Cycling's Super Manns: Allison and Justin Mann

The husband-and-wife duo Allison and Justin Mann made a note-worthy showing at the recent U.S. Cup Pro XCT #1 in Fontana. Allison came in fifth for XC, second in super D, and ninth in short track, while Justin came in second in Cat One. This is one fast couple who make a great team. They do a lot together: work, cook, and train. I call them the Super Manns. Allison took some time to chat with me after the races--with Justin interjecting here and there--about cycling, training, nutrition, and coupledom.

How long have you been racing for Rock N' Road and why?
I was a support rider last year for the Sho-Air/Specialized team, and Rock N’ Road was a supporter in 2009 as well, so almost a year now. They are a great shop carrying the best products. They have a wide variety of nutritionals and carry all the Specialized products I love--tires, apparel. The shop sponsors one of the biggest teams in So Cal: VeloSport/Sho-Air. It’s cool to see such a gathering of like-minded people out having fun at the races. This year they are my title sponsor, and I am stoked. I am also supported by Ergon USA Factory and CycleOps

Read more at: http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2010/03/the-super-manns-alison-and-justin-mann.html

Bicycling Magazine Names Curvelo S1 One of Best Road Bikes in 2010

Envelope Please.  We won't know until next month, but among the nominations for best Recreation Road Bike was a bike Rock N' Road has found to be a great addition to our line up.  Come in and test one.  We suspect it will win its category.

Here is what Bicycling Magazine had to say:

Carbon may be all the rage but Cervelo's S1 is no ordinary aluminum road bike. A direct descendant of the Soloist, the S1's aero-shaped aluminum frame has a pedigree like no other in its class with past victories in major European races.
Testers said:

The aero qualities of the S1 make you feel that you are constantly holding this bike back, especially on flat roads and descents.

Has a playful race demeanor that feeds your competitive urge, but it's not an agro, stretchy position.

Here's something I noticed about this bike that testers who get caught up in the details can sometimes fail to notice: This bike is a hell of a lot of fun.

Helmet Free at Rock N' Road OC - Just Buy One of These Bikes

Specialized Bicycle Company is doing their part to help with the Health Care problem in America. They've announced that every cyclist who buys a Sirrus, Sirrus Sport, Vita or Vita Sport (pictured above) during April will get an Align Helmet free. If you live anywhere near Orange County the best place to get that deal is right here at Rock N' Road Cyclery.

Wednesday MTB ride with JD and Matthias at Whiting 03-24-10

Wednesday 03/24: Whiting Ranch Regional ParkWhen: Roll off 6:00pm after a short introduction to safety rules
Meeting point: in the parking lot in front of the Blockbuster Store at the corner of Bake Parkway and Portola Parkway in Foothill Ranch, CA 92610

Beginner Rider Course Description:
We will start all together with the Borrego Trail, which is currently in much better shape than last year, all those “Sand Beaches” are gone or there is a way around it. Beginners will go directly up Mustard to 4 Corners while of course everyone is invited to get some extra credits with the Cattle Pond Loop. After a well deserved break at 4 Corners, we ALL will hit Cactus Hill Trail, Santiago Ranch Road, Sleepy Hollow and “fly“ through Serrano Cow Trail. If still some time left return on Line Shack Road to the beginning of Serrano Cow Trail for another “flight”. The ride should not take longer than 75minutes, but we will take lots of breaks.

Experienced Rider Course Description:
Pretty much the same in the beginning, but at a much faster pace, for sure Cattle Pond Loop and after cactus we will climb up to Vulture View Road, if there is enough daylight left, we will climb “Dreaded” for some beautiful scenic views all the way up.
As a reference from one of the local hiking websites: “According to local hikers, Limestone Canyons and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park’s highest hill had a lot of names, but “Dreaded” was the only one that could be printed on a map and repeated in public. The brutal climb required to reach the top of this hill, which looms to the south of the park’s popular Four Corners area, has been known to prompt trail users to describe it with some colorful—and quite off-color—words. Let’s just say that “aerobic torture” is one of the more polite ways to describe the hike. Still, climbing Dreaded Hill has its rewards apart from its test of one’s physical fitness. Are the views from the summit worth the climb? Well, only you can answer that question when you reach the 1,624-foot crest. The views from the summit include Orange County near and far, Catalina Island and the wide, blue Pacific.”

Please email us if you have any further questions.
As always, looking forward for a great ride and lots of fun!

Matthias (matthias@teamvelosport.com)

Cycling celebrities Ned Overend and Todd Wells are coming to Rock N Road Irvine for a one night only get-together.

Have you ever dreamed about asking Ned Overend about his induction into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame? Finding out why his nick name is “The Lung”? or

Find out how Todd Wells won all thoes national championships? And possibly getting both of their autographs on your favorite cycling jersey!?

Well on March 25th at Rock n Road cyclery all your dreams can come true.At 7:30 Todd Wells and Ned Overend will be at RNR for an informal Q&A, with you!RSVP here on the event page and please write on this event wall, what question you would love to ask these Cycling Celebrites.So you all there!

The Specialized Romin Saddle

Avaliable in Black or White or White/Red

HIGH PERFORMANCE ROAD/MULTISPORTNew pre-curved saddle with proven Body Geometry technology that gives maximum comfort and blood flow relief in a stylish package. Slightly raised back shape puts the rider in a power transfer position.
Patented BG design is lab tested to assure blood flow to sensitive arteries
"Medium" rated lightweight padding with wide, extended BG channel
"Medium" rated fine carbon-reinforced shell for optimum performance
Lightweight hollow titanium rails
Tough, light and water-resistant Micromatrix cover

Check it out at Rock N' Road!

US CUP / BONELLI PARK March 13‐14, 2010

Us Cup Bonelli Park March 13‐14, 2010

The 2010 race at Bonelli Park will be the second race of the Southern California State Championship Series/ Us Cup West Series and the Opener of the Triple Crown All MTN Pro Series.

2010 brings yet another new course to Bonelli Park. Redesigned for the Pro XCT, this 4.5 mile course is very spectator friendly. The Cat 1, 2 & 3 course will incorporate the Pro Course but will be longer per lap.

For General Info: http://www.teambigbear.com/forms/10_us_cup_bonelli_general_info.pdf

Sucess at The Diva Clinic

Its always really great to see so many women come in and by the end of the night they were so much more confident and of course so happy that they actually got to repair their flat tires!





Thanks RNR Divas! We look forward to the next one.

Want to sign up for the next one? contact Nicky@rocknroadcyclery.net for details.

Specialized Tarmac Expert SL

Tarmac Expert SL Double proves itself to be the best handling, most high-performance bike on the road. Thanks to the integration of critical components, an extremely rigid FACT carbon frame, and proprietary Body Geometry extras, we can proudly say that nothing is lighter and stiffer.



•Specialized Pro ergonomic alloy handlebars for a comfortable, natural position, no matter how long the ride
•FACT full carbon monocoque fork integrates with the frame using an oversized race to deliver enhanced steering precision
•Adjustable 4-position, 3D-forged alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
•Advanced FACT IS 10r carbon frame is light, fast and powerful, with a 1.5" lower headset bearing for extra stiffness and Pro Tour performance
•FACT carbon Pave seatpost uses a Zertz insert to minimize road vibrations for greater comfort
•Body Geometry Toupe saddle features a carbon reinforced shell and hollow Cr-Mo rails for balanced stiffness and compliance on longer

Call ahead to a Rock N Road today to take one of these babies for a test ride.

Daylight Savings Sale!

March 6th-21st Daylight Savings Sale. All lighting system prices up to 50% off! Brands like; niterider, light and motion, knog, serfas and blackburn.Visit our website to find a location near you, www.rocknroadcyclery.net

April 3rd- Specialized Demo Day at Irvine Store. Call today to reserve a bike before they're gone!

Wednesday Ride 03/03 with JD Kitty and Matthias

Hello Everybody!

Last week was a fantastic start for our Wednesday Ride season. 17 Riders bravely ignored the weather forecast and enjoyed Black Star. Thank you to everyone joining us. We hope you experienced fun and a great time, like we had!

This week, 03/03, we will be back to Santiago Truck Trail

When: Roll off 6:00pm after a short introduction to safety rules

Meeting point: at the famous Cooks Corner. (Parking Lot - Live Oak Canyon Road and just look for Sho-Air/Sonance Jersey\'s):

19152 Santiago Canyon Road,

Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

Beginner Rider Course Description:

While this ride will not really require intermediate level skills, riding with lights adds for sure some difficulty to it. So we do not recommend this ride as your first ride. Further it’s going to be one long climb and as a reward one long downhill. We start actually on pavement going north on Santiago Canyon Road, turn right on Modjeska Grade Road, which is a serious but luckily short climb. After a well deserved rest we continue our climb on Santiago Truck Trail (too wide to call it a single track but also too narrow to call it a fire road). It’s not really steep but just a very long climb (about 30 minutes). Depending on the speed of the group we will have 1 or 2 stops before reaching the “Flag Pole“. Then we will turn around and enjoy all the way down. Bring a 2nd layer to wear. It might get already a little bit chilly right after dark. Expect total riding time somewhere around 90 Minutes.

Experienced Rider Course Description:

Pretty much the same like the beginners but you guys will ride all the way to “Old Camp” and on the way back you are going to rush down the luge !
The good thing about this ride, you cannot go anywhere else! So for example: if you start with the experienced group but decide it is to far, just turn around and most likely at some point you will be picked up by the beginner group.

Again, on this ride, LIGHTS are MANDATORY! Also expect temperature to drop into the 40s, when it gets dark. Both groups will meet back in the parking lot at Cooks Corner.

Looking forward to ride with everyone from last week and of course all new participants!

Matthias (matthias@teamvelopsort.com)