Tony Branch, founder and coach, makes a pitch for the Youth Off Road Riders
I went to a fundraiser on Friday night for the local Youth Off Road Riders (YORR) cycling club. YORR offers kids an entry into the community and culture of cycling and for some, racing. Tony Branch is the creator, coordinator, and inspiration that fuels YORR. The energy and enthusiasm Tony brings to this program is infectious and kids have flocked to be a part of YORR!
The event was hosted by two couples here in Iowa City. One of the couples, Suzanne Bentler and Steve Long, hosted the event at their 155 year old home that includes a grotto and chapel built by one of the previous owners. The other couple, Jen and Mark Wyatt, are well known to the cycling community. Mark is the director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
The thing I love most about YORR is that it gives kids an opportunity to connect with cycling and cycling culture and all the fitness and fellowship that it brings. They also get the opportunity to participate in races, which is cool. Most competitive endeavors for kids are, well, too competitive. The line is long in sports like soccer and basketball and kids start their "development" at an early age. But with cycling, youth who have never participated in a organized sport can jump right in to the the thick of it. Tony also promotes the general enjoyment of cycling as transportation and a lifelong healthful activity.
The event was hosted by two couples here in Iowa City. One of the couples, Suzanne Bentler and Steve Long, hosted the event at their 155 year old home that includes a grotto and chapel built by one of the previous owners. The other couple, Jen and Mark Wyatt, are well known to the cycling community. Mark is the director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
The thing I love most about YORR is that it gives kids an opportunity to connect with cycling and cycling culture and all the fitness and fellowship that it brings. They also get the opportunity to participate in races, which is cool. Most competitive endeavors for kids are, well, too competitive. The line is long in sports like soccer and basketball and kids start their "development" at an early age. But with cycling, youth who have never participated in a organized sport can jump right in to the the thick of it. Tony also promotes the general enjoyment of cycling as transportation and a lifelong healthful activity.
Youth Off Road Riders
YORR's spring cycling skills training for neighborhood kids
Tony cheerful coaching at Jingle Cross this past November
Waiting for the next race
Fitness training session
Ironweed in Red
In other news, we are getting close to finishing up a run of red bags. That’s right I said red. We decided to add another color just to change things up a bit. If they sell well we may do other colors in the future.
If you've been considering purchasing an Ironweed pannier, this may be a good time. We plan to raise the price soon. The cost of materials has gone up since we started this company. We've held off raising the prices, but with the introduction of a new color, it seems like the right time to make the adjustment. But just for the panniers, mind you.
Canvas is great. It’s a durable material that breathes and repels water and ages gracefully. But the stuff we get is expensive. Someday we may move to Cordura®, but for now we're sticking with canvas.
If you’re interested in red bags, keeping checking back; we’ll have them available in July. I will post up pictures when I get time to take a few.
If you've been considering purchasing an Ironweed pannier, this may be a good time. We plan to raise the price soon. The cost of materials has gone up since we started this company. We've held off raising the prices, but with the introduction of a new color, it seems like the right time to make the adjustment. But just for the panniers, mind you.
Canvas is great. It’s a durable material that breathes and repels water and ages gracefully. But the stuff we get is expensive. Someday we may move to Cordura®, but for now we're sticking with canvas.
If you’re interested in red bags, keeping checking back; we’ll have them available in July. I will post up pictures when I get time to take a few.
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