Two wonderful opportunities availed themselves to the Timex Multisport Team the past 3 days.  Both were associated with the Grand Opening of Wheat Ridge Cyclery’s (WRC) new Multisport Department.

First, a word about WRC.  The Manager and Co-Owner of this huge store is none other than former Team 7-11 rider and 1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Ron Kiefel.  It was an honor to meet Ron, and see some of his memorabilia, including bikes he had ridden in some of the Classics back in the day.

The big Grand Opening Event featured 2X Ironman World Champion, Craig Alexander, and I had the opportunity to be the MC for the evening.  The event drew close to 150 people to the store, where they had a chance to listen to a little “discussion” between Craig and I, followed by a Q & A, and then pictures and autographs with the Champion.  “Crowie” (Craig’s popular nickname) is simply one classy, soft-spoken, and thoughtful individual.  We talked about family (he and Neri have 2 young children), nutrition, watts in Kona (279-281 average typically … for 112 miles), and his thoughts on Macca (“I let my racing do the talking”).  It was simply a wonderful evening.

In addition to Crowie’s appearance, many great companies had tables and displays set up, including some of our favorites: Timex (of course), Orbea, Aqua Sphere, and Shimano.  We also had the amazing Timex Multisport Team’s Ford Flex on hand.  Everywhere it goes, it grabs attention.  All and all, a great evening!

Next up: Saturday morning found five members of the Timex Multisport Team making their way to WRC to do a group ride, mainly with Team Transplant, an organization of folks helping those in need of – or who have had – organ transplants.  One of the riders who joined us has had a double lung transplant – and, he was awesome in the ride!  Trista Francis, Tim Hola, Erin Kummer, Brian Schaning and I spent the morning talking cycling, the new Timex Global Trainer (soon-to-be-released), and showed off our Ford Flex team vehicles.  We even did a demonstration of its incredible hands-free parallel parking, which drew lots of amazement from the crowd.  Once again, another fun and energetic day on the road with Team Timex.

Big thanks to the wonderful folks at Wheat Ridge Cyclery, which is located a few miles west of Denver, east of Golden, and 30 minutes from Boulder.  We know their new Multisport Department will do great!  Also, big thanks to my teammates – Brian, Erin, Tim, and Trista – for taking a precious Saturday morning out of their normal training schedule to be with all of these wonderful folks.

have fun out there … and be safe!  barry.

Q & A Discussion

Craig With Aspiring Triathletes

Saturday Morning Group Ride