Big Wheel Racing

This week High Desert Bicycles generously matched the donations made by Big Wheel Racing team members, which together made a sizeable contribution to the World Bicycle Relief organization.  World Bicycle Relief (WBR) provides the mobility that is an essential component to assisting those in need due to poverty or natural disaster.   This donation will purchase six bicycles and six caregivers, providing support for up to 120 patients and families affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In 2005 SRAM and Trek teamed up to form World Bicycle Relief.  They later partnered with World Vision Sri Lanka for their first mission, Project Tsunami, to provide aid to victims of the terrible natural disaster that swept the Indian Ocean that December. 

Using his expertise, Frederick Day, co-founder of SRAM, worked with Trek engineers to design a 65 lb. steel frame bike, which is capable of providing mobility for an entire family as well as cargo capacity.  In addition to being culturally and functionally appropriate, this bike is built to last. The self sustainable program also provides locals with a week-long class on bike maintenance, repairs, and business practices so they can provide necessary repairs through a profitable business.

Yesterday in Chongwe, Zambia WBR launched their newest project called BEEP, or the Bicycles for Education Empowerment Program.  This project will provide bikes to schoolchildren in Zambia, which will reduce their travel time, and increase the safety of their commute.  This increases their chances of continuing to pursue their education.  Education is paramount to these children, who in many cases are orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and are in danger of falling more deeply into poverty or worse.

WBR’s long-term plan is to be operating in all of Africa within 36 months, with a mission to provide access to independence and livelihood through The Power of Bicycles.   

By contributing to World Bicycle Relief’s efforts, our donation and the generous matching donation from High Desert Bicycles will directly affect the lives of children in Africa.  If you are interested in more information on World Bicycle Relief and their efforts visit their website: http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

The Gunnison Growler course was a great challenge as usual this year. Racers rolled out of town with a vehicle escort to pace the crowd. Mike Mangan and Jeni Turgeon were the BWR racers for this event.

Great Ergon grips and Kenda Tires Small Block 8 tires did the trick for the course for the singlespeed!

Riders had a wet day, so lots of mud on the bikes and the racers at the end of the race! Thank goodness for Showers Pass jackets. Both Mike and Jeni brought out the ProTech jackets for the race and stayed dry. King Cage kept out bottles on the bike throughout the race, and Sock Guy kept our feet nice and warm.

Congrats to Jeni who placed 2nd women’s singlespeed and Mike who placed 4th. Both Jeni and Mike raced the 32-mile 1/2 Growler.

A delayed report, but a great race nevertheless! The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde was well-attended by the BWR crowd. We had 4 solo riders (all on singlespeeds), and 1 duo team.

The weather treated us well this year, not too hot, not too cold. Good times all around.

The race began with a Le Mans start. BWR was up front, ready to roll!

Jen, our only female racer at the event, rode singlespeed and finished 6th place with 4 laps.

Lenny rode solo singlespeed and finished with 4 laps.

Jeff rode solo singlespeed and finished 10th place with 6 laps.

Matt rode solo singlespeed and would have finished in 3rd, but a crash on his last (8th) lap only a mile or so from the finish left him with a 5th place finish. Three fractured vertebra and a totally broken helmet later, he’s well on the road to recovery. Hooray!

Our duo team, Cal and Mike finished 9th out of 38 teams with 8 laps combined.

Thanks to our sponsors who provide us with the means to get to and participate in the races!

High Desert Bicycles
Ergon
Kenda
SRAM
Orange Aspen
Hammer Nutrition
King Cage
Vantastic Vans
Sock Guy
C Change