IF's grassroots team has a long history of being spread far and wide. While this is great for racers' independence (ha) there has been a lack of team camaraderie in recent years. Maybe that's because we are curmudgeony types, or maybe none of have jobs that can afford us cars.

Whatever the reason I figured an investigation beyond phone conversations was due. Sure on paper and on the phone everyone sounds like a golden child, but it was time to lift the veil and see what we were committed to for the year.

I'm a fan of killing three birds with one stone, so instead of driving to Dalton GA just for the second Snake Creek Gap TT, I took the opportunity of being in the area to see if anyone wanted to meet in Asheville at the home of our latest Pro Female, Kylie Krauss, for a couple of days of Pisgah riding. The third bird was my continuation of the trip south to stay in FL and race the following week.

Showing up for the gun show was Charlotsville IF newbie Kyle Rodland and vetern Steve Gissleman from Chaple Hill. Steve was only able to stay for Sunday's ride, but Kyle and I hung out on Kylie's couch till Tuesday.

Lots of food was made, good riding happened and a bunch of racing and training ideas were passed around.

Steve is the strength training coach for UNC and had a pelethora of good info and ideas about how to get stronger and stay injury free for a race season.

On Monday Kylie, Kyle and I made a trip to our sponsor Industry Nine's factory, which is located in Asheville. We got to play in the bins of alluminum while Jeff Baucomb showed us around. Super cool!I Nine does all annodization in house now. These are spokes ready to get dipped.

Over all it was a great time to get to know a little more about each other and see how diverse and passionate the IF riders are. It made me excited to be a part of this program. Now the challenge is to see if the CO crew can bring it..!
Chedder was kylie's house mascot