 

Combining pinpoint handling with a relaxed riding position and modern features like wide tire clearance and sleek integration, the Endurace hits the sweet spot between comfort and performance like nothing else on the road.

For 2023-24, Canyon has updated its Endurace CFR and CF SLX endurance road bikes with 35mm tire clearance, improved aerodynamics, adjustable handlebar width, and a top tube storage compartment. More about the bikes…

Now you can win one! No purchase necessary. Deadline Oct. 1, 2023.

 


Enjoy ALL of our wonderful partners!

 

2023 La Grange Partners

 

La Grange is incredibly fortunate to have such awesome partners! With our partners, you can satisfy virtually every aspect of cycling: Apparel, Accessories, Bikes, Repair, and nutrition. We also have partners to assist you when you have to live your non-bike life: Dining, Legal, Real Estate, and Engineering. Log into the La Grange website and check out your member-only benefits.


SOS—Support Our Sponsors

 
 
 

TRIFIT

Wanna get faster? Incorporate strength training and flexibility exercises into your cycling routine. TRIFIT, Santa Monica’s best-loved Gym, has the equipment and trainers to take your performance to the next level.
Ask about a FREE TRIAL today…

Canyon

It’s never too late to get a new Canyon. N+1, right? Canyon has a complete selection of bikes for every discipline and desire; road, MTB, Triathlon, commuter, you name it. Plus LG members get a nice discount.
See your LG Deal here…

 


New and Returning Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in August 2023:

  • Ryan S. and Aaron D.

  • And a hearty welcome back to returning member: Anthony H.

    Welcome, everyone! La Grange is proud to have you with us.

And in case you were wondering, we don’t include last names here to protect online personal privacy.


LG Event Calendar for SEPTEMBER

This calendar is where you’ll find all of our upcoming events IN ONE PLACE. You’ll find both LG On-Bike and Off-Bike events as well as non-LG events. Check it out and bookmark it! Here is the schedule for September. Bold events are LG Team Targeted Events.

  • September 9th — The All Clubs Picnic and Eldo Finale

  • September 9th — The Mammoth Gran Fondo

  • September 13th — LG Board Meeting (everyone is welcome)

  • September 27th — La Grange Night @ Pedal Mafia

  • September 30th — The September LG50 Ride

Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Jaycee at jaycee.cary@lagrange.org

La Voix - August 2023


RACING NEWS

Morgan James wins Silver @ Track Nats!

 

Last month our Track Captain, Morgan James competed in the Elite Track National Championship at the Velodrome in Carson. To say competing in this world-class event is a massive undertaking of time, training, and determination is an understatement. But let’s hear from Morgan herself.

“I’m so proud of my performance with all its ups and downs and I’m so thankful to La Grange for making it all possible. Every day got better and I’m proud we finished it out with a podium. Here are my placements

Team pursuit: 2nd
Elimination race: 4th
3K individual Pursuit: 6th
Omnium: 6th
Scratch race: 9th

Racing against the Olympic champion and countless other international contenders and national team members was daunting, but I came out of this week as a better and more confident racer. It was such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to shoot my shot for Gold next year! Thank you, La Grange, for your endless support.”

We’re rooting for you, Morgan. Here’s to next year's Championship!

 


Recap: The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix

 

La Grange had a great time at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix last month. The racing was fast and furious and like all racing, not easy. Peter had our best result of the day with a 4th from a breakaway in the Masters 50+ while Captain Laura Martin came in 11th in the women’s Cat 4 race. We also got to chat with our wonderful partners from ACTS Law. It was awesome to see so many new and familiar faces come out to support our LG race team. Enjoy the pictures!

 


RACE REPORT: Joey, Cara, & Andy rock The Rift!

 

By Joe Bernadello

The Rift Gravel Race Iceland. 

Iceland is billed as the land of Ice and Fire, but perhaps they need to amend that to be the land of Ice, Fire, Rocks, Wind, SAND, and worst of all, WASHBOARD. 

I raced The Rift last year and loved every minute of the experience; the landscape, waterfalls, people, bike-riding, food, natural hot springs, adventure, and suffering too were all top-notch.  My wife and I loved our time in Iceland so much that I went back for a second helping of the race this year (she rode the 45K for the first time - WOOT!).  All of our impressions from the first trip held true except that the suffering part went beyond the good kind of suffering and instead took me well beyond the limits of even type-2 fun.  You see, Iceland has been relatively dry this summer, which has resulted in some good things like no snow fields to ride (um, walk) across and lower river levels that made the river crossings way easier, and some very bad things like a course that lacked good riding lines.  For nearly all of the 200KM course, we were forced to either ride in sand, over doll-head-sized rocks, or on the most dreadful washboard imaginable, and when you were really lucky you somehow got all of them at the same time. With a stiff headwind.  Yay.

 I was joined in Iceland by LG friends Cara and Andy Applegate each riding their own bikes (because how do you get a tandem to Iceland???) and Irene van den Broek who was bike packing/camping like a total bada$$.  Each of them did impressively well, though they all admitted to the difficulty of the course and the desire to get the ride done with well before the ride was over.  Well, let’s be honest, Irene did beyond impressively well, she crushed a top 10 overall while riding the course “casually” and sleeping on the ground.  Top 10 in the Rift is no joke.  I also got connected to our Canyon Rep Mario Miller who was riding in the race with friends, Mario seems like a good dude and promised to set up some Canyon-supported LG gravel rides in the future.  Having folks there that I knew made the experience all the better and was amongst the best parts of our trip.

As for me, I went to the race expecting to beat last year’s time, even as I was not in quite the shape I was last year…thinking that because I knew the course, I would race it smarter and be more selectively aggressive, burning matches at the right points in the race that took advantage of my strengths.  Instead, I suffered in the sand and washboard, was slower on the 3 big run-up hike-a-bike climbs, and finished over an hour slower. There were times when I had more in the legs but the rest of my body was too sore to go.  It is telling, I am writing this 4 days after the race, and the part of me that is STILL sore are my triceps. For you WHOOP nerds I had a 20.7 Activity Strain, burned 6700 calories over 12 hours of riding, and woke up the next day 1% recovered.     

I’ll continue to recommend the race to others, Iceland is magical, but it will come with a warning and there is no way in hell I am riding that race next year.  I will be going back to SBT GRVL this year and hoping that this Icelandic romp will pay off in race fitness in August…but what I am really thinking about in FNLDGRVL in Finland next June. That race looks awesome. Who’s game?

Ed Note: Joe wanted to emphasize that Irene raced to a TOP 10 in the Women’s OVERALL! Amazing job, Irene! You…are…a…Warrior!

 


CLUB NEWS
The Santa Barbara Century & July LG50 ride

 
 

By Rich Hirschinger

The annual World Famous Santa Barbara Century presented by La Grange was held on Saturday, July 29, 2023. A dozen riders started at the Van Nuys Amtrak station, loaded their backpacks in the van, and were off. The LG van was generously driven by Peter Dorantes, one of the strongest riders in the club who gave up a day of cycling to provide SAG support along the route.

The riders rolled at 7:30 am and rode up and over the Sepulveda Pass, into Brentwood, and down San Vicente to join about 40 other riders at San Vicente and Ocean (SVO). Some of the riders at SVO were partaking in the monthly LG50 ride, and eight of the riders were starting the ride to Santa Barbara from there. Stop #2 for the trip up the coast was behind the Trancas Market. The weather was mostly sunny with some sporadic cloud cover. The third stop was at “The Jets” at the Naval Air Station Missile Park. Dan Mitnick took the “iconic” photo of van and jet as the riders were rolling into the lot to get their first taste of Mexican Coke, a tradition for the SB Century ride.

Riding into Oxnard the riders met the familiar headwinds that "come with the territory" crossing from Oxnard into Ventura, stop #4. The bike path starts shortly after the Ventura rest stop, and the riders, thanks to Sam Selfridge, got to enjoy the newest part of the bike path, which connects Carpinteria Avenue to Santa Claus Lane. This new section of the bike path just opened a few weeks ago and keeps the riders west of the freeway. The path rolled through a less traveled neighborhood instead of Via Real, and after crossing over the freeway, it was a few short miles to the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station.

After a change of clothes and loading the bikes, we walked to the always fun and lively SB Biergarten for beers, food, and more beer before boarding the train home to Van Nuys. Many thanks to Peter, and Jaycee Cary, who is the Wout van Aert of the ride since he is the ultimate teammate that does everything for this ride. Next year’s ride will take place on Saturday, July 27th. Save the date!

photos by Dan M., Geoff L., Dan C., Juan, Rich H., and Jaycee


Meet the LG Member: Drew Pedrick

 
 

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Drew Pedrick and I’m from the East Coast, by way of the Deep South! I was born in Allentown, PA, spent the 60’s in New Orleans, and then moved back to PA, within about 10 miles of my old house and, as it turned out, about 5 miles from where the Lehigh Valley Velodrome was built in 1974. I loved riding there!

Drew, what 3 words would you say describe you?

Friendly, Passionate, and Creative

What drew you to the sport of cycling and how long have you been a cyclist?

I rode my bike around New Orleans with my friends, when I was 10 years old. We’d frequently find ourselves in the French Quarter. A buddy’s dad owned a well-known restaurant and we’d go sit at their bar and drink coke (we thought we were so cool!). Later, when I moved back to PA, I needed my 10-speed Raleigh to make the trek on country roads to hang out with my friends. We did some great long rides at that young age! I’ve loved cycling ever since! I could say I’ve been cycling for over 55 years, but if I consider my move to LA in 2006 and making a serious investment into bike, gear, and skills development, I’ve been “cycling” for about 17 + years.

Do you train regularly? What is your training regime like?

I don’t train regularly, though I ride almost every week, at least 1 to 2 times. For a long while I did 4-5 days per week with a combination of ride type, distance, effort, etc. Most of my riding uses wattage as the measure and I’m a big fan of intervals. Today, I’m rebuilding some lost time in the saddle due to work and life, by balancing climbing days with distance and time. Overall, my best training regime is riding with a great community of like-minded friends!

Tell us about your bike!

Some years back, pre-COVID, someone pointed out that I’d been riding my bike for many years and maybe it was time to treat myself to something new. Helen’s set me up with a Pinarello Dogma - the last before the F-series came out - and it’s been true love ever since! That said, I am looking for the next bike and am sure it will be a combo of road, gravel, and pure pleasure! (Open to ideas!)

When did you join LG and why?

I joined La Grange over a dozen years ago. I used to live downtown and rode with Pasadena for a while and others then moved to the Palisades in 2009. I’d heard great things about LG and began sliding into the Mandy ride on Wednesday mornings. I knew it was the club to join, so I contacted the club, joined up, and was warmly welcomed by many riders. LG turned out to be the source of a lot of great friendships since!

What regular LG rides do you participate in?

These days, post-COVID, I’ve been riding fewer LG rides, but always enjoy seeing folks at the starts, whether it’s Saturday at SVO or weekdays.

What is your favorite ride in SoCal?

A favorite local ride is to go through the neighborhoods (Marc Thomas style), head up Franklin Canyon and descend Stradella, stopping at Caffe Luxxe for a coffee.

A favorite SoCal ride is to drive to Patagonia and ride from there to Montecito, up Gibraltar and down past the mission, through Santa Barbara with a stop for fish tacos before back to the car!

Please share a cycling story for LG:

The moment I knew cycling would always be a part of my life was in 1973. I was 14 and living in Allentown, PA. I had cousins in New Jersey who would come visit in the summer. One in particular, my cousin Mike, also had an adventurous streak and we concocted the crazy plan to ride the 100 miles from my place to his, unsupported. We had no reason to believe we could do this, but we had all the willpower needed to tough our way through. Amazingly, our parents (probably our dads mostly) were all for it. It was a different time then, one where parents might just say, “See you in a few days, don’t get hurt, and call if you need help”!

We set off from Allentown for the first of two days (70 miles for day 1, 30 for day 2). I think we each had backpacks with food and spare tubes. That was about it. We crossed the Delaware River in good time and began heading to Princeton, NJ, not too far from our finish for that day. We were approaching Princeton when it began to drizzle. By the time we were there, we were in the middle of a solid downpour. No rain gear, no lights, soaked all the way through, we pushed along. Then we realized we’d missed a turn and had no idea where we were. We had a map in a plastic bag, but had no cell phone with GPS, mapping, turn-by-turn, like we have today! So I told my cousin Mike I’d stand in the middle of the road and stop traffic while he went to a driver’s door and ask for directions. That nearly got us run over a half-dozen times and arrested a few more! Finally, we got lucky and a truck driver helped point us in the right direction. As we left Princeton, the skies lifted and we rode the final miles with large smiles, sloshy shoes, and loaded legs! When we got to the end of our ride, we checked into the motel our parents had arranged for us, showered, and relaxed by the side of their kidney-shaped pool. We were in heaven. Then we went to grab a bite to eat for the night and rest for the next day, only to find out our folks had told the restaurant to serve us steaks, potatoes, and anything else we could fill up on. That was the real heaven!

The next day we rode, triumphantly into Homedell, NJ, down the neighborhood street and into the driveway of my cousin’s home, greeted by his folks–and mine. Turned out our parents had trailed us somehow the whole way and we thought we were out there all on our own!

After that ride, I knew I could set my mind to a goal and achieve it, as long as I kept my focus and knew I was never alone, no matter where, no matter when!

Do you have favorite bike-friendly spots (restaurants, services, businesses) in LA you love and would recommend to the club?

I find bike-friendly spots almost wherever I ride. Don’t think I’ve ever gotten anything but positive feedback as I’ve pulled up to a place for food, drink, rest, or help. I do really like Caffe Luxxe. I had a very bike-friendly lunch one day with a group at Forma on Montana. My favorite stop is The Old Place in Cornell, though the coffee line can take a bit of time—and well worth it! Worth going there off the bike as well. The bar there has some very interesting folk come through!

Any questions you would you like to add?

I’m always interested in what LG is thinking about older riders (post-60) like myself. We’re a growing contingent and are very much out there tearing up the hills!

Thanks for reading
As told to Renée Fox


IN THE NEWS

REVIEW: The 4iiii Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor

 
 

By Jaycee Cary

I have had terrible luck with Heart Rate monitors. I get them and inevitably they fail long before I think they should. One brand is really good UNTIL you have to replace the battery. Remove those tiny screws a few times and they end up stripping or splitting the plastic threads. Once that happens the battery won’t contact and the unit is Kaput. I also find rust on the electrodes which doesn’t seem to inhibit performance but it is annoying. (and yes, I wash my strap frequently)

The other leading brand is just poorly built. They are wildly inaccurate and have frequent connection issues. I have also had them simply fall apart with parts breaking off. Terrible.

I was thrilled to find that La Grange sponsor 4iiii had a heart monitor called “Viiiiva” for an affordable price. I read about them and once I found out they had a 3-year warranty, I decided to give one a try. 4iiii is a Canadian power meter company used by teams in the men’s and women’s world tour.

The purchase was easy and the LG Discount was much appreciated. The product shipped postal from Canada and was going to take 2 weeks to arrive. That was a bummer as there were no faster options. Luckily, it only took about 8 days which wasn’t too bad.

The product was simply but effectively packaged. The setup was super easy: wet the strap, put it on, and then add it to your bike computer, phone, or whatever. I have only used it for a few weeks but so far it has been flawless. I love the low-profile design and the robust warranty inspires confidence. I have high hopes for a long and accurate lifespan.

 

PROS:
- Inexpensive (with discount)
- Low-profile design
- Simple setup
- Coin-turn battery cover
- App for firmware updates
- 3-year warranty

CONS:
- Slower shipping
- The battery had 40% remaining straight out of the box.

 


COMMUNITY:
The All Clubs LA BBQ & Eldo Finale are coming!

 

SAVE THE DATE: The All Clubs LA BBQ is Back on Saturday, September 9th, 2023!!

The famous All Clubs LA BBQ returns in conjunction with the Eldo Race Series finale! Held in El Dorado East Regional Park, affectionately known as ELDO, join us for a lovely day in the park featuring bike racing, cycling clubs, vendors, families, friends, children, BBQ, music, games, awards, and so much more!

The mission of All Clubs LA is to unify the So Cal cycling community inclusive of all clubs and cyclists. We use All Clubs LA events to engage the cycling community in riding and social activities that bring us all together. From advocacy to mentoring, racing to recreation, we are stronger together than apart.

Velo Club La Grange supports All Clubs LA in their goal of diversity, unity, and community! Hope to see you all there. More details coming soon!

Saturday, September 9th, 2023!!

 


RACING:
UPHILL CLIMB–The story of the Tour de France Féminine

 

In honor of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift (you are watching that, right?), we recommend you watch this documentary about the short-lived but critically important first women’s Tour de France Féminine. This incredible race, held from 1984 to 1989, brought together the strongest women cyclists from around the world to compete along the same courses as cycling legends Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil.

Throughout the short history of the Tour de France Féminin, the women continuously battled chauvinism from the press and race organizers. They also experienced the dismissal of their abilities by male riders.

Sadly, the Tour de France Féminin could not survive the uphill climb and was discontinued after the 1989 event. The “Uphill Climb” documentary ensures that the noble history of the women who conquered the Tour de France will never be forgotten!

Now streaming on Peacock and Discovery Plus

Watch the Trailer… or Read More

 


Training Tips:
The Benefits of Training in the Heat and How to Do it Safely

 
 

Extreme temperatures are becoming the new normal. Riding and training in extreme heat can be detrimental to performance and power and downright dangerous. However other than going out at the crack of dawn with Dan Funk how can cyclists continue to train and improve despite the heat? Research shows that training in the heat can boost performance even when racing in the cold. Here’s how to stay safe and get it right:

Read how to Stay Safe and make the most out of Heat Training

Read the Benefits of Heat Training


Sponsored:
Caffe Luxxe—the ultimate cold brew experience!

 

Introducing their newest creation: Un Caffè Superveloce. Cold Brew the Caffe Luxxe Way

There’s cold brew, and then there’s Caffe Luxxe cold brew. Caffe Luxxe took their time developing their take on this highly caffeinated delight to get it perfect for the palate. The result is an elegant body and velvety smooth finish. Perfect for sipping morning, noon, and night when you need to go-go-go! Pop by Caffe Luxxe today and pick up a bottle of their Superveloce. Salute!

More information…

 


Enjoy ALL of our wonderful partners!

 

2023 La Grange Partners

 

La Grange is incredibly fortunate to have such awesome partners! With our partners, you can satisfy virtually every aspect of cycling: Apparel, Accessories, Bikes, Repair, and nutrition. We also have partners to assist you when you have to live your non-bike life: Dining, Legal, Real Estate, and Engineering. Log into the La Grange website and check out your member-only benefits.


SOS—Support Our Sponsors

 
 
 

Bike Improve

Summer is rolling on. Treat yourself to a new mountain bike and get to the trails!
All mountain bikes in the shop are up to 25% OFF!!! Bike Improve has everything you need to keep riding.
Go see Bike Improve today…

The Feed

Remember each La Grange member gets a $20 credit each quarter with each $35 order. The Feed has all your favorite brands and you can order individual servings of most items to experiment with new stuff.
Read More…

 


New and Returning Members

Please say hello to our new members who joined in July 2023:

  • Dustin L., Matt C., Jason F., David B., Monique S., Eric M., and Philippa M.

  • And a hearty welcome back to returning members Frank T. and Ayad M!

    Welcome, everyone! La Grange is proud to have you with us.

And in case you were wondering, we don’t include last names here to protect online personal privacy.


LG Event Calendar for AUGUST

This calendar is where you’ll find all of our upcoming events IN ONE PLACE. You’ll find both LG On-Bike and Off-Bike events as well as non-LG events. Check it out and bookmark it! Here is the schedule for August. Bold events are LG Team Targeted Events.

  • August 5 — Tour de Big Bear

  • August 6 — Chuck Pontius Memorial Criterium

  • August 9 — LG Board of Directors Meeting (all members invited)

  • August 12 — Hotter-n-Hell Hill Climb

  • August 26 — August LG50 Ride

Have an event you would like to add? Send a request to Jaycee at jaycee.cary@lagrange.org