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Fizik Antares

July 2nd, 2009 by Steve M

Antares

For as many years as I can remember, I had been a fan of the Selle San Marco Strada Titanio saddle. Yeah, back in the 80’s, I can recall putting in what I thought were comfortable miles on the then ubiquitous Turbo, before discovering the more distinctive Rolls saddle. But then I discovered the Strada and it was love from the first time it supported my backside. I am not sure exactly how many of those Strada saddles I used over the years, but I really liked ‘em. One might think that with something so comfortable, Selle San Marco would have just kept on making them… Nothing good ever really lasts. Discontinued years ago, the supplies of those Strada finally have been fully depleted. As of a few years ago, only used ones could be found, even on that venerable auction site, where once could be found the occasional “new old stock”.

Time to get over it and move on! Over the last several years, I have tried NUMEROUS top end saddles in what was beginning to feel like a futile search for that old faithful friend. While I haven’t tried everything out there, I certainly tried a LOT of them. Selle San Marco, Selle Italia, Specialized, Fizik… I tried all of their selections. Flite, Flite Gel, Body Geometry, Alliante, Arione, Arione Tri, and more such that right now I can’t even remember.

Most recently, for riding comfort, I really thought that the Fizik Alliante was a winner. With a tail section slightly wider than the Fizik Arione, it offered a very comfortable perch. The somewhat narrow nose allowed plenty of clearance for pedaling. It was a reasonable saddle did offer a comfortable riding position. What I did not like about it was this. Viewed from the side, the Alliante does not have a very flat profile. This produces a definite hammock effect in the rear part of the seat. Yes, the single position that it offers is pretty comfy. But in situations such as climbing, sprinting or abrubt changes in speed when one might want to move forward on the saddle, suddenly one finds oneself removed from the sweet spot. Outside of that spot, there is certainly less to love. Just to be clear, if I were riding all day at tempo, it would be a pretty sweet seat and a nice perch from where to power the pedals.

If it weren’t for another Fizik offering, I’d likely still be using that Alliante. But thankfully, Fizik listened to feedback from the masses who wanted more for their… The Arione was already very popular amongst the pro riders. Viewed from the side, the Arione has a very flat profile allowing the rider to slide back and forth depending on the situation. The only drawback to the Arione is that it is a somewhat narrow seat. Many riders, especially the more mature rider (into the 30’s and beyond), find that it just does not adequately support their iscial tuberosities, aka the sit bones. So here is where Fizik has put it all together. The Antares is their latest offering. Viewed for the side, it is a much flatter saddle than the Alliante and thus offers the rider the ability to slide to different positions on the saddle for different riding conditions. Slightly wider than the Arione, it offers great support. The nose is still narrow enough to allow easy and free pedaling. In short, for me, the Fizik Antares is a great saddle that works. Comfortable enough to conquer the rough roads, light enough for any ascent… on the rivet or off, this is just a great seat.

The really good news is that we offer a Fizik demo program to let you try before you buy. Which Fizik is right for you? Come on down and let’s get a new comfy seat on your bike.

We have Fizik Antares, Arione, and Alliante available for a free test ride.

Riveria Revolution Ride #5

June 27th, 2009 by Bradley S

Saturday, July 25th
8:30am - meet at WCR for coffee
9:00am - start ride
4 hours of good fun steady riding
1:00pm - lunch at Riviera

$25 awesome lunch at Riviera

RSVP on facebook

Santa Rosa Bike Path Loop

June 27th, 2009 by Bradley S

Here’s an easy, flat loop to enjoy with the family on a fine summer day.

All Sport-Team Swift Nascar Nights!

June 7th, 2009 by Bradley S

Come join us!

All Sport | Team Swift KIDS BIKE RACES
Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market
June 17, 2009
Downtown Santa Rosa, CA
Meet the All Sport NASCAR and our locally based
All Sport-Team Swift Junior Development Cycling Team.

Course: On Fourth Street between Hope and E Streets.

Helmets are mandatory. Event will be held rain or shine.

Directions: Come to the Wednesday Night Market in Downtown Santa Rosa.

Registration will be at the All Sport-Team Swift Tent on Fourth Street just to the east of E Street. Street side parking is available.

Registration: Opens at 5:30PM and closes 10 minutes before each event.

Race Schedule & Fees: $5 for each age group (includes the $1.50 USAC fee, except for kids 10 and over.*)
Race Day Registration Only:
Make checks payable to Team Swift.
For more information:
Contact Laura at teamswift@aol.com

Meet the All Sport NASCAR and our locally based All Sport-Team Swift Junior Development Cycling Team.
Held under USA Cycling Event Permit

All Sport | Team Swift Presents
June 19 - June 21, 2009
Infineon Raceway | NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series makes its only Northern California stop during the 2009 racing season at Infineon Raceway. 800-870-RACE.
DON’T MISS IT!

REQUIREMENTS
2009 USAC Non Competitive Event Form needs to be completed for each child.
*Kids 10 and over either require a USAC License or need to pay an additional $5.00 fee towards the 2009 USAC Non Competitive One Day License.

RACE SCHEDULE & FEES
KIDS AGE 3-5        6:15 PM       $5
KIDS AGE 6-8        6:30 PM       $5
KIDS AGE 9-12*     6:45PM        $5
USAC 1 DAY FEE*   6:15            $5

An Appropriate Poem

June 7th, 2009 by Bradley S

Sebastopol

It’s hard won fitness climbing
the ashen road that carries you up
the “Three Sisters” by bike.
Three ever steeper climbs, hot,
exposed, until the peak.
At the top, the air is cool dappled-shade.
Lying down beneath thick-knuckled trees.

Today, at the peak all is bare.
The trees split like boxed bodies in a magic trick.

Many fields have been cleared.
Apples for grapes.  The new farmers say: Apples
are yesterday—as they till the earth for a new crop.
The old, who for generations have trimmed
the delicate limbs of the Gravenstein
are now red-faced and gnarled as their heirloom trees.

At the top, the ridge is a permeable line
between green hills that roll to the sea,
and the patchwork of farmed valley that leads to town.
What is good/bad is brackish as history:
A two-day stand-off between two men,
one inside the general store, the other
pacing the street.  Nothing could come between.
Crowds gathered murmuring—it’s like the battle of Sebastopol—
and the name stuck.   But, after the naming, what happened?
Someone must have stepped outside,
or someone must have stepped inside—
that much isn’t remembered.

I crest at the top—this time without stopping
look out at the ridge dividing sea from town,
push the pedal down, into the descent
into the rush and risk of air.

- Iris Dunkle

Riveria Revolution Ride #4

May 21st, 2009 by Bradley S

May 30th
8:30am - meet at WCR for coffee
9:00am - start ride
4 hours of good fun steady riding
1:00pm - lunch at Riviera

$25 awesome lunch at Riviera

Tell us your coming on Facebook.

It’s a Boy!

May 1st, 2009 by Bradley S

Women’s Fitness Clinic

April 22nd, 2009 by Bradley S

About the Clinic:

Join us at West County Revolution Fridays in June and July from 4-6 pm for a women’s-only clinic focusing on using your bike to increase your fitness.  Learn how to train your aerobic and anaerobic systems, how to improve your climbing, increase your pack riding skills and improve your cycling overall through personal coaching.  This exciting opportunity includes on-the-bike coaching, as well as a daily coaching program to help you meet your goals, whether they be to do your first race, to complete your first century, or just to feel stronger on your bicycle.

This series will build on our March and April series, but your participation in the first series is not mandatory. You must have a road bike, a helmet, a pump, and a spare.  This clinic will also include preparation and participation in a time trial event (entry fee of $5 separate) and a circuit race.  Participation in these events is not mandatory – but the training program will include preparation for these events.

Starting Level:

Participants will be expected to average 12 – 14 mph on flat terrain.  Going by the Santa Rosa Cycling Club’s ride descriptions, our rides will be “A” and later, “B” levels.  That is, A: relaxed pace; frequent regroups; waits for all riders. B: touring pace; regroups every 30-45 minutes; waits for all riders. If necessary the group may be broken into two groups to allow for safety.  If you have questions, please email Giana at KaRoberge1@aol.com.

Clinic Includes:

  • 2 month daily program with weekly two hour session on your bicycle
  • 8 Coaching sessions (group) with Giana on the bike
  • Four Daily workouts per week
  • Training Bible with lots and lots of information
  • Specific Event Preparation
  • 15% discount for accessories at the West County Revolution for the dates of the clinic
  • Personal consultation
  • Sports Psychology, Nutrition and Hydration

Dates: June 12th – July 31st, Including a time trial on July 9th, and a circuit race (date TBD)

Fee: $150 and is to be paid by June 6th to West County Revolution by check or credit card.  Space is limited for this class, so please sign up today!

Co-Ed Fitness Clinic

April 22nd, 2009 by Bradley S

About the Clinic:

Join us at West County Revolution Tuesdays in June and July from 4-6 pm for a co-ed clinic focusing on using your bike to increase your fitness.  Learn how to train your aerobic and anaerobic systems, how to improve your climbing, increase your pack riding skills and improve your cycling overall through personal coaching.  This exciting opportunity includes on-the-bike coaching, as well as a daily coaching program to help you meet your goals, whether they be to increase your racing skills, improve your tactics and strategy, to set a new PR, or just to feel stronger on bicycle.

This series will focus on skills used to ride in groups or races. It will focus on pace-lines, echelons, climbing, descending, sprinting, and power. You must have a road bike, a helmet, a pump, and a spare.  This clinic will also include preparation and participation in a time trial event (entry fee of $5 separate) and a circuit race.  Participation in these events is not mandatory – but the training program will include preparation for these events.

Starting Level:

Participants will be expected to average 15 – 18 mph on flat terrain.  Going by the Santa Rosa Cycling Club’s ride descriptions, our rides will be “B” and later, “C” and “D” levels.  That is,

C: brisk pace; pacelines likely; regroups every 30-60 minutes. D: aggressive pace; pacelines; slower riders may miss regroups. If necessary the group may be broken into two groups to allow for safety.  If you have questions, please email me at KaRoberge1@aol.com

Clinic Includes:

  • 2 month daily program with weekly two hour session on your bicycle
  • 8 Coaching sessions (group) with Giana on the bike
  • Four Daily workouts per week
  • Training Bible with lots and lots of information
  • Specific Event Preparation
  • 15% discount for accessories at the West County Revolution for the dates of the clinic
  • Personal consultation
  • Sports Psychology, Nutrition and Hydration

Dates: June 9th – July 28st, Including a time trial on July 9th, and a circuit race (date TBD)

Fee: $150 and is to be paid by June 6th to West County Revolution by check or credit card.  Space is limited for this class, so please sign up today!

Silly SpringFest

March 30th, 2009 by Bradley S

SpringFest
Participate in Merry Band of Rogue Merchant’s Silly SpringFest. Start your hunt at the West County Revolution.