In the aftermath of Lance’s confession, I’m very pleased to see the focus is on how he treated others.  All his other sins pale in comparison to what he’s done to others; there’s simply no excuse for destroying the lives of those who only sought to speak the truth.  These people, Frankie and Betsy Andreu, Greg and Kathy LeMond, Tyler Hamilton, Mike Anderson, Emma O’Reilly, etc. - they can spew all the vitriol they want as far as I’m concerned.  They've earned that right considering what they've been through.  The rest of us, however, should probably take a step back; especially those who in any way shape or form, make a living from the bike industry. Because a good many of us wouldn't likely be in this industry if it weren't for Lance Armstrong.

My fit studio sits inside a US Olympic Training Site, the VELO Sports Center (aka LA Velodrome) - the only indoor Olympic Velodrome in North America.  I see as many clients per day as my schedule can handle, and currently work 6 days a week to keep up with demand.  I work with beginners, good age groupers, Olympians, World Champions, and Grand Tour Champions.  It’s a dream job, no doubt, and I love every minute of it.  Over the next few months, I, along with my partners, will announce a groundbreaking new technology that will bring even more business my way.  I’m not getting rich, but I will certainly benefit financially, and my professional reputation will grow.  The truth of the matter is, and there’s just no way to argue against it...I owe it all to Lance Armstrong.

I don’t have a personal or professional relationship with Mr. Armstrong.  I’ve met him a few times, but that’s all.  We have no business interests together, but no matter how I slice it, I wouldn't be where I’m at if it weren't for his cycling career.  There wouldn't be enough clients to keep me in business, the technology I use would not have been developed to the extent it has, the very building I work in would not exist, if it weren't for Lance.  His career, the notoriety he brought to cycling (and multi-sport), the millions of people he brought into the sport, are the reason I’m able to be a bike fitter.  A Bike Fitter!  People come from all over the world to pay me to fit them to their bicycles!  Do you know how ridiculous that sounds to people not in cycling or multi-sport?  I sometimes find myself laughing when trying to explain it to the parents of my children’s friends.

The fact of the matter is, my job exists because Lance Armstrong came back from cancer and won the Tour de France.  The interest that created, the people who began riding bicycles because of him, the industry that grew due to the popularity he created, are the reason I have the business I do.  Now, I’m of the opinion Lance Armstrong is not a good person; I would find it hard to listen to anyone who tried to convince me otherwise.  On the other hand, he’s not hurt me personally.  Oh sure, there are those who will say he perpetrated a fraud on all who cheered him on, and certainly that’s true.  But, really, I've not been personally hurt by this.  Honestly, I've only gained from it, and I will continue to make a living on the legacy he’s left behind.  Do I want him anywhere near cycling or multi-sport?  No, I’d rather he move on.  Do I dislike what he’s done, and despise how he’s hurt others?  Certainly.  But, I do not hate him.  I have no reason to hate him.  I hope he finds the redemption he’s seeking, and I sincerely wish he does all he can to right those he’s wronged. I’d like to believe he’s on the road to becoming a good person, but it’s not for me to judge.

Do I think we’ve heard the whole truth?  No.  As Tyler Hamilton has said, even he couldn't face the whole truth all at once; it only came as he accepted, over time, just how far he’d fallen.  I can only imagine how long a road Lance Armstrong must travel.  Whether it’s by honest realization, or simply an acknowledgement that he can’t manipulate his way back, we’ll hear more of the ugly truth soon enough.  There are people who need to be held accountable - names you haven’t heard too much about...yet.  As far as Lance Armstrong turning his life around?  I hope he makes it - I really do.  In the meantime, I can’t be dishonest and completely wash my hands of his legacy.  Whether I like it or not, his influence is revealed every time a client pays for my services.

Finalfit is happy to announce the first in a series of changes coming to our ever-growing company: As of December 3rd, 2012, our new location will be in the VELO Sports Center, on the campus of The Home Depot Center.  Some of you may know the location better as the LA Velodrome.  This move is the initial step of many we will take over the new few weeks to create the most advanced cycling performance center in the world.  In partnership with the VELO Sports Center, Alphamantis, and other entities to be named soon, Finalfit will be continuing, and expanding, the services we offer to cyclists and multi-sport athletes from around the world.  The services will include a new technology exclusive to the Center; one which will allow the ultimate optimization of human motion on a bicycle.

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Okay, that was the "official" announcement, now let me explain what the heck is going on, and enlighten all of you as to why we're moving our location for the second time in a year...well, at least as far as I can being that aforementioned new technology cannot yet be revealed.  Here goes.

About three months ago I received a phone call from out of the blue inviting Finalfit to be a part of an exciting new project.  The stated goal was what I mentioned above -- to create the most advanced cycling performance center in the world.  The project would be creating a "dream team" of sorts; bringing together the best of everyone in their particular field under one virtual, if not physical, roof.  I was flattered and excited to have been asked to participate -- having our fit studio at a US Olympic Training Site was certainly something that caught my attention.  Once the new technology was explained and shown to me, the move became a no-brainer.  Finalfit's goal has always been to provide an unforgettable experience for our clients, and we're excited that this new endeavor will allow us to create a level of service unmatched by anyone, anywhere. Our move to the VELO Sports Center is only one of many steps, but this project will progress quickly, and our goal is to have everything up and running by the end of Jnauary 2013.

This has been an especially exciting time for me personally.  I've had the privledge to meet some amazing people over the past few months; some who've I've considered mentors from afar are now my friends.  I've kept thinking this was all too good to be true, and that something would eventually not work out, but it's been just the opposite -- every step has gone better than any of us could have imagined.  I believe a lot of it has to do with trust.  While everyone involved is running a business, our desire to dream big and push the limits comes from the love of what we do...the passion we indiviually have for what we bring to the project.  We're not driven by money (though that would be nice!), but instead we each measure success by the level of service we provide.  A few weeks ago we spent six days showing off our new abilities to manufacturers, national federations, pro teams,  and scientists from around the world.  Besides being impressed by the new technology and wanting to immediately begin using it, the other overwhelming response from all those who came was how nice everyone was.  I'm excited.

More news will be coming very soon.  I promise to let you in on everything as soon as I can -- piece by piece, I'll give you all the exclusive, even before our press day launch.  It's going to be a lot of fun...we're even going to change our name! (gasp!)

There’s a little bit of sadness in the air at Finalfit today - we’re saying goodbye to a dear old friend.  Having been in our lives every single day for just over 7 years, it’s certainly difficult to not get a bit choked up as we see a large part of our company’s history sail off into the sunset (excuse me while I wipe away a few tears...anyone have a handkerchief?).  We all experience these moments in our lives; in fact, as we age we come to accept that loved ones will come and eventually leave.  Still, the moment of departure can be cruel; even though we knew the day would come, we wonder what the future might hold.  We hope for the best.  So, it is with some difficulty that we announce the retirement of a valued co-worker...a trusted companion.  Because it is today that we must bid adieu (seriously, how many different ways can this be said?) to the workhorse of our fit studio...our Waterford Adjustable Fit Bike.

Hey, don’t roll your eyes, that big ol’ hunk of adjustable steel has been ridden more times than, well, let’s keep this kid-friendly...how about, ridden more times than Space Mountain!  It’s literally responsible for fitting thousands of people to their bikes.  From beginners to Tour de France participants, that baby has had some of the greatest athletes in the world astride her; more than even Kim Kardashian (yeah, I went there anyway - I mean, let’s be honest, no children are reading this.  Heck, I really can’t believe you are.  How boring is work today?).  Many of you have each spent a few hours of your own lives aboard the Waterford as it allowed you to find your optimal position and know what it’s supposed to, and not supposed to, feel like.  So, this is a sad day for you, too (it’s okay, let it out...you’ll feel better).  A little bit of your history is going away, likely only to be seen again in what will inevitably will our very own Finalfit museum.

Why is our trusty fit bike being sent out to pasture?  Well, first, it’s simply old and worn out. For the past few months, we’ve been keeping it going with what seems like thread and superglue (we literally used zip ties at one point).  When it’s time, it’s time, and though I wouldn’t say this within earshot of the old Waterford, we’ve replaced it with something much, much better!  Our new fit bike is Retul’s Muve, and it provides the ability to actually change your position in real-time as you pedal.  This is a huge upgrade to our service as it helps us to be more accurate, allows you to immediately feel the benefits of the changes being made to your position, and also speeds up the entire fit process.  All of this is a benefit to you, our clients, and, well, a heck of a lot more fun, to boot!  We’ll be posting some instructional videos utilizing the Muve soon...stay tuned!

 

Despite a race season shortened by injury, Finalfit athlete Megan Monroy still managed enough results to show her potential as a top-tier triathlete.

In Triathlon, Megan placed as the 1st Overall Female amateur at the L.A. Triathlon, and 1st Overall Female amateur at the Pacific Coast Triathlon.  Competing in the L.A. Triathlon, Megan crushed her age group, winning by almost 27 minutes, including the fastest bike split by 7 minutes!  She was actually 50th overall (men and women) in an absolutely stacked field, which is amazing considering her inability to train for most of the season.  Pacific Coast was another example of her domination as she was not only 1st overall amateur, but was 2nd overall female - pro or amateur.  She completely crushed her age group as well, winning by over 10 minutes, with half that time being gained from her race-best bike split!  In fact, she had the fastest bike split of any female in the race!  Awesome!

Finalfit wants to congratulate Megan for her fantastic results, ad we're definitely wishing her a healthy season for 2012.