BLUE TRAIN BLOG


2009-07-10   The Secret Lives of UPMC cyclists-- More than just gearheads, UPMC cyclists are giving back to the community with a diversity of day jobs. One of our teammates, Dr. Rodosky, just repaired the shoulder of a certain famous Penguin. Another, Assistant US Attorney Luke Demboskey, helped bring to justice The Iceman, a hacker who stole 1.8 million credit card numbers. Our riders include doctors, attorneys, architects, a construction worker, an environmental engineer, a professional photographer, and a dentist. One rider is even retired (watch our for him... he's lethal in the time trial). 

2009-05-22   P-licious-- Wed night was the first time for the P course in the Oval B race. What an intense ride! UPMC was well represented, with Rutledge taking 1st, Rogers 6th, McCrea 8th, Milbrandt 12th, and Ellis 13th (after going down in one of the turns!). McCrea was the highlight of the race, bunny-hopping over a downed rider, mowing some infield grass, then returning to the straightaway to sprint for the finish. Hopefully this challenging course will be part of the B points series this year! 

2009-05-11   Marathon cycling!-- Providing bike support for the reincarnation of the Pittsburgh Marathon could not have been more rewarding! Having a first hand view of the race, helping to clear the course for runners, and especially having a 26.2 mile bike ride through the city with "no stop signs, speed limits, and nothing to slow us down" was pretty amazing. Thanks so much to the organizers for allowing us to participate. We look forward to being there next year! 

2009-04-10   Roll on, Blue Train...-- Opening day at the Oval was a day of testing and probing, not only of our limits but those of other teams. Despite some well-executed blocking by Iron City, the Blue Train not only took 1st in the B's, but won the field sprint as well. Look out, IC, we've got your number... 

2009-04-06   Weekend Update-- The Blue Train was unstoppable this weekend, posting top ten results on both sides of the state. Wednesday nights at the Oval start up this week, though a Spring snow storm threatens to preempt. A double flat ended an otherwise great training ride for Dembosky Sunday, requiring Hodos to interrupt his daily 5,000m swim to come rescue him. 

2009-04-01   Hodos to focus on swimming-- As many of you know, one of our strongest riders, Eric Hodos, suffered an triple ankle fracture this Spring. While he is recovering, his doctor has advised that he not race and instead focus on swimming. Eric has never been one to do something 1/2-way, so he's now training for a cross English Channel swim for August 2010. Rangers!