Beware the Ides

 
Beware the Ides:

Historically the 15th of March is infamous for the assassination of Julius Caesar, but now Team Exergy has added a new occasion to this monumental date. This brand new for 2010 cycling team used this day to showcase themselves and their sponsors to the public, and although the resulting gala didn't quite match the bacchanalia of Roman legend, it certainly did introduce the public to the fun-loving spirit that is the essence of this squad.

The party was slated to begin at 6:30, however a full line had formed by 6 o'clock, and there was no way to keep the doors shut a minute longer. And so it was that with preparations still underway, about 300 curious souls began to fill up The Linen Building Event Center in The Linen District of Downtown Boise, Idaho. Those some 300 guests were cyclists, fans, families, and sponsors of Team Exergy. The entrance line snaked up the stairs to the art gallery on the second floor where participants donated $5 and registered for the silent and live auctions. From the registration tent they moved on to peruse the dozens of donated auction items, ranging from one-of-a-kind art pieces and cycling collectibles, to generous gift cards and certificates provided by a multitude of local businesses and vendors.

After an hour or so of conversation and merry making, the party moved downstairs to the main room of The Linen Building. At which point Team Exergy’s Sponsor/Media Liaison Remi McManus orchestrated the very first donation of helmets to children on behalf of Team Exergy. The team donated 32 helmets to the City Light Home for Women and Children this night. These crash hats went to equipe current and future residents, mainly disadvantaged children. The look of surprise and joy on the tots' faces as they were called on stage to select their favorite lids made the entire event worthwhile.
 
When asked about the donation McManus stated, “We have been inspired by the people and companies we work with. The commitments that they have made to our communities and our future inspired us to do our part, and become more involved in the betterment of our collective society. Donating 32 helmets to the children and families of The City Light Home is the tip of the iceberg. Along with ProHelmet.Org we are hoping to encourage everyone to wear a helmet while cycling and other activities.”
 
Next up in the festivities que was the Team Exergy presentation. The presentation began with a polished and eloquent mission statement from Exergy Development Group president James Carkulis addressing his and his company's reasons for their involvement in cycling, and in bettering our surrounding communities. The essence being that Exergy wants to support organizations that care about building and strengthening the quality of life for all citizens, and encourage each and every person to try and make a difference in the community that they reside.
After which, Team Exergy’s Sport Director Tad Hamilton summoned each of the 8 team members on to the stage individually so that the audience could gain some familiarity. The routine of a few kind words and a proper look without the disguise of helmet, glasses, etc., offered fans the opportunity to meet and differentiate between Team Exergy racers, and also offered Hamilton a chance to describe his own personal reasons for assembling the quiver of athletes that will represent Team Exergy in 2010. 
The team introduction moved quickly into the Team Exergy sponsor presentation. A quick statement by McManus as to the importance of sponsorship and building relationships for the future was followed by acknowledgement of all the team’s sponsors many of which were in the audience. Notable Sponsors present included Exergy Development group employees, Shimano representatives, Smith Optics reps, and Felt bicycle reps, to name a few. To close the Team Exergy sponsor presentation McManus invited a few of the women who make up the board of ProHelmet.Org on stage, Jill Beck (founder,) Lynn Johnston and a huge Idaho crowd favorite Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong. Beck and Armstrong addressed the crowd and explained the reasons for forming ProHelmet.Org and their mission as well as the reasons for supporting team exergy.
 
The live auction followed... Only 4 items were offered up for live bids: new rider Ivailo Gabrovski, Bulgarian national road champion, put up one of his handsome Tri-Color champion's jerseys for bid. Remi McManus also donated to this fundraiser with a custom decaled carbon frame/fork, and a separate, but matching set of carbon wheels. And finally, Assistant Sport Director Scott Cross donated a hand-built hand-painted Shimano DI2 equipped light-weight steel bicycle from his line of custom built Cross Cycles. 
 
For the grand finale, everybody's favorite cow-punk band, Poke, played two raucous sets that kept the party rolling until well into the night. For those of you, who haven't had the pleasure of seeing Poke play live, imagine Johnny Cash crossed with The Clash, or perhaps Merle Haggard combined with Fugazi. The four member group sports a stand-up bass, and some of the best original music this side of Memphis. But best of all, the boys in the band are all bike riders and bike mechanics! A perfect fit for this special evening. 
 
Team Exergy Sport Director Hamilton had this to say after the event,”The turnout at The Linen Building on March 15th could be viewed as nothing short of a success. The overall vibe being a strong sense of community support for this fledgling squad, and its ambitions of competing at the highest levels of domestic cycling. While the rest of the year will no doubt have its share of ups and downs, we can look back at this evening and draw strength and motivation from the warm support that Boise displayed on our opening night.”
 
Thanks to all!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Team exergy is owned and operated by Escalera Racing LLC.
Escalera Racing LLC
Tad Hamilton
Scott Cross
Dave Beck
Remi McManus
 
 Team Exergy roster for 2010:
 
Tad Hamilton - Sport Director - Boise, Id
Scott Cross - Asst Sport Director - Ventura, Ca
Remi McManus - Media/Sponsor Liaison - Boise, Id
Chris Stuart - Boise, Id
Kevin Rowe - Bellingham, Wa
Kai Applequist - Boise, Id
Brandon Lynch - Hailey, Id
Chris Hong - Baltimore, Md
Ivailo Gabrovski - Sofia, Bulgaria
Austin Arguello - Beaverton, Or
Conor Mullervy - Grand Junction, Co
Kevin Mullervy - Grand Junction, Co
 
Team exergy Sponsors for 2010
Exergy Development Group
ProHelmet.Org
Donnie Mac’s Trailer Park Cuisine
The Caprock Group
Felt Bicycles
Endurance Training and Fitness Center
Southwest Ear Nose Throat
Magnuson Design
OpenSpace Advertising
Intermountain Orthopedics
Idaho Velodrome and Cycling Park
BYRDS Boise Young Rider Development Squad
S-Effects Web Sites
Tablerock Printing
Canari cyclewear
K-Edge Ace Co. Sport Group
Kinetic by Kurt Trainers
Modus Sport Group
NW Velo Sales
Shimano
Smith Optics
Sockguy
Thomson Bike Components
TRP Brakes
Yakima Racks
Wobble Naught Precision Bike Fitting
Great Northern Cycles
Zhoo Zhoo Wines
The Modern Hotel and Bar
The Linen Building Event Center