On April 30th several Big D team members volunteered for the “Run for Mercy” charity race a fund raiser for Oceans of Mercy. This important organization is doing a lot to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
From their website : “Oceans of Mercy, Inc is a non-denominational Christian organization dedicated to providing Hope, Life and Love by meeting the needs of people regardless of their race, religion, gender, socio-economic status or physical disability.”

Big D riders Owen Gurwell, Donavon Hottman, Shawn Knight, Rob King, Jim Swanson Ron Marney, and Dan Turner and many of their family, gave up their Saturday mornings to help this worthy cause. Over 1000 runners and walkers participated in the 10K & 5K runs and the 5K walk and Big D kept the refreshments coming as the runners passed.

The team is proud to help out when needed and works hard at many events, especially ones near their home-base in Shawnee, KS. Look for lots of green jerseys at events throughout the season.

Thanks to all the team for helping make this year’s Run for Mercy a big success! See more photos of the team at this event here.

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 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
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Honored for his outstanding ability as a sprinter (Green Jersey) was Shawn Knight.

Sprint specialist Shawn Knight
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And for his dramatic improvement over the course of the season (White Jersey) was Dan Turner.

Dan Turner, most improved rider
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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.

We’re live!  But if you are reading this, you already know that.

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