yeah, we race too.
The Ironman season is upon us. This doesn’t mean born-again weapons developers are flying low and fast over the shop every day in HyperTainium suits. It means the fit-looking guy at the office is returning from this week off knowing that he’s practically a real-life superhero. Ironman length triathlons are a superhuman feat, no one can argue that. 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a full 26.2 mile marathon, all in one sitting.
What drives people to do this? Odds are good it has something to do with the massive sense of accomplishment at crossing the finish line after all that. This immense feat is proof that the body is capable of much more than the average person tasks it with from day to day. It’s proof that our limitations are based mostly on our own motivation and willpower. For some it’s simply a reason to get up early, tie on some old running shoes and step out the front door despite rain or cold, when most are still asleep.
The Silverman in Henderson, Nevada is a unique example of the event. Instead of the 2,500 participants that most Ironmans can attract, the Silverman brings in about 200 of the most determined that are willing to take on the challenging course. 10,502 ft of elevation gain give this course the distinction of the most difficult in the country.
One competitor in this race you might already know. Nic, our co-owner not only completed this craziness, but after 11 hours, 44 minutes and 20 seconds he finished second in his age group and 17th overall. Not only that, he competed the 112 mile bike ride in 5 hours and 50 minutes, good for the 3rd best bike leg overall and by far the best bike leg in his age group.
Nic with Baden, after nearly 12 hours of exertion.
So if you need some help improving the bike leg of your tri, or if you just need some advice about any portion of the event, we have an in-house expert who knows more than any catalog or website or forum in the world.
If we’re talking about racing, we should probably mention our sales guy, Dean. He’s a velodrome sprinter who recently won his second consecutive Elite National Championship and is currently traveling back and forth from the shop to Europe, representing the USA at the Pro Six Days in Holland. You might be used to seeing him in a T-shirt, helping people with bikes, but when he lands in Europe, this relatively mild-mannered guy turns into this:
So if you’re thinking about racing or even riding on the velodrome or on the road, come talk with either him or Aaron, our resident big guy. Aaron’s a former junior national champion on the track and a national team member, so he’s been around the block a few times as well.
Add these guys to our well known pro and semi-pro downhill racers (Eric and Jose), and cross country and ultra-endurance racers (Tim and Nic), and even downhill pixie racers (Lee and Aaron) and we’ve got all the bases covered.