Zimmer Venge

Specialized Venge - Project Black - Sponsored by Zimmer

Zimmer is a world leader in personalized joint replacement technology - and I am a two time recipient of their assistance. First, their trabecular hip joint was chosen for my left hip by Dr. Kevin Jones because their trabecular material closely resembles natural bone and facilitates a better union of bone and prosthetic. Secondly, they have agreed to sponsor my bid to make the US ParaCycling Team by providing this Venge for my upcoming races at Nationals. We chose the Venge for its ability to pull double duty as a road bike and time trial machine. 

Note the narrow, aero down tube and front forks which will cut the wind on a time trial course

Electronic signals are transmitted to the front and rear derailleurs powered by a battery on down tube

A thing of beauty

Carbon spokes are strong and light

Canyon Bicycle - in Draper, UT - ordered the Project Black frame - Mike, Casey and Bryce assembled the bike keeping in mind my odd requirements. Dave oversaw the project and understood that my left hip angle and altered musculature had to be considered. They sized the bike by keeping the steer tube longer, adding spacers and installing an adjustable stem. Their work will allow me to lower my handlebars for road racing then raise them for the time trial - a double duty Venge - awesome!

Dave Harward's attention to detail provides a perfect fit

Dave's set up has allowed me to produce two personal records on local course in first two rides

Once the bike was completed I visited with Dave Harward, an outstanding cyclist with a ton of experience that he brings to bear as a coach and bike position specialist. He worked very hard to fit me to my Venge for both racing disciplines - road racing and time trialing. His tireless work, and words of advice have already paid off with my two fastest climbs up the north side of Suncrest and up Emigration Canyon. My climb up Emigration was done using my aero bars, in a time trial position that was both comfortable and powerful.

Seth Bradley, Joe Sepulveda, Kevin, Chris and the rest of the DNA cycling/Bradley clan have been so great to me. They have invited me along on many rides, taught me racing lessons, helped me train efficiently and have encouraged me. I would not be on this journey without Matt Bradley's insistence that I tryout for Nationals - if for nothing more than to enjoy the experience. Matt's passing has been so difficult to bear so I thought it important to let others know - by reading my helmet and skin suit - that Matt is still with us.

Seth did an amazing job on both of these helmets - I was dumbstruck when I saw them. I cannot wait to wear these helmets at Nationals to represent for Zimmer, DNA and Matt - it will truly inspire me to give all I have.






We are in the home stretch for Nationals. Holly and I leave for Reno on Sunday and will join Jeff Warren and a dozen or so cyclists for the 5 day, 667 mile ride back to the steps of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The culmination is on Saturday, 16 June, the Huntsman 140 - an event to raise money to fund cancer research.

On Monday, 18 June, Holly and I will fly to Augusta, GA to experience racing in the US ParaCycling National trials - it should be quite an experience.

Lastly, know that I have been training hard with a goal of performing my very best at Nationals so I can fully represent those who have been so instrumental in my journey back from bone cancer. Often times I take a moment to remember how hard this journey has been and I appreciate those who have helped me along the way. For all of you who have been there for Holly and me - when we really needed you so badly - enjoy the journey along with us. We will update this blog during the Ride from Reno and during our Augusta trip - join us, it'll be fun.

Thank you to Garry, Monica and Heather at Zimmer for making this dream a reality - for leveling my playing field and giving me a better chance to fully represent at Nationals.