Thursday, December 18, 2008

- ONLY 7 SHOPPING DAYS LEFT 'TIL X-MAS. HAVE YOU VISITED WWW.ALPINEER.COM?

Long title, huh? 20 years and over 1100 miles away I can still feel the scathing criticism of my journalism teacher from high school all the way out here in CO. (I never liked you either, lady.) With that out of the way we'd like to officially welcome The Alpineer from Crested Butte on board as a patron of the race. We're stoked to have them for a couple of reasons, the first being that they're really, really involved in open space issues in their own back yard starting with a planned project to create a single track route from CB to Gunni. Hard not to like commitment like that.

They've also been in the biz since 1969...and it shows. Their online catalog is unadulterated gear porn, especially if you're into tele, AT or Nordic stuff. And with mother nature blessing CO and the southwest with what's shaping up to be another banner snow year, The Alpineer's goodies take on just that much more luster. Emphasis on the 'lust' part. Their bike stuff is nothing to sneeze at either and it's a great tie-in that Travis himself is a veteran of several La Ruta's and other international-level stage race sufferfests.

Travis and his staff have done more than just create a nice product mix at their retail location. They've really globalized their business through the internet, yet have managed to maintain that small store appeal and benchmark service levels with gear reviews from the folks in the shop, gear guides and FAQ's and an amazing compilation of product reviews from the national magazines...and it's all in one place. They've really created a cool resource for everyone and anyone who's looking for more information. If you've ever shopped Backcountry.com these guys are an unbelievable alternative.

So yeah, there are a few days left until Christmas and there are a few great deals on their site. They also offer free shipping to the lower 48 with orders over $25. You can check 'em out at http://www.alpineer.com/ or http://www.telemarkski.com/. Tell 'em we sent ya.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

- NEWSLETTER, DECEMBER 4

Hello Breck Epic Loyalists, Hangers-on and Groupies,

Push has finally come to shove and it looks like this bird is actually going to fly. The catering folks have concocted an unbelievable series of menus (you may actually gain weight - full menu listed a few posts down,) the insurance folks have had their say and we've even gotten the additional buy-in of another elected official or two. It helps that they're all swag whores like the rest of us.

There's a broad stretch of information in this newsletter, but mostly it's about the fact that we're opening registration on Friday, December 5th at noon MST. We're placing 400 start spots up for sale and they're available on a first-come-first-served basis. This may be the final number - we just don't know yet, but it's a safe assumption. Interested? Here's the online reg linky-loo.

If you're down with Facebook there's a group there called "Weeping Sycophants of The Breck Epic". It's open to anyone if you'd care to join. Just head to FB and search for 'Breck Epic'. If you're like to get on the newsletter email list, just drop me a line.

Thanks for tuning in.
Mike

Michael McCormack
The Breck Epic
A Greenspeed Project Event in Support of Open Space

Whatcha Get in This Issue:
- Online Registration Info
- Category Update
- New Partners
- Industry Cup/ Breck Epic Auction (Now A Benefit for All)
- About The Breck Epic and the Greenspeed Project

Online Registration Opens Friday, Dec. 5th:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coupla things that you should know:
- Head HERE to get to the registration page at SportsBaseOnline- Deposits will be $250 (US) per rider.
- They are fully refundable until we finalize pricing on Janurary 3rd. You'll have the opportunity to confirm your spot or request a refund at that time. After the opt-in period deposits and installments become non-refundable, but they are transferable/assignable.- We're offering only 400 spots...and this is likely to be it for 2009.
- While final pricing is still TBD, it will be on par with the other offerings (BC Bike race, Intermontaine Challenge, Trans Rockies) in the format. The benefit? You don't need to speak Canadian at our race.
- We'll offer three different items; the race, camping and a meal plan. Your final cost will be determined by which of those elements you elect to purchase.
- All "Race" entries include a t-shirt, jersey, socks, and banquet ticket. You get a lot of other stuff as well, but I don't need to belabor the fact that you'll receive "professional results and scoring!" and "a number plate!".
- Payment will be set up in 2 installments (after your initial deposit).
- We are still accepting blogger's grant applications. The deadline is December 31st. Voting begins on January 3rd. For more info please visit the blogsite (www.breckepic.blogspot.com). Blogger's Grant program applicants are required to submit an initial deposit. It'll be refunded if you win.

OTHER CRAP
- The website will be going live soon...that's a promise. The original version was too good for this world. The DOS-based version will be mostly text, followed by more text. In Times New Roman. Dammit. How the smarmy have fallen.
- The food will be better than fantastic. Super-fantastic? Menus a few posts down. Cheggem-out.
- The courses will be very good...and very hard. You're gonna be cussing like a long-haul trucker with Tourette's. Prologue (@ 10 miles) on Sunday the 5th, moderate stage on Monday, difficult stage on Tuesday, moderate stage on Wednesday, another soulcrusher on Thursday, then a final moderate one on Friday followed by a banquet and awards ceremony on Friday evening. At which there will be food. And beer.
- We'll have coverage of Le Tour available every night in the social compound (generously provided by Subaru)

Categories Update:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, we've received a ton of feedback on this and think that we have it pretty dialed. The follwoing categories will be offered initially. If we have less than 5 applicants in a category we reserve the right to roll it into another category.

Here's what we have:
Open Men Duo
Open Women Duo
Open Mixed Duo
Duo 80+
Duo 100+
Singlespeed Duo
Solo Men Open
Solo Women Open
Singlespeed Open
Solo Men 40+

Got something you need to get off your chest about the categories? Sure you do. Drop us a line...

New Partners:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'd like to welcome Subaru, Marmot, Great Western Lodging, The Alpineer, Crank Brothers and Jett MTB to the fold. Talks are ongoing with several other bike industry folks and a thoughtful handful on non-endemics. I like our lineup so far and am pretty optimistic that ongoing discussions will bear fruit to the benefit of all.

Subaru will be the official vehicle of the race. We're big fans of their 'zero-waste' philosophy and will attempt to emulate it in principle and practice in every aspect of our event. Subaru is also providing shuttle vehicles that will be used throughout the race for athletes and spectators alike. Check out their environmental philosophy at Subaru.com

Marmot has a longstanding tradition of supporting audacious, grand-scale backcountry efforts and we're stoked that they jumped on board. Philosophically they understand what it means to hold the backcountry dear and their efforts to date have paved the way for raised awareness and increased protections for the things that we as outdoorspeople hold dear. Check out their Fall/Winter 08/09 line as well as some great stuff about who and what they support at Marmot.com

Great Western Lodging is owned and operated by cyclists. They've been huge supporters of all the mountain bike stuff in Summit County for nearly a decade. They've got properties throughout the community from studios to 6-bedroom units and are offering substantial logding discounts to event participants. rates begin at $40/night/person (double occupancy/1 BDR condo). Mention The Breck Epic MTB Stage Race and receive 2 FREE nights on a 6-night minimum stay. Several downtown bike-friendly accommodations to choose from, many of which include hot tub access, garage parking and laundry facilities. Studios to 6 bedrooms. Condos, townhomes and limited private homes. Offer only valid for travel dates 7/4-7/11. Please call or email them for details, as online availability is only valid through April 2009. Other restrictions may apply. 888.333.4535 or check 'em out online HERE.

The Alpineer is a full-service bike and ski shop in Crested Butte. They're also really, really involved in open space issues in the CB/Gunnison areas and a big part of Dave Weins' ongoing project to link CB and Gunni with a singletrack. If you've ever purchased ANYTHING from Backcountry.com you've got to give The Alpineer's website a spin. Their employee reviews on Tele and AT gear are pretty amazing. Detailed, honest and really, really well-written. They also have an astounding selection of Nordic gear and softgoods. Travis and the team down in CB are old hands at many ultra-endurance stage races and they're a great fit with our program.

Crank Brothers has been leading the charge for clean design and environmentally friendly packaging since their inception. If you're like me (a superfreak) then you're also a fan of a lot of stuff in thier line - Acid pedals, Joplin adjust-on-the-fly seatposts and their new Cobalt wheelset. The stuff they make is functional and beautiful. Kryptonite bike porn for nerds like you and me.

And finally, Jett MTB is heading up our merchandising efforts. They've concocted a merchandise line for us that's pretty cool - hats, tees, entrant's jerseys (pro style and baggie - pick your poison - one free with your entry), wool socks, leader's jerseys...you name it. And if I get my way, we'll also do some classic custom wool training sweaters. Visit them at JettMTB.comIf you'd like more info from our end on how to get involved please drop us a line HERE and we'll forward some info.

Industry Cup/Breck Epic Auction
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you've been playing along then you know that along with the $10,000 cash purse we're also offering a way for teams to increase the size of the treasure chest. Teams participating in the Industry Cup are required to donate merchandise from their sponsors that will then be raffled off throughout the week. The auction will be open to the public and will take place on eBay. All proceeds from the Industry Cup auction will be awarded to those on the podium who've donated goods. At first we thought that we'd just offer this to the 'Open' (translation: Pros and everyone who wants to ride with them) categories, but after sitting on it awhile we thought, "we've got all this interest nationwide in the event - we could probably generate some interest in a swag auction." So why not expand it to all categories? Athletes are allowed to donate items which we'll then place on eBay for the official Breck Epic auction. This auction will be open to the general public. If you donate you're eligible for those proceeds (which will be in addition to the existing purse for your category), but your donation must fetch at least $100 to be eligible to partake in the winnings. And thus a cash purse for all categories is theoretically possible.

About the Breck Epic and The Greenspeed Project
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The BE is a 6-day ultra-endurance mountain bike stage race to be contested in the sprawling trail network surrounding Breckenridge, CO in early July, 2009. As a race its mission is to showcase the incredible work that visionary land managers here have accomplished by pairing an ambitious and shared vision with a 'let's roll our sleeves up and get this thing done together' mentality. It is one of a small few such races in US, and certainly among the most difficult. The Breck Epic is among a small portfolio of events produced by the newly established Greenspeed Project. The Greenspeed Project's mission is to fund open space, trails and backcountry initiatives through the medium of slightly left-of-center and "zero waste" events. If you'd like to find out more we'll happily fire a mind-bullet your way stuffed with an ungodly amount of sleep-inducing propaganda. No need to send us a note, we'll know that you want it. We can also email it.

Monday, December 8, 2008

- THE WEBSITE IS UP. SORT OF. PLUS SOCK DESIGNS.

Go check out http://www.breckepic.com/. It's a fully functioning homepage (that'll send your ass right back here...unless you want to send us an email - you can do that too.) We've also got some sock designs for you to check out. I thought there were a few pink versions in here, but maybe that was just wishful thinking.
















Friday, December 5, 2008

- REG HAS BEEN OPEN FOR 15 MINUTES. AND CRANK BROS CALLED...

...and they want in. Stoked. Their stuff rocks - from pedals to wheelsets to drop-on-the-fly seatposts...their whole line is staright-up bike porn. Also, it looks like solo singlespeed men have reached the 5 person category minimum. Like the fire in your belly, guys.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

- THE BUS IS COMING! THE BUS IS COMING!

Sorry - that's generally the phrase I use when something's got me so excited that I need to jump up and down while rapidly clapping my hands right in front of my face, or alternately, hugging myself tightly while rocking and moaning. To fully understand and appreciate the McCormack way of turning a phrase you must yourself be part dipshit. I'll try to annotate as I go along for those of you with IQ's above 107.

I'm gonna open up online registration tomorrow (Friday, December 5th) at noon MST. There. That's the big news. If you want in, GO HERE. Here's all the pesty qualifiers that go with that:

- Deposits will be $250 (US) per rider.
- They are fully refundable until we finalize pricing on Janurary 3rd. You'll have the opportunity to confirm your spot or request a refund at that time. After the opt-in period deposits and installments become non-refundable, but they are transferable/assignable.
- We're offering only 400 spots...and this is likely to be it for 2009.
- While final pricing is still TBD, it will be on par with the other offerings (BC Bike race, Intermontaine Challenge, Trans Rockies) in the format. The benefit? You don't need to speak Canadian at our race.
- We'll offer three different items; the race, camping and a meal plan. Your final cost will be determined by which of those elements you elect to purchase.
- Payment will be set up in 2 installments (after your initial deposit).
- We've switched up categories a bit - added a few more to our initial offering. We'll require 5 individuals/teams in each category for us to ultimately offer it on race day. If we don't have 5 we'll integrate the category with another.
- we're expanding the Industry Cup concept to all race categories in order to try and create a cash purse for all levels. Check out the blogsite to get the broad strokes, but basically athletes are allowed to donate items which we'll then place on eBay for the official Breck Epic auction. This auction will be open to the general public. If you donate you're eligible for those proceeds, but your donation must fetch at least $100 to be eligible to partake in the winnings.
- we are still accepting blogger's grant applications. The deadline is December 31st. Voting begins on January 3rd. Blogger's Grant program applicants are required to submit an initial deposit. It'll be refunded if you win.
- the website will be going live soon...that's a promise. The original version was too good for this world. The DOS-based version will be mostly text, followed by more text. In Times New Roman. Dammit.
- The food will be better than fantastic
- The courses will be very good...and very hard. Prologue (@ 10 miles) on Sunday the 5th, moderate stage on Monday, ballbustin' stage on Tuesday, moderate stage on Wednesday, another soulcrusher on Thursday, then a final moderate one on Friday followed by an ass-kicking, hangover inducing, "you lookin' good, girl" drunken free-for-all banquet and awards ceremony.
- We'll have coverage of Le Tour available every night in the social compound (generously provided by Subaru)

...and fer the luvva Boo, will some of you chime in on the sock discussion on Facebook (search for "Breck Epic")? You're all going to get the Keith Van Horn white chocolate baller cotton/acrylic over-the-calf tallboys if I don't start to see some emotional investment in the sock issue. I can't be the only one with a burning passion for hosiery...or am I?

Aw yeah. It's effin' on.
MikeMac

Monday, December 1, 2008

- HELL YEAH I LIKE WOOL

...and nothing's too fine for my Breck Epic buds, so it's wool socks all the way around. Black ones...and PINK ones. Maybe a litte argyle. Why? WTF not? You see, my dirty little secret is that I know a lot of little elves who know how to not only make stuff, but GET STUFF DONE. In this case, it's the creative and industrious folks at Jett MTB. They may look like a casual riding apparel company, but the guys who own it and run it have project managed and industrial designed for just about every lifestyle and outdoor company you can imagine. They've concocted a merchandise line for us that's pretty cool - hats, tees, entrant's jerseys (pro style and baggie - pick your poison - one free with your entry), wool socks, leader's jerseys...you name it. And if I get my way, we'll also do some classic custom wool training sweaters. We'll see...but usually I get what I want in the fashionista department. Anybody like those swank Eisbar hats? I'm gunning for those, too.

In other news:
- We're going to start accepting deposits this week. Promise.
- Our web guy is in Peru, so we're having a bit of a delay on the site, but man - it looks cool, and believe me, it's hard to find someone to do good work who'll accept t-shirts, Onza pedals and Oury grips as payment.
- We've created a Facebook Group for the race. Just head over there and search for "Breck Epic". Any nutjob can join - I did!
- If you're signed up for the newsletter you'll be the first to know once we open regsitration. Need to get in on it? Send me a note: mikemac@breckepic.com

See ya -
MM

- YOU GONNA GAIN WEIGHT, YO

Here's a quick peek at what the menu's going to look like. Big thanks to Hearthstone Catering for using organic fruits and veggies (locally grown where possible) and environmentally friendly servingware. We'll also have dinner on Sunday, July 5th, but details on that guy are pending.

Breakfast Options (daily, all week long)
- homemade breakfast breads and assorted danish
- butter, assorted jam and preserves
- fresh seasonal melons, berries and fruit
- locally baked bagels with a variety of cream cheese flavors
- special recipe jumbo sausage links or hormel black label bacon (rotating)
- chilled hard boiled eggs (in the shell)
- breakfast potatoes (a variety throughout the week)

Breckfast Entrees (we’ll two for each day)
- fresh basil and creamy havarti strata
- grand marnier french toast
- veggie scrambled eggs with leeks, tomato and bell peppers
- mexican chorizo, roasted green chile and cheese egg soufflé
- italian pancetta and sharp gruyere strata
- homemade buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy
- cinnamon raisin french toast
- huevos rancheros casserole with black beans, roasted tomato salsa and melted cheese

- chilled orange, apple and cranberry juices
- premium coffee, decaffeinated coffee & assorted hot tea (we're still looking for that elusive coffee sponsor that wants to come in and blow this up.)

Monday, July 6th - mexican fiesta fajita bar
- house made chips and three fresh made salsas
- southwestern chicken wraps with black bean hummus and roasted peppers

- tres fajitas: all finished with onions and bell pepper rings
- grilled marinated chicken breast
- lean skirt steak
- roasted portobello
- fresh guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo
- steamed flour tortillas
- black bean and corn salad in tequila scented lime vinaigrette
- authentic refried pinto beans
- spanish rice

- mexican chocolate brownies sprinkled with roasted pepitas
- tres leches
- vanilla cake awash in caramel and three milks

Tuesday, July 7th - Italiano
- caesar salad
- fresh cut romaine with homemade dressing, herbed croutons and grated aged parmesan
- traditional antipasto platter
- aged salamis, italian cheeses, marinated vegetables, roasted garlic served with crispy flatbreads
- fresh baked focaccia breadsticks

- lasagna trio:
- spinach and prosciutto ham with alfredo sauce
- smoked chicken with vodka tomato cream sauce
- grilled summer vegetables with marinara sauce

- cappuccino and amaretto cheesecake bars

Wednesday, July 8th (Awards Banquet) - Pacific Rim
- vegetable potstickers
- asian dumplings served with scallion hoisin sauce
- cucumber salad with red bell peppers and pure sesame dressing

- stir-frys with chicken breast, beef loin or tofu in garlic soy sauce with sherry and ginger tossed with green onions, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers and more steamed rice

- coconut and raisin rice pudding
- sweet coconut custard baked with golden raisins and kaffir lime
- plum cake ripe plums baked in sweet cream cake
- all good fortune cookies

Thursday, July 9th - Chicago style
- bountiful salad bar
- crisp lettuce blend and a plethora of fresh toppings and dressings
- pasta salad caprese (orecchiette pasta tossed in olive oil with house made mozzarella, fresh basil and ripe tomatoes)
- bacon and bleu potato salad

- penne pasta with broccoli and tomato in a light reggianito cream
- baked ziti tossed in red sauce with mozzarella, parmesan and classic italian spices

- sub station:
- fresh baked baguettes filled with your choice of
- beef meatballs in marinara
- chicken cheese philly style
- italian sausage with peppers and onions

- bailey’s mint brownies
- carrot cake bars with cream cheese icing
- double chocolate brownies

Friday, July 10th - western hoe down
- summer vegetable pasta salad
- cavatappi pasta tossed with a rainbow of fresh vegetables in a lemon, honey vinaigrette
- corn soufflé (rich casserole of whole kernel & creamed corn baked with sour cream and melted butter)
- cowboy beans (homemade bbq style chili beans simmered slowly with bacon, onion, peppers & cilantro)
- green chile cheddar corn bread

- bbq chicken (juicy drumstick, thigh & breast char-grilled and finished in scratch made chipotle bbq sauce)
- bbq ribs (fall off the bone beer braised pork ribs roasted in our signature bbq sauce)
- four homemade bbq sauces from mild to wild:
- bacon apple
- cherry ancho
- chipotle
- spicy ancho

- refreshing watermelon
- apple crisp
- granny smith apples stewed in brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of bourbon, baked under streusel topping. served with fresh whipped cream
- peach cobbler, golden peaches lightly poached in simple syrup and spices served hidden under a moist cake topping. served with fresh whipped cream.