Creve Coeur Loop, Sat Feb 16

We'll head out at noon from Luther Statue, the usual 38 mile loop. Time to start hitting the hills again.

CSL now has an official Collegiate Club

All the paperwork has gone through with USACycling, you'll find us listed here.

What this gets us is the opportunity to compete in collegiate races, which are separate from the local events. It also gives us some insurance protection for group rides and the Tour de Sem, etc. Eventually we'll start looking for sponsors.

The first race we'll participate in is March 8 (road race in Columbia) and 9 (crit in St. Charles). Hopefully we'll make a trip up to Purdue later in the Spring for another pair of races.

So now Engelhardt, Alvey, Troester and Edwards all have to stay for STM, maybe PhD.

Caption Contest

Come up with a funny caption for the picture below and win...nothing but bragging rights.

My Entry: "Seriously? The guy at the shop didn't say anything about this being a 'road' bike."

P.S. Is it just me or does this guy look a little like Estes?

2008 STL Racing Calendar

The preliminary race calendar for '08 has been posted on the MOBRA website. If you're new to racing, and can deal with the cold, Froze Toes on Feb. 24 is a good place to start.

Looking Ahead to 2008

Yes, the weather is awfully cold this week, but 2008 promises to be the strongest yet for cycling at CSL. The Tour de Sem planning is well underway -- May 3rd is the date. We're applying for US Cycling Federation as a collegiate club, which brings with it a series of races with other schools in the midwest. We're also being made part of the budget at CSL (okay, not a big part) and given "club" status like basketball, soccer, and tennis. This will free us up to make our events even better. And, we're looking to get new riders with a kid's bike rodeo this Spring.

I've been pretty tied up with work and getting things organized with Ghisallo Racing, but we'll call a meeting pretty quick here to get us all up to speed. And, if you know of any first year students who are thinking about riding or you think should start riding, encourage them along.

St. Louis Bike Federation Swap Meet

Get ready for the new season and get some great deals. The Bike Swap features big bike shops clearing stuff out at great prices and individuals selling used parts and gear at great discounts. Well worth the trip, you'd be amazed how much stuff there is at this thing. It is also a great place to go if you're looking to pick up a used bike. The event is held in Collinsville on Sun., Jan 27. Starts at 10:00 for the best deals (I know, tough with field ed) but goes until 4:00. I'm heading out there after Bible study. Directions and further info at: St. Louis Regional Bike Federation's web site

Christmas Cookie Ride - Dec. 16

Want an excuse to eat all those Christmas cookies? Ride a couple hours first, then eat them. Meet at the Kloha's at 1:30, ride a couple hours, back by 4:00 for cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate. Bring along some cookies, mince pies, egg nog, fruitcake, whatever to share. Have the non-cycling part of the family join us after the ride. RSVP on the blog or to Prof. Kloha's csl e-mail.