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City Bikes Brings Home the Goods!
by Sami Fournier

The City Bikes grassroots team from Washington, DC blends an unlikely combination of city dwelling and mountain biking, with sponsors like Independent Fabrications, into their unique version of MTB soul. So they were in their element in Philly. Their team philosophy includes a dose of community service and strong support for junior racers and inner-city kids. Many of the CB crew shun gears, and will race at the Single Speed world championships in Minnesota.

How did they ready themselves for the big Philly AMBC? Anna said, “I quit drinking last night at 8,” and Colin said he didn’t drink at all. Despite their fun-loving lifestyles, they are often the team to beat, with Miles Brooks and Patrick Riggin up in front of the expert vets, Anna Aurelio leading the sport women 30+ and a couple of young fast expert men, including team captain Brian Kemler and the intrepid Colin (mechanical) Maher. Mandy Grupe took fifth place in the 20-29 women's sport class.

Pat’s expert 40+ victory explains why they call him the Swamp Rat. Hailing from Louisiana, he was at home in the sweltering heat. Others, not so much. Miles and Anna were not alone in having a few torturous laps that made them want to drop out. But then they recovered and pulled out a 6^th and 2^nd place win in their respective classes.

What is the secret to the City Bikes team’s success? Pat thinks his new IF deluxe and the sausage he ate for dinner the night before helped him most. “Some days you’re just rolling,” he said. Brian Kemler (BK Lounge) chalked his good day up to a good breakfast. “I had a protein fruit smoothie I made with blueberries, two bags of nuts, two bananas and coffee.” Miles said the egg McMuffin he had at 9AM, followed by the Snickers bar at 10AM were enough to hold him.