| | Issue #18.32 :: 03/08/2007 - 03/14/2007 | Be Outspokin
Support your local bike experts
| BY RANDY DUTEAU
| Germán Chavarria — known as Herman, the shop manager at Outspokin’ Bicycles — was slinging wrenches for the U.S. National team at a stage-race in Venezuela in the mid-’90s. Around the third stage, the peloton was heading into San Cristobal when Chavarria got the call on the radio of a U.S. rider down. Due to the American team’s position on the race general classification, their team car was as far back as a vehicle could be and still be in the race caravan.
They blasted forward in their little car and managed to weave through the race traffic to reach their man, Mike Carter, who had hit the pavement with several other riders. When Chavarria got to Carter, he could tell the rear wheel was trashed, so he quickly yanked it out, placed it between his knees and started putting on a new wheel. As he tightened the skewer on the fresh wheel, he felt a tugging between his knees. Someone from the crowd had run into the road and grabbed the wheel from between his legs.
Photo by Randy DuTeau |
As Chavarria went to push Carter back into the race, the thief was able to snag the wheel and run back into the crowd of thousands. The machine-gun wielding soldiers “securing” the course shrugged while Chavarria had about a split-second to curse the man before jumping back into the team car and speeding away to the finish. All in a day’s work perhaps, but keep that story in mind if you ever want to debate him about whether you need to replace your headset or not. Chavarria will know.
The local bike shops have a depth that goes beyond the labels affixed to their various bike brands. Anyone who rides a bike knows the first place you go when you’re checking out a community is the bike shop. Like-minded individuals tend to gravitate towards each other, and cyclists certainly know where to find their own. Augusta is fortunate to have a number of cool shops. Each one presents its own compelling story. All you need to do is ask.
This summer, for instance, Phil Cohen, the owner of Chain Reaction, will compete in Paris-Brest-Paris, one of the greatest sport cycling events in the world. The first PBP, as it is known, was held in 1891. It is run every four years. If Cohen can finish the 1,200-kilomter journey in under 90 hours, he will be noted in the “Great Book” of results that dates back to 1891. He did a 1,200-kilometer race, Boston-Montreal-Boston, as a qualifier for the great French race. It’s good to know the folks selling bikes actually enjoy riding them.
They race them, too. This past November, at the Georgia Cross race at ASU, Nate Zukas, the mechanical wunderkind at Andy Jordan’s, put on a seminar in how not to give up when he managed a late-race surge to move from fifth place in the elite race to a stunning podium finish. His grit and determination made all Augustans fans, regardless of shop affiliation. In the greater community, it’s important to note, we support the locals.
The three big “pro” shops in Augusta, Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse, Chain Reaction and Outspokin’ have been around forever, and the three owners, Andy Jordan, Phil Cohen and Brett Ardrey have contributed greatly to one of the fastest growing recreation populations in the CSRA. With Daylight Savings begining next week, each shop will begin hosting their annual weeknight rides. Fortunately for the local velo-heads, there is a ride every day of the week.
If you’re new to cycling, check with the shops to make sure a ride will be good for you. Always wear a helmet, and remember to have fun. If you don’t know proper etiquette, ask someone. The Augusta cycling community is pretty friendly. And fortunately we have some great folks supporting us.
Weekly Ride Schedule (times subject to change):
- Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse, 527 13th St., 706-724-6777, Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.
- Chain Reaction, 3920 Roberts Rd., 706-855-20204, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. starting at Patriots Park.
- Outspokin’, 1904 Walton Way, 706-736-2486, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., meeting at the corner of Milledge and Broad streets.
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