UCLA TRI

I skipped the Saturday group ride this morning (sorry about that!) to help out at Boulevard Cycles. We are the official sponsored bike shop for one of the largest college triathlon teams, UCLA. We, through our strong relationships with vendors have put together a multi year sponsorship program for UCLA Tri, and with Orbea being the bike sponsor. Orbea made the introductions with their coach, Gareth Thomas. Gareth has assembled 60 students to create this large team.

Yesterday and today, many students came in for shoes, pedals, and most importantly, bikes. Most have never owned a road bike before, and I was quite amazed that Gareth was able to attract so many people to a sport they have never done before. Some of these students joined the club with only a mountain or a comfort bike. It was fun working with them today. For one, they came in looking for "deals", and I think most if not all actually left knowing more about the sport than they thought they knew before they stepped into the shop.

These groups are always great to work with. I remember when we first got involved with the Amgen Tri team. A bunch of people that were new to a sport and had very little experience in what to do, buy, borrow, etc. What I remember clearly was the enthuisasm and excitment; the same thing I saw today. I look forward to a long and great relationship with UCLA.