Mello Velo Racing

Uncle Sam’s NY State Champs — Masters 50+
Mello Velo Bicycle Shop

Keuka Lake Gravel Classic: 1st-place Masters 40+

A bit belated, but I want to make sure to give a shout out to a great local gravel race. This was Tony Sylor newest creation. Tony’s courses are always super hard, and this was no exception. Tony has found an awesome venue and partner in Steuben Brewing Company. Hopefully this race continues and becomes a fixture of the local racing scene. Oh, and best prize package ever: sparkling wine, beer, and a race jersey.

I misjudged my effort on the first hill, cracked, and got dropped by a big group. I thought I was facing a lonely day of riding solo, and THEN I dropped a chain. Luckily, putting my head down paid off and I manage to catch up to Matt Smitely. It seemed pointless and crazy to hammer, but we did it anyway. It turned out to be one of those lucky days when the work paid off! We managed to catch a few people, eventually including Jason Hettenbaugh and Ken Hall. The 4 of us went to the line, and I managed to have the legs to take the sprint.

Thanks to team sponsors: Mello Velo Bicycle Shop and Cafe, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, P.C., Hollis Funeral Home, The Gaulin Real Estate Team at HUNT Real Estate, Curtin and Hadzor Fine Home Builders, Resurrected Tattoo