Sunday, June 13, 2010

Nice right up on a blog about the Udder Centruy   Full Link Below

Random Act of Awesome: Wheel Werks of Crystal Lake Saves the Day

Yesterday I was up with the sun to head out to the boondocks--aka Union, IL--to take part in the Udder Century bike ride (have I mentioned I'm training for the Racine 70.3 triathlon? Because I am, I don't just normally enjoy long bike rides for no reason). I had 62 miles on deck with a run on the back end, so when my cable frayed at mile 3.5 and I was stuck in "big ring/little ring" mode (read as: hard), I knew I was in for a rough day.

My coach, Lara Mele of Infinity Multisport and Amy Comstock of the fantastic Mox Multisport tri shop, stopped to assess the damage with me. They were able to do some minor tweaks to get me in an easier gear since we didn't have all the tools on hand, but I wouldn't be able to shift. We resolved that I should head back to the car on the SAG wagon and go for a run instead. Sigh.
Sad and dejected, I headed back to the start broken in the support van. Broken mentally. Broken heart for missing my long ride. Broken bike in hand.
..that is until the fine folks of Wheel Werks swooped in!
In a true Random Act of Awesome, Bob Olsen (who has 20+ years of mechanic experience) of Wheel Werks Bikes in Crystal Lake, pulled out his tools and fixed my ride out of the kindness of his big, fantastic, bike loving heart.
Bob Olsen, bike mechanic extraordinaire, of Wheel Werks in Crystal Lake fixing my trusty steed.


He didn't have to do it. He could've charged me an arm in a leg (and I would've found a way to pay since I was in such a bind). But he smiled happily and quickly became my hero and he got me all patched up and back on the road. I only ended up going about 54 miles total on the day due to some other dramas throwing down, but the bike now shifts like a dream and I thrilled to be able to put in some mileage.
So thanks, Wheel Werks for saving the day! I promise to make good on my agreement to deliver a case of beer next time I'm up in Crystal Lake!
If you ever find yourself up in their neck of the woods, stop in and say "Hi!" These really are some really nice guys who know how to handle bikes.

Link to Blog    http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/thats-awesome/2010/06/random-act-of-awesome-wheel-werks-of-crystal-lake-saves-the-day.html 

Monday, June 7, 2010


Picture above is him getting his new custom Seven titanium from Wheel Werks.  It was a real honor to work with Lon and get the frame built to his specs.  The  knowledge that Lon has after 400,000 plus miles in his life time is invaluable and he his more than willing to share it with anyone.   Bob has learned a lot from Lon over the years being honored to have been a crew member for three Race Across Americas with him.  This knowledge also gets passed along to Wheel Werks customers.  He broke in his new Seven by riding it across the USA on Pac Tour Elite Tour which he now runs with his wife Ultra Marathon Cyclist Legend Susan Notorangelo.

Hi Bob, Just wanted to let you know I successfully completed the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic last Saturday in Durango, CO. I could not have made it without you! The Look was fantastic, the new gears were great and the fit you gave me on the bike was outstanding. 6 hours on the bike and my butt was not sore, my knees felt great, my back never hurt, and my shoulders were fine. Your work was OUTSTANDING! I'll be over next month and we'll take a look at that PowerMeter! Thanks again. Wheel Werks is the very best cycle shop around!! Jack