Sisters fields new cycling team

In a blur of spinning wheels and spandex, the newly hatched Sisters Cycling team soars onto the local bike racing scene with vision and style.

Proudly clad in their bright racing uniforms, members detailed the scope and intent of the club.

Joel and Shawna Palanuk are the pioneers and founders of the fledgling race team, certain to make its mark on the trails and roads of Oregon.

The idea to form a team in Sisters came to them on New Years Day 2009.

"Now that our boys are a little older, we have more freedom and time so we wanted to start racing again," said Joel.

Both are veterans on the mountain bike racing scene, and moved to Sisters from Bend a few years ago. Shawna recently returned to racing after a long recess to raise children. She was a frequent figure on the demanding NORBA mountain bike race circuit and competed in the challenging pro class. Joel also pedaled in competition for a year at the semi-pro level.

"We knew enough riders in Sisters that if we put together a class team with good looking gear and solid sponsors, it would push people into joining," Shawna said. "A team that would approximate the type of team they have in Bend."

So far, the response has been amazing. Sisters Cycling currently has 23 racing members of all ability levels and 34 non-racing members listed.

One of the main goals they wish to achieve will be to promote junior racers in a fun, structured system. As of press time, there is just one signed up, but Joel and Shawna anticipate more.

Sisters High School no longer has a mountain bike racing team, and this new club gives another option for those who still want to ride.

Joel explained, "There was so much interest in the high school program. When it was offered they had to turn kids away. We want to help guide junior racers and support them as they develop."

In an effort to draw and promote more junior-level involvement, the team will provide them with free jerseys, pants, pay for their OBRA race cards, distribute training guides and offer individual coaching.

Joel personally designed the team's bold signature colors and jerseys in forest green, pumice brown and white. Greg Zadow's GreenRidge Physical Therapy is the team's title sponsor. Zadow is an avid cyclist and formidable racer as well. In Focus Eyecare figures prominently on the team's apparel as another major sponsor. Its partner, Winter Lewis, intends on infusing his blazing speed into the team's talented ranks.

Other main sponsors include Sisters Athletic Club, Eurosports and Three Creeks Brewing Co.

There is currently no sign-up fee, only the cost of the clothing. The club offers several levels of membership and team involvement, depending on your commitment and quadricep fortitude.

All riders will be expected to help with trail maintenance and volunteer for any races or organized rides/events that they host.

A deadline of Friday, May 22, has been set on orders for new jerseys, shorts, or any of the pro deal items that have been provided from the sponsors. Submit your request via e-mail to [email protected], and drop any money owed at GreenRidge Physical Therapy.

Shawna said they plan to sponsor a Sisters race next year, and get on the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) calendar for the 2009-10 season.

If interested, stop by GreenRidge to sign the appropriate forms, drop off your order and checks for the total cost and indicate preferred level of membership. A waiver must be signed.

For clothing prices, visit: http://champ-sys.com/custom/cycling/dressup-price-list. For more information contact Joel Palanuk at 549-3032.