Pactimo News

Don't Fall Victim to a Just Gonna

Pactimo — 2011-08-03T08:42:18-10:00

How many times have you left the house for a quick ride and in your eagerness to get out the door you forgo your usual pre- ride check or skip packing the basic necessities? Well, if you have (I have, too many times to count) you are pushing your luck. You could’ve checked your tires before leaving and noticed the gaping slash in the sidewall that blew out at the farthest point from home. You could’ve checked your cleats and noticed the giant crack that split the cleat in half during the ride leaving unable to clip in all the way home. You could’ve packed a rain jacket even though the skies were clear when you left and that thunderstorm popped up out of thin air (literally) and soaked you and your new i-phone. If you’ve ridden for any length of time I am sure you have fallen prey to a “Just Gonna Ride”. You were just gonna head out for a quick spin so you don’t need to check the bike, pack anything, etc. The “Just Gonnas” can and will take you down anytime- these rides can be worse than the 6 hour death march through the mountains, because on those days- you prepare. You know you are in for a long day and will need to be prepared with sound equipment, food, cell phone, and anything else you might need along the way. For the “Just Gonna” you think you can sneak out the door without anything.

So, to help you all avoid the next “Just Gonna” disaster I’ve come up with a checklist. Yes, it will take you a few precious extra minutes, but it will save hours of grief and frustration and possible injury. Trust me I know, I’ve learned the hard way- “Just Gonnas” always turn into Just Didn’t.

1.The Pre ride bike check-Regardless of the cost of your bike, it needs to be checked prior to hopping on the saddle every ride. This check should be done in a couple of minutes; it is not a bike tune-up. Unless of course you catch something, then you may need to do a little maintenance. ;)
The Bike
The tires/wheels-
Do the tires need to be pumped up?
Are the wheels rubbing the brakes when you spin them?
Are the tires true? (wobbly?)
Are the quick releases on properly- snug but not too tight?
Give the spokes a couple of gentle squeezes- are they good and snug?

The front end of the bike-
Grab the handlebars and gently lift the bike up off the ground by a few inches. Then drop it. This can be a very easy but effective way of making sure things are tight. Rattling can indicate a loose headset, loose wheels, and loose handlebars. Quiet = good.

Frame
Quickly look at your bike- especially carbon parts. Look for nicks or cracks. When we insist on riding the absolute lightest material possible, it also has the drawback of failing or breaking occasionally. Noticing a crack early on may allow you to get it repaired before you have to replace the entire thing.

Saddle
Check to make sure the seat post is tight and straight. Riding with a crooked or slipping saddle is very uncomfortable and cause an injury.
Drive train- look at the chain, listen to the chain- if its dry lube it!

Shoes/Helmet
Shoes-Check cleats and buckles, look for cracks, breaks, tighten screws if loose, and look to see if cleats have shifted. (I outline my cleats with a contrasting color so I can tell immediately if they have drifted)

Helmet-Inspect for cracks/breaks. These can happen from crashes, getting thrown in the car, falling on the ground. Remember most helmets these days are designed as a 1 time use when impacted.

Clothing-My husband’s mentor, Primo, always told him (in Italian of course!) that good cyclist always carries his rain jacket, words to live by here on the front range of Colorado or wherever you ride. Thunderstorms can pop up anytime and it’s always better when you are prepared with your rain jacket. Plus, if you take it, you’re pretty much guaranteed to miss the rain. At least this is how it works for me.

Bring the necessities- if you’re used to riding with gloves, wear them. Don’t skip them. If you are climbing- bring more clothing than you think you will need- always. Layers and options are always best.

Food/supplies:
No matter how short the ride- always take a little emergency food. It can be a gel or bar but if you get stranded or the ride takes longer than planned you will be glad you had it. While you’re at it, make sure you have something to drink- Always.

Cell phone/ID – bring it. You never know when you might need it for yourself or to help someone else out.

Flat tire kit/pump/CO2- whatever you use, bring the flat fixing tools. How many of us have ridden 5 miles on a flat, ruined tire and rim, just because we didn’t have anything to fix it with. Too many I am sure.

A couple of emergency bucks- this one I learned while riding/racing in Europe. A couple of Euros can save your ride. I like to put a 5 dollar bill in one of my shoes (under the insole); I forget about it until the one time I need it. Then it feels like I have won the lottery. Sometimes it’s the coke that gets you home.

Leave word- anytime you head out; let someone know approximately where you are going and when you will be back. I often do this by sending an email to someone. I’ve never had to use it, but it’s just worth the time to do it.

There you have it- my “Just Gonna” checklist. I hope you will use it too and keep yourself from becoming a victim of the “Just Gonna”

Pactimo Receives 2011 Colorado Companies to Watch Award

Pactimo — 2011-07-19T06:45:21-10:00

For Immediate Release:
Media Contact:
Chris Bogue
cbogue@pactimo.com
303.790.7807 x732

Cycling apparel company Pactimo was among an exclusive group of Colorado companies to be distinguished with the 2011 Colorado Companies to Watch (COCTW) award.

“The Colorado Companies to Watch program has a consistent record of success and represents a wide range of industries and services,” Gov. John Hickenlooper says. “These excellent companies are selling high-quality Colorado products and services in every corner of the world and creating good jobs in our state.”
COCTW energizes the state of Colorado by recognizing second-stage companies that are developing valuable product and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. This year, 50 winners were chosen from among 400 nominees in a rigorous multi-round selection process.

Pactimo CEO Frank Kim said, “We’re very honored to be one of the companies selected this year. It’s certainly a reflection of the entire Pactimo team’s passion for excellence, integrity, and giving back to our community. Although our reach is global, we’re proud of our Colorado heritage. We’re thankful for this opportunity to highlight what a great place Colorado is to live, work, and of course, to cycle.”

About Pactimo
Pactimo is a leading performance apparel company specializing in premium custom and dynamic designed technical apparel for cyclists and tri-athletes. Based in Colorado, Pactimo is listed on the 2011 Colorado Companies to Watch, and has been named two consecutive years to the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. For more information on Pactimo go to pactimo.com.

About Colorado Companies to Watch
Colorado Companies to Watch is a unique statewide awards program recognizing companies that fuel the economic fire of the state. Colorado Companies to Watch honors companies that develop valuable products and services, create quality jobs, enrich communities and create new industries throughout Colorado. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation, and valuable community partners from across Colorado.

THREE MORE WINS FOR SKI UTAH-MARKETSTAR

Pactimo — 2011-06-24T05:48:03-10:00

Booth Continues Hot Streak at High Uintas Classic and Ozone Criterium Draper

The Ski Utah-MarketStar elite team took on the High Uintas Classic; a 3 day stage race June 18-19 and while missing out on the overall win, proved the strongest team in the race with two stage wins.

The opening stage traditionally goes from Kamas, UT to Evanston, WY via Bald Mountain Pass. Due to an unusually heavy snow year, the pass was closed this year and the decision was made to run the opening stage from Evanston to the snow line, and back to Evanston. With less climbing, the crucial split happened in the crosswinds and not on the climb. A select group of six was formed with Ski Utah-MarketStar’s Sam Krieg and Michael Booth. As the finish neared, Krieg put down a monster lead out, enabling Booth to take the stage and time bonus.

It was not all good news for the team, however, as team member Garrett Burbidge crashed heavily on the descent and was unable to continue.

Sunday morning began with a ten mile time trial. Bryson Perry (Lifetime Fitness) won the stage, in front of Chase Pinkham (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Krieg. Due to time bonuses in the road race, Pinkham took the overall lead in front of Perry and Krieg, while Booth dropped to 4th.

The afternoon’s criterium features a technical and hilly six corner course. As luck would have it, heavy rain fell on the Pro men’s event. In such conditions, the race turned into one of attrition. And in the end, a small group sprinted for the win. Again, it was Ski Utah-MarketStar’s Mike Booth taking the win. The overall did not change, with Pinkham taking the win in front of Perry, Krieg and Booth. Team member Eric Ellis rode a solid race in support of his team, finishing a credible 9th overall in the process.

Before this report could even be filed, Booth was racing again at the Ozone Criterium Series event #2 in Draper, UT. On a flat, four corner course and with the confidence that comes from winning, Booth was not to be denied. After an intense hour of racing, no breakaway was able to establish and the field set-up for a mass sprint. Booth proved why he is the Utah State Criterium Champion and hit the afterburners, taking an emphatic win in front of a large crowd.

2011 Ski Utah-MarketStar Elite Team Podium Board (all races are Pro 1-2 unless otherwise noted)
1st- Ozone Criterium Series. Draper, UT
1st- Stage One. High Uintas Classic. Evanston, WY
1st- Stage Three. High Uintas Classic. Evanston, WY
1st-Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Stage 4 (35+) Hood River, OR 1st- Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Overall G.C.(35+) Hood River, OR 1st- Powder Mountain Hillclimb. Ogden, UT
1st- Bear Lake Classic Road Race. Garden City, UT
1st- Bear Lake Classic Team Time Trial. Garden City, UT
1st- Utah State Criterium Championships. Salt Lake City, UT
1st- UVU Road Race. Benjamin, UT
1st- Stage Two Criterium. Tour Del Sol. St. George, UT
1st- Jason Broome Memorial Time Trial. Boise, ID
1st- Flapjack Flats Time Trial. Tucson, AZ
2nd- Bear Lake Classic Hillclimb. Garden City, UT
2nd- UVU Team Trial Trial. Benjamin, UT
2nd- Stage Two Criterium. Tour Del Sol. St. George, UT.
2nd- Colleen Wheldon-Haught Memorial Time Trial. AZ
3rd- Powder Mtn Hillclimb. Ogden, UT
3rd- Stage One Time Trial. Tour Del Sol. St. George, UT

The Ski Utah-MarketStar Elite Team exists to identify talented riders in the state of Utah and to develop those talents to the highest level. The ultimate goal of the team is to register the first Utah based UCI registered team. The team is sponsored by Ski Utah; MarketStar; Millcreek Bicycles; Reynolds Cycling; Rocky Mountain Bicycles; Krieg Cycling; PowerBar and Sockguy. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter . For more info, please contact Ryan Barrett at turbo_ryan@hotmail.com.

About Ski Utah- Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 14 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski & Snowboard Association.
About MarketStar- For the last two decades, MarketStar has been the proven expert in designing measurable, high-performing and innovative retail, VAR and direct sales and marketing solutions for leading and emerging companies. As an integrated extension of the world’s most admired brands, MarketStar develops multichannel solutions that help clients ensure brand recognition and awareness, maximize channel partner loyalty and sales and drive incremental commercial revenue.

MarketStar is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.