KOM Challenge Commemorative Badges

As the 2011 Studio Velo / Strava KOM Challenge draws to a close this final week we'll be touching on some of the incredible stats and accomplishments KOM riders have consistently put up over the past 51 weeks.

Impressive (and in some instances truly amazing) numbers have been tallied from riders the world over and it has fostered a unique online, competitive arena. Well deserved kudos go to the guys at Studio Velo for developing the concept and many more to Strava for having the crazy, cool technology that enabled us all to enjoy it. But most importantly, the competition wouldn't have been possible (or interesting) without the riders, clubs and shops that participated. We'd also like to thank our KOM Challenge prize sponsors for the killer swag: Capo, Lezyne, Independent Fabrication, Rudy Projects, Strava and Studio Velo.

As a way to remember what everyone has accomplished, Studio Velo has created a number of Commemorative Badge to honor each of the over 7500 plus riders that took up the challenge. This complimentary 3.5 inch patch is available to every rider who took the time and effort to ride for whatever goal they had set for themselves. To get you free badge go to the Studio Velo website KOM badge page and enter your contact info.

Explaining Cycling to a Non-Cyclist

This is a LOL of the difficulty most of us have articulating why we do what we do....the sublime pleasure of really suffering. Share this with those that still don't 'get it' when you go on and on about the pain.

November Winners Official

Wow!  It's been another great month of climbing and I want to congratulate everyone for their continued participation in the Studio Velo KOM Challenge, powered by Strava.  What a great month of competition. The total numbers keep climbing and it is darn impressive. With only one month left in this year's competition, we should all be proud of our efforts. With nearly 8000 participants in the KOM Challenge thus far, the 2011 event has been huge success.

For starters, and as founder of Studio Velo, I can't say I am not the least most proud of the Studio Velo community of riders.  A tough battle with Mike's Bikes ended the month with Studio Velo coming out on top in the final days of the month.  It wasn't easy and with only one store against 9, we are excited to take back the leader position. Castro Valley takes 3rd with a strong finish. Their store has been climbing steadily all year and will certainly be a force to reckon with next year.

(above: Bill Keller leads the charge for the Studio Velo Team. 

Bill is over 60 yrs young and has ridden over 100k many a month in the KOM Challenge)

The Bike Shop Results by the Numbers 

On the club front, the Tecate Team, on the other hand, charged ahead for the second month in a row to win the month of November.  MTBR, the dominate player all year long, falls to second place again for the month. This is the second month that a super close battle ends with Tecate, a late arrival to the KOM Challenge, on top of the leader board.  Great work Tecate!  Don't rest on your heels, however, as MTBR  is sure to keep the chains lubed and flight all the way to the finish. Here are the numbers for 1st & 2nd in the club competition.

The Club Results for 1st & 2nd 

The individual men's and women's competition were fun yet again. As in previous months throughout the year, previous winners and pro riders are excluded from the prizes.  1st place goes to  

Jeffrey Stern in the men's category & 1st to AJ MTB in the women's. Great job you guys. 

Both winners receive 12-month premium memberships from Strava and the following prizes from Capo, our exclusive Italian manufacture of the world's best clothing.

The Capo Dorato Long Sleeve Jersey & Leg Warmers for Jeff & the Ispra Long Sleeve Jersey & Knickers for AJ.  Check out these and other great Capo pieces on our site here. 

Second place was another hard-fought battle in both categories. Tim Welte and our very own Time Bicycles rep, Mary Moncorge of France, took 2nd place in November. To Tim goes the Capo Track Jacket and to Mary a long-sleeve jersey of choice from Capo. We'll probably torture her with a Studio Velo LS Jersey!  Nice work Tim & Mary.  You will also receive a 12-month Premium plan from Strava! 

And finally, 3rd place!  Cruz takes 3rd and Studio Velo Rider Kim Ford, who was seen just about daily on the road here in Marin County by myself and many other SV riders wins a deserving 3rd place in the women's category. Kim has had a huge year, from racing in Leadville, CO to a many a Tri race in between. Congrats to you both.  Some Italian-made Capo socks (3 pair each) and a 6-month plan Strava Velo plan are coming your way. Great work!