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Winston Salem Cycling Classic 2018

5/29/2018

The Winston Salem Cycling Classic 2018 DORNIER Racing Women

The Winston Salem Cycling Classic is a Memorial Day weekend cycling event complete with bike racing, concerts, Gears and Guitars, Gran Fondos, celebrity bike rides, and retired-pro-mini-celebrity Phil Gaimon chasing KOMs (while eating cookies and riding with locals wearing jean shorts). This was a huge weekend for the DORNIER Racing Women and their Domestic Elite status - which allows them to be invited to big events. And the WSCC Pro Crit and Road Race are big events.

DORNIER Racing Women Pre-ride the UCI course in Winston Salem

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for cycling and is manages most of the largest global bike events, fondos, and races (Except the Tour de France run by ASO). This weekend in Winston-Salem DORNIER Racing had the opportunity to race in the UCI Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. This UCI 1.1 race is very popular and has become one of the most exciting weekends of bike racing in the Southeast. Teams from all over the world come to compete in a crit and on a nine mile circuit through the closed roads of Winston-Salem. The DORNIER Racing Women faced off against continental and world tour teams like Astana, Rally, TIBCO, Hagens Berman, and UHC, to name a few. These are teams that make full-time jobs out of racing bikes while our women are at work in professional jobs like accounting and teaching.

Alder Martz reviews important details about the road race at the pre-race meeting.

Phil Gaimon chasing KOMs and cookies on the famed Pilot View climb

In order to participate in these races a number of things have to happen. One, you need a team of strong domestic elite women; two, you need a budget and invitation to enter the race; three, you need all the other surrounding items that help you get to the start line and compete - including bikes, mechanics, and cars. To make those three things happen you need to have sponsors and management. This weekend the team, on and off the course, were fantastic in assembling all the things needed to get to the start and compete fairly and competitively. In the end, we didn't win and Lily Williams of Hagens Berman did - a top racer from a top team. Along the way, the experience was great for the DORNIER women; and everyone learned a lot - further establishing the Women as a serious team with big goals.

Alder, Ben, and Bryan prepare - in style - for the Winston Salem Cycling Classic Road Race

Theresa, Austin, Emma, Danielle and Kristina at the start of the WSCC

Now, to the race. The nine mile circuit is a rolling course through the city and surrounding neighborhoods of WS with a lot of turns, curbs, and traffic furniture. A key feature is the final climb where splits always happen. This famed Pilot View climb rises 130 vertical feet at an inconvenient pitch of 10-15% over .3 of a mile. Racers in the women’s field see that hill eight times and like a paper cut it hurts more and more and causes more cumulative damage at each cut or ascent. On this day, the threat of rain persisted throughout the forecast prior to the race but in the end a few showers appeared but didn't materially affect the race.

The women - Theresa O’Sullivan, Austin Thompson, Emma Langley, Danielle Clark, and guest riders Kristina Vrouwenvelder (Colorado USA) and Edwige Pitel (France) - all rolled to the line to start the race. Behind them in Car 11 DS Alder Martz, Driver Ben Turits, and Mechanic Bryan Dubuc. In the feed zone Merrill Thierman, out with illness, and friends of the team Jeff Montgomerie and Ben Spain. Success and challenges in this race can be measured in more than one way. For example, showing up, starting, laps completed, KOM points, TV time, winning, finishing with the field, or some other team-inspired measure like helping a teammate or getting into a breakaway.

Emma Langley hard at work in the 2018 WSCC

Theresa O'Sullivan up and over the KOM in the 2018 WSCC

In the end Emma Langley had the best overall finishing place - surviving the long war of attrition over three hours and 80 miles finishing with the field in place 70/120 - ahead of a number of big team professionals and known badasses; many of whom did not finish. Kristina 85/120, Theresa 89/120, Danielle 97/120, and Austin 111/120. So we are super proud of those results even though it’s not 1, 2, or 3… The team they pedaled hard, took bottles from the feed zone, churned out "laps", rolled back to the car for bottles, talked on the radios, and rode until the officials told them to stop trying - like real bike racers do. That effort is all that we can ask against this caliber of racer and teams. Ride to make themselves and others proud - and that is the case here. Team inspired goals for sure.

As for TV time - Emma won the day working the back of the field for the first half of the race where the only in-race camera on the USACrits.tv broadcast was working - and she owned the screen and dialog for a better part of an hour while riders shuffled back behind her getting dropped from the field at a rate of 10-15 per lap. Great results for sponsors, Emma, and the rest of the team.

See you next time as this now UCI raced team comes out more experienced and in search of even more impressive races and results. Next up is Tour of America's Dairylands (TOAD) the largest competitive road cycling series in the US. It hosts 11 straight days of racing throughout Southeast Wisconsin. And then the Junior Tour of Ireland for the Juniors.

Thanks to the UCI, USA Cycling, The City of WS, police, volunteers, and residents of Winston-Salem, and the sponsors who made this possible:
American DORNIER, Keffer Mazda, Keffer VW, Charlotte Knights, Freedom Financial Solutions, Unknown Brewery, Unknown Bike & Brew, Hincapie Sportswear, BikeSource Charlotte, B-LINE Natural Energy, Weldon Weaver, and Veristor Systems. And finally, Sterling Swain and Alexis Batista for getting the team invited to the event.

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Junior Tour of Ireland - DORNIER Racing

7/21/2017

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2017 was very special for the American DORNIER Racing team in that the season brought an invite to the Junior Tour of Ireland. This race has been going on for 40 years put on a by a terrific group of volunteers and professionals. It is the largest event of its kind in Ireland and much bigger than any of the races the team had been involved with in the states. It turns out that it's somewhat hard to put on bike races even in Europe - the home of competitive cycling. We were honored to be a part of it this year. Below is a copy of the day-by-day results for the six stage race originally shared on the Facebook team page for followers of the Team. Please click on and like the Team page stay up-to-date.

Stage 1 Results - 113 racers started the Time Trial including some of the best junior time trlalists in the world separated by under 2 minutes. The winner traveled at 50kph over the 6.2km rolling course. That is fast. The best placing for the team was Hugo in 49th followed by 66, 75, and 76 for Mark, Alastair, and Giovanni. 110km Stage 2 tomorrow covering some beautiful countryside.

Stage 2 Results - When the best riders in the world get together they go fast - and they don't let up. That is what happened today in stage 2. Attacks started at the gun, continued, and the race eventually broke into six groups leaving a lead peloton of about 40 riders including Mark and Alastair. The rest of the field scattered about the road including a few crashes that caused a split for Giovanni Vasta (Gino). On the famed Castle Hill climb, Alastair got gapped from the main group late leaving Mark Yaroshevsky to salvage a 24th place finish with Alastair, Gino, and Hugo coming in the following groups but ahead of the looming time cuts. Tomorrow the Team regroups and faces the Cliffs of Moher a picturesque course along the most famous cliffs in Ireland.

Stage 3 Results - Stage racing is unforgiving and the chaos is hard to explain. On today’s stage, at 8km, in there was a major crash involving cars and affecting over 20 riders including Hugo Schreur and Giovanni Vasta. Gino bounced back up, put himself together, and rolled away - only to find he had lost both his water bottles on impact - at the beginning of a 100km stage! At the same time, the road was covered with cars, bikes, ambulances, mechanics, wheels, traffic… It all started when the “rolling enclosure” left a few cars sticking out on the narrow road. One of the young riders clipped a mirror causing the chain reaction crash. In Ireland, they generally don’t neutralize (slow) road races so the race continues. So when the DORNIER team car came up on this event there were people running in every direction taking stock of what happened. As we made our way to the front we finally found Hugo with a cracked bike frame and bloody. It was at that point we thought the race was over for Hugo. But instead, the mechanic from Hincapie Juniors squad volunteered a bike to Hugo to get him on his way. As the race continued the speed picked up, the rain started and then the attacks began. None other than the yellow jersey and green jersey attacking. At this point, the peloton is flying through coastal towns with a caravan of 40 cars and motorcycles leading and following them zig-zagging around tourists and the buses that carry them. The rain started again. The racing was on as they approached the big climb of the day. Alastair gave his water to Gino since the support car couldn’t work forward in the confusion - great teamwork. On this climb, more attacks and a 20mph [side] wind off of the ocean. This combination of rain, wind, attacks, and hill proved to be too much for Gino and others so they dropped back to form a second and third group. The pressure was on. Mark Yaroshevsky and Alastair Pounder survived that picturesque hill - at the Cliffs of Moher - and kept up with the main group. There is now 20km to go and it is raining and the technical descents on blind curved narrow unfamiliar roads. Remember to “stay left” as these are open roads in Ireland. The race continues to the final roundabout with Mark and Alastair working together fighting for position in the remaining group of 30. In the sprint Alastair gets 13th and Mark 23rd separated by a few seconds. The team’s first points of the race! A few minutes later Gino rolls in. Hugo, after being unable to continue due to wrist pain, is picked up by the support vehicle and returns to the finish medical staff. Not ideal his race is done, Mark sits in the GC at 36th place and three boys will start the hilly stage 4 tomorrow. Great effort today.

Stage 4 Results - Today’s stage involved a transfer from the home base hotel Treacys West County in Ennis to the Coastal town of Ballyvaughan. In this stage, there is a Category climb at the 12km mark followed by three more Cat climbs and finally a fast descent to the finish. Of note today was the 20mph steady cross-tail wind along the final 20km of the race. The start rolled and the team was strong through the first category climb of the day. On the second climb - the famed “Corkscrew Hill” the pressure was too much and the field split. Mark Yaroshevsky and Alastair Pounder in the front group and Giovanni Vasta in the second. As the race rolled on there was the obligatory crash this time involving a rider in between the team cars - he got up. Over the next climbs, the race stayed that way with a lead group and a second group. As the race approached the final stretch of road the attacks started. From none other than the yellow jersey (The race leader). That attack split the lead group into four smaller groups. Why attack as the yellow jersey? Because you can and to do so assert yourself as the strongest person in the race. This really frustrated In the riders. It worked. In the end, Mark and Alastair finished just behind the leader and the break - and well enough to move Mark into 26th and Alastair into 46th place in the GC. More racing in stage 5 tomorrow covering fast flat roads and then Gallows HIll - the biggest and longest climb of the Tour.

Stage 5 Results - Yaro cracks the Top 10 on Gallows Hill! Today’s hilltop finish was hard - and it came after three other category climbs. Let’s go to the beginning of the stage where a fast flat start led to early attacks and speeds averaging almost 30 mph. In the first climb of the day, the field was back together and Alastair was crashed by a rider - got up, crashes feel normal now. In the ensuing climbs the field kept dropping riders; but not our team. In the Team car, the narrow roads made the descents nerve-racking as there was not enough room to zoom past dropped riders at speeds over 60kmh. “Bi-Roads” in Ireland are single lane roads that leave room for only one car. These dynamics appear to be normal for the locals. Much of this stage was on these narrow roads including the last big climb of the day a hill-top finish with 6% grade and 500 final vertical feet to the line. You can see in the pictures the riders out of the saddle pushing. With Mark Yaroshevsky grabbing 10th he achieved the best result of the race for the Team so far. Seconds later, Alastair Pounder and Giovanni Vasta crossed the line for a field result. Stage 6 is Sunday - the last stage - a seven lap circuit with two climbs and a really fast finish.

Results for Stage 6 - Giovanni Vasta goes on the attack! The plan for the final day was to give Gino a shot on a course that suited him. The race was a rolling circuit for 7 laps totaling 75km. Gino was told to attack the group 1X and "see what result he got"... And he did attack on lap 2 gaining 10 seconds... and again on lap 2... and again on lap 3 trying to perfect the craft... Super aggressive attempts to challenge some of the best junior riders forcing the other team’s top riders to chase. The moves didn’t stick but certainly showed that he belonged in the race and that he had the endurance and staying power to face the six tough stages - and then on the last day put on meaningful attacks. Alastair also went on the attack on the famed and team-named “Spaceship Hill” (Peak of the climb marked by a spaceship looking water tower). But in the end, none of the attacks on the day from any of the big teams, like Hot Tubes and Hincapie, worked as The Irish National team covered them all protecting their race leader. The race then ended in a bunch sprint with the Irish national team winning that sprint and then awarding Ben Wolf the overall yellow jersey. In the final GC, Mark Yaroshevsky achieved 24th, Alastair Pounder 44th, and Gino 75th and Mark collecting prize money for the GC rewarding his day-to-day consistency! This was a great week in Ennis Ireland and while we didn't win - the Team grew from the experience. More details, photos, and videos to come later via a blog post. For now REST… Racing begins again soon. Thanks for following along this wonderful event in Ireland.

Stage 6 and complete results can be found here.

stage-6-final-results.pdf
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Two Years of Bike & Brew Fundraising

11/20/2016

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Why this picture ???
Why on this day???
There is a picture in this picture - Elisa painted a tribute to the Unknown Bike & Brew Club and gave it to Steve "Foxy" Fox on this day - the two year celebration party. But why did we choose this picture when there are so many others throughout the year?

Unknown Bike & Brew started as a training ride for people who were going to do the bigger MS rides but needed a place to train. From that ride we made it a weekly ride. From that weekly ride we started raising money for MS and other causes like 24 Hours of Booty, Alzheimer's Association, Bike Luck, Bike2DC, Cystic Fibrosis. The Unknown Bike & Brew weekly ride is free so people started showing up. The fact that the Unknown Brewery gives $1 to MS for every rider makes the free ride a great way to give to charity simply by showing up. After the launch - each week more people showed up and now 40-100 people come out each week and ride at 2:30PM each Saturday. And some stay after the ride to drink a beer and tell stories. We like that too.

But why this picture? First of all Foxy - he is the leader of the ride and the volunteers. Each ride they get direction from Foxy and lead out a 10, 25 and 35 mile marked route. The great thing about these routes is they overlap each other so support and sweep happens naturally. Have a flat? Someone will help you out. New to biking? Ride the 10 mile route with Liz and Christine they will show you the way. Getting better? Jonathan and Skinny will take you on the 25 mile route. In over your head? There's a secret 18 mile option to get you back sooner. Starting to go farther and faster? The 35 mile route will challenge even the strongest racers and riders.

Back to the photo. Also in this photo is Elisa - she is new to the club. Any club needs new people and she is the greatest kind of new person in that she rides her bike, likes beer, and gives back. By painting the picture taking the time and thought to give back to the Club she personifies what makes the Club great. Did we mention the Club is free too?

What is missing form this picture is an actual bike. And that is because the Club has become more than just about a bike ride. It's about people - like the two in this picture - the oldest and newest members of the Club. Thanks for being part of it on this day - the day we celebrate and recognize two years of fundraising and over $115,000 raised with our partners the Unknown Brewing Company and American Dornier. THANKS

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Safety On The Group Ride

9/1/2016

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Getting a great ride in is important but not as important as rider safety. Most of the items below apply to just about any group ride but always check with ride leaders on the ride you are on if you have any questions.

Be Courteous - "Let people in" when needed you are an amateur and this is not a race show courtesy when interacting with others or giving feedback. Overcommunication is ok this inlcudes phrases like "on your right", "inside", "outside", "hole", etc. Talk to your fellow rider it's OK.
Point Out Objects - Manholes, potholes, sticks, debris, boxes - to name a few - the person(s) behind you depends on you making them aware of obstacles that can affect their ride and safety. Call out and point out more severe hazards. This is a common group riding practice.
Don't Overlap Wheels - This is very basic important group riding advice - if you have an overlapped wheel correct it carefully and as soon as possible to avoid having someone swerve and catch your front wheel possibly sending you and others flying (See picture below to see what overlapped wheels like like)
Use Hand Signals - Here is a link to the most common hand signals that help you communicate with fellow riders but the most common point out hazards, direction, and slowing / stopping. Please get to know them and use them. (See graphic below with a summary).
No Riding in Tri Bars or Praying Mantis Mode - While tri bikes are not completely banned on most group riders do get uncomfortable when they see them - so the riding in the aerobar position while in the group is generally banned. That goes for "Praying Mantis" style riding as well. Unless you have an active signed pro contract and are off the front of the ride - these maneuvers are generally not welcomed or allowed as, in the group, you can't take evasive measures or get to the brakes fast enough to be safe. (See picture below where a rider demonstrates the Praying Mantis riding style).
Stop at Red Lights - Obey all traffic laws and stop for red lights. Even in the early morning hours. Make sure to communicate so others can safely stop as well.
Use Only One Lane - Cars find group bike rides confusing when riders leak five or six wide into more than one lane it gets worse and can affect the safety of the whole group so don't do it - use only one lane at most.
Left Turns Suck - This is true on any ride - except in Ireland - be careful, look back and front for clear, communicate with your fellow riders. Traffic from behind and the cutting in front of bikes/cars to make "your" turn can make it extremely dangerous for the next riders behind you. Be careful and think about how your move could affect the safety of others.
Be On-Time - riders that join the ride while underway create additional hazards for other riders and they can also miss important safety announcements at the start of the ride and can affect the flow of the ride - if you must join on the route do so carefully from the back
What else did we miss? Let us know in the comments and we can include it in the next post or on the website.

Overlapped wheels

Praying Mantis riding style

Common hand signals when riding

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What Makes Bike and Brew Great – Part 3 – The “Pint” Ride

7/10/2016

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New to group biking? Need an entry-level group ride and route? Consider the “Pint” ride at Unknown Brewery every Saturday at 2:30pm.

Not new to group biking? Maybe you haven’t had the time to dig the bike out of the back of the shed in a while. If you are looking to improve your fitness, looking for a new hobby, looking to meet a few people, or looking to share your love of biking with your family, look no further.

Rick Pryll brought his wife, Holly, and their two kids, Edie and Jack, ages 11 and 9, to the “Pint” ride last Saturday:

“I was not sure what to expect. My son was riding a BMX bike. My daughter was riding an extra small mountain bike. My wife was riding a beach cruiser. We’ve done some greenway rides before. Would we make it?”

“Yes. We not only finished the ride, we each learned a little something along the way. The “Pint” course is challenging – let’s not beat around the bush - there are more than a few hills to get up. But in terms of contending with car traffic, navigating left hand turns, and communicating within the group, we could not have been in better hands. The ride features both a leader* and a sweeper**, and as long as you stay between them, you are good to go.”

“We had a blast. Back at the brewery, there was a food truck parked outside, so I was able to get the kids something to eat while Holly and I enjoyed a few beers with the crew. The kids are already asking when we can do it again.”

As a way to get the family outside participating in an activity that is free, challenging and rewarding, cycling is a great option for a Saturday afternoon. The Unknown Bike & Brew “Pint” is an entry-level introduction to the art of group riding in an urban environment. If you are looking for a way to bridge up to the 25-mile route, or if you are looking for a more social way to learn how to get around the city on two wheels, the Unknown Bike & Brew “Pint” ride is friendly, supportive and educational. Come on out and join us. You’ll be glad you did.

*Thank you, Liz!

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What Makes Bike and Brew Great 2

5/31/2016

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Sometimes it's just best to let others tell a story. In the case of Liz that is what we are doing here. Thanks for supporting the Unknown Bike and Brew and making it great and everything else you do in the community.

"Liz and her teal helmet are a regular sight at cycling events in and around Charlotte – from 24 Hours of Booty to the Bike MS: Greater Carolinas rides to the Free Wheelin Fridays - Bike Commute bike commuting breakfasts. Through her leadership of the Bank of America Bike MS teams, she is always seeking out new riders to join her in the fight against MS.

She is a dedicated mentor to new triathletes through the Tri It For Life program, and a patient and kind route leader on the Unknown Bike & Brew Pint ride. You can easily see how much she enjoys helping new cyclists become confident and comfortable on the bike… and her genuine kindness is contagious.

If you look for Liz in group photos, she’s often sporting the 'Selfie Steve' smile – a recent tradition born out of the silliness and camaraderie within our cycling community. She’s always up for a ride so keep an eye out for that teal helmet, wave hello and follow along to learn from a savvy cyclist." - Christine Weber

"Liz is strong in every sense of the word.She is physically strong as she participates in all 3 Carolina MS Bike events and completed a MS Challenge Walk (50 miles).
Liz is strong mentally, pushing through barriers that most people would just quit.
Liz is strong emotionally, supporting friends and family and always keeps an ear open to give a kind word, jump in to assist with a job or give a hug.
Liz has a strong sense of humor and is quick with a smile and a joke.
I'm blessed to have her as a friend." - Stephen Fox

"Hey!!! I know her! That's my bike mentor!!! She's the best!!! She'll even laugh with you when running your bike into her's and pushing her over!!! Pint group forever, Liz!!! I'll always remember my first ride at Unknown and how welcoming you were!" - Tracey Ann Stone

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What Makes Bike and Brew Great

5/23/2016

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"Stephen Fox (AKA Foxy) is an amazing man, his love of people and his willingness to share his heart is contagious. Starting the Unknown Ride with the help of The Unknown Brewing Company owners and cyclist friend Chris Guella, their passion to help Bike MS: Greater Carolinas quickly took off after finding out that the brewery owners wife has MS affecting her family. Under Foxy the team has grown and grown with cyclist of every ability being welcomed and loved no matter what. Foxy wears his heart on his sleeve in all the right ways, taking his passion for cycling and using it for all the good he can leverage in this world. Wanting to help those who need it most, Unknown-Dornier cycling has taken on 24 Hours of Booty this year to help make an even larger impact on those here in our community who have needs. His constant concern for team mates, the sharing of his love with others and his enthusiasm for cycling has created the perfect storm for making a real difference in the lives of others. That's my Foxy!" - Randy Fulp

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Jan 30 2016 - Bike & Brew

2/4/2016

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A great day Jan 30, 2016 at the Unknown Bike & Brew. The short video below shows how a typical day with B&B goes... It also highlights the great views of Charlotte on the most scenic bike return in Charlotte.

Come join us Saturdays at 2:30PM...

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Bike & Brew Pint 8/22/15

8/25/2015

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It's summer in Charlotte and the Bike & Brew rolls. On this day a 10 mile Pint route and a few cold beers after the ride.

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Bike2DC - CMPD Annual Scholarship Fund Ride

5/10/2015

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Let's face it - it has been a tough couple of months for the police. Which is what made the Bike2DC ride this year particularly special. The four day 500 mile ride honors fallen policemen and starts in Charlotte NC and ends in a Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The ride has gone on for a number of years and raises money for a high school scholarship fund. It started at the request of the families of Officer Clark and Shelton who were killed in the line of duty in 2007. Each year it raises about $20,000 for the cause.

The ride starts at CMPD headquarters in downtown Charlotte. A small set of instructions and then we are on our way. About 150 riders led out by a 10 motorcycle police escort. Riding out of Charlotte they closed all of the intersections just like they had done for President Obama a few weeks ago. In the picture above you can see the escort as well as the large American flag that the Charlotte Fire Department put out to show #respect for the event and police. Police and firemen may notoriously compete and fight when playing hockey or at other times but not on this day.

Officer Joe Scalise - in the right side picture - chose to ride all four days wearing his full CMPD uniform on a mountain bike that he uses patrolling downtown Charlotte. It was very hot and there was a 10-20 mph headwind - but Joe persisted rode through the day. I later picked up just his police belt and it weighed about 20 pounds with tasers, gun, and radio (more than my 16 pound bike) then add the vest and other clothing and I realized what a disadvantage he had in the same conditions that hurt me in my light spandex and on my aero-designed Italian racing bike.

During the first few miles we also had CMPD police helicopter flying about 100 feet over us also looking out. It was our first ever helicopter escort. I really enjoy rides that have police escorts closing intersections. You feel safe and special if only for a few moments - maybe because they go to that trouble for me, the regular person, in the same professional manner they do for a president. I get chills I have to admit. You keep saying to yourself - "boy I wish they had escorts on all of my training rides."

The day one ride itself was windy and covered 95 miles and 5,000 vertical feet to Asheboro NC with most of the climbing at the end. We found a great group of police officers and friends to cover the wind in rotating pace lines to make it bearable to each rest stop. The volunteers and people supporting this ride were exceptional and riders especially friendly. We lingered at each rest stop and took it all in while we waited for slower riders, riders with kids, and the tandem blind rider. Except for our muscles shutting down the rest stops were a great part of the day.

The Highlight of my Day
At the end of the ride I had the pleasure to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. In particular - Trisha Norket shown in the picture above. Ms. Norket is the mother of John Burnette who was killed in an end of watch incident in 1993. Her chilling story of how a multiple felon bad guy, who has confessed to his crime, is still on death row 21 years later. On Mother's Day today it is particularly hard to contemplate the loss of her child in the manner he was taken. On that day in 1993 Officer John Burnette and Officer Andy Nobles were shot by a thug who was very much wanted for his long list of assault crimes. The story is well-known in the news so I won't get into the details. While hearing the story and then reflecting on it - it helped me realize that meeting Trisha was exactly why I was on this ride.

Unfortunately, There are other stories like hers and including more this month in New York and now Mississippi.

I have a lot of respect for the police and what they do. It is not easy. Taking the time yesterday to support a cause for them and reflect on these issues was very good. Riding our bikes and then drinking Unknown beer on a perfect Sping day made it even better.