Introduction

Local Rides

Intro to the Team

The Etna Brewing Co./ DeSalvo Custom Cycles Race Team has joined up this year as one complete unit. It includes ultra competitive Pro riders such as Reny Townsend, Stephen Maluk, and 'Coach' Mike Neel, as well as women like collegiate/national under 23 top ten finisher Ally Stacher. Other team members range through the Categories and cycling disciplines from stage racing on the road to 24 hour mountain bike endurance events. Whatever the event or ride, don't be surprised to see an Etna Brewing Co./DeSalvo Cycles rider in the mix. While the Etna Brew/DeSalvo team riders take our riding and racing very seriously, we also share a basic appreciation of the sport that encourages good sportsmanship and positive support of all cyclists.

So just how did the Etna Brewery Cycling team come to be? During his recovery from hip replacement surgery back in 2002 Scott 'Russian Bear' Davidson (see Bears Blog) thought it would be a good idea to have some company on his rehab rides. Coach Mike was riding a bit fast at the time so he rounded up a couple of local boys with virtually no experience whatsoever on the bike. It was great at first, epic battles and all. 'We were evenly matched for the first month or so... Reny Townsend, Mike Hlynsky, Orion Tang and myself. Well, everybody got faster for sure…' So Scott thought hell, we’ve got to put together a little team and go do the Humbug Hurry-up. Being a regular at the local Brew Pub he got the Etna Brewing Co. behind them as a title sponsor. At first, those guys wouldn’t even think about skinny tired road bikes and lycra. That attitude would change quickly, but one would never have thought that 4 years later we would have multiple state, and national champs in Reny Townsend and Ally Stacher as well as numerous other “locals” with so much natural talent it’s freaky. The Scott Valley only has about 1,200 residents total, some firmly believe that there is something in the water here. In any case it sure is a great place to ride and is creating some great riders.

Check out Scott Davidsons Bears Blog to find out what's been going on most recently with the team!

We really appreciate all our sponsors. Take a quick look at who is behind the team and click on the logo to the left to find out more.

The Etna Brewing Company crafts some world class beers, including multiple award winners at the World Beer Cup. Located in Northern California’s Scott Valley, the small town of Etna is surrounded by world class cycling terrain (voted one of best undiscovered outdoor sports towns by Outside Magazine 2004). It stretches North-West from Mount Shasta to the Klamath River near the Oregon border, this area includes the Russian and Marble Mountain Ranges. An immense area full of long roads and big climbs with minimal traffic, a heaven for road riding, not to mention enough off road riding to last a lifetime.

The Joint Replacement Institute at Saint Vincent Medical Center is a world leader in hip and knee joint replacement and offers hip resurfacing, a minimally invasive hip replacement procedure for younger, more active adults that conserves maximum bone. Our own Scott 'Russian Bear' Davidson underwent total hip replacement on his right side there, the same one Floyd just got. 'Dr. Tom Schmalzried considers me his guinea pig and has graciously sponsored the team from the very beginning.'

DeSalvo Custom Cycles is a small custom frame building company located in Ashland, Oregon. Our pro and elite level team riders use a variety of DeSalvo bikes fabricated from both Steel and Titanium. Whether on the Road, the Mountain, or mixing it up in Cyclocross, Mike DeSalvo has equipped our fastest racers with bikes to win. Check out www.DeSalvoCycles.com to see what Mike can do to make a bike that's just right for you.

Steven Maluk is not just one of our top riders, but a USA Cycling certified Level 3 coach. He works with cyclists of all levels from some of our team pros to beginning recreational athletes. Steve focuses on the principles of systematic, scientific training in developing personalized approaches for each individual athlete. 'As your coach, my points of focus will be your health, your satisfaction, and the level of achievement or goals you choose for yourself.' Check out his site for more information!

We have been using the First Endurance products for a few years now because they have proven to us they work. The long rides here in hot dry weather push hydration, energy, electrolyte, and recovery needs to the max, EFS has been a great product for keeping us going during long days in the saddle. Ultragen is another team favorite and a must have after a long ride or hard workout.

They won more stages then any other bike at the 2006 Tour de France, Ridley makes world class carbon fiber thoroughbreds. Coming out of Belgium, these bikes are comfortable and light enough to be ridden all day in the mountains, while strong and stiff enough for any sprinter (can you say Robbie McEwen). The majority of team miles are done on these pro peloton euro race machines, bikes that leave no excuses for getting dropped.

Chet Collins employs multiple therapies including ART, trigger point therapy, chiropractic adjustments, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching and exercise programs specifically targeted to the individual clients needs. Whether a fast diagnosis of your injury and a custom treatment program to get you back in action as quick as possible, or you want some specific diagnosis and work to make sure your operating at maximum efficiency, Chet at Athlete Repair is the man to see.

Having some mighty fine rigs we were stoked to get hooked up with Reynolds. They are making some of the lightest and sickest wheels rolling around these days. They also offer some very nice seat posts, bars, and stems all combined making for a clean solid build. Reynolds may still be best known for their carbon forks but they have really come out with a nice variety of products.

Known for one thing fi'zi:k saddles haven't gained popularity for just having nice style, it's all about the comfort and fit. The Arione road saddles have become the required standard for all our riders road bikes. The Aliantes is being ridden on mtn and cross bikes while Arione Tri is being equipped on the TT machines. fi'zi:k may do just one thing, but they do it right!

Another company known for one thing, but hey when it comes to protecting your brain bucket it's worth having the best lid. While cooling vents and light weight are something you get from a magazine or catalog, it's been the fit of the Sweep R models that have made our riders happy.

www.WellsFargo.com Thanks to Wells Fargo for their support and help with banking needs.