Avalon Cycles

News & Events

Article Posted - 03/26/08

Avalon Cycles Plays Host for Trialsin.com's Indoor Trials Competion.

Read Dirt Rag writeup (PDF)

Event Posted - 10/15/07

Momentum Skills Clinic, Brought to You by Avalon and Germantown Cycle’s Team 9.8 and MORE. Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Frederick Watershed.

It doesn’t matter if you are riding cross-country bikes or you are a seasoned downhill racer. We want to help you improve your riding. This clinic is designed to give you the technique and the confidence to push your riding to the next level.

Pro downhill racers, Jason Beckley, Brian Price, and B.J. Tregila, of Germantown Cycle’s Team 9.8 will provide hands-on instruction at the clinic. They will begin by briefly discussing bike setup and riding position, before moving into specific techniques for specific riding situations – braking, turning, line choice, pumping, manuals, how to approach varying terrains, line choice, etc. These techniques are designed to make you an all-around better rider, a smarter rider and a safer rider.

This clinic is designed for experienced riders. With any riding, there is and inherent danger. This clinic will cover intermediate to advanced techniques, so the risk will be elevated. It will be required to sign a waiver to participate. If you are a minor, you will also need consent from a guardian. You will need to be a MORE member. Memberships can be purchased at www.more-mtb.org.

I don’t care what kind of bike you bring, cross-country or downhill; it doesn’t matter. Just make sure it works. And don’t forget your helmet. Knee and/or shin pads, as well are arm pads are encouraged. Also, bring water and food. We will be in a secluded area and the clinic will last for several hours. And dress accordingly. There will be a lot of standing and stopping for instruction and drills.

The clinic will take place in the watershed in Frederick. We will meet at the Hamburg road parking lot at 10 a.m. before moving to the practice area. If you need directions, contact us.

Space is limited and it doesn’t cost a dime, so sign up early to guarantee a spot. To sign up contact Brian Price at 240.404.0695 or brian@germantowncycles.com

Event Posted - 10/11/07

Avalon Trail Work Day: Oct.20

Mark your calendars, there's a big trail work day at Avalon (Patapsco) on Saturday October 20th, 2007. Our plan is to cut new trail and reopen the Charcoal trail to bikes. Yep, you heard right, a formerly hiker only trail will be opened back up to us. There is no way we could have something like this happen if it weren't for the huge volunteer hours that MTBers put in at Patapsco year after year.

We're meeting in the Hilton Area at the end of Hilton Ave off Rolling road at 9:00 AM. Parking back in the campground loop and cooking out near the tire park.

This is a big project, bring some tools if you have them: Shovels, Rakes, McLeods, etc.  We'll have some on hand, but we are expecting a big turn out and will be working with other park volunteers, so the more tools we have the better.

There will be a keg of excellent micro brew generously donated by Clipper City for post trail work consumption. There will also be a cookout, pot luck style: we'll bring burgers/hotdogs/veggie options and you bring a side dish to share.

Event Posted - 08/08/07

Thursday Night Rides at Schaeffer.

Can't get to Schaeffer by 6 pm on Thursdays and really want to ride? Just bought a cool new HID and want to try it out? Don't worry, we gotcha covered.

Back by popular demand, the Schaeffer Night rides are making a triumphant return.

This is a completely separate ride from our normal "Thursdays at Schaeffer". Think of it as an extension, with a couple caveats. First, this ride requires pre-registration. More on that in a moment. Second, there is a 20 rider limit. Third, you MUST have a high quality bike light. That little double A battery Cateye is not going to work for these rides. Forth and lastly, you must be prepared to have a great time. Wankers need not apply.

We will still be doing the regular "Thursdays at Schaeffer" ride. That has not changed and there is no pre-registration or rider limits. That ride will go on until there is no more (natural) light.

Now, the official listing:

Schaeffer Night Ride. RSVP required.

Join MORE for a night ride at Schaeffer Farm. Ride
will start at 7:30 and finish between 9:15 and 9:30 so
we can be out of the park by 9:45. Ride is limited to
20 people so please email Todd to reserve your spot.
tsbauer at comcast dot net. This ride is by RSVP only.

All participants have to pre-register by emailing to
tsbauer at comcast dot net.

This is a group ride and all participants are required
to stay with the
group. However, we will probably split into groups
based on pace.

PLEASE: Do not bring any alcoholic beverages to the
park.

If you can't follow these guidelines, please don't
register or show up.
We have a good relation with the park at the moment
and want to keep it that way.

Festivities will follow at a local establishment up
the road.
Date: 9-20-07
Rain Date: N/A
Pace: casual/moderate/faster depending on group/
turnout
Terrain: intermediate
Meet at: the trailhead parking lot ready to ride at
7:30 PM.

Directions: I-270 to exit 15B Rt.118 West - Follow for
5 miles - Right
onto Richter Farm Road - Take left on 4-way stop on
Schaeffer Road - Stay on Schaeffer Road through
traffic circle - Shortly after road narrows look
for sign to Seneca State Park on the left, same turn as Grey Rock Ranch and Delwood Trailer sales - Trailhead
is at end of parking lot after gate.

Event Posted - 08/08/07

Avalon and Germantown Cycles join forces with the Fix in Frederick.

And we are pretty fricking excited to have them on board. The Fix, which has operated in Frederick for the last year, is one of the coolest shops out there. To bring them into our family has us super stoked. For those of you that have been to the shop in Frederick understand what we are talking about. The atmosphere of the place is unmatched, something you quickly realize as soon as you walk in. The people are layed back, the inventory is awesome and the location couldn't be better. For those that haven't been there, you have to check it out. Be on the lookout for Phil or Stacey. They are the ones that have made all this happen. Stop by fixfrederick.com.

Event Posted - 08/08/07

Avalon and Germantown Cycles Meet Bishop’s World Bicycle Relief Challenge

Harrisonburg, VA – On July 28, Jeremiah Bishop won the pro men’s cross country race at the 2007 Showdown at Sugar Mountain National Mountain Bike Series event. Following the award ceremony, he contributed his winnings to World Bicycle Relief and offered a challenge to the cycling community: encouraging others to match his three hundred and eighty dollar ($380) contribution, to the first person to meet this challenge, Bishop promised his race-winning number plate and an autographed jersey.

Upon hearing of Bishop’s offer, partnering bicycle retail stores, Avalon Cycles of Elkridge, MD, and Germantown Cycles of Germantown, MD, met the challenge in support of World Bicycle Relief.

Avalon Cycles owner Donald Rucker explains that he has trust in and respect for Bishop. Rucker says, “If he believes [World Bicycle Relief] is a good charity, then I do, too. Matching his contribution is a great way to show our support for a good cause.” He jokingly adds, “And, I wanted that jersey!”

The contribution made by Avalon Cycles and Germantown Cycles will assist World Bicycle Relief in a major project underway in Zambia, Africa. The project involves providing 26,000 bicycles to trained HIV/AIDS healthcare workers and educators. This project will require two-years and $2,969,000.

To date, Bishop’s challenge has provided World Bicycle Relief the ability to deliver at least seven bicycles, which will serve an estimated 140 patients. To learn more about World Bicycle Relief, visit www.worldbicyclerelief.org.

www.jeremiahbishop.com

Event Posted - 08/07/07

Avalon's Very Own Gary Lessner Takes 3rd Place

That’s right folks, on 07/21/07, Gary did it. In an amazing display of strength, concentration, endurance and skill, Gary came out of a long retirement and podiumed. We couldn’t be prouder to have Gary on staff and we couldn’t be prouder of his win. Ride on, Gary. Ride on. Check out the pics - Picture One. Picture Two. Picture Three. Picture Four.

Event Posted - 06/29/07

Floyd Landis speaks about his experience

Last Year's winner of the Tour de France, who allegedly used drugs in his bid, will speak at Politics and Prose Bookstore Tuesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. to talk about his book Positively False: The Real Story of How I Won the Tour De France. He will speak for fifteen to twenty minutes, which will be followed by questions and a book signing. Politics and Prose is located at 5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC. Further information can be found at www.politics-prose.com or by calling (202) 364-1919.

Event Posted - 06/20/07

Wednesdays at Wakefield

The annual Wednesdays at Wakefield race series kicks off tonight at 6:00.

Event Posted - 06/18/07

Shop Owner Donald Rucker Goes Big on Bunny Hop

Check this picture out. Our very own Donald Rucker entered the bunny hop contest held right out side the Dirt Rag Magazine tent at the 24 Hours at Big Bear race. He jumped 42 inches - only 3 inches away from Jeff Lenosky’s world record 45 inch hop. Don practiced for all of 30 minutes in the parking lot before the event and wasn’t even using his own bike. Now that’s skill. Halleluiah-Hollaback, little homey.

Event Posted - 04/11/07

We have new hours

We have put aside our own greedy self interests. We will no longer give ourselves even one day a week to ride, so the shop can be open on Sundays. Well, that is only partially true. The shop will now be open on Sundays from 12 to 5. Saturday we will close at 7. That means our new hours for the week will be Monday thru Friday 10-8, Saturdays 10-7 and Sundays 12-5. And don't worry; we will still find time to ride.

Event Posted - 04/09/07

RIDEDC.COM

RIDEDC.COM is now live. Check out the new area-riding website. It will be home to all things related to cycling in the DC metro area -- pictures, news, forums, video, etc. The website hosts forums for all riders from all walks of cycling. It is also the new home of DCStreet.com, the local bmx/mtb hookup. Check it out.

Event Posted - 04/06/07

Lenosky will be here the weekend of April 21st and 22nd.

Download Poster...

Jeff lenosky will be appearing exclusively at Germantown Cycles to show off the new Mavic wheels and to show off his riding skills Saturday April 21st and 22nd. Saturday there will be two Mavic Demo rides at the Watershed and Sunday he will be at Germantown Cycles to do a couple of riding shows. The shows will be at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. Saturday’s rides will be one cross-country ride and one freeride. He will supply the wheels; you supply the bike. Space is limited so contact the shop to sign up. To sign up call 240.404.0695 or email phil@germantowncycles.com.

Event Posted - 03/30/07

EDIT: Bike Demos April 7th

We will have some Giants, Specialized, and Ellsworth bikes out for anyone to try. The demos will be Saturday April 7th at Schaeffer in the morning and Gambrill in the afternoon. Meeting spots will be in the parking lot at Schaeffer and at the parking lot on the left at the top of Gambrill Park Road at the big curve. Demos will run from 9-1 at Schaeffer on and 2-5 at Gambrill.

Event Posted - 03/21/07

The trails at Schaeffer Farms are now open.

That is right; Schaeffer is open for the season. Now some of the trails are still a little damp, so respect them. But finally we can get back out there.

Event Posted - 03/15/07

Unfortunately, the weather has forced these events to be cancelled.

Specialized TEST THE BEST demo event.

The Eastern Demo Trailer is going to be in town during the second week of March. Three events planned on the weekends of 3/11,17,18.  Most of the bikes available are S-Works with a mix of both road and mountain.  The idea is to make the TEST THE BEST events available to as many people as possible so there will be one in Northern VA, Southern MD, and one near Baltimore.  I encourage you to hit at least one. O Here is the schedule:
CONSUMER EVENTS
·        Sunday – 3/11 – Patapsco State Park, at the swinging bridge parking area in the park 10:00-2:00
·        Saturday – 3/17 – Schaeffer Farm, parking area at trailhead 10:00-2:00
·        Sunday – 3/18 – Fountainhead Park, parking area at trailhead 10:00-2:00

Give us a call with questions: 240.404.0695

Event Posted - 02/28/07

Germantown is doing a XC trip to pisgah.

Germantown and Avalon Cycles is trying to get a trip organized for the weekend before Easter. Actually we will be leaving later in the day Friday March 30, and returning Tuesday April 3rd.

For those of you that have not ridden in Pisgah National Park in North Carolina, it is one of the best places on earth. In Brevard, a bit south of Asheville, there is some of the best riding, well I have ever seen. Just outside of town there is a gravel mountain road that runs through a valley along a small stream lined with primitive camping spots. From there, an immense trail system branches out and up into some of the highest mountains on the East coast. It is some of the best singletrack and scenery you will see.

A typical day will consist of waking up later than you have ever woken up in a tent, because you are so exhausted from the previous day. Crawl out of your tent and walk to the other side of the road, where the sun has broken over the mountain to warm you up. Once your temperature is back up, we make some food and go ride. Now I kid you not, expect each ride to start with a minimum one-hour climb. It is so awesome. It will change your perspective on hills. You don't even think about getting to the top. Ride the ridge for a bit, do some descending, climbing, repeat, and cap it off with about a half-hour descent. Return to camp, eat all your food, and drive a couple miles into town to buy more food than you could eat in two weeks at the grocery store. Go back and act like people living in tents for a couple of hours and go to bed around 8:30.

What is not to love? I guarantee a good time.

Now be warned. This trip is not for everyone. A certain level of fitness and experience will be expected. Each rider will be responsible for himself or herself. But at the same time it will not be a fest for hammerheads. All are welcome.

The tentative plan is to leave that Friday from Germantown Cycles, drive until it seems like a good time to find a hotel. We will work around everyone's schedule to find the best time to leave Friday. Saturday morning we will get up drive, claim a camping spot and go ride. See above for the rest of the story. Tuesday will be a morning ride and long drive home.

We can put about a dozen bikes in the Germantown Cycles van. Hopefully we can get enough volunteers to drive. Costs will be split. I am guessing it will end up in the $150 range -- only a rough estimate. I will solidify numbers as the headcount in figured.

Call or email me with any questions.

-Brian

brian@germantowncycles.com
202.404.0699

Event Posted - 02/28/07

Avalon indoor park has opened to the public.

For those of you that don't know, Avalon Cycles and Germantown Cycles bought the ramps from Section 8 Skate Park in Youngstown, Ohio around the turn of the year. It took five tractor and trailers to haul the disassembled ramps to its new Elkridge location. At the same time Avalon took over the auto shop that was connected to the bike shop with the plans to fill the area surrounding the shop with the ramps. The park will feature and indoor as well as an outdoor section. Assembly began immediately.

Well, all the work that has been done over the last couple of months is starting to pay off.

The indoor section of the Avalon skate park is now open. The two connecting rooms offer some innovative lines and some pure quality riding. Sessions are $5 or you can ride all day on Sunday for $8. Sessions are Sunday 12-4 and 6-10, Tuesday 6-10, Thursday 6-10, Friday 6-10. For more info call the shop (410) 276-2029 or check out the park's myspace page for updates and hours, pics, videos, and other cool stuff.

Event Posted - 01/03/07

******Cancelled*******

7th annual winter downhill bike race at Blue Mountain Ski Area (Palmerton, PA)

Hi guys. Time once again for the 7th annual winter downhill bike race at Blue Mountain Ski Area (Palmerton, PA).

This year's race is on Saturday, January 6, 2007. I have attached a race flyer to this email detailing this year's race, as well as an ESRC registration form for those of you wishing to pre-register or to have your form in advance. You will still need to fill out a second waiver from Blue Mountain on the day of the race.

Also, please do me a huge favor and forward this email to any of your family members, co-workers or friends who you think might be interested in this year's event. The more people we can get out, the better the event will be.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me back (volleyballjason@yahoo.com) or get in touch with me at 570-668-2919.

Thanks and I hope to see you at all Blue Mountain in a few weeks!!!

Jason Boris
Executive Director, ESRC

Event Posted - 12/07/06

Want to race for Germantown and Avalon Cycles Next year?

We are currently accepting resumes to fill a roster for next year. We will be putting together sponsorship packages for road, cross country, and downhill racers. If you think you would be a good representative for our shop send or email a resume detailing previous race accomplishments, as well as outreach to the cycling community, and your goals for next year to Brian Price.

brian@germantowncycles.com

12615-C Wisteria Drive Germantown, MD 20874

Event Posted - 12/04/06

Rumor Has it Slalom Race

The Rumor Has It Slalom Race was a huge success. Eighteen racers gathered at the 495 slalom course, referred to as church, to battle the stopwatch and each other. In the end the unstoppable Jason Beckley, of Germantown's Team 9.8, edged Mongoose factory rider Jim DeChamp for the win. In the consolation finals, Eric Posey and Brian Price, also of Germantown's Team 9.8 tangled bars down the last straight and through the final straight before falling on top of each other with Posey getting to his feet for the drag-your-bike across the finish-line victory to finalize the podium.

But mostly the event was about fun. And there was plenty of it. Double elimination meant everyone got their five-bucks worth and everyone pitched in to help, marshalling the course, running the gate or updating the bracket. And with two courses so evenly matched, let's face it the racing was fun.

There is nothing in the works at the moment, but I doubt this will be the last event out there.

The famous photographer Damian Breach was on hand to capture these (the 12.3.06 update) excellent photos. There is also a small gallery here on dcstreet.com.

Event Posted - 10/01/06

Sunday Morning Shuttle Runs at the Shed

Starting in October, Germantown will lead rides to the trails at Fredrick Watershed. This is a ride for the advanced level and the pace will be somewhere between "moderate" and "shred." Since we are offering to shuttle, space will be limited. Please call to reserve a spot on the “bus.” Ask for Adam or Phil.

Event Posted - 09/28/06

Sunday morning Patapsco Rides

Sunday morning rides at Patapsco have been a staple at Avalon Cycles and are still running each week. We leave from Avalon Cycles at 9am weekly. This is roughly a ten mile ride and no rider is left behind. This is a great ride for the beginner / medium paced rider. The ride leader does a good job of guiding riders through the park and the pace is that of the slowest rider. Everyone is welcome. Call Donald or Gary at Avalon Cycles to make sure the ride is on: 410-276-2029.

News Posted - 09/20/06

Mini ramp constructed at Avalon Cycles

That's right people. We have a ramp up and ride-able. Roughly 25ft wide by 30ft feet long, this half pipe is set up to rip. If you are interested in giving it a go, give us a holler before you come down. Call Donald or Gary at Avalon Cycles to set something up: 410-276-2029.

News Posted - 09/01/06

Custom Built Dirt Jump Park in the Works

The team is hard at work fashioning a professional-grade dirt jump park in the lot behind Avalon Cycles. Working exclusively on the project is local jumper extraordinaire, Jon Saunders. Jon is custom designing the park himself and it should be ready to ride within a couple months. For more information call Donald or Gary at Avalon Cycles: 410-276-2029.

News Posted - 08/30/06

Fleet Street Cycles Announces Name Change

Fleet Street Cycles officially announces its name change to Avalon Cycles. The new name pays homage to the Avalon trail loop located at the nearby Patapsco State Park.

Avalon Cycles, who recently announced a partnership with Germantown Cycles located in Germantown, MD, is betting on the new name to bring with it brand recognition. By leveraging the very name the trail system so many bikers ride, Avalon Cycles is poised to become synonymous with the park its target market holds near and dear.

News Posted - 07/01/06

Germantown and Fleet Street Partner

G-Town doubles its size through a strategic and financial partnership with Fleet Street Cycles in Elkridge, MD. Exact financials of the deal were not made public.

In early summer, Phil Burleson and Donald Rucker, owners of Germantown Cycles and Fleet Street Cycles, respectively, entered into an agreement to pool talent, inventory and marketing efforts to gain a stronger foothold on cycle sales and service in the MD and DC metropolitan area. Most notably, Fleet Street Cycles is located in the midst of the Patapsco State Park area. This area is the stomping grounds for hundreds of weekend – and weekday - warriors riding a full range of road and mountain cycles.

The new partnership, which has already enabled Fleet Street Cycles to nearly quadruple store inventory, gives Burleson, who already has a firm foothold in the DC/Virginia area, a serious stake in the valuable Patapsco State Park market. Rucker, who has operated Fleet Street independently since 2001, gains the opportunity to leverage Burleson’s business background and abundance of Germantown Cycles over-stock.

Through the partnership, Burleson and Rucker will spear-head becoming Elkridge’s premier cycle shop.