ROLLER PART TWO

 

Hey there...well, as I sit in my house recuperating from a recurrence of an old back injury, I have been thinking of what to share next on my little corner of the "Intraweb".  Suddenly I remembered that I still had not posted the second installment of my "Roller" theme as was promised last time!!  Previously, you witnessed and learned about one of the Bend Roller Derby leagues, Lava City Roller Dolls.  Today...we are visiting the strange and amazing world of the VeloSprint ROLLER RUMBLE.  Allow me to explain....
The Roller Rumble is an event being hosted by Silver Moon Brewing Company here in Bend.  Organized by the collaboration of two great local bike companies and cycling-lifestyle supporters--Cascade Couriers and BendVelo, owned respectively by Daniel Brewster and Eric Power.  Eric's company, VeloSprints is at the heart of this new "sport" here in Bend 






Essentially, the event consists of two stationary, fixed gear cycles  hooked to a large training roller contraption on the rear wheel...two racers pedal as hard as they can for 500 meters, going for the fastest time.  The attached computer system relays the speed and progress bar up on a projection screen behind the riders for the crowd to see...oh, yeah the crowd.  Their job is to be as rowdy as possible, cheering, heckling, hyping up the riders and generally contributing to mayhem and fun.  It is an absolute riot to say the least and people are steadily getting more amped about this pursuit.  


It's good clean fun...except when someone pukes (haven't seen that here yet, but it's bound to occur)!


The 2010 RollerRumble Series (5 Sunday races from March 28- May 2) is about halfway finished, with two more Sunday races to go.  Check out the links above for more details and come check it out--seems like every week, something bizarre and amazing happens...sights that you'll be happy you didn't miss and that you'll be able to brag to your grandchildren about!!
Look for the VeloSprints crew at Pine Mountain Sports 10th Anniversary party this coming weekend, with Spork providing some sweet grub!!  Here's the link for more info...get out there and have fun, support local business, and git yer pedal on!!