Sterling Sports
Sterling Sports Report
Racing To Win Across Endurance Sports
April 2009 - Vol 3.2
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Greetings!

The return of daylight saving last month brought a collective breath of fresh air to all of us who thrive in the out-of-doors. That the longer days were paired with some very nice weather (at least in California) was a bonus! Finally we have some clues that summer is close at hand and we'll all once again be wishing for a respite from the heat! Life is a circle.

hwy 1 deep
Every year a friend of mine, and a group of buddies, ride from the Silicon Valley to Santa Barbara over a three day weekend. The ride is approximately 330 miles, with the long day being about 150 miles between Monterrey and Grover Beach down the picturesque Big Sur coast of Highway 1. Unfortunately, I'm not able to join them this year, but I really want to do the ride.....So, I'm looking for folks to join me on the trip! Are you game to join me for a "Self Supported Ride To Santa Barbara?"

We'll leave from Sunnyvale on Friday June 5th around noon on our way to Monterrey. It's about 80 miles. The next morning is the 'big one' - 150'ish miles from Monterrey to Grover Beach, and a well deserved rest. Sunday we knock off the last 100 or so miles - and they may just be the 'easiest' 100 miles you've ever done. Which isn't to say it's easy, but after 150 the day before it sure seems it! When we hit Santa Barbara we head straight to the airport to pick up the rental cars, then to the beach for a dip in the ocean and a slurry of margaritas and food! You can click the link below to read the blog entry from last years ride.

This isn't a pro-grade tour. It's just a select group of like minded riders and friends eager to share some experiences. You should plan to be FULLY SELF SUPPORTED (we may have a car, but don't count on it!). I'll handle the basic logistics (hotel, rental cars, route etc) and want to keep it small (no more than 10 or 12 riders). Figure about $75/night for hotel, and $75/ea for the car + your food/drinks/etc.

So - consider this your invitation to join us - with a few caveats: You MUST be comfortable riding at 18- 20mph in a group ALL DAY. That is to say you should be able to do back-to-back centuries in the five to six hour range. If I don't know you as a rider, you have to substantiate that you can manage the ride. In addition, you HAVE to be self sufficient - that means carrying all your water, tools, food, etc. Lastly, If you commit to going you are on the hook for the cost! If you drop out and can't find a replacement...you pay anyway. Ok - If I haven't scared you off yet (and I hope I haven't!) - drop me a line of interest at info@sterlingwins.com and I'll send you the trip details.
mini camp...yea!
Moving into summer, now is a great time to schedule a clinic or camp. We've revised our summer schedule to allow for a few more camps and clinics. Adding to such stalwarts as Climbing & Descending and Speed Camp are new offerings like Mountain Bike Skills clinic and our cyclocross training series.

This year we are offering a cyclocross training camp to help prepare you for the dirt, grime, and thrills of our favorite winter sport. Cyclocross Camp will be a 2.5 day extraveganza of 'cross..and is the perfect lead in to the season. Camp will include performance testing, skills work, and an endurance 'cross ride that you'll remember all season! We're working to bring in some special guest coaches for the weekend as well. Registration for Cyclocross Camp should be open by mid-May, but we'll keep you posted.
merco crit
The start of the new year is always fun. This year it's been doubly fun because I've had the chance to work with the Los Gatos Women's Team at a couple of events.

I was happy to get the call from Liza Rachetto, team manager, about helping with the md-February San Jose Classic, the prestigous 2nd edition of the Womens Tour of California, and the always fun Merco Criterium. My 'job' was to help the ladies in any way possible. From picking up race numbers at registration, to manning the microphone trying to relay info and tactics..it's always fun to be at a race, in the race.

San Jose Classic - A first year event, the Classic was held on a fun course in downtown San Jose. As it was the day before the Tour of California a good field was expected - and they didn't disappoint. Stalwarts Brooke Miller (current double National Champion), miss won-just-about-everything Ina Teutenberg, and a slew of other speedsters lined up. But LG/Sugar had their own ringer in the form of guest rider Laura Van Gilder. LVG of the 350+ career wins. After crushing all over the front LVG played a perfect tactical game and popped off a sweet win to start off the weekend.

Womens Tour of California - Rain and cold helped solidify the toughness of the race (as if the stellar field wasn't enough). It was fast early with LG representing well at the front covering, attacking, and staying ahead of trouble. Maybe 10 minutes in Karla Kingsley finds herself in a good group of 10 or so rolling steadily off the front. This group held and both Tibco and Columbia/High Road kept pushing til the finish. Karla set up perfectly and ran to the line 4th against a world class break. That was awesome to watch

Up next we worked the Merco Classic. This was the traditional season kickoff for the NRC a few years back and it still retains a lot of prestige and high qualtity fields. Again Tibco and Columbia/Highroad were active all day. Tibco had a self-declared cover and kill approach to the day - and it worked, except that Ina Teutenberg was just faster! LG put two women in the top 10 with Karla and Liza finishing off a very well run race for the team. They attacked, scooped a prime from a break, and chased back the most promising move of the day. Great team work! I was so pleased to be on the radio watching it all shake out. Love this sport!
all star logo
Constant Contact, the marketing firm that manages our newsletter and online marketing, has named Sterling Sports Group one of it's ALL STARS for 2008. We received this distinction because of YOU, our subscribers and I wanted to say a mighty

THANK YOU!!

All Stars are those newsletters and organizations that maintain a consistently high subscriber list, have low 'removal' rates, and no 'spam' incidents! Our list is currently about 350 strong! Thanks for your continued interest in the newsletter. Our next target is to get over the 500 subscribers mark, so feel free to forward this newsletter to those who might enjoy our content and encourage them to sign up today!

Again, thanks to each of you for helping us reach higher month after month.

If you are not currently on a coaching program now is a good time to start (or restart)! We offer a variety of coaching options for athletes at every level. From the ease and simplicity of our pre built training plans to the private training sessions of our Gold and Sterling programs, each one is created with athletes in mind. In addition, If you are a member of one of our sponsored teams you'll enjoy a substantial discount as well. So do something productive for your cycling...Sign up for a Sterling Sports Group Program Today!

Sincerely,
Matt McNamara
Sterling Sports Group

phone: 408.891.3462
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