Monday, June 24, 2013

Incoming Freshmen

Welcome!

On behalf of the entire Lehigh Cycling team, I would like to thank you for coming to check out Lehigh Cycling, and considering joining the Lehigh Cycling family. We sincerely look forward to meeting you and telling you more about the club.

First things first, if you have any questions at all, please email either myself of Brandon Onopa, formally known as other Brandon. We would be happy to address anything you want to know. But first read below.

Dave DiFrancesco-  dad315@lehigh.edu 
Brandon Onopa-      blo214@lehigh.edu

First Things First: Bring your bike no matter what!

The most common mistake made by freshmen is not bringing their bike and not having it for the first rides, whatever they are. Don't worry about having a place to put it, myself and Brandon will be on campus long before you all, and will be able to get your bikes as soon as you move in and bring them to the team's designated bike shed.

So, now what?

So you have a bike on campus, what are you expecting to do with it? That is completely up to you. Lehigh Cycling will be featuring three different riding styles this year (more on this later). It can be as relaxed as you want. Whether you like riding slow, fast, through trees, on gravel paths, or on paved roads, you can be sure to find a group who likes your style. Oh, and we get free (or heavily discounted) stuff.

What is Club Sports?

It is the level of competition between Intramural and Lehigh Varsity. Think high school varsity, but completely optional. It is as serious as you want it to be, no pressure to do anything, and a great way to get involved. Cycling is a little different though, since there is no Varsity Cycling Team at Lehigh. The best of the best ride with us. That being said, don't be intimidated; we have all levels of abilities in all disciplines. 

What do I want to ride?

There are three main categories of riding:

Road: Skinny tires, light bikes, no suspension, high speeds, pavement, loads of fun and the best cardio workout ever... This is the only time you will be able to whiz at over 20 mph under your own power. 

Mountain: XC, DH, STXC, CycloCross. Fast between trees, jumps, cliffs... however big you want to go, we accommodate (neither confirming or denying that the edit is through Leigh's campus) Plus Lehigh has its own large network of mountain biking trails.

Recreation: Looking to get in shape or just something to do, do it with friends. Ride bikes down paths, through town, whatever goes. Mellow paces, food stops encouraged. Any bike goes. Childish behavior recommended.

I don't have a bike, but want to!

It is certainly an investment, but also one of the best decisions you can ever make. Whether you want an entry level or serious bike of any kind... Email us whenever. We will help you out in making your decision. If you (or parents) need any convincing to spend your (their) dollars on your bike, we also do that.

How do I Club Sports?

Look for us at the club fair, we'll be the ones with bikes!





The Army Spring Classic

For those of you ever given the privilege of racing in this historic race, take it. 

The Army Spring Classic, held at The United States Military Academy, is unanimously thought of as the greatest race the ECCC road season has to give up. A crushing 66.5 mile road race for the A riders on day one, three mile hill climb on day two, and it is all capped off on day two with The Shea Stadium Criterium. The only crit where you can see a whole laps worth of carnage from one spot.... and there was blood.

---Day 1----

All of Lehigh's riders agreed upon the outcome on the road race, "It sucked....hard." Even though only a few of Lehigh's brave survived the entire distance, we were ecstatic with the results. Both Brandons pulled in huge finishes, especially Brandon K, who contested what was probably the fastest field sprint of the year Read: 50 mph, for a 4th place finish in A's. 

When asked about how fast he was going, all he was able to say was , "If I looked at my speedo, I would have probably died."

---Day 2----

While day one brought much misery on unparalleled levels,  day two also promised a sufferfest. Dave who babied out the first day luckily had fresh legs and was ready to take on the hill climb ITT. With a fantastic result of 7th place, and Brandon O. Close behind in 11th. We were all ready for the crit.

With the A's being speedfreaks, B's being lazy A'riders, and C's being a bloodbath. The crit was sure not to disappoint. First C's

After watching an epic crash right before going off the line, the riders were definitely a little shaky  Dave managed to keep good position at the front the entire race, but took a bad line at the end and was boxed in at the finished. Nothing he could do... Except maybe ride a little faster

B's: Fast as hell, close as hell, and with Riders constantly breaking away; the pace never relented. Kevin held in there and gave it his best effort. But in the end eventually had to toss in the card's.

When asked for a comment, all he could muster up was some heavy breathing.

A's: As always, Brandon further impressed us with his riding. He was able to keep towards the front for the entire race, and was again in contention for the gut wrenching field sprint. In the end, no podium, but still a great result for a brand new A rider. 8th!

This race is always one to be remembered, and is always a pleasure to attend. All-in-all the best weekend of racing this year. (Besides Road Natties that is)
Shea Stadium Criterium, Dave at the front. | Photo by Kris Flynn