Worst Day of the Year Ride

The Ann Arbor area winter cycling classic continues Sunday, January 20, 2013! Bundle up ... or not—who knows what the weather will be like. But the Worst Day of the Year Ride has lived up to its name the last few years.

Check out details at the event website, including the schedule, distances and location, and register (free) so the organizers can plan according the number of people coming.

2013 MBRA Race Schedule

Excited for the coming race season already? Get your hands on the PDF/hard copy version of the MBRA race schedule now! Just click the image (PDF)....

The Ann Arbor Velo Club will be working hard to kick off the year hosting a skills clinic, the Ann Arbor Spring Training Series, and the Cone-Azalia road race. After a break from race promotion to race our bikes, we'll be back on the schedule in the fall for cyclocross.

AAVC Clothing Order

It's the time of year to order clothes for next season. If you're interested in placing an order, NOW is the time. We just finished the pre-order period so we know how many items we'll be getting and can set the final pricing. Next week (the one following Christmas) the final orders will begin. Look for more details to come out on the email lists.

If you haven't gotten any information about the order so far—particularly any emails about how to order—please be sure to email Joe Miessner to get your online account for ordering.

Indoor Trainer Rides

The weather is finally getting cold and the cyclocross season wraps up this weekend. That means lots a lot of will be stuck inside. To ease the monotony we've got trainer rides! All are welcome—AAVC member or not.

We have a great facility and location this year—on a racquetball court at the Village Green Apartments Clubhouse (just off US 23 at Geddes on the east side of Ann Arbor). The rides have started and will continue on Tuesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. each week. There may be a few exceptions around the holidays which we'll announce as they're determined. Check the club calendar for updates.

Timeframe: now–March. End date is contingent on weather in the spring

Location: all rides are at at the Village Green Apartments Clubhouse, 451 Village Green Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (map—just off US 23 at Geddes on the east side of Ann Arbor)

Days and times: Tuesday and Friday, 6:30 p.m. start, wrap up about 8:00 p.m.

Please Remember...

• Bring an exercise mat or towel to protect the floor and keep sweat off of it.
• Bring your own trainer/rollers. We sometimes have a loaner or two available but contact us first before counting on it.
• Bringing a fan is helpful to stay cool. Some fans will be there but more are welcome.
• There will usually be a video playing (often a bike race), but the workout is on your own—it's not an organized group workout.

Mad Anthony Results

The results of the 2012 Mad Anthony Cycling Race are now available at the USAC online site.

Next year's race will be held on October 19, 2013.  Mark your calendars and plan to be there.

Thank you to all the volunteers that made this event a success.

Andy Staub and his 'Beat The Train' team were critical in making this happen.

Check out the Beat The Train ride that meets at the fort at 6am and rolls through the streets of Detroit for a very interesting view of the city.  Some highlights include Eastern Market, Belle Isle, the Heidelburg Project and breakfast in Mexican Town.  Everyone is welcome and riders from all disciplines and skill levels are well represented.  The ride is rain or shine and occurs from April through October.

Next up: Ann Arbor Velo Club Skills Clinic at the end of March, followed by the Spring Training Series in April.

And it's never too early to start worrying about tire choice for The Cone-Azalia Classic Road Race!

Enjoy the rest of CX Season.

Mad Anthony Cyclocross

Get ready to get Mad...

AAVC at Mad Anthony CX, 2011

Not many races take place in a 19th century war fort, which could explain why the Mad Anthony Cyclocross race is one of the most popular in Michigan and arguably one of the most unique bike races in the USA. For the past few years the race has happened thanks to the superb efforts of Andy Staub (of Beat The Train) and Joe Lekovish. Personal commitments meant that Joe couldn't help out this year, so, despite the popularity of this event, it was about to be canceled. AAVC's very own David Palan was adamant that this not happen, so he contacted Andy to see what could be done. Thanks to their combined efforts the race is back on! 

Registration is live on USA Cycling, so mark your calendars for Saturday October 20th, sign up and get ready for the craziest race outside of Mario Kart.

CXpreX cyclocross clinics—one week left

The first two weeks of the CXpreX clinics have had great turn outs and fantastic weather—or as veterans of the sport call it, tragic conditions. Even if you don't like sunny and warm to go with your cyclocross, everyone's had a great time!

Check out more news from the first couple weeks, and find out more about the last clinic this coming Thursday (Sep. 13) at Leslie Park by visiting the CXpreX website.