Back in the Saddle

So I’m going to start today with an apology.  Last week I was unfortunately unable to post—and I’m sorry for that.  I happened to be on an unexpected trip overseas, to play tuba for the Curtis Symphony Orchestra (one of my Alma Maters) at the opening night concert of the Dresden Music Festival in Germany.  So unfortunately I had no blogging opportunities while there.  Just to prove that this is not an elaborate excuse for missing a post, here is a picture of the orchestra performing in the Frauenkirche in Dresden. 

That’s me in the back—with the tuba. 

So in an effort to make up for lost time, I’m here to give you a rundown of a couple things that you should be looking out for in the cycling world.  Pay attention—I’m gonna move quickly. 

Giro d’Italia: The Final Week

Our own Brian Walton should be proud as his fellow countryman, Ryder Hesjedal, is in the midst of an impressive breakout at this year’s Italian grand tour.  Barring a bad day in the final two hard days (after surviving yesterdays high mountain test), the aptly named Ryder could be in line for a podium finish—maybe even the top spot. 

Be sure to watch Saturday and Sunday, as these final two days will surely decide the race.  The famous Stelvio pass is on the menu for Saturday followed by a 30+Km individual time trial on Sunday to end the race.  If Hesjedal can limit his losses Saturday, the course looks to tip in his favor for a potentially life altering performance on Sunday. 

Are you having trouble getting your Giro fix live every morning?  Yeah, me too.  Universal Sports is airing the race live, but it seems that many a local cable provider has chosen not to carry the channel.  Bummer right? Follow this link and help Universal Sports get picked up on your TV!

Scarponi’s Wilier Zero.7

VeloNews did a photo gallery of Scarponi’s Wilier Zero.7 Giro d’Italia steed this week.  If you haven’t seen this bike yet, check it out.  Personally I think it is probably the best new bike for 2012.  Having built two of them so far here at Cadence, I can tell you that these bikes are impressive.  Scarponi’s is extra slick, built up with Campy EPS and all the lightweight bells and whistles (notice the Fulcrum tubulars).  Check out the photo gallery here and order yours today here. There is also a rumor that Cadence has a demo Zero.7 in the store as we speak...or read...or whatever--and by rumor I mean not a rumor at all.  Come ride it. 

Philly Race Week!

 Race week here in Philadelphia is a fun time of year.  The format has changed slightly this year, but you can still expect a super fun and super fast race event to which many domestic pro teams will come out.  We’ve got a plethora of events lined up for the week.  Check it out:

June 1:

3-5pm Ride with the Fuji Womens Team – Start your weekend early by rubbing shoulders with the women from the Diadora-Pasta Vara pro cycling team.  The ride will be an easy one, but don’t get it twisted: These women can and will drop you if necessary. 

 5-9pm Pro Panel presented by Walton Endurance – Come hear what the pros have to share about the race.  Featuring several W.E. coached athletes currently in the pro peloton, our own Brian Walton will lead a panel on the weekend’s pro events.  

June 2:

 9-11am Cadence EP Ride sponsored by Mavic – Join us for our normal EP ride loop at the usual time.  Be sure to make it out for the special race week twists:  A follow car and a trip up the Manayunk wall to end the ride.  Be there, or here, depending on your perspective.  

June 3:

11am-5pm Race Day BBQ at Cadence – Join us for all the madness that is the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship.  Prizes will be given for each lap of the race, as well as gratuitous grilled meats and drinks on ice.  You need a ticket for this event (don’t worry, they’re free), just print one from our website here.

[Insert proverbial corny, yet witty and somewhat endearing sign-off tag line here because I’m still too jet lagged to come up with one]