Although a bit shaky at times, a bit fuzzy and not always so clear, here's a homemade mini-movie of Ragnarok's 2009 Cyclocross Race season.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Some highlights from 2009
Here's a little slideshow of the Ragnarok Racing team's 2009 adventures. This shows just a teeny tiny bit of what we do all year long- ride and race our bikes! Thanks to Joe Martin for a few of the photos featured in the slideshow.
Monday, December 21, 2009
2009 Cyclocross Season Update
Well, obviously we have all been riding our bikes and haven't found time to update this blog but now that Cross is over, we'll try to update it with various snapshots and stories from the season. A great resource for cross race updates is Cyclocross Magazine where our own Leroi Smith writes great reviews of each Seattle Cyclocross series race. Check them out here.
For now, let's give a shout out to our team mates who survived another brutal but fun Cross season. Below are Seattle Cyclocross Series Results. Top 10 finishers in bold
Women 3
This year featured a new series, the MFG Series, and a few Ragnarokers participated and did well in that series too (this list only shows those that finished in the top 40 overall): TOP 10 FINISHERS in bold
For now, let's give a shout out to our team mates who survived another brutal but fun Cross season. Below are Seattle Cyclocross Series Results. Top 10 finishers in bold
Women 3
- Nikole Rock tied for 7th overall
- Debbie Driver 4th overall
- Moe Moffett 7th overall
- Elizabeth Salvo 10th overall
- Lisa Miller 11th overall
- Ross Copeland 6th overall
- Nathan Kiger 17th overall
- Paul Berkshire 32nd overall
- Tom Phillips 5th overall
- Doug Graver 9th overall
- Leroi Smith 11th overall
- Rich Blanco 18th overall
- Mike Rolcik 43rd overall
This year featured a new series, the MFG Series, and a few Ragnarokers participated and did well in that series too (this list only shows those that finished in the top 40 overall): TOP 10 FINISHERS in bold
- Doug Graver- 2nd place Cat 1/2 Master Men 45+
- Nathan Kiger- 5th place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
- Leroi Smith- 21st place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
- Moe Moffet- 27th place Cat 3 Women
- Ross Copeland- 40th place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
- Paul Berkshire- 33rd place Cat 3 Master Men 45+
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Crosstoberfest 2009- Good Times... EVEN MORE FUN STUFF!
Ragnarok Racing, with support from Second Ascent, New Belgium, Wiley X and Nuun, hosted the 3rd annual Crosstoberfest race. Technically, this was the 6th annual event but the first three races took place at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and were affectionately known as "Tour de Tunnel". But, enough history. October 3rd started a bit chilly with racers wondering if the sun or rain would win the weather fight. As the day progressed, the rain stayed away and the sun made appearances every now and again. The course took advantage of all that North SeaTac had to offer and featured the stair run-up, a sandy downhill U-turn to a fairly steep, long run-up, some tight turns in the infield, a couple quick short up hills, a few long straight aways and a lot of bumpy grass field riding. Over 150 200 riders came out to play at Crosstoberfest and the competition was intense in quite a few races. Want to know how your favorite racers did? Check out results here.
Crosstoberfest fans will immediately notice no relay race results. The relay race takes place after the last race of the day and features teams of 3 racers, most dressed in costume, attempting to walk away with nothing more than the honor and bragging rights of participating in the relay. This year Superman, a bunch of old ladies, a scary Skeletor like skeleton, Peppermint Patty, the Mario Brothers and Princess, some "mis-behavin' ladies" as well as Pirate-Beer "ladies" and a few others battled for the "win". The race started with a 3-legged race between riders 2 and 3 with rider 1 waiting for their team to finish before they could jump on the course. Rider 1 did one lap of the course, came screaming back to the New Belgium Beer Garden and had to make a critical choice that impacted the rest of the race: Chug a delicious New Belgium Beer or do 20 push-ups. The crowd provided a good dose of support for whichever the racer chose and only when they accomplished the task could the next rider head out for their race lap. Despite one challenging incident, participants had an awesome time.
The race also featured the New Belguim Beer Garden which was stocked with a variety of delicious New Belgium Beer including the seasonal Hoptober, grass-roots prizes in the form of homemade cookies for Juniors, New Belgium beer for seniors and homemade team CD's featuring our favorite "get psyched to race" songs. Thanks to Steve for bringing out the burgers and other treats and to all of those who volunteered their time. Ann proudly shows off her podium prizes. Photo of Ann and of New Belgium bike by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel.
Photos & video below provided by some cool racers and fans:
Crosstoberfest Video from Camille Terhune (Valley Athletic Club racer extraordinaire) - click on HD to make it pretty. It might be better to click on the link above as the video gets cut off on this blog and the "blog master" is not technically skilled enough to fix it!
A new definition of "helmet hair". Photo by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel
Approaching the run-up. Photo by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel
Tandem Takes North SeaTac! Photo by Rbergeron
Which is your favorite? Photo by Rbergeron
Joe Martin having way too much fun! Photo by Josh Schmidt
One of the run-ups. Photo by Josh Schmidt
Here's a great video by "Dessa":
Crosstoberfest 2009 from Dessa on Vimeo
Another video- first try at the video-making thing for Double D...
Wow- yet another awesome video by "rbergeron". This one is set to yodelling music- uber appropriate!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Crosstoberfest T-Shirts!
Did you hear? The first 150 people to register get a free t-shirt?
Head on down to Second Ascent in Ballard and pre-register soon before t-shirts are gone.
*T-shirts available day of race (which, if you forgot is October 3).
Head on down to Second Ascent in Ballard and pre-register soon before t-shirts are gone.
*T-shirts available day of race (which, if you forgot is October 3).
Friday, September 18, 2009
Crosstober Flash Back to 1994 and 1996
This year's Crosstoberfest is in some ways a return to a classic venue. Thanks to ASC, we've had one Cross race there this season and thanks to DocKore and Wick, we've all been out there for a few races here and there lately. Yet, I wager not many folks out there in the Cross community know the historic significance of this park.
Not so long ago in 1994 and in 1996, North SeaTac Park hosted the US National Cyclocross Championships. I know, I know some of you hard-core "mature" racers out there either raced these race and others of you showed up with cowbells and galoshes to witness the greatness that is a national championship. I admit, , that I did not know about cyclocross in 1994 and so am among the least qualified to write a flash back to 1994 and 1996- BUT, I did some digging and found some interesting facts (well, facts until someone else in the know chimes in):
Not so long ago in 1994 and in 1996, North SeaTac Park hosted the US National Cyclocross Championships. I know, I know some of you hard-core "mature" racers out there either raced these race and others of you showed up with cowbells and galoshes to witness the greatness that is a national championship. I admit, , that I did not know about cyclocross in 1994 and so am among the least qualified to write a flash back to 1994 and 1996- BUT, I did some digging and found some interesting facts (well, facts until someone else in the know chimes in):
- In 1994 and 1996, the US National Cyclocross Championships took place at North SeaTac Park
- In '96 here was some hub-bub in the cross media about a hoped for battle between Dale Knapp and Craig Undem (those names sound familiar?)
- Speaking of names, Dan Norton crushed his category taking first in Master's Men 45+ in '96. Selected results here. Tim Rutledge did the NW proud too!
- In '96 racers had to deal with true Northwest Cross weather; rain and 45 degrees makes for one muddy, slippery, wet, cold race. Bring it.
- The 1996 race was Allison Dunlap's fourth cross race and she finished third. I recognize a couple other women on these results: Beth Lyndon-Griffith and Ann Knapp to be specific!
- Jonathan Page won the Junior men's under-23 title in 1996.
- If music were played during the 1996 race, we'd all be listening to No Diggity, The Crossroads, the Macerena and California Love. Some might say these tunes would have been a step up from 1994's I Swear (All 4 One) and Ace of Base classics All That She Wants, The Sign and Don't Turn Around.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Crosstoberfest 2009
Tell your friends and family. Get your costume ready!! Crosstoberfest is back for another go.
When -- October 3rd (It's a Saturday)
Where -- North Seatac - expect another awesome course with some Ragnarok style at the venue that has been called the best 'cross course in the country.
What -- Your normal awesome racing PLUS the now famous costume relay race.
Details -- All the important details will available at our team website, here or on the Seattle Cyclocross forum.
Day of Race Schedule -- We will use the same start schedule we used last year. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: this is not the same schedule that SCX uses. We really don't want you to miss your start.
When -- October 3rd (It's a Saturday)
Where -- North Seatac - expect another awesome course with some Ragnarok style at the venue that has been called the best 'cross course in the country.
What -- Your normal awesome racing PLUS the now famous costume relay race.
Details -- All the important details will available at our team website, here or on the Seattle Cyclocross forum.
Day of Race Schedule -- We will use the same start schedule we used last year. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: this is not the same schedule that SCX uses. We really don't want you to miss your start.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mountain Bike Race Season Wrap Up
Ragnarok Racing finished the 2009 mountain bike season with some impressive finishes. Having braved an upgrade from Sport to Expert, Lisa Miller jumped on the long-race band-wagon at Leavenworth. At the end of the season she ended up securing second place in Expert Women 35+ for the series. Doug Graver was another stand out with a first place overall finish for Single Speed men. Oh who could forget Mike Rolcik's first place in the Expert Men 35-44 category? Great job! And Mike better watch his back next year because Sean Heflen placed 3rd overall in the same category.
Our English-lad Keith even managed to make a few appearances this season. Come back and ride with us Keith!
Here's a run-down of the Ragnarok series placements:
1 Doug Graver Expert Single Speed Men and Women
1 Mike Rolcik Expert Men 35-44
2 Lisa Miller Expert Women 35+
3 Sean Heflen Expert Men 35-44
4 Debbie Driver Sport Women 35+
5 Melissa Moffet Sport Women 35+
6 Elizabeth Salvo Single Speed Sport Men and Women
8 Leroi Smith Expert Men 35-44
9 Tom Phillips Expert Men 45+
11 Kristen Cruipi Sport Women 35+
12 Nikole Rock Sport Women 35+
16 Paul Berkshire Sport Men 45+
19 Nathan Kiger Expert Men 35-44
23 Rich Blanco Expert Men 35-44
24 Hunter Graver Junior Boys 11-14
25 Scott Keiper Expert Men 35-44
55 Ross Copeland Expert Men 35-44
62 Keith Dilly Sport Men 35-44
Ragnarok hosted the final race in the series. Here are some shots from that race as well as the whole series.
Sean and Mike on the New Belgium podium:
Elizabeth after picking up the course tape:
Our English-lad Keith even managed to make a few appearances this season. Come back and ride with us Keith!
Here's a run-down of the Ragnarok series placements:
1 Doug Graver Expert Single Speed Men and Women
1 Mike Rolcik Expert Men 35-44
2 Lisa Miller Expert Women 35+
3 Sean Heflen Expert Men 35-44
4 Debbie Driver Sport Women 35+
5 Melissa Moffet Sport Women 35+
6 Elizabeth Salvo Single Speed Sport Men and Women
8 Leroi Smith Expert Men 35-44
9 Tom Phillips Expert Men 45+
11 Kristen Cruipi Sport Women 35+
12 Nikole Rock Sport Women 35+
16 Paul Berkshire Sport Men 45+
19 Nathan Kiger Expert Men 35-44
23 Rich Blanco Expert Men 35-44
24 Hunter Graver Junior Boys 11-14
25 Scott Keiper Expert Men 35-44
55 Ross Copeland Expert Men 35-44
62 Keith Dilly Sport Men 35-44
Ragnarok hosted the final race in the series. Here are some shots from that race as well as the whole series.
Sean and Mike on the New Belgium podium:
Elizabeth after picking up the course tape:
Cyclocross Kick Off Race
A small group of Ragnarokers braved potential early-season rain to participate in the annual Labor Day Cross Race hosted by ASC Racing. This year's race took place at North SeaTac Park, home to previous national cyclocross championship races. The course was fast, the weather perfect for cross and the run-up burned! The race featured a tough stair climb run-up, some fast single track, a few quick hills and lots of tight turns.
Tom "Chopper" Phillips set the course on fire with his fast paced first place win in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Sean "Sparkles" Heflen schooled the competition in the Master Men 3 35+ category. Mike "The Boy" Rolcik raced a great race and walked away with a 5th place in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Nathan Kiger got 11th in Master men 3 35+, Paul Berkshire 16th in Master Men 3 45+, Debbie Driver 11th in Cat 3 women and Lisa Miller 13th in Cat 3 Women.
Paul at the top of the run-up
Tom "Chopper" Phillips set the course on fire with his fast paced first place win in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Sean "Sparkles" Heflen schooled the competition in the Master Men 3 35+ category. Mike "The Boy" Rolcik raced a great race and walked away with a 5th place in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Nathan Kiger got 11th in Master men 3 35+, Paul Berkshire 16th in Master Men 3 45+, Debbie Driver 11th in Cat 3 women and Lisa Miller 13th in Cat 3 Women.
Paul at the top of the run-up
TEAM
Introducing the 2010 Ragnarokers in no particular order: (SCROLL DOWN FOR TEAM DOGS!)-
Welcome New Ragnarokers: Jamie Stralka, Matt Clark, Joe Martin, Molly Martin, Dan Wren, Wyatt Wren!
Joe Martin, 43, aka "Chili Pepper", Tacoma WA native but now living the good life in Redmond, WA.
Years Racing: 12 years
Mountain Bike Category: Expert
Cyclocross Category: Masters 3
Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter
Favoarite off-bike activity: Nerding around on my computers
Favorite New Belgium Beer or any beverage that you enjoy: 2° Below
Random Notes: Joe races so Joe can eat…lots and lots!
Molly Martin, whose age is either 10 ½ or 42 depending on your view, is originally from Macon, GA but (lucky for us) moved to WA at age 4. She is living the good life with Joe in Redmond these days.
Years Racing: Just starting her third year of racing
Mountain Bike Race Category: Expert Race
Cyclocross Race Category: Cat 3
Favorite off-bike activity: Snuggling with her dog or riding her horse
Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter
Fav orite New Belgium Beer: Other Beverage in Molly's case: Barqs root BEER
Random notes: Molly races so her husbands recounting of the course on the drive home actually makes sense to her. Molly's goal in 2010 is to get closer to the fast Expert girls in Mt biking and to upgrade in Cross. She joined Ragnarok because she looks good in Pink and wanted to be called a Ragnahottie.
Elizabeth Salvo, 48, originally from Needham, MA now a Bellevue, WA resident
Mountain Bike Race Class: Single Speed
Cyclocross Race Class: Masters or 3s
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Skiing with my kids
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Ummmm…..don’t have one.
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “I love racing because I am concentrating so hard on not falling off of my bicycle that I never realize that I am actually exercising!”
Leroi Smith, aka “The King”, Olympia, WA native but Seattle, WA resident.
Years Racing: When Leroi was in middle school he and his best friend used to race BMX bikes between their houses (about 6 miles). They’d each start at the same time (by ending a phone call), using the same route and see where they met. Perhaps that's why Leroi has an aversion to single-speeds. He returned to his racing roots nine years ago when he started racing mountain bikes.
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert 35-45 i
Cyclocross Race Class: Master B 35+
Favorite off-bike activity: If there is fresh powder you’ll find Leroi snowboarding on some unnamed (well named by him) run semi-inbounds at any number of ski areas in the greater northwest. If there is no snow and there is good breeze, then look for him out sailing small boats. If there is no snow, no wind and no biking, his favorite activity is sitting on his ass in front of the TV.
‘
Favorite pre-race get-psyched band: System of a Down. According to Leroi, “if that can't get your blood flowing, you should see a doctor.”
Favorite New Belgium beer: Leroi provides us a tried and true cliche; “the one in my hand is my favorite.” If he had to choose he enjoys Skinny Dip in the summer, gravitating to 1554 or Abbey as the temperature comes down. Although he’s heard they have some new brews out that he’s yet to try. Perhaps a new favorite will be revealed this year?
Random Notes: “I love cyclocross for two reasons:
1) Where else can you experience so much sweet pain, frustration, exhilaration, sweet pain, exhaustion, elation, sweet pain, camaraderie and brutality all in the span of 45 minutes?
2) The community of 'crossers is so much fun to hang around.”
Tom Phillips aka “Chopper”, 48, an Oregon transplant but long time Seattlite
Years Racing: 10
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Master A
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Lounging in the Fat-Boy
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: AC/DC
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit
Ross Copeland, 41, Our international team member: Originally from Sanquhar Scotland, now a Seattlite.
Years racing: 3
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3 Masters
Favorite off bike activity: Ross enjoys quiet nights by the fire with his dogs and a book also exploring the pacific northwest
Pre-race song: Remind-Orbital or open up-Leftfield
Favorite New Belgium beer: All of them.
Random Notes: “I ride because it keeps me off the rum and is safer than under water knifefighting. My fav course is Winthrop my fav Ragnaroker is Padden (the dog) .I think I prefer Cyclocross over Mountain (still trying to decide)”
Kristen Crupi, 42 (but her brain thinks she’s 25 and she’s not ready to disabuse it of that notion), born in Appleton, WI but fully transformed to a Seattlite.
Years Racing: 7
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Race Class: Master Women / Cat 3
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Jumping out of airplanes (they are not perfectly good)
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: She couldn’t pick just one... some of my favorites... Lose Yourself (Eminem), Liberate (Disturbed), Guerilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine), and almost anything by System of a Down
Favorite New Belgium Beer: In the winter, it's gotta be 2 Below, but I love me a Skinny Dip in the summer.
Lisa Miller, aka Cookie, 41, an Oregon transplant but true-blue Seattlite by now.
Home Town Salem, Oregon – also the home of the state Capital, Jon Heder (Napolian Dynomite) – he was Lisa’s neighbor and his Dad her family doctor, and Jerry Brudos (serial killer) – grew up next door to my mother and took my aunt out on a date, known for keeping the breasts of his victims in the refer.
Years Racing: 1 year really racing, but 8 years riding as fast as she can around a marked course
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3, where my a$$ will be handed to me
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Besides the bike, Lisa loves to run, cross country ski, and spend time with her super cool book club. Sitting on the front porch with a bottle of wine watching the cyclist ride by is pretty high on the list too.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Born to Be Alive by Patrick Hernandez
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit – as described on the BeerAdvocate: “Very pale, light straw color, fairly cloudy but still lets a lot of light through. Puffy head with good retention and lacing” – “no wonder I like it – IT IS ME! And did I mention it’s organic?”
Random Notes: “I love my team because being on Ragnarök is like going back to high school; we are all wearing spandex and it doesn’t matter if you have crappy hair because so does everyone else – there is safety and comfort in numbers. And it never fails after a hard race a trusty teammate will be at the finish with a frosty New Belgium beer as my reward.
Doug Graver, 45, Snohomish, WA
Years Racing: 16
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert (single speed for the last two seasons)
Cyclocross Race Class: Master’s 1/2 40-44
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Elk hunting with bow and drinking beer.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Pretty much any song by TOOL
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Doug is partial to TRIPEL aka three sisters
Random Notes:“I’m a dad first and a small business owner too. Nothing that comes easy means as much as those things I have to work hard for, hence the reason I race bikes.
People always mix me up with Tom while racing. I only introduce myself as Tom when I’ve pulled a doinker move and crashed in front of a stranger. I wonder if any of them yell “go Doug” when he rides by?
I’ve been told I look like Lance Armstrong. I wish I were half as fast!
I’m the only original member of Ragnarok racing left. This is a great team with a zest for life and racing. Cheers!”
Paul Berkshire, 49, Port Townsend, WA
Years Racing: 5
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport 45+
Cyclocross Race Class: Master 3 45+
Random Notes: “My strategy in racing is to start fast and kick and claw my way to the rear. I look forward to carpooling with Dan and Randy to the AARP meetings in a couple of years.”
Nikole Rock, 39, Originally from Coco Solo, Panama but another Seattlite on the team
Years Racing: 4
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Race Class: Women 4
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Nikole digs digging in the dirt and making things grow, She likes picking up rocks wherever she goes and making something out of nothing.. and she LOVEs to check out the world w/ my best dog friend Finn.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Brick House
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Can there really be only one?
Random Notes: “Thank God for Ragnarok - the best beer drinking.. I mean bike racing bunch of people I've ever met.”
Scott Keiper, 37, originally from Evergreen, CO but (you guessed it) now a Seattle resident.
Years Racing: damm near half of them
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Thriller 3
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: food, beer, skiing, technology, photos
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: most songs by Social D and Tubthumping of course.
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Full..okay Trel
Mike Rolcik, aka “The Boy”, 40, Kirkland, WA
Years racing: 11
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross class: Master 1/2 and Singlespeed
Favorite off bike activity: Jazzercise
Favorite pre race band: Slayer
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Abbey
Random Notes: “I feel that I lead by example. I’m so fast that other people try to be like me and be fast. And although they’ll never be as fast as me, at least they try and that makes them better.”
Rich Blanco, aka Richie Rich, aka El Diablo Blanco, aka Whitey, 42, Olympia, WA
Years Racing: 16
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Class: Master 1-2
Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Debbie
Favorite pre race band or song: Crystal Method, Chemical Brothers, other club music
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “Even though I will ultimately fail at this, my life goal is to be half the man Mike Rolcik is.”
Debbie Driver, aka Double D, 40, Olympia, WA
Years Racing: 6
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Class: Women 3 (but barely)
Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Richie. Also reading and hanging with my awesome nieces and nephew.
Favorite pre-race band or song: “Disco Science” by Mirwais (seen Snatch? Then you’ll know this), Chemical Bros, Fat Boy Slim
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “My family and non-cycling friends think I’m nuts for doing Cyclocross. Luckily, everyone on Ragnarok is a bit nutty so I think I fit in just fine.”
Keith Dilly
Melissa "Mo" Moffett, 39, Seattle, WA
Mtn Bike Category: SPORT
Cross Cateogory: Most likely Master's Women 3
Favorite get psyched to race song: Blister in the Sun (Violent Femmes) and Paper Planes (MIA)
Favorite New Belgium beer: Mo asked that I choose one for her. I imagine that is because there are just too many good ones to choose from. We'll just say, it's all good!
Random Notes: Mo started racing cross because it looked fun and thought it might be easier on the knees than running. Little did she realize she was signing up for a different kind of running- the kind where you run, uphill, carrying your bike!
Sean Hefflen
Randy Iddings
Matt Clark
TEAM DOGS WOOF!
Porter
Murphy, aka Commander
Welcome New Ragnarokers: Jamie Stralka, Matt Clark, Joe Martin, Molly Martin, Dan Wren, Wyatt Wren!
Joe Martin, 43, aka "Chili Pepper", Tacoma WA native but now living the good life in Redmond, WA.
Years Racing: 12 years
Mountain Bike Category: Expert
Cyclocross Category: Masters 3
Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter
Favoarite off-bike activity: Nerding around on my computers
Favorite New Belgium Beer or any beverage that you enjoy: 2° Below
Random Notes: Joe races so Joe can eat…lots and lots!
Molly Martin, whose age is either 10 ½ or 42 depending on your view, is originally from Macon, GA but (lucky for us) moved to WA at age 4. She is living the good life with Joe in Redmond these days.
Years Racing: Just starting her third year of racing
Mountain Bike Race Category: Expert Race
Cyclocross Race Category: Cat 3
Favorite off-bike activity: Snuggling with her dog or riding her horse
Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter
Fav orite New Belgium Beer: Other Beverage in Molly's case: Barqs root BEER
Random notes: Molly races so her husbands recounting of the course on the drive home actually makes sense to her. Molly's goal in 2010 is to get closer to the fast Expert girls in Mt biking and to upgrade in Cross. She joined Ragnarok because she looks good in Pink and wanted to be called a Ragnahottie.
Elizabeth Salvo, 48, originally from Needham, MA now a Bellevue, WA resident
Years Racing: racing mtb since 2003 and raced on the road from 2002 to 2004
Mountain Bike Race Class: Single Speed
Cyclocross Race Class: Masters or 3s
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Skiing with my kids
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Ummmm…..don’t have one.
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “I love racing because I am concentrating so hard on not falling off of my bicycle that I never realize that I am actually exercising!”
Leroi Smith, aka “The King”, Olympia, WA native but Seattle, WA resident.
Years Racing: When Leroi was in middle school he and his best friend used to race BMX bikes between their houses (about 6 miles). They’d each start at the same time (by ending a phone call), using the same route and see where they met. Perhaps that's why Leroi has an aversion to single-speeds. He returned to his racing roots nine years ago when he started racing mountain bikes.
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert 35-45 i
Cyclocross Race Class: Master B 35+
Favorite off-bike activity: If there is fresh powder you’ll find Leroi snowboarding on some unnamed (well named by him) run semi-inbounds at any number of ski areas in the greater northwest. If there is no snow and there is good breeze, then look for him out sailing small boats. If there is no snow, no wind and no biking, his favorite activity is sitting on his ass in front of the TV.
‘
Favorite pre-race get-psyched band: System of a Down. According to Leroi, “if that can't get your blood flowing, you should see a doctor.”
Favorite New Belgium beer: Leroi provides us a tried and true cliche; “the one in my hand is my favorite.” If he had to choose he enjoys Skinny Dip in the summer, gravitating to 1554 or Abbey as the temperature comes down. Although he’s heard they have some new brews out that he’s yet to try. Perhaps a new favorite will be revealed this year?
Random Notes: “I love cyclocross for two reasons:
1) Where else can you experience so much sweet pain, frustration, exhilaration, sweet pain, exhaustion, elation, sweet pain, camaraderie and brutality all in the span of 45 minutes?
2) The community of 'crossers is so much fun to hang around.”
Tom Phillips aka “Chopper”, 48, an Oregon transplant but long time Seattlite
Years Racing: 10
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Master A
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Lounging in the Fat-Boy
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: AC/DC
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit
Ross Copeland, 41, Our international team member: Originally from Sanquhar Scotland, now a Seattlite.
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3 Masters
Favorite off bike activity: Ross enjoys quiet nights by the fire with his dogs and a book also exploring the pacific northwest
Pre-race song: Remind-Orbital or open up-Leftfield
Favorite New Belgium beer: All of them.
Random Notes: “I ride because it keeps me off the rum and is safer than under water knifefighting. My fav course is Winthrop my fav Ragnaroker is Padden (the dog) .I think I prefer Cyclocross over Mountain (still trying to decide)”
Kristen Crupi, 42 (but her brain thinks she’s 25 and she’s not ready to disabuse it of that notion), born in Appleton, WI but fully transformed to a Seattlite.
Years Racing: 7
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Race Class: Master Women / Cat 3
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Jumping out of airplanes (they are not perfectly good)
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: She couldn’t pick just one... some of my favorites... Lose Yourself (Eminem), Liberate (Disturbed), Guerilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine), and almost anything by System of a Down
Favorite New Belgium Beer: In the winter, it's gotta be 2 Below, but I love me a Skinny Dip in the summer.
Lisa Miller, aka Cookie, 41, an Oregon transplant but true-blue Seattlite by now.
Home Town Salem, Oregon – also the home of the state Capital, Jon Heder (Napolian Dynomite) – he was Lisa’s neighbor and his Dad her family doctor, and Jerry Brudos (serial killer) – grew up next door to my mother and took my aunt out on a date, known for keeping the breasts of his victims in the refer.
Years Racing: 1 year really racing, but 8 years riding as fast as she can around a marked course
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3, where my a$$ will be handed to me
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Besides the bike, Lisa loves to run, cross country ski, and spend time with her super cool book club. Sitting on the front porch with a bottle of wine watching the cyclist ride by is pretty high on the list too.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Born to Be Alive by Patrick Hernandez
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit – as described on the BeerAdvocate: “Very pale, light straw color, fairly cloudy but still lets a lot of light through. Puffy head with good retention and lacing” – “no wonder I like it – IT IS ME! And did I mention it’s organic?”
Random Notes: “I love my team because being on Ragnarök is like going back to high school; we are all wearing spandex and it doesn’t matter if you have crappy hair because so does everyone else – there is safety and comfort in numbers. And it never fails after a hard race a trusty teammate will be at the finish with a frosty New Belgium beer as my reward.
Doug Graver, 45, Snohomish, WA
Years Racing: 16
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert (single speed for the last two seasons)
Cyclocross Race Class: Master’s 1/2 40-44
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Elk hunting with bow and drinking beer.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Pretty much any song by TOOL
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Doug is partial to TRIPEL aka three sisters
Random Notes:“I’m a dad first and a small business owner too. Nothing that comes easy means as much as those things I have to work hard for, hence the reason I race bikes.
People always mix me up with Tom while racing. I only introduce myself as Tom when I’ve pulled a doinker move and crashed in front of a stranger. I wonder if any of them yell “go Doug” when he rides by?
I’ve been told I look like Lance Armstrong. I wish I were half as fast!
I’m the only original member of Ragnarok racing left. This is a great team with a zest for life and racing. Cheers!”
Paul Berkshire, 49, Port Townsend, WA
Years Racing: 5
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport 45+
Cyclocross Race Class: Master 3 45+
Random Notes: “My strategy in racing is to start fast and kick and claw my way to the rear. I look forward to carpooling with Dan and Randy to the AARP meetings in a couple of years.”
Nikole Rock, 39, Originally from Coco Solo, Panama but another Seattlite on the team
Years Racing: 4
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Race Class: Women 4
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Nikole digs digging in the dirt and making things grow, She likes picking up rocks wherever she goes and making something out of nothing.. and she LOVEs to check out the world w/ my best dog friend Finn.
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Brick House
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Can there really be only one?
Random Notes: “Thank God for Ragnarok - the best beer drinking.. I mean bike racing bunch of people I've ever met.”
Scott Keiper, 37, originally from Evergreen, CO but (you guessed it) now a Seattle resident.
Years Racing: damm near half of them
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Race Class: Thriller 3
Favorite Off-Bike Activity: food, beer, skiing, technology, photos
Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: most songs by Social D and Tubthumping of course.
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Full..okay Trel
Mike Rolcik, aka “The Boy”, 40, Kirkland, WA
Years racing: 11
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross class: Master 1/2 and Singlespeed
Favorite off bike activity: Jazzercise
Favorite pre race band: Slayer
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Abbey
Random Notes: “I feel that I lead by example. I’m so fast that other people try to be like me and be fast. And although they’ll never be as fast as me, at least they try and that makes them better.”
Rich Blanco, aka Richie Rich, aka El Diablo Blanco, aka Whitey, 42, Olympia, WA
Years Racing: 16
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert
Cyclocross Class: Master 1-2
Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Debbie
Favorite pre race band or song: Crystal Method, Chemical Brothers, other club music
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “Even though I will ultimately fail at this, my life goal is to be half the man Mike Rolcik is.”
Debbie Driver, aka Double D, 40, Olympia, WA
Years Racing: 6
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport
Cyclocross Class: Women 3 (but barely)
Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Richie. Also reading and hanging with my awesome nieces and nephew.
Favorite pre-race band or song: “Disco Science” by Mirwais (seen Snatch? Then you’ll know this), Chemical Bros, Fat Boy Slim
Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below
Random Notes: “My family and non-cycling friends think I’m nuts for doing Cyclocross. Luckily, everyone on Ragnarok is a bit nutty so I think I fit in just fine.”
Keith Dilly
Melissa "Mo" Moffett, 39, Seattle, WA
Mtn Bike Category: SPORT
Cross Cateogory: Most likely Master's Women 3
Favorite get psyched to race song: Blister in the Sun (Violent Femmes) and Paper Planes (MIA)
Favorite New Belgium beer: Mo asked that I choose one for her. I imagine that is because there are just too many good ones to choose from. We'll just say, it's all good!
Random Notes: Mo started racing cross because it looked fun and thought it might be easier on the knees than running. Little did she realize she was signing up for a different kind of running- the kind where you run, uphill, carrying your bike!
Sean Hefflen
Randy Iddings
Matt Clark
TEAM DOGS WOOF!
Porter
Murphy, aka Commander
Sadie and Pete (Ross's cool pups)
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