Winter Challenge

At this very moment, somewhere in the world a person is wiggling their toes into warm beach sand and another person is wiggling their frozen toes in a ski lodge trying to get feeling back to them.  My Trek teammate Ross Schnell is that first person.  For the past week, he's been banking some rest and recovery in Cabo, Mexico and getting the motivation engine fired up.  I'm the ladder person.  Au contrar to most professional cyclists, I've elected to stay home in Vermont for the winter and see actually how much frost bite my toes can take.  Next weekend, on February 9th, I'm participating in one of my favorite winter events, The Winter Challenge, in Newport, Vermont. This race is not for the faint of heart as we will race on the snowmobile trails whether it's 30 below zero or 50 degrees and raining.  And, you're required to ride with a fire starter and kindling, just in case.  Those on the East Coast up for the challenge, registration closes on Friday.  Put on all the riding layers you own and RIDE.  -Lea Davison

Get your news fix

It's the new year, and time to map out the season ahead.  Team management (me and Michael) is sorting out paperwork, making sure our team is intact, and looking well ahead to determine what events we'll hit.  So far, the list is exciting!  Many World Cups, NMBS events, and a mix of grassroots, local-style events for fun and good vibes.  Recently we've looked into the Fruita Fat Tire Fest, Downieville Classic, and Dirt, Sweat and Gears.  Can't say for sure if or how we'll be there, but we do want to get down with the fun and funky events!

Until then, get your fix of Trek-VW team in the news:

• Jeremiah Bishop and the team are featured in the January 1, 2008 issue of  VELONEWS    -- we're going to the Cape Epic stage race in South Africa, and our mere attendance at the race is generating press
• Team rider Lea Davison is featured in the Jan/Feb issue of BICYCLING MAGAZINE , for her work to promote cycling through her mentoring program "Little Bellas"
• Xterra riders Brian and Jenny Smith are on national TV, as part of the ongoing Xterra coverage on ABC and NBC.  Brian was 3rd at Xterra World Championships in Hawaii, so be sure and check the TV schedule for your local broadcast!   http://www.xterraplanet.com/television/tv_schedule.cfm
• Jeremiah is also doing an OLYMPICS BLOG on the NBC/Universal Studios website.  Wow!  Go JB!

Don't let a little SNOW stop you!

While the rest of us are sneaking out for rides only when the roads are dry, or filling the basement with the smell of sweat and burned trainer-tires, the SMITHS are gearing up for the winter triathlon series .  YES.  The multisport crowd never fails to amaze me in their quest for new methods of self-flagellation.  Don't ask me what exactly it's all about, but I think they start with a ski leg, then do a bike ride on snow, then run in snowshoes.  In fact, last year, Brian Smith went to ITU World Winter Triathlon Championships and came in 32nd.  He's planning to improve on that result this year ... and check out his weapon of choice!

Keen eyes will note the Bontrager Switchblade rigid carbon fork, the Rythm wheelsset, and the Jones ACX 2.35 tires.  GO GET EM BRIAN!   we'll be watching ...from inside by the fire.