RUSTY DODGE TAKES THE FIFTH

Shout-out of congrats to Bellingham’s Rusty Dodge who took fifth place in last week’s Washington State Road Race Championships (Cat. Pro/1/2) down in Brady, WA.  (He’s the red-sleeved dude in the above pic from a Donut Ride last year.)

Rusty, who races for B'ham's Fanatik Bike Co., is a great guy whom I see all the time at the Y. In fact, a couple days ago, we got into an embarrassingly sloppy 5-minute game of one-on-one basketball. Despite my hard fouls and all-over cheating, Rusty schooled me 1-nil. Neither one of us was exactly shooting the lights out. Must’ve been pretty hilarious for anyone who witnessed a couple of endurance dudes trying to shoot hoops.

Great job at the State Championships, Rusty!

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN ... YEAH, SO WHAT?

BELLINGHAM, WA (AP)--In a stunning decision to help stimulate the local Whatcom County economy, area boys Baker and Mike McQuaide scored two new bikes from Fanatik Bike Co. For Baker, 9-1/2, it was a Norco Wolverine, his first ride featuring 26-inch wheels, disc brakes, and some really cool graphics of little guitars that look to be Gibson SGs, if we were to venture a guess.

Mike, the elder McQuaide, who's a rather boyish sort, took home a 29er, a Felt Nine Pro which, with its oversized wheels, looks to him like something a giant might ride. Say Hagrid, from the Harry Potter books.
After Bake's schoolday, the McQuaides hurried to the 100-Acre Wood where they jumped and rolled over all sorts of logs, rocks, and roots, all in name of stimulating the economy thing.

In other news, please peruse Mike's story in Thursday's Seattle Times on places to see the alpine larch turn their golden autumn glow. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2008270268_nwwlarch160.html Places such as the Enchantments:

FANATIK JUNIORS TEAM RIDE

Bellingham's Fanatik Juniors Team is looking for road and 'cross riders ages 10 to 17, both male and female. A meet the team ride will be held Oct. 5, leaving Fanatik Bike Co., 2025 James St., B'ham (http://www.fanatikbike.com/) 10 a.m. for a short, easy pace ride to Mount Bakery and points throughout Bellingham. All interested riders age 10 to 17 are welcome. The juniors team is a great way for young riders to learn about racing, training for their first 25-mile ride, or even completing STP in one day.

Also, on November 9th the Shuksan Velo Club (Fanatik Bike Team) is sponsoring a one-day road cycling clinic. The clinic will be led by two former pro cyclists and an active national championship rider and will focus on skill-building to become a better rider, training for your first race, or completing your first century ride. Location: Fairhaven Fitness, 800 McKenzie Ave., Fairhaven. Cost: $20, free to those 17 and under. Space is limited to first 30 and preregistration is required. Participants must have a road bike or 'cross bike. For more information and to register, contact Stewart Bowmer at stewartbowmer@comcast.net or (360) 319-7809.