Heads up in case anyone owns any of the following....

It's not been a good week for three cycling companies:

---Carbon fiber handlebar models sold by Performance and Supergo (owned by Performance) have been recalled. Performance's Forte Flyte OS and Supergo's Weyless CF200 drop bars can develop cracks that may not be visible. One of the bars broke. About 300 handlebars are involved in the recall. Both models have the natural carbon dark-gray look. If you're using one of these bars, stop. Call for refund or replacement info. Performance, 800/553-8324. Supergo, 800/398-9702.

---Wheel quick releases called "Scatto" and made by FSA (Full Speed Ahead) are being recalled because a part in the lever can break. About 1,375 sets are involved. Twelve have broken. The levers are laser etched with "FSA" and the end pieces are round. These levers were sold between Oct. '03 and Sept. '04 for $49.95 per set. FSA is offering free replacements to owners who call 877/743-3372.

---Specialized road bikes are being recalled because the handlebars can slip in the stems. There have been two reports of this happening among the 1,500 affected bikes: 2005 Allez Sport, Allez Elite, Roubaix and Sequoia. The problem bikes were sold in July and August of this year. If you own one, contact the shop where you bought it or call Specialized at 800/432-4144.

(From Bicycle Retailer and Industry News)

Pay Close attention to the end of this annoucment!
Sunday, October 31, 2004 10:00 AM (CST) - 100 Minutes of CARP

Directions To: North Little Rock is located in the middle of the state on I-40.

To the race: Once on I-40, take the Burns Park/Camp Robinson exit (#150). Head north on Military Road until you begin to see signs for the race. Follow them to the race start and mission control.

Course Description: 99% Single track course. Very fast and twisty. Loop lengths will vary for different classes. Big loop is at least 20 miles for sport and expert classes. Small loop is at least 12 for beginner field.

Related Events: Expect lots of food, drink, and swag. If you don't get some stuff, you are either extremely unfortunate or left early. We offer lots of impromptu contests to keep you challenged and entertained after the event including the ever-popular bungee race.

Lodging: Lodging abounds in the Little Rock area, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce # 501-374-2001.

Food: Food and beverages will be available on site. Restaurants abound in Little Rock

Sign up Here: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1168812

Important
In order to accomodate Camp Robinson's security requirements, we are asking for Driver's License Numbers for registration. We are also requiring preregistration online. With a complete participation list before the race, we can prevent a "log jam" at the security gate on race day. Additionally, all adult racers, spectators and volunteers are advised to bring a valid Driver's License on the day of the race.

I'll see you there!
Gary

Block your calendars - October 16, 2004
Adventure Sports Promotions brings Adventure Racing to the North Shore. Our 2-3 hour "Sprint Distance" Adventure Races are the perfect distance for teams new to the sport, as well as experienced teams who prefer the shorter “Push it to the Max” course distance. Categories are 2-Person teams of, Male, Female, or Co-Ed (not a relay). The actual course layout and distances are not revealed until the race start, and consist of: Trail Running (2-3 miles) Mountain Biking (7-10 miles) Kayaking (1-2 miles) and should take the average team about 2 ½ hours to complete. We provide the boats, paddles, and you provide a trail capable bike, running shoes, and a willing team mate. Cost for early registration is still only $55/person. More info may be found at www.HavingFunInc.com or 405-822-2877

Time to Raid The Rock!

WHO: Nathan Siria, Race Director

WHAT: 4th Annual Raid The Rock Urban Adventure Race

WHEN: Saturday, October 23 - Sometime between 4 and 6 am

WHERE: A secret course within 50-miles of Little Rock

Up to sixty teams from around the country will be coming to Little Rock to wrestle the Raid the Rock title from local favorite and three-time defending champion, bikeseller.com. Sanctioned by USARA, Raid the Rock Urban Adventure Race is considered one of the best entry-level races in the United States. In both 2001 and 2002 all teams finished the course. In 2003, the elements wreaked havoc forcing a few teams from the course. Winners of the Raid the Rock Urban Adventure Race will qualify to compete in the 2004 USARA Adventure Racing National Championship in French Lick, Indiana on November 5-6. Two teams from Little Rock have already qualified for the national race.

Coed teams of three individuals will paddle, mountain bike, trek, rappel, run and navigate through the urban terrain and natural wilderness surrounding Little Rock. Competitors have eight to fourteen hours to find checkpoints along this 50-mile secret course and make it to the finish line as a team.

Check in will take place at Ray Winder Field on Friday, October 22 from 3-6 p.m. Registration is open and more information can be found at www.raidtherock.com or by emailing teamtraveler@comcast.net.

Security clearance and ID are required to obtain course information prior to the race.

Photo opportunities and interviews are available.

Gary

The 100 Minutes of CARP Registration is online! Register Now!

A most sincere thanks for the great turnout for the grand opening of the new trails constructed by Pulaski County in Two Rivers Park. Estimates are that more than sixty bicyclists & their bicycles were there. The new trails plus the old trails are truly wonderful. If you haven’t tried them out, please do so.

Our next BACA meeting will be 7 p.m. on October 7 at the Oyster Bar. We will have a Candidates’ Forum for the local candidates running in the November 3 general election for positions that provide funds for & set policy affecting bicycling & trails. As BACA has developed, I have come more & more to appreciate how simply turning out for events & impressing governmental leaders with our numbers & enthusiasm is in itself first class advocacy. So, if possible, please attend to let the candidates know we want their support for development of trails & bicycling facilities.

Ken Gould

Pulaski County has just completed the paving of a series of new bicycle-pedestrian trails in Two Rivers Park and needs the help of BACA members & all area bicyclists & other trail users to celebrate the official opening of the trails at 10 a.m. this Saturday, September 11 (see below * for a brief description of the new trails).

County Judge Buddy Villines to whom we owe so much for the about to be constructed bridge across the lock & dam, the new & old Two Rivers trails & the very real prospect of another bridge over the Little Maumelle River to link the North Little Rock & Little Rock River Trails with the Two Rivers trails & on out to & beyond Pinnacle Mountain State Park has requested that BACA members & all area bicyclists lead the ride for the official opening of the trails this Saturday. This means everyone - all bicyclists & other trail users - should turn out at 10:00 a.m. to let Judge Villines know of our support & to thank him for all he has done. Please make every effort to attend. To get to Two Rivers Park, take Highway 10 to Pinnacle Valley Road & follow Pinnacle Valley which after a mile or so becomes County Farm Road which then leads directly to Two Rivers Park.

If you are a BACA member & have a yellow BACA shirt, please wear it for the grand opening ride. Shirts will be available for purchase at Two Rivers Park. BUT - please come whether or not you are a BACA member & whether or not you wear a yellow BACA shirt!

If you are interested in a longer ride that will incorporate the Two River Trail opening celebration ride, I will lead a shorter ride option to Gale Dickson’s 60 mile Arkansas Bicycle Club ride that will loop by the Two Rivers Park area just before 10 a.m. so that we can participate in the grand opening trail ride. As indicated in the Bike Club ride schedule (www.arkansasbicycleclub.org), both Gale’s ride & the shorter version will begin at 8 a.m. from St. Margaret's Episcopal church on Chenal Parkway and Chenal Valley Drive. The shorter version will be approximately 20 - 25 miles to the Two Rivers trail celebration & an additional 5 miles or so to return to the church start.

You can either join us for the ride or meet us at Two Rivers Park at 10 a.m.

Hope to see you Saturday.

Ken Gould

Gary our fearless leader turned 50 years old yesterday!

HAPPY BIRFDAY GARY!

E-mail a Happy Birthday to Gary

In other news...still plenty of CARP Jersey count (scroll down near the bottom)...here's the inventory and sizes available with an active membership:

small = 3
med = 13
large = 15
xlarge = 11
xxlarge = 2
xxxlarge = 3

Thx