Signature Cycles rides D2R2 – Part 1

D2R2 Recap Part 1

What humbly began as a favorite dirt-road loop in the hill towns of Franklin County, Massachusetts around the 1990’s has quickly grown into a “bucket list” event for many cyclist worldwide. Since its official start as an organized event in 2005, the Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee has gained a cult like following for endurance cycling / gravel grinder enthusiasts. This 180 km event (which today offers a wide variety of shorter distances) takes place every August in the beautiful backdrop of New England’s countryside. While this calming scene paints an image of serenity and enjoyment, the actual course profile is something that creates a very different image… something more reminiscent of a bandsaw profile rather than a cycling queue sheet.

This 110 Mile loop, takes cyclist up some of the hardest climbs in Franklin Country. The ride wastes little time in showing new participants what lies in store. The first 36.5 miles alone have 6,000 ft of climbing. To put this in perspective you will cover 3/4th of the elevation of the NY Gran Fondo in 1/3rd of the distance (before Piermont) on gravel roads that at times are reminiscent of mountain bike single track.
In total participants will climb over 13,000 ft on gravel accents, regularly crest 15% pitches, and at mile 100 tackle Patten Hill, a 20% “Monster” on some of loosest gravel of the day.
Sound like fun?
Well…. it is.
While the event itself may seem overwhelmingly difficult; the organization, food stops, volunteers, and local support are something I have yet to see matched in any event we have participated in. The event, which is hosted by the Franklin Land Trust, raises money which directly impacts the local community. The Franklin Land Trust is a non-profit organization in western Massachusetts that assists farmers and other landowners who want to protect their land from unwanted development. FLT has helped hundreds of families craft conservation plans that address their financial goals, family needs, and conservation vision.
What this means is that the event is run by the locals, and as our hosts they do everything they can to make sure our experience is second to none.

Darren on one of the technical sections of the day

This year, Signature’s Justin Bagnati and Blake Bedoya, along with a few close friends, traveled to Massachusetts to participate for the 2nd consecutive year. In addition to riding D2R2 on Saturday, they chose to take the path less traveled by riding back to Justin’s home in Norwalk, CT over the following 2 days. This would become a three day journey that would cover 325 miles, 28,000 ft of climbing, and over 23 hours on the bike.
In this two part story we will highlight the event in length, the unique bikes we each chose to use for the ride, as well our favorite apparel items we chose to use for 3 day trip. We hope you enjoy the images and if you have any questions about the event, our gear, or wish to participate, please let us know and we can begin planning for the 2016 trip!

One of the scenic stretches of gravel

Day 1:

Unlike our first trip to D2R2 in 2014, we were lucky enough to be offered housing for the 2015 event. While many participants choose to camp on site or stay a local inns, having a home to set up, shower, and check over the bikes was an amazing start to the weekend.
While the 180 km officially begins at 6am we didn’t have a set time for our departure and chose to get on the road only after a filling breakfast on site. As mentioned earlier, the support  for the ride is fantastic and no where does this show more than with the food/aid stations.
As we began the ride we quickly settled into a steady pace where speed was never the main objective. We knew that this would be an 8 hour day on the bike that would total over 10 hours after our aid station stops, lunch, bathroom breaks, and the few mechanical issues that would arise through the day.
As the sun came up we quickly realized that each group we passed was filled with other hand-built bikes from around the United States and beyond. I had rarely if ever seen this variety of brands represented. Among the notables were Seven Cycles, Parlee, Firefly, Indy Fab, Zanconato, Mosaic, Course, Gaulzetti, Sachs, Serotta, 22 Bikes, Crumpton, K. Bedford, Kirk, and Bishop. I can clearly remember commenting on phenomena to which Justin simple replied: “oh yea… It’s like hand built bike prom”.

He was right.

Each bike was unique and each owner was happy to tell us about their bike, why they chose it, how long they’ve had it. These brief conversations took our minds off of the steepness of the climbs and made us feel like we were all out for a Saturday ride together. I’m often asked “what’s the scene” at events like these… My response is that the friendliness is something reminiscent of a classic car show. People here appreciate the quality of their bikes , the craftsmanship of their investment… It’s not a place you’ll have a lengthy conversation about carbon rim weights and aerodynamics.

Of of the day's many rest stops

The lunch stop, which seems to never come soon enough, was around 75 miles into the day. It quickly grows to a festival like environment where everyone catches up, shares stories of their day so far, and most importantly eats their body weight in food. We all regrouped here and relaxed for about 45 minutes.
Getting back on a bike after this never feels great, but we quickly regained our rhythm on what seemed like an instant climb out of the lunch area.
The next 20 miles, while filled with the best views of the day, seemed like they were just a distraction leading to Patten Hill. While not the hardest climb of the day in my opinion, it does peak over 20%. However, it was not the climb I focused on. Upon reaching the summit riders arrive at the Little Big House. The owners/builders of the home designed everything to be oversized… The doorknobs are the size of truck wheels and the windows like billboards. The goal is to forever feel like a kid in a toy house. While the owners did occasionally look out and wave at the hoards of spandex clad cyclists in their lawn, they hire locals to cut and distribute fresh watermelon and pickle juice on the top of the climb. I can honestly say it’s some of the best watermelon I’ve had and I’ll continue to look forward to this as my favorite part of the day. Additionally we had taken a group photo here in 2014, so why not begin a tradition.

The last 10 miles involve some technical descending with one more substantial climb. They go by quickly and this is where the stronger riders in our group began to push it. We all enjoy taking pulls as long as we can or until we each fell off the pack.
Like with any epic ride, the day ends with beers, great food, tales of the day’s heroic efforts, and the best part- a swim in the local river.

Every ride should end this way!

The Bikes:

We recently received an email from our friends at Seven Cycles. In it they wrote:

We had an email from a photographer friend, based in Europe. It said, “Have been out shooting PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris) and was amazed at the number of Sevens I saw.”
Then we were researching recent posts about the New England Randonneurs’ summer brevet series, looking at results and times, and it struck what a high percentage of the riders were on our bikes.
It seems everywhere we look at the longest, hardest rides the sport offers, our bikes are disproportionately represented. We hope it’s because we can offer serious riders the exact blend of performance and comfort they’re looking for, and that few, if any, production bikes provide the sorts of features and options that make big adventures so much easier. Whatever the case (like Seven riders are just a little crazier than the general cycling populace), it feels good that the harder the ride, the more likely the rider is to choose Seven.

While in the context of brand advertisement, the above motion is not entirely surprising. However, D2R2 proved to reinforce the idea.
Justin, Darren, and I all found ourselves driving up to Deerfield, with our Sevens in tow. While each of our bikes are as different as their respective owners, we chose to leave alternatives at home. This was not planned, we were not sponsored, we were three riders who needed to feel 100% confident that regardless of the terrain, weather, or whatever the 3 day journey would bring, our bikes would be able to perform dependably and only add to our cycling experience.

Blake’s Seven Evergreen Pro

Blake's Evergreen Pro

Justin’s Seven Evergreen SL 650B

Signature Cycle's own Justin Bagnati built this very unique Axiom SL up with maximum versatility in mind. He used ENVE 650B XC wheels, Grand Bois 42mm tires, Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain with CX75 disc brakes, a Thomson stem and post, 3T Rotundo bars, and a Fizik Aliante Saddle. Igleheart custom built the fork for this unique application and added fender and rack mounts mounts to the iconic New England Segmented Fork.

In Part 2 of our D2R2 recap we will focus on Day 2 and 3 which span the additional 240 miles and highlight the Assos Offroad Rally line which we brought as our main kits for the ride. We hope you enjoy the recap and if you’d like to have us answer any of your question please send them to Blake@signaturecycles.com

A full review of the the Assos gear we used is coming in Part 2

Barrons.com – The Benefits of a Signature Fit

Journalist Alexander Eule recently had a fit at Signature Cycles and wrote about how his experience dramatically improved his comfort and performance.

Alex had lost 15 pounds and was ready to hit the roads and reconnect with his passion for cycling, but even after getting a fit from another shop and buying a new bike, he was plagued with pain in his right knee. The bottom line after working with Signature’s Paul Levine and Abraham Soler:

“One month in, the pain is gone. I still finish rides physically spent but it’s because of those big hills, not my knees.”

Below is a video clip of Alex during his fit process at Signature. Check out his full article, “How to End That Ache When Cycling”, featured in Barrons Magazine.

Bikeside Manner

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The landscape of Bike fitting has become populated with technologies that weren’t conceivable fifteen years ago, when I first conducted the Serotta School of Cycling Ergonomics. Advanced technologies should always be embraced and integrated whenever possible into today’s methodologies. However, we are at a time in Bike Fitting where technology has trumped the technician. We can now measure within microns of a millimeter and virtually eliminate the human from the equation in finding the best bike fit. Or can we?

I have spent the past several years attending seminars and sitting on industry panels watching how Bike Fitting services are becoming automated and made to be as simple as plug-and-play. Let a machine determine where you should be on the bike and then wait for it to spit out the best-fit options in terms of position, components and bikes. I am sorry; I need to call “Bullshit”. We have crossed the line and have allowed programmers to make assumptions based on the quickest filtering down system to produce an output to get a cyclist out the door and on their way in the least amount of time. Many of today’s Bike Fitting systems have taken the human connection out of the equation.

Signature Cycles has always emphasized the importance of our one-on-one approach to understanding you as a cyclist. We learn how you got to where you are today and where you want to be, in the short and long term future. We built our reputation on our bedside manner; call it “bikeside” manner, where no secret handshake or race credentials are needed to receive unconditional advice on what is best for you. We discover, understand and accommodate for your limitations on the bike and as a cyclist. Signature Cycles is determined to always offer the best in customer respect, caring, connection and community.

Embracing the latest technologies is imperative to stay current and relevant. We choose our Bike Fitting technology to compliment our technicians’ expertise, all along enhancing your understanding of what it takes for you to become a better cyclist. Let’s not lose the best of our human connection by replacing empathy and understanding with measuring microns. The landscape in the Bike Fitting field is wide enough to offer the best of both worlds, Bikeside manner and the latest technology.

Contact us to discuss how we can make your cycling experiences the most enjoyable by starting with a Professional Bike Fitting.

Bright Futures for Cycling’s Juniors: A benefit for the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP)

CCAP Silk City Juniors 550w

We invite you to join us for “Bright Futures for Cycling’s Juniors“, a special event hosted by Signature Cycles to benefit the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP). The CCAP is a charitable 501(c)3 organization that provides kids and their families with access to the sport of cycling through youth-specific clubs and leagues. We are particularly excited to help the CCAP kick off a new program in our community at Greenwich High School.

Please join us for dinner, Computrainer races (for kids and adults!), and the warm company of Signature Cycles’ community. Families are welcome, of course. CCAP representatives Aidan Charles and David Hoyle will share more about the work and vision of the CCAP, as well as ways you can get involved. The evening will come to a close with a memorable ceremony that will light the way for the future of cycling’s junior riders.

When: Thursday, January 15th at 6:00 PM
Where: Signature Cycles: 14 Railroad Ave, Greenwich, CT
Dress: Casual
Age requirements: All ages welcome

RSVP By Jan 9th to Jeff Wanek: jeff@signaturecycles.com

Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Cycles: Q & A

Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Bespoke Bicycles

Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Bespoke Bicycles

There is something special about the hand-made bike industry. It is dynamic, innovative, and expanding. Every year we see the rise and fall of dozens of small builders each trying to establish themselves as a legitimate brand. Like every small business, natural talent and drive are just a small, albeit necessary, part of a successful company. One of my favorite quotes come from Professional Triathlete Sergio Marques: “An overnight sensation usually takes about 10 years”. No where is this more relevant than in the cycling industry. Today, Signature Cycles welcomes Mosaic Cycles as the newest addition to our remarkable lineup of brands. While their biggest breakthrough came in 2013 when Mosaic won the NAHBS “Best Cyclocross Bicycle” category for their stunning XT-1d Titanium Cyclocross bike, I can assure you their seemingly overnight success took years of experience and  growth. We spoke with the team of the Boulder, CO based company to get a better understanding on who they are and what they bring to our lineup.


Who is Mosaic?
Mosaic Cycles is a bespoke titanium and steel bicycle manufacturer based out of Boulder, CO. It is comprised of a committed group of individuals who all share a passion for cycling and the hand built process. 

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Ride with us in Spain this Spring

Sa Calobra, the most challenging climb on the island of Majorca.

This coming Spring, we are offering three trips to Spain: two trips to Majorca and one to Girona.

The first trip, March 6 – 14, is a Performance training camp in Majorca. This is for the cyclist who trains and/or races at a competitive regional level and wants to optimize their time in Majorca with structured training miles that will set themselves up for a successful season. Competitive paces will be set on rides with short breaks for refueling and regrouping. Performance monitoring and testing will be conducted throughout the week. This Camp needs a minimum of 6 guests.

The second trip, April 10 – 18, is a Touring camp in Girona. This camp is limited to 15 guests.

The third trip, April 17 – 25, is a Touring camp in Majorca. This camp is limited to 25 guests.

The two Touring camps are back-to-back, whereas you can choose to join us on either trip, or both. We will be transferring from Girona to Majorca on Saturday April 18.

Please note that the first and last dates of each trips are travel days.

Feel free to contact Paul with any questions, concerns or funny stories from past trips: (212) 706-0025 or paul@signaturecycles.com.

To register for any of these trips, please use the booking form at GPM10’s website: http://gpm.studiofivedesign.com/signature-cycles-booking-form/.


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Majorca Performance Training Camp, March 6th - 14th

The week will be about improving performance and will include tests and drills to develop a power profile for each cyclist. We will have a professional sports scientist present who will provide individual consultation and feedback. The rides will be structured and include new routes that will get progressively more difficult through the week with the final 3 days averaging 145km each day in the mountains. Total distance for the week will be 800Km.

Please contact Paul at paul@signaturecycles.com for pricing details.

The trip includes the following:

Private airport transfers from Palma based on the scheduled pick up times
Four star hotel accommodation for seven nights including breakfast and evening meals
Seven days of riding led by professional guides with top-level race experience
Constant vehicle support
A professional mechanic to maintain the bikes for the duration of the trip, as well as to assist with assembly and packing
A packed lunch on the ride days
A range of quality sports nutrition products

This trip requires a minimum of six cyclists.

…click here to hide this trip’s details…


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Girona, April 10th - 18th

Riding in Girona:

There are a good variety of routes for all levels and Girona itself is a beautiful city to explore off the bike with wide a variety of Cafes and restaurants. The ride terrain out from Girona offers smooth roads with rolling hills and a number of longer climbs with gentler gradients. There is also a stunning Mediterranean coast road and high mountains with access to the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. The roads are mostly traffic free and the drivers are considerate to cyclists. There are approximately 70 professional cyclists based year round in Girona, which says a lot about the quality of the riding and training there. The ride distance for each day will range from 110km to 150km and comprise of a number of the established training routes and include the climbs of Els Angels , Mare de Deu del Mont (14km, average 5% with sections of 12%), Rocacorba (13.8km, average 5.6% with sections of 10.5% and Ryder Hesjedal holds the record of 27mins and 45 seconds) and Sant Hilari (26km average 3.5%)

The Hotel is yet to be determined. Last year we stayed at the AC Hotel and we want to get something in the town, without the climb back up to the hotel.

The price per person is $3900 including:

  • Private airport transfers from Barcelona based on the scheduled pick up times (TBC).

  • Four star hotel accommodation with a single room for seven nights including breakfast and four evening meals.
  • Three evening meals at select local restaurants.
  • Seven days of riding led by professional guides with top-level race experience
  • Constant vehicle support.
  • A professional mechanic to maintain the bikes for the duration of the trip, as well as to assist with assembly and packing.
  • Lunch on the ride days with coffee stops.
  • A range of quality sports nutrition products.
  • Signature Cycles/GPM10 Jersey.
  • Airport transfers are from Barcelona and the transfer time to Girona is approximately 90 minutes.
Girona sample ride schedule:

Day 1 – Els Angels – 40Km, 400m
Late afternoon ride to check bikes which include a 10km climb (average 3%) before we descend to Madremanya. We continue back towards north Girona and return to the hotel via the old town.

Day 2 – Tossa-Sant Grau – 118km, 1800m From our hotel overlooking Girona, we descend into the town itself where we pick up the road south towards Llagostera. The terrain is flat here, and at times you would be forgiven for thinking it was a sunny day in Belgium due to the concrete road surface and surrounding traditional farmland. However, at Llagostera the scenery changes dramatically as we cross a small range of hills that separate the interior from the coast. This culminates with an 8km descent to the seaside town of Tossa de Mar which boasts the only remaining fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast, the Vila Vella enceinte. We stop for coffee here before heading to Saint Felui de Guíxols on the coast road.

The coast road is the highlight of the ride and it winds its north through a series of natural harbors and coves for about 25km. The road surface is perfectly smooth, the climbs rarely very steep, and the views are always stunning. Once we reach Saint Felui, we turn inland again and tackle the longest climb of the day to the village of Romanyà de la Selva. The climb is about 6km and averages around 5%. From the summit at about the 80km mark, we ride back to Llagostera and return to Girona.

Day 3 – The Volcanoes – 110Km, 1050m
After a detour through the old town of Girona where we pass the fortified door to the apartments where Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton once lived, we ride north out of town on the C-66. Bizarrely, all the local professional riders pass this way when riding north, despite the fact that it is a dual carriageway. During the season, Team Garmin can often be seen practicing for the team time trial along this stretch of road. We leave the C-66 after around 10km and begin to ride further inland towards Banloyes. The road is essentially traffic free and climbs steadily into the Parc Natural Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. This natural park is made up of around forty extinct volcanoes, the distinctive craters of which can still clearly been seen from the air today.

We stop in the medieval town of Santa Pau for coffee before a fast descent then brings us to Olot on the 55km mark. From here we commence the return leg of the ride, skirting the southern edge of the natural park and ascending a final climb that begins in Les Planes de Hosteles. The climb continues for around 3.5km at 4%. From the summit there remains about 30km, and the road is predominantly a steady false flat descent, allowing us to maintain a quick pace all the way back to Girona.

Day 4 – Mare de Déu del Mont – 130km, 1750m
The ride takes us to the foothills of la Mare de Déu del Mont, a magnificent mountain that stands above the rest. We’ll go around its base with steep but short ups and downs. It is one of the hard climbs the pros do from Girona and is really difficult! It can be optional, but expect a 14 km climb that peaks around 17%

Day 5 – rest day
Vist to Garmin Service Course. The group will also need to arrange and pack for check out on Thursday morning – Luggage and will be transferred to the Hotel La Placa where we will be based Thursday and Friday night.

Day 6 -Costa Brava North – Begur and Medieval Empordà – 125km, 1340m
Climbs of Romanya and els Angels on the way back. Riding part of Costa Brava and through Medieval Villages.

Day 7 – Rocacorba -120km, 1430m
Depart Girona in the direction of Lake Banyoles to ride the famous Rocacorba climb (13.8km, average 5.6% with sections of 10.5%). “Rocacorba is a beautiful mountain, rising up out of the gentle rolling Catalunya landscape surrounding Girona. “The road that snakes up it is brutal, at times bringing the best climbers in the world to grapple with their bikes. To reach the top of Rocacorba offers a sense of achievement few mountains can match. Climbing for climbing’s sake; that’s what Rocacorba is about“ – David Millar

GPX files of the routes can be provided if you would like them.

…click here to hide this trip’s details…

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Majorca, April 17th - 25th

We are offering another epic week in Majorca. Last year’s trip was spectacular; we had 7 straight days of sunshine. We had a wonderful time and came back with plenty of miles in our legs to kick off our season and flatten any hill in the NY area.

This year’s trip promises to be a week of steady climbing, rolling hills through olive groves, beautiful switch back descents, more food than one can eat, and endless laughs and sunshine.

The itinerary for the week and details of what you will be receiving are below.

Price per person is $3000, which includes:

  • Private airport transfers from Palma based on the scheduled pick up times (TBC).
  • Four star hotel accommodation at Club Pollentia with a single room for seven nights including breakfast and four evening meals.
  • Three meals per day, plus two evening meals and one lunch at select restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.
  • Seven days of riding led by professional guides with top-level race experience.
  • Two separate groups professionally guided by two experienced cyclists and each group with a dedicated support vehicle.
  • A professional mechanic to maintain the bikes for the duration of the trip, as well as to assist with assembly and packing.
  • Lunch on the ride days with coffee stops.
  • A range of quality sports nutrition products.
  • Professional photographer to record the trip.
  • Two Signature Cycles/GPM10 jerseys.
Majorca Sample ride schedule:

Day 1 – Arrival day (Saturday). Relaxed ride out to Cap de Formentor, 2-3 hours.‘This is a beautiful but hilly route out to the lighthouse at Cap Formentor, and a great ride to do late in the afternoon’

Day 2 – San Salvador (150km – 6 hours) A fairly flat route inland to San Salvador Monastery – 1 significant climb (7k + poss. bonus climb) ‘The is a long day but a plenty of time to chat as we will mostly stay as a bunch out to San Salvador after which it is every man for himself for the climb to the Monastery. There are grand views from the top and across the island with a nice cafe to have lunch before the ride back’

Day 3 – Sa Calobra (85km) First day in the mountains – Sa Calobra via Selva – ‘the most spectacular descent on the island with a 9km (700m) climb back up from sea level’

Day 4 – Deia and Valldemossa (140km) Mountain and costal ride via Lluc – Coll de Puig Major -Deia – Banyalbufar – Coll d’ es Pi – Coll de sa Gremola. ‘We ran this ride for the first time two years ago, which everyone thought, was very tough but worth it for the long descent off the Coll de Puig Majo into Soller. Deia is beautiful but the coastal road to Valdemossa is very hilly… if there is southerly wind the ride back across the island will be testing’

Day 5 – Rest day – ‘Nice gentle spin in the morning then do you own thing or relax by the pool’

Day 6 – The Classic mountain loop (160KM) The Longest Day’ – 160km, 7+hrs Major Mountain Day!! – 3 major climbs (25-30k). ‘This is the classic mountain loop and used by many pro teams on training camps and always features as the BIG mountain stage in the UCI Tour of Mallorca’

Day 7 – Coastal ride to Arta 100km – Bunch ride out to Arta and back ‘Once we reach Arta there is a technical climb and descent to a remote monastery followed by a nice lunch stop before heading back’.


…click here to hide this trip’s details…

World Bicycle Relief Fundraiser Results

Our fundraiser event for World Bicycle Relief broke all records thanks to our partner The Movado Group and our generous family of donors. We raised $107,000, providing 800 specially designed, locally assembled Buffalo Bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs in rural Africa. These bikes will help connect them with education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Thank you all for your support,
The Team at Signature Cycles

WBR-2014-reults

Left to right: Bob Parlee (Parlee Cycles), Efraim Grinberg (The Movado Group), & F.K. Day (Founder of World Bicycle Relief) at our WBR fundraising event.

Dear Friends,

Lori-headshotOne of my favorite women in history, Eleanor Roosevelt, said, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.”

For the last 17 years I have worked in the bicycle industry and have enjoyed an abundance of fruitful experiences. I have worked for one of the most renowned custom builders, Ben Serotta. I have owned my own retail business, Cycling Specifics in North Carolina. I have been a bike fitter, a frame designer, a sales person, a marketer, an event planner, a tour guide, a consultant, an educator, and hopefully, a mentor. I have grown as a professional in an industry that I hold great passion for. I have been privileged to work with the very best.

I’ve come to realize that the only thing that scares me these days is my daily commute on I-95. Who’s going to cut me off? Is there already an accident? Will I be late? These are not the questions that stoke my sense of wonderment.

With the recent relocation of Signature Cycles Manhattan, Paul is finally in a position to breathe easy and spend more time developing his business. He will be able to spend more time at our Greenwich studio, already a successful business, but one that has yet to reach it’s full potential. This gives me a new freedom to explore the many other interests and passions I have. I’m not sure if this comes with age, but I have an intense feeling that “I’m not done yet”. There are more amazing opportunities ahead that need to be explored … I haven’t finished living my personal legend.

Lori-Saturday-RideAnd so with good health, bountiful experiences and a confident attitude, I will be leaving Signature Cycles at the end of October. People often say as a gesture of encouragement, “I’m sure you’ll land on your feet”. I believe I will too, maybe after first landing on my knees a few times. ☺

What does this mean for you? It means you’ll continue to have the pinnacle in cycling services, products and experiences. Signature Cycles was built on best practices using the best products and the best people. Justin, Abraham and Paul have been my friends, my colleagues and my mentors. I don’t need to tell you how good they are … you already know that.

One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of Wonder. We see it in children’s eyes, we see it as our dogs sniff the ground and dig the earth. I’m off to chase my Wonder. Thanks to each of you for adding to my incredible experience at Signature Cycles. I am absolutely sure that when we meet again and you ask how I am, I’ll say “Wonder- Full”.

I am honored that I had a hand in making your cycling dreams come true.

See you on the road,

Lori

Lori can be reached at (203) 485-0500 or her personal email, lorihoefer@gmail.com.

Lori-dogs

Edie (left) and Paco, the outgoing shop dogs of Signature Cycles Greenwich.

World Bicycle Relief Fundraiser and Drawing

World Bicycle Relief Banner Image

Signature Cycles has been delivering dream bikes to cyclists for the last 15 years. To many of us cyclists, a bicycle is a recreational tool – we use it to train, race or commute. We search for the perfect, high-performing bike to chase our dreams and goals. Yet, to many more people around the world, a bicycle is a critical, sustainable form of mobility, where mobility can mean the difference between seeing a doctor, getting to school, or making a living – or not.

We are proud to continue our partnership with World Bicycle Relief to make dreams come true for students and workers in rural parts of Africa. This year, we will be hosting an extraordinary drawing and exclusive event on November 12, in conjunction with Movado and World Bicycle Relief.

The Drawing

For $134, the cost of one Buffalo Bicycle, you can offer the gift of mobility. Donors can donate via our fundraising page, or visit our donation station in either of our studio locations in Manhattan or Greenwich, CT. Your contribution will also enter you in our exclusive drawing:

* Donate 1 bike = $134 = 1 ticket (minimum amount for drawing ticket)
* Donate 6 bikes = $804 = you’ll receive 1 free ticket! (7 tickets total)
* Donate 12 bikes = $1,608 = you’ll receive 4 free tickets! (16 tickets total)
* Donate 24 bikes = $3,216 = you’ll receive 11 free tickets! (35 tickets total)

The three extraordinary prizes featured are:

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Custom Parlee Cycles Z Zero

A custom carbon Parlee Z Zero is 100% made to order, with the optimum performance characteristics and technical requirements perfectly met for each individual rider.

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Movado Parlee 2014 Limited Edition Automatic Chronograph

DYNAMIC Movado Parlee takes its name and inspiration from the world’s most advanced, lightweight race bikes. INNOVATIVE It incorporates 250 layers of unidirectional carbon fiber, the ultra-lightweight material perfected by Parlee Cycles. AERODYNAMIC A unique tubular framework creates a fluid, ultra-modern silhouette. PRECISE Powered by a fine ETA caliber A07 Swiss automatic chronograph movement. RARE Limited to a total of 250 pieces.

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Majorca Spring Training Camp 2015

Join Signature Cycles for an epic week of steady climbing, rolling hills throughout the olive groves, beautiful switch back descents, and endless laughs and sunshine in Majorca, Spain.

The Exclusive Event

A premier fundraising event, hosted by Movado | Signature Cycles | World Bicycle Relief, will take place on November 12 in Manhattan, for top supporters from 2013.

For all entrants to this drawing, you need not be present to win one of the three prizes.

Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to provide more than 750 specifically engineered, culturally appropriate bikes to help make an impact by providing an entire community the opportunity of independence, mobility and livelihood through the use of dependable bicycles.

Thank you for your support,
The Team at Signature Cycles

Click here for our World Bicycle Relief donation page.

What Happens in Greenwich, Stays in Greenwich…

SIGNATURE CYCLES TRADE SHOW

October 23, 2014    5pm – 8pm
Signature Cycles Greenwich

You don’t need to travel to Vegas to see the newest 2015 products from Zipp, Assos, Rapha, Shimano, Specialized, Cycleops, and SRAM. Spend an evening with us in a “Trade Show” environment seeing, touching, and learning about the latest greatest cycling products. Manufacturer Representatives from each company will share their knowledge and expertise.

Want to learn what makes the Zipp Firestrike the fastest, most efficient new wheel? Try the all new PowerBeam from Cycleops … one of the coolest indoor training systems on the market. Ride strong and fast in the new 2015 styles from Rapha and Assos. Take a test ride on a Fat Boy from Specialized, guaranteed to spread a smile across your face.

Spread the word, bring a friend. RSVP is appreciated: lori@signaturecycles.com