REPORTS/EDITORIAL. . .
From the Editor

11 April 08 - What an experience to be allowed into a racer's world. Make no mistake, it is another world Monique "Pua" Zawicki and her husband Ron exposed to some 30+ of us RAMBO members at last night's meeting. Machines! That's what they are. Lovable, awesome, inspiring personalities that are, above all else, machines driven to compete and win. And the bike is but one component.

To paraphrase the great F. Scott, 6, 12, and 24 hour straight endurance MTBers are different from you and I. Pua and Ron are the leading edge of their team Mata <teammata.com> that includes the combined skills of a manager, sponsors, a nutritionist, trainer, doctor and others that make sure Pua stays in the zone to win.

Shortly after an introduction by our own infamous Bruce Dickman, Pua followed her husband, Ron, with a simple gesture that circled round her youthful head to describe the real focus of a pro: the mind. And, as we stuffed ourselves with fare from Tony's Bar and Grill we listened as Pua described the ultimate importance of carefully controlled recipes of nutrition before, during and after a race. We learned a secret for succeeding in such endurance events, "Don't sit down. If you do, you're finished."

A spirited Q & A session was followed by door prizes, and Pua signing Ellsworth/Pua posters. We picked up many pointers we mortals could put to use in bike fit, riding technique, nutrition, and equipment.

Now, let's ride with Pua as she and Ron make their rounds in GA!
--Sunday, April 13, 11am at Mullberry Gap in Ellijay. $10 fee.
--Monday, April 14, Blankets Creek. Ride area 51!!! Woodstock Chapter meeting will follow with FREE cookout.
--Tuesday, April 15, Peachtree Bikes with Team Sorrella.

Was it going to rain, or not? Conflicting reports were mulled throughout the days and hours leading up to the 2nd Annual* Big Creek Two Ways in A Day Time Trial event held this past Saturday, 29 Mar 08. Nevertheless, RAMBO volunteers gambled for the best and got everything they hoped for in an ideal day for running this speed trial where MTBers race against themselves and an official stop watch around the entire 6 mile outer loop. Come back to our gallery often as it gets updated. Until then, take a gander at some of the times by the champs of the event:

Men Over 30 / Lowest total time, 2 Ways
1st: Brent Noisette / 41:19
2nd: Jack Younkist / 41:49
3rd: Tom Watson / 42:43

Men Under 30 / Lowest total time, 2 Ways
1st: Artur Sagat / 39:41 - Best of Day
2nd: Joey Whittaker / 45:57
3rd: Tucker / 48:08

Women / Lowest total time, 1 Way
1st: Mindy Neal / 27:48
2nd: Amy Younkis / 30:36

Single Speed / Lowest total time, 2 Ways
1st: Bob Kuhn / 40:53
2nd: Greg Schisla / 44:26
3rd: Tom Watson / 44:29

Lots of swag dwarfed the 10 buck entry fee for all entrants. And a free lunch at the Chez Brad put a smile on all participants' mugs. Cannondale demo bikes were available for free trial. Roswell Bicycles staff were on hand to talk shop, tweak bikes.

All-in-all a great day and a great RAMBO fundraiser. It turns out the RAMBO/SORBA affiliation with IMBA had a major impact on memberships, too... we could accept payment by credit cards for the first time. 21st century, here we are! We're already mulling over ideas for next year. Look for a shorter kids' course category. Come to our next meeting 9 April 08 to vent, praise, and/or share a new idea for this or other future RAMBO gatherings. Volunteers needed!

Thank you, RAMBO event sponsors! Thank you, RAMBO volunteers! * This event follows the first 2 Ways in A Day event held in conjunction with the formal grand opening of the Big Creek trails as we know them on a brrrr-cold day in Nov 06

Download complete category results:
BigCreekTT2008-MENover30.pdf
BigCreekTT2008-MENunder30.pdf
BigCreekTT2008-Women.pdf
BigcreekTT2008-Singlespeed.pdf