A Day at the Races.

Wells Ave. in Newton, MA marks the spot of my first ever road race and over a decade later (I'm old!) I continue to revisit the early season training series for a little speedwork and perhaps some added incentive to dig deep into the pain cave.


This year I have the pleasure of co-sponsoring Team Pedros, a New England based Cat.3 team. Not only are the riders on the Pedros team a great bunch of guys, they are also very strong and savvy, mixing it up with the Cat1s and 2s with panache.


Following a little pre-race parking lot clothing party with some of the boys (l-r Mike, Jim, Chris)...


... we set out for a little warm-up spin followed by a strategy chat (check out the sweet Svelte Shoe Covers on my buddy/training partner Matt Simpson).


The get together was not limited to team members though as my consiglieri from Boston dropped in for a little visit and candid conversation. Craig and James were not racing that Sunday but certainly made their presence well known.


Time to race! 35 miles, 40 laps. The thought of doing timed intervals during the weekdays seems so 1999 so I decided that Wells would serve as my "interval training" this spring.


The plan was for us to do the "build a break". I would ride away and wait for the Team Pedros guys to latch onto groups bridging across. Well that did happen but not as soon nor as often as we had hoped.


The time spent alone meant serious prime cash-in. Even on my most successful Wells Ave outings the most I ever walked away with was a frozen turkey and a pie (true story). This weekend I made $50 in cash primes; said to be a new Wells Ave record. I'll take it!


Once the last of my breakaway attempts was thwarted, Cort and I got things rolling to set up Chris and Mike for the bunch kick.


On the bell lap things were looking good with Chris right on my wheel ready to pounce.


Unfortunately for Chris he got quacked off my draft and had to fend for his own exiting the final corner to the line. See Chris just about to pass me at the line here...


... he must have made up 10 spots in the final 100 meters but ran out of room. We'll get 'em next time Chris! (PS: some one tell Bruno at Team Independent Fabrications that cross season is over... nice bike though!)


Time for a little cool down. Thank You Craft for hooking me up with the sweet pre and post race apparel. Who would have known lime green would actually match my Team Svelte kit or any kit for that matter?

Speaking of the Svelte Cycles Kit by Pactimo... they look killer, fit right and are very well made with solid stitching and clean graphics, not to mention sturdy zippers. Svelte attire is currently offered on a first come first serve basis on the www.SvelteCycles.com website.

Until Next Time,
Justin Spinelli

Methodized Chaos. A day at Spooky Bike Co.

60deg temperatures in March could not have set the tone more perfectly for a trip to one of the most unorthadox bike shops this side of the Mason-Dixon... and perhaps even the world.


Nestled quaintly between the rolling hills of western Mass in a restored industrial factory located at 01027 (the most winning zip code in America Cyclocross) we found Spooky Bike Co.


I forewarned my kid sister Elise...


...and my friend Allison who came along for the trip that things may get "interesting". Little did they know what lay ahead.


Mickey and the gang were a tad late to the appointment so the preliminary portion of the meeting was over a post-ride lunch.


Once glycogen was restored, Mickey and I got down to work...


... while Elise kept her hands full with other important tasks, like making pot holders. Thanks for the help Elise!


It took me only ten minutes to fully understand just how passionate and whimsically brilliant Mickey of Spooky Bikes is. Like a rare breed of genius understood by few and appreciated by only a core group of followers, Mickey is like a savior to the close-knit bike clan of central Massachusetts a true leader in his own right. This little factory is the playground for many elite bike racers and pets alike!


Love him or mis-uderstand him, I love him. A full offering of Spooky bikes will be on the palate here at Svelte Cycles. Why? These bikes speak for themselves when riding and when not on the roads or trails they are simply badass... hipsters, fashionistas, hard-core racers, appreciators of race bikes need only set one leg over a Spooky top tube and ride around town to understand what I mean. It's that look, that image. In our little sheltered world of trendy bikes and indulgent marketing campaigns, Spooky not only ranks off the charts on the cool factor but also rides like a real race bike should. Personally, I am smitten.




Mickey giving me bikes to race cyclocross on but he will also sponsor me and a fine group of New England based elite racers on the road scene this year. Here are a couple on sight snaps of Mukunda and Al; the nucleus of the Spooky-Kenda Team. Ladies, look for these guys at a bike race near you.


As much fun and games were to be had at 150 Pleasant Street, I did come on business and business there would be.



Mickey may come off as eclectic and whimsical but this guy knows his stuff. He gave me a full rundown not only of his product but also the products he suplies with his framesets. There really is a reason to all his madness. Never underestimate a guy who will wear an undershirt to a photo-shoot. Check us out in full on Q and A mode. Every question I asked was followed by a thorough and insightful answer.


"Edge forks rule." These amazingly stiff, strong and svelte forks make the perfect match for a black anodized Spooky race machine.




Time for presents. Thanks Mickey! This frame is sure to win a race or two this year.



If not, I will wash the Team Van before every road trip and even install *new brakes in it.

*note: van has no brakes.


Now that my bikes were sqared away, it was time to get to the other five sold bikes I had to build and deliver to my pals in the 03064 area.



Look at this little cutie... Aww....


I took care of the serial codes, inspection and organization...


...while Mickey did his thing with the decals.





When you do large productions of black anodized bikes, the fun really lies in the decals and Spooky totally "gets it" with about 5-6 different decal options with sticky custom prints only a phone call away.


Are we having fun yet?!



After a couple hours of playing bikes we reluctantly meandered our way back down the barren halls of the Spooky factory knowing the stale 2 plus hour drive back to New Hampshire would be a serious case of dysphoria. With my trunk full of exotic aluminum and carbon we were set to hit the road... A final glimpse at where the magic happens...


... and who appears to wish us a safe trip? You are all class Mickey.


Fin!

If you really, really want a Spooky bike and can't wait till I list them, give me a call or shoot me an email and I will get you fully equiped.

Cheers,
Justin
603 943-4202
justin@sveltecycles.com