December 19, 2005
Nebo Ridge Indoor TT Series
Zionsville, IN
Nebo Ridge Hosts Computrainer TTs in Indy
By Robert BrooksA steady blanket of snow and temperatures hovering around the 20-degree mark have kept Midwest cyclists bound to their trainers over the past month and the calendar has not even turned the page to winter yet. The early onset of indoor training has been especially hard on those who commonly suffer cabin fever so it is no surprise 5-HTP supplies are empty in grocery stores and pharmacies throughout the region.
For those who need the competitive fix during winter to alleviate Old Man Winter's "Ain't Got No Watts Blues," Indy finally has a computrainer TT series. Nebo Ridge Bicycle shop located at 4335 W. 106th Street (106th & Michigan Road), on the Carmel/Zionsville border, began their weekly computrainer series last week.
When the shop opened last March, owner Tim Casady knew from the beginning he wanted to purchase a computrainer and make it accessible to customers. "The unit is a great learning tool, and obviously it pulls more people into the store, which we hope, will enhance our sales," said Casady.
With 4,000 square feet of retail space and the open maintenance shop situated for easy access and viewing of your bike's care, a trip to the shop is well worth your time, even if you don't feel like suffering through the Computrainer TT. Cannondale, Scott, Moots, Burley, Redline, Waterford and Co-Motion highlight the inventory. Hammer Nutrition headlines a wide selection of energy bars and nutritional supplements. Campy and Shimano components are readily available in the showroom display case.
The staff includes general manager, Jonathan Juillerat and service manager, Scott Rodriquez, both long time bike industry employees. Juillerat provides a free custom fit with every bike sale. Trained and experienced in the Serotta fit system, Juillerat says, "Fit is a blend of science and art. I mix a lot of fit methods with my own experience and provide a very hands-on approach to every customer," he affirmed. The shop emphasizes customer care and confirms it with free lifetime re-fits for every customer. Initial fit sessions can last longer than two hours as Juillerat spends significant time getting to know the rider, his or her riding habits, goals, and flexibility for comfort requirements.
Rodriquez leads the service and maintenance team. His friendly, accessible demeanor, enthusiasm and deft handy work make him one of the top mechanics in the region. Scott also handles computrainer set up for the TTs each week and spends time with each participant to ensure the rider understands all the functions and readouts on the comprehensive unit. My own TT session included some extra time utilizing the spin scan and a repositioning of my saddle, which enhanced my efficiency and power output.
If a knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff is not enough to entice you into the shop, perhaps the FREE, unlimited authentic Italian Espresso will draw you in for a look around. Open seven days a week, Nebo Ridge personalizes every interaction whether a sale is made or not. The old school attitude in the modern setting provides the perfect balance for even the most finicky bike enthusiast.
Members of the Nebo Ridge Mountain Bike team claimed two of the top three podium spots for last week's first TT of the season. The prologue distance course of three miles favored the climbers. The 3-D software package allows virtual replication of any course in the world. A TT up the virtual Alp d' Huez looms in the future.
After a flat run of about ½ mile, the first of four grades greeted the racers in the form of a ¼-mile, 2% lung opener. A short downhill was quickly followed by a ½-mile climb at 6% and this one hurt. How many times has your HR hit 180 in a 39X21 on your trainer?
A lengthier descent on which speeds of 38 mph were reached, was followed by a gradual roll up into a ¼-mile, 5% pitch. Once crested, a short flat section provided little respite before the final ½-mile ascent at a 2% grade. For those keeping score at home, half the distance was uphill. And shop owner Casady smiles when he says, "We want to make the courses progressively more difficult each week of the winter." This week's course features a 6-mile jaunt through New York's Central Park.
Ten bucks will get you an hour on the Computrainer, including your TT effort. The fastest man and fastest woman each week win a $25 gift certificate to the shop. As previously mentioned, courses change each week and will become progressively more difficult as winter proceeds. For those interested in participating, call Nebo Ridge Bicycles at (317) 471-1089 or check them out at www.neboridge.com.
Week one's podium read as follows:
3rd - Steven Harpster Nebo Ridge 8:46
2nd - John Clodfelter Nebo Ridge 8:41
1st - Robert Brooks Team Tortuga/Big Brothers 8:23