Mountain Bike Monday - FATBIKE (WINTER) RACING

If you follow the blog/facebook then you know a couple of us where headed down to the Philadelphia area over the weekend to participate in a 200k/100k Fat Bike Only Race on the D&L Canal.  There were about 70 total racers entered for both distances.

Here is the start line photo for the 200k and there were a variety of different Fat Bikes there but I would say the Specialized Fat Boy was the most represented bike.  These types of races are more mental than physical because it was a completely flat tow path and you used the same muscles all day long.  I ride down in Southern Erie County and there is always a chance to use the climbing legs just to break up the monotony of turning pedals over all day long at the same cadence/gearing.

The reward for persevering was this awesome RailRoad Spike engraved trophy.  Made it all worth while getting off of the bike at the end and being presented that trophy.

A couple of things I learned:

#1 - Always come prepared - I stripped my seat post bolt out before it started and had to mess around with that quite often for 40+ miles before I found a shop open to put a longer bolt in and get me back moving consistently.

#2 - Always be grateful for the volunteers - This is the first race I ever encountered where I heard someone complaining about food choices at an aid station.  Be prepared to feed yourself and if there is something extra there be grateful.

#3 - Overcoming an obstacle takes thought - I could have just scrapped the ride all together when I realized my seat post was going to be an issue but I kept at it.  Things will not always be 100% in your favor and how you overcome those obstacles shows more about your make up than being able to complete a race with everything going smooth.  There will always be a day like that (unfortunately I have had a couple of them this year but I am good with that).

#4 - Take care of your bike - get it tuned up by a professional (see our special below) and make sure it is in good working condition before you head out.

There are some good races coming up locally so if you want to get in on the fun stop by the shop and check out our Fat Bike & Accessory Inventory!

Are you planning on being out and about doing some running around today?  Want to stop by the shop and start your shopping or start working on your list?  Bring you bike along with you and drop it off for a Tune-Up and you can earn some Tom Dollars to use at Tom's Pro Bike.  As the picture above shows - purchase a complete tune-up and receive $15 Tom Dollars or purchase a Deluxe and receive $25 Tom Dollars to use in the store.  Tune-up must be completed by Jan 15, 2015 and the Tom Dollars are good until March 15, 2015.

Do you have a bike lover on your Christmas List?  Check out Tom's Holiday Specials.  If you are unsure of what to but pick up a Gift Card and let them chose from our inventory or get an idea from the Great Gift Idea section based on your budget.

We have some excess 2014 and older inventory that we are trying to clear out to make way for the 2015 models that are becoming available each day.  For 2014 you receive 10% off the MSRP and also a 10% Gift Card to use in the store.  We have financing available if you quality and we also have free lay-a-way: 20% down is all that is required to secure your new ride for the 2015 season and beyond.

Our 2013 and older inventory is marked down even lower as well.  It may not be as low as it was during our Reverse Auction Sale but you can still save a lot if we have your size and model choice available.

Indoor Race Series information is out. Click on the link to register and purchase your race credits because it is going on right now!  Sure the weather was ideal for outdoor riding recently but you saw what happened last weekend.  Don't miss out on some great winter training opportunities!

For more information on any of the above items stop by and see us today - we are open today from 10-8!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com