misc.

Miscellaneous

Here is what some riders have to say about Paramount Cycling Club.

Like most people, I got into cycling to try and get into better shape. I bought a road bike and tried to ride it at least a few days a week. I soon realized that this sport is not only healthy and therapeutic, but it is also very addicting. One day I was in a local bike shop and a gentleman informed me about a new cycling club in the area, and that I should join them for a ride one day to see how I liked it. I said 'OK', I'll think about it...; I kept on riding by myself but after a few weeks my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to check it out. When I arrived for the first time, I was greeted by Dennis and Jerry - who welcomed me to the group wholeheartedly. I was very surprised by how many riders were interested in this sport; from recreational and fitness riders all the way up to local professionals and everyone in between! It's been said before but I'll say it again because it really is true - I finished that first group ride and I was totally hooked! Over the next few weeks of riding in the group my knowledge about the sport grew tremendously. Riding in the draft, signaling, etiquette, etc. As my riding improved I became more interested when some of the racers would talk about the weekend race and what happened in it. When I entered my first race I was initially surprised at how prepared I was for the race. Now that I have raced for almost a full season, I realize that it was the group rides that I've done with quality riders which gave me the confidence I needed. Sometimes you don't realize how good of a workout you are getting because you are having so much fun! If you are trying to get in a little better shape or just have an interest in the sport of cycling I would strongly recommend Paramount Cycling Club. Hope to see you out there! - Ryan Burke- 2008 NJ Cat. 5 State Road Race Champion, Cat 2 Rider.

Paramount cycling club is honestly one of the best things to happen to New Jersey cycling. The passion that Jerry and Dennis have filters through the entire club. From the fastest rider down to the slowest, everyone at Paramount is equal. It blows my mind really just how fast the club has grown, Jerry and Dennis should be extremely proud of the quality of the club. The group rides offer a little bit for everyone. The Tuesday night “A” ride is really a great workout and tons of fun, and the Sunday ride is a great ride for people just starting out, or even experienced racers looking for a nice relaxing ride with some good company. The members list continues to grow by the day, and has everyone from State Champions to riders who are just happy if they can clip their feet into the pedals without falling over! Awesome job Jerry, Dennis and the entire Paramount family. See you on the road! - Ryan Petitt- 2008 NJ Cat. 1/2/3 State Road Race Champion, 2010 NJ Cat 1/2/3 State Crit Champion, 2011 Tour of Serbia participant, Cat. 1 Rider.

I began cycling last summer in preparation for the Philadelphia Livestrong Challenge that I committed to. I purchased my first road bike and rode on my own to train. The LAF ride came and I faired pretty decent for a newcomer. By the time the ride was over, I was hooked on cycling. I continued to ride on my own when one day I was contacted by Dennis Gunn who heard I was riding through a mutual friend. He invited me to the Paramount Sunday winter ride, which was the first group ride I had ever done. While I was nervous, Dennis and Jerry made me feel welcome from the start. All the riders helped me along when I struggled. The winter Sunday ride is a bit faster than the Summer Sunday ride and, although I had bitten off more than I could chew, these guys "held my hand" and got me through it. Each Sunday I continued to come to the winter ride and with Jerry and Dennis' guidance, my riding improved. They spent the time to teach me the dynamics of a group ride, how to handle my bike properly and how to train. With this guidance I trained, trained and trained. Eventually I went through three bikes in one year and started racing with "Pro Pedals Team Express". To date I have gone from a guy trying to "finish" a charity ride to placing in races in South Jersey, including a Bronze medal in the 2008 New Jersey State Road Race Championships and a third place in the "Ronde Van Mullica Road Race". I owe a great deal to Dennis, Jerry and every member of the Paramount Cycling Club. Having been an "athlete" most of my life, I can say cycling is one of the most physically challenging sports I have done so far. Without selfless people like Dennis and Jerry, I would have never had the chance to do what I am doing now. Not only have I found an excellent club and training platform, I have found new friends. In just 9 short months I consider Dennis and Jerry two of my closest friends. Friends I am extremely proud to have. You will not find better people than the members and associated riders of the Paramount Cycling Club. From newcomers wishing to lose a few pounds to Pro Level Racers, everyone is equal in Paramounts eyes, which I have found to be pretty rare in this sport. They don't get paid. They don't get awards. These rider just get the satisfaction out of helping others. I learned from them and I do my best to live by this philosophy. Thanks a million Dennis, Jerry and the Paramount Cycling Club. - George Chopek- 2008 NJ Cat. 5 State Road Race/3rd place.

As a former runner, I needed to find another athletic activity where I could challenge myself. So I began my cycling endeavors with my husband John. John being a former Cat-4 racer, taught me all the intricacies of cycling.I remember the first time I found out about the ACS Bike-a-Thon. It was during my first season of riding with John. We were riding through Egg Harbor City when we caught up with a group (need I say hundreds) of cyclist. I was very excited and impressed to see so many people riding. I ask John why were all these cyclists riding and where were they headed. He informed me of the ACS Bike-a-Thon, its purpose, and that it was held yearly. I immediately asked if we could do it the following year. That was three years ago.During the month of May, John was searching cycling websites and found a link to a new cycling club in Southern New Jersey. We discussed it and decided we would give it a try. This was our introduction to the Paramount Cycling Club. Cycling with Paramount has provided me the experience and added confidence of riding with a large group without worrying about being dropped or lost (no one gets left behind). Since riding with Paramount my speed and endurance have improved, especially on my favorites ….. the hills. Best of all, Paramount has also provided a sense of camaraderie.It was time to start training for the 2008 ACS Bike-a-Thon. We cycled 3 to 4 times a week which included the Paramount Sunday Ride. Then the day of the Bike-a-Thon arrived. My goal was to decrease my time by 5 minutes. The previous 2 years my finishing time was 3 hours and 50 minutes with no stopping on the way.7 a.m…. We started in the front because of the crowds going over the Ben Franklin Bridge. John paced me at 20-22 mph for the first 25 miles. We then hit hills in the Cherry Hill area (Paramount’s Union Rd helped tremendously here). At this point I was paced at 18-20 mph. Once we hit Rt 206 and the Blueberry fields in Hammonton, we faced a strong headwind. I tried to stay on John’s wheel but we were also faced with strong crosswinds. My paced slowed but we kept it steady through Hammonton. As we hit Rt 40 we picked up the pace again through to the finish at Buena Vista Camp Ground. To my surprise and delight we finished 20 minutes less than the previous 2 years. “I JUST LOVE PARAMOUNT!!!” Of course my goal for next year is to improve my time again. With Paramount at my front, to my left and right, and by back I am confident I can accomplish all my cycling goals. -Ardith Grasso

It was great meeting you today. That was the first time I've ever ridden with other riders (I started 3 weeks ago), and I have to say, it was a blast. I am definitely interested in joining you guys on the Sunday rides. I am putting the application for membership in the mail on Monday. Again, great meeting you guys. - Talk to you soon, - Paul Forand

Local Bike shops in Southern New Jersey

Pro-Pedals Bike Shop in Hammonton, NJ

http://www.propedalsbikeshop.com

Hale Bicycle Corporation in Cape May Court House

http://halebicycles.com/index.cfm

Tuckahoe Bike Shop in Tuckahoe and Mays Landing, NJ

www.tuckahoebikeshop.com

Beacon Sports in Northfield, NJ

http://beaconcycling.com/index.cfm

Action Wheels in Deptford, NJ

http://actionwheels.com/index.cfm

http://advantagebicycleproshop.com

News & Local Web Sites

Jorba - Jersey Off Road Association

http://www.jorba.org/index.php

Mtbnj.com

http://mtbnj.com/forum/index.php

MTB Racing info.
The Mid-Atlantic Super Series (MASS) mountain bike race season begins April 6, 2008. To see the race schedule and sign up for the series

http://www.masuperseries.com/MASS2008/index.htnl