Erik's Bike Shop
Premier Bike Sponsor of the HHHErik's Bike Shop, now with 8 stores in the Twin Cities area and one in Madison, WI, is celebrating its 25th year in business. Erik started repairing and re-selling bikes in his parent's barn when he was 13 years old! Erik has gone on to scale great heights in the cycling store world, having been voted Best Bike Store in the Twin Cities several times, Top Specialized Bike Dealer in the World from 1998-2000, Top Ten Cannondale Dealer in the USA 1998-2001, and making the list of Top 100 Bike Stores in the US. Erik has expanded his operation to include Snowboards and associated equipment. His business cornerstone from those early days remains... professional, knowledgeable service in a friendly store environment.
The 120 employees of Erik's Bike Shop represent the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly service we want to provide at the Horribly Hilly Hundreds, and we are proud that they have joined us as a sponsor. Watch for their two repair trucks at the start of the ride and on the course, and listen for the gift certificate door prizes. There will also be a discount coupon from Erik's Bike Shop in your ride packet for HHH riders only.
Hammergel
Hammergel is two companies in one: Hammergel supplies fueling products made from all-natural ingredients and flavors using complex carbohydrates--never any simple sugars--and other quality ingredients, including protein supplementation in the fuels for longer distances (Sustained Energy, Perpetuem). For a ride or run of 90 minutes or less, Hammer Gel alone is the perfect energy fuel, and more convenient, in the bulk flasks, than messy gel packs. The second branch of the company, E-Caps, deals with optimum nutritional balance, and supplies electrolyte replacement, vitamins, and other nutricueticals that have proven beneficial to endurance and racing athletes. Whether you are a weekend warrior or full blast racer, you can benefit from Hammergel/E-Caps fine line of products. Hammergel staffers have been involved in riding in and supporting RAAM, the non-stop coast-to-coast bike race; two-time winner Steve Born is a key advisor and is Technical Director. We are proud that they have chosen to sponsor the HHH since its inception in 2003. HHH riders will receive a free sample of Hammer Gel and Endurolytes (electrolyte replacement capsules) in their ride packet, and they will be provided at certain rest stops along the course.
REI
In 1938, mountain climbers Lloyd and Mary Anderson joined with 23 fellow Northwest climbers to found Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). The group structured REI as a consumer cooperative to purchase high-quality ice axes and climbing equipment from Europe because such gear could not be purchased locally. The word quickly spread, and soon many other outdoors people joined the co-op. As REI grew, so too did the range of outdoor gear available to the co-op members. Although the gear sold by REI looks much different now than it did in 1938, being a cooperative business remains central to REI. While non-members are welcome to shop at REI, only members enjoy special benefits, including an annual member refund on eligible purchases. REI's business success allowed the co-op to return member refunds to its active members in 2003 totaling $41 million, and provide nearly $2 million in donations in support of the outdoors and outdoor recreation. REI's reputation is strengthened by an employee team that is recognized both for its knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor equipment and for being a friendly resource in helping any customer, from novice to the highly accomplished, prepare for their outdoor adventures. The Horribly Hilly Hundreds is pleased to welcome REI as a major sponsor of our second annual Challenge Ride. REI will provide mechanical bike repair services at their tent at the starting area, and at the rest stop for Stage A of both the 100K and 200K. REI staff members will be providing light refreshments at the ride's start, as well as providing door prizes at the ride's finish line. Look for their tent at the Finish Line Party, and be sure to check out their fine line of Novara bicycles, and many brands of cycling accessories, at the REI Coop nearest you, or at www.rei.com.
