Weekend Snapshots: GVR Spring Ride #1 and Green Bay-Brussels-Green Bay

A pair of team rides served as a fitting way to kick off the Spring Classics.

The Last 200 Meters: Aaron Messenger

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

In this edition, Aaron Messenger talks about washing his bike and his “dream” ride in the Southwestern United States.

Name: Aaron Messenger

Home: De Pere, Wisc.

Disciplines: MTB, ‘cross, gravel.

63001409-Cam+Rock+Cross+11-14-15+166

Years racing/riding: Six years racing, but I’ve been mountain biking since high school

2015 highlights: Having to race my single-speed mountain bike in the Reforestation Ramble since my geared bike was just stolen and then making the podium in my first time in the SS class. Also more than doubling the number of cross races I was in compared to previous years.

Why do you ride/race: I enjoy bikes and the culture that goes along with being around other bike people. I also enjoy going somewhere by bike and the realization of all the stuff you noticed that you would have otherwise missed taking other transportation.

Most dreaded bike repair: None, I enjoy working on bikes almost as much as riding them. Well, maybe washing them, if that counts as a repair.

My “dream” ride destination is: I would someday like to race the Crusher in the Tushar in Utah. I love visiting that area but have never been able to ride out there.

Movie or song that best summarizes your life: Groundhog Day…but I mostly relate to that because of my career.

Weekend Snapshots: 906 Polar Roll and early season rides

Snow and tarmac filled the docket this weekend. GVR results from the 906 Polar Roll found here.

The Last 200 Meters: Robert Sorenson

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

This week Robert Sorenson tells us about his 2015 (non-biking) highlight and lets us know which ’60s icon has a close connection to his life.

Name: Robert Sorenson

Home: Green Bay, Wisc.

Occupation: Nurse

Disciplines: ‘Cross, road, MTB, gravel, tri

IMG_9180

Years racing/riding: 27

2015 highlights: The biggest highlight was not biking. It was earning my nursing license so I can start racing hard and regularly.

Why do you ride/race: I ride for the fun. I race to push myself and to hang out with my friends.

Most dreaded bike repair: Chain break in a snow storm.

My “dream” ride destination is: Belgium for the Spring Classics and/or ‘cross season.

Movie or song that best summarizes your life: Mellow Yellow by Donovan.

Misc.: I have biking/racing for quite a few years. The best part about being with a team that has really good chemistry is the fact they can motivate you through the toughest of times. I have only been on three main teams during my racing career. Team Nordik, Big Ring Flyers, and now GVR. All three teams are great in their own ways and I have met great people along the way.

The Last 200 Meters: Kris Tiles

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

This installment features Kris Tiles. She’s not afraid of mud and will ride just about anything with two wheels, but does draw the line somewhere:

Name: Kris Tiles

Home: Central Wisconsin

Occupation: Educator

Disciplines: If it has two wheels, I ride it. Except fat bikes. I don’t ride fat bikes

44

Tiles getting dirty at the 2015 Wisc. State Cyclocross Championships.

Years racing/riding: Started riding in 2002

2015 highlights: Finishing the Mt. Borah Epic and (mostly) surviving Wausau24.

Why you ride/race: To hang out with fun people.

Most dreaded bike repair: Anything that gets my hands dirty.

Movie or song that best summarizes your life: Real Genius, but only because I love that movie and “Everybody Wants to Rule The World“. “It’s a moral imperative”

Misc.: We are all human beings, whether on a bike or in a car, and we need to respect each other and be safe.

Weekend Recap: Koldwave Fat Bike Race

With temperatures in the low-30s it felt almost like spring Saturday for the Koldwave Fat Bike Race near Sturgeon Bay.

Aaron Messenger was the sole representative of the team riding to 22nd-place age group (25-49) finish in the 21-mile race in Door County.

KOLD_0538_16

Temperatures weren’t the only thing that felt like ‘cross, he got his fair share of practice dismounting, and remounting, the bike.

A running collection of team results can be found here.

The Last 200 Meters: Matt Lemorande

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

This installment features Matt Lemorande. Matt’s working his way into being a roadie, though his racing has thus far been focused on trails. Look for to get talked into doing some super-long MTB events in 2016.

Home: Suamico, WI

Occupation: Director of North American Sales for Virgin Cellulose Fiber

Disciplines: Mountain, road (training) and I just started gravel riding.

IMG_6945

M. Lemorande (center)

Years racing/riding: Very new to racing, only in my third full year of racing.

2015 highlights: Riding my first Chequamegon Fat Tire and watching my 12-year-old  progression as a competitive cyclist. Ah, to be young again.

Why do you ride/race: I find riding is the best exercise to keep you in shape without pounding your joints or bones. Cycling is also a great family sport and I enjoy the competitive aspect of racing.

Most dreaded bike repair: Bleeding hydraulic brakes.

My “dream” ride destination is: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada (Been there. Done that. Want to go again).