Road racing season is finally upon us, and Big D has been working hard in the off season getting ready. Part of that work has been securing new sponsorships and strengthening our relationship with existing partners. Our new racing kits came in recently, and we are proud to represent these excellent companies on our backs, shoulders, and chests!
Here’s a sneak peek:
Look for Big D in the Perry Road Race Series this March, and other regional events this spring.
Big D cyclist John Taton raced “Cross Off the Old Year,” which was held in Stump Park in Shawnee, KS on December 31. Taton is one of Big D’s strongest racers, but this was one of his first forays into the world of cyclocross. Despite riding on his heavy mountain bike, he represented Big D well with a 13th place finish in Cat. 4!
Taton racing in Cat4
His showing was excellent for a first-timer in the discipline. The course was difficult, with several barricades, which required dismounting, and a monster hill.
Staying close to the competition
Several Big D guys showed up to cheer him on and to meet other local riders in our back yard. Antoine Winkelmolen made his first appearance after his Christmas Eve skiing injury. We are all wishing him a speedy recovery.
Team gets the injury report from Twan
Taton is staying in shape and keeping fresh for for the upcoming season on the road. In cyclocross he joins Wichita’s Randy Martin, who is tearing it up for Big D. These two riders are doing a great job for the team year-round.
JT on a cold and windy course
The race was sponsored by localcycling.com, Epic Bike and Sport, and the
City of Shawnee. Thanks to Dan Turner for the story content and images. See more here.
Big D held it’s holiday party on December 11th at Moe’s Southwest Grill in West Shawnee. Despite the frigid temperatures and the howling wind, we had a great turnout. Rob King brought kit samples for everyone to try on, and we got a glimpse of the new jersey design, emblazoned with logos from our sponsors, old and new.
Joining our existing sponsors; Sequal, CCN, Bike Source, Whale Spout Car Wash, Country Club Cafe, Moe’s, Structureflex and Sign-A-Rama, are seven new sponsors for 2011. They are: Bolle Eyewear, Chamois Butt’r, Dan Ruettimann Photography, Price Chopper, The Coffman Group, Swanson’s Dog Park, and Honey Milk.
Ron and Chip try on new shades from Bolle
Big D also honored several riders for their outstanding accomplishments in 2010. Team members voted in each category, and here are the winners:
The Yellow Jersey winner this year was Donovan Hottman.
Donovan “Hot Wheels” Hottman, Most Valuable Rider
–
Honored for his outstanding ability as a sprinter (Green Jersey) was Shawn Knight.
Sprint specialist Shawn Knight
–
And for his dramatic improvement over the course of the season (White Jersey) was Dan Turner.
Dan Turner, most improved rider
–
Two other riders received awards for their superlative skills. Antoine Winkelmolen was recognized as best team rider, and Casey Coffman got a shout out for his incredible endurance.
Congratulations to all the award winners. You’ve given your teammates inspiration and something to shoot for next year. Also a big thanks and welcome to all of our sponsors. We are proud to represent all of you.
Several team members gave a helping hand to Lanterne Rouge on November 7 for a co-sponsored event.
Vet Cross 2010 happened on Sunday northwest of Lawrence, KS. We showed up early and assisted Roger Harrison with setting up flags, course audio system, and collecting clothing donations.
About 15 full plastic liners of coats, jackets, and other warm clothing were collected from racers, who got an entry fee discount. These items will go to the homeless in Kansas City.
Said Roger Harrison of his association with Big D: “I could not have done this without your team. Next time you need help or want to partner with a me for a race just let me know. Hey, I will put that Big D Racing Sticker on my van. Thanks again, Roger.”
Big D also helped tear down the course – collecting markers and cones, and getting things put away for Lanterne Rouge.
Follow this Lanterne Rouge Racing link to see Roger’s Flickr photos. Danrphoto has images for sale here. High-resolution digital files are available for only five bucks each. Proceeds go to Lanterne Rouge and Big D Cycling.
We’re live! But if you are reading this, you already know that.
Big D Cycling members and friends: This site needs content from YOU! Please let me know if you have stories, photos, links, videos or more that you’d like to have on the site.