We noticed the Rouge Roubaix event in Louisiana, the Revbox trainer on Kickstarter, the Fearless FUNdo for Team Marsh fundraiser, the GearGeekBox monthly delivery, a Ferrari versus bicycle drag race challenge and more.
2015 Rouge Roubaix
We have many options of races around us, but very few that are truly unique and challenging. The Rouge Roubaix is one of these rare unique one. 103 miles of gravel, asphalt, dirt and a true variety of roads attract now folks from all over the country to measure their mettle and early season fitness. The 2015 event just took place this past weekend with a start in St. Francisville, LA and our man Lars Finanger was there and captured the video below. Bib #4 is Big Sexy Chris McDonald (in black/pink kit) and bib #1 is Heath Blackgrove - a Kiwi pro cyclist who resides in Austin. Finanger was especially impressed with Jacob Waters (bib #440) the first amputee ever to complete Rouge Roubaix. "The 14 year-old had a prosthetic left leg and was riding well, pulling our group along the final 10km and opened up a can of whoop ass on the final run in to the finish. It made for a cool ending to a fun day in the saddle," said Finanger.
As you can see below, good times for all in this clever and unique Louisiana / Mississippi cycling event. Other events to consider along those lines are Barry Roubaix in Hastings, MI on March 28th (62 miles), Rasputitsa in East Burke, VT on April 11 (45 miles), Belgian Waffle Ride in San Marcos, CA on April 26th (135 miles or 67 miles Wafer option) and the Dirty 40 in Derby, VT on September 5th (70 miles). Registration for Barry Roubaix coincidentally closes tonight.
Revbox trainer on Kickstarter
With roots in Germany, UK and New Zealand, the Revbox is a stationary bike trainer that is currently trying to get funding via Kickstarter. With 29 days to go it is currently 7,213 NZD in towards the 50,000 NZD goal and will likely get there. The Revbox features a large 580 mm fan that produces air drag and in a 53/11 gear with 50 rpm reportedly requires 500 watts and at 90 rpm an astounding 1800 watts. But the Revbox does not have an internal power meter as the Wahoo Kickr does, so you will have to have your own one installed on your bike, as you likely already have. There is an optional app that shows power, heart rate, cadence, calories, speed, distance and more and can connect and uploads data to TrainingPeaks and other training programs.
Expected delivery: July 2015
MSRP: $1,000 NZD
Weight: under 9kg
Fearless FUNdo
The Fearless FUNdo is a 90 mile poker ride and not a race, but more importantly, it is a fundraising effort for Amy Marsh of Team Marsh in Austin, Texas. The Fearless FUNdo will take place in The Woodlands, Texas on April 11 and it is encouraged that teams of 4 partake in this event. The Wooodlans is also the site of the upcoming Ironman Texas and the ride will be on the bike course of the race, with the best hand of cards collected rewarded and not the fastest time ridden. Participating folks will pick up playing cards at various locations and in the end the cards will be compared. All moneys raced from this event will go to Amy Marsh, and that includes the sale of the t-shirts created by Endurance Conspiracy, and featured below. Folks who won't be able to join in the fun activities can either get that t-shirt for $20, or pay more for it of course, plus can donate money directly without expecting anything in return other than the health of Amy Marsh. That is what I will do today with a $100 offering. Amy has been battling cancer and we all can pitch in to some degree to help her and her husband Brandon out, as medical bills will surely start to accumulate. Pros for one are encouraged to donate gear that can be raffled off, and we all just need to use our imagination here. Contact larsfinanger@gmail.com for more details and gear donations.
Date: April 11, 2015
GearGeekBox
We are all gear crazy and hungry and the GearGeekBox is there to satisfy those needs and wants. Started by industry veteran Chance Regina it offers a variety of ways to get involved. The Sprint is a one time sample that allows you to judge if it is indeed for you, the International option is a 3 month edition, the Half gives you gear for 6 months, and the Full as one would expect joy for the whole year - delivered in a nice box to your house. The Sprint is $59.99 but as you commit to more months the cost goes down and by the time you reach Full it is only $49.99 a month.
Here is the content of the GearGeekBox we had in our hand and it easily added up to a $100 value, plus discount offers were included too. The favorite part for me was the Orange Mud wrap - seat cover. I will now be able to change next to my car without odd gymnastics, or when in a rush cover my seat and put my sweaty rear on it. The SportsSuds then can help me get it all clean. Also in that box was Ucan nutrition and an Ultra-Spire waist pack.
A race of power
Well, not exactly. The image below was taken by Asaf Lion near Lakhish in Israel during a 40km TT of the ZONE3 - Long Distance Racing & Triathlon Team. Lion captured a fun moment when a Ferrari 458 had a drag race with a Trek Speed Concept 9. There was no word as to who came out victorious, but we likely can figure that one out without knowing much more.
Kinder country deliciousness
Of all delicious items coming from Europe, this Kinder country bar might be my favorite one, and my love for things like it is my inspiration to train and stay in shape. If you have never had an opportunity to wrap your lips around one of these milk filled puffed rice chocolate treats, you are now reminded to do so. They are super expensive in the United States at $14.45, so I won't even post that link, but if you have friends who go to Europe ask them bring you some back. The same 9 pack that sets you back $14.45 on Amazon, will only cost you around 2 Euros in Europe. So get on that, as this will also be a great friend test.
