Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "race"

California International Marathon draws huge crowds in 28th year

2011-12-05T04:16:27Z

Early Sunday morning, over 4,000 runners from around the world participated in the California International Marathon, a 26.2-mile race from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. As the runners scaled the greater Sacramento area into the afternoon, hundreds of supporters lined the route carrying signs of support and yelling words of encouragement.

Meadow Bailey, a 34-year-old homemaker from Rancho Cordova, was one of the many who came out to show their support. She said that although this was her first time coming, she had an enjoyable experience.

“Everybody is cheering, and there’s a great sense of unity,” she said.

Starting near Folsom Lake, participants headed east down Oak Avenue. Passing through Orangevale, Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks, runners gradually traveled downhill, a signature element of the CIM that makes it one of the fastest races in the country. Taking Fair Oaks Boulevard all the way into Midtown, runners eventually turned onto L Street, where they raced to the finish line located on the west side of the Capitol. A full map can be found here.

Several events were held concurrently to the marathon. A shorter relay was held where participants worked in teams. Another event, the MaraFUNrun, was a 2.62-mile run for children and families.

The winners of the marathon were recognized at an award ceremony that started at 3 p.m. For the men, Erick Monyene, a 24-year-old from Keller, Texas, came in first place with a total time of 2:11:50. He was followed by 30-year-old Ryan Bak from Bend, Ore., in second place and Joseph Mutinda, 37, from Santa Fe, N.M., in third place. Their times were 2:14:17 and 2:14:53, respectively.

For the women, Abrha Serkalem, a 24-year-old from Eth, took first place with a time of 2:33:40. In second was Atalelech Asfaw, 20, from Albuquerque, N.M., with a time of 2:33:56. In third place was Nuta Olaru, a 41-year-old from Antioch with a time of 2:37:13. A complete list of finishing times can be found here.

As the runners raced toward the Capitol, the streets were lined with many people who came out to show support. Many bands played at several points throughout the race, including folk singer Willie Ames, hip-hop artist Crazy Ballhead and various high school marching bands. As the runners passed, musicians and supporters alike cheered out in their support.

Sara Nylin, a 29-year-old teacher from Rancho Cordova, participated in the marathon for the first time this year. She said if it weren’t for the people who came out in support, she wouldn’t have been able to pull through.

“It’s a big marathon, and there’s a lot of people,” she said. “I had people supporting me, and now I’m supporting my friends as they finish.”

Other people participated in the relay and later stood on the sidelines supporting the marathon runners. Faith Caplan, a 30-year-old teacher from East Sacramento, was one of them.

“The course is nice and the weather is usually beautiful,” Caplan said, adding that this was why she has participated for the last five years.

Tammy Cortopassi, 48, is a medical assistant who lives in Midtown. Having come to watch the race and support the runners for the first time, she said she believes the runners who come in last place deserve the same respect and recognition as those who come in first.

“No one waits for the last person,” she said after most of the runners had passed her spot along Alhambra Boulevard. “The last is just as important as the first.”

Cortopassi’s compassion for all racers was evident all throughout the day. Phrases such as “You can do it!” and “To the finish line!” were yelled by people who were watching the race and others who were simply walking by it.

When the runners reached the finish line, they were greeted with more cheers, lots of water and massages. Sweat darted down many of their foreheads, and others laid down in the grass surrounding the Capitol, catching their breath.

“The race was a lot of fun to watch,” Bailey said. “I’m just glad I wasn’t doing it.”

Photo essay: 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry

2011-11-24T21:27:33Z

Thousands of Sacramento participants toughed out the rain this Thanksgiving morning as they participated in the 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

For more information and race results visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Photos from this morning's event:

RAAM UPDATE: It's all downhill from here

2011-06-21T06:49:28Z

It’s all downhill from here… so to speak. Monday, in the Race Across America, Team SacPD concurred their highest elevation climb of the race. With their climb to nearly 11,000 feet above sea level Monday, the team has climbed a total of 55,952 vertical feet since the start of the race Saturday.

From this point, the majority of the race is downhill except for a few smaller elevations climbs later in the race.

At the time of this posting, the team is skirting the southern part of Colorado and is about half way across the state. At this point they have traveled almost 1,030 miles and have about 1,969 miles to go.

The only significant challenge reported today was a racers blown tire shortly after the start of the day.

RAAM UPDATE: Team SacPD has strong second day

2011-06-20T07:14:00Z

Sunday was a long but rewarding day for Team SacPD in their second day of Race Across America. The team traversed north east through Arizona and at the time of this posting they are just north of Tuba City heading toward Utah.

Team SacPD is now 33 hours into the race and have traveled over 615 miles. They have climed a total of 32,744 vertical feet and are presently around 5,000 feet above sea level and will reach around 11,000 feet in this assent.

The day was not without challenges. Early in the day one of the riders wasn't feeling well and had to sit out several relay rotations, but later returned to the race reportedly doing well. The same van that broke down Saturday developed mechanical trouble again Sunday near Sedona, Arizona, forcing the team to shuffle some crew and gear around.

Overall, the crew and team remain strong and in good spirits. They have aproximately 2,381 miles to go.

Race for the Ring fundraiser brings adventure to Sacramento

2011-05-23T07:29:24Z

About 600 people wearing blue T-shirts walked and rode bicycles, searching for clues in downtown Sacramento at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ third annual Race for the Ring event Saturday.

Food Bank communications director Kelly Siefkin said the money raised will help support all eight programs, from providing food and clothing to education and women’s resources.

“I think it’s a way to involve part of the Sacramento community and people who don’t really know about the programs,” Siefkin said. “We make it a fun day. They want to come back with their families, volunteer and be motivated about the programs.”

The event provides a fun way for people to get an “Amazing Race” experience locally.

The race kicked off with a countdown from Mayor Kevin Johnson, and participants made their way from Raley Field to downtown.

Partners Hope and Rena Richards said it was their first time doing any type of race.

“I’m a little concerned – it’s a lot of riding,” Hope Richards said. “But you’ll never know until you try.”

Individuals or pairs received clues via text message about where to find answers to trivia questions. Each team traveled on bike or on foot to specific destinations and could not use any vehicles or outside help.

Teams traveled to places like Old Sacramento, the Tower Bridge and around the Capitol to search for the answer. Every team had a different path to follow and received a different set of text messages.

If the team answered correctly, they earned points. If a team made three incorrect attempts to a question, they had to move on. Teams with the most total points won prizes.

Several teams were in high spirits during the race.

San Tsan and Brian Herman of the Magic Sticks team dressed in matching shirts with their team name.

“Magic Sticks is going to win!” Tsan said.

Husband and wife team Jessica and Steve Donaldson parked their bicycles to look for a historic landmark sign.

“(The race is) easy, because we live here,” Jessica Donaldson said.

Calvin Curtin, the marketing director for Rogers Jewelry, said the store donated prizes for the event for the top 10 teams.

“There are prizes for early entry, best team name and best costume,” Curtin said.

The big prizes for the top three places included a $3,200] Hearts on Fire pendant called Beloved for third place, a $5,700 Hearts on Fire double halo solitaire ring called Transcend for second, and a $8,600 Hearts on Fire diamond ring, for first.

In the Flow

2011-05-20T08:37:55Z

The 2011 In the Flow festival came to an end at Luna’s Café on Monday night after five days of enjoyable music at different venues. Jazz, rock, electronic, noise, poetry, spoken word, blues and other genres were delivered by talented musicians from May 12 to 16.

On a rainy Monday evening, several bands came to share the small stage at Luna’s. The intimate setting provided great entertainment and gave it a delightful jazz club ambiance.

In the Flow is the brainchild of Ross Hammond and Byron Blackburn. Performers play smaller venues such as La Raza Galeria Posada, Luna’s, Antiquité Maison Privée, Phono Select Records and the Press Club. Hammond’s grassroots approach is creative and provides a great platform for many musicians. The festival is now in its fourth year, and I’m sure will continue to grow.

Saturday and Sunday provided most of the entertainment for the festival, but other scheduled performances delighted audiences throughout Midtown.

Art Luna, one of the owners of Luna’s Cafe, was working behind the counter as his establishment hosted the evening’s event. The first performers introduced were Wes Steed and Kevin Corcoran, utilizing a synthesizer, drums and various noisemaking instruments.

In the Flow makes is possible for performers such as Steed and Corcoran to be seen and heard by people who may not be aware of music like theirs. When they perform in electronic, innovative or noise venues, they may be known and appreciated, but In the Flow provides them with exposure to new audiences.

Hammond, who also hosts Nebraska Mondays at Luna’s, introduced the next group, the Element Brass Band. Every inch of the stage was taken up by the band, so that the tuba player had to stand next to the stage.

Their lead singer, who also plays trumpet, asked those in attendance how they were. Some audience members responded.

“You’ve got to do better than that, because there’s about to be a party in here, just so you know,” he said. “We’re about to do a little New Orleans jazz. Hope you enjoy.”

The deep sound of the tuba got everyone moving, touching the soul and making the body move. As other instruments began their beat, the soulful brass sounds evoked images of New Orleans. The band played several songs that were greatly appreciated by the audience.

I haven’t heard such a great sounding brass section in a while. I was thinking about how great it would have been if they had started playing down the street on 16th and made their way into Luna’s, bringing with them more people. They ended their set with “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The Anthony Coleman Quartet was up next, playing several smooth jazz tunes as the audience sat back and enjoyed a delightful set. Coleman and his group ended their set with Eugene McDaniels’ “Feel Like Making Love.”

The four-person band Drifting Shapes played what I would classify experimental/electronica. The lights were dimmed even more, making it hard to see the band, but it set the mood for their musical performance.

The Drifting Shapes’ sound touched various genres and incorporated them into their electro sound. The lovely voice of their lead singer was very soothing and flowed as she integrated some Spanish lyrics, bringing to mind “Cielito Lindo” as she repeated “canta y no llores.” The music also included what sounded like opera, electronic, Japanese traditional music and Latin samples.

The festival concluded with Race, taking the stage and performing for 20 minutes or so. An electric and an acoustic guitar, drums, an upright bass, two saxophones and a microphone were the instruments used for the last set.

Hammond and his free jazz collective band played the last few songs of the evening, ending a great five days of innovative, experimental, free-flowing and lively jazz music in Sacramento.

Hammond and many other musicians surround themselves with musicians with various styles and genres, creating new and innovative sounds for Northern California to enjoy. The talent in our area continues to grow, attracting musicians from other areas to perform at festivals like In the Flow, and it gives Sacramento audiences a great opportunity to enjoy the old and new sounds of jazz.

Satisfy your appetite with the delicious sounds of rock, blues, electronica, experimental, noise, improvisational sounds, poetry, spoken word and jazz that come together for the annual In the Flow festival. This combination of music is true food for the soul.

Volunteers Needed at the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival

2011-05-19T00:10:34Z

4,500 women will race in the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival benefiting WEAVE on Sunday, June 5th to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Now in its seventh year, the event is the largest women’s-only run in the region and runners travel from the Bay Area and the central valley to compete. WEAVE needs volunteers! Sign up now!

All volunteers are required to attend a Mandatory Volunteer Training on Wednesday, June 1st from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at WEAVE.

Volunteer shifts run in 3 – 5 hour blocks from Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th. Questions? Contact Ashley.

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Amgen Tour of California coming to Sacramento

2011-05-11T00:57:43Z

Some of the world’s top bicyclists will be racing into Sacramento Monday to finish the second stage of the sixth annual Amgen Tour of California at the Capitol.

Racers will enter Sacramento from the northern city limits on Sorrento Road to Main Avenue, then head to Highway 160, where they will then enter the central city on 12th Street, according to Department of Transportation spokeswoman Linda Tucker. For the race route and road closures, click the interactive map below.

View Amgen Tour of California Route in a larger map

“You’ve got the opportunity to watch some of the best athletes in the world ply their trade,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, which owns the race. “It’s free, and that’s one of the great things about cycling.”

The race is one of the largest in the world, Messick said, adding that it joins the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in notoriety.

Racers are in 19 teams of between 13 and 30 riders each, and Messick said they are typically the same teams that will race in the Tour de France, which takes place in July.

The overall champion is the rider who completes the approximately 800-mile course from Lake Tahoe to Southern California in the least overall time, and there are also winners of each of the eight individual stages.

“It’s a great opportunity to see the incredible diversity of terrain you have in the state of California,” Messick said. “It never fails to amaze me.”

Messick said he the race will traverse mountainous terrain as well as flat land and urban areas.

Riders will be entering the circuits around the Capitol around 3:15 or 3:30 p.m., Messick said, and once the stage is completed at the Capitol, there will be an after party.

The event consistently draws more people each year, Messick said.

“Cycling clearly is continuing to grow every year,” he added. “More people participate, people buy more bikes, and we think it’s fantastic because cycling is an extraordinary activity and a great mode of transportation.”

Local riders can get a chance to ride with riders of the Liquigas-Cannondale team by showing up at 10 a.m. at Mike’s Bikes, 1411 I St., according to Manager Brian Durling.

“It’s the (squad) that’s not racing that day,” he said. “Everyone can come. It’s a mellow-pace ride that’s going to leave at 11 (a.m.) and ride up the bike trail for 15-20 miles and be back here in Sacramento to watch the finish.”

Durling said the tour being in town always generates buzz and excitement about cycling.

“Since it started coming here, we see more and more people excited about it every year,” he said. “It’s definitely good for business.”

Durling said it’s hard to quantify how good it is for business, with May being Bike Month and the weather improving, when people typically tend to buy bicycles anyway.

“I’m excited they have some Northern California mountain stages where they’re actually in the mountains instead of rolling down the foothills or the SoCal coastal mountains,” he said.

When it comes to Sacramento, Durling said it is interesting to see them riding through the streets in person, as opposed to watching other cycle races on TV. “We see them riding on the roads we ride on,” he said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 15th ANNUAL KOMEN SACRAMENTO RACE FOR THE CURE

2011-03-31T18:56:56Z

The Sacramento Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is seeking volunteers for the 15th Annual Komen Sacramento Race for the Cure. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed to make this year’s race a huge success.

“Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the race starting April 30, 2011 through May 7, 2011,” said Donna Sanderson, executive director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Sacramento Valley. “There are a variety of positions and shifts available from pre-race registration at Arden Fair Mall to distributing refreshments and water on race day at Cal Expo.”

This year, more than 20,000 people are expected to make an impact against breast cancer in one of the region’s largest 5K run/walk events. Since its inception, the Sacramento Valley Affiliate has brought in millions of dollars for breast cancer services in the greater Sacramento region.

Visit www.komensacramento.org/ and click on the Get Involved Tab to join a dedicated group of volunteers. All helpers will receive a volunteer t-shirt while supplies last.

Disclosure: ME Communications is handling pro bono public relations for Sacramento Komen Race for the Cure

Shamrock'n Half Marathon photos

2011-03-15T02:23:52Z

According to organizers, more than 5,500 runners hit the pavement at Sunday's seventh annual Shamrock'n Half Marathon, which started and ended at Raley Field.

The course meandered through Old Sacramento, passed the Capitol and made its way along the American River bike trail. The race sold out in January and has been called the largest half marathon in Sacramento by organizers.

Nevada's Jeffrey Moreland, 33, and Suzi Harvey, 48, took first place for men and women, respectively. Moreland, of Reno, hit the finish line at 1:11.12 and Harvey, of Sparks, came in at 1:24.25.

Third-place male Rich Hanna, 46, of Sacramento kept a 5:31 minute-per-mile pace, reaching the finish line at 1:12.17. He said it was a three-man race until about mile nine when the other two front runners got ahead and left him behind.

Coming in at 1:23.37, 16-year-old Kai Hinton of West Sacramento ran without a watch. He said he just went out fast and tried to keep a steady pace for the 13.1-mile race.

Besides seeing some fast finishes, spectators got a chance to admire some creative green costumes.

Sacramento celebrates Valentine's Day!

2011-02-08T09:24:43Z

Valentine’s Day has traditionally been celebrated with a simple dinner for two. Couples exchange cards professing their appreciation for one another, gift the usual candy and jewelery and call it a day.

As Valentine’s Day draws closer, many people are looking to celebrate that special day in a more memorable way.

Sacramento has a number of exciting events and specials to choose from on Valentine’s Day and the weekend prior.

While many make reservations at their favorite restaurants, why not book a Valentine’s Day Lovers’ Cruise, provided by Hornblower Cruises, for a change?

“Sacramento’s Cupid’s Valentine’s Weekend Brunch Cruise,” on Sunday, is a two-hour cruise departing from the L-Street dock at 1206 Front St. at 10:45 a.m. General admission starts at $56.64.

The brunch features an assortment of food including salads, eggs, ham, pasta, and various desserts. The cruise also offers champagne, a full buffet and live entertainment.

A three-hour “Sacramento Sweethearts Valentine’s Dinner Cruise” is also available on Saturday and Valentine’s Day. This particular cruise provides guests with a four-course meal that includes fillet mignon, seafood and ends with a dessert sampler. There will be an assortment of wine available and entertainment from a live band. Tickets start at $99, and reservations can be made by phone (415)-788-7020.

By land, Revolution Wines, on 2831 S-St., is reeling couples in with its weekend specials. Admission is $45 per couple, and reservations can be made by phone (444-7711) or e-mail (renzo@revolution-wines.com).

“We are very different than just going to a restaurant,” said owner Gina Genshlea. “You can come to our place and have a really lovely dinner and then leave with goodies to continue celebrating at home.”

Revolution Wines is offering guests a special dessert place for two, fresh flowers, a bottle of Malbec Port, port glasses and chocolate sauce.

For wine lovers looking to leave the central city, the Old Sugar Mill, located on 35265 Willow Ave., is presenting a “Port and Chocolate Lovers Weekend” held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Guests have the opportunity to tour seven different wineries for $25. Admission also includes a commemorative wine glass, barrel tasting, cellar tours, chocolate and port tastings, entertainment and more. The wines available include Todd Taylor Wines, Three Wine Company, The Solomon Wine Company and more.

Local vendors will be serving food and there will be live entertainment on both days. There will also be a photographer taking commemorative photos of the guests, according to Mary Tye, Old Sugar Mill representative. Tickets are available online at oldsugarmill.com.

“All the wineries will have something prepared to go with the wine that is chocolate: fudge, truffles, brownies,” said Tye. “All the wineries are in one building, and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento.”

For those sick of wine and chocolate, the Punchline Comedy Club is offering a healthy dose of laughter. The “Valentine’s Day Comedy Allstars Lineup” is on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Guests must be 18 and over, and tickets are $20. The lineup includes local favorites including Conor Kellicut, Ray Molina and Caitlin Gill. Punchline Comedy Club is located at 2100 Arden Way. Tickets can be purchased by calling 925-5500.

“It’s a really solid group of professional comedians that all talk about relationships in a fun and hip way,” said Nick Moss, assistant manager at Punchline Comedy Club.

The comedians appeal to all different age groups, including married couples and those who are younger and are just starting their relationships, Moss added.

“Comedy is always a great date, especially a first date,” Moss said. “You get to enjoy the show and spy on the other person and see what they’re into.”

While some like to share a laugh with one another, others prefer to relax while listening to music.

The Folsom Symphony is holding a “Sugar and Spice” Valentine’s Day show on Feb. 14 featuring love songs by Von Suppe, Biznet, Verdi, Rossini and others, including conductor Michael Neumann.

The show will be held at the Folsom College Performing Arts Theater, and tickets are $25 to $45. Students can get a discount. Tickets are selling quickly, said Corrine Tharp, a member of the board of directors for the Folsom Symphony. Tickets can be purchased by calling 357-6718.

As couples celebrate their relationships or start new ones on Valentine’s Day, many people enjoy celebrating with their families. The Sacramento Zoo teen volunteers have organized an event, “I Heart the Sacramento Zoo Day,” for Sunday, which features Valentine-themed animal events, informative talks and activity tables.

The event begins at 9 a.m., and the general admission for adults is $11, for children from ages 3 to 12 the fee is $7 and children younger are free. Events include heart-shaped piñatas at various exhibits, including the orangutan and Sumatran tiger exhibit and sweetheart treats. For additional information, call 808-5885.

Another event available to families on Valentine’s Day is the eighth Annual Valentine Run on Saturday. Registration for adults is $35, however, everyone is welcome to join in on the 1.8 or 4-mile run. People can also register the morning of the run.

Those interested can call the Race for Justice Heartline at 551-2164 for more details, look on lsncrun.info/, or just show up at CrossFit in Sacramento at 2420 Butano Drive. Last year 1,474 people participated in the run, according to Lisa Walters, Valentine’s Day Run coordinator.

Participants can time their run or walk side by side as they push baby strollers and enjoy the scenery, said Walters.

The run is open to everyone, and participants are rewarded with refreshments, entertainment, advice from fitness experts, massages and a festive awards ceremony after they get to the finish line, Walters added. The run includes a tour through Country Club Plaza Mall and the Arden Park neighborhood. Participants enjoy the festive atmosphere in their pink and red clothing, Walters said.

“It’s after the Super Bowl, and you can burn off all those extra calories,” Walters said. “It’s a good way to kickstart your fitness routine with your family or your significant other. Great festive atmosphere and freebies. We just have a lot of fun.”
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If you have a unique Valentine’s Day event that isn’t mentioned above, share it with us by leaving a comment.

How to use Liveshare to post your RTFTH photos

2010-11-24T01:14:32Z

You’ve taken some great photos from the Run To Feed the Hungry race and now you want to share them. How do you upload them on our site? Below we’ll show you how to do it.

Requirements:

iPhone with iOS 3 or higher
Android phone
Have a Facebook account

For iPhone users you can simply download the app at the iTunes store. For Android users simply launch the Android Market on your device then search for "LiveShare" in the Android Market and install it, it’s free!

Once you have the app you can use your Facebook credentials to login. Then simply select The Run to Feed the Hungry event, which will pop up under Nov. 25 events. You will see a live gallery of pictures that everyone else at the event is taking. Click the camera icon in the upper right corner and you can add pictures of your own right from your phone!

It’s as easy as that.

Although you won’t see much until race day, you can check out the gallery now on SacPress.

Racing for a Reason: Brielle Kruger

2010-11-08T22:02:24Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask six different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Brielle Kruger

Occupation: Admitting Clerk

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Brielle Kruger: This will be our 4th year

SP: How many people do you run with?
BK: Three

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
BK: I walk and my son and fiance run.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
BK: It is a great way to start Thanksgiving.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
BK: The amount of people that attend, you will run into people you probably wouldn't see on Thanksgiving morning.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
BK: No, not really. They are all great.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
BK: My wish would be for my fiance to be able to get a job

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
BK: My family that is healthy and happy!

Photo courtesy of Brielle Kruger
Caption: Mac Tiner and Brielle Kruger in back and Matthew Kruger in front

Car Man Bertolucci Shares Some Stories

2010-08-24T03:48:35Z

Fans of hot rods and car customization crowded into Time Tested Books on 21st Street Sunday night to hear from a legend in the Sacramento car customization scene.

Dick Bertolucci, 82, had more than 100 fans eating out of his hand as he and his longtime friend Bud Ohanesian recounted tales from their pasts, all the while grinning like children who have just gotten away with something naughty.

As part of a series hosted by Time Tested Books, Bertolucci was this month’s guest in “The Sacramento Living Library,” a series that chooses its guests for their unparalleled knowledge in a particular field.

As historian and auto enthusiast Bruce Woodward sat beside Bertolucci and Ohanesian, it became clear that he wouldn’t need to do much to spur the two old-timers’ memories as they laughed and joked with the audience, reliving their glory days.

From tinkering with model airplanes as a boy to running his own successful auto-body shop in East Sacramento, Bertolucci told stories of drag racing his friends down the streets of Sacramento, a honeymoon spent touring various body shops around Los Angeles, and more than one encounter with the police.

Recalling his first car, a ’33 Chevy Roadster his father bought for him for $150, Bertolucci remembers getting it home only to have his father tell him they had to take off the front end.

“Why?” 14-year-old Bertolucci asked in horror. He had just gotten his first car and didn’t understand why he had to take it apart.

“These motors are no good,” Bertolucci’s father said. “I’ve got a ’41 high-torque truck engine we can put in there.”

Bertolucci said his father wouldn’t let him do mechanical work, so he had to do body work. His father showed him how to take a dent out of a fender. That was it for Bertolucci – he said he hasn’t looked back since.

As a teenager, Bertolucci raced up and down the streets of Sacramento. Late one night, an out-of-towner tracked down 16-year-old Bertolucci and challenged him to a race. Initially hesitant, he eventually gave in and accepted.

They decided to start the race on 16th and K streets and end at the railroad tracks a few blocks down. Bertolucci was worried about getting caught racing, so he gave his opponent a head-start. They screamed down the empty street until Bertolucci caught up. Racing neck and neck, they were nearing the finish line when he said he heard a sound.

“Ding, ding, ding...” Bertolucci said, eyebrows raised. “The train was coming.”

Bertolucci slammed on his brakes and came to a stop just feet before the tracks. His opponent, however, was unable to stop in time and the side of his car was pounded by the incoming train.

Bertolucci was so scared, he said, he just got out of there as fast as he could. He read the next day in the newspaper that the boy had only broken his arm, and there was no mention of racing.

“I think I used two of my nine lives on that one,” Bertolucci said.

At several points in the evening, the meeting between the old master and his fans took on the feeling of a family sitting together sharing stories. The man telling the stories just happened to be one of the founding fathers of the California custom car scene – a big deal to that audience.

“Remember that, Bud?” Bertolucci said to his friend several times throughout the night, chuckling about some good fortune he had or a time he had narrowly escaped some peril unscathed.

“Maybe the man upstairs is on my side,” he said quietly.

W. Kamau Bell coming to Comedy Spot

2010-08-18T05:38:29Z

The Sacramento Comedy Spot will host W. Kamau Bell Friday night and his critically acclaimed show -- "The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour.”

Bell, 37, has been doing the “Bell Curve” show for the last three years. The jokes are tweaked slightly to accommodate current events, but the core has remained intact. Attendees of the show may be treated to laughs about the recent Shirley Sherrod debacle and the Tea Party.

Bell has performed at the Punchline in Sacramento, but that was many years ago. He said he's excited to be back in the area.

"I think I have about four or five fans in Sacramento," Bell joked.

Bell’s career as a comedian has been on a steady rise ever since he made a joke about President Barack Obama in 2005. Ironically, his punchline was that Obama would never become the President. Whoops.

His lapse in foresight, nevertheless, earned him Comedy Central's praise in being the first comic to make a joke about Obama.

Bell has experiences with comedy through radio and television, which you can read about here. Most recently he recorded an album – "Face Full of Flour." He is currently working with the talent and literary agency William Morris Endeavor Entertainment to produce more albums and possibly a TV show.

Bell went to college without a specific career goal in mind. What he did know is that he liked martial arts, so he chose East Asian studies as his major before dropping out to pursue a career as a comedian.

"I remember seeing Eddie Murphy stand-up comedy when I was a kid, and Bill Cosby, and Jerry Seinfeld," Bell said. "I knew I wanted to be a comic, but I didn't know how to get started."

Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Paul Mooney are other comics who have influenced his work.

"The comic that changed my life was Bill Hicks," Bell said.

Bell has lived in San Francisco for the past 13 years, and he said the Bay Area has been especially nice to him as a comedian.

Bell said he is an agenda comic focusing on current events. His shows on Friday night will, of course, be funny, but revolve around race issues in contemporary America.

"I tell jokes, but I'm not kidding," Bell said.

Bell said that while other comics have inspired him, he really feels that his message is one of a kind.

"No one's doing what I'm doing right now," he said.

Fellow comedian Margaret Cho has a lot of praise for Bell's work.

"W. Kamau Bell is the most important guy doing comedy right now," she is quoted as saying on Bell’s webite. "Do yourself a favor and go see him. He’s got the most astute, hilarious and completely righteous material going, and he’s going to be a legend in his own lifetime like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce. Think Bill Hicks but slightly taller.”

Bell is African-American, and his show is about racism, but he doesn't want any other race of people to feel threatened to come to his show.

"It's not an attack on white people specifically,” he said. “The show's about racism. Everybody walks out talking about it in a new way."

Bell acknowledges the sensitivity of the topic, which is why he chose it for his subject matter, but if he can't get people feeling more comfortable with engaging the issue, then he has failed in what he set out to do.

"If nobody is getting offended, then the show is probably full of shit," he said.

Five years after the original Obama joke, Bell can laugh about his gaffe and is glad he was proven wrong. He said he likes Obama, but that doesn't mean the President escapes his comedic wrath.

Exactly how hilariously scathing that wrath is you'll have to experience for yourself Friday night.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and tickets are $20 – or $10 if you bring a friend of a different race.

Photos courtesy of W. Kamau Bell.

A New Twist on the Old "Fun Run"

2010-07-19T22:20:42Z

InAlliance will host the 2nd Annual Gold Rush Poker Run & Walk on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at the El Dorado Trail in Placerville to benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. The event is geared for people of all ages and skill levels and features a 10 Mile Run, 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Stroll. Registration is now open and space is limited.

Like most “fun runs”, participants can expect a beautiful course, ample refreshments, awards ceremony and vendor tables, but here is the twist: as you follow your race you will collect playing cards. These cards will create a poker hand that will be worth raffle tickets at the finish line celebration! The number of raffle tickets you receive will be based on the quality of your poker hand, and those raffle tickets could win you a trip to Las Vegas, a Lake Tahoe Getaway, indoor sky diving passes and much more!

Register online at www.inalliancinc.com or in person at 6950 21st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820. Sign-up by September 17 to receive an Early Bird Discount and free event shirt. All participants will receive a $500 gift certificate to Red Star World Wear. Following the race enjoy snacks, beverages, vendor booths, raffle and awards ceremony. For questions call 916-381-1300 x170 or email jbean@inallianceinc.com

100% of proceeds from the event benefit InAlliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides supported employment and living services to people with developmental disabilities throughout the greater Sacramento and Placerville areas. Since 1952, InAlliance has maintained the belief that people with developmental disabilities have the right and responsibility to be fully participating members of the community. Programs include work and life skills training, community education, volunteering, job development and more. Participants in the Gold Rush Poker Run & Walk will be playing an active part in supporting people who are often overlooked by society.

Race Day Registration will begin at 7:00 am at the Louisiana Schnell School Field. All races begin and end in the same location on the El Dorado Trail in front of the Louisiana Schnell School Field. Registration Fees $10-$30. The Gold Rush Poker Run & Walk would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners: Asics, CC Myers Charitable Foundation, Flex Power, Fuel Belt, Go Girl Energy Drink, Harrah’s, Honest Beverages, Injinji, Pirate’s Booty, PowerAde, Road ID, SmartWater, Sinful Treats, Uprinting.com , Vitamin Water.

Chin, Fong accuse each other's campaign of foul play

2010-06-08T19:59:57Z

The District 7 City Council race heated up early this morning when
Ryan Chin and Darrell Fong claimed that their signage was removed from
supporters' lawns and constituents from each campaign were harassed
outside of polling places in the Pocket/Greenhaven areas.

Darrell Fong said he received an e-mail from a concerned voter that
she was harassed by Chin’s campaign volunteers outside of her polling
place, and that she was grateful that he had not used the same
tactics. One of Fong’s volunteers, Harold Fong, said that he felt it
was just a “tacky method to run a campaign."

Both candidates steadfastly state that each has run a clean campaign.

A campaign spokesperson for incumbent Robbie Waters said he received
complaints about Chin's volunteers.

“While we were out this morning checking in at some polling places, we
saw various volunteers from Ryan Chin’s campaign, and we received
several phone calls complaining of the tactics being used to
potentially influence or sway voters,” he said.

Robbie Waters said that he was disappointed with Chin. “(Chin's
people) have remained exactly one inch outside of the 100-yard marker
at polling places... They are trying to intimidate people into voting
for Chin.

"I received several calls to my headquarters this morning from people
who hadn’t quite made up their minds yet, and were being harassed by
Chin volunteers, so they ended up voting for me instead... I am a firm
believer in what goes around usually comes around.”

Ryan Chin said that Darrell Fong's supporters also removed signage
supporting Chin and also harassed voters, but denied the allegations
against his volunteers.

“I have had amazing support from my volunteers who came out early this
morning to thank voters and remind them of our platforms and issues.
We respect the other campaigns' signage, and I would expect the same
from others in this race," Chin said. "I can confidently say our
volunteers had nothing to do with sign removal or any other negative
tactics that may have occurred this morning. We are proud of our
volunteers and staffers who are nothing but respectful and polite.”

Race for the Rock 2010

2010-06-07T06:46:42Z

Downtown Sacramento was a blur of baby blue T-shirts Saturday during the 2nd Annual Race for the Rock. More than 250 two-member teams competed for bling in the scavenger hunt, in which clues were sent via text message. The grand prize was a $20,000 Hearts on Fire diamond ring donated by Rogers Jewelry. Proceeds benefited Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS).

Unlike many other nonprofit fund raisers, donors got the ball rolling, not the charity.

"We wanted to do something that brought the community together and where people could have a good time," said Calvin Curtin of Rogers Jewelry. After deciding to do a scavenger hunt, Rogers chose SFBFS as its community partner.

"We told them we would put up all the money and prizes if they help us with the logistics," said Curtin. "(SFBFS) provided the volunteers. They are the ones who really stepped up to the plate."

Participants ran, biked and roller-bladed through the Grid. Obviously, speed was key, but knowledge of Sacramento landmarks and monuments also was vital. Bernadette Behar and Sue Dwyer-Voss discussed their strategy before the race began.

"I do a lot of urban walking," Behar said, "and I'm armed with a tour book of downtown."

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. on the west steps of the Capitol, with Mayor Kevin Johnson sending the first text message. Within two minutes, the plaza was empty. Checkpoints along the way included the Crest Theatre and the Convention Center.

It was all over by noon, with participants gathered on the patio of House Restaurant for lunch and the awards ceremony. The Detours, a local band, entertained the crowd with its mix of country and rock.

In keeping with the competition's text-messaged clues, that's how winners were contacted. Participants anxiously watched their cell phones for the announcement. The winners of the diamond ring were friends Andy and Steven.

Asked how he felt, Steven said, "I can't describe it," as he shook with excitement. The team said they would sell the ring.

Other prizes included diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, watches, bikes, gift cards and a GPS for a bike.

Kelly Siefkin of SFBFS summed up the day.

"It's a unique opportunity to spread the word about different organizations and businesses," she said. "And it's really fun."

For more information, visit racefortherock.com.

Photos:

1. Winners Andy and Steven

2. Race for the Rock crowd

3. Bikes

4. Dwyer-Voss and Behar

5. SacPress sign

Chuck D to speak at Sacramento State

2010-02-03T07:43:03Z

Chuck D is a rebel without a pause. The co-founder of seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy is a rapper, author and activist. He refers to himself as a "raptivist," and "an ambassador for hip-hop."

Thursday night, D will give a free speech at Sacramento State, where he'll be talking about rap, race, technology and communication. The event will also be a celebration of Black History Month.

D likes to talk. Given that he writes a blog, tours the world on speaking gigs, and owns the SLAMjams music label, which recently threw together an iTunes album for Haiti, he is surprisingly available. He called me for an unscheduled interview, just a few minutes after I e-mailed him.

"You can't go through life afraid to speak your mind," he said. "That is what you have your mind for. You're not a robot. Companies make robots. You have the capacity to think beyond that."

Public Enemy holds itself to the same mantra. Including its debut, "Yo, Bum Rush The Show" in 1987, Public Enemy has released 10 ten albums, each one a complete reinvention for the group. It even released albums online before MP3s were popular.

Most importantly, Public Enemy defied listeners to remain open to different types of music and people. Their collaboration and tour with thrash metal group Anthrax is still groundbreaking. On top of that, Public Enemy was one of the first hip-hop acts to use songs like "Fight the Power," "Bring the Noise" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos," as political statements.

"I think that people want to be (politically) active, but the business, the music industry, has not encouraged artists to go far out of the box," he said. "It's kind of like a controlled state."

But the future has hope. D wants artists to reach inside themselves and form their own opinions, he said.

"I think the thing that inspires me is young minds, especially on the collegiate level," he said. "It's important to understand that a lot of young minds are not corrupted by the things that have plagued society — they're like an open book."

Relative fame and fortune aside, the nearly 50-year-old D is still humble. He still has love for his longtime friend and Public Enemy co-founder Flavor Flav.

"He's the same Flavor Flav as he was on day one," D said. "It's no different than Bruce Springsteen and Little Stephen. (We're) still in the same band."

When the earthquake struck Haiti last month, he threw together a Haiti benefit album in five days by asking artists on his label to contribute songs. D reasoned that any dollar he can donate will be a dollar more than what the Haitians have now.

Chuck D, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., CSUS University Union Ballroom, all ages, free.

Photograph credit Walter Leaphart

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry photos- Part I

2009-11-27T23:28:34Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services welcomed around 29,000 participants in their sixteenth annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a collection of photos taken by The Sacramento Press along with participants' photos from the run submitted to us.

As the sun comes up Thanksgiving morning, trucks set up the time marks along the race route on the CSU, Sacramento campus

SFBFS volunteers prepare the after-party area to re-fuel runners and walkers

Corporate teams/sponsors gather in the crowded VIP tent to have group photos taken

Corporate teams have their team photos taken

Teams fuel up with doughnuts, bananas, coffee, and energy bars provided by SFBFS

A RTFTH supporter had his own unique way of fundraising without running

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and SFBFS President Blake Young welcome runners to the 2009 race from above

Families and friends visit while they wait for the run to begin, taken by Tonja Field

Two of Voyage Home Loans team members: Loan Officer Paul Thomas gives the Run to Feed the Hungry a big thumbs up! Business Manager Ryan Lucia is getting pumped up with pre-race AC/DC, taken by Ryan Lucia

5K participants wait for the race to begin, taken by George Raya

and they're off! The 5K run/walk begins

Men, women and children start on their 5K walk, taken by George Raya

A band provides entertainment for runners and walkers, taken by Tonja Field

The sun was shining as runners ran or walked their way through the scenic route, taken by Rachael Field

A runner gets into the Thanksgiving spirit, taken by Rachael Field

See comment below for link to Part II of the photo series or click on the "Run to Feed the Hungry" storyline at the top of the page

Tour de Sacramento

2009-07-07T04:47:37Z

The Tour de Sacramento kicked off today and will continue for three weeks of activities and ride-alongs around the Sacramento area.

The event coincides with the Tour de France. The three-week event in Europe is a world-famous race, but tour organizer Dawn Dais says that the Tour de Sacramento has a different feel to it. "We don't really want to encourage a competition. Its going to be super laid back and fun."

Dais has written a book called "The Noncyclist's Guide to the Century and Other Road Races," that details her training for a bicycle race and breaks down the process to encourage people of all backgrounds to participate in cycling.

Today, a bike safety check and a Safe Cycling Clinic took place at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen. The safety checks are sponsored by Ycycle.org and coach Myron Dong will be on hand to provide expert cycling opinions. "He is informed about safe ways to ride bikes. has real advice. and personalized coaching advice," said Dais.

People are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the Sacramento Bike Kitchen for maintenance and check-ups before the ride. If participants do not have bikes, Dais said renting bikes is also an option, "and you get a discount with the Tour de Sacramento."

The Tour is about bringing people together, and they don't necessarily have to participate, according to Dais. "Every ride we're going to be accepting bike donations with Cycles4Hope even if you don't want to ride."

The routes planned for the Tour vary in length and type. There will be day rides on standard bike trails that will be up to 12 miles long, and night rides through streets in places like historic Folsom. "The night time rides are more leisurely and about exploring the city," said Dais.

There will also be a "Grub and Crawl" ride, and for a $25 fee, participants can enjoy restaurant hopping, food tasting, and end the night at a popular night club.

"Cycling is just a really fun way to be active," said Dais. For her first book, "The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women," she recalls not having an enjoyable time training for a marathon. "I was expecting to find the same thing in cycling, but I enjoyed it. It's a flat route and not too strenuous. While you move you get somewhere. It's more of a destination type of thing."

She adds, "It's a lot cooler, hipster wise, than running."

Dais feels the cycling event will work well with the Sacramento community, because of the enthusiasm for bike riding in the area.

The Tour de Sacramento will take place from July 6 to 26. Registration for the event is free.

For more information about the event and registration, click the following link:
Tour de Sacramento

"Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story" public screening to be held Friday

2009-05-07T00:51:41Z

Watura "Wat" Misaka's name might not register on even the greatest sport buff's radar, but he certainly holds a prestigious place in the history of the National Basketball Association as the first person of color to be drafted into the NBA. Husband and wife producer team Bruce and Christine Johnson are doing their part to shed some much-deserved spotlight on Misaka with their documentary, "Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story."

"Sports really do transcend...this is a great story of this person who triumphed and broke down barriers with such grace. I think it also teaches us to look at what problems still exist and how we can transcend them," said Christine.

Presented by the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation (SASF), the documentary will be screened for the general public on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Both Misaka and the Johnsons will be attending the screening. This is the third time the documentary has been shown in Sacramento but the first major screening of it in town.

"Transcending" tells Misaka's story of overcoming racial hostility through the use of clips of him on the court as well as interviews with his friends, family, and big names such as New York sportscaster Spencer Ross and Knicks historian Dennis D'Agostino.

The documentary, filmed in late 2008, has already been well-received in the film world. At the Honolulu International Film Festival the film won the "Gold Kahuna Award for Excellence in Filmmaking" and the Johnsons were invited to President Obama's alma mater to share the film with over 275 of America's future leaders. The film also received official selections for the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Roving Eye Documentary Film Festival this year.

Born in Ogden, Utah and a star player for the University of Utah in the late 40s, Misaka was the first-round draft pick for the New York Knicks in 1947. A "Nisei" American, born to parents who emigrated from Japan, Misaka's draft defied the political climate after the end of World War 2. With many Japanese still in internment camps around the country, Misaka broke down racial barriers and became a crowd pleaser for the Knicks.

After seeing Misaka's picture in the head office of San Francisco's Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, Bruce and Christine began asking questions and realized they had stumbled upon a great story. After Misaka agreed to speak with them, the idea for the documentary came about naturally.

Sorting through footage of Misaka on the court, Bruce found himself amazed by the 5'7" Misaka's ability to handle himself on the court with the other players, who were 6-feet or taller.

While he was a favorite of the audiences at Madison Square Garden, there were many racial insults directed toward him at away games. However, if you ask Misaka about any type of controversy surrounding his race, he will most likely either brush it off or say he didn't sense any.

"The way that Wat looks at it is if there were any racial taunts, he didn't pay attention. His ability to sort of look at life that way really speaks to his character and shows why he was as successful as he was," said Bruce.

Christine attributes this to a common ideal among the Japanese meaning acceptance with resignation or "it cannot be helped." She explained that a lot of Japanese-Americans were brought up this way and believes that Misaka is a picture of that.

His amazing athletic ability also adds to the mystery of his release from the Knicks in 1948 by president Ned Irish after only playing three games. Misaka was never given an explanation by coach Joe Lapchick and while Bruce can only speculate, he has some theories about Misaka being let go from the team.

"Here are the facts: when [Misaka] was released they paid him his whole season, which was unheard of unless written into the contract. The one game he started for the Knicks was the last game he played for them and was the only game he played out of town. The only time he ran into trouble was when he played out of town," said Bruce.

Bruce also points out that shortly after his release, the Harlem Globetrotters--one of the top basketball teams at the time--invited Misaka to join the team. While he declined and instead chose to return to the University of Utah, this attests to his athleticism and raises even more questions about the reasons for his dismissal.

"He never found out why and that's sort of the heartbreak of it, to not be given a reason and never really know. We try to leave that question open for the audience to speculate about," explained Christine.

To fund the documentary, the Johnsons were given two grants from the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, and with any continued funding raised they will keep on spreading Misaka's story. They have shown the documentary at about 20 community festivals across the country and are trying to reach as many colleges and universities as possible.

"We love to talk to the audience afterwards and find that so many people are anxious to talk about how Wat turned the other cheek and about what his coping mechanisms were," said Christine.

While Misaka doesn't consider himself a role model, Christine is very proud of the way he's been welcomed while traveling to the screenings. "Seeing people in the audience respond to him as a role model [is heartwarming] and even more heart warming is to see him understand that he is a role model and his story is inspiring," said Christine.

The Johnson's efforts at giving Misaka long-due acclaim is slowly but surely paying off: in February at the NBA All-Star Weekend Misaka was welcomed into the NBA Legends of Basketball Association. They will continue to share his story at over 15 screenings planned for 2009 so far.

Ticket information can be found at watmisaka.com. The Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation is located at 9040 High Tech Court in Elk Grove. Doors open Friday at 6:30 p.m.

San Francisco Mayor Newsom woos young voters with free concert

2009-04-27T23:50:36Z

Let’s not mince words: political conventions are boring and a party convention is an oxymoron plain and simple. If you’ve been to one then you
know. Sure, the Democrats throw better parties than the Republicans. Hell, the new chairman of the Democratic Party, John Burton, is an admitted cocaine addict and known womanizer. But I digress.

For anybody who's been to a party convention, whether as a delegate, officer or volunteer, it's a fact that the highlight of a convention weekend is the dozen or so "hospitality suites" wherein various caucuses host parties inside the hotel. Usually the best party is hosted by the California Young Democrats who rent out a large hall and host a DJ, full bar and ample room for dancing and rubbing elbows.

This year, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took the whole party thing to a new level by hosting an outdoor bloc party and concert. The backstage was built between The Depot and Lounge on 20. The main floor was blacked out all around and ran half a block just past the Sacramento News & Review.

By 5 p.m. word had spread throughout midtown that Wyclef Jean of The Fugees was in town and gearing up to play a show at the bloc party. What’s more – it was free. A free concert with Wyclef Jean at an outdoor bloc party in midtown? Yeah, the only caveat was that you had to either be a delegate, a member of the California Young Democrats (a.k.a. College Democrats) or be really good friends with one of the two groups. There’s the rub. Of course, Capitol staffers simply waved their ID cards to gain access.

One reporter from San Francisco wrote that Newsom’s team expected 3,000 attendees. But by 11:00 p.m., official reports estimated about 1,000 in force and I doubt even that. Maybe next time Newsom decides to throw a party in Sacramento, he might want to invite some of the locals who actually live and work here — and vote.

Here's a short video of the action on Saturday night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2XUiXV_ZPQ

Lance Armstrong comes to Sacramento

2009-02-03T03:58:35Z

Come Valentine's Day, Sacramento will be home to America's largest cycling event, the Amgen Tour of California. Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner of the Tour de France, will be participating as a member of the Astana Cycling Team. Sixteen other teams from around the world will also be competing.

The Tour of California is a Tour de France-style road race. The Sacramento stage of the race will take place on the Capitol Mall and begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, with an estimated end time of 4:00 p.m. Since the 2009 race begins in Sacramento, this stage is called the 'prologue' and will consist of riders completing the course one at a time, racing against each other's time. "Thousands of spectators are expected" to attend, said Julio Villa, a Tour course marshall and part-time bike mechanic.

Two days before the race, Thursday, Feb. 12, the Memorial Auditorium will host a black-tie optional Team Presentation and Gala, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts and supporters to meet with the world-class cyclists participating in the tour.

"Not only will this event bring a substantial economic boost to this community, it allows us to foster community pride by showcasing Sacramento on a world stage and bringing some of the world’s best athletes to our city,” said Steve Hammond, president and CEO of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, in a press release on the Tour website.

Tickets start at $300 and can be bought by calling 808-8984.

The first Tour of California was held in 1971 and was organized by Peter Rich, a Berkeley bicycle shop owner. Due to a lack of funds, it was not followed by another until 2006, but since then it has been an annual occurrence, drawing the attention and money of the international cycling community to California. 2009 is the first year the Tour will be covered by Eurosport, a European satellite and cable TV company.

The Tour is being sponsored by Amgen, a biotechnology company focused on disease research and treatment. In 2005 it founded Breakaway from Cancer as a complement to its sponsorship of the Tour. Amgen is also partnered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Armstrong has said that he chose to race in the Amgen Tour of California because of "the race's record of supporting cancer awareness and research." Armstrong is a survivor of testicular cancer.

Who in our readership is planning to attend? Does anyone have stories from previous Tours?

Alley Cat Racing in Sacramento

2009-01-15T00:39:40Z

Friday evening, you may have run into a crowd of cyclists pedaling their way downtown, uptown, and back again. The racing term for this group is a peloton. These rather enthusiastic riders were in the midst of the Sacramento Alley Cat bike race.

The Alley Cat is an unsanctioned bike race, checkpoint-to-checkpoint, where the emphasis is placed not on speed, but on knowing the layout of the city. Races are always open course, taking place in street traffic.

40 riders took off for the five checkpoints of the race which stretched from Lucky Lefty's on 16th Street all the way to West Sacramento and back.

Many others who came chose not to race, but remained at Lucky Lefty's, watching a bike-trick exhibition in the parking lot next door. Most people attending planned to go to the Sacramento premier of Macaframa, a feature-length film of track bike riding and tricks, being held at the Crest Theatre.

Alley Cat racing originated in the bike messenger community of Toronto in 1986, but it has since spread all over the world, with races being held from Atlanta to Australia, and of course, Sacramento.

While bike messengers are the driving force behind the production and organization of these races, non-messengers are free to enter and participate. Most participants ride fixed gear track bikes, and while most are welcoming to newcomers, some look down on people riding geared or single speed bikes.

The Alley Cat was largely organized by Lucky Lefty's, a streetwear boutique that recently opened up in the space formerly occupied by the Kehlet Typewriter company.

Are any of our readers bicycle racing enthusiasts? What do they think of this sort of bike race? Did anyone see the race or stumble into the midst of it?

Photos courtesy of Timothy Mar.

The Midnight Run

2008-12-31T08:29:01Z

It was a Tuesday like any other or at least that what I thought as I worked my day job board as can be watching the people pass by on J St. When I got word of a large fixed gear ride that night and I knew my day was looking up. As I sat longer at work I started to hear more and more word of mouth about this ride, and that this was no regular ride. But a race rather and not just any race a scavenger hunt race, once I heard this there was no way I was going to miss this. So some friends and I showed up around 10pm to see what was happening with this ride. When we rolled up there was about 45-50 people so all of us were pumped for this ride, and couldn’t wait to hear the rules. So turns out there were two parts to the race, one part was a manifest of addresses ranging from anywhere in downtown, such as 4th-28St and G St.- T St. these addresses each had a question about the landmark of that address. Now part two of this race was picking up packages, now each of these packages had an address to another package. So there were no real rules to this race other than you don’t get the ending point until you pick up the last package. You could do anything in any order just as long as the manifest was completed by the time you ended the race with the final package in hand, witch keep in mind contained the ending address in itself. You think that sounds like a lot to do all in 2 hours time, well just imagine how everyone felt when it started raining a good 30 minutes in to the race. Have to say that the rain turned out to be one of the highlights of my evening just added that challenge and set the mood just right for this race. I just hope that we can get another one of these races going again as soon as possible. Thanks to Bike Kitchen, and Upper Play Ground, plus anyone else who helped to put this race together…lets do it again!!!!!