Tagged

VELO 4 4= Harlan-Lisa Ward

757-CX=Kevin

MTB FEVR=Blair? (I think)

MTB CHIC=Kay Lynn

BIKIN IT=Mike

CX RIDER=Hosang

Autumn too soon

John Flora, 1998. I first met John on the old Colley Ave. Bike Shop Saturday ride in Norfolk. He, Susan and I started talking after the ride when we all ended up at Charlie's for breakfast. I have been on some great bike trips with him, including rainy camping trips. I also worked closely with him to promote Tripower's many races over the years.

He has a tremendous gift for diplomacy and for keeping calm. He's the kind of guy who calls when a hurricane is coming to town to check on people. Whenever someone would crash or there was another crisis, he is one of those I would call just to hear his voice and know everything would be ok.





John on his farewell ride 3 weeks ago. He moved to Denver and I already miss him. He has served our team well as president for many years.

John's claim to fame is what Robert calls the "Flora Tuck," refering to his aerodynamic descending tuck that is second to none. I do not know anyone who can descend Wintergreen faster or with more confidence.









Cross is IN. Dinsmore, Brenna, Carol, Dan, Ryan and Jimmy in New Kent County on Sunday.













Zach keeps the campfire going at Todd Lake Campground 2 weeks ago. I did an awesome mt bike ride with Kay Lynn Saturday and then Shenandoah Century with the team Sunday. Hope to do some more camping before it gets butt cold.

Who would be President?

Tripower's long time president is moving to Denver. Soon to come is a tribute to John. BE NICE, the following is all in fun!

There are several Prez-VP combos that I can imagine. First, Young Mark (left) as Prez would bring youth, enthusiasm and change to the 20-yr-old bike club. He makes strait A's at Princess Anne High and has been to more prestigious bike races as a junior than nearly every adult racer. He is one of only 2 on the team who has a real chance at being pro someday.

Balancing any perceived inexperience is his VP running mate Wayno. As a former SEAL and current contractor for Dept of Homeland security, Wayno brings unquestioned experience in automobile driver-bike rider relationships.


Kevin has nominated himself and virtually unknown running mate Liz Hatch. The ticket is assured the rural vote since Kevin resides in Chesapeake and the impulsive vote since Liz is a hot pro racer. Kevin successfully casts himself as a maverick and has raced longer for Tripower than nearly any other member. If Kevin is elected, Hosang is promised a cabinet position, creating the "Crazy Gate" controversy. No word about Liz moving here if they are elected.





Then there's the Tripower insider and current VP Bill cast with total outsider Rob Tripp. Bill has voted with John 99% of the time, so any discontent with things can be answered by Rob Tripp who goes against the mainstream with soft helmets, fixed gears, singlespeeds and roller derby connections.

Bill can relate to all members who have been wounded in the peloton since he has broken his clavical and hip. He officiates races (often for free), promotes races, and won bikevoice's person of the year in 2006.




Finally, there's the BJ-Dinsmore ticket. BJ is entrenched in Virginia Beach cycling politics, leading rides and entertaining birthday riders at Panera. She is the only member who has won National medals (06-07). She sticks to road riding, so the ticket is balaced by gritty Norfolk all arounder Dinsmore (mtb, cross, road, fixed) who has won 5 Alley Cats and has Virginian Pilot connections. She is a wine expert, he knows beer.

Photo sources: Bob and BJ, Love to Ride

Tidewater scenes

Cathy drives John Taylor's Cannondale in a memorial ride honoring his life. Portsmouth police escorted the ride through Portsmouth and Suffolk. Josh has an awesome recap of the memorial ride on his blog.











Mike Virden retired from the Navy last week. His tattoo honors his father who also had a tattoo with this quote.












Cook's birthday. . . dress?

The trackstand contest prior to Norfolk's Alley Cat last weekend.













Team Rice-Schleeper took second place in the Alley Cat even though the street clothes were a sticky hinderance in the humidity. Dinsmore won, bringing his count up to 5 Alley Cat wins.











Gathering before one of those infamous cross rides from Freedom Park with Dan leading. We found that some of the treasured New Kent County fire roads have been paved.

This was my first time meeting and riding with Lynn who is super strong.

(L-R, Chad, Lynn, Dan, Carol, Liz)