Trivia Night ~ March 1st

Just a reminder to everyone about our upcoming trivia night! We have picked a date, so mark your calanders for Satruday March 1st and it will be right here at Ghisallo. Everyone is welcome so gather up the smartest friends, neighbors, second cousins etc. that you have. We are having tables of eight at $150 a table. (Tables are limited so its never to early to call and reserve yours! 636-273-1511) In case you didn't know (or forgot) the trivia night is to raise money for the Corky Miller Aspiring Athlete Fund. This fund is in place to help swimmers, runners, cyclists, and triathletes cover race fees or other costs that come along with their sport of choice. The fund is available for anyone of the following:
-Runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes of all ages
-Have a need that is preventing them from reaching their fullest potential.
-Is participating in a charity event
Anyone intested in benefiting from the fund can apply and their application will be reviewed by the Ghisallo Board.
The trivia night is going to be our big kick off for the fund and it is going to be lots of fun! What a good reason to spend a little time with some of your favorite people on a Saturday night.

Stuff Your Bag Sale! December 29, 2007

Attention clothing sale shoppers! Here is your chance to go stark, raving mad. We're going to have a "Stuff Your Bag Sale". What is that, you say?We have two different sized bags. The small one costs $99, the big one costs $249. We have racks of sale clothing to choose from. You take your bag, and stuff it as tightly as you can (without ripping it!!) and the stuff is yours. Each bag can take a LOT of stuff, obviously worth a LOT more than the initial investment.
Bag sizes: the small $99 bag is 4 x 10.5 x 8. the larger $249 bag is 12 x 6 x 15.5. (hint...the larger bag can fit a few jackets...)
Word on the streets...over $300 of clothing can fit in the SMALL bag. If we sell very many large bags, we may be out of sale clothing pretty fast!

What an awesome Christmas Present!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful Ghisallo members. Thanks for making this an awesome year. We look forward to an awesome 2008, filled with health, wellness and lots of fitness (bike riding, running and swimming).

Our Friends and Supporters

photo compliments from YOURBIKESUCKS.COM

Dan Schmatz, my husband's long time friend, who you may have seen hanging out at our store and his wife Myriam, who has joined us on our morning rides are starting a whole new adventure. Dan has retired from professional bike racing and is looking forward to his new roles as a Project Manager for THF, Director for a new THF (Ghisallo) national team and most importantly a new father. To learn more about his adventures check out this article from VELONEWS.COM

Wednesday Morning Ride.......

is cancelled due to weather conditons. I will go out incold but not cold and rain and chance of ice. Tried that already and only made it 15 miles. We will have the indoor training ride as your alternative. Jillian Petersen will be leading this group every Wednesday for the month of December. The training classes are now free for Ghisallo Members. Make saure you thank your President for making that happen, even if she can't join us:(
Who is Jillian? check out her website:http://jillianpetersen.com/

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT DIANE BAIN

Hi Cycling Club Members,
We had our first officer meeting last night and discussed the direction for our club in 2008. We are in the very beginning stages of development, but we are off to a great start! Topics included membership, events, activities, and our responsibilities to our community.
Many of you know that THF Realty is sponsoring the Cycling Club so that we can encourage and promote a cycling community. We brainstormed ideas for events and activities for our members as well as the public. Our goal is to empower people to live healty lifestyles by creating awareness of good nutrition and fun exercise, such as biking in group rides with cool cyclists!!
Membership for the club has changed. We will be consistant with Ghisallo Racing, Ghisallo Triathlon, and Ghisallo Running and implement a $75 first-time member fee with a $25 yearly renewal. "How will that benefit me," you ask??? First of all, the jersey you ordered and are expecting in February or March will be no charge. Here's the breakdown: $55 of your membership fee goes toward your jersey and the remaining $20 will go toward club events/activities for 2008. You will also receive a 20% discount instead of 10% discount on any purchases in the store (except for bikes). Buying cold gear just became a little more affordable!! Also, as a member, you have access to free unlimited indoor cycling in the winter months. So far, cycling with trainers inside the store is offered Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30am. More sessions may be added in the near future.
If this information interests you and you would like to become an official member please try to get your 2008 membership dues in before the 1st of the year. You can drop off your dues to the store or mail them to:
Ghisallo Sports Attn: Mary Klauke 161 Long Road, Suite 103 Chesterfield, MO 63005
Please make your check out to Ghisallo Racing.
We are looking forward to a great year with our newly formed club! Please email me with any questions/suggestions. All of the officers would love to hear from you. To make this an effective, successful and fun year, we'll need everyone's ideas, help and time.
Thank you,
Diane Bain Ghisallo Club President

Lime Raffle

It's time for a Christmas raffle, one that can benefit so many people at one time.
Purchase a $5 raffle entry at Ghisallo Sports for a chance to win a 2007 Trek Lime Lite (men or women's, winners choice!) and ALL PROCEEDS will go to Backstoppers, the organization that helps families of fallen police officers, fire fighters, and publicly funded EMT's.
No strings attached, just a chance to help others, win a bike for a great holiday gift, and have some fun.
The drawing will be held on Saturday, December 22nd, the Saturday before Christmas....just in time to get that Lime Lite under the tree.
http://www.backstoppers.org/

AWESOME!

I have been riding the trainer for the past week, due to weather. BORING! The only thing that gets me through is watching the video of Lance Armstrong and Jan Ulrich battle it out in the mountain stage of the 2001 Tour de France. TODAY was completely different! I brought the trainer to Ghisallo for the Monday indoor trainng classes with Julie Harbor. It was so much fun! What a great workout. I could feel myself getting stronger and faster. If it's rainy or too cold there should be no excuse, come join us Monday and Wednesday for some awesome workouts. When spring time comes, drop all those who haven't been training.

Would you rather be at home doing this:

or with us doing this:

Bored of of Riding the Trainer?

No one really likes to ride the trainer indoors by themselves. That's why spinning classes were invented. However, now you can get a great workout on your bike you love so much indoors with the people you love to ride with. Thanks to Julie Harbor, Certified Spinning Instructor and Triathlete and Jillian Petersen, Pro Triathlete who will be leading our Indoor Training sessions at 8:30am Monday and Wednesday mornings starting December 10th . Each session is $5 for Team and Club members, $7 for non members. You may buy 5 ssesions at one time and get your 6th session free. Our Group Rides on Monday and Wednesdays are still available. These are just options if the weather is too bad or you just don't like to ride in the cold.

Cross Training Anyone?

Starting December 19th at 5:30pm, Anthony is starting a 5 mile group run. So if the cold has you thinking twice about getting out on the bike, running isn't nearly as bad in the cold weather. It's great crosstraining. If you're feeling frisky or need motivation at 5:30pm on Wednesday evening head up to Ghisallo Sports with your running shoes for a moderate 5 mile run down Edsion to the airport and back.

If you happen to need a new pair of runnig shoes to join in this run, I know these guys in University City that are experts in finding the right shoe for you. It's this cute little store called Ghisallo Running. Go see Jason, Jim , Doug or Bruce and they will be sure to take good care of you. The drive is worth it.

2008 Club Officers

President: Diane Bain
Secretary: Olivia Bleitz
Treasurer: Mary Klauke
Event Coordinators: Becky Paese and Chris Valenta
Group Leaders:
Monday: Diane Bain and Cristal Santiago
Wednesday: Deanna Kakouris and Megan Porporis
Saturday: Shawn O'neal
Sunday Mountain Bike: Drew Whitehall aka "Sparky"

Please be sure to thank your officers next time you see them for volunteering to make this such a great club.

Corky Miller Aspiring Athlete Fund

So pretty much everyone knows that we are raising money to send Jillian to Israel right? Well Deanna and I were talking one day about getting money for Jillian together and I thought: hey why not have a constant fund for athletes in need to draw from? So after some brain storming for the perfect name the "Corky Miller Aspiring Athlete Fund" was born. I thought what better person to name the fund after then Corky, he has given so much to the store and he will personally match all money raised and give it to the fund! So what is the purpose you ask? The idea is athletes that are in need can apply for money from our Corky fund through an application process. Then money is given to athletes with the amount depending on their need. As of right now we are limiting it to cyclists, runners, swimmers, and triathletes. I am going to put together a brochure so that everyone can be well informed on all the details. Okay so here is where you guys come in. This February we are going to be putting together the first annual trivia night with all proceeds to go directly to the Corky fund. I need every ones help. I am going to ask club members to think about getting groups of eight together to play trivia, and if you don't want to play that night then you are more then welcome to volunteer, every little bit helps and we appreciate anything you want to or are willing to do. Also I wanted to ask club members to put together baskets for our silent auction. The baskets can have anything in them, be creative and have fun with it! I haven't picked a specific date as of yet but plan on mid to late February, on a Saturday night right here at the store. So please let me know your input and post comments, questions, and ideas. After all many brains work better then just one. I think that this is a good opportunity for our store and our club to give to the community that supports us.

Mountain Biking Anyone?

Sunday the 25th, at Castlewood Sparky the mechanic will be having a no drop ride around the trails. Ride starts at noon at the main parking lot (playground). Come on out, bring a friend, have some fun, get you and your bike dirty like they should be.

Thank you for your support!

Our sale Friday was a huge succes and I personally wanted to thank all of "you" our club members for coming out to support us as well as telling all of your friends. We moved a huge amount of inventory, which allows me to bring in more of a variety for you to choose from this spring. So, thank you very much we loved seeing everyone that came out.

Cranksgiving Ride!!!

A small group is now forming for a 9:00am rollout Friday (that would be the day after Thanksgiving) from the Ghisallo shop. It's an open call to anyone who wants to work off some of momma's turkey & pie.....Course will include the traditional six flags loop and return home, should be @30miles at an alarmingly slow, nice, easy conversation pace-- Feel free to pass on the invite, the bigger the better! Happy Thanksgiving, we'll C U Friday.......Aron Rauls

Training with Chris Carmichael

Hey there everyone hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather we've had lately. I was looking through several internet sites that I thought might give you helpful training tips. I came across this link http://www.mastertheshift.com/#/expert_advice/carmichael/watch. It's actual video on proper pedal stroke, proper fit, desecending, passing and even has a training plan to complete a century. I thought that some of you migth enjoy it. Check it out and let me know what you think.

The day after Thanksgiving!

Come by Ghisallo form 8-10am for Coffee and Pastries. Oh yeah, We are also going to have a huge Blowout Sale. Between 8-10am, No Earlier, No Later. You will receive 40% Off all Life is Good, Prana, Pearl Izumi and Under Armour. Their will huge savings on select bikes as well. Need and child trailer? How about a Giro Atmos? Camel Back? Nows the time, those will be on sale as well. These savings will only last two hours. No other discounts will be applied. We hope to see you all there!

Thank you Shawn O'neal!

Shawn has volunteered to lead the club ride on Saturday mornings at 7:35am. His only requirement is come spring he would like more serious athletes to join him at 5:45am to ride hard and then he will do his cool down ride leading the club ride. I would like one more volunteer for this ride if possible. Two leaders for group rides ensures no one is left behind.

Club Officers Needed!

The Ghisallo Cycling Club is looking for a few good men and women that would like to volunteer to be club officers for 2008. The positions I am looking for are as follows:
President, Treasurer, Secretary, Event Coordinator and Group Ride Leaders.

We already have group ride leaders for the Monday morning intermediate ride, Diane Bain and Cristal Santiago or sometimes their husbands Rick and Ruben step in. The Wednesday morning ride has be lead by myself and Megan Porporis. I am still looking for two people who will co-lead a Saturday morning ride @ 7:30am to split our large group size in half. The race team has always lead this ride and sometimes it can be intimidating to some riders. We would like to have two different routes for this ride, but still have everyone meet up at the same time to get to know each other.

Please contact Deanna or post a comment on this blog if you are interested.

Thank you!

THF REALITY......

helps promote cyling in West County. THF has always sponsored cycling and bike racing over the years and continues to do so by now sponsoring the Ghisallo Cycling Club. Dan Schmatz and Mike Steinberg, thank you for your very generous contribution to our Cycling Club. We will work very hard in promoting a healthy lifestyle through cycling.

Club Jerseys and Shorts Reminder!

If you have not put in your size order for jersey and or shorts, please do so asap. I need to put the order in to Hincapie in 2 more days. If I do not have your size by Friday I will have to guess. Jersey and shorts will be available in February for pick up and purchase. This is only one of two comittment the club asks of you. If you have any questions please feel free to post a comment. as I try to check throughout the day. Thank You. -Deanna

ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAINING.......

HEART RATE TRAINING FOR CYCLISTS AND TRIATHLETES
WHEN: Sunday, Dec 2nd 1 – 4pm
WHERE: Ghisallo, 161 Long Road, Chesterfield, MO
COST: $25 Ghisallo Racing Team & Cycling Club Members.$40 Non members
BRING: Bike, trainer*, heart rate monitor*, cycling apparel, towel, water and snacks.
CLASS LIMIT: 10
CLASS COMPRISES:· Sub Max Heart Rate Testing, to determine your maximum heart rate.· Setting your heart rate training zones and how to use them to improve your cycling performance.· Fitness testing and benchmarking. A series of on bike tests will indicate your current fitness level and teach you how to monitor fitness progression as you train.· Take home information and references to help you plan and monitor your future training.
The class is taught by Margaret Kelly, Level III Heart Zones Cycling Instructor, specializing in heart rate monitor training.
Email her at trainwithmargaret@charter.net if you have any questions.
Reserve your place by contacting Deanna at Ghisallo Sports.Tel: 636 728 1511 or email deanna@ghisallosports.com
*A limited number of heart rate monitors and trainers are available for loan. Please indicate that you will need one at the time of reservation

Chili Cook Off

Thanks you to all that were able to come to our 1st annually Chili Cook Off.




It was a huge success and we have some pretty awesome chili recepies in the group. However Shawn O'neal's chili was the one that stood on top. He took home the autographed BMC jersey for the best chili award. Congrats, Shawn.



Other than chili we were given information form our Craft Representative on cold weather layering. Very beneficial to all in the room. If you like to learn some of his tips, just stop by the store and we'll be happy to share them with you.


Stay tuned to your Ghisallo Cycling Blog for the lastest information.........

Dress Right for Cool Weather Riding

Dress Right for Cool Weather Riding
From David Fiedler,Your Guide to Bicycling.
Cool weather conditions can offer some of the best riding you’ll find. The scenery is good with changing colors and bugs are not a problem. You can go at it hard if you want for longer periods of time and not worry about getting overheated. But, for maximum comfort and personal safety, not to mention to provide your body with the ideal conditions for best performance, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather.


To read the rest of this article please check out this website. http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/cool_weather.htm, to

Thanks for the great article Daivd it's very helpful.

Hincapie Comes to Ghisallo for the Winter.

Featured Product


Hincapie Women's Ragazza Long Sleeve Jersey (SRP $139.99) The new Hincapie Ragazza long sleeve jersey was designed on Hincapie's proven women's specific pattern to meet the unique needs of women athletes. Known for its soft, supple feel, Vuelta fabric combines the warmth of QuadroHot with the 4-way stretch characteristics of Lycra to help provide a sleek and contoured fit. Panels of plush moisture-wicking polyester fleece are sewn together with the comfortable Vuelta material using flat-lock cover- stitching to improve comfort and durability. Details like zippered sleeve cuffs and a zip-close rear pocket make the distinctive Hincapie Ragazza long sleeve jersey a great addition to any women's wardrobe. The Ragazza comes in blue and pink.
View Product at hincapiesports.com

Featured Product


Hincapie Men's Verona Long Sleeve Jersey (SRP $139.99)
Hincapie's new Verona long sleeve jersey combines the warmth of QuadroHot with the 4-way stretch characteristics of Lycra. Known for its soft, supple feel, Vuelta fabric is used in the shoulders and sleeves to help provide a sleek and contoured fit. Panels of plush moisture-wicking polyester fleece are sewn together with the comfortable new Vuelta material using flat- lock cover-stitching to improve comfort and durability. Two innovative, diagonal access rear pockets make getting to stowed gear easier than ever before. A zippered security pocket secures your valuables, while the high storm collar, elastic cuffs and Hincapie Gel- Gripper waist help seal out the elements. The superior comfort and style offered by the new Verona long sleeve jersey make it an excellent choice for medium to cool conditions. The Verona comes in red, gray and yellow.

Girls Night Out Success

Thank you to all who attended our first annual Girls Night Out. It was so good to see so many of our loyal customers and club members as well as so many new faces. I hope you all had fun while learning more about women's specific fit and basic bike maintenance. I especially want to thank Ross Rushin for putting on such a fun and informative presentation. I know how to change a flat, but definately not as graceful as you. Your tips on staying clean while changing a flat were awesome.The Women's Trek Madone and Lemond Zurich Ross Brought to show are absolutely beautiful bikes. I'm excited to ride both later today at the Trek Demos Days. Saturday and Sunday you too can test ride some really sweet bikes at Castlewood State Park from 10-3pm. Make sure you say Hi, to Ross and Jeff if you go.

If forward to hosting more events like this in the future. If you have any ideas about clinics and other get togethers please post comment to let me know.
Thanks,Deanna Kakouris

Order your club jersey today..

or tomorrow, just don't wait until November 15th, because that is the cut off to place the order. Remember the requirements to join the club is, sign up, join us on rides, participate in events, purchase a Ghisallo Club jersey and volunteer at least once per year. Hincapie Sports is offering custom shop jerseys for $45 and shorts for $55. What a great deal! Please email your sizes to deanna@ghisallosports.com asap. If you do not want shorts and just the jersey that is fine (not a requirement for the club), but we will need 30 orders for shorts to get this price. Since we have 34 club members I'm not worried about the jerseys. The sooner I can get this together the better. We can expect to get the clothing the end of February, just in time for the spring cycling season and more fun rides.

Rules of the Road

Wear a Helmet. Bicyclist and bicycle passengers under 18 years old are required to wear helmets meeting specified standards. Everyone riding a bike should wear a helmet.
Always ride with traffic. This is the law.Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Also you can endanger an oncoming bicyclist.
Observe stop signs, signals and basic right-of-way-rules.Bicycle riders on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Cyclists are part of the normal traffic flow and are entitled to share the road with other drivers. Like drivers, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.Bicyclists should normally ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical. Never ride on the sidewalk, unless it is specifically marked as a bike route.
Keep clear of the door zone.Try to ride a door’s width away from parked cars. If you have to ride in the door zone, ride very slowly. You have the right to ride in a traffic lane if it is too narrow to share with a car.
Use hand signals.Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signalling is a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.
All required signals are given as follows:a) Left turn: left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle;b) Right turn: two signalling methods exist, including left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bicycle, or right hand and arm extended horizontally. While signaling with the right hand is more widely understood, braking may be more difficult with this method.c) Stop or sudden decrease of speed: left hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the bicycle.
Keep both hands ready to brake.You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain and heavy fog, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
If you are a bicyclist carrying a package or bundle, you must keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
Ride a well equipped bike.Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. For safety and efficiency, outfit it with a bell, rear-view mirror, rack or basket, lights and reflector. Carry a water bottle, bike pump and patch kit. Wear a helmet.
Bicycling at nightBicycles operated on highways during darkness are required to be equipped with the following:
a white light that illuminates the highway and is visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and sides of the bicycle. A red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle and visible from 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle
a white or yellow reflector mounted on each pedal visible 200 feet to the front and rear of the bicycle, a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle. Bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and rear need not be equipped with side reflectors. All reflectors and reflectorized tires must meet DMV requirements.
Don’t weave between parked cars.Don’t ride out to the curb between parked cars, unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.
Follow lane markings.Cyclists make left and right turns in the same way that drivers do, using the same turn lanes.
A cyclist turning left should use a left-turn lane.
A cyclist traveling straight ahead should use a through traffic lane rather than ride next to the curb and block traffic making right turns.
Don’t turn left from the right lane.
Choose the best way to turn left.There are two ways to make a left turn:
Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane, and turn left.
Like a pedestrian. If you are within a designated crosswalk, dismount and walk your bike across.
Passing on the right; Be careful. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.Passing on the Left Cyclists can legally move left to turn left, to pass a parked or moving vehicle or another bicycle, or to make a turn, avoid debris, an animal, or other hazards. Cyclists may ride near the left curb or edge of a one-way street.
Look before you pass or merge.Some riders also use rear-view mirrors. Leave 3-4 feet when passing a motor vehicle or another bicyclist. Give a clear warning Make eye contact. Assume drivers don’t see you even when you may be certain they do.
In front, or far behind, not beside! To insure drivers of large vehicles (trucks, buses, and motor homes) can see you, stay out of their blind spots. Never pass on the right side. Ride far enough behind for the driver to see you, and at least 4 feet from the sides so you can’t fall under a large vehicle.
Avoid road hazards.Watch out for streetcar and railroad tracks. Cross them perpendicularly. Avoid parallel-slat sewer grates, utility covers, painted and/or oily pavement, gravel, and pot-holes. These are all more hazardous when wet.
DON'T wear headphones. DO pull over if you need to use your cellphone.

Heart Rate Training for Cyclists and Triathletes

HEART RATE TRAINING FOR CYCLISTS AND TRIATHLETES

WHEN: Sunday, Dec 2nd 1 – 4pm
WHERE: Ghisallo, 161 Long Road, Chesterfield, MO
COST: $25 Ghisallo Racing Team & Cycling Club Members.
$40 Non members
BRING: Bike, trainer*, heart rate monitor*, cycling apparel, towel, water
and snacks.
CLASS LIMIT: 10

CLASS COMPRISES:
· Sub Max Heart Rate Testing, to determine your maximum heart rate.
· Setting your heart rate training zones and how to use them to improve your cycling performance.
· Fitness testing and benchmarking. A series of on bike tests will indicate your current fitness level and teach you how to monitor fitness progression as you train.
· Take home information and references to help you plan and monitor your future training.
The class is taught by Margaret Kelly, Level III Heart Zones Cycling Instructor, specializing in heart rate monitor training.
Email her at trainwithmargaret@charter.net if you have any questions.

Reserve your place by contacting Deanna at Ghisallo Sports.
Tel: 636 728 1511 or email deanna@ghisallosports.com

*A limited number of heart rate monitors and trainers are available for loan. Please indicate that you will need one at the time of reservation

Girls Night Out

Just a Reminder!

Wine and Cheese Night
Thursday
November 8th 2007
7-9pm

WOMEN’S BIKE CLINIC
Hosted by: Ghisallo Sports

Presented by:

Ross Rushin
Trek

Learn basic bike maintenance,
women’s specific design fit and proper cycling apparel.

We look forward to an informative and fun evening!

Reservations are necessary, so call to save your spot today!


Call Deanna Kakouris
Ghisallo Sports636-728-1511