In Between Days.

Friday Night at The Bowie

Checkpoint

Here we sit on the eve of the kick off of the spring training series, FRCC is set to roll with this weekends event followed by The Runway plaza crits. So far we look like were in for a great early season, Josh Tarrant is already flyin, mark him down with multiple great rides so far with a Miscene win at Fisknob TT, Tom Burke looks ready to go. The Birmingham training rides/races are rampin up, good thing Simonster is focusing on some heavy duty MTB races this year. he DannyK are drivin it already around the industrial parks of there area. The blip from the Maumee wheelmen site saw, Cyborg, Steve Clark and Matt Thourot leather the rest of em on the wind swept fields of N/west Ohio. With Tarrant, Burke, and Clark all great TT'ers, Willow is gonna be great show.

Big Ray.

Big Ray, Large Ray, Dybo, DybowsKI, all of these names have been hung On Ray, if you dont know who this man is in the realm of michigan road cycling, your either a poser, or pretty much dead..Watch any masters race or cat 1-2 race he can usually be found pulling a crazy flyer early in the race, or late, sick thing is his comp knows it and he is succesfull 65% of the time.He has been racing longer than most of us have been breathing, he has won in the spring and all the way through mid september.He is rumored to ride to most of the training races, and ride home.He is well rounded, Time trials well, tough on a crit course and doesnt have too much problem on the rolling hills of our scene, There are alot that people dont know about Ray, so read on. If the Miscene gave a lifetime achievment award, He would be up for it!!

1. How long have you been racing? 27 years

2. What changes have you seen in the Miscene over the years? When I came into the sport there was the Wolverine Sports Club, coached by Mike Walden, Clair Young and Jim Smith. If you wanted to be a bike racer, the Wolverine Sports Club gave you the best shot. Now, there are more teams, more knowledgeable people and much more access to training information. This has lead to better competition across the board! Because of this, Michigan keeps turning out talented cyclists that we can all be proud of.

3. First race? 1979 or 80 - Belle Isle: First Place - Brand New Bianchi Road Bike with record equipment. I was second. You know, not only don't you remember who was second; you don't remember the second place prize either. Have to keep working on that sprint!!!

4. Past sponsors? Only one, the Wolverine Sports Club. (Club Team & Elite Team(s))

5. You have been around awhile, name some of your favorite teammates past and present? Rob Akers, Jim Huff Sr. and myself made a great team. Heck, a sprinter, all-arounder and pursuiter, it’s a good combo! Without going off like an Academy Award winner, there's just too many to mention, and some I have never been on the same team with.

6. What are your weaknesses, cycling specific? The BALLS to contest a field sprint, although I have won a few!

7. How many bikes do you own? Not enough, but my wife say's too many!

8. What are some of the funniest cycling moments you have had? Every time I go on a road trip with a group! I think we laugh so much it takes energy from our racing. However, Tim Finkel's "underwear dance" does stand out! (Sorry Tim)

9. What races are looking forward too? All of them!! Win, place or lose, I love turning the pedals in competition. But, it's always about the ICEMAN, one day I'm going to win a category!

10. Big goals this season? Riding the break in Cat 1/2 races! The Wolverine’s Club & Elite Team having a stellar year. We have a good group and we keep getting better. I love watching riders with heart and dedication WIN, and we have it.

11. Have you have been injured? Yes

12. Do you coach yourself or have coach? I was coached by Mike Walden for 20 years. Inspired by Frankie Andreu. Influenced by Eddie B. (Borysewicz), Walter Gowlbiewshi and Dan Berkholz (God rest his soul) during my 3 years at the Olympic Training Center. I also credit riders like Jim Huff Sr., Jim Bruce, Herb and Klaus Miengast(sp?), Mike Holdman(Sp?), Jason Swiatlowski, Dave Koesel, Steve Mlujeak, all the FORD Team members, and others in this category. (You know who you are). These riders know how to CONSISTENTLY WIN, and I was taught at the races by being "schooled" by them week after week. Lastly, my Dad (God rest his soul), who never went to or saw a bike race. When I was 23, I was about to give up and he said "You know who the fastest guy's are, follow them to the finish line, you may not beat them but you will finish better." Thanks Dad, you kept me in the game!

13. Do you set up a peak for a season? Superweek, Iceman

14. What other interest do you have or hobbies? Family trips to the cabin.

15. Favorite place to ride? If I'm on my bike, it's my favorite place to ride!

16. Are your married? Malissa, the most beautiful woman in the world! How long? 15 years Kids? Lauren (11) and Ryan (8)

17. Occupation? Project Manager, Has-been Bike Racer / Wannabee cycling coach!

18. Favorite movie? I've always had a soft spot for Hoosiers.

19. What does Ray do on Friday night? Summer: Hang out at the Velodrome, Fall, Winter & Spring: Hang with family & friends.

20. Pets? 2 cats, 4 fish

21. Big hour training week ? Pre 1990's: 20-30 hr(quantity) Now: 12 hr(quality)

22. Do you watch what you eat?? I watch it disappear off my fork.....!

23. Would you still ride if you didn't race? Yeah, Mike Walden always said I would be a much better racer if I didn't like riding my bike so much.

24. Big accomplishment on the racing side? The patented "Ray Move"! I can't think of anyone that has a cycling move named after them.

Keep it up Ray, you give us young guys hope for longevity

The Romantics

This one is alittle more mellow than anything we've done here, still it got more than a few of us through our teen angst years, yea they got real cheesy near the end but no one can deny the video..that dude with the hair hittin the skins..

The Romantics are an American rock band from Detroit, Michigan. The band adopted the name "The Romantics" because it formed on Valentine's Day, 1977. The Romantics achieved moderate popularity in the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America during the first half of the 1980s on the strength of the band's catchy, energetic songs and stylish, memorable music videos. Influenced by 1960s British Invasion rock (most notably the music of the Kinks, the Who, the Beatles, the Hollies, and the Rolling Stones), 1970s Detroit garage rock and hard rock (as represented by such performers as Iggy Pop, the Stooges, the MC5, and the Rationals), and the punk rock of the Ramones, the Romantics play a more pop-oriented variation of punk rock known as power pop. The band is also commonly classified into the category of "New Wave" (probably due more to the band's image and era than the sound of its music) by pop music historians.

Career

The Romantics' original lineup consisted of rhythm guitarist/harmonica player/singer Wally Palmar, lead guitarist Mike Skill, bassist Rich Cole, and drummer/singer Jimmy Marinos. All four band members made songwriting contributions to the group, but Palmar and Skill were considered the band's primary tunesmiths. After a few years of playing local and regional gigs in Detroit and the Midwest, this lineup of the Romantics recorded the band's self-titled debut album for Nemperor Records in 1980. The album yielded the hit "What I Like About You," which reached #49 in the US, and #12 in the Netherlands, where the band was especially popular. "What I Like About You" would become much better known later in the 1980s, when its placement in television commercials and other high profile media made it an evergreen power pop anthem. The band became as well known (if not better known) for its flashy and audacious fashion sense as it did for its exciting music. The Romantics' signature look featured bouffant hairdos and skin-tight red leather suits, as worn by the band members on the cover photo of their debut album.

Mike Skill left the band after the release of its 1981 sophomore album, National Breakout. He was replaced by lead guitarist Coz Canler. This lineup of the band recorded the album Strictly Personal in 1982 before Rich Cole left the band that year and was replaced by a returning Mike Skill, who then became the band's bassist.

The Romantics achieved their greatest commercial success in 1983/84 with the release of the album In Heat. The first single taken from In Heat, "Talking In Your Sleep", rose to Number Three on the Billboard charts, and was also a substantial international hit. A second single, "One In A Million", charted as high as Number Thirty-Seven during the following year. The Romantics' music videos were frequently shown on the cable television network MTV during this period, solidifying the band's popularity. Also during 1983, the Romantics played well received U.S. and international concert tours in support of In Heat, and appeared on such pop music-themed television shows as Solid Gold, American Bandstand, and Soul Train.

In 1984, drummer Jimmy Marinos, dissatisfied with the artistic direction of the band (which was quickly abandoning its power pop roots in favor of more generic mainstream pop rock) and convinced that he could find success as a solo act, left the Romantics. He was replaced by David Petratos, who would serve as the band's drummer until 1990. This lineup recorded one album, Rhythm Romance, in 1985. On Rhythm Romance, the Romantics eschewed much of the energetic electric guitar- and drums-based modern rock 'n roll sound that had come to define the band's music in favor of the synthesizer pop that had won commercial success for such contemporary bands as Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Culture Club, and other similar New Wave bands during the early 1980s. By 1985, however, synthesizer pop was beginning to fall out of popular favor. Moreover, the style was not the Romantics' strength. As a result, Rhythm Romance was not a commercial success and was also regarded as an artistic nadir by the band's fans.

In the late 1980s, the Romantics discovered that their managers had been misappropriating the profits earned by the band from its hit records and live performances. Additionally, the Romantics' best known song (the aforementioned "What I Like About You") had been licensed for use in television commercials without the band's knowledge or approval. Consequently, the Romantics filed a lawsuit against their management in 1987, and the legalities involved prevented the band from recording new music until the mid-1990s.

Former Blondie drummer Clement (Clem) Burke replaced David Petratos as the Romantics' drummer in 1990. For much of the 1990s, the Romantics played obscure performances in small venues, largely forgotten and out of the public spotlight.

The Romantics' fortunes began to rise again in the middle of the 1990s, as the band's success in its lawsuit against its former management freed the band to record again (and ensured that future earnings from the licensing of Romantics songs would go to the band). The first fruit of the band's new recording activity was the 1993 EP Made In Detroit. Several Romantics greatest hits packages were issued during the 1990s, as was the live album The King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents: The Romantics Live In Concert, a 1996 release of an October, 1983 recording of a Romantics concert in San Antonio, Texas at the height of the band's popularity.

Jimmy Marinos, the Romantics' original drummer, temporarily returned to the band for a series of performances in 1996-1997 (with Clem Burke returning to the Romantics' drumstool after Marinos departed again), and late 1990s nostalgia for 1980s pop culture caused a minor resurgence of interest in the band. In 2003, twenty years after the release of their most commercially successful album, In Heat, the Romantics released 61/49 - a more roots rock and blues-oriented record than the band's previous efforts. The album was not a great commercial success, but won the Romantics a newfound critical respect that they had not enjoyed during their popular and commercial heyday in the early 1980s. 61/49 also offered proof that despite the band's years out of the public spotlight, the Romantics remain a potent musical unit.

A fourth drummer, Brad Elvis, replaced Clem Burke as the Romantics' regular drummer in 2004 after Burke returned full time to a reactivated Blondie. The Romantics continue to play live concerts today (with occasional guest performances by previous members Jimmy Marinos, Rich Cole, and David Petratos). The band is said to currently be working on a follow up to 61/49.

Sony was rumored to have had plans for the release of a special twelve-song CD/DVD during February, 2006 that would feature the Romantics' best songs, with the flip side of the CD/DVD featuring videos, recent interviews, and other clips. To date, this CD/DVD has not been issued and additional information about its release has not been publicized.

The Descene

Ride On

REASON # 72 why we love KMFDM

The Eagle

The First time i heard Brian Adams name was at Pando in the EARLY 90's, he was battling it out on a hot ass day in mid july with Les Ankerson, and Brad Hibner, i heard long time fun promotions announcer Ted Ruys, blair out....Brian Adams , I was like man that dude has a cool name, just like the canadian rocker!! Im sure though he's sick of all those jokes, it doesnt matter anyway scince he is such a nice guy he would rather rip your legs off in a crit, than smash your face in. Brian has been around raced here and abroad, and know's his stuff, if your comin up through the ranks and want to know what it takes to enjoy the sport and be competitve, take notes from him. Brian has excelled at almost all aspects of cycling, infact he is one of the few guys to take a tailwind cross win from the former imfamous Cane Creek juggernaut.
when he is on he is nearly unbeatable

How long have been racing?

16 years. Man, I’m getting old. Started racing Mtn bikes in 1991, road in 1994, cross in 1997.

What changes have you seen in the Miscene over the years?

On the road, a huge focus on team tactics and overall competition. I started with the Alger/Rapid Wheelmen, and had my “growing years” racing out at Grattan with the Alpine Cyclery Crew. I learned a ton from guys like Jason Swiatlowski, Dean Cohen, Alan Zoltowski, Scott Quiring. We won lots of races together as a Cat I/II Elite team. Now racing with the Lathrup Industries/Giant Team (FKA Ford/Giant) for my 5^th season, I feel we race very well as a small elite team, but find ourselves outnumbered (sometimes) when competing against other larger squads like MWCG, MCG, Essex, Texas Roadhouse, Etc.

Although we have lost some huge events in Michigan (Harbor Springs, Kalamazoo, Tour De Michigan), we have gained some, too. I think a key ingredient is some serious leadership by people like Paul Alman, the Obermeyers, AAVC, MCG, etc.

A huge contribution to the MiScene is the promotion that MCG & Joe Lekovish has put out there. With his involvement on a racer and team level, to hosting the bulliten board, to working with Euro Devo and getting the young guys fired up about racing, it has made a huge impact. Not to mention the “cash for chaos/MiScene blogspot”. Nice work!

You spent some time racing overseas. How did that come about and what was it like?

A friend of mine Seth Kleinglass went over in 2000 to race in Bernard Moerman’s Cycling Center program. I followed in 2001 and 2002. At that time it was much less developed and not quite on the front page of velonews. We raced a focused schedule of Kermis (wicked-hard circuit racing), crits (mostly invite only, 50 guys, one race, super fast, usually nocturn “at night” with at least one smooth cobble section), and a solid handful of “interclubs” (UCI Races, usually point to point with finishing loops).

It’s really tough over there. You go from winning races here, to trying to finish races there. It’s sick. It’s impossible to compare the two (us vs. euro). All I can say is you just have to go try it. That is why I am trying so hard to get more guys to head over there (via the Euro Devo program www.eurodevo.com)

Any past personal sponsors?

SlingShot was my first “pro” gig back in the mid-90’s. Arnet (now Arnette) sunglasses were my first ever personal sponsor (’95-‘97), Rudy Project is my longest (10 yrs), Maxxis and Red Bull are current. Also have to mention Raffi Kuredjian, who helped me get over to Belgium in 2001 & 2002, and has been a sponsor of our team since 2005, and now our Title sponsor (Lathrup Industries).

What are some of your secret cravings?

Sucker for a chocolate milkshake! Plus I can’t start the day without a strong pull of espresso from my Saeco.

What are your weakness, cycling specific?

ITT. Everybody knows it. I’m not ashamed. I would rather suffer in a TTT, or an all day break-away, than to crush myself in a 40k TT. My stomach hurts just thinking about it…I am also not a fan of climbing, but I don’t have to worry too much about that here in Michigan. I just have trouble with sustaining the heavy tempo these days.

How many bikes do you own?

2x Road (Giant Team Bikes), 1x Mtn (Giant), 1x Cross (Quiring Cycles), 1x TT (Giant Aero), 1x Cruiser (Giant Simple), 1x Fixed Gear (1987 Bianchi)

What races are looking forward too?

I need vindication at Dexter. Cone Azalia, too. I used to love Midland, is that coming back? Excited about the new Gaslight Crit (East Grand Rapids). Used to love Rockford, but it’s getting old when the entire Priority team (15+ guys) beat up the rest of the 1-2’s.

I always look forward to Kensington…I miss the days of the “short loop” out there, but love the race just the same. I have every type of finish at that race…won it, DNF’ed, rode tempo at the front for my team, raced in the break. The hills are selective, but not crushing. Sounds like MCG has stepped it up a notch, making it a time-based stage race. Guess I’ll have to work on my prologue skills if I am going to be a threat there.

You were pretty tough on the knobbies, too.. ever plan on going back to MTB or Cross racing.

Still come out for some cross races every so often (won a race in ’04)…miss it, but it’s too tough when you ride hard on the road all year. And the MTB, that was my “up-bringing”… I still train on the dirt a fair amount, but not sure if I still have the skills to be competitive in the elite class anymore…might get out and do a few though…never know.

Do you coach yourself or have coach?

Self coached…with years of making mistakes. I have some issues with how coaches run their programs these days, but that’s for another conversation.

Do you set up a peak for a season?

Kind-of. I have priority races (undisclosed!) that I will ramp up and taper for, but my schedule and overall motivation usually dictate the season.

Favorite place to ride?

Locally: My hometown of Ada…my favorite ride is from my parent’s home out to Grattan raceway to do the evening races out there and then ride home…a killer workout and typically 100 miles on a Wednesday is pretty killer!

Globally: West Flanders…riding the canals, over the tough cobbled climbs, down roads that seem so clean and desolate, hopping behind a local driving a scooter for motorpacing, stopping off (at the 3 hr mark) to get a coffee, riding without fear or a care in the world.

Best advice to newbies?

Do the base miles. Watch the elite guys, ask questions, and participate in the cycling community…which means come on up and start a conversation with us, ask questions during warm ups and training rides, fire us emails. I like talking to the young guys about all the potential they have in front of them…and lastly, enjoy what you are doing.

Last C.D. you bought?

KMFDM…nah, just kidding, said that to jibe ya. I think it was probably John Mayer. Nothing too tough, easy to listen to.

Good book or Ipod?

Can I say “Yes” ? Reading “Marley and Me” right now. Work out with Ipod when I lift, keeps me motivated.

Married/kids?

Married 3yrs to Sue, Daughter Emma (6 mo), our Golden Retriever “Louie” and our cat “Storm”.

What’s Friday night like at the Adams’ house?

Bath-time for Emma, Guiness-time for Dad (me), and typically some lay-low time for Mom (sue), Dad (me), Louie (dog) and a good movie. Storm (the cat) usually is off getting into trouble.

Big hour training week ?

15hrs if I am lucky & motivated.

Do you follow a strict diet?

yes. pancakes. espresso. oatmeal.

Would you still ride if you didnt race?

Definitely! Probably would get out and help motor pace the elite guys, and put more stock into the Euro Devo and general race promotion, too.

If you drink at all...beer or wine?

Beer, love the Belgian Beers, something you have to chew and has a lot of flavor. Nothing beats a Guinness from the tap. Typcial fare: Boddingtons, Hoegaarden, Guiness, Chimay or Westmalle…and a basket of Frites.

THANKS your one of the best!! and thank those that keep you rollin!!!

Thanks to my wife Sue for all of her support and understanding; to the Lathrup boys (PKA Ford), best group of guys; Raffi for his continued support & enthusiasm, MCG for the fire they put back into Road Cycling, and the promoters and volunteers for making it all happen.

quick note on the pics, the Former super squad..GS Blaukamp photo, this one was at the univest GP, pictured, are JP Boylan, Brian Sheedy, Seth Klienglass, Darryl Uhler, Dave Koessel, Charles Allaire, and B.A. himself.

Fly, on your way, like an eagle,
Fly as high as the sun,
On your way, like an eagle,
Fly and touch the sun.

Motorcity Roots

Kick out the Jams

The MC5 earned national attention with their first album, Kick Out the Jams, recorded live on October 30 and 31, 1968 at Detroit's Grande Ballroom. A live debut was all but unheard of in 1968 (and is still rare today), but Elekra executives Jac Holtzman and Bruce Botnick recognized that the MC5 were at their best when playing for a receptive audience. The first song, a version of the R&B standard "Ramblin' Rose," featured a ragged falsetto lead vocal from Kramer before Tyner joined the group onstage. Containing such songs as the proto-punk classics "Kick Out the Jams" and "Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa", the spaced-out "Starship" (co-credited to Sun Ra because the lyrics were partly cribbed from one of Ra's poems), and an extended cover of John Lee Hooker's "Motor City is Burning" wherin Tyner praises the role of Black Panther snipers during the Detroit Insurrection of 1967. The album is generally regarded as one of the best live rock and roll records: critic Mark Deming writes that the gleefully lusty Kick "is one of the most powerfully energetic live albums ever made ... this is an album that refuses to be played quietly."[1]

The album caused some controversy due to the title track's rallying cry of "Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" (edited without the band's consent to "Kick out the jams, brothers and sisters!" on later pressings of the single and LP; when released on CD) and Sinclair's inflammatory liner notes. The album was released in January, 1969; reviews were mixed, but the album was successful, quickly selling over 100,000 copies, and appearing for several weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band also generated political controversy by performing before the outbreak of violent protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The group's appearance at the convention is also notable for their lengthy performance: in an interview featured in the documentary Get Up, Stand Up, Kramer reported that while many musicians were scheduled to perform at a day-long concert, only the MC5 initially appeared. The MC5 played for over eight hours straight; of the other scheduled performers, Kramer stated in Get Up, Stand Up that only Neil Young actually arrived, though due to the chaos at the convention, Young didn't perform.

According to Kramer, the MC5 of this period was politically influenced by the "intercommunalism" of Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party.[2]

[edit] "Fuck Hudsons"

When Hudson's, a Detroit-based department store, refused to stock Kick Out The Jams due to the obscenity, the MC5 responded with a full page advertisement in the Fifth Estate saying "Fuck Hudson's!" and prominently including the logo of MC5's label, Elektra Records, in the ad.

Hudson's pulled all Elektra records from their stores, and in the ensuing controversy, Jac Holzman, the head of Elektra, dropped the band from their contract. Uncommonly, Elektra's classical division (Nonesuch) was operated on a nearly pro bono basis due to profits generated by popular music releases, and the removal of Nonesuch records from Hudson's represented a significant loss for the corporation.

The MC5 then signed with Atlantic Records.

[edit] Back in the USA

Their second album, Back in the USA, produced by future Bruce Springsteen mentor Jon Landau, virtually provided a prototype for punk rock with its short, fast, hard-edged angry guitar rock. The band sounded radically different from Kick, and McLease writes that except for Tyner's vocals, they were "barely recognizable as the same band." (McLease, 96) The second album also featured very different production from the first — the MC5 now sounded compressed and somewhat limited in their sonic palate compared to their earlier era — band members later said that Landau was overbearing and heavy-handed in production, trying to shape the group to his own liking.

Reviews were again mixed, sales were mediocre (the album did not appear on the charts) and the MC5's tours were not as well-received as before. Exhaustion was partly to blame, from the band's heavy touring schedule and increasingly heavy drug use.

They had fallen out with Sinclair, as well, and were conspicuous by their absence at the December, 1971 "Free John Sinclair" rally to protest his incarceration on marijuana possession.

[edit] High Time

Their third album, High Time would also prove influential on 1970s hard rock bands like Aerosmith and Kiss. The album was poorly promoted, and sales were worse than ever, but High Time was the best-reviewed of the band's original records upon its initial release. The group had much more creative control, and were very satisfied with the results.

[edit] Late career

Both Back in the USA and High Time lost money for Atlantic Records, which dropped the band.

On February 13, 1972, Michael Davis left the band (he was using heroin and was all but forced out by the others). The remaining members recorded three new songs — "Gold," "Train Music," and "Inside Out" — in London shortly afterwards for the soundtrack of a film called Gold. This would be the band's final recording session.

The group limped along a while longer, eventually reduced to Kramer and Smith touring and playing with local pick-up groups, playing R&B covers as much as their original material.

The MC5 reuninted for a farewell show on New Years' Eve, 1972-73 at the Grande Ballroom. The venue that had only a few years before hosted over a thousand eager fans now had a few dozen people, and, distraught, Kramer left the stage after a few songs.

The band broke up shortly afterwards amidst drug-related problems.

It doesnt get much better than this homeboys..

In Between Days.

Its the weekend ..ride your bike!

The Right Stuff..

If They remade the Movie, The Right Stuff, and the cast was pulled from Michigan racers, Andy here would be shoe in

this guy has a great sense of humor and is hard charger as well, tough sprinter and and willing to suffer all season long, 

doesnt hurt either that he is a KMFDM fan! heres quick look what makes him him.

1.How long have you been racing?  

I did my first race in November, 1998. So, it will be nine years this fall.

2. what changes have you seen in the Miscene over the years

I started out racing Mountain Bikes and switched to road because my backcouldn't
handle the abuse anymore.  When I first started racing road,
I wasblown away by how uptight and serious all the racers were.
Over the last couple of years, it seems like road racers are
lightening up a little and are having more fun while still racing hare.
It's been good to see.
Also the cross scene has exploded in the last couple of years, which kind of
surprises me,
given thekind of weather we have around here.  

3. Favorite bike EVER?

Probably my current cross bike, a Ridley Supercross.
It is my first high endcross bike and it just flies.
That thing is fast and tough.
I've done some ofmy fastest laps at poto on that thing.
Although, the full carbon fork makes menervous at times.    

4. past sponsors?

I rode for the various MCG teams for the last couple of years.
This year BrianRosewarne and I started a local Ann Arbor team.
We wanted to put together ateam of guys that not only wanted to race hard,
but wanted to train together, do some unusual rides, and have some fun.
We've got some great local sponsors. Two Wheel Tango, a bike shop in Ann Arbor,
and Morgan and York, a fine wine andspecialty food store in Ann Arbor,
are our primary sponsors, and we have a fewsecondary sponsors as well.
The team has worked out great, no matter how crappythe day is, or how stupid the
ride is,
most of our teammates will be there. They keep me motivated.
The last thing in the world I want to happen is forRich Stark to upstage me anymore
then he already does.   

5.what are some of your secret cravings?

Anything sweet, I have a mad sweet tooth,
especially for anything chocolate oranything with marshmallows.......
and vodka gimlets.

6. Any rituals on race day??

Nothing to unusual.  I like to get to the race pretty early so that I don't feelrushed.
My wife laughs at me when I tell her what time I want to be places.

7. how many bikes do you own?

I have 1 road bike, 2 cross bikes, 1 mountain bike,
1 fixed gear, and 3 barcruisers in various stages of disarray.
So, what that?  8...  

8.What are some of the funniest cycling moments you have had?

I was on a 6 hour training ride in the winter last year.
It was awful out,something like 18 degrees and windy as hell.
I see this thing in the middle ofthe road.  I roll up to it and it is a copy of
Transsexual Transvestites IV,
still in its wrapper with a $29.99 sticker on it. 
I was so cold and sick ofbeing on my bike that I thought I was hallucinating,
I even kick it to make sureit was real.
Looking back on it, I don't which is funnier;
the fact that it waspart of a four part series,
or the buyer's remorse that dude must have beenfeeling when he looked over
 and saw Transsexual Transvestites IV on the seatnext to him,
and thought;
"Yeah....., I better just throw this out the window.
"Randy Hermann forgetting his shoe and then duct taping his tennis shoes to
his pedals to do a 40 K time trial
is pretty good too.
Except I don't remember if Iactually saw it happen or if the story has been
told so many times that it justfeels like I actually saw it.

9. what races are looking forward too?

I always look forward to Cone Azalia.
The Rockford and Dexter Crits should befun.
I am going to try and do some longer distance Mountain Bike races,
likeOre to Shore and Chequamenon, this year, so I am looking forward to those.
There has been some Alley Cats in Ann Arbor, and they have all been won by
myteammate Rodger, so I'm looking forward to knocking him off his high horse.

10.big goals this season?
Complete and utter domination by the Two Wheel Tango/Morgan & York team.
Barring that, cross is a big goal,
but my biggest goal for the year is to have alot fun on the bike,
whether racing or just riding. 

11.Have you have ever been injured?

I blew out a couple of discs in my lower back snowboarding in college,
and I amstill paying for it.
Every year, I throw my back a couple of times and end upbeing laid up
for a week or so.
It is my biggest obstacle in my cycling.
Letthat be a lesson to all the kids out there: snowboarding kills. 

12. do you coach yourself or have coach?

I "Coach" myself...

13. do you set up a peak for a season?
I set up three peaks a season.
They are usually pretty weighted towards the endof the season.

14. what other intrest do you have or hobbies?

My favorite thing to do when I am off the bike is to hang out with my wife,Alicia.
Other than that, I try to keep up with what's going on with myprofession

15. favorite place to ride?

Boone, NC1
16. raceday breakfast?
I usually have a couple of eggs on toast in sandwich form, three hours before
the race.

17. Last C.D. you bought?

I just had to re-buy At The Drive-In, Relationship of Command,
because I left mycopy on the roof of my car

18. favorite movie?

That's a hard one, maybe.....Bladerunner

19. what does Andy do on friday night, race weekend or not?
VIP room and a bottle of Patron, of course. 
Actually, it usually consists ofhappy hour and dinner with my wife.

20. tattos, branding or blood letting ?

Unintentional blood letting; more then I would like to admit.  I have threetattoos.

21. big hour traing week ?

I will put in a couple of 25 hour weeks a year.

22. do you follow a srtict diet?

I guess so, I really try to avoid things that are processed.
Especially thingsthat contain the words "Highly Modified".
Other than that, I try to get most ofmy calories through lean protein
and fresh fruits and veggies.

23. would you still ride if you didnt race?

Yes, but likely not as much by myself.  

24. if you had to choose...road or cross?

Although I have an innate dislike of cold weather, it would have to be cross.

25. married?

Married, no kids, a Chihuahua named Louie.

26 THANKS and thank those that keep you rollin!!
Of course, I wouldn't be out there without the loving support of my wife,Alicia.    

Ticking Away.

With the small taste of warm spring like weather, This hit is piggy backing off the MCG sites write ups on The Cone race and The Tour of Kensington Valley, and the Fact that guys like Miscener Josh Tarrant and a few others are already raging on the college scene. with less than a few days from the First training hit in our area, The Maumee Valley Equinox ride/race. Fisk Knob is on the Horizon, and the training races, at Waterford and Runway Plaza are lurking in on the Sunday morning horizons. I guess we need to ask ourselves are we ready?

Never forget were you came from.

Well after taking some hints from some ANON posts, we have decieded this weeks/and possibly a few to come on the music segment, this one is dedicated maybe one of the HARDEST bands to come out our scene, these guys were the first, and they sprouted many to follow.. MC5, thanks Wikipedia..

MC5 (short for Motor City Five) was a hard rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan, USA in 1964 and active until 1972, comprised for most of its duration of Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith (guitars) Michael Davis (bass), Rob Tyner (vocals), and Dennis Thompson (drums).

They had a promising beginning, known especially for their energetic live performances, which earned them a cover appearance on Rolling Stone magazine in 1968 even before their debut album was recorded. The MC5's career was ultimately short-lived due to personal and political tensions, and they were largely forgotten when they broke up. Within just a few years of their dissolution, however, the MC5 were often cited as one of the most important American hard rock groups of their era: their three albums are regarded as classics, and they exerted an influence on hard rock, metal and especially punk rock. The widely-covered "Kick Out the Jams" is probably their best-known song.

Early years

The origins of the MC5 can be traced to the friendship between guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred Smith. Friends since their teen years, they were both fans of R&B music, blues, Chuck Berry, Dick Dale, the Ventures, and what would later be called garage rock: they adored any music with speed, energy and a rebellious attitude. Each guitarist/singer formed and led a rock group (Smith's Vibratones and Kramer's Bounty Hunters). As members of both groups left for college or straight jobs, the most committed members eventually united (under Kramer's leadership and the Headhunters name) and were popular and successful enough in and around Detroit that the musicians were able to quit their day jobs and make a living from the group.

Kramer felt they needed a manager, which led him to Rob Derminer, a few years older than the others, and deeply involved in Detroit's hipster and left-wing political scenes. Derminger originally auditioned as a bass guitarist, though they quickly realized that his talents could be better used as a lead singer: though not conventionally attractive and rather paunchy by traditional frontman standards, he nonetheless had a commanding stage presence, and a booming baritone voice that evidenced his abiding love of American soul and gospel music. Derminger renamed himself Rob Tyner (after Coltrane's pianist McCoy Tyner). Tyner also invented their new name, The MC5: it reflected their Detroit roots, was vaguely reminiscent of a sports car name (like the GTO), and echoed the Dave Clark Five, at the peak of their popularity in 1964-1965.

The music also reflected Smith and Kramer's increasing interest in free jazz -- the guitarists were inspired by the likes of Albert Ayler, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra and late period John Coltrane, and tried to imitate the ecstatic sounds of the squealing, high-pitched saxophonists they adored. The MC5 even opened for a few U.S. midwest shows for Sun Ra. Kramer and Smith were also deeply inspired by Sonny Sharrock, one of the few electric guitarists working in free jazz, and they eventually developed a unique interlocking style that was like little heard before: Kramer's solos often used a heavy, irregular vibrato, while Smith's rhythms contained an uncommon explosive energy.

Under the "guidance" of John Sinclair (who dubbed his enterprise "Trans-Love Energies" and refused to be categorized as a traditional manager), the MC5 were soon involved in left-wing politics: Sinclair was active with the White Panther Party and Fifth Estate. The band members were also all using the drugs -- initially LSD and marijuana -- that would eventually contribute to their downfall.

Success in Detroit

Playing almost nightly any place they could in and around Detroit, the MC5 quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy live performances and had a sizeable local following, regularly selling out to audiences of 1000 or more. Contemporary rock writer Robert Bixby stated that the sound of the MC5 was like "a catastrophic force of nature the band was barely able to control," while Don McLease notes that fans compared the aftermath of an MC5 performance to the delirious exhaustion experienced after "a street rumble or an orgy." (McLease, 57)

Their debut single was released by Trans-Love Energies in early 1968, comprised of two original songs: "Borderline" and "Looking at You." The first pressing sold out in a few weeks, and by the year's end, had gone through more pressings totaling several thousand copies.

That summer, MC5 toured the U.S. east coast, which generated an enormous response, with the group often overshadowing the more famous acts they opened up for: McLease writes notes that when opening for Big Brother and the Holding Company audiences regularly demanded multiple encores of the MC5, and at a memorable series of concerts, Cream -- one of the leading hard rock groups of the era -- "left the stage vanquished" by the Detroit upstarts. (McLease, 65) This same east coast tour led to the rapturous aforementioned Rolling Stone cover story the praised the MC5 with nearly evangelistic zeal, and also to an association with the radical group Up Against the Wall Motherfuckers.

The MC5 became the leading band in a burgeoning hard rock scene, serving as mentors to fellow South-Eastern Michigan bands The Stooges and Up, and major record labels expressed an interest in the group. As related in the notes for reissued editions of the Stooges' debut album, Danny Fields of Elektra Records came to Detroit to see the MC5. At Kramer's recommendation, he went to see the Stooges. Fields was so impressed that he ended up offering contracts to both bands in September of 1968. They were the first hard rock groups signed to the fledgling Elektra.

Lee Ving. punks not dead..

Kinda like the first hard ride of the season.

TGIF

Ben Renkema Michiganscene, Michiganscene Ben Renkema

First time i seen Ben he reminded me of Buddy Hinton, that bully that cold cocked Peter Brady on the 70's TV show Brady Bunch. Another thought comes to mind is when he showed up to the 2004 Michigan state cyclocross championship and said hell with it and raced the elite race against seasoned crossers..

Q.How long have been racing-

A Six years.

Q. what changes have you seen in the Miscene over the years

A I started out in mountain bike racing. It was huge, and as time went on, The field sizes were shrinking. I tried road racing in 2004, and realized that road racing is where the action is. It seems to be getting bigger and bigger each year.

Q. ever plan on doing a full tour of cross?

A .no, by the end of the road season, I'm ready for a break. It seems like you have to choose between a full cross tour and a full road racing season if you want to excel at one.

Q. past sponsors?

A. Cross Country Cycle, Mi Youth Cycling, Wolverine Sports Club,

Q .what are some of your secret cravings?

A DMD (diet mountain Dew) Take Fives, Cocoa Dyno Bites (off brand Cocoa Pebbles, but they taste better)

Q. what are your weakness, cycling specific?

A .Time trialing, but all the miles I'm putting in down in my dark basement has made me a little more tough, mentally anyway.

Q. how many bikes do you own?

A 1. I accept donations.

Q.What are some of the funniest cycling moments you have had?

A In 2002 Ryan Cross and I went to the Ionia Mountain Bike Time Trial, He started a few minutes ahead of me and when I came to him on the trail he had endo-ed and torn the whole front of his shorts off (fully exposed). Tons of women and small children watched as he made his way back to the car, put on some baggy shorts, then finished the race.

Q. what races are looking forward too?

A Downer's Grove Elit Criterium, Elk Grove Criterium, U-23 Road and Criterium Nationals, and of course, Rockford Criterium.

Q.big goals this season?

A. I want to swim from the pier to the beach, without drowning. ~300 yards. ( I live close to the holland state park).

Q.Have you have been injured?

A. I don't consider losing skin an injury anymore, so then, "no".

Q. . do you coach yourself or have coach?

A. I have a coach, his name is Ben, but it's not me, honest.

Q. do you set up a peak for a season?

A. Yes. I peak every race. (just joking) I'm trying to peak twice a season.

Q. what other intrest do you have or hobbies?

A. Boating, sailing, Downhill Skiing, I used to be mainly into eating, but as a result, I've become quite the chef (If I do say so myself).

Q. favorite place to ride?

A. Colorado.

Q. are you goth?

A.I wear bicycle shorts and a jersey with a large sun on the shoulder, so 'No'.

Q. Last C.D. you bought?

A. Taking Back Sunday.

Q. good book or Ipod?

A. neither, I have a cheap mp3 player.

Q. what does ben do on friday night?

A. Well, first I put on the smell good, Then, who knows where the night will take me, but wherever I end up, I'm smelling nice.
Q. girfriend ?

A.Yes. She time trials faster than me. Because of her, I'm missing Cone Azala, she's running the Flying Pig Marathon. who knows, I might give it a shot myself. (actually not, b/c I would die)

Q. big hour traing week ?

A.ha.ummm... 20?

Q. do you follow a srtict diet?

A.I don't know about strict, but I don't frequently consume LARGE quantities of little debbies and donuts before I ride.

Q. would you still ride if you didnt race?

A.yes. but not as much, it'd be much more, leisurely. Maybe I'd even wear a leisure suit inplace of a skinsuit.

Q. Taco bell or subway?

A. Subway.

25 THANKS your one of the best!! and thank those that keep you rollin!!! Thanks to everyone who's helped me in the past years, and recently, Andrie INC. BreakAway Bicycles, Jason S. Brant Hendler, and Stan Andrie. Last but not least, My girlfriend Christy, who helps me mentally and financially and can't forget Ryan Cross (Rhyno, Rhynocerous, Ramathorn) who got me into cycling.