Chris Patterson
Chris started riding in 2003 and has been racing mountain bikes since 2006. He quickly progressed while always advocating the sport
along the way. Chris has gone from Beginner Class to Expert Class in only 3 years with an overall 1st Place in the Sport Class for the
2008 Michigan Mountain Bike Championship Point Series. The 2009 season is already looking promising with a 1st place win at the 8 hours of
Cannonsburg and a 2nd place in Expert at the Boyne XC Marathon Race.
In the Stable: Oryx T-Line 500 Race MTB (custom built-up), Fuji Roubaix Road Bike (custom built-up), Steel Commuter,
Trek 1200
Team Positions: Racer, Club Rider, Self-taught Nutritionist, Co-Manager
Other Interests
Besides currently attending Michigan State Law School, Chris constantly tries to perfect the world around him. A few of these
things include teaching himself how to roast his own coffee; produce his own nutrient bars for riding and racing; re-welding an old
steel frame with a new head tube to fit the newer 1 1/8" forks; and help manage and startup this cycling team.
Race ResumeEric Patterson
Eric is an occasional racer, but thoroughly enjoys the recreational side of riding. He started riding in 2002 when a college roommate
convinced him that the advanced loop at the local single track was an easy ride. He was sold on the sport, even though a crash meant
he had to replace his roommate's helmet. Eric frequents road and mountain bike group rides around Grand Rapids and continues to add
new riders to the sport by encouraging their entry into cycling. While being an excellent cyclist to meet on the trail, he still
enjoys being pushed by the big dogs to help progress his abilities.
In the Stable: Oryx T-Line 125 Race MTB (custom built-up), Specialized Allez Road Bike (mostly stock), Gary Fisher Sugar
Frame (soon to be built-up for endurance racing)
Team Positions: Weekend Racer, Club Rider, Self Taught Mechanic, Team
Director
Other Interests
Eric consumes the better part of his life building his business. If he is not busting out hours in the Aeron, Eric thoroughly
enjoys nature. Either cycling or simply spending time with Tucker (Kim's Great Dane) helps satisfy his love for being outside.
In the off-season, in an attempt to pick up the most challenging method to get down a snow covered hill, he can be found telemark and
back country skiing around West Michigan.
Race ResumeBen VanHoose
Ben is new to the cycling scene but not new to fierce competion. He comes from a long lineage of endurance runners. He's
been running marathons and ultra marathons for a while. A few years back, he purchased a mountain bike at the same time as his
parents. Coincidentally, a new trail was being constructed in his hometown of Greenville, Michigan at the same time. While routinely
riding the new Edward's Creek mountain bike trail he became hooked on the different challenges that existed compared
to running. Over the years Ben began mixing more biking in with his running workouts and noticed great improvements. Each
ride was a new learning experience. Only a few years ago he decided to try his new found love in the competitive world of racing
mountain bikes. He has been seen riding time trials, cross country races, and endurance races while continuing to competively
run. While racing is still a goal he pursues, going out and putting in the miles on a road bike or mountain bike are still just as
fun.
In The Stable: Giant Iguana Mountain Bike, and Diamondback Racing Podium 2 Road Bike
Team
Positions: Racer, Club Rider
Other Interests
Ben currently attends Ferris State University for Radiography and when he is not working or attending classes he gets outdoors as much as
possible. Whether it is riding, running, kayaking, snowboarding, or hunting, Ben is always enjoying himself. At one point,
he worked out at Winter Park, Colorado as a lift operator. Part of Ben's plans for the team is to get back out to Colorado for some
mountain bike racing in the summer and then snowboarding for off-season fun.
Race Resume