UnitedHealthcare's team truck. This is a massive toy hauler used for vip events as well as a safe place for riders to prepare for the race ahead. Team meetings typically happen in the front cab before the race.

Ever wondered how a pro team mechanic deals with the daily happenings of his team? How about the pro team mechanic whose rider, Rory Sutherland just won the overall race in Silver City, NM at the SRAM Tour of the Gila? Check out this photo gallery snapped by Jordan last week with UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Teams’ mechanic Chris Franges. We jump into their team trailer and view everything from TT bikes, to race wheels, to trailer maintenance and even a montage on gluing tubular tires!

You can follow the team here on Facebook or on their website to keep up to date on their success throughout the year!

The Team Trailer. Measuring in at about 26ft offers the mechanics and soigneurs plenty of space to manage all the teams' materials. A little side note, this used to be the trailer used by the old Kodak Gallery Sierra Nevada Team, a great way to repurpose old team equipment without blowing money on new toys!

Even team trailers sometimes have problems. Team mechanics put in thousands of miles on these things a year, the need for a tire swap doesn't just count for the bikes! Mechanics can do anything.

Service Course manager Jamey works on organizing important spare parts in the rear end of the trailer at the end of a long day of work.

Team TT Bikes are packed and ready for the next race after the day's TT activities. The bikes worked flawlessly according to Franges, yet another important piece of a pro mechanics daily puzzle that must work just right

Team ace Chris Franges strikes a pose as he fly's though the center aisle of the trailer in search of more supplies for his next task, being efficient is the key to his job. Jordan bugging him for the afternoon definitely didn't help!

The team is sponsored by one of the best wheel companies in the world, ENVE Composites create an amazing product, here the wheels are strategically stacked in the trailer

Neilpryde team road bikes are awaiting the next call of duty after a day of racing. All bikes are racked in their own place within the trailer. Extra Handlebars are stacked on the ceiling, everything has its place!

A view from the tail of the trailer, the mechanics interior work bench on the right provides a great place to work. It includes a plastic windscreen to protect from random debris flying into the trailer on those windy Silver City, NM days.

Chain storage and other tools are hidden below the mechanics workbench. Each chain is precut to size for efficient and quick installation.

The front end of the trailer shows signs of a long afternoon of washing bikes, a large tub, brush and hose look tired.

Cassette storage is always a big pain. Chris has it down! Wow, everything has its place.

Cables and housing are kept in a safe place at the top of the trailer near the workbench for easy access.

Spare chainrings are all marked and stored. The mechanics will swap rings on most bikes for the TT based on the distance and course profile.

Organized storage below the workbench, once again its incredibly important that everything has its place!

The new LeMond fitness trainers are stored in the "basement" storage below the trailer floor. They are out of the way and only used once a week for TT's

The front area of the trailer is reserved for the soigneurs. Can you see some flowers and a certain red jersey? Looks like Rory Sutherland must have the race lead

TT start times are still posted on the trailer door from the TT earlier today.

Tools of the trade! Chris rolls with a very organized and dialed toolbox, envy of most mechanics in the biz!

Need a truing or wheel gluing stand? Here is a nifty little contraption Chris came up with. Look closely, a quick stop at your local hardware store and an old roof rack wheel fork work perfectly.

Chris begins his wheel prep for gluing a few tubulars for the next day's race. Mmmm the smell of tubular glue!

More glue and more glue, never too much but just the right amount and always an equal distribution.

Chris demonstrates perfect technique in gluing tubulars. A seasoned mechanic has no problems here, but it still remains one of the least favorite aspects of being a pro wrench.

Team mechanics have arm and thumb muscles, bike racers not so much!

The last patch of tire to get mounted on the rim is always the hardest, pro wrench or not. Phew!

The satisfying smile when you get a tire on just right! Its the little things for pro mechanics during their day that can make them happy. Good job Chris!

The Neilprye Diablo's look sweet in team livery. Check out the SRAM Red levers, Ritchey cockpit, Enve wheels and Maxxis tires too!

The Otter is a go! Amazing vendors all over the exhibitor area!

Have you made the yearly pilgrimage to the Sea Otter Mountain Bike Classic? Every year I go it seems to get better and better.  A four-day weekend on the Laguna Seca Race Track in Monterey, California, the weekend draws crowds from around the world.  Seven years ago at my first “Otter,” it seemed as though the international community was much more represented than today. Most likely due to the increase in mountain bike races around the world especially in the XC discipline and the tame courses offered up, the atmosphere is very American, but who can complain, its Monterey!

The Giant Factory Team compound ready for the reigning DH World Champ and other team stars!

Giant Factory Team Mechanic Steve Kiusalas and author Jordan Schware, resting on Carl Decker's SuperD bike

Our reigning World Champ, Danny Hart's trusty mechanic Dave and our buddy Steve Kiusalas hanging in the Giant Factory compound.

We can never be too busy for the Umbrella Girls! Thanks for hanging all weekend ladies!

Another thing that sets this weekend apart from Sea Otter Classic’s of the past was the first inclusion of a Cyclocross race. Held as a novelty at this date in April, the cross race brought a small field but a large rowdy crowd of onlookers. The Sea Otter Classic goes from the 8am -5pm every day, with mountain and road bike races all day and a large expo area for fans, families and industry folk. The Men’s Pro Cross race was held at 6:30pm, which gave people enough time to have a few beers and get ready for the spectacle! The barrier section on the course was located right in front of the massive Sierra Nevada 18wheeler beer truck; you can only imagine what that did for the atmosphere!

The finish for the CX race at Sea Otter, on Laguna Seca Raceway, wow!

The CX pit brought to us by the SRAM NRS Crew at Laguna Seca Raceway

Clement Tires flew Ben Berden in from Belgium to work with a few new sponsors of our program and get ready for the 2012/13 season with a look towards worlds in Louisville, KY early next year! Ben managed to fly to the win in the men’s pro race taking the honors and making a great show for some of the new sponsors in attendance. As usual a lot of hard work went into making this win happen for him, this consisted of late nights of building bikes and gluing tubular wheels and a few nights of cocktails at the Crown and Anchor in Monterey for the whole crew!

Our champ Ben Berden of Raleigh Clement getting mobbed by the media after the finish of the CX race

So focused on the cross season ahead and our work at Sea Otter I did not get a chance to catch any of the downhill or dual slalom races which are always my favorite. Most of the pictures seen here are from around the show and a few of our friends seen along the way. Thanks for ready and stay tuned come September for some great coverage of the upcoming season!

Ben Berden takes the win at Sea Otter, its a 1st and third for Raleigh!

The 2012 Women's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe, wow!

Good weather? Check. Beautiful, lush, vibrant foliage? Check. A desire to get outdoors, away from the containment of your winter sanctuary/home?  Check. What does this mean? It’s Spring!

With spring comes the need to re-evaluate our gear, and look to our warm weather goals This means the need to upgrade some old, weathered gear with new, colorful, technical favorites! Yes this is a reason to spend some money but do it on the smart and cheap.

As we do every year, the Salomon specials are here and in large quantities. Our friends at Salomon around the country have been gracious enough to provide us with at least one piece of every item they make. What could be better than getting your spring wardrobe dialed in with some technically minded gear? Yep its time to outfit yourself with some Salomon! Check out what Hilary has to say about the latest offerings and see them here on our store: The Gear Movement’s eBay Store

The Salomon Women's XR Mission Road and Trail Shoe

Do you like trail running? But only run in road shoes?

Check out the Salomon Women’s XR Mission! This shoe is designed for both road and trail. The lightweight cushioning features are idea for high mileage on hard packed trails and rolling hills. And of course the bright colors make the shoes more fun and give you energy to get up those steep climbs.

A great warm weather shoe the Salomon Rodeo Waterproof

When urban style meets winter performance and warm. The Rodeo Waterproof boots are equipped with a leather top and natural motion sole. They have a ClimaShield waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and warm down to -12°C/10°F.

The Sky 30+10 Backpack ,ideal for all your outdoor adventures

The Sky 30+10 Backpack is ideal if you are looking for one pack to use for all your outdoor adventures. It is lightweight and is incredibly expandable (from 10 to 40 liters)! Not to mention its removable backboard, lite shoulder straps, quick fit belt, load lifter straps, and adjustable sternum strap which make it super comfortable.

The Salomon Sky 30 a great technical pack

If you’re looking for a year round technical pack, look no further! The Sky 30 is built with the anatomically shaped Airvent Contract System, which greatly increases back ventilation on hot days. The pack includes wide ski straps and pole holders for all your winter backcountry adventures.  Its 30 L volume makes it ideal for a long day hike or a light overnight voyage.

SmartSkin, this is an amazing Technology from Salomon. Look for it on our store later this week

The Men’s High Pile Hoody SmartSkin is the perfect layer for every season.  Its high pile fleece provides cozy warmth on cold winter days, while in the summer it is an ideal outer layer for when the sun goes down.

The Men's XA Midlayer will hit our store later this week, look for it in our Men's Apparel section

A true Salomon best seller, the Men’s XA Midlayer is soft and breathable. Featuring a fitted fit and full front zip, the XA Midlayer is a necessity for pretty much any aerobic sport. Did we mention it comes in 5 great colors?

The Women's XA Midlayer, soft and breathable, on our site later this week as well

The Women’s XA Midlayer is designed with a flattering fitted fit. It’s the layer to grab when you are looking for something warm and cozy, yet breathable for your early morning run!

Check our eBay store for all of these great auctions throughout the week!

The Gear Movement setup at The Rocky Mountain Bike Festival at Invesco Field in Denver! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

July 11th and 12th rocked hard! Perfect weather, a bit of rain and tons of sunshine and the sweet tarmac at Invesco Field in Denver, home to the Denver Broncos. Its every uber fan’s dream to get to hang out VIP style at Invesco Field and that is exactly what we did for the Rocky Mountain Bike Festival.

Ben and Jordan hanging with the kids at The Gear Movement Booth

A cultural event, rich with bikes, character, locals, and community flavor, we couldn’t ask for much more. Put on by Miles Ahead Events and Carol Johnson, The Gear Movement rocked the house for two days straight! Community Events are the name of the game in this day and age, its a competitive market and anyway we can touch our client base on a positive level is great! Our next event coming up before we go into the cross season full swing will be the People’s Pedal Party – a pre-party and welcoming to the pro cyclists coming to our state for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge!

Jordan and his sister hanging at The Gear Movement booth, enjoying the amazing weather! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

The Gear Movement ladies racing each other at the WielerSport tent! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

The People’s Pedal Party in Colorado Springs on August 21st 4-8pm will be a blast! Live music, BMX demonstrations, USOC demonstrations, tennis, fencing and of course some sweet cycling companies like The Gear Movement! The event will be held in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs on the eve of the Prologue to kick off the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

The Peoples Pedal Party, a pre-cursor to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado Springs, CO August 21st 4-8pm downtown!

Come visit us for the party in downtown Colorado Springs and follow us on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week of August 22nd – 28th for updates from Jordan Schware in the yellow Mavic cars, winding through the mtns of CO!

See you then!

The Gear Movement ladies chalking it up and reppin the company! Photo Courtesy of Hardcastle Photography

Valmont Bike Park Grand Opening this weekend! Be there or be missing it on Saturday!

Ben here -

Recently, my vehicle needed an emissions test done. I drive up Airport road off of North Valmont and what do I see to my right? Huckability! Serious stuff that would make the number one Red Bull athlete pucker up – The new Valmont Bike Park. Absolutely huge features, pump tracks, etc. I thought, no way is that for me. I’m a fragile dad with a diminishing ego… I don’t need to prove anything. Then I learn, this park is not just for the elite, its considered one of the most progressive bike parks in the world. There is something for everyone. Singletrack, smaller pump tracks that help beginners learn in a safe environment.

Some serious doubles, note - not for the faint of heart, but this is for the heart of Boulder!

More sick lines to be had, we are itching to get on the park!

With two kids whose egos are growing with every pedal stroke, this was music to my ears. Something I can do with them and we can all have fun.

A sick wall hit! Can you say POW!

Needless to say, I am pumped for Valmont Bike Park’s grand opening this weekend! They open June 11th – I encourage any local cyclist to at least go check it out. This is a free park that should charge Disneyland prices… you’re cheating yourself by not going. See you this weekend!

Flying off of this would be nice...

The Rocky Mountain Bike Festival signs are colorful for the summer!

80’s and sunny this weekend? Check. Spend the weekend outdoors in the gorgeous spring weather? Check. Attend the 4th annual Rocky Mountain Bike Festival at Invesco Field in Denver? Check!

In Leadville in 2010, the backdrop was amazing! On to Denver this year

This will be the second year we are attending the festival and we couldn’t be more excited. With last year’s event up in Leadville, the highest city in the US, the increase in oxygen and warm weather will be a welcome in Denver. The festival will run from 10am-6pm both Saturday and Sunday in the M parking lot at Invesco Field. The Denver Century Ride will start and finish in the same location on the 12th with a community fun ride on the 11th.

Ben Duke shows off his Gear Movement T-shirt under our booth!

With all this good cycling activity Ben and Jordan couldn’t miss this opportunity to show the fine talents of The Gear Movement crew. We have dug deep into the inventory at the shop to pull out some great giveaways and a couple of pieces of high-end gear to raffle off. We will have an HTC-Highroad ProTeam signed Giro d’Italia official jersey on hand for one lucky winner to take home!

The festival was busy in Leadville, its gonna be packed in Denver at Invesco!

Look for our tent and wrapped car, and stop by the booth for some fun smoozing and boozing with Ben and Jordan!

Jordan Schware and Tom Hopper ham it up next to The Gear Movement booth in Leadville last year

Jordan working the turnaround point of the Tyrone Stage 3 Time Trial

Stage 3 = Time for a time trial! The Tyrone time trial on stage 3 turned out to be a slightly boring day in the sun and wind. With gusty winds of up to 50mph starting slow in the morning and gaining speed later in the afternoon, it was a rough one!

A nice visitor stopped by at the TT turnaround. What a cool picture with the SRAM car in the foreground

A Chipotle Development rider flies into the TT turnaround with his team car in tow...

I was positioned for the day at the turnaround point. The course was 26 miles long, out and back on a small exposed highway. I sat at the turnaround point with a SRAM Volvo car, wheels and bike, ready to assist if needed. Without seeing much action throughout the day, it proved to be a boring one, see pic below for the confirmation…

Mechanic Extroadinare TJ Grove listed how bored Jordan was on his TT race programme

Our SRAM NRS crew for the entire Men's Pro Race. L-R Desira Miller, Jose Alcala, Miss P, TJ Grove and Jordan (taking the photo)

Stage 4 saw the Downtown Silver City Criterium. The funnest race of the year provided me with a chance to smooze and booze with all the pro teams and all my buddies from back in the day. I think these pictures tell the story. Yet again two days in a row, one of the Trek-Livestrong U23 boys rode away with a stunning victory.

Jordan posing with the podium girls during the crit at the SRAM Tour of the Gila!

The Gila Monster on Stage 5 was the grand marquee for the whole week. With more than 10,000ft of climbing and some gnarly descents that freaked out the entire caravan, it was a hairy one. Being used to sitting in team cars in scary bike races, I gotta tell ya, this is always the scariest ride of my life. Sitting in a car with riders all around you, driving like a formula 1 race down mountain passes at 100kph is crazy! That’s what we do and that is why rocking out with the SRAM Neutral Service Crew is so much fun!

A view from Jordan's office during the final and 5th stage of the race - The Gila Monster! More than 10,000ft of climbing, wow!!

Miss P about ready to tear it up on the SRAM NRS special addition Aprilla Moto!

Ever seen a burn like this? Captions welcome. (Jordan was hurting after this)

The final podium for the Women's Pro Race at Gila. Congrats Ladies!

Jordan and moto ace Steve Donovan from Turin Bikes fly home on I-25 towards Boulder. What a beautiful stormy sky ahead into Santa Fe!

The SRAM Neutral Service Volvos ready to rock and roll, sexy!

Hello Silver City, NM! If you have been to Silver City, you have been here for a reason. This town is great but it is way off the grid. Travel down I-25 from the Boulder/Denver area for about 10 hrs and you find Highway 152 just a bit north of the Mexican border. Take that road for an hour or two over the Contintenal Divide and you are in Silver City. A town known for its Silver mine you can see from space or Google maps, this place is remote. Once a year at the end of April the entire community rallies around the SRAM Tour of the Gila and makes a great atmosphere for us cyclists/team staff.

SRAM Staff Michael Zellman, Desira Miller, Jordan Schware! ready to rock for stage 1

I decided the annual trip to see some of my great friends was worth the trip down south for some fun in the sun and a hard working cycling vacation. Working with the SRAM Neutral Service crew is an absolute blast. The team is strong and they are always ready to help a cyclist out and then have a beer afterwards.

Some great friends, Gord Fraser of RealCyclist.com and Ben Day of Kenda!

The Madness! Kelly Benefits Reid Mumford

My role for the race decided by headman Jose Alcala is that of mechanic/jumper in the SRAM car 2 with the Men’s Pro Race. Sitting in the backseat I am accompanied by Desira Miller, my trusty and rad driver and Miss Piera, Jose’s daughter.

Stage 1 saw some nervous and tactical bike racing for the men. A good amount of strong winds and some rolling roads for a large amount of the 151km kept us on our toes. Pair that with more flat tires than I have ever seen in race and the SRAM crew was scrambling all over the road. At the end of the Stage 1 Mogollon Road Race, came a monster climb. The bike race was shattered to pieces and the win went to Francisco Mancebo, putting more than 20 sec on his closest competition and raising his arms in triumph.

The Mogollon climb at the end of Stage 1

Day 2 saw a much more relaxed bike race beginning and ending in the old deserted Ft. Bayard Military Base. From the gun the men set out to keep the pace high and safe. With tons of climbs and gnarly descents we were lucky to only have a few flat tires and no crashes on the day. Our very own Frank Pipp from Team Bissell flew away with the win screaming into Ft. Bayard pumping his fists. Reports from the officials show him leading the Sprinters competition.

Jordan and Jose's daughter, Miss Piera!

The view from my office inside the Volvo all day!

Super busy in the back of the car = self portrait time!

Thats a wrap from days 1 and 2. Tomorrow we have the Stage 3 Tyrone Time Trial. I will check in again afterwards!

Grand Master of Tournament festivities, none other than The Duke, Ben Duke himself! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

Our first ever Spring Open Ping Pong tournament proved to be a success; with plenty of laughs, beer, flying ping pong balls and good times. We are proud to say that we raised over $800 for Community Cycles!

The Gear Movement Spring Open is underway, ping pong time! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

This is only the beginning pong people! This was a warm up for tournaments to come. Next on deck, the fall classic. Through the experience gained from the inaugural tourny, we have already begun to lay out the format for this fall’s extravaganza. With shorter games for the early rounds, referees for each table, and helpful tips from all of you; we can promise a fast flowing and exciting time in August.

Super staff member Nick Ranno working the bracket for the tourney. Photo credit Dane Cronin

Our goal is to double the amount earned for Community Cycles, so please put this in your calendars for the last weekend in August, Saturday the 27th! Until then, thank you for your support and practice up as the talent most certainly is!

Check our Facebook page in the coming months for the next invite!

Cheers!

Ultimate host Ryan van Duzer and TGM master Jordan Schware, giving out some sweet schwag! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

The Top 3, Akira in 3rd, Mike in 1st and Rob in 3rd. Congrats Gents! Photo Credit Dane Cronin

Every woman wants to stand out in this male dominated world. It’s as if having boobs and kicking ass aren’t enough anymore in this day-in-age. A real woman these days needs her flowers, pinks and pastels. Is your favorite color bright blue? Not anymore, unless you’re ready to hear, “Why are you so masculine, honey?” Let’s face it, a girl can kick it just as hard as any guy, any day. So, while she’s leaving all the boys in the dust, a woman still has to own her femininity, lest it be forgot.

Ladies get out there, grab your Fuchsia Prologo saddle, and don your Louis Garneau flowered jersey, cut specifically in all the right places to show your sexiest curves. Or rock out on your nordic skis with these rad Madshus skate ski boots If you’re feeling sassy…

Stay classy while you’re getting sweaty and hitting the trails. Shred the gnar in the ultra-comfortable Mammut and Salomon brightly colored ski and snowboard gear. Nothing says you have to dress like a boy, to play with the boys. So from the lone rangeria at The Gear Movement, stay classy ladies!