North Shore Healthmasters

Seymour Challenge 2011!

2011-02-17T11:36:00.001-08:00

The date for the Challenge in 2011 will be Sunday, August 7th - put it on your calendar!

Club Rides begin Saturday January 8th, 2011

2011-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

The Saturday club rides begin in the New Year with a new starting location - the Kitsilano Community Ctr (KCC) and time; 9am.
We will continue to alternate between Richmond and the north shore, with UBC being another option on the roster. Club rides are group sessions that feature coaching and are open to drop-ins by invitation and performancecoaching athletes.
Club membership in the North Shore Healthmasters is available for an annual fee (contact runcindyrun@shaw.ca)
Wednesday coached sessions start at Fit Fx Studio at 4439 W 10th Ave, at 5:30 and are either indoor or out, weather dependant - be prepared with lights for outdoor rides - you will be notified when the ride is outdoors.

See Fitfxstudio.com now open to do your indoor training

2011-01-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

with coach Barb on Monday and Friday at 7am, Monday at 5pm, Wednesday at 5:30 pm and Thursday at 5:15 pm
Functional Fitness classes on Monday at 8:30, and Thursday at 4pm (1 hr each)
- moderate to high intensity -
Power without control and agility means nothing!

You will become a fitter, faster athlete when you have completed 10 weeks of training and coordinating multiple muscle groups and joints in this 1 hour class. Activating the muscles, then having them act efficiently and effectively to create power in your movements. Awesome way to start or end the week!
- We use Bosu, ladders, stability balls, hurdles and small weights during this class.
The intention is to have you stronger, quicker, with great balance, to take
to your sport whatever that may be, biking, running, swimming, skiing, etc!

Fit Fx Studio Opens January 3rd!!

2011-01-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

The Studio looks great, come and see for yourself -
go to http://www.fitfxstudio.com/ to see the schedule for Indoor Training (bring your own bike), High Intensity Training, Functional Fitness, Yoga and more! Sign-up on line.
Register for the Premier, Power or Pedal pack now!
Looking for the very best in coaching for biking, swiming, fitness and lifestyle - look no further than Fit Fx Studio.
See you there

November

2010-11-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Great time to cross train, get indoors, start strength training, functional fitness, add speed and agility, phew, that sounds like a lot of work - or not!
I was recently sent a great article that talked about practice and making practice perfect. What that entails is getting in the time, spending your valuable moments doing something that is worthwhile, that is important to you.
Along the way you may have some doubts creep in, something from the past that causes you to question what you're doing and why you're doing it. Maybe someone at some time told you that you were never going to be good at cycling, or sport. Instead of saying to ourselves "what do they know" you found all kinds of evidence that supported this theory - you weren't able to keep up with a group, you got dropped on hills, you couldn't get your foot in fast enough and was left at an intersection. You fell over.
All of the same things that the world champion has had happen to them!
But we made it mean something to us - so when we think about what will improve us in our sport, we get that it's work, or I can't do that.
Understanding that what happened before is not real, and that you can do whatever you want to do; cyclocross, yoga, strength training, to support your ability to do your sport and that it is FUN, is what you can bring to your daily routine. And what would you rather be doing?
I can't think of anything, so get out there with a group of like minded people and Dare to Improve your Cycling!
That is my theme for being a part of the coaching team at the new Fitness Studio opening in January and partnering with Bike Gallery. Check out what we will be offering while you contemplate what you will be taking on next year, on the bike.
And I am looking for people who would like to join me on a trip to France, a cancer fundraising opportunity - contact me at bzimich@shaw.ca

Seymour Challenge results -

2010-08-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Awesome day - some great rides took place today at the 16th annual Seymour Challenge presented by Riley Law. For starters;
Megan Bathwell from Victoria in 45:05, an average speed of 16.2 kph, followed by Margaret Pugh in 48:18. Category 4 riders Amy Kirkham of the LETC rode in at 46:18, then Krista Wolfsjager in 50:19 and Monika Owczarek at 58:57.
May Jung at 52:37 won the Masters female trophy for the 4th year in a row.
Sebastian Salas cinched the top male rider at 34:41 on the misty 12.2 km Seymour mountain course, with Garrett McLeod (36:32) and Nathan MacDonald (36:36) taking 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Joel Johnson was the next man in, top category 3 rider and recipient of the Scott Fraser award, at 36:39. Joel is from Vernon and at 17 yrs of age is a rider you will look out for in the future.
Top Category 4 male was Andreas Taylor from Garibaldi Highlands, in 40:25.
Mike Ryan blistered the course in 39:36 to take top honours in the masters handicap event - Mike is in the 55-59 age category now, great to see him out!
More results and photos to come!

And more climbing photos

2010-08-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Europe, Mt Seymour ... no difference!
See you at the ride on Sunday, have a good one.

Trophies and prizes - presented by Riley Law

2010-08-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Seymour Challenge features;
trophies for top masters male and female sponsored by Riley Law
$150 to the top Category 3 rider - in memory of Scott Fraser
$100 to the top male and female junior rider - Roger Sumner Bursary
Trophies to fastest male and female rider
Womens category cash prizing courtesy of Mr T - $350
Draw prizes!
Refreshments in the plaza following the race - see you there

Now that is a hill climb challenge! Way to go Mr T!

2010-08-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Seymour Challenge start times - Sunday morning

2010-08-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

REGISTRATION – number pickup closes 30 minutes prior to your start time
- Parkgate Community Centre plaza, Banff Court
- Registration opens at 8am - preregistration on Karelo.com
Mass start for this 12.2km race according to your category as below.
9:30 am U15 yrs 13,14 yrs; 8 km U17 yrs 15,16yrs; 8km
9:45 am Category 4 and Citizen men
10:00 am Masters Men (> 30 yrs, race results as per 5 yr age groups eg 30-34, 35-39 etc, age-based handicap timing will be calculated for overall winner and trophy) sponsored by Riley Law
10:20 am Women 1,2,3,4, U19, Masters (>30 yrs, 10 yr age groups, sponsored by Riley Law)
10:30 am U19 yrs men- 12.2 km10:30 am Category 3 Men 10:30 am Category 1/2 Men

Seymour Hill Climb times from 2009

2010-07-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

To aspire to !
Womens results;
00:42:44. Leah 1st
00:44:31. Kristine 2nd
00:44:45. Marg 3rd
Men;
00:35:02. Pablo Araya 1st
00:35:14 Nic Hamilton 2nd
00:35:17. Sebastian 3rd

Mount Seymour Challenge August 8, 2010

2010-07-23T21:48:00.001-07:00

Check here for details of the event and sign up now! on karelo.com

Learn to Race with the experts

2010-02-25T22:41:00.001-08:00

Join the experts on March 5th and 6th, timed just before the first Spring Series race to provide skills to the new riders in the pack. Contact club coach Barb Zimich at bzimich@shaw.ca, or Cycling BC to register and learn from experts Barb Zimich, Kirk O'Bee and Larry Zimich.
On Friday March 5th, learn bike skills, strategy and fit in the Indoor Cycling Studio at the Bike Gallery. On Saturday, learn balance, cornering, cornering fast!, up and downhill and time trial technique from the winner of Gastown, the World Hill Climb champion, and the road race World and Canadian Champions. Invaluable for the season ahead, see you there!

Weekend group training sessions

2010-02-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

Group training sessions are now being offered from now through the summer months. Start point will be from The Bike Gallery 4433 w10th ave Van leaving at 9:30. The ride will be approx 2hrs and will include group riding skills as well as work on riding technique.
Cost per drop in is $15

Look forward to seeing you all out there!

2010 is here and we are set to go

2010-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

With the 2010 year now in full swing, there is no better chance to get a start on your goals.
zimich coaching offers a full range of services including one on one Elite coaching, group training sessions as well as indoor cycling sessions.
Email zimich@shaw.ca for full details.

AGM Notice and Devan's race

2009-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

From Devan; " It was an amazing race and very exciting that I finally got a provincial jersey for 2009!!! As for the race, I went out right from the front and continued to extend my lead right until the finish. It was a very painful mudfest, and those 40 minutes felt a lot longer. Even though the rain held off, the twisty grass sections were pretty slick and it kept me very alert. The triple barriers definitely added to the pain factor. An awesome way to cap off the finish to a great cross season."

AGM notice - Sunday December 6th at 1:30 pm, 766 Montroyal Blvd.

Agenda - minutes from 2008

Club coach review/status

Youth program

Clothing

2010 Club Events; Seymour Challenge

Financial Statement

GM Grant expenditures

Elections

2009-11-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

New BC Jr Cyclocross Champion; Devan McClelland! We're just thrilled that Devan won the gold medal at the North Vancouver cyclocross race held on Sunday Nov. 29th. Displaying his bike handling prowess in the mud and grass, hopping over 3 barriers each lap, Devan topped the junior mens field. No surprise to the zimichcoaching members since Devan has been riding strong through the summer with the group and had a great finish in the Cheakamus Challenge in September.

Devan raced in the BC Summer Games last year, went to the National Road Race Championships this year and is steadily making his way up with skills in road, mtb, track and cyclocross.

We're all very proud of Devan, a member of the zimich coaching club Youth program.

2009-11-20T00:19:00.000-08:00

Annual Award Night

2009-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Athletes from zimichcoaching club got together for a BBQ and the 4th annual awards evening. The awards were decided based on votes from peers and the theme this year was the Olympics, each mascot represented the ability of the rider who garnered the most votes.
The Hill Climb award was awarded to Sam Morris for his weekly rides with the group and his performance at the Cypress hill climb. Sumi was the mascot prize; he wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear - fitting for the different sports Sam enjoys!
The most improved rider award, Miga, went to Drew with this vote; "Drew went from slower to me, then much faster; howd'e'do'dat? He's worked very hard, and just as importantly, very consistently."
Another Sumi mascot was fittingly given to Karen, a triathlete, for best overall performance award. "Karen seems to me to be the unsung hero of the group. I never see her, yet she's always placing in some event somewhere. And now competing and holding her own internationally."
The Peoples Choice Award; Quatchi - to Devan... "who deserves recognition for the maturity and outlook he's developed over the paste year; very strong on a bike, but also considerate of those around him. Impressive to see him grow so much!" And fitting that he receive Quatchi, whose favourite winter sport is hockey since his brother plays junior A.
The comeback award - Super Turtle - was the only deviation from the Olympic theme and that of course went to Tom - the shell represented the hard nut Tom had to have following his injury and flying is what he was doing on the bike by the Fall, way to go Tom. (Tom is also president of the zc club).
And Ms congeniality went to Judith! Muk muk was the mascot awarded to the 'mother hen and guardian angel of all the newbie female riders". We really appreciate Judith for helping to show the ropes to the new riders, she's a great asset to the group.
Photos to come!

Cheakamus Challenge Mtn Bike Race

2009-09-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

1st U18 and 17th overall Devan McClelland

BC Senior Games

2009-09-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

George McLaughlin capped off a very successful year this past week with some fantastic results at the BC Senior Games.
4th in the hill climb
5th in the TT
7th in the road race

Way to go George.

BC Senior Games

2009-09-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

16km TT
5th George McLaughlin

WOW!

2009-09-12T14:40:00.003-07:00

Today was the end of season hill climb race, the Cypress Challenge Part Deux, taking place on a 13km route up Cypress Mountain. Beautiful sunny weather and hot action both with the temperatures and on the road saw zimich coaching athletes soaring to the top of both the mountain and podium. All posted personal bests yet again with some notable results below:

1st Larry Zimich 34-44
1st Sam Morris U17
2nd Krista Wolfsjager 34-44 w
3rd Cindy Roberts a
2nd May Jung 44-54 w

Way to go all of you!!!

Cherry Point Road Race

2009-09-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Last stop on the BCMCA series.
1st May Jung

Cyclo Cross weekend

2009-09-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

zimich coaching riders took to the mud today and the 1st race of the cross season out in Fort Langley.
2nd Devan McClelland
3rd Barb Zimich
14th Bill Riley

VVV TT

2009-09-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Bill Riley on his way back from the turn around at the Vancouver Velo Vets TT held out in Richmond in wet conditions.

3rd place, way to go!

Ironman Weekend

2009-08-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

What a weekend it was. Congratulations to Ian Giroday who posted a fantastic time of 10:42!
Another Ironman finisher to complete the event with great result was Shaunene Neilson.
Way to go you two, what an inspiration.

Along with that event a few others attended the zimich coaching road cycling training camp which took place over 6 days and included over 6000 meters of climbing.

Way to go everyone!

Good luck...

2009-08-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

...to everyone up in Penticton for Ironman Canada.
Looking forward to some great results!

BC Masters Langley Road Race

2009-08-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

2nd May Jung
5th Bill Riley

Seymour Hill climb Championships

2009-08-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

Larry Zimich 1st
May Jung 1st
Devan McClelland 2nd
Karen Forsman 2nd

BC TT Champs

2009-08-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

May Jung Gold
Cindy Roberts Gold
Judith Andrews Silver
Devan McClelland Bronze
Bill Riley Bronze

Seymour Hill Climb Challenge

2009-08-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that came out to the Seymour Hill Climb Challenge race held this past weekend. Record numbers came out to this event which saw riders finally get a taste of rain up a 12.2km climb.
Results can be seen posted at cyclingbc.net or pedalmag.com

The zimichcoaching club would also like to send out a big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this happen.

BC TT Championships

2009-08-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the participants at this years BC Time Trial Championships held in Squamish.
Medal winners were awarded in all categories.
Results are posted at cyclingbc.net and pedalmag.com

zimichcoaching club would also like to thank all our sponsors and volunteers that make this event happen.

Sidney Criterium

2009-07-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

2nd Devan McClelland

Engage Warp Speed Captain......

2009-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today warp speed was engaged at the EV Warp Speed TT with zimich coaching athletes taking some of the top honors.
1st Larry Zimich
3rd Tom Jacoby
3rd May Jung

As well some top times and PB's were posted by Karen Forsman, Cindy Roberts, George McLaughlin, Shaunene Neilson and Rebecca Staynor

Whether the roads are hilly or flat, the "blue and green" certainly are ripping it up out there.
Way to go everyone.

2009-07-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

BC Time Trial Championships and Seymour Challenge, August 8th and 9th

2009-07-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Coming up in August - who is the fastest BC rider in a time trial? The BC Championships are back in Squamish to find that out, register on karelo now! http://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=351&BT=10#Ev7968
All riders who register will receive a race bible by email with information on parking, map of the course, your start time and bike frame regulations, gearing for U19 and the official categories for BC TT championship medals. For 2008 results, see the Escape Velocity website, thanks to EV for providing the start trailer and support.

And for those who love climbing hills as well, the Seymour Challenge - with the top category 3 rider being awarded the Scott Fraser memorial $150, top junior male and female Roger Sumner bursary $100 each, Tony T $awards to women, Cups to the top master riders, courtesy of Riley Law ... and more.
contact bzimich@shaw.ca

Peach Triathlon

2009-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

3rd Karen Forsman
6th Judith Andrews

Drew, Larry and Devan on top of Cypress Mountain.

2009-07-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Larry with the Specialized S-Works Tarmac and the new Shimano Di2!

Tom and Karen on top of Cypress

2009-07-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

2009-07-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday group session on top of the Cleveland Dam.

Larry and Jason atop Baker

2009-07-06T15:43:00.001-07:00

Baker Summitted

2009-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Larry, Drew, Bill, Darren and Jason atop Mt Baker.

Squamish Triathlon

2009-07-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

1st Karen Foresman
2nd Ian Giroday and John Kerr.
Way to go team!

Vancouver Velo Vets TT

2009-07-04T16:08:00.003-07:00

2nd Bill Riley
3rd George McLaughlin

Congratulations Jason Brooks

2009-07-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Congrats Jason on your upgrade to category 3.
Well done!

Up the mountain and the podium!

2009-06-28T16:19:00.001-07:00

Today's race saw riders compete up the mightly slopes of Cypress mountain.
No strangers to the summit, zimich coaching athletes took top honors in many of the grops including:
1st Larry Zimich
1st Karen Forsman
1st May Jung
2nd Barb Zimich
5th Jason Brooks

Congrats everyone including all the PB's.

Photos coming soon...

UBC Tuesday Night Race

2009-06-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Summer Griffin showed once again her racing strengths with an off the front win this past Tuesday. May Jung rounded out the top 3.
In the womans elite race Barb Zimich sprinted to a 3rd place finish.

On the mens side Jason Brooks racing his first cat3 race got away with Devan McClelland into a 7 rider break away for the 2nd half of the race and managed to keep that going to the end. Jason took 2nd while Devan 3rd.

Congrats everyone.

Test Of Metal

2009-06-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

The father and son duo of Darren and Devan McClelland ripped up the trails of Squamish this past Saturday on their way to posting their fastest times ever.
Darren did a PB in a time of 4:07 while Devan rode his fastest race ever with a time of 2:53 allowing that to place him 2nd in the U23 category.
Way to go both of you!

Big day at the UBC Tues Night Race

2009-06-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

zimichcoaching athletes took many of the top 5 spots in their groups last night out at UBC.

1st Jason Brooks
1st Summer Griffin
4th Karen Forsman
5th May Jung

Way to go all of you!

K Town Classic

2009-06-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

Jason Brooks once again took points for a 4th place overall at the K Town Classic Stage Race this past weekend.
A strong showing in each stage including a podium placing in the road race ensured that result.

UBC Tues Night Race

2009-06-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Continuing that podium placing with the UBC races, the following results were taken:
2nd Jason Brooks
2nd Summer Griffen

Westside Classic

2009-06-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

2nd Devan McClelland
5th Jason Brooks

Vancouver Velo Vets TT

2009-06-06T14:39:00.001-07:00

3rd and new PB George McLaughlin

UBC Tues Night race

2009-06-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

2nd Jason Brooks

Jason Brooks at the Coastal Criterium

2009-05-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

UBC Tuesday Nighter

2009-05-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

2nd Jason Brooks
4th Albert Nomura

YIPB! for youth

2009-05-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

The youth in performance biking is for 14-17 yr olds with a road bike who would like to become more proficient at biking, for road, triathlon or mtn bike. Sign up for the summer and receive a jersey and weekly coached rides. $150 - proudly sponsored by the NSHM (North Shore Healthmasters).

GOW/WOW - Girls on Wheels, Women on Wheels

2009-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Join the GOW or WOW groups! Girls of all ages can register for a 6 week training/riding program which offers coached sessions to increase skills, technique and fitness. Women on Wheels is for the rider that would like more basic skills. Contact coach Barb at bzimich@shaw.ca

WHAT A WEEKEND!

2009-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

The past weekend's results showed the hard work everyone has been doing is now paying off.

Oliver Sprint and Olympic Triathlon
1st Tim Allan
1st Karen Forsman
1st Rebecca Staynor
2nd John Kerr

BC Highschool Championships
2nd Criterium Max Kelsch

Coastal Road Race
3rd Albert Nomura
Coastal Criterium
3rd Albert Nomura
with these results moving Albert into the cat 3 group.

Shawagan Lake Triathlon
2nd George Tiller

UBC Tues Night Race

2009-05-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

1st Albert Nomura (1st cat 3 race)
2nd Summer Griffin
4th Jason Brooks

North Shore Triathlon

2009-05-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

1st Karen Forsman
2nd Ian Giroday

Ore Crusher Mtn Bike race

2009-05-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

4th Albert Nomura

BC Highschool Mtn Bike Race

2009-05-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

1st place Devan McClelland!

UBC Tues Night Race

2009-05-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Season opener:
1st Albert Nomura
3rd Jason Brooks

Rat Race Result

2009-05-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Devan McClelland took 2nd in the junior event at this years Rat Race mountain bike race.

Ravensdale Road Race, Washington State

2009-05-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Albert Nomura for yet another podium spot this week placing 2nd at the Ravensdale Road Race.

Vancouver Velo Vets Time Trial

2009-05-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Bill Riley for his win in the season opening Vancouver Velo Vets TT as well as to George McLaughlin for a new PB!

2009-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

BC Highschool Mountain Bike Series

Comgratulations to Devan McClelland for his first race win of the year at the Squamish Mountain Bike Race, part of the BC Highschool Mountain Bike Series.
Way to go Devan!

Race the Ridge

2009-04-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Albert Nomura for his first sanctioned road race win today where he took first at the Race the Ridge Road Race.
Way to go Albert!

Great results from the past weekend!

2009-04-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

Great results for the past weekend of racing with the Blue and Green!

Vancouver Sun Run
5th Karen Forsman

BCMCA Thunderbird Road Race
1st Barb Zimich
1st May Jung
1st Larry Zimich
2nd Bill Riley
3rd Judith Andrews

Time to start climbing!

2009-03-20T09:10:00.001-07:00

The anual Wednesday night Cypress Hill climb group sessions have started and this year will also be the beginning of the 10 week Performance Cycling Clinic as well. Take your riding to the next level with the inclusion of this great training day.

2009 is set to go!

2009-02-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a very busy few months with the weather, SNOW!!! and all. The main focus has been our athletes thus the blog has been left behind. Now that we are back to the seasonal rains and starting in the pre competition phase of our yearly macro cycles, I thought best to update.
Many things are happening. The zimich coaching group of athletes is growing by leaps and bounds and it is not uncommon now to see 20+ riders out on the weekend training sessions.
New indoor spinning classes are being taught at Method Personal training here in west van by Larry on the new Keiser bikes with wattage meters. Great addition to the on the road training and a valuable asset for testing MAP/SS power output. Check it out or email for details.

Our triathlon sector continues to grow and we will be working in conjunction with other triathlong groups throughot 2009 with their biking programs. Watch for the top results in blue and green at many of the events this year.

2009 is shaping up to be the best year yet and we all will not only see goals met, but surpassed by a long shot. Great to see you all working so well and showing that great group atmosphere that makes us the training group we are.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Barb and I wish you all a very happy and successful 2009. It is going to be a great one!

Aerodynamic Testing..sign up now.

2008-12-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

As seen in the North Shore Outlook:

Dream team
By Sam Cooper - North Shore Outlook Published: December 24, 2008 4:00 PM

A North Shore-based cycling dream team is planning to bring the aerodynamics technology Lance Armstrong uses to the average Masters-level competitor, and they’re betting Armstrong’s impending 2009 comeback will boost interest in the sport, and his brand of training, off-the-charts.
North Shore residents Larry Zimich, a perennial Masters World Games gold-medal threat and Len Brownlie, a PhD aerodynamicist for Nike, 2010 Canadian Olympic team consultant and member of the fabled F1 team of scientists working with Lance Armstrong for his seven Tour de France wins, want to take North Shore cycling training to the next level, bringing riders to the University of Washington wind tunnel next April so they can learn to shave seconds, and even minutes off their times.
The trips won’t exactly be cheap at about $1,400 per rider, but Zimich says he anticipates great interest as dedicated and well-heeled amateur cyclists get stoked about Armstrong’s plans to enter the Tour de France after a three-year layoff.
“We’re calling it the Lance affect,” Zimich says with a laugh, interviewed at The Outlook.
Zimich himself remembers reading how Armstrong assembled a team of engineers from his various sponsors at an astronomical price tag, while trying an improbable comeback from cancer in 2003. The team, including Brownlie, gathered at the University of Washington looking for any possible technological advantage by holistically designing equipment from the various manufacturers to fit Armstrong, a landmark change in cycling technology. Still, not many outside the training-bubble believed science could get Armstrong back into a yellow jersey.
“I was like ‘come on, this is just a publicity thing,’” Zimich recalls, of skeptically reading about F1-Armstrong efforts in cycling journals.
When Armstrong went on to win in France, other cyclists, including Zimich, became believers in F1’s aerodynamic-drag reduction gospel.
Zimich subsequently trained with Brownlie at the UBC wind tunnel in 2005 and went on to take a double gold at the World Masters.
“It’s free speed,” Brownlie explains, of the riding stance, bike, clothing and helmet adjustments made that reduce hundreds of grams of drag, allowing cyclists to get equal or greater speed while expending less energy.
Zimich says he felt like he had cut a mini-parachute off his rear tire when he won in 2005.
“Before it was, ‘I don’t care if my jersey flaps in the wind.’ After it was ‘Why have I been riding like that all these years.?’”
Brownlie and Zimich say there are two distinct benefits from high-level aerodynamic training. First, according to their calculations, with full equipment, bike set-up and riding position adjustments to maximize speed for energy output, an average cyclist doing a 40 kilometre time-trial at a speed of 40 km/hr, would chop nearly five minutes off their finish time.
Then, there’s the psychological impact.
“They know they have the best (equipment) when they roll up to the line and they don’t have to worry about that,” Brownlie says.
For anyone questioning whether Armstrong-level training technology is overkill for the amateur cycling enthusiasts that Zimich typically trains, when not racing himself, Zimich argues his clients have the same will to win in their level races as Tour de France participants. He adds an anecdote about one of his more hungry trainees.
“I have one guy who called me up and asked me to train him because he wants to win at the Canadian Masters next year. He’s a commercial fisherman, and he’s talking to me (by cellphone) while he’s on his (bike-training) rollers on his boat in the middle of the Pacific. That’s the kind of dedication to winning I’m talking about.”
And with cyclists spending tens of thousands of dollars on bikes, training and travel, Brownlie doesn’t see $1,400 for wind tunnel training as a high cost.
“If you look at grams of drag saved for dollars spent, it’s pretty cheap.”
Zimich is even more emphatic. “When you’ve sacrificed all this time away from your family and money to train — flat out, (aerodynamic edge) is the difference between winning and losing.”
For information on the wind tunnel testing or training, contact Larry Zimich at zimich@shaw.ca or call Len Brownlie at 604-602-9973.

SNOW SNOW and more SNOW

2008-12-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

Well once again mother nature has won the battle with all this snow making the roads unsafe to be on. We are now planning to have the first zimichcoaching group session after the holidays be the 4th of January.
Look forward to seeing you all there (and some non white roads)!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2009

2008-12-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

It has been so rewarding to have been working with you all throughout 2008 and to have seen all the goals reached. 2009 will be a fun and rewarding year even more so!

Next official group session after Christmas will be Sunday the 28th.
See you all then,
Larry and Barb

Awards Night

2008-12-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the following zimichcoaching athletes for their awards as voted by their peers:

Clinton Kabler for Team Player Extraordinaire
Karen Forsman for Most Improved Rider
Tom Jacoby for Best New rider
Devan McClelland for Hill Climb Expert
Jason Brooks for Biggest Feat Accomplished

Great way to finish off the race year!!!

You too can get the same wind tunnel testing as the top pros!!!

2008-12-05T18:14:00.001-08:00

Through a special arrangement with Len Brownlie PhD, zimichcoaching will be offering wind tunnel testing at the University of Washington early 2009. Len was part of the F1 team responsible for the testing of Lance Armstrong among others and is the expert in this field. Why leave your 2009 race goals to anything but knowing that 100% preparation has been completed. Minutes count!

Details will follow but email in the meantime to get on the email list. Spaces will be very limited.

Aerodynamics in cycling with Len Brownlie.

2008-11-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

A few spots still remain for this great opportunity.
The session is open to all and will be on Thursday the 4th of December at the John Braithwaite Community Center on the North Shore starting at 7:00pm.

Don't miss the chance to discuss the various ways this area can improve your cycling with Len Brownlie who has worked with Lance Armstrong among others.

Call or email to reserve your spot.

B.C. Cyclo Cross Championships

2008-11-24T10:17:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Barb Zimich on a 4th place finish along with Bill Riley who placed 5th.

Coming event not to be missed!

2008-11-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Free Speed: How to minimize aerodynamic drag in cycling.

A seminar on the aerodynamics of cycling, with insights on how you can reduce your aerodynamic drag through tactics, body position, clothing and equipment improvements.
Presented by Len Brownlie, PhD, Aerodynamics Consultant to NIKE Inc.
Len has acted as an aerodynamics consultant to Lance Armstrong's U.S. Postal Service and Discovery Channel Teams in the 2001 - 2007 Tour de France and NIKE Inc.'s Project SWIFT, which provided advanced SWIFT suits to track and cycling athletes at the 2000 - 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Len is currently consulting to Canada’s Own The Podium project to assist Canadian Winter Sports Athletes win medals at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Spaces are VERY limited and on a first come first serve basis so please email or call to reserve your spot.

Barb wins!

2008-11-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

Barb Zimich wins at the next stop in the BC Cyclo cross series this past Sat!
Bill Riley was 7th.

Rememberance Day Cross Country Running Race

2008-11-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

On a day for all of us to remeber, Karen Forsman and Barb Zimich lined up on the line in cold and wet for the annual 6km Rememberance Day Run in Stanley Park. After a short moment of silence to remember those who fought allowing us to even be able to have a day to compete, the race got off with a fast start.
Karen finished 2nd and Barb 3rd in their respective categories.
Great job both if you.

Haney to Harrison Relay Race

2008-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Karen Forsman who placed 3rd in the womans category for leg 8 which contributed to her team winning the open mixed category!

Sun...Sun...Sun...

2008-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

...where has it gone?
Palm Desert of course!
We have one spot left for the annual camp down in Palm Desert for a week of riding in shorts and a jersey. Join us down at the beautiful Palm Desert Intrawest Resort early January for a great week of riding and relaxing all under the great big sun which has seemed to have disappeared for a while around here.
Please email for details.

Nov 10th Update

2008-11-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Once again we saw the conditions which makes cyclo cross the sport it is this weekend at the next stop in the BC Cyclo Cross series in Fort Langley. Heavy rains (in fact swelling the river to uncrossable levels) created tough conditons for zimichcoaching riders, but as they say when the conditons are tough the riders who do well get tougher. This was the case with Kelsey Miller taking 1st and Barb Zimich 3rd.
Also on tap was the Haney to Harrison relay run which once we get the results they will be posted.

Who said a little rain and wind can stop anyone.

Weekend wrap up

2008-11-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Well another very successful weekend both in the racing and training areas. Barb Zimich raced to a 2nd while Bill Riley scored an impressive 6th in the South Surrey Cross race while Sunday saw the zimich coaching group posting training PB's in a timed 4km TT on the bike while the men's group saw some of the highest training numbers in a selected pace line drill set around the Spanish Banks loop. Another member, Rebecca Staynor, was at a Provincial Triathlon Training Camp in Victoria.
Impressive to see this point shown by everyone in the base phase of the yearly macro cycle and the foundation that is being set now will be able to be built upon in the coming months ensuring a record setting 2009!

Weekend Cross Results

2008-10-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to Kelsey Miller for a 1st place this past weekend at the Local Ride's Pumpkin Cross and to Bill Riley for a 6th place finish.

Vanier Park Cyclo Cross

2008-10-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Results are in for the next race in the BC Cyclo Cross series, Vanier Park.

Kelsey Miller 2nd
Barb Zimich 2nd
Bill Riley 6th

Photo courtesy of Joe Sales

VVV Time Trial

2008-10-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

Bill Riley blazed to a 2nd place finish this past weekend at the VVV TT out at Iona in Richmond. Bill maintained a 40.5km/h speed in windy conditions on the 10km route.

Way to go Bill.

Race results continue to pour in.

2008-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the next stop in the BC Cross Country runing series with a race in Cates Park, North Vancouver .
Karen Forsman placed 2nd while Barb Zimich took 1st in their respective categories. Ranada Pritchard and Judith Andrews also raced very impressive races with Judith 2nd and Ranada 3rd!
Congratulations everyone.

Cleveland Dam Highschool Cross Country Race

2008-10-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Staynor placed an impressive 3rd while Devan McClelland was 14th.
Way to go you two!

More Race Results

2008-10-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Loutete Park Cross Country Running Race (High school series) Rebecca Staynor 1st and the Crescent Beach Race (Provincial club series) 3rd.
Way to go Rebecca!

Victoria 1/2 Marathon

2008-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cindy Roberts for her great result of 2:02 at the Victoria 1/2 Marathon.

Recent Race Results

2008-10-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Some recent race results:
Crescent Park Cross Country running race, 1st Rebecca Staynor
Whistler Spirit running race, 3rd Barb Zimich

Way to go!

Palm Desert Training Camp

2008-10-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

The wet weather getting you down?
Join us in sunny Palm Desert for the zimichcoaching pre season training camp
January 11th - 16th. The training camp will be based out of the beautiful
Club Intrawest Resort Palm Desert, which is a fully contained resort with
all amenities. Dry roads and warm temperatures to set the 2009
season in motion.
Call or email for details, space is almost full.

Triple Mountain Challenge

2008-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 28th a group of zimichcoaching athletes set out to complete the "infamous"
Triple Mountain Challenge, a ride completing the ascent of all 3 north shore mountains, Seymour
Grouse and finally Cypress and to do it in under 6 hours.
Proud to say that all that set out to complete the TMC did so and completed it within the
allotted time.

Athletes who completed were:

Cindy Roberts
Catherine Pettit
Judith Andrews
Karen Forsman
Tom Jacoby
Devan McClelland
Darren McClelland
Bill Riley

Some numbers below from the day:
Data Value Unit
Duration 5:07:15
Sampling Rate 15 s

Energy Expenditure 3366 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 39667 beats
Recovery -67 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 79 bpm
Average Heart Rate 129 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 180 bpm
Standard Deviation 16.7 bpm

Odometer 15257 km

Minimum Altitude -68 m
Average Altitude 255 m
Maximum Altitude 960 m
Ascent 2500 m
Descent 2497 m
Slopes 4
VAM 488 m/h

Pinetree Classic 5k Running Race

2008-09-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rebecca Staynor for her first this past weekend at the Pinetree Classic 5k running race.
Rebecca, a top triathlete, showed the running form gained through her triathlon training to win her age group.
Way to go!

Cheakamus Challenge Mountain Bike Race

2008-09-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend one of the toughest mountain bike races took place in the trails from Squamish to Whistler.
Ripping the course up was the father and son duo of Darren and Devan McClelland.
Devan won the U18 division while Darren beat his previous course time by over 25 minutes!!!
Very impressive results in a very tough race.
Congratulations.