End Of The Year, End Of An Era

So, cyclocross race numero dos for the 2011 season went pretty, well, painfully. It was a tough race for the singlespeeders. A good course in Charlotte's Veterans Park that begs for big powerful riders to put it down. Not exactly a singlespeeders greatest dream. It was fun nonetheless and I accomplished my goals for the day: ride the run-up every lap and ride the sand pits (without crashing) every lap.

After the race, a group of spectators asked me, "where can I get a TOMS Shoes kit?" For the first time in my life, almost sadly, I had not much to say. But, a lot to say. As most of you on the team already know and some of you might not for 2012 we will be parting ways from the namesake that started this team in 2008. TOMS has grown to be an entity known by many. Their giving efforts are known and felt worldwide and I am proud to say that we have helped grow their One for One cause all across the country. You should all be very proud.

In that time, our relationship with TOMS has gone in many different directions and as their company grew, their support of our team lessened. In a matter of four years we have grown into 16 states, we've had a teammate featured on a SRAM commercial (during the Tour de France, no less) and we have become one of the most widely known and well respected teams on each of our local circuits. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Ryan, Jen, Matt and Wade for their contributing efforts over the years as well as our sponsors that have supported us along the way. I think we all owe a great deal of thanks to Travis at JRABS.com as well. Without all of you, our next step wouldn't be possible. The end of an era, but the beginning of movement. The KIND movement.

Starting in January 2012, Team TOMS Shoes p/b KindHuman Sports will officially be known as KIND Cycling. Their is a supporting sponsor in the lineup but the officiality is postponed for the time being. The first official order for KIND Bikes and Wheels has been placed and riders will be receiving frames in the next couple of months. That is something to be excited about. Also, we are in development of an aluminum cyclocross and 29er frame for everyone to #GETRAD on next season. That is also something to be excited about. Of course, all proceeds of future sales will support junior cycling and hopefully we will be welcoming some young new riders to the team very soon.

Please stay tuned. We are preparing our 2012 Jersey and Socks order for December. Also, information for reapplication and new applications to the squad will be accepted in the next week or so. If you have friends who want to jump on board with the KIND kids, now's the time.

I want to thank all of you for all that you do. You're all incredible people and 2012 will be a big one for all of us. But first thing's first, there's a lot of racing left in 2011...I know Matt and Ryan are headed to Nationals, who else if going to Madison?

Alright...time for me to get to work. Team applications won't write themselves.

Hearts.