Spring training rides begin to fill calendar

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 10, 2001

Often these days, winds are howling, and area outdoor thermometers rarely have gauged temperatures under 40 degrees.

Bicyclists have been piling on the GoreTex gloves and shoe covers,determined to get a ride in before relaxing in front of televised football games.

But, don't despair. There are some January and February cycling events to warm your legs.

Calendars are starting to fill with early 2001 rides, including BBC's annual spring training criteriums at Tampa Telecom Park.

These events give riders something to train for, a goal that gets them out of the house on cold and windy days.

They never could take place without team spirit, and the examples set by BBC and Team American Classic lead the way.

According to e-mail sent from Best Of The Bay's Dave and Sherri Stedje, riders looking for some solid early-season mileage will depart from the University Of South Florida's campus near Temple Terrace on Sundays at 8 a.m. This is a paceline ride, with hills and practice sprints.

Next, the USF Ride, as it is known, will head toward Fletcher Avenue and I-275. Some riders may pause briefly to change into dry jerseys and have a quick energy bar because races begin at 12:30 p.m.

The training course consists of a 1.7-mile loop, with a small hill each lap. The entry fee is $8.

For further information on Sunday training rides and the Tampa Telecom Park races, e-mail the Stedjes at: backbay1@yahoo.com; or call (813) 949-2052.

DADE CITY SUPPORT: Former multi-national masters champion Bill Shook -- who owns American Classic, the Ohio bicycle component manufacturer -- is a well-known Tampa competitor who sometimes includes the USF ride in his pre-season miles.

Shook recently wrote an interesting letter, which appeared in the Jan.8 issue of Velo News -- U.S. cycling's biggest newspaper.

"Dade City whole-heartedly supported Team American Classic's criterium, the Dade Battle of Brilliance on Oct.8," Shook wrote.

"This event was spearheaded by David Hevia of Kiefer Village Jewels, who got interested in racing because his store sells Festina watches.

"The riders were great and said thank you to our sponsors and volunteers." Shook continued. "Best of all, the local people liked cycling.

"There are some communities out there who will help cycling, and I hope promoters will keep trying to find them. Thank you Dade City!"

ALL-AMERICANS: The February 2001 issue of Inside Triathlon Magazine ranked U.S. amateur triathletes and duathletes based upon their performances in ITU world championships in Perth, Australia, national championships in Missouri and Hawaii's Ironman.

The following Florida triathletes made the All-American list. They are:

Junior women Sara McLarty of Deland and Stephanie Peterson of Tampa, Brian Fleischmann (20-24) of Jacksonville, Heather Butcher (25-29) of Deland, Kasey Carroll-Basso (30-34) of Lutz, Peter Ohotnicky (30-34) of Milton, Karen McLarty (40-44) of Deland, Jeff Cuddeback (40-44) of Longwood, Marilyn Benkelmann (45-49) of North Palm Beach, Linda Musante (45-49) of Tampa, Joe Bonness (45-49) of Naples, Scott Bulfinch (50-54) of Pensacola, Don Ardell (60-64) of Tampa, Bruce Buchanan (60-64) of Fernandina Beach, Bo Wulbern (65-69) of Jacksonville and Physically Challenged champion Bob Thomas of Tavares.

World champion Don Ardell, an exercise physiologist from USF, made the All-American list for duathletes. Boness, Cuddeback, and Ardell were highlighted as outstanding performers. FT. DESOTO TRIATHLON: Get your wetsuits out of the closets.

The first local triathlon of the year has been scheduled by race directors Joe Fernandez and Fred "Rizzie" Rzymek.

Ecape 2001 will be on April 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Ft. DeSoto Park, near Tierra Verde. Competitors will swim .5 mile, bike 15.5 miles and run 3.1 miles.

Awards will be given to top three male and female elites, top five in age group divisions, top masters, top three male and female clydesdales and relay teams.

For further information on Escape 2001, check the race web site, www.escapefromftdesoto.com; or call (727) 712-9999.

Online registration is available at Active.com.

If you have questions or comments, call Jessica Fish, (727) 698-1912.

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