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Track the Accu-Chek Cyclebetes Team Across Canada

Join the Accu-Chek Cyclebetes Team as they cross Canada for their epic journey. Over 1500 people will take part in the biggest bike relay in the world. All helping cure Juvenile Diabetes.

If you can't ride or just want to follow along keep your eyes on the GPS tracking, our blogs, www.cyclebetes.com, our facebook fan page or here.

Live to ride.
The John Henry Bikes and Accu-Chek Cyclebetes Team

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

Labels: Accu-Chek Cyclebetes, biggest bike relay in the world, John Henry Bikes

Good Deals on Great Bikes

John Henry Bikes is cutting the price on some single model bikes left in stock. In some cases massively cutting it. If you were thinking of getting one of these, now is your chance! Same lifetime free service and lifetime warranty...different, better price.

2009 BIKE BLOWOUT. The best bikes at the best deals.

Labels: Good Deals on Great Bikes, John Henry Bikes, North Shore bike shop, Summer Sizzler Deals

It's Your Birthday...Bike Party!

Over the last few months we have:

• started a charity
• done a renovation
• bought a company
• put on the biggest spin-a-thon
  
• I've become sponsored and got a unbeleivable new bike
• had a smoking season
• but....
  

I have to admit it. The one thing in the last few months that has completely pumped me up more than any of the above...

• is ESC birthday parties.

I can't believe how sweet these bike camp birthday parties for kids are. ESC Adventures ride leaders take out the party, teach the kids skills, roll them to the bike park and then parents put on the usual barbeque and fanfare. No hassles and some seriously stoked kids. Unreal and they even burn off more energy than they consume!!!





I don't know why I think these parties are so cool but I think it is because of the reaction from both the parents and the kids. High fives all around. Anyways, 2hrs of fun on the bikes and then around an hour of parent party...not in your house. Worth checking out I think.

www.escadventures.com or 604-307-BIKE [2453]

Live to ride.

Labels: bike, bike party, bike shop, ESC Adventures, John Henry Bikes, North Shore bike shop

Cool Video

This is just a cool little video that captures some essence of the sport of cycling. thought you might want to check it out.



Live to ride.

Labels: bike, cycling, John Henry Bikes, North Shore, North Shore bike shop

The Seat Post e-newsletter

The Seat Post - John Henry Bikes' e-newsletter has been reincarnated as a blog. You can now get bicycling insight and words of wisdom at The Seat Post blog section. Make sure you sign up for the RSS feed [the little orange button in the corner].

Thanks.
The John Henry Bikes Crew

p.s. Join our every day action on the new John Henry Bikes twitter page or have some fun posting your pics and comments on our facebook page.

Live to ride.

Labels: facebook, John Henry Bikes, North Shore, North Shore bike shop, The Seat Post, twitter

Anthony Sedlak rides Norco

Some good fun over the last week at John Henry Bikes.

Besides a wicked bike festival at John Henry Days we had the pleasure of meeting up with celebrity and Food Network Chef, Anthony Sedlak. His show is called The Main and it airs Monday to Friday at 4pm Pacific time if you don't believe me.

It turns out that Anthony is very passionate about bikes, is a North Shore boy and besides being a regular on T.V. is also amped up on diabetes as a charity. He first called us looking to be a part of Accu-Chek Cyclebetes and we got to talking about him being a champion of the cause. Well a few weeks later Anthony was shouting from the roof tops about riding across B.C. for Juvenile Diabetes, joined us at our West Vancouver spin-a-thon and was chomping at the bit to begin his training. Only one small problem...no road bike!

Well no problem really at all. Enter John Henry Bikes and the brand new Norco road bike line up. Yes our Canadian champ won a silver medal at the world's on a Norco, and yes, that same Svein Tuft is now riding for Team Columbia, so they are good...but these new Norco road machines are not only acting the part they look amazing!

Anthony chose to ride the new full carbon Norco CRR2 and it suits him down to the ground.
Here is a couple of shots of him in our fit room after a full Body Geometry 3D fit.

Looking sharp Anthony. Look forward to some thoughts on how Anthony's training is going and what he thinks of his bike as we roll through the summer. Also look forward to his new restaurant, The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe, opening July 1 downtown.



Looking sharp Anthony. Bon Apetit!

...and Live to ride

Labels: Accu-Chek Cyclebetes, Anthony Sedlak, BG Fit, CRR2, John Henry Bikes, Norco

John Henry Days: Sale Flyers & Prices

The Latest Flyers for John Henry Days [click to view]:

• JHDays1.pdf

• JHDays2.pdf

Just some of the KILLER Bike Sale Prices:

SPEC, 07 HARDROCK COMP DISC REG: $799.99 SALE: $579.99
SPEC, 07 TARMAC COMP REG: $2569.99 SALE: $1899.99
**SPEC, 06 S-WORKS TARMAC REG: $7500 SALE: $3699.99
SPEC, 06 P2 CROMO REG: $969.99 SALE: $699.99
SPEC, 06 ROUBAIX EXPERT REG: $3349.99 SALE: $2599.99
SPEC, 05 BIG HIT REG: $1349.99 SALE: $799.99
SPEC, 07 GLOBE CITY 6.1 WMNS REG: $1049.99 SALE: $749.99
NORCO, 08 FLUID 4 REG: $1699.99 SALE: $1099.99
NORCO, 08 FLUID 2 REG: $2499.99 SALE: $1699.99
NORCI, 08 AXIA STEP THRU REG: $699.99 SALE: $569.99
NORCO, 09 MOUNTAINEER REG: $449.99 SALE: $399.99

2009 Price Reductions until sold out at Norco [Not a ton left but sweet deals]:
NORCO, 09 Six 1 was $4550 Now $3379.99
NORCO, 09 Six 2 was $3800 Now $2879.99
NORCO, 09 Six 3 was $2650 Now $1799.99
NORCO, 09 Shore 1 was $5275 Now $4379.99
NORCO, 09 Shore 2 was $3675 Now $2749.99
NORCO, 09 Shore 3 was $3000 Now $2499.99

NORCO, 09 VFR Disc 1 was $1550 Now $1329.99
NORCO, 09 VFR Disc 2 was $1375 Now $1049.99

NORCO, 09 Manik was $1775 Now $1279.99
NORCO, 09 Rampage was $2650 Now $2079.99

SOME SINGLE SALE BIKES: smoking deals!!!

SPEC, 08 BIG HIT 2 BLUE REG: $2559.99 SALE: $1199.99
SPEC, 08 HR COMP GREEN SMALL REG: $679.99 SALE: $499.99
SPEC, 08 XC COMP LRG REG: $1799.99 SALE: $999.99
SPEC, 08 SIRRUS XS REG: $729.99 SALE: $499.99
SPEC, 08 SIRRUS XL REG: $729.99 SALE: $499.99
SPEC, 08 SIRRUS SPT XL REG: $899.99 SALE: $599.99
SPEC, 08 HR 15.5 BLU REG: $539.99 SALE: $399.99
SPEC, 08 MYKA COMP 13 REG: $459.99 SALE: $399.99
SPEC, 08 CROSSTRAIL ELITE 61 REG: $899.99 SALE: $599.99
SPEC, 07 BIGHIT BRWN SML REG: $3299.99 SALE: $1699.99
SPEC, 08 RH COMP 13 SILVER REG:$1074.99 SALE: $699.99
SPEC, 07 XC SML GREY REG: $1699.99 SALE: $999.99
SPEC, 08 HR COMP DISC REG: $679.99 SALE: $499.99
SPEC, 08 BIGHIT 2 BLU LRG REG: $2559.99 SALE: $1199.99
SPEC, 08 BIGHIT 3 BRWN SML REG: $3299.99 SALE: $1699.99
SPEC, 07 HR SPT DISC SML RED REG: $699.99 SALE: $529.99
SPEC, 07 RH COMP 13 REG: $1059.99 SALE: $699.99
SPEC, 08 HR SPT 15 REG: $539.99 SALE: $399.99
SPEC, 07 XC SML GRY REG: $1699.99 SALE: $999.99
SPEC, 08 HR SPT 15 REG: $539.99 SALE: $399.99
SPEC, 08 HR SPT RED 19 REG: $539.99 SALE: $399.99
SPEC, 08 HR DISC 13.5 REG: $879.99 SALE: $629.99
SPEC, 08 RH COMP 13 DISC REG: $1059.99 SALE: $699.99
SPEC, 08 DEMO 7 I WHITE SML REG: $3749.99 SALE: $2199.99
SPEC, 08 PITCH COMP MED BRWN REG: $1979.99 SALE: $1299.99
SPEC, 08 SIRRUS LRG SILVER REG: $669.99 SALE: $499.99
SPEC, 08 HR SPT 15.5 BLK REG: $539.99 SALE: $399.99
NORCO, 08 SCRAMBLER GRN 19 REG: $489.99 SALE: $399.99
NORCO, 08 OLYMPIA 20” BLACK REG: $309.99 SALE: $249.99
NORCO, 08 RAMPAGE SML REG: $1999.99 SALE: $1199.99
NORCO, 08 SCRAMBLER GREEN 12.5 REG: $489.99 SALE: $399.99
NORCO, 07 BUSHPILOT 22 SILVER REG: $589.99 SALE: $489.99
NORCO, 08 YORKVILLE 14” BLK REG: $359.99 SALE: $299.99
NORCO, 08 SASQUATCH SML REG: $1229.99 SALE: $699.99
NORCO, 08 VFR 3 DISC 18 REG: $979.99 SALE: $779.99
HARO, 07 V1 SERIES 16 REG: $359.99 SALE: $299.99

Labels: John Henry Bikes, John Henry Days

John Henry Days: The Dreaded 150 returns...

John Henry Days are back!
This May 7th to 10th John Henry Bikes presents the 17th Annual John Henry Days. Our biggest festival and sale of the year. This year we are shutting down the newly minted street for the 2nd Annual Dreaded 150. A mix of race and obstacles put together by the incomparable Jay Hoots.



On Saturday, May 9th look forward to:

The Dreaded 150: Hootie is back and he is badder than ever. Bringing a bigger team of designers and a wilder side to the show. A new course design making it even more fun than it was last year. Two courses. Two pump tracks. Two picnic tables. Hop ups. Kiddie pools full of water. Multiple sets of skinnies. Pro teams vying for bragging rights...and maybe you versus a friend!!! That’s right, you can be involved.

First come first serve. $5 entry with all entry to NSMBA. Who will take the honours in this year's Dreaded 150 event? Call down to the shop now and get your name on the list. Pre-qualifying starts at 9a.m. on Saturday and the event takes place all day. At 2:00pm[ish] the industry takes over as an industry challenge will take place to crown the champion of the Dreaded bike world.

Course design:


This year, in conjunction with ESC Bike and Adventure Camps there is even a little rippers course so you young guns can go head to head on a Dreaded course.

Are you big enough to be the champion? Call 604-986-5534 or email: info@johnhenrybikes.com.
More sweet pics form last year to get you stoked:
Photo bucket
Flickr

Industry Showcase
The industry is out in force. Tents, products, reps, demo bikes and just some sweet fun. Come down and talk directly to the companies that make it happen. They want to know what you think and the industry trade show is always a hit.



Youth Lessons and Demos
Last but certainly not least: the newest addition to the John Henry Bikes team, ESC Bike and Adventure Camps, the North Shore's oldest summer bike camp company, will be holding a kids festival including lessons and a whole lot of fun. Make sure you bring your bike if you are between 2 and 15 years old. Parents need to sign the waiver and then they can grab a coffee, watch the show and relax as the ESC team ignites the flames of mountain biking passion. Learn the rules of the road, practice stunt riding, learn new tricks and just generally have a blast.

A huge barbeque, music, the street is shut down and the shows go on rain or shine. May 7-10 is John Henry Days and there is nothing but deals on sweet products. Bikes and parts, clothing and accessories are all on sale.

The 17th Annual John Henry Days. Free for all, fun for everyone.

The legend continues.

Are you going to make time for it this year?
Questions? Comments?
Email: info@johnhenrybikes.com
Phone: 604-986-5534

Live to ride.
the John Henry Bikes team

Labels: bike, bike shop, John Henry Bikes, John Henry Days, North Shore bike shop, The Dreaded 150

Intermontane Challenge

Enter to win a free entry to this Kamploops based epic 5-day bike race. Come down to John Henry bikes for a chance to snag the grand prize.

More details in our event section here: http://www.johnhenrybikes.com/events.asp

Live to ride.

Labels: John Henry Bikes

Pay What You Can Event

Labels: 3D Fit, Bike Fit, Fit, John Henry Bikes, Pay What You Can, Specialized Bike Fit, Tune Up

Challenge: Bridal Path Tap Out

Okay, here it is. 3rd Year running.

Willie's buying 24 of the finest cold ones for the first person to successfully ride the North Shore's Bridal Path coast to coast and back without any dabs. Not one! And it gets freaking easier and easier after matt has busted his butt ot make it so buff! Thanks Matt. You are a great big stud.

Rules:

• Honour rule
• Need a picture after your done smiling in anticipation of your cold ones
• Ride must start at Old Buck Parking Lot and finish at Old Buck Parking Lot
• No dabs from that point on.
• I reserve the right to add or subtract rules if you guys start getting picky or irritating. Just ride and get it done.
• I don't care where you are from or where you live just the first person wins. No second prizes.
• You can try as many times as you want.
  
• Picture with me so I can congratulate you online etc.
• Must be legal drinking age..yada, yada, yada
  

No dabs and don't tap out.
Live to ride.

Labels: bike, bridal path, bridal path challenge, John Henry Bikes

John Henry Bikes Super D: Watch It Here

The West Coast Racing John Henry Bikes Super D course is revealed. I still think you'll have no idea how to find it. None the less, here is a few minute vid from the boys and girls at West Coast Racing.



For more of the details on this super fun race go here. Remember, if you sign up you are automatically entered to win a brand new Norco Rival bike.

Sweet deal for $15!
Live to ride.

Labels: bike race, bike shop, John Henry Bikes, North Shore, west coast racing

Building a Promise Revolution

I want to give you a great book. Free.

Most of you know John Henry Bikes is working with a great organization this year called Accu-Chek Cyclebetes. Well, more than just working with, we pretty much are helping run the show. These are the same people who are running the amazing spin-a-thons, like the Rockridge High School event, and who are doing another relay like Team H2V. As a supporter we are inviting you to take a look at what these people are doing for the world. They have promised a lot and we are proud to be helping them.

Accu-Chek Cyclebetes reclaims the Promise
A Father's promise to his daughter spawned TeamH2V and raised million dollars for JDRF and netted a Guinness World Record. Team H2V rider Willie Cromack promised to continue the legacy of Team H2V, and with a friend and some seriously committed High School students, founded Cyclebetes.
Promises are sacred, they fuel our dreams.
Promises inspire hope, build trust and unite our spirits.
Watch the video---forward it to your network.

What's your promise?
Make it.
Keep it.
Help others to do the same.

Follow the link below to a quick and fun video and then click through to your complimentary book. It is a great read and the pictures are inspiring too.
See the Video: http://www.cyclebetes.com/info/info.php?pageID=118
Get the eBook: http://www.cyclebetes.com/contact/contact.php?pageID=113

Live to ride.

Labels: Accu-Chek Cyclebetes, Cyclebetes, John Henry Bikes, Promise, Promise Revolution, spin-a-thon

Race Results: 2 Firsts

Jump over to the race team section and check out what's going on with the John Henry Team already for 2009.

Click here to get the skinny on our two First place results.

Live to ride.

Labels: John Henry Bikes

Trail Day #1: Come One Come All

John Henry Bikes, ESC Adventure Bike Camps and the NSMBA bring you the first Trail Day of the year.

When: Sunday, April 5 at 9am
Where: Empress By-Pass Trail
Meet: Old Buck Parking Lot at the base of Seymour Mnt.

John Henry will be rocking a sweet lunch and we heard there will be sun. Get out and have some fun. Bring the kids, bring your grandma and bring a shovel!



Hope to see you out.
Live to ride.

Labels: bike shop, empress by-pass, ESC Adventures, John Henry Bikes, nsmba, trail day

John Henry Bikes West Coast Super D

John Henry Bikes is proud to announce their partnership of the John Henry West Coast Super D in Belcarra Park.

Some super sweet flowing trails and a really cool atmosphere. Anyone can do it and everyone is invited.

When: April 26, 2009

This is going to be a blast so tune up your bike and get ready to rip...or whatever you do.

Rock star Tim Coleman

Check out all the details here:
http://westcoastracing.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=54

Live to ride.
The John Henry Bikes Crew

Labels: bike, bike shop, downhill race, John Henry Bikes, west coast racing

Blogs, Facebook and Twitter!

It's official. John Henry Bikes is in deep. In a quest to entertain, educate and inspire John Henrys has opened up to bare all.
Follow the follies of bike shop life and get up to speed where you want and when you want. Who are we to tell you when to be inspired?

• RSS feed the John Henry Bikes website blogs - especially the Community and Learn pages [your little orange buttons above and on your right hand side].
• Check us out on facebook
• Follow the follies on the new John Henry Bikes Twitter
  

And if we aren't updating what you want...tell us. If we aren't updating for a few hours then we are RIDING!

Live to ride.

Labels: bike shop, John Henry Bikes, North Shore, Willie Cromack

Hoots Parks

The creator of over 30 parks Jay Hoots talks about one of his local bike parks. Located at Interriver the park consists of dirt jumps, a skills park, and a national level BMX track.

Labels: Interriver, Jay Hoots, John Henry Bikes, Norco, North Vancouver Skills Park, Tyler Mcdougall

John Henry & Accu-Chek Cyclebetes Spin to Win

John Henry Bikes is proud to be a founding partner of the Global Charity effort now called Cyclebetes.

Started from a Father's Promise to cure Juvenile Diabetes and now having spread to schools across North America, this is truly activating people to get moving.



School spin-a-thons are now happening and they need teams. sign up now at www.cyclebetes.com for:

• Windsor Secondary School. March 10-11.
• Rockridge Secondary School [the original Cyclebetes!]: April 3-4.
• J.N.Burnett Secondary School: May 27-28

And if you are going to be riding all summer check out the amazing Accu-Chek Cyclebetes 150km and 50km on Sept. 12. Help bring the Accu-Chek meter home.

What's your promise?
Live to ride.

Labels: Accu-Chek Cyclebetes, Cyclebetes, John Henry Bikes, Rockridge, Rockridge Secondary School, spin-a-thon

Fire Sale...Seriously!

As of 2pm December 23rd the John Henry Bikes insurance squabble has been resolved! Fire-Gate 2008 is over. And since all our boxes were burned in the fire...we aren't doing Boxing Day, we are doing a massive FIRE SALE.

The store is just packed with bikes and product we haven't been able to do anything with and now we are blowing it out.

As of December 27th at 10am these bikes are going to fly out of here. Unlike the every day our biggest sale of the year John Henry Bikes is having a once in a lifetime [we hope and pray!] real FIRE SALE. One and done.

Check out just some of these phenomenal deals on 2008 product [most bikes are one only]:

Mountain Bikes Full Suspension:
2008 Norco Fluid 3 Large: Regular $1849.99 Fire Sale: $1099.99
2008 Norco Shore 3 Small: Regular $2499.99 Fire Sale: $1699.99
2008 Norco Fluid LT 2 Large: Regular $3189.99 Fire Sale: $2189.99
2008 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert: Regular $3699.99 Fire Sale: $2599.99
2007 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert: Regular $3749.99 Fire Sale: $1899.99
2007 Specialized Big Hit 3: Regular $3299.99 Fire Sale: $1699.99
2007 Specialized Big Hit 2: Regular $2559.99 Fire Sale: $1399.99
2008 Specialized Pitch Comp: Regular $1979.99 Fire Sale: $1299.99
2008 Specialized FSR XC Comp: Regular $1799.99 Fire Sale: $1199.99
2008 Specialized Enduro SL Comp: Regular $3299.99 Fire Sale: $2500.00
2008 Specialized SX Trail 2 Xtra Large: Regular $4399.99 Fire Sale: $2999.99
2008 Specialized Demo 8 2: Regular $5699.99 Fire Sale: $4299.99
2008 Specialized Demo 7 2: Regular $4999.99 Fire Sale: $3499.99
2008 Specialized Big Hit 3: Regular $2999.99 Fire Sale: $2099.99
2008 Specialized Big Hit 2: Regular $2599.99 Fire Sale: $1699.99
2008 Norco Rampage : Regular $1999.99 Fire Sale $1349.99
2008 Norco Fluid LT 2 Regular $5879.99 Fire Sale$2999.99 (ride leader bike)
2007 Santa Cruz Blur Regular $3269.99 Fire Sale $1899.99
2008 Specialized Pitch Pro Regular $2469.99 Fire Sale $1899.99

...there are way more in store in almost all sizes

Mountain Bike Hard Tail, Kids Bikes, Hybrids, some BMXs and all styles of bikes:

* Literally hundreds of bikes that have been sitting and waiting for a home as much as 50% off


Road Bikes [call on sizing]:
2007 Norco ORD Medium: Regular $849.99 Fire Sale: $399.99
2006 Norco CRD 2 Large: Regular $1269.99 Fire Sale: $599.99
2007 Norco CRD 2 Medium: Regular $1279.99 Fire Sale: $599.99
2008 Specialized Tarmac Expert [54, 56 & 58]: Reg. $3419.99 Fire Sale: $2199.99
2008 Roubaix Pro: Regular $4769.99 Fire Sale: $2999.99
2008 Roubaix Comp: Regular $2519.99 Fire Sale: $1699.99
2006 Felt S25 Tri Bike: Regular $2999.99 Fire Sale: $1399.99
2006 Felt S32 Tri Bike: Regular $1899.99 Fire Sale: $999.99
2008/9 Specialized Transition XL Tri Bike: Reg. $3369.99 Fire Sale: $2000.00
2006 Specialized Allez Expert Ultegra: Regular $2549.99 Fire Sale: $1749.99
2008 Specialized Allez Sport: Regular $1269.99 Fire Sale: $849.99
2008 Norco CRR 2 Regular $3029.99 Fire Sale: $2029.99
2008 Norco CRR 3 Regular $2349.99 Fire Sale: 1599.99
...and incredibly just tons more single bikes at awesome prices!

Parts and Accessories:

* Shocks from all manufacturers as low as 80% off
* clothing: just hundreds of pieces starting at $10
* grips, saddles, gloves, helmets, brakes, Chris King, seat posts, handlebars and more...all literally ready to go.


We are going CARBON NEUTRAL and recycling our remaining boxes....so forget about Boxing Day and get down to the FIRE SALE and rock out of here with a brand new bike or some fantastic, truly one time only prices.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from John Henry Bikes.

Live to ride.

Labels: fire sale, John Henry Bikes

John Henry Days 2008

Ryan Leech...
"The Dreaded 150" by Hoots Jay...
A Kids Festival...
Industry Trade Show...
Demo Bikes...

All Freeeeeee...

JOHN HENRY DAYS is back for a 16th time!

Saturday, May 10th, 2008 John Henry Days brings it back for a 16th time and this year we introduce a SRAM inspired, Hootie designed and pinned, dual stunt race called "The Dreaded 150."

Two courses of skinnies, obstacles and stunts each 150 feet long. You want to join in then get your name on the list and drop your $5 for the NSMBA. 100 riders will challenge the course to get down to our final 32 riders and then ultimately our finalist. Prizes, swag, and the right to say, "I am the champion of the Dreaded 150."

Sign up by calling Willie at 604-986-5534...NOW! first come first serve.

Once your done wiping the course clean 8 industry teamers will take the stage and vie for the team championship. Let the games begin.

And Everything is on SALE from MAY 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Labels: bicycle festival, Jay Hoots, John Henry Bikes, John Henry Days, sale, The Dreaded 150

Cyclebetes 2008: Wrap Up

Over $67,000 raised and still the pledges keep coming!

This event has had quite an evolution and after this first year I think it has quite a future as well. So much accomplished and so much we learned.

For three years now John Henry Bikes has held a 24 hour spin in our store. It had been a great fundraiser but it needed to go bigger. Plus my body was beginning to revolt as it had only ever been me riding! Stupid really...

Over the time we had held this spin Ian Kennedy, my friend and fellow John Henry racer, had threatened to join my on the podium pounding out the kilometres. It had been about five years we had known each other and slowly Ian had taken his obsession for white water kayaking and replaced it with cycling. We got on really well because we both came from team sports back grounds and were both really trying to hold onto the glory years!

Well as the year progressed and Ian caught wind that John Henry had sponsored a few crazy guys, including myself, for a race across Canada in aid of Juvenile Diabetes the ground work was set. You see, Ian is a Vice Principal at Rockridge Secondary School and Juvenile Diabetes touches a lot of his students. He proposed we get together and do a spin-a-thon for JDRF. John Henry Bikes was up for it but we had a few things that between Ian and I we wanted to make sure were addressed before it was official.

1. It needed to be run by the youth for the youth
2. It needed to involve as many people as possible rather than be elitist or just me and him
   
3. Anybody could be involved

The stage was set and Ian had already commandeered another of our good friends, past elite racer and all around super school administer, John Crowley. He was another guy we needed because he could get things done...and always with a story and a smile.

Quickly we put together a school leadership committee, laid out the idea and the kids began the work of getting this event off the ground. There was lots of work to do but by meeting in October we felt there would be lots of time. We were wrong but it was still just enough...

Alistair, Francesca, Tara, Cam, Max and a whole host of other grade 11 students began trying to fit Cyclebetes organization, promotion and development into their busy lives. It was absolutely a pleasure to see young people actually believing they could be the catalysts to making a difference. You see, normally we see so much apathy and waiting that to have this event run top to bottom, with Ian, John and I as guidance, by the kids was a win we wanted more than even the fund raising. Young people seeing the power is worth way more over the long haul than a few thousand dollars in year one. There just had to be that youth growth and understanding as a positive result through Cyclebetes...and it worked. These guys just made it happen from minute one. Facebook, meetings, art work, blogs, websites, late night emails, class learning, speeches and parental motivation. They did it all and they did it well. It was incredible.

After Christmas we hit over drive. Parent teacher meetings had Ian and his teachers busy already but they still managed to put on a great display and we started to feel some traction. The John Henry Bikes connections started to fill out their teams and we began to feel the influence of our time with Team H2V. People were just excited that the charity and the events were evolving into something they could participate in as well.

Our goals were to get 50 teams and about $50,000 as we had encouraged each team to raise a minimum of $1000. Slowly our teams started to trickle in with most opting for the maximum number of participants, which was 12. As the event unfolded we saw that almost every team lost at least two people and ended up with between 8 and 10 actual participants. Just enough so everyone had a little drama on their team but not so much that thy couldn't fulfill their obligations. The drama added something to talk about for 24 hours and was fun after all was said and done.

As an event we became JDRF's first third party event to try out their new online donation website. While it offered us a great option, it came a little late and had a few hiccups. Nothing we couldn't fight through but everyone, including JDRF, was working with this system for the first time. But it was for charity so everyone worked hard to make it happen and in the end everything came through. Online and off line we just kept seeing the money coming through. Special thanks going to Team Live To Ride, Ross Bonetti's family, who raised a staggering $10,000 [+]!!! Ross's family has a direct connection with Juvenile Diabetes and he really helped get the word out amongst his friends and clients. Each team did their thing though and gathered both bodies and money in a way we weren't expecting.

You know the total already, which at $67,000 blew away our goal of $50,000, but you didn't know that this was from only 35 teams. Absolutely incredible. Over 350 people came together to raise this incredible amount of money for JDRF.

Some event highlights:

• at 4pm on Friday their was complete panic as almost every team was late to start as they scrambled to get their spinners in gear. At 4:10pm every team was looking eyes forward and the emotions were running from elation to the terrified as the realization that 24 hours was indeed a long time.
• hyped up music hit for a few hours as we had West Van's Mayor, the honourable Pam Goldsmith-Jones, do a speech and Rita Thodos from JDRF kick us off.
• On the hour we began trivial pursuit questions to give out prizes and two 12 year olds both won super cycling jerseys from North Shore Athletics, whose team was present and in great spirits. Later that evening two John Henry Bikes jerseys were given away and even two big gift certificates from HBC. Awesome prizes but really they were just gravy as everyone seemed to just be relishing the experience.
  
• John Henry Bikes had three teams rocking and Jay, our team leader had put in three long hours right off the bat. I think he did the whole first five hours.
• Ian and John both rode in excess of 15 hours each!!!
• At 7pm on Friday we watched Breaking Away, which got rave reviews as the Cutters won the Little 500. Great way to kill a few hours on the pedals.
• Then followed Tour de France videos to music and Star Wars over night.
• We even had a spin class at 2am! Thanks Nick and thanks for the chocolate beans that everyone got all hopped up on.
• At 10pm, 12am and the next day Pizza Hut delivered 60 large pizzas. There was some serious pizza eating all night. Thanks Pizza Hut, you saved us from bonking all through the night.
• Starbucks also rocked us a ton of coffee and treats...and let me tell you, 6am coffee could not come fast enough.
• We had school trustees rolling bike legs during all parts of the evening and even groups sleeping next to their bikes as they rolled through the entire 24 hours.
• Northern Athletic, John Henry Bikes, and Norco were giving out prizes including bottle openers and coffee cups that I think got use during the event itself:)
  
• There were people of all ages and abilities riding and trying, some just pushing the pedals and others, like team IF White rock - really getting great work outs.
• Team Fast Forward might just be our most inspired team as they all, bar none, made some very positive statement and all agreed to get their fitness going as a result of enjoying themselves so much. Big shout out to these guys. Great job.
• I can't mention all the teams but each and every team was really smiling and making it happen, even during the dog days from 2am to 6am. And really there were a lot of kids, which in itself was what it was all about.
  
• Teams waned a little through the night but throughout it all the leadership committee stayed the course, managed the teams, the pledges, the registrations and got it all done... even as they got squirlly because of lack of sleep. Great job guys. You did a phenomenal job.
• We had live bands, improv and speeches all 24 hours. Thanks to the band and the improv team. Awesome work.
• The time started to drift away and slowly we realized we were going to crush our goal amount. People got on their cell phones and managed to fire in a few extra dollars as we came down to the wire.

We think we will make $70,000 by the end of the week.

Ian Kennedy deserves a special mention as he put this all together while managing the day to day life of a Vice Principal, which can include fights, detentions, coaching, teaching, administration, adolescent issues and his own family. He is a master, a great role model for our youth and the type of teacher you want your kids to have. John Crowley is of the same mold and a good friend of both Ian and John Henry Bikes. All smiles, all stories. With him behind our event we were sure to succeed. He is another teacher you want to have your kids get the pleasure to be taught by and one of very few that have coached school teams for over 18 years without fail. Both of these guys made this happen and I can't thank them enough for their contribution to the lives of all of us at John Henry Bikes.

All in all another great John Henry event and a huge thank you to Ian Kennedy, John Crowley, The Rockridge leadership team and you guys, for helping, riding and sponsoring your friends.

Next year at least two schools on the same weekend, 100 teams minimum at Rockridge and over $100,000. Get your team together soon!

Thanks all and send us your pictures!
Check out some of the photos we have here.

Labels: bike, Cyclebetes, cycling, fundraising, JDRF, John Henry Bikes, juvenile diabetes, Rockridge, Rockridge Secondary School, spin, spin-a-thon, spinning, Willie Cromack

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