Spotlight on 2014 Sponsors #1: By Eric Roy

The temperatures finally appear to be rising, signaling the end of a pretty brutal winter… which means that it’s time to start pedaling!  I'm convinced that we have some of the best local support of any race team in New England.   Let’s reciprocate and support these fantastic businesses!  Links to their websites can be found on the right hand side bar of this page.  This post highlights the 2014 sponsors that have supported our team from the early days… and are responsible for the growth that we have experienced throughout the years.  Thank you!

Qualey Granite and Quartz:  Qualey Granite and Quartz is a full service provider of stone countertops and flooring.  Their 45,000 square foot facility is located in Veazie, but their customer base extends from Northern Maine to Cape Cod. The reputation for quality and service has caused them to open a new showroom in Portland, and for owner Matt Qualey to be named the 2013 Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA.   In addition to being the title sponsor for the Qualey Granite/Rose Bike Race team for the second year running, Qualey Granite and Quartz operates their Rescue Dogs Rock! Charity branch to support local animal rescue groups like the Bangor Humane Society, Fast Friends Greyhound Rescue, the Conway Area Humane Society, The Hancock SPCA & the Bucksport Animal Shelter.

Rose Bike Shop:  Since opening in 1986, Rose Bike Shop has become synonymous with cycling in the Orono/Bangor area.  Ask any local or UMaine student/alum, and they’ll tell you that Rose Bike Shop is the only place to go for all of your biking and Nordic skiing needs.  So… stop by the shop, so Jim and his crew can set you up on two wheels to ride the trails/road!  Bring Cookies!

Verve Burritos:  Verve means vitality and enthusiasm.  The mission of Verve Burritos is to provide these qualities to the community through a fun, inviting atmosphere and quick, healthy, delicious food. This is the PERFECT place to stop after or during a big weekend trail ride.  The post ride rendez vous is made more convenient in 2014 with the addition of a second location in Downtown Bangor!  Our race team is  thrilled to be Fueled By Verve Burritos in 2014, and to have co-owner/local MTB fixture Abe Furth riding for us again.

United Insurance:  From loggers to lobstermen, bankers to builders, teachers to town governments, more and more Mainers are turning to United Insurance for personal, committed service that has made them one of the largest independent agencies in the state.  Qualey Granite/Rose Bike Racing is thankful to have support from United Insurance, as well as the legs and lungs of the President & CEO, Chris Condon, for the 2014 season.

Neal Dealer Services:  You may not have heard of Neal Dealer Services unless you have worked on the scene of a logging operation in the Maine woods, but Jason is dedicated to providing logging crews with valuable support regarding OSHA regulations and workplace safety.  He has also been a longtime supporter of our team and area cycling in general.