Sometimes this sport can suck.

I feel comfortable saying that. I’ve been around long enough and seen some up’s and down’s along the years. Want an example? Click here. Saying that “sucked” would be an under statement. I had someone email me today to share a few opinions on this “road rage” trial going on in LA. I agreed, this is an example of the type of awful things we sometimes deal with in the cycling community. After getting that email I checked out the “real” cycling news websites (not this one horse town type of website you’re currently viewing) and read up on the “LA Road Rage Trial” as VeloNews calls it. Kind of gave me the mass-media-FOX News-vibe and I got somewhat bummed out.

That was until this beauty came across my inbox. It was in response to a post made here today.

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Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:26 PM
To: info@velocitygroupaz.com

Hey,

Thanks for the opportunity and the help on this. I have been coaching the El Grupo Youth Cycling team now for 5 years and this is the first year in which I have tried to do this. The attachments are from two different computer programs but they should load up to your computer just fine.

If you are not familiar with El Grupo we are youth cycling team here in Tucson and we had a fantastic year in 09. 6 State Championships and 3 state records along with over 40 podium finishes. We do this all on steel bikes that have refurbished with all used parts. I have a shoe string budget but have been fortunate enough to be able to put together 20 bikes for the team.

You can find out more about us at the web site: www.elgrupocycling.org and I have a blog on there as well.

Thanks

Ignacio Rivera de Rosales

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I checked out the provided attachments and the El Grupo website as well…

and you know what…

it put a smile back on my face.

I thought that was a pretty cool thing. Check out the photo page of the website. I’m pretty certain that will put a smile on your face as well! It reminded me of when I was a junior and rode around with the Racelab Junior Development Program. Some of us kept riding, some of us didn’t, but we created memories that will last a lifetime. (Ok, I know, that was corny)…

So I wanted to support El Grupo and post the materials I was sent. The Velocity Group is going to go one step further and donate $100 to El Grupo’s cause. If you want to support youth cycling and do the same, check out the donate feature on their home page or contact El Grupo directly at info@elgrupocycling.org

Have a nice day.