Brielle’s Brigade

Yes, the trials and tribulations of the lone rider. We’ve all been there at some point. Well, ONE of us spends a little time there, and he has some stories to tell. Stay tuned for stories from the tail end, the “Lantern Rouge” of Brielle’s Brigade as our very own Tim Stelzer (A.k.a. “SPECK”) brings you news from the back of the pack. Tim will be a hosting a series of blog entries here under the “Where Is SPECK?” headline.  And in case you were wondering, Speck refers to what is seen when someone asks the question, “Where’s Tim?”  – “He’s that little speck way back there!”

Wow, just when I think I’ve seen it all. Wind resistance is bad enough for a cyclist, without someone coming up with a bright idea that maybe if they strap a PARACHUTE to their body it might help them become a better rider.

Well, all rants aside, they just might be right. The Nike Sparq Parachute comes in various sizes and colors, to accommodate riders of different body sizes. While not specifically called-out as a training device for cyclists, the application is obvious. For those of us who already slice the wind like a butter-knife (you know who you are, Paul), you may get littl

e gain from this device. But if you have a frame that is used to cutting through the wind like a Peterbilt Truck, this could help reduce those TT splits.

Here is an excerpt directly from the Nike SPARQ site regarding the SPARQ Parachute:

SPARQ Parachutes create the drag necessary to force athletes to push themselves harder to achieve speed. Often used for team training so it’s designed for greater durability. Maximum drag in pounds of force: Medium = 15 lbs of force, Large = 25 lbs of force, X-Large = 35 lbs of force. The easy step-in belt was added based on observation of athletes spending too much time messing with buckles and belt adjustment. Belt accommodates waist sizes 32” – 56”. Floating metal tri-ring reducing belt offers improved chute tracking. Improved heavy duty webbing lead. Improved 2X coated heavy duty veil fabric provides improved durability. Comes with carry bag. SPARQ has teamed with Nike to bring you the best in training equipment.

Photo Courtesy of Skip Hine Photography

Pretty big day for Wayfarer Bicycle of New London Connecticut.  This is the local bikeshop is Southeast Connecticut that sponsors and supports us on the Pan Mass Challenge.  Few people know this, but Tom Danielson grew up in Southeastern Connecticut, and now that he’s a Professional Cyclist racing internationally, he does not get as many chances to visit home.  But he did just that this month.  Tom came back on November 24th to visit the shop, and took nearly 100 riders for a group ride through the not-so-European back roads in New London, Waterford and East Lyme.  He finished the day with a presentation at Mitchell College in New London.

For more information, please visit Wayfarer Bicycle’s picture coverage, courtesy of Skip Hine.