Another year of the 24 of Afton race is in the books.

This year there were 7 of us that went down and raced/camped together. Matt, Alex, Dan and myself from the shop as well as Ryan, Aaron and Eric all decided to ride the race solo instead of on a team for 2009.
We started setting up camp by shortly after noon on Friday. Even though the race doesn’t start till 5 p.m it is nice to get down there early to get a prime camping spot. Thanks to Aaron and Eric we had probably my favorite spot to date. We were shaded from the sun (maybe not the best since it was so cool out) and had a great view of everyone climbing Manhandler. Once everyone’s tents are setup the nerves start flowing and we all got a little anxious for the start. Speaking of tents, Matt decided he wouldn’t need a sleeping bag for this trip, which may not have been a problem, unless you forget your tent poles and then have to sleep in the back of your truck bed while using your tent as a sleeping bag. At least the mosquitoes weren’t out.
Once the race started the nerves calmed and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It is definitely more relaxing not having the added pressure of being part of a team. Everyone was able to ride at their own pace and we were all able to ride together. We did a couple of back to back laps then headed back to put some meat on the grill and put the lights on the bike. Once you get off the bike and sit down it gets really hard to motivate yourself to get back on an go for a couple more laps. None of us were out to win the race. We like to think of it more like a camping trip with quite a bit of riding. In the end I think everyone was ok with their results but most of us probably could have pushed out a couple more laps. There is always next year.
More Pictures and video to come later.
Carnage report.
Packy - 4 Flats on one lap resulting in a two lost CO2 pumps and a multi-tools. Note to self: always close seatbag.
Newman - Broken Chain(s)….would you expect anything different
Alex - Bloody knee and maybe a pair of soiled shorts from almost falling off a grate down to a hole.
Congrats to Doom for taking the win in the 8 hour solo race.
September 1st, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | 2 Comments » |
That’s right it is that time a year again.
All of the remaining 2009 bikes are marked down to their final blowout price. Most of the bikes are now 20%-40% off the standard retail prices!!!
Some other items on sale:
- Bike racks 10%-20% off
- Clothing all at least 20% off
- BMX Helmets and Clothing at least 20% off
- Inline skates 30%-50% off
- and much much more!!!
Now is the time to save BIG
August 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | 1 Comment » |
Fitzharris Bike and Sport is now on Facebook.
Follow us on Facebook!!!
Fitzharris Bike and Sport | Promote Your Page Too

August 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
Wednesday July 29, 2009 - North Loop
6p.m. Meet at the Trail head
Thursday July 30, 2009 – Plum Creek/Riverbluffs Trail
6p.m. Meet at the white gate off 33rd Ave.
July 24th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
Don’t forget about the Tour of Saints this weekend. The weather looks like it is going to be great!!!! If you register by tomorrow (July 9th) you save 5 bucks!! If you haven’t already check out their website at www.tourofsaints.com.
July 8th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
I rode Hillside park again the other day and I have to say I am amazed on the amount of new features. I ride the Elk River trail a fair amount and it seems the trail changes on a weekly basis thanks to the trail workers.

New this last week was a new rock garden after the teeter toter

New Over/Under Bridge
There were also several smaller rock gardens and reroutes of the trail added in the last couple of weeks. If you haven’t ridden Hillside lately you are missing out.
If you would like to help support the trails in the St. Cloud area check out the Mid MN Cycling club’s site at www.midmncycling.org. You can also stop in to the shop and fill out a membership form.
July 3rd, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
Well spring is now in full swing. It is good to see everyone out enjoy the nice weather on their new bikes. Just wanted to let you know about a couple of new things to just arrive at the shop.

If you are looking for the ultimate grocery-go-getter, then this is the bike for you. The ute is the station wagon of bikes perfect for all of your hauling needs.
Wow!! These look great!! From the premium-quality Zeiss and True Sight optics with custom-engineered lens tints; to the Super fit engineered comfort and full helmet compatibility of the frames; to the design of the glasses to compliment your style on and off the bike. Every feature is driven to provide the best vision possible.
Stop in at the store and try some on….you will be amazed!!!!
May 7th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
Just a quick reminder that the MMCC membership meeting is Tuesday March 24 from 7:30pm till about 8:45. It is in the granite room at the St. Cloud Public Library. Not only will you be supporting the local trails, but you will also receive a Trail Supporter T-shirt, Pint glass, and bottle opener for joining. Check out the clubs blog for details and more info here.
March 23rd, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
The warmer weather is finally here and that means it is time to get out and ride. The 2009 bikes have arrived and are ready to hit the road. Now is a great time to buy and get the best selection on all of the new bikes and smokin’ deals on last years closeouts.
Here are a couple of the cool new arrivals at the store.

Raleigh Clubman An attractive all-steel road bike that resembles the very first Raleigh road bike you ever owned. Onsale for now for $999.99

3VC 105 US MSRP: $2,395 On Sale Now $2199.99

Kona Unit 29er SS Butted Cromoly frame MSRP $850
Remember to make sure you check over your bike before your first ride of the year. If you are unsure of what should be done before each ride come on in and we can give you a hand. We can help you simply putting air in the tires or set your bike up with a full tune up.
March 17th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |
Well as you can see the Fitzharris Bike and Sport site is up and running. We will be using this blog to update specials, rides, news and other happenings in the shop. Make sure you check back often to stay in the loop and find some screaming deals!!!!
The days are finally getting longer and the weather is slowly creeping out of the freezer . It can only mean that the bike season is rapidly approaching and now is the time to get your bike in for a spring tune up and beat the rush. It won’t be long till we can start racking up the miles.
More to come soon!!!
February 20th, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized by Mike | No Comments » |