Spotlight on Sponsors #2: By Eric Roy

In addition to longtime supporters, we are also proud to announce that we have partnered with the following organizations for the 2014 season!  

Team Kennett:  October 26, 2012 was the day that Chip Kennett, an otherwise healthy, 31 year old, nonsmoking father (with another on the way) was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer after going in for a routine eye exam.  Teamkennett.com is a candid glimpse through the eyes of Chip's wife, Shelia, as she writes about her family's journey that has followed Chip’s unexpected diagnosis.  The Team Kennett Blog is their “playbook for life,” and is a constant source of inspiration for its readers, even those whose lives are not directly impacted by cancer.  We are honored to be included as one of Team Kennett's supporters in 2014, and share their goal for increased lung cancer awareness.  You will not regret reading this blog from the beginning (http://www.teamkennett.com/2012/10/)

ABM Mechanical Inc. is one of the leading, largest, competitive mechanical systems contractors in the state of Maine. They are a full service mechanical contracting firm offering preconstruction, estimating, design, installation, and maintenance services. Their main focus is to provide customers on time, exceptional quality and cost efficient mechanical systems.  One of the owners, Bill Brown (and his wife Julie), are also regulars frequent the podium in regional mountain bike races!  

Dave’s World is a local business that helps Mainers live better and save money through a wide range of high tech products for the home. We are honored to have Dave’s World, in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric, as a sponsor for our 2014 race team, and for Matt Scott to join our race team this year!

Mac's Steamer Carpet Cleaner is a full service carpet and upholstery cleaning company serving the Greater Bangor area.  Their goal is to treat every client as a friend and provide a service experience that will keep them coming back.  Mac's Steamer Carpet Cleaner is locally owned and operated, and is not part of a large franchise.  Let owner Craig MacDonald (who also races for our team) exceed your expectations!

At Skratch Labs our mission is to use real world science and practice to create the very best nutrition products. Products that taste great, that are made from real all-natural ingredients, and that are designed to optimize performance and health for both sport and life.

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.

Racer Profile: Angus Rose

Residence: Portland, ME
Racing Age: 26
Day Job: Engineer
Discipline(s)/Categories: Mountain, Road, (and maybe Triathlon this year)
Bikes: Trek Fuel ex 9.8, Trek Madone 5.2, Voodoo Wanga
Strengths: Always having fun!
Weaknesses: Time trials... And spending too much money on bikes.
Favorite Trail: Anything offroad!
Favorite Races: 24 Hours of Great Glen, anything with a free BBQ at the end
Pre Race/Post Race Ritual:  Sleep, eat/ eat, sleep.
Wisdom:  Work hard play hard.

Racer Profile: Bill Brown

Lives in: Stetson

 

 

Racing age: 45

Passionate about: Mt Biking and Back Country Skiing. Doing anything outside with my nephew.

Bike: Tall Boy LT

Favorite Trail: Eye for an Eye and Charlie's Trail (down) in the Bog.

Strengths: Chasing Dave Hughes.

Weaknesses: Slowing down and relaxing.

Favorite Race: CBCC, NH-100, Bond Brook

Goals: To do well in the 100k  and 6 hour races.

Wisdom: Watch out for porcupines in the Bog and what Eric Roy said - I'm still chuckling.  Pace yourself...

Racer Profile: Scott Johnson

 

 

Residence: Orono, ME

Racing Age: 53, or so I am told

Day Job: Geology prof
Discipline(s)/Categories: Endurance, XC
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 29, Trek Superfly single speed
Strengths: I don’t actually believe that I am in my 50s
Weaknesses: None that I know of?
Favorite Trail: Wasatch Crest Trail, Park City, Utah
Favorite Races: Racing sucks – I do it to attract chicks
Pre-Race Ritual: Make sure the cooler is near the finish line
Post-Race Ritual: Find the cooler
Wisdom: It supposedly comes with age, so Jim Rose and I must have the lion’s share
One thing I will never do: Beat Abe Furth
One thing I would like to do: Ride as fast as Bill Brown

Racer Profile: Eliza Cronkite

 

Residence: Orono, ME
Racing Age: 29 (2^nd anniversary)
Day Job: Geology Graduate Student
Passionate About: Ma Nature, being a tomboy
Bikes: Trek Crossrip, “The Ripper” and Trek Superfly, “The Fly”
Strengths: Never gives up, strong legs, puts up with all of these boys and their silliness
Weaknesses: Relaxing, rest days, the dreaded rocks-roots-trees-turn combo on trails
Favorite Trails: Almost anything in the Kingdom (VT)
Favorite Races: Have only done CBCC and Nordic Festival 6-Hour Solo; both are adventures…
Goals: Continue to improve mountain biking skills, finish my masters
Wisdom: Keep moving, you’ll get there eventually

Racer Profile: Julie Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lives in: Stetson

Racing age: 47

Passionate about: Biking and Skiing with family/friends. And, my fur babies:)

Bike: Jet 9 Niner

Favorite Trail: "The Pickle" in the Bangor Bog.

Strengths: I love to ride!

Weaknesses: Bad falls when NOT on my bike (and, Ice Cream)

Favorite Race: Nordic Trail Festival in Presque Isle.

Goals: To stay on my bike!

Wisdom: Play hard when you can :)