I'm interested in meeting you and riding EARLY. I'm expecting out of town
guests and this may change things. Beer consumption typically affects my
performance(no perforance). Maybe we can exchange cell numbers (if you are
comfortable with that), I don't want to slow you down if I can't make it
that AM


>From: "Donna & Nancy" <coffmandr@...>
>Reply-To: bigcrankcycling@yahoogroups.com
>To: bigcrankcycling@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Big Crank Cycling] Fahrradtour on Sunday
>Date: Fri, 04 Aug 2006 14:21:33 -0000
>
>Hi all -
>
>Nancy and I are planning to ride on Sunday and were interested in
>riding with others who were interested in starting right at 7:30 to
>avoid the heat and who were also interested in going at a, um...,
>leisurely pace for the 22 mile route. Anyone game?
>
>Donna
>
>
>
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/

Hey, Big Cranks!

Just go this word from Don Griffith, our MS150 team captain:

Today (Friday, August, 4th) through midnight, Sunday, August 6th, you
can register for the MS150 for $5.  I think the usual registration fee
is $25 (maybe $15)...but $5 reflects a nice savings.

Here are the details:

Visit www.gatewayMS150.org and register online or call 1-314-781-9020
to register by phone.

When you register, you need to know our team code.  It is MOSBCYCO01.

Take a moment today to get registered and then go spend the money you
saved on a new trinket for your bike at Big Shark...or put it aside
and call it your first pledge toward the $250 fundraising minimum!

Big Crank Cycling

Hi all -

Nancy and I are planning to ride on Sunday and were interested in
riding with others who were interested in starting right at 7:30 to
avoid the heat and who were also interested in going at a, um...,
leisurely pace for the 22 mile route. Anyone game?

Donna

Hey!  Disturbing as it is, yes indeed, its the 1st of August.  That
means, among other things, that its time for our monthly Crankshop.

Our crankshops are 1/4 club meeting and 3/4 workshop.  We get the club
announcements out of the way quick and then kick back to learn about
various components of this cycling world we love.  Then there are
fabulous attendance prizes.

This month, our returning - and victorious! - Gay Games athletes will
share their photos, stories and reflections about the Gay Games
experience.  Oh.  And I would imagine there will be bronze floating
around the room (alas, our gold and silver now resides in
Minneapolis).

This month's Crankshop meets tomorrow (Wednesday), August 2, from 7-8
pm in the upstairs lounge at Hartford Coffee Company, corner of Roger
and Hartford in Tower Grove South.  The coffee shop closes at 7, so if
you want some food or coffee or a yummy smoothie, stop downstairs
first (before 7!) and grab it before you come upstairs.

So come on out and hear from our laurel wreathed champions.  7-8pm.
Harford Coffee Company.  Tomorrow (Wednesday), August 2.

The link posted in yesterdays meeting is not working.  Please use the
below link for joining our team:

https://www.nationalmssociety.org//MOS/home/login.asp?
j=1&m=r&d=MOS0EMS120060909COL&e=7945&a1%5Ftxtteam%5Fcode=MOSBCYCO01

For some reason, yahoo does not like teh links when I paste them into
the message, so you may have to manually force the above address into
your browser address bar.

The link should take you to a screen where you can register as a new
user.

Our Team Code is: MOSBCYCO01

if you have any problems or need help registering, email Don Griffith
at bigcrankdon@...

Howdy folks,

Just a quick note to let you know that there is a new document in our files section that'll come in handy if you are in the market for a new bicycle.  Log onto the Yahoo Group at www.bigcrankcycling.com and check it out in our "Files" section."  Remember, if you are a paid member of Big Crank Cycling, you'll get a good discount on any purchase at Big Shark Bicycles, located at 6133 Delmar Blvd, in the U-City Loop.  http://bigshark.com/  Be sure to say hello to Mike Weiss when you stop by.  He and his staff will take good care of you.

Cheers!

The Big Crank Gang 

Yep!  It's time we ride the Riverfront again!  I checked out the trail this past weekend and all the storm debris is pretty much gone except for one enormous Sycamore tree, but you can ride around it.  So, join the Big Crank TueXtreme gang this Tuesday evening, August 1st, at the Laclede Power Station as we set out on the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, riding to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.   The "TueXtreme" series are recreational evening rides that take place every Tuesday night at 6PM through various locations in the St. Louis area.  This week, we will have two different groups with which you can ride, depending on your riding ability and time commitments.  For those of you who want to put in a few more miles and a little speed work, I will lead a group all the way to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and back (approx 25 miles) and for those of you who would like a more relaxing ride, we will have a second group, led by Jim Rainey, that will take you approximately halfway to the bridge, and back again (approx 12 miles).  We will meet up at the Laclede Power Plant Parking Lot and kick off the ride at 6PM sharp!  After the ride, we'll meet up at Sundeckers on Laclede's Landing and enjoy a burger and a drink or two.  This is a free Trailnet supported ride so there will be SAG support.  As always, if you have any questions or need directions, just give me a call! 314-479-8019.

When: Tuesday 08/01/06

Where: Laclede Power Station parking lot, downtown

Ride Departs: 6:00PM

See you there!

David Ridgeway

Every hour of every day, someone hears the words, "You have multiple
sclerosis." They enter a time of unpredictability when they wonder
each morning if they will see, if their legs will work, if they can
pick up their child. This is why we ride. When thousands of people
ride together in the MS Bike Tour®, awareness is generated of the
many programs and events provided by the National MS Society's
nationwide network of chapters.

Big Crank Cycling is proud to cycle for everyone affected by MS.
many of us have particpated in the event in the past but this is our
first year to ride as a team and we want you to join us.  The great
thing about this ride is that it is just so much fun.  Not only do
you get to raise money to help those in need, but you will have the
most fun that a person can have on a 2 day bike ride.  The ride is so
easy, there are "themed, and might I say very entertaining" rest
stops every 10 miles.  Some have music, some have ice cream.  You
never know what you will see at the next rest stop!

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday September 9th and 10th
and is a very short drive to Columbia, MO.

Big Crank Cycling has signed up as a team.  You can visit our team
page and "join our team" by visiting the link below.

TEAM WEBSITE: USE THE LINK BELOW TO JOIN THE BIG CRANK TEAM

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/MOS/personal/my_team.asp?
pa=52790971&pd=MOS0EMS120060909COL

(you may need to copy and paste the link into your web browser).

Visit the link and choose the "Join My Team" option to sign up for
the Big Crank team.  Our team code is: MOSBCYCO01

You do need to raise a minimum of $250 to participate in the event.
Most people can raise this small amount within a couple of days just
by emailing friends and family.

Accommodations:

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/MOS/event/event_page.asp?
p=13769&e=7945

(you may need to copy and paste the link into your web browser).

Transportation: It is encouraged that you try and car pool if
possible.  But Columbia is a very short drive.  BE SURE to come to
the August and September Crank shops so that you can talk with other
MS150 riders and coordinate shared transporation and/or
accommodations.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER joining Big Crank for yet another fun
and successful fund raising event.  I can't wait to see all of you
laying in the shade, eating ice cream at rest stop #5 while taking in
all the sites (including all the "tight security").

If you have any questions, feel free to email myself Don Griffith at
bigcrankdon@...

Join the team today.

TEAM WEBSITE: USE THE LINK BELOW TO JOIN THE BIG CRANK TEAM

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/MOS/personal/my_team.asp?
pa=52790971&pd=MOS0EMS120060909COL

(you may need to copy and paste the link into your web browser).

Visit the link and choose the "Join My Team" option to sign up for
the Big Crank team.  Our team code is: MOSBCYCO01

Hey, folks.

By request, here's the summary of Big Crank's performance at the Gay
Games:

Men's Criterium (licensed)

Jack Michael - Gold
Jay Hulsey - Bronze

Men's Individual Time Trial (licensed)

Jack Michael - Gold

Women's Road Race (unlicensed)

Joan Brackman - Bronze

Men's Road Race (licensed)

Jack Michael - Silver
Jay Hulsey - Bronze

Team Time Trial (licensed)

Don Griffith, Yuval Hets (Israel), Jay Hulsey, Jack Michael - Bronze

(for reference, we finished the team time trial 2 minutes behind
silver)

Counting the Team Time Trial as one medal, Big Crank earned

2 Gold
1 Silver
4 bronze

And they sounded awfully good clinking as we walked into Wrigley
Field!

Hey folks,

For all of you who ordered jerseys this time around, a BIG THANK YOU to
each of you for working with us to get the order placed so quickly!  I
just received word from Squarda, our jersey manufacturer, that our Big
Crank Cycling Jerseys are in the production queue and are currently
scheduled to ship out of California around August 18th!  This means we
should have them in St. Louis the following week, if all goes as
scheduled, and you will have your jersey in time to wear it in the MS150
Bike Tour coming up September 9-10th in Columbia, MO!  (More details on
the MS150 coming real soon, so stay tuned!

-David

The coverage of the gay games by Big Crank was fantastic, colorful, and heart
felt.  Thank
you for bringing me there from my really back seat here in St.Louis.  What a
thrill...and
congrats to our team and their medals.  David Meyerkord

Another perfect Chicago day greeted the athletes assembling for the
Gay Games Closing Ceremonies at Wrigley Field Saturday.  It was a
party atmosphere, with beachballs being batted around by athletes no
longer wearing local team identification.  Today the athletes gathered
as members of one very strong, elite, global team.

As the assembling athletes waited, members of Big Crank greeted now
old friends and made some new ones.  A group of South African women
soccer players led some of the athletes in a joyful local song/chant
and dance.  Members of Team Cologne, host city for Gay Games 8 in
2010,  made the rounds passing out cards reading "Will you be there?"

Big Crank members looked fierce in their black jerseys with hard
earned gold, silver and bronze medals jingling as they walked.  There
were offers - rebuffed - to buy the men's jerseys and attempts to
trade for them. The wait continued as Big Crank enjoyed the attention
their victories had won them and the anticipation of the beginning of
the Closing Ceremonies.

When that time came, the athletes entered the field from left and
right outfields at Wrigley, mixed.  Surrounding the outfield were the
placards the athletes had entered behind during closing ceremonies.
Alabama.  Zimbabwe.  New York.  Israel.  Germany.  The Netherlands.
Missouri.  This global team were reminded of the homes they would
return to while basking one last time in one another's company.

The athletes passed through an honor guard made up of members of the
Gay Games Mass Band.  They met at second base, now occupied by the
massive Gay Games torch, and split to head to their seats of honor to
watch the cermonies.

As with the Opening Ceremonies a week earlier, the program was a mix
of entertainment, politics and nearly religious ceremony.  The
National Anthem was sung by New York Lesbian punk band Betty.  Ari
Gold regaled the athletes with disco a la the White Party.  Comedian
Pully Champlin cracked wise.  Sharon McKnight, San Francisco cabaret
legend, crooned.  Billy Bean, former San Diego Padre and now out
advocate for GLBT inclusion in sports spoke and then introduced Leigh-
Ann Naidoo, South African Olympic volleyball team member and
competitor at the Gay Games.

Leigh-Ann connected the dots:  those assembled in Chicago represented
a privileged minority of GLBT people in the world.  Some of the GLBT
athletes NOT present with us in Chicago are absent because to attend
could mean deportation, exile, harassment, or death.  She encouraged
the athletes to remember that they played for those who couldn't and
to take the Gay Games flame home with them and continue to build this
olympic movement back home.

The DC Cowboys shook it up with a rousing and sexy line dance to two
popular country western songs.  A rifle core spun their guns to "Don't
Leave Me This Way".  There was belly dancing.  There were ballads.

One ballad began dramatically with a figure dressed as Abraham Lincoln
taking the stage playing a violin.  The melody was hauntingly familiar
and soon became recognizably "True Colors" and with that, Cindi Lauper
entered the field.  Wearing a long dress made from a rainbow flag, a
striking golden crown and a multi-colored torch - our own statue of
liberty, this icon sang for the assembled athletes, all now on their
feet.

After Lauper's amazing performance, Mayor Richard Daley again spoke,
thanking Team Chicago for all their hard work.  He announced the Games
officially closed and thus began the transfer of the Gay Games flag
from Chicago to Cologne.  The flag was passed from members of Team
Chicago to members of the Federation of Gay Games and then on to the
members of Team Cologne.  When the flag was completely in the hands of
Team Cologne, the torch was extinguished.  The Deputy Mayor of Cologne
then encouraged those present to attend and the games were over.

Only over in the most narrow sense, however.  The small victories won -
  on volleyball and basketball courts, flag football and soccer fields,
ice rinks and swimming pools, tennis courts and pool tables and
baseball diamonds and cycling courses - these small victories are part
of a larger victory.

That larger victory is carried back to points across the globe in the
hearts of those who stood and knew - knew - that Lauper's words,
ringing across two decades from memories of discos in New York and San
Francisco, ringing from small AM radios on the counter at a corner
store in Cape Town, playing in an elevator in London or appearing in
an underground dance mix at a club in Soviet Moscow  - that these
words were about them.

The reporter for Big Crank Internet News took a moment during Lauper's
performance to look into the stands and what he saw confirmed this.
Looking down at him were 12,000 joyful GLBT faces, united in one
rainbow nation, tears streaming as they understood, perhaps for the
first time, the meaning of what may have previously appeared to be
merely a pop song.

Big Crank coverage of the 7th Gay Games ends with this:

"But I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow."

Cologne or bust!

Gone was the rain and the cold and in its place were mild
temperatures and bright sunshine and dry roads.  Again the Gay Games
cyclists gathered - by Gay Games provided buses or their own cars -
to reclaim their bicycles from overnight security at the Palos
Forest Preserve.  Today would be the final event of Gay Games VII
for this group of GLBT cyclists.

In the time trial, teams of 3-5 riders were assembled to run the
same course as the Individual Time Trial from Wednesday's race.  In
a Team Time Trial, the team's finish time is recorded when the third
rider's front wheel crosses the finish line.  This means that the
entire team is invested in that third rider having the best time
possible.  How that rider performs determines how that team places.

These Games have been competitive.  They have been more
than "citizen's races" - they have been truly competitive
international races.  At the same time, bonds have been formed that
crossed borders - and racing categories.  In that spirit, Uval Hets
from Team Israel, a Category 2 racer and cycling coach (and software
engineer for an Insraeli bank and a member of Israeli Army special
forces reserves), decided to coach and join Big Crank Racing for
this important race.

Uval joined Don Griffith, Jack Michael and Jay Hulsey in another
strong field of competition.  Uval led the men in warmups and gave
them several important tips (accelerate out of turns, stay close,
don't save anything for the end because its a short race, go to the
bathroom before you ride) and then volunteered to pull the paceline
throughout the race.

The men attacked the course with Uval in the lead. The men rode
strong with Uval's expert coaching and encouragement, telling them
when to drink, to stay close, to keep quiet and to hurry up but also
telling them when they did a good job.

With the combined effects of Uval's strong leadership and the
strength and perserverance of the men of Big Crank, the team flew
across the finish line to cheers of fans from various cities they
had befriended during this important week.

Once the last riders crossed the line, the medal ceremony was
organized.  While they waited, these men and women, facing the end
of their amazing week of competition and community exchanged names
and numbers with those they had grown to love.  When the
announcement came, Big Crank had medaled again, claiming the
bronze.  Jay Hulsey placed his Team St. Louis hat on Uval's head and
the team held up the Israeli flag - perfectly reflecting what these
Games have been about:  victory among a field of tough competitors
whose identity is based not in conquest but in love.

Tomorrow:  The Games Come to a Close:  The Closing Ceremonies and
Final Reflections

On Thursday, the cyclists of the Gay Games gathered for the Road Race
on a cold and rainy morning.  Once again gathering in the Palos Forest
Preserve, the cyclists and support personnel were greeted by
thunderstorms, wet roads and mud.  The Games went ahead as scheduled,
however.

Mere rain does not cancel bicycle races, as the men of Big Crank
learned at the Tour of St. Louis in April.  During that competition,
the men discovered that "cold and wet" was not their favorite set of a
adjectives to describe bicycle racing, being unable to complete their
race.  This day would be different.

First off the start line was Big Crank Joan Brackman racing in the
unlicensed women's category.  On wet, debris strewn roads, Joan raced
strong along the two-lap, 18 mile course.  As the peloton approached
the starting line to continue on the second lap, Joan could easily be
identified in her striking black and red Big Crank jersey near the
front of a group of very strong women.

The race finished with Joan chasing Paulette, Big Crank's friend from
Fast and Fabulous in New York.  Paulette would eventually win the
silver medal in her age category for the race, meaning Joan was
chasing a very strong rider.  Chasing her right into claiming a Bronze
medal for her efforts.

The races continued with the licensed men racing last.  Don Griffith,
Jack Michael and Jay Hulsey took their places on a starting line that
again included Category 1 - 5 racers.  This meant, as in the Men's
licensed criterium on Monday, that the field broke into two pelotons
very early.

Once again, Big Crank took the lead in this second pack.  Jay Hulsey
pulled a large paceline for nearly half of the first lap, keeping
these riders strong for the second lap.  This proved to be a strategic
error, as the pack began to break up on a very tough hill near the
finish line.  Jay began to lose ground, but continued his chase until
he and Don Griffith formed their own team, pushing hard to rejoin the
second group.

Jack Michael, in the meantime, stayed strong working with men from all
over the country keeping the second pack chasing the leaders.  Jay and
Don continued to gain on this pack, eventually overtaking two riders
who had been dropped.

In the third and final lap of this 27 mile course, Jack Michael
continued to perform well near the lead of the second group, working
with a member of Team San Francisco to sprint to a strong finish ahead
of the rest of the second pack.

Continuing their chase, Jay and Don shortened the gap to the second
pack and increasing their lead over the riders they had overtaken
earlier.  Eventually, Jay pulled ahead through a hard curve and began
to sprint hard for the finish line.

Jack and Jay rejoined one another after Jay had finished, and waited
to cheer Don across the line.  First one, then another rider crossed,
including riders that Don had passed and was leading by a substantial
amount.  Eventually, after the race was closed, Don was brought back
to the finish by a support vehicle, having gotten a flat tire in the
last third of the final lap.

The riders gathered to await the results for the men's race.  As the
standings unfolded, Jack Michael claimed silver in a very tough
field.  Jay Hulsey, again stepped into his now comfortable Bronze
position.  And as the final results were announced, it became clear
the Don Griffith would have claimed a bronze of his own had his
innertube not flatted near the end of the race.

A good day for Big Crank's racing team:  a Gold, a Silver and two
Bronze.  The decision to modify the French revolution's motto to
include "velocite" (loosely:  speed) was a prediction, not a pun.

Go Big Crank!

Congratulations guys!  "Medals" again...???...

For those that are not French scholars, L'Acadamie
Francais provides the following translation:

Medaler - (to win a medal):

Je medal - I win a medal
tu medal - you win a medal
il medal - he wins a medal
elle medale - she wins a medal
nous medallons - we win a medal
vous medallez - you win a medal
Ils medallent - they (M) win a medal
elles medallent - they (F) win a medal


Later
Hugh


--- bigcrankcycling <bigcrankcycling@...> wrote:

> Hold on to your butts, folks, Big Crank has done it
> again.  More
> later, but today Big Crank racers netted another 4
> medals at Gay Games
> VIII.  Results from yesterday were posted late in
> the afternoon with
> Jack Michael claiming the gold medal for the men's
> time trial.  In
> subsequent medal ceremonies, Big Crank Joan Brackman
> earned a bronze
> in the women's road race.  In later races, Jack
> Michael claimed silver
> for today's road race while Jay Hulsey claimed
> another bronze for Big
> Crank.
>
> As of today, Big Crank Cycling has netted 2 Gold, 1
> Silver, and 3
> Bronze medals and tomorrow is another day.
>
> Full coverage of today's road race will follow.
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hold on to your butts, folks, Big Crank has done it again.  More
later, but today Big Crank racers netted another 4 medals at Gay Games
VIII.  Results from yesterday were posted late in the afternoon with
Jack Michael claiming the gold medal for the men's time trial.  In
subsequent medal ceremonies, Big Crank Joan Brackman earned a bronze
in the women's road race.  In later races, Jack Michael claimed silver
for today's road race while Jay Hulsey claimed another bronze for Big
Crank.

As of today, Big Crank Cycling has netted 2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3
Bronze medals and tomorrow is another day.

Full coverage of today's road race will follow.

Another beautiful day in Chicago set the stage for the days
Individual Time Trials.  Set in the Palos SAG Forest Preserve about
an hour south of Chicago, the time trial course was a challenging 11
miles on roads of varying condition and terrain.

About 180 men and women gathered in the Forest to wait their start
times, among them Jack Michael and Jay Hulsey from Big Crank
Cycling.  Again, the Gay Games organizers pulled out all the stops.
They managed to get the roads in the Forest Preserve closed for the
first time to accomodate the time trial (as well as the road race on
Thursday and the team time trial on Friday).  As with the crits on
Monday, Velo-Deli offered full breakfast and lunch services along
with tank loads of gatorade (an event sponsor) and water.

At 10am, to the sounds of classic rock blaring from the judges
stand, the riders lined up in order for their start time.  Each
rider began their race against the clock in 1 minute intervals for
the next 3 hours.

In a time trial, the goal is to go as fast as you can for the
duration.  The course was challenging.  The day was hot.  The sun
was bright and draining.  But whatever challenge the day may have
brought on the road or in the weather, the energy of the assembled
riders guaranteed another positive, collegial gathering of brothers
and sisters.

Big Crank appears to have performed well, though the team is left in
suspense until Thursday when the medal ceremony will be held.  With
180 riders competing in 6 different categories split up by gender
and age group, the judges have a long night ahead of them.  On
initial review, the men seem to have placed in the middle of their
respective age groups - another fine performance.  Only Thursday
will tell for sure whether more medals are in store.  The men
returned home pleased with their performance and excited for
tomorrow's results.

The Gay Games is an international sporting competition, to be sure.
However, with 12,000 GLBT participants and accompanying volunteers
and spectators joining the GLBT community already present in
Chicago, the Gay Games may represent - even if only for one week -
the largest concentration of GLBT people on the planet.  That global
community brings with it more than footballs and tennis rackets and
bicycles.  They also bring paint brushes and sheet music and
saxophones and dance steps.

Beyond the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the week is filled with
concerts and exhibits open to anyone who wants to see the artistic
work this community brings with it to Chicago.   On Monday morning,
members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performed at lunch
series downtown.  On Tuesday night, a mass Gay Games Orchestra
performed and on  Wednesday night a mass Gay Games choir did the
same.  The Mexican Museum featured a salute to the work of GLBT
Mexican's and the Latin American athletes present at the Gay Games.
And cultural venues throughout the city opened their doors at
reduced prices for Gay Games participants.

Big Crank racers found themselves with a day off on Tuesday.  With
grand plans laid out the night before, the racers discovered that a
slower day was a better option.  An early morning bike ride on the
beautiful, 60 mile Lakefront Trail led to laundry and lunch followed
by another ride to watch Gay Games Beach Volleyball.

Along the way, tennis matches were underway and signs of the Beach
Volleyball Finals stadium being set up could be seen as the men
stopped for a smoothie on the Beach.  The afternoon ended with a nap
on Chicago's Gay beach, meeting more men and women from around the
world and taking a well earned rest in the sun.

On Wednesday, the men will return from the individual time trial
competition and attend the mass choir performance. On Thursday, the
men will be joined by Big Crank Joan Brackman for the Road Race.
Initial plans are to take in some post race soccer matches as the
soccer competition enters the semi-final elimination phases.  But
here in Chicago, during this exciting time and with so many options,
knowing where the day may lead is proving to be a challenge for the
men and women of Big Crank.

I guess it'd be a lot easier to mail your checks if you know where to
send them, right?  Sorry, my bad.  I forgot to include this in the
previous e-mail.  Please make your checks payable to "Big Crank
Cycling", and mail them to our address at

Big Crank Cycling

4969 Oleatha Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63139



I guess it's time for another dose of Ginko Biloba.  It's supposed to be
good for ones memory....I keep forgetting to take them.



;-)

Howdy folks…Thanks to your prompt responses, we are now in the home stretch for this year's final round of jersey ordering. At this rate, I am optimistic that we will get our jerseys in time for the MS150!  There are only a few more steps.  First, be sure to stop by Hartford Coffee and try on our sample jerseys this Wed or Thursday evening so you get the most comfortable fit.  And, most important…when I place the jersey order Friday morning, I have to write a check to Squadra, our jersey manufacturer, for over $1,200.00 (50% deposit) to get them started on our order, so I need to receive your payment of $92.50 or a 50% deposit of $46.25 by this Friday.  If you've not already dropped a check in the mail, please do so today or bring it by Hartford Coffee Shop this Wednesday or Thursday evening, from 6-7PM when you stop by to try on the sample jerseys.  If you have any concerns, please give me a call as soon as possible at 314-479-8019. 

Thanks,

David Ridgeway

Big Crank Takes Gold and Bronze!

Despite dire predictions of an unbearable heat index, cyclists from
around the globe gathered in Sherman Park on the south side of
Chicago for a day of criterium racing.   Criterium racing is the
most popular form of bicycle racing in the United States.
Especially at the turn of the last century, it enjoyed a heyday of
sorts.  During that time, Sheridan Park was built and dedicated to
the popular sport.  Originally a cinder track, the park is now
beautifully landscaped with an attractive lake winding through
surrounded by weeping willows and tufts of cat tails.

In this historic venue, the Gay Games cyclists assembled for an
exciting day of criterium racing.  Crits at every level.  The spirit
was competitive to be sure, but also friendly and collegial.  These
men and women did not huddle in clumps of their own teammates but
reached out across borders and oceans and mountains to greet others
who shared their enthusiasm for the sport.

Big Crank Racing raced in the licensed races later in the morning.
After spending a few hours meeting members of Fast and Fabulous (New
York), Different Spokes San Francisco, Team Dallas, Team Israel (who
made a decision to round out the required fourth for our team time
trial on Friday of the Games), and others from around the globe,
Jack Michael and Jay Hulsey represented Big Crank on the starting
line.

The race was a challenge.  Because of the size of the field, the
judges had put category 5 racers (beginners like Jack and Jay) into
a race with category 4's and 3's.  This meant that the pace of the
race was set by more experienced riders than Big Crank.  The men
excelled, however.

In the first few laps of the race, Big Crank managed to stay in the
lead pack.  As the pace continued to pick up, the pack broke into
two groups.  Though no longer in the lead pack, Big Crank took the
lead of the second pack.  Working together, Jack and Jay
strategically held their position.

The race to cross the finish line in the lead of the second pack was
electric.  True sprint to the finish.  Jay Hulsey had been competing
with a fierce athlete from New York for much of the way and these
men swapped the lead for a good four laps.  In the end, Jay's
superior endurance (and perhaps determination) helped him sprint to
a fine finish at the lead of the second pack.

Overall, the news for Big Crank is phenomenal.  Jack and Jay
finished 6th and 8th overall in a field that included riders of
greatly superior experience.  But the Gay Games breaks athletes into
age groups for purposes of competition.  While Jay and Jack were in
the same race as Cat 3-5 racers of all ages, they were only judged
against other men in their age group.

  A 6th and 8th place finish is enough – phenomenal really for a new
team.  But in their age categories, Jay took Bronze and Jack took
Gold.  As of today, Big Crank Racing – and by extension each of its
members – holds a Bronze and Gold medal in criterium racing at the
Gay Games.

The sun was shining and the dire predictions led to nothing but
smiles and tears and excitement and new friends from around the
world.  Today Big Crank's motto was made a reality:  Egalite,
Fraternite, Velocite (Equality, Brother/sisterhood, Speed).  Hold on
to your butts, indeed!

Coming Soon:

Tomorrow:  There's more to the Gay Games than cycling – what the
boys are doing when they aren't racing.

Wednesday:  A Race Against the Clock – Big Crank at the Gay Games
Individual Time Trials.

Thursday:  The Big Road Race – "LeTour" de Gay Games

Friday:  Big Crank with Special Guest Star Team Israel at the Team
Time Trial.

Saturday:  The Games Close.

Gay Games VII Opens

Chicago - From 52 nations and every state in America, athletes
trickled and then poured onto the grounds surrounding Soldier Field
in Chicago on Saturday.  Chicago welcomed them with open arms: from
an army of smiling police officers protecting the GLBT olympians'
safety to crystal blue skies and a mild lakefront breeze the
assembling athletes gathered around the ballpark waiting for the
opening ceremonies of the Seventh Gay Games to begin.

Team St. Louis gathered first on the steps of the Field Museum,
enjoying Gatorade and Chicago Style hot dogs while they waited to
enter the holding area.  Among them were four members of Big Crank
Racing:  Don Griffith, Jack Michael, Jay Hulsey and Joan Brackman.
Also joining with Team St. Louis in the Missouri contingent was a
large group of men and women from Team Kansas City.  From cycling to
tennis to swimming, bowling, softball, rowing and track and field,
Missouri would be well represented.

While the teams assembled and waited for the opening ceremonies to
begin – for three hours (it takes time to assemble 12,000
participants) – members of Big Crank Racing met and mingled with
other Missourans as well as athletes from around the globe.  Pins
were traded.  Connections were made.  The world got a little bit
smaller and hope became less of an abstraction.  The sunny day
perfectly reflected the light of the warriors assembled on Lake
Michigan.

The athletes were led onto the field by Team San Francisco, the site
of the first Gay Games 21 years ago.  Team St. Louis ran onto the
field – smiling and waving - and took its position at the 50 yard
line and was followed by the remaining teams.  Host city Chicago
brought up the rear of the line, entering to a massive cheer from
the spectators and athletes alike.

Once on the field, the athletes took the athletes oath, promising to
compete fairly and with good sportsmanship.  The lights were
extinguished and the athletes lit flashlights they had been given –
forming a massive rainbow flag on Soldier Field.  A couple of
performances and greetings and the athletes were led off the field
to their seats.

Those assembled were entertained by a full program of entertainment
and education.  Musical performances by Billy Porter, Jody Watley,
Andy Bell, the Gay Games Marching Band and Gay Games Choir and
others filled out a program recounting our coming out stories.
Speeches by Mayor Richard Daley, George Takei, Keith Boykin and
Margaret Cho taught, inspired and entertained.  The Quilt was
displayed and memorials were sung.  Awards were given.

Comprising the bulk of the action on the field, a team of talented
dancers and gymnasts told our story and it is a story of victory.
The flame of the Gay Games torch, lit during these ceremonies, may
only burn for a week, but this movement – this Gay Olympics – will
carry that flame back with 12,000 athletes to points across the
globe.  Big Crank Cycling is present to witness and participate in
this important event in the life of our global community.

Hey gang!  Our first round of totally hot Big Crank Custom Cycling
Jerseys flew off the racks so fast, that we are going to place a
second order next week.  A notable in the St. Louis cycling
community was overhead to say   "These are the best looking jerseys
in St. Louis!"  Now that's really saying something!  If you've seen
the jersey, you'll know why.  If you've not seen the design yet, log
onto our website www.bigcrankcycling.com and go to the files
section.  Check out the Jersey Proof document, and see for
yourself!    Now, there is no guarantee here, but with a little luck
and some help from you so we can get the next order placed before
July 22, the next shipment of jerseys may arrive in time for the
MS150!

Here's the scoop!

Our jerseys are top quality Castelli garments, the same manufacturer
preferred by Big Shark's team!  I've worn a lot of different cycling
gear over the years and our Big Crank jersey is by far the most
comfortable I own!  No fooling!  Jersey's will cost $92.50 each.  If
you are a paid Big Crank Cycling member, then you will receive a
rebate for $30, bringing the cost for these amazing custom jerseys
down to an unbelievable $62.50!

This will be our last order for the year, so if you'd like to place
an order, here is what you need to do:

1.  Send an e-mail to David Ridgeway ASAP at DRidgeway@... and
let him know how many you'd like to order.  Deadline to request a
jersey is July 17th.

2.  Coordinate a time with David to try on a sample jersey so you
can select the size that is most comfortable for you.  We have both
Men's and Women's cuts in all sizes.  Call David at 314-479-8019 to
arrange a time to try on the samples.

3.  Write a check payable to Big Crank Cycling for $92.50, or, if
you prefer, you can pay half ($46.25) now, and the other half when
they arrive.  Full payment or deposit must be received no later than
July 22nd.

4.  Mail your check to:

Big Crank Cycling

4969 Oleatha Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63139

That's all there is to it.  The jerseys take approximately 6 weeks
to be produced, and we'll notify you when they arrive in St. Louis
so you can make arrangements to pick up your very own BIG CRANK
CYCLING CUSTOM JERSEY!


Remember, this is the last order of the year, and the deadline to
request a jersey is July 17th.


  Don't delay, order today!


If you have any questions, give David Ridgeway a call at 314-479-
8019.

Hey, all.

Nothing bad here...but yahoo groups have a coupla irritating
quirks.  Which is why we will eventually be migrating to our own
website.  But in the interim, here's the scoop on posting to the
group...

1.  When you post to the group, either by hitting post from within
the group or sending a note to "bigcrankcycling@yahooGROUPS.com",
that message will be distributed to all 150 some odd members.

2.  If you really are just trying to email the group leadership, you
should send an email to "bigcrankcycling@..." (no GROUPS).  Or
you can just email us individually.

3.  When you receive email from the yahoo group (identifiable
because it comes from "bigcrankcycling@yahooGROUPS.com"), don't hit
the reply button in that message unless you really want your
response to go to every member on the distribution list.  This can
be especially problematic if, say, Jay posts something on the group
and then you reply to the mass mail saying something complimentary
about Jay's, um, bike.  That reply then goes to the whole email
distribution list and everyone knows how you feel about Jay's bike.
THAT would be embarassing if it was about something more personal.

4.  Of course, if there is a post on the group that requires a mass
correction or addition of information, hit reply and send away.  The
yahoo group will get it out to everyone.

5.  If you get an email from the group and you have something to say
about it but not for public dissemination, then you can hit reply,
but you need to substitute the real recipients email address for
the "bigcrankcycling@yahooGROUPS.com" email addy that will be
there.  OR to be safest, just start from scratch from your own email
program.

Again.  None of this is a problem.  Some mass posts and mass replies
are going to be exactly what we want.  Some will just be embarassing
mistakes that will cause us all to chuckle.  But wanted to make sure
you know what the group mail dynamic was to avoid that potential
embarassment.

If you have any questions, give Jay Hulsey a call at 314-600-8150.
Besides having a nice bike, he also knows how these weird yahoo
groups work pretty well.

Big Crank Cycling

Hey, Big Cranks.

There is a video of your club in last week's Pride Parade.  The link
is below.  To view it either click the link (if its active)(it will be
blue) or copy the link and paste it into your browser's address bar
then press go.

A big thank you to Big Crank yahoo group member Stevie
(peludo63@...) for compiling and editing the clip.

Thanks, Stevie!

Big Crank Cycling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zg58Ju7pHI

Check out a few pictures of us in the Pride Parade at
gaystlouis.com (link below).

http://gaystlouis.com/pics=5


(You may have to copy and paste the link, I can't make
it go "hot"!)

Hugh

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hey, Big Cranks!

We're pleased to announce the addition of our newest corporate
sponsor:  The Vital Voice.  Of course, they need no introduction,
but for the sake of completeness, the Vital Voice is the St. Louis
area's GLBT newspaper.  Published every two weeks, the Vital Voice
covers local and national news of interest to the GLBT community.
As St. Louis premier GLBT media outlet, they are a good match for
St. Louis' premier GLBT cycling club!

The Vital Voice joins our cadre of other sponsors:  4SignsNow,
Archway Title, Big Shark Bicycle Company, Hartford Coffee Company,
Amy Doll @ Loanscapes,Pride Mortgage, Pulaski Bank,and TFA (The
Future Antiques.)

These folks make Big Crank possible.  Be sure you patronize them -
and tell them why you're there!

Again..welcome to The Vital Voice.  We are all excited about this
new relationship!

Big Crank Cycling

Hi, friends.

More "netiquette"...this time relating to Big Crank Cycling yahoo
group content and boundaries.

1.  Big Crank Cycling only takes responsibility for the contents of
the club yahoo group and anything found at our domain
(www.bigcrankcycling.com).  When visiting our group, if you click on
a member's profile, you leave "our" space and are outside of our
realm of control.  We are not responsible for anything you might
find when you leave the safety of our yahoo group.  :)

2.  Any member of the Big Crank Cycling yahoo group may post files,
photos, messages, and links without restrictions.  However, those
posts must relate to Big Crank Cycling or be about something of
CYCLING interest to Big Crank members.  While your nephew's bar
mitzvah was no doubt magnificent, the picture of him reciting torah
will be deleted.  Just as quickly as nude shots of Dolly Parton
sunbathing.

Now if its a nude shot of Dolly Parton riding a bicycle at your
nephew's bar mitvah...well, when in doubt send the photo to a club
officer before you post it.

See you at tonight's Crankshop!

Big Crank Cycling

Hey, Big Cranks!

This is just a reminder about how the Big Crank yahoo group
email "behaves".  If you receive an email
from "bigcrankcycling@yahoogroups.com", that's a broadcast message
through the yahoo group.  What that means?  If you hit the reply
button on one of those messages, it will post as a broadcast
message....which means that your reply will go to all 80 Big Crank
Cycling yahoo group members.

This is sometimes appropriate....like if you need to issue a
correction to information contained in the original message that the
whole group needs to hear.  But sometimes, it can just be
embarassing.  AND...when you reply in that way, whatever email address
you are working from winds up "published" in 80 inboxes.  And if your
dialog partner responds in kind, his/her reponse will be posted to the
yahoo group as well.  Broadcasting your conversation to lots of
folks.  Unless you want to be on reality TV, that's probably not
something you you're lookin for.

Its not a big deal to us.  If it happens, it happens.  But to avoid
sending personal responses that everyone else is going to read or
divulging personal information in a public forum, follow these simple
rules when dealing with Big Crank Cycling correspondence:

1.  Check the email address before you do anything.  If it
says "@yahooGROUPS.com", its a broadcast message.  If it
says "@yahoo.com", its not.

2.  You can reply to either, but if you reply to "@yahooGROUPS.com",
it will post to the yahoo group and go to everyone.

3.  If you receive a note from "@yahooGROUPS.com" and want to reply to
it, create a new email message and enter "bigcrankcycling@..."
in the "To" field.  This will go the club officers, not the group
distribution list.

Again.  No offense taken if it happens.  This is just a courtesy
reminder about how to use the list-serv features of the yahoo group.
If you have any questions, shoot us an email (yes...a test.  :)  )

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Big Crank Cycling