Ironman Hawaii 2008

I'm back from the 2008 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. This year Jack and Adam's had a strong representation in the pro field with Michael Lovato, James Bonney, Desiree Ficker, and Pat Evoe all flying the J&A colors on the Big Island. I was out there doing mechanical support at the event for Deepak Patel with Premium Plus Sports. Every year he brings out many athletes and their families for the event. It was my fourth trip to the IM World Championships and I can guarantee it will not be my last.

In the picture I am preparing Michael Lovato's wheels for race day. Equipped with Ceramic bearings and two high pressure tubulars, he was able to finish once again in 9th place overall and secure a portion of the prize purse and a slot into next year's Ironman World Championships.

Ironman Hawaii 2008

Blog Authors: Angie Balentine

Hi I'm Angie, mom of "Little T", wife of James the "head J&A mechanic", and J&A staff accountant and receiver. It isn't always easy to find me at the shop because I am never standing still. You might find me working on the books, receiving merchandise, updating inventory, helping with our J&A special orders, and whatever else needs my help.

I grew up a swimmer in St. Louis, MO. My dad got me into triathlon through Danksin of course. After we moved to Texas my dad signed me up for the Danskin Triathlon in 2000...without my consent! Gosh was I mad especially since he signed me up in the elite wave and I didn't have a road bike, nor had I ever done a triathlon. What an experience. I had a blast and have been in the sport since.

My introduction into the business side of triathlon/cycling was over dates with my now husband. We met at the local bike shop he worked at in San Antonio. His love for bikes rubbed off and now we have the pleasure (most days anyways) of working together. Even our daughter, Terra a.k.a "Little T" loves the shop...she could probably sell you a gel if you let her.

I look forward to providing you with up to date info on recent product arrivals that you might enjoy or need for that long weekend ride.

Thanks for reading!

Blog Authors: Angie Balentine

New Products at J&A's

Newest Product Arrival:

The red hot Jack & Adam's Jerseys are here! Not just for mom and dad anymore but for the kiddos too! The jerseys are available in men's and women's styles from small to xx-large (xxl available in men's only). I find them super slimming leaving me feeling and looking great on my rides (hey aren't looks what it is all about anyways?). Come try them for yourself this weekend!


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Angie

New Products at J&A's

Blog Authors: Stacy Keese

I'm Stacy, wife of Jack and also the owner/designer of Skeese Greets. At J&A's I stay behind the scenes to work on the monthly newsletter, this blog, Twitter, sponsorship/donations, promos, events and other fun stuff for the shop. As one of the authors here, I plan to keep you posted on fun events and other cool stuff happening at J&A's.

Blog Authors: Stacy Keese

Event of the Week: SkirtChaser 5k

If you want to experience a different kind of 5k this weekend, then check out the SkirtChaser 5k created by SkirtSports and hosted by Rogue Equipment. There are two "waves" in this unique event: the women start it off and the men start 3 minutes later. Whoever wins, regardless of gender, takes home $500! After you're done with the 3.1 miles, stay for the post-race block party which features happy hour style food, drinks, dating games and a fashion show. I'll be there, will you?



Here's the schedule:

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Times

2:30 PM Packet pickup and Race day registration opens
4:30 PM Last call for race check-in
5:00 PM Women's start
5:03 PM Men's start
5:15 PM Block Party begins
6:30 PM Awards and Fashion Show
7:15 PM Dating games & prizes
8:00 PM Wrap up

Location
Rogue Equipment
500 San Marcos Street
Austin, TX 78702
Map It
2 blocks east of IH-35, on the corner of E. 5th Street and San Marcos St.
512.493.0920

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Stacy

Event of the Week: SkirtChaser 5k

Blog Authors: Michelle Garel

Here's a little blub about myself for those of you who are wondering about the girl writing the product reviews.

I grew up in Rochester NY and although I was always active I was far from a triathlete. I was one of the last kids in my neighborhood to get rid of my training wheels and I was scared to swim b/c I had to take off my glasses and couldn't see a thing.

After college, I moved to Austin and decided to attempt swimming after too many of my co-workers mistook me for the girl who had actually done a triathlon. After months of training I got the courage to enter Danskin in 2002. Since that time I've been hooked, I think I'm closing in on 50 triathlons.

I'm not alone in my endeavors. My husband Michael is always there, entering the race himself or helping to volunteer. Over the years we've collected quite the stash of triathlon equipment. We're what you might call pack rats. For example, we have 9 bikes between the two of us and I believe we could stop doing laundry and wear a different race shirt every day for the next 3 months.

We Garels are going to do our best to give you product updates. Honestly, I think I'm using this as an excuse to buy more stuff.

Blog Authors: Michelle Garel

Product Review: Vittoria Pit Stop

For the past 4 yrs I've carried a spare tubular, CO2, and my inflator through all of my races. I even place an extra spare in special needs at IM's just incase.

This past weekend I decided to try a new bit of "magic," the Vittoria Pit Stop. This stuff seemed too good to be true, less than 1 min and you'll be on your bike after gettting a flat. Merely place the Pit Stop against your valve stem and the magic foam will inflate your wheel and seal the leak. Although I hadn't seen the Pit Stop in action I attached it to my frame and began my race.

At mile 41 my rear wheel flatted. I hopped off my bike, pulled out the small metal culprit, and grabbed my Pit Stop. The pictures on the canister don't explain everything and the directions are in Italian. Low and behold, I made a mess and the tire did not hold.

Lucky for me, my husband started in the wave behind me and his canister of Pit Stop was only a few minutes away. We used his and it appeared to be working. Off I went... 50 ft... it was flat again.

Long story short, I got to cheer for some friends and ended my day with a DNF.

Apparently I am not alone, there are mixed reviews of Pit Stop all over the internet. Some of said you need to give it more time, rotate the wheel, or shake the canister first. I plan to grab another canister of the Pit Stop and figure it out for myself.

Here's my humble advice, in hopes that some of you can benefit from my mistake.
- If you plan to use the Pit Stop be sure you've tested it out first. One wasted canister is a lot easier to justify when it prevents a DNF
- Consider bringing extra tire / tube incase the Pit Stop doesn't work (Note: does not apply if you are planning to lead the bike for a large supported race)
- Befriend people who will be 4-5 minutes behind you throughout the bike just in case you need some illegal help during the race

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Michelle Garel

Product Review: Vittoria Pit Stop