Support System at its best

When Moe and I started the race team, we never dreamed that it would be what it is today. Not only do all of our racers perform well, but we all get along and actually like each other. The team’s chemistry is better than what you would see on some of my favorite 80’s TV shows like A-Team, CHiP’s and Airwolf…

I would be closest to resemble BA Baracus (since I have muscles and stuff) but as the Team Manager, I would be best fitted to play the role of Hanibal. We can make Eric Hunner be a white version of BA, then Moe and David can fight over who plays Face Man, Joe, you’re Murdock…cuz you’re a funny guy!

I wanted to give a few examples on how the team really takes care of everyone. First we need to talk about this guy…Tony “The Wizard” Finch. He has to be a roving tool box. If you all didn’t know, Tony and his wife Kim, own a Mercedes Benz Repair shop in Whittier, Ca. called Henry’s Auto Repair. Not really sure who Henry is, but from what I remember, I think Henry was the original owner who Tony worked for back in the day and he eventually bought the shop. Ok with that being said. Tony is a Gangsta’ Mechanic for Mercedes Benz. He is one intelligent fella when it comes to cars and if bikes are involved, the dude is even smarter!

The Wizard…always cool and relaxed…

Anyhow, Tony keeps in his little Jeep all the tools necessary to run a bike repair shop. Not only does he carry tools, but he also carries spare parts. I’ve benefited from his extra Hayes Nine rear brake set up (with Danger Boy Lever) on a recent rainy DH race. My Avid BB5’s were contaminated with mud and grime which basically prevented me from stopping the bike. Just this past weekend, Priscilla’s brakes were contaminated and Tony’s Hayes Nine came to the rescue which allowed her to race safely.

Another thing I wanted to point out is that our team works much like a NASCAR pit crew when someone is in need of mechanical help. Let’s go back to the brake stuff. When I had problems, Kim, Joe and Tony as well as David were all involved with the whole thing. Kim was getting me some parts cleaner (to hopefully clean the pads) and sand paper, David was cutting a seat tube on a demo bike that was on standby just in case I couldn’t fix my bike in time. Joe was helping me with my cables and the make shift front fender doohickey that we all installed. Tony was helping me resurface the bad pads.

Then when Priscilla had brake problems, again , the team jumped into action. Kim asked one of the pro-racer guys for sand paper, Tony was checking the brakes and eventually scoured the pads and rotors. Since the pads were in bad shape, we eventually swapped out her whole rear brake system with Tony’s Hayes Nine.

Besides the mechanical stuff I mentioned. The team is great for moral support. Not only do we all cheer each other on during the races, but during the awards ceremony, we’re hooting and hollering when our team mates are called to the podium.

I think the best part about the team is that we’re not doing these races all by ourselves. Its tough enough to race, but to do it alone, makes it less pleasant. To have a great group of people that you actually look forward to seeing every few weeks, makes racing less of chore, but a fun social event.