Bo Jackson Knows Bikes?

Bo knows football. Bo knows baseball. Bo knows basketball, tennis and running. Remember those ads from the early 1990s where Bo Jackson played his fortes--baseball and football--and then tried his hand at other sports from cycling to surfing? Bo probably didn't expect that he'd be almost as knowledgeable about bikes as he is about football and baseball 20-something years after those ads went off the air. But if you're going to ride 300 miles across Alabama, like Bo did earlier this year, you kind of have to (maybe not the mechanics, but you get the idea).

Bo is bringing that knowledge and some bike safety tips to the Trek Store of Highland Park later this month. Trek, located at 1925 Skokie Highway, will be hosting the Heisman Trophy-winning athlete from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 30. Bo will share his bike safety tips alongside Robbie Ventura, talk about the ride he did across Alabama aptly called Bo Bikes BAMA, sign autographs, take pictures, and talk some football and baseball. With Mike Adamle emceeing the event, you'd expect to hear about some gridiron greats, but that also means some football memorabilia will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Bo Bikes BAMA.

Giving the Best to the Rest: Vision Quest Triathlon Panel

What do I put in my special needs bag? johntrainor

You can train all you want--or have time for. You can ask friends how they did it--and beg for their tips. You can scour the internet and poke your head in triathlon forums, read coach's articles and watch course videos. But a lot of times, if you want expert advice, answers to all your questions--to avoid that deer-in-headlights look that I had the morning of my first Ironman--or need some pre-race poking and prodding to make that lingering injury go away for good, you have to pay for it. A trip to the bike fitter. A visit to the physical therapist or massage therapist. A nutrition assessment to dial in your food needs. Another pair of running shoes. Buying a teardrop helmet. Renting, or considering renting, race wheels. So many questions...but not always easy to find the right answer.

As long as you don't have a triathlon to race this weekend (sorry, Udder Half-ers), you can get your questions answered and go into your next triathlon even more prepared to tackle the competition, your old PR or your pre-race I've-never-done-this-before jitters. Vision Quest Coaching put together what they're calling The Best of the Best Ironman Wisconsin Panel, covering every aspect of triathlon with a special focus on Ironman Wisconsin and Ironman races. This triathlon-centered event will be held at Vision Quest Chicago on Thursday, August 9, and it's designed to make you feel more comfortable come race day. Trust me, all the riding up in Madison over the summer only takes out a small chunk of the race calculations.

Robbie Ventura will be moderating this panel, which has everyone from the bike fitter to the first-time Ironman finisher, and he'll help answer those pesky questions we've all been wondering. Do I really need race wheels? How can I have a faster swim (answer: draft like your life depends on it)? Where can I make up time in my sports that still need a little work? What's event day like? If you aren't equipped for your next triathlon after listening to this group, learning the answers to questions that other athletes have asked, and asking a few q's of your own (VQ encourages you to ask away when you RSVP for the event), then.... Well, that might involve being stranded along the Wisconsin farm roads--or Lake Shore Drive if the Chicago Tri is your thing--and no one wants that. Here's a taste of who'll be doling out advice on August 9.

8 Event August: Week 1

What the heck happened July? I swear I couldn't tell you what exactly happened between the Fourth of July and today aside from turning off and dropping out--almost completely--for a little Canadian Rockies hiking. But before the eighth month of the year escapes me as quickly as the sixth and seventh months did, I wanted to attempt start August better than I did June and July. Goal: putting events on the calendar so I don't regret missing a 5K, adventure race, kayak relay or triathlon when I'm curling up under a blanket, yanking on my hat and gloves, and retreating to my favorite comfort foods when the cold hits us all too soon.

Ah, August. The eighth month of the year. The month without a major holiday that we all take a break to celebrate (unless you count weddings like the one I'll be missing this weekend). The month with the number that the Chinese consider lucky--a random bit of trivia drilled into my brain when Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008. Sticking with that eight theme, here are eight events to keep you occupied for the week.

1. Josh Cox runs the Capital. Join the American record holder in the 50K and Michael Wardian, another speedster, at Pacers Logan Circle tonight at 6 p.m. for a Q&A, run and brews. Granted I'd have to hop a plane right now to make that happen--and wish that my legs could handle the distance--but I thought of my D.C. friends and relatives when I found this flyer.
2. Vision Quest and Well Fit ride the Ironman Wisconsin course. Who needs a little pre-race prep on the IM Moo bike course? Sign up for these rides--VQ's there on Saturday and Well Fit's there on Sunday--and you'll get SAG support, refueling stops and plenty of pacers to keep you on target for your race day goals. The sad part? These are the last rides VQ and Well Fit are hosting on the course for the season. Let's just hope W-DOT doesn't tear up a road the night before.
3. Centurion Wisconsin. Not too far from the above rides' starting point, you'll find Centurion cyclists racing Wisconsin's hills on Sunday, Aug. 7. Ride 25 miles (Saturday), ride 50, or ride 100--this course is guaranteed to give you bragging rights among your cycling friends. And some bulging quad muscles. Read more about it in Chicago Athlete's digital issue.
4. CNN's Fit Nation takes on the Nautica New York Triathlon. Six individuals are about to become full-fledged triathletes and compete alongside Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who hosts Sanjay Gupta, MD every Saturday morning on CNN. Whether you've been following their stories or you're new to the fold, you'll want to tune in this weekend for the live coverage. Trust me: conversations with Kas Seerla and Kendrick Henley got me cheering already. Anyone racing?
5. Terrapin 5K. Store a pint of Cherry Garcia in the freezer for a treat after this Grateful Dead-themed running race that Liz called the happiest happy hour Chicago offers. Running, beer, pizza, music, a summer night? Yeah, sounds like a winner to me too, especially when I factor in the tie-dyed race tee.
6. Evergreen Town Race. When don't I have Colorado on my mind? Probably never. So when I stumbled upon this August 7 5K and 10K through the town where my friend lives, my eyes perked up. Plus its description as a fast course leaves me begging to see how that could happen in the Rockies where you're almost always guaranteed some form of altitude training. Or so I thought.
7. The Champions Run. I'm dreaming if I think I could get to Colorado for Sunday (my dad's birthday is Friday and I'll be lucky if I can surprise him, and that's miles from Evergreen). But here's a 5K/10K option that's a little closer to home. With predicted temps cooler the city has seen in weeks--and no rain--it almost seems like you have to skip sleeping in to see how your speedwork is paying off.
8. Ironman Boulder 70.3. It's tough enough to swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles. Try doing it at higher elevation, say 5,400-ish feet above sea level, like the competitors who'll be racing this half Ironman. My lungs are already panicking, but good luck to the competitors--I'll be tracking from my computer.

What events are going on in your neighborhood for the week? What's on your race or training calendar for the rest of the month? Help a Midwest-minded girl out. I'll be sharing eight more events next week, and the next, and the next, but share your local happenings in the comments section and you might just see it in a future listing.

Photo grabbed from i-team.forumotion.com.

Ain't Cycling Gran?

Excuse the poor English in the title, but I couldn't help it. It only seemed too fitting for an event that's about to get underway this weekend--and one that I already wrote about once for this month's Chicago Athlete magazine. So when it came time to share the event's details for interested parties outside Chicago Athlete's distribution area but within a day's drive of the event's HQ, I had to reinvent the wheel. Or try.

Cycling. Gran Fondo. Wisconsin. Robbie Ventura. Vision Quest Coaching. Whether you have yet to get quality riding on your calendar for this summer--and you're watching it quickly slip away--or you've been putting pedal to the medal since the ground thawed, you'll want to consider putting these five keyword phrases together on July 31. Cycling can't get more grand than at Robbie Ventura's Gran Fondo, a race, rec ride, spin, loop--whatever you want to call it depending on how fast and how hard you want to ride it--through Wisconsin's challenging terrain. Why do you want to do this race? Check out these reasons:

• You're training for Ironman Wisconsin. You'll get a sampling of its course and terrain by riding the 22.9-mile loop of the Gran Fondo. And if you go for speed you'll get to practice cornering, passing, ascending and descending--all skills you'll need race day.
• The Gran Fondo can be as long, or as short, as you want it to be. You can ride the course's loop up to five times, and the more you ride it, plus your time, will be factored into winning prizes.
• This Vision Quest event has Robbie Ventura's name written all over it. Ventura helped design the bike course that would have been part of the 2016 Olympics had the selection committee chosen Chicago, and the Gran Fondo occurs on part of that terrain. Ventura will be back from commentating at the Tour de France so you can hear his Tour stories and ride with him. Fun!
• Where in Chicago can you ride like this? Nowhere, unless they shut down half of Lake Shore Drive for the Chicago Triathlon and even then you'll have your passing cut out for you.
• Post-ride party. A day in Wisconsin wouldn't be complete without some brats and beer, likely finds after your legs have turned to Jell-O on the ride.
• You won't have to stay overnight if you don't want to, at least if you're coming from Chicago. The ride starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 31, 30 minutes later than the other VQ rides held on Ironman Wisconsin course. Blue Mounds State Park, the start zone, isn't much past Verona so it's totally doable to rise early to make the drive up.
• Your registration fee ($125) helps fund Parkinson's research. Not to go all personal on you, but my grandpa had Parkinson's so my eyes light up when events benefit an organization like the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Want to learn more about this Gran Fondo, one of the few taking place in the Midwest? You can find all the details and more--like its Italian origins--at chicagoevents.com. With the Steelhead 70.3 and Chicago's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon pushed back 2 weeks, you'll want to be riding on Sunday. Who wants to join me? That is, if I can kick my legs in gear to tackle those rollers after not riding for two weeks.

Get Your Ride On...with Taste of VQ

Want to get better, faster, stronger on the bike but don't want to sacrifice an evening outside for sweating indoors on a trainer? With the days growing longer, the sun getting warmer and the calendar inching closer to summer, neither do we. Those warm weather days are a hot commodity here in the Midwest and the last thing you--or I--want to do is miss one on account of some precious training hours.

Good news: Vision Quest Coaching has a solution. Their Taste of VQ cycling sessions have aided cyclists, triathletes and newbies to gain experience, improvement, power and even expertise on the bike. But it was all indoors at their training facilities in Chicago, Highland Park, Naperville and Florida, where participants would bring their bikes, set them up on CompuTrainers, and ride the given workout with its combination of flats, hills and threshold work. (I tried it last winter and after the initial trepidation, I was so hooked I went back for a second session.)

Until now, that is. Vision Quest is amping up the stakes on its programming and bringing Taste of VQ outdoors this spring. Not only is this perfect timing for the training season ahead, but it's a perfect way to enjoy the improving weather conditions and workout at the same time. And since you'll be off the trainer, you'll be working on your bike handling skills--a plus for the craziness on the Lakefront Path that has already ensued on those recent 80-degree days.

If you've participated in Taste of VQ before or have spent a winter riding on your trainer, you'll be able to put your power skills to the test and combine them with your bike handling know-how. Talk about a sublime marriage of necessities on the bike--at least I think so since my handling is sub-par--and in a somewhat controlled environment too. The VQ coaches will help you master your power while working on cornering, accelerations, pack riding, pacing and more. If you've ever been scared of going out on a group ride--perhaps a fear of getting dropped or colliding with your neighbor--you'll be giddy to get out there next time.

The outdoor season of Taste of VQ starts this week and runs for 8 weeks. Classes take place on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Fort Sheridan (Old Elm and Sheridan Road in Highland Park) or Fridays at 6 a.m. at the Northbrook Velodrome (directions here). Spots still remain and the session costs $150.

For more details, check out the following Taste of VQ video.


Photo and video from Vision Quest Coaching.

Cleaning Out the Closets

The summer-like temperatures we've been enjoying did more than force us to shed those winter layers and think spring, almost without questioning a return to winter as what hit the Midwest hard last year. The warm weather left us pulling out the shorts, tanks and swimsuits; digging out the beach towels, tennis racquets, volleyballs and softballs; dusting off the running shoes, inline skates and cruisers; and swapping out the training tire for the road tire on the bike that became a living room fixture in the off-season. Sounds like a garage sale, but that's just us getting ready for spring and summer. If you want a garage sale though, you're in luck because Vision Quest Coaching and newly renovated Trek Store of Highland Park are hosting one later this week.

As you dust off those bikes, are you noticing the wheel you said you'd upgrade later, the saddle you promised yourself you'd replace in the winter, the hoods and bar ends in desperate need of re-taping? Or are you staring at your go-to bike, telling yourself that as much as you love it and all the miles you've logged on it, you really want to splurge on an upgrade (sorry, bike, I love ya but I can do better)? Perfect reason to check out the events at Trekfest 2010 where you can trade up, shop or unload items gathering cobwebs in the closet that could be someone else's treasure.

Trekfest starts Wednesday, April 7, and runs through Saturday, April 10 at the Trek Store at 1925 Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park, Ill. You'll be able to visit the store to ogle the latest and greatest bikes on the market, receive first-hand advice from elite athletes, and get discounts on purchases. There's even more in store on Saturday, April 10 when Drag, Push or Pull and Vision Quest Coaching's Fourth Annual Sidewalk Sale take place.

Drag, Push or Pull encourages you to pull those old bikes out of the garage that are only collecting dust not riding miles and donate them for charity. As long as you can drag, push or pull the bike to the store, Trek will reward you with $50 toward a new bike purchase, and your bike will be donated to Working Bikes Cooperative, which repairs bikes for sale and charity and delivers bicycles to under-served communities around the world. The event will also be supporting Trips for Kids, a non-profit organization that provides mountain bike outings and environmental education for high-risk kids who otherwise would not be able to have these experiences.

Or if you don't have a bike to donate, consider browsing the Vision Quest Sidewalk Sale. Cyclists and triathletes can save on new gear including PowerTaps, road and triathlon bikes, cycling shoes, wetsuits, trainers, bike components, and race wheels. Or clean out your closets for all those cycling and tri items you have never gotten around to using and unload it at the sale in hopes of sending it home with someone else.

Need more details? Contact the Trek Store at www.trekhp.com or call 847-433-8735. Photo grabbed from Vision Quest Coaching's Facebook page.

Fit-Event: Pedal Power

You could be riding like this (see left) indoors this winter. Maybe you're looking longingly at your bike, wishing for warmer days to hit the trail and pedal outside. Or maybe you're tired of aimlessly hitting the trainer to ride in front of the TV, doubting that you're still giving yourself a good workout. Or you're dreading the next spin class or treadmill run--they aren't even remotely fun anymore and you can't tolerate the cold outside--plus you're wondering how you're going to survive winter's finest indoor training.

One motivation? Stay on top of your racing. I already threw out that idea with indoor triathlons to keep you on top of your triathlon game, and the same holds true for cycling. Cyclists race time trials throughout the summer--just take some of the Tour de France stages--but their format is easily transferable to the indoors with a little help from modern technology and the CompuTrainer. Unless you're participating in a spin-a-thon like the upcoming Cycle for Survival, time trials are another option to keep you from a dull gym workout. And Vision Quest Coaching has one more to add to the event calendar for those eyeing the Mid America Time Trial Series.

It doesn't matter if you're a hard-core cyclist, a casual road rider, or a triathlete who's weak or strong on the bike. Mark your calendars for March 6 and head up to Vision Quest's Highland Park location at 1923 Skokie Valley Road to pedal your way to a fun-filled Saturday. Here's what the press release had to say:

Using CompuTrainers, riders will race 30 minutes on the 2008 Tour de France Stage 4 time trial course held in Cholet to see how much of the course they can complete. In true Tour fashion, the intense course includes a few rolling hills over 29K. The first race begins at 10 a.m. with time slots available on the hour until 1 p.m. Twenty-four slots are available per start time.

Not only do riders have the chance to best their friends and test their winter cycling abilities, but also they can compete for awards. The winner of the time trial will be the rider who amassed the most miles at the end of the race. MATTS custom medals will be awarded to the top five performers in a mixture of categories for men and women including: CAT 4/5, CAT 3 (men only), Open 1/2/3, and Masters age groups and top 3 for Juniors. Cash prizes are awarded to the three fastest men and women, with first place receiving $50, second place receiving $30 and third place receiving $20.

Registration is now open and will close once all of the slots are filled. The entry fee costs $25 per race for non-VQers, $20 for VQers and $12.50 for volunteers. If you want to race in another class the fee is $20 for the second race.

For more information, contact Vision Quest Coaching at www.visionquestcoaching.com, call 877-851-8787 or e-mail indoortt@visionquestcoaching.com.

Photo grabbed from The Swine King's blog. Posted by Kate

Bike Tech 101

Maybe your bike is in storage until the weather warms up and biking is far from the forefront of your mind. But tonight, you want to harness that bike energy or that lust for all things cycling. You can leave the bike packed away or hooked up to the trainer, just consider driving to Highland Park to check out some of the latest and greatest in bike technology. See it for yourself on January 21 at 7 p.m. at Vision Quest Highland Park, 1923 Skokie Valley Road.
Who doesn't want to go faster on the bike, especially if you've got a lot of ground to cover or a half Ironman or Ironman to tackle? Sometimes your legs can only take you so far and it starts to become a matter of bike position--especially nailing the aero positioning--and bike composition. And if you want to feast your eyes on the latest speed demon on the bike circuit--any cyclist knows this far surpasses what's debuting at the International Auto Show currently in Detroit and soon to stop in Chicago--Vision Quest has it tonight. Tyler Pilger and Nick Howe from Trek Bicycles are providing a sneak peek at the 2011 Trek Speed Concept.

The Speed Concept is the latest design from Trek and boasts the same aero design that powered Alberto Contador to his 2009 Tour de France victory and propeled Chris Lieto to the bike course record that he set at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. It's expected to be released for the 2011 model year and uses automotive aerodynamic technologies coupled with component integration. And not only can you gawk at this bike, but you can also learn more about triathlon bike development and how the 2010 Madone 6 series was developed.

But that's only the bike side of the evening's events. Vision Quest is also showcasing another technology that is aimed to help you recover faster: the NormaTec MVP (Most Valuable Pump). Created from collaboration between physicians and athletes, the NormaTec MVP is popular among triathletes and cyclists like Simon Whitfield, Lance Armstrong, Craig Alexander, Tim DeBoom, Levi Leipheimer and cycling's Team Garmin/Slipstream. NormacTec is compression at its finest and tailored to the athlete. According to its description it mimics normal physiology to help athletes recover quickly either from workouts, injury or surgery. And because it's based around physiology, the compression it offers helps to improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.

To learn more about these tools to make 2010 your best season and the January 21 event, check out www.visionquestcoaching.com. Photo grabbed from nsr1986 at flickr.

Tips from a Pro to Race Like a Pro

Recently complete an Ironman and clueless about recovery? Registered for an upcoming Ironman and looking for any and all race tips? Signed up for next year's Ironman Wisconsin and already wondering how you’re going to survive the training and racing? If you can answer yes to any of these questions—and even if you can’t—you won’t want to miss the next VQ Expert Series Clinic. Featuring pro triathlete Chris McDonald and his wife Marilyn—also a pro triathlete and elite cyclist—Vision Quest Highland Park hosts this event on Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m.

Hear about how Chris survived back-to-back Ironmans, winning the second race, Ironman Wisconsin, in 2008. Learn how he survived 2009, like the more than 2,000 other finishers, during a Madison heat wave to finish fifth overall. Listen as Marilyn, who races with Team Specialized D4W/Bicycle Haus, shares her insights on triathlon and racing from a woman’s perspective. Receive tips, motivation and strategies for your next race so you can shave off precious minutes, avoid the bonk or recover without passing up an upcoming event. At this clinic you’ll learn about post-Ironman recovery, pacing, race day nutrition and race day tips. Even if you don’t have an ounce of desire to complete the distance and would rather cheer from the sidelines, it’s a great opportunity to learn about the sport.

For more information and to secure your spot for this event, check out visionquestcoaching.com or e-mail info@visionquestcoaching.com. Posted by Kate

Adventure-Packed Weekend

It's hard to believe that summer is starting to wind down (sob), between kids already going back to school, the cooler temps that we cannot seem to shake in Chicago, and late-summer fruits and veggies making their way to the farmer's markets. Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner but before it gets here, it feels like there's one last pre-September hoorah for events. I thought there was a lot going on sports-wise in Chicago this weekend but it turns out things are bustling across the country--at least in the sports I track. Here are some events to keep your eyes on this weekend and either attend if you're nearby or track from home.

The big news around Chicago is that it's Chicago Triathlon weekend. The hype is definitely around the city with triathletes lining up at Fleet Feet Monday morning to rent wetsuits, the last-minute workouts on the Lakefront, the easy runs, and then the Friday and Saturday action at the expo. And as someone pointed out to me, this is one of the city's last big showdowns before the 2016 Olympic bid announcement. With the Chicago Triathlon being the inspiration and guide to the Olympic design, if the Olympics are held in the Windy City, the race might have to be on its best behavior. Now if only the weather could hold out.

But the triathlon is not the only event going on around town. Sure, the kids events and SuperSprint take place on Saturday and the Sprinters and Olympic-distance racers kick things off on Sunday morning, but the city is also hosting a sea marathon on Saturday. Take a paddle and kayak 26.2 miles past Chicago landmarks and racing against other boats toward the finish.

Or if you want to get in some distance on the bike...Vision Quest Coaching is heading to Lake Geneva for a century ride. You don't have to ride the 100 miles--other distances are available--but you might want to simply to enjoy the rolling hills and lake town atmosphere.

It's starting to sound like the Olympics are already around Chicago between the events listed above and then knowing that if you hit the Lakefront Path Saturday morning you'll see packs of runners en masse training for the Chicago Marathon. But there are still two more event to fill out the Olympic line-up. The AVP tour comes to Oak Street Beach and some of the best beach volleyball players are tearing up the sand in all-day tourney action. While you may not get to see Kerri Walsh, who gave birth to her first child earlier this year, or Misty May-Treanor repeat an Olympic-sized victory, there are plenty of other v-ball superstars (who also sport super bodies to ogle over) competing. Or check out the shores of Lake Michigan for the Chicago Shoreline Marathon. This 26.2-mile event swaps running singlets and sneakers for oars and kayaks at takes places on Saturday. You'll even catch a few familiar Chicago faces from WGN, NBC5, Fox, ABC and other local stations.

While the active weekend is always a fun one to have in the summer, there's still just as much action to be had without leaving the house or being in Chicago (I was just amazed that all of these events were happening over one weekend when it seemed like there was hardly anything happening last weekend). If you're an Ironman fan, there's a showdown this weekend in Canada and Kentucky, and you can track it all at ironman.com. Triathletes are scrambling for some of the last spots at this year's World Championships at Ironman Canada and Ironman Louisville. Both occur on Sunday with start cannons going off just hours apart. And with racers taking at least eight hours to finish, it's a good event to check on periodically throughout the day. Perfect if the less-than-ideal temperatures have you down--it feels more like fall than summer doesn't it?--and you're thinking a weekend at home is in the cards.

Uh oh, I'm starting to sound like a walking event calendar again. Time to get out and get moving--or just battle the chill. Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! Posted by Kate

Workout Wednesday in the Windy City

Not to bust your bubble if you're living outside Chicago and checking out this Fit-Ink post. A couple of cool events flew threw my inbox in the last few days that I wanted to share. Whether your workout is in a rut or you're seeking some helpful tips for your next race day, there's something for everyone around the Windy City this evening. I'm just bummed that I can't go to all three.

• Pilates for Runners. Check out this seminar at the Fitness Formula Clubs' Gold Coast location beginning at 6 p.m. Granted you have to be a Fitness Formula member to take part, but it sounds full of tips for how runners can improve their strength and conditioning off the pavement. Experts will be on hand to show you how a Pilates workout designed to strengthen your core can not only improve your endurance on the run, but leave you breathing better and in better form.
• Tour de France Viewing Party. The 11th stage of the Tour occurred today and you can catch all the action on the big screen thanks to the Element Triathlon Club. Head over to Brasserie JO for delicious French eats and post-work treats during the Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Did Lance advance in the rankings? Plus you can have your chance at winning a new bike from Kozy if you guess the correct stage winner.
• Vision Quest Expert Series Clinic. For all of the triathletes beginning to fret about those races coming up as summer wears on, this one is for you. Charlie Cunnick, a VQ coach and former Northwestern University swimmer, talks about how you can swim faster and improve those oft-dreaded times without adding yardage or pool time. He'll offer up some tips and theories you can take to that next practice. The event begins at 7 p.m. adjacent to the VQ Chicago facility, at The Goddess and Grocer at 2222 N. Elston in Lincoln Park.

Or the other viable option is to spend an evening on the Lakefront. Looks like those storms haven't decided to breeze through so it could be a nice night on the path for a bike or run, or hitting the lake for an open water swim. Posted by Kate

Take a Spin with Dad

If you're like me, maybe you're stumped on what to get Dad for Father's Day on Sunday. Searching for a way to spend some extra time with Dad while enjoying what's been predicted as a good weekend (finally!)? If Dad's a cyclist--or if you like to ride and make plans to catch up with Dad later--then you want to head up to Highland Park for the Blood, Sweat and Tears ride. This annual ride is in its 7th year and has a host of new perks for riders including a new venue, new date and a 5-mile route for families. As long as you have two wheels to go riding, you can't lose.

Registration for Blood, Sweat and Tears runs from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 21 at the Highland Park Train Station at 1800 St. Johns Avenue. You have your choice of distances ranging from the 5-mile Family Fun ride to longer routes of 20, 45 and 62 miles. The ride benefits the Illinois chapter of Team in Training and it's asked that all riders donate $35 to participate. But with that $35 you'll find rest stops along the routes stocked with food and drink, a chance at winning some great prizes in a raffle, and if you're one of the first 500 to register, you'll score a goodie bag loaded with items from the event's sponsors including a water bottle, workout towel and coupons. Some items up for grabs in the raffle include a 2009 Schwinn Le Tour road bike, a Vision Quest performance test with Robbie Ventura, a Vision Quest Retul bike fit, an entry to Taste of Vision Quest, a Vetta cyclocomputer, a 3-month membership to Equinox, artwork by Andrea Feldmar, 2 dozen Carol's Cookies and a Target gift card.

For those fundraising for TNT and riding, they can score a ride with Robbie Ventura, the 2009 VIP at the Blood, Sweat and Tears. If you're one of the top 20 individual contributors to the event, you'll get to ride with Robbie, maybe even pick his brain a little before he heads across the Atlantic to begin his work commentating at the Tour de France. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. Photo grabbed from tntillinois.org. Posted by Kate

Vision to Tri to the Rescue

What's stopping you from trying your sporting legs in a triathlon? Is it the training? What about the motivation? Or maybe you're just unsure of your bike handling skills, swimming technique or surviving the run after a swim and cycle? Whatever the case may be, if you have thoughts of completing a triathlon this summer and need some guidance getting you to the finish line, Vision Quest Coaching's newest program is just the ticket. The last thing you want to do is drop out of competition before race day--or worse yet midway through the race because you just cannot move your foot an inch further--or arrive without an inkling of what you need to do to set up your transition area or pace yourself through each of the three disciplines. Any and all Chicagolanders new to the sport can whisk these fears away by signing up for Vision To Tri.

This beginning triathlon training program kicks off June 2 and runs through the summer to prepare its participants for either the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon on August 16 or the Chicago Triathlon on August 30. For $395, you'll get three days of training per week focusing on the swim, bike and run, plus time to work on your transition, core strength and flexibility. You'll learn the importance of brick workouts (bike to run training for newbies), how to translate pool laps to open water swimming, strategies for race day nutrition and injury prevention, and more. And you'll run through dress rehearsals so you're ready to knock race day out of the park and not look like a deer in headlights when you go to set up your transition gear or are waiting to start the swim.

Participants also have access to Vision Quest's coaching staff as well as its new Highland Park training facility. If you're participating in the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, Vision Quest will be on site that day with its tent and providing race day support. And who doesn't like a little gear too? You can sport the VQ name and get some cool tools for your training just for joining: a race singlet, water bottle (how many times have we lost those on the bike?) and Polar heart rate monitor. Plus you'll meet a great group of training buddies, which makes the effort far more fun than doing it alone.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today so you're not out of luck come race day, and so all of those triathlon terms that seem so foreign now just roll off your tongue by August. Photo grabbed from Vision Quest Coaching. Posted by Kate

Jump on the 2009 Tax Wagon

With the 2008 taxes filed--hopefully you're not scrambling in the last few hours--you can breathe a sigh of relief that the agony is over for another year. While you're left to wait for your tax return or scratching your head over ways to minimize or eliminate a payment to Uncle Sam for next year, why not get some deductions rolling for '09? You can even get started this weekend, at least if you're in the Chicago vicinity.

For those of us who aren't traveling to Boston this weekend, Vision Quest Coaching and the Trek store in Highland Park have an event to appease the area's cyclists and triathletes. Need a new ride for the upcoming season? How about some new wheels or components? Or maybe you're looking to unload some spare parts collecting dust in the garage or a bike that hasn't suited you since an upgrade last season? If you're nodding yes to any of these questions--or even if you're not and a sale or the word cycling alone makes you beeline to the bike or multisport store--you'll want to check out the goods in the Vision Quest/Trek parking lot on April 18. Or drag those bikes that you know you sell or donate with you.

One great location, two events and three local businesses involved. Vision Quest Coaching is hosting its third annual Garage Sale in conjunction with the Trek store's Drag, Push or Pull event that benefits Working Bikes Cooperative. You can find the flurry of activities at 1923 Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park, just adjacent to the Trek store and the VQ coaching facility.

Cyclists and triathletes can save on new gear for the upcoming season, donate any old bikes, and do some spring cleaning at home before checking out the deals. In addition to the shopping, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about bicycle safety and attend clinics. The VQ Garage Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. VQ members and the general public can shop or unload their gently used gear and display it in front of a large audience. Some gear for sale includes: PowerTaps, road and triathlon bikes, cycling shoes, wetsuits, trainers, bicycle components, and race wheels.

In addition to VQ’s Garage Sale, the Trek store will be holding Drag, Push or Pull, which encourages bikers to unload and donate old bicycles to Working Bikes Cooperative. Working Bikes Cooperative is a Chicago-based nonprofit that repairs bikes for sale and charity and delivers bicycles to under-served countries. Donated bikes will help improve the lives of people who need transportation to get to work or school. As long as participants can drag, push or pull old bikes to the store, Trek will give at least $50 toward a new bike purchase in honor of their donation. The Trek store will also be offering merchandise sales throughout the weekend.

For more information about the event, contact Vision Quest Coaching at www.visionquestcoaching.com. To learn more about Working Bikes Cooperative, where the bikes will be donated, visit workingbikes.org. Photo grabbed from Bike Library. Posted by Kate