Our hometown of Greenville, SC has slowly been growing over the years as a cycling hub. It started back in the 90’s when the Tour DuPont rolled through town. Our town caught the cycling bug and it’s been building ever since. Greenville has now grown to become a destination for cycling tourists, home of multiple professional cyclists and is the current host to the US Cycling National Road Championships. Today it was announced that Greenville has again proven its support of cycling by being selected as the host city for the 2014 UC Para-Cycling Road World Championships.

Having an international cycling event in our hometown is thrilling for us. We hope that the event continues to help para-cycling grow in the southeast and in the US as a whole. Para-athletes such as our friend Matt Updike are an inspiration and we are looking forward to watching them compete. View the clip below to learn more about these amazing athletes and para-cycling events.

It’s always nice to get feedback from our customers. It’s especially nice when they share the same enthusiasm for a product that we have. The Pro Duffel is a big favorite around the office and on our Development Team, so it was nice to hear from Brett in Minnesota who wrote the following note.

“I recently received my gym bag (Pro Duffel) and I am very happy with the product. I have been looking for a gym bag with a divider and there are not many out there. Your bag has the divider and more innovation, inside pockets, water bottle holder and the shoe holder is by far the best out there. The design of this bag helps me to organize and neatly pack the right gear making my workouts more enjoyable.”

Thanks for the kind note Brett. We always welcome feedback – good or bad. You can share your comments or questions with us by email or by calling our toll free number 866-359-4796.

Introducing the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider jersey design contest! Create an original design and you could win a trip for two to California including round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, VIP Hospitality passes, merchandise gift pack, autographed Most Courageous Rider jersey AND the chance to present your winning jersey to the Most Courageous Rider during the Stage Awards Ceremony! Get more information now.

We’re thrilled to announced that Citrus Park Cyclery has joined the Hincapie Team. Citrus Park Cyclery is known in the Tampa, Florida area for not just being a place to shop, but also a great place to hang out and talk cycling. Andy and AJ Baxter, the father and son duo who own and operate Citrus Park Cyclery, are truly passionate about cycling and it shows in the community they’ve built around their store. If you’re in the area, stop by Citrus Park Cyclery and check out the Hincapie line and talk bikes with the Baxters.

Citrus Park Cyclery
6573 Gunn Hwy.
Tampa FL 33625
(813) 644-7222
www.CitrusParkCyclery.com/
info@citrusparkcyclery.com

Every cyclist eventually has their turn hitting the deck. It’s the part of the sport we’re all afraid. You know it’s going to eventually happen to you, but if you dwell on it, you’ll never be able to enjoy the thrill of riding your bike.

This past week we were out with the camera taking photos of our friend Katie in her awesome new Velocity kit. On Paris Mountain there is a gnarly climb up Autobon Road that features a great turn for taking cornering shots. Katie took several passes around the corner as she dialed in her line and we dialed in the camera. Then disaster struck. The perfect storm of leaves, speed, break pressure and camber all came together to knock out Katie’s rear wheel…on “film”.

I think we know what Katie was saying when this photo was taken

Now Katie has amazing bike handling skills. She can mix it up at the front of a hammering peloton with the big dawgs — strike that, she is one of the big dawgs — or stay on anyone’s wheel down the descents of the local MTB trails. I would dare say that some cat 2 crit racers would have trouble holding her wheel around the turns down Paris Mountain. As luck would have it though, it was just her time to go down on the bike. It happens to the best of us. We’re just thankful that she escaped with just road rash and some ripped-up shorts. (I think we know some people who can find her some new shorts.)

Just a little road rash

Join George on Sunday the 20th for a fundraising ride to benefit the Greenville mountain bike trails and pump track. You can sign-up for the event here.

One of our favorite local charities is Greenville Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels provides daily hot meals to homebound Greenvillians who are unable to prepare meals on their own. Each day more than 1,300 meals are delivered throughout our city.

The top Meals for Wheels fundraisers.

Cyclists in our community, led by local businessman Larry Webb, have organized an annual Wheels for Meals charity ride to raise funds for Meals on Wheels. This year the ride brought in close to $100k. The top ten fund raisers alone brought in over $36,000 dollars, equaling 7,308 meals! In recognition of their efforts, George hosted a private group ride for these top fund raisers. George and the Hincapie team are grateful for all that Meals on Wheels has done for our community. We have personally seen what the organization has done for our neighbors, friends and family members. Thank you!

Rae Harrison (riding alongside BMC's Chris Butler) raise over $4,330!

Matt Updike doesn’t let bad circumstances get in his way. In 1997 a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the sports he loves: cycling and skiing. Matt is now a top professional handcyclist representing the United States in the international racing circuit. He competed in the 2008 Paralympics and is the current National Time Trial, Road and Criterium Champion.

In honor of Matt’s commitment and dedication to handcycling, George Hincapie honored him with the “George Hincapie Racing to Excellence Award.” Matt will receive a sponsorship valued at $30,000 ($10,000 annually) from George and an apparel sponsorship from Hincapie Sportswear.

Matt is a true inspiration for overcoming adversity. We are proud of what he has accomplished and look forward to watching him compete in the London Paralympics in 2012.

Stan Healy, Administrator of Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital.
Ian Lawless, Exec Dir US Handcycling.
Matt Updike. George Hincapie

We’re excited that three of our products recently won Gear of the Day awards from Bicycling.com. Our product team works extremely hard to make sure that each of our garments is a pleasure to wear on the bike and lives up to the Hincapie name. That’s why we’re thrilled when we read about folks who wear our gear and enjoy the great product experience we intended.

	George Signature Bibshort Read Bicycling's Review View the Product
	Women's Performer Short Read Bicycling's Review View the Product
	Juliet Jacket Read Bicycling's Review View the Product (This lovely wool jacket was named after one of our favorite characters from LOST)

We are excited to announce that PlayTri Performance Center located in Dallas, Texas has joined the Hincapie team. PlayTri not only carries a full line of run-bike-swim gear, but they offer a full training facility plus coaching services. If you are in the Dallas area and enjoy cycling and triathlon, PlayTri is the place to go.