Team Members

Lance Abaya (cat 4)
Marcus Arredondo (cat 3)
Mike Bertuzzi (cat 5)
Gil L. Besinaiz (cat 5)
Philip Bond (cat 5)
Kevin Boyce (cat 2)
Jason Comstock (cat 5)
Larry Donaldson (cat 5)

Jun Ellorimo (cat 5)
Leo Gonzales (cat 5)
Nick Green (cat 5)
Trevor Hadley (cat 4)
Mark Hallowell Jr. (cat 5)
Zak Hardage (cat 3)
Aaron Haspel (cat 4)
Craig Hottell (cat 4)

Matt Kessing (cat 3)
Al Kline (cat 5)
Ryan McFeely (cat 1)
Glenn Mejia (cat 5)
Ruben Pena (cat 4)
Matt Seagrave (cat 1)
Lee Smee (cat 5)
Mando Soto (cat 5)

Lance Abaya

Home town: San Angelo, Texas
USAC category: 4
Why Team ALS-C3: To help raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease and to promote a strong team of dedicated cyclists passionate towards the cause.
Member since: 2009
Previous Teams: Randy's Bike and Run
Favorite food on and off the bike: Pasta, Bread with Pesto, Cheese, Tomatoes, and Red Wine. Dark chocolate, espresso, and lots of coffee. And of course, mom and dad's homemade Filipino food...the best.
Favorite race from 2009: Dallas Tuesday Night Criteriums and Fort Worth Wednesday Criteriums. They were extremely painful, fun and nearby.
My ride: 2006 Cervelo R3. Pretty much stock, All DuraAce. Zero_Gravity Brakes. Easton SLX Fork and Handlebars. Nokon cablesets.
Goals for 2010: To RACE a lot!!! And support a great cause to the awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease. Also, to be a strong component to the success of Team ALS-C3, and race for the success of my teammates.
My perfect day: Wake up early, enjoy the perfect cup of coffee, and do a nice invigorating ride while contemplating the day's activities. Then, accomplish some solid designs for architectural studio throughout the day. Enjoy some delicious dinner and beer with some family and friends.
Other racing/riding highlights: I've ridden through the mountains of Tuscany and the city of Rome, Italy. That was an amazing experience getting to ride at altitude and enjoy the occasional espresso and panini at random cafes in the coutryside. In Rome, I rode 8-hours straight all-around the ancient city on coblestones and weaved my way through the most gnarly car/scooter/pedestrian traffic.
How high I shave my legs: Just to the tan line. Haha!
More about me: I'm originally from San Angelo, TX. Started as a cross country mountain biker and raced up to expert level in the TMBRA series from 2000-03. Then, transitioned to road cycling and triathlons since 2005. I lived in Austin for about 3 years studying Civil Engineering at the University of Texas. But, decided to pursue Architecture at UT-Arlington where I will be graduating in Spring 2010. This Spring, I will be concentrating on applying for graduate schools/jobs and racing for Team ALS-C3. I enjoy hunting with my family, bouldering, long-distance running, fly-fishing, and spending time with my family and dogs. Also, architecture and design is always on my mind and I love to create things or contemplate design solutions that may impact the way people interact with the built environment.

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Marcus Arredondo

Home town: Kingsville, Texas
USAC category: 3
Why Team ALS-C3: Friends and great cause
Member since: 2009
Previous Teams: Team Tilson Homes
Favorite food on and off the bike: Italian. Pizza and pasta. Fresh grilled sea food. Wife's whole wheat power pancakes.
Favorite race from 2009: Fiesta Grande. Great courses and good results.
My ride: Specialized Tarmac Sl 3 Sized 54cm, Look 595 Ultra Size M, BMC Slc01 Pro Machine Size 51cm, Cervelo P3 TT bike Size 51cm
Goals for 2010: Cat up to to 3, compete well in masters category, help the team spread awareness of ALS, and have fun racing with friends.
My perfect day: Sunny day riding with teammates and friends.
Other racing/riding highlights: 2009 Cat 3 team Time Trial champs.
How high I shave my legs: Mid-thigh
More about me: Married for 6 years to a wonderful and mostly understanding wife Eileen. I have two great children. Alli 18 yrs and Addison 2 yrs. Two golden retreivers Max & Abbie. I am employed by Eli Lilly & Company as a Senior Sales Representative. Started riding in 2006 and have been hooked ever since.

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Mike Bertuzzi

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: Only team in Corpus Christi
Member since: 2008
Favorite food on and off the bike: Beer & ice cream
Goals for 2010: Not crash
My perfect day: No wind
How high I shave my legs: Shaving is for [redacted]

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Gil L. Besinaiz

Home town: Portland, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: It's a great team.
Member since: 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike it would be a powerbar,off the bike a taco.
Favorite Race from 2009: The Matrix Challenge in Dallas
My ride: Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL2, 54cm
Goals for 2010: Try to cat-up
My perfect day: A morning ride and afterwords coffee with friends
Other racing/riding highlights: Let's have a great year!
How high I shave my legs: lol way up my thighs
More about me: I enjoy racing with the best team in Texas and what this team stands for.

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Philip Bond

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: Because I think it is a noble cause.
Member since: September 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: My favorite food off the bike would probably be chicken and rice or lasagna, and on the bike would probably be chocolate.
Favorite race from 2009: My favorite race would be Conquer the Coast crit mens 5 because it was my first race.
My ride: I ride a Trek 1200 SL. There is nothing noteworthy on my bike.
Goals for 2010: To race and have fun and to raise money for ALS, and maybe win a race of two.
My perfect day: To get up in the morning and do the group ride with friends, have a good lunch, and talk about biking until I make my family crazy.
Other racing/riding highlights: I'm not afraid to go fast any more because I've already experienced road rash at 28 mph.
More about me: I first got into road biking when my friends offered to sell me a road bike. The first time I rode it, I was hooked. Other hobbies I enjoy are drawing, the study of birds, and cooking.

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Kevin Boyce

Home town: Sackets Harbor, New York
USAC category: 2
Why Team ALS-C3: In memory of my mom, she was the strongest person I've ever known.
Member since: 2010
Previous Teams: Concho Bike Shop, San Angelo, TX
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike: Chunky peanut-butter and honey sandwich. Off the bike: Hot wings.
Favorite race from 2009: I was deployed to Iraq for most of 2009 and didn't/couldn't race in 2009.
My rides: 2010 Specialized Stumpjumer Marathon Hard-tail 29er, I9 hubs, Stans ZTR rims...
2009 Specialized S-Work Tarmac SL2: SRAM Red, Reynold DV46C...
2009 CAAD 9: SRAM Force...
Goals for 2010: Help bring ALS awareness to the public. To do my very best in the TMBRA spring & fall series. I'd would also like to make the transition to road racing this year.
My perfect day: Bring sunny day, 75-80 degrees, little to no wind, long road/MTB ride with team mates and friends.
How high I shave my legs: I have eyebrows, I like the way it feels.
More about me: I am a Technical Sergeant (E-6) in the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM) section at Goodfellow AFB, TX. I have been serving since March 1996.

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Jason Comstock

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: To fulfill a desire to give back to my fellow man
Member since: 2008
Favorite food on and off the bike: Egg whites on wheat in the morning; pb+j on wheat; nutella on wheat with a banana; gels when all else is gone
Favorite race from 2009: Lago Vista where I won one race in a sprint finish and got 4th in a break I created - the 4th was more gratifying than the win! The Team ALS sponsored Conquer the Coast Criteriums late last season. Two of my teammates created a 2-man break. I wanted so bad to jump across, but I knew that wasn't a good teammate strategy. I sat back and was determined to sprint for 3rd and make it a Team ALS 1 2 3. My leadout got bumped out of the pocket so I freelanced my way to the front. I jumped around the leaders and my cleat popped loose from my pedal resulting in massive road rash and a broken leg! 2 months of cast and crutches has motivated me for next season. Team ALS still got 1 2 3.
My ride: Base and rain days on an old Giant TCR that has major soul as one of my best friends gave it to me! This was my first road bike and my friend Donnie Orchard not only gave it to me....He did a custom paint job on it for me! But the most important part is He and another rider Michael Lidwell taught me how to ride, how to suffer and how to be agressive! Major soul in that bike! Race days and fast competitive group rides are on my BMC pro machine shod with Campy Record 10 and carbon clincher reynolds wheels. She loves bar to bar sprints and chews up road in long breaks.
Goals for 2010: My goals for 2010 are to develop my racing skills, both solo and team, while racing with Zak as a cat 3. I want to make it to cat 2 by the end of the season.
My perfect day: Waking up in Costa Rica with my sexy ass wife.....Having that sexy wife bring me a hot stout cup of Costa Rican coffee while we sit on the porch and chat, take in the beauty, read, do some yoga....comtiplate....and then go surf perfect waves( for hours) just steps from our cabin........Come in, tired and exhilerated and go have gallo Pinto with eggs at Francesca's place down the road..........CLose your eyes and just imagine it! Surfing makes me a better rider.
Other racing/riding highlights: Our Local rides frikin RULE! A few of them turn into an all out beat down. The "Wed night worlds" are an all out, no apologies, "who has the biggest balls" smack down........we have had many a rider come in from out of town and claim its the hardest most intense group ride they have been on. Full gas! To be in that small elite group that comes down the last stretch putting the hurt right until the end is intensley satisfying. Another highlight for me is my friendship with a pro rider named Matt Seagrave. I really got to know this guy in Belgium! I have never been to belgium but I was able to get to know him via e-mail while he raced there. That was about 4 years ago....since then he has become my coach and one of my best friends. He is a mellow kind and spiritual fella'. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. He epitomizes the "good samaritan"......yet when he throws a leg over a bike and lines up for a race the guy grows horns and a tail! He is the strongest most intense "rip you leggs off, rip you heart out, rip your soul out and stomp on it" athlete I have ever met or even read about....no kidding.
How high I shave my legs: Shave to Mid thigh and clipper cut the rest all the way to the springs and under carriage! Come on who wants fur shorts kickin' ????
More about me: I am a custom Surfboard designer, shaper and builder. From the plain shape to the custom art work I do it all. I started as an aprentice at 15 yrs old and slowly perfected the craft to become a master shaper. I love to surf....surfing saved my life as I poured my energy into it as a teen instead of things that could have torn me down. Surfing, surf travel and the surfing culture makes me a better rider Physicaly and mentally. You don't know suffering until you get pinned down by a 18 foot six waves set off the south west coast of mainland mexico or costa rica and there is no one to save you, help you, or even knows where your are. Its dark and deep and its a good thing to reflect on when you feel like giving up on the bike. Not many people get to experience this kind of helplessness....you get to meet god face to face down there....Its my secret weapon.

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Larry Donaldson

Home town: Virginia Beach, VA
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? The ALS cause
Member since: 2008
Favorite food on and off the bike: Jelly beans
Favorite race from 2009: Watching the Corpus Christi Crit. It was my first time back in over a year because of injury.
My ride: 2010 Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL2
Goals for 2010: Ride like hell and compete
My perfect day: Fishing
How high I shave my legs: Yeah right

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Jun Ellorimo

Home town: Davao City, Philippines
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? As a Physical Therapist, I believe in the cause to increase awarness of ALS
Member since: September 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: On bike = Cliff bars ; off bike = any barbeque
Favorite race from 2009: Conquer the Coast
My ride: Needs to be hard and fun
Goals for 2010: Be consistent with training and start doing official races
My perfect day: Any day that I do a hard outdoor ride on the bike with another cyclist
More about me: I am 35 years old, happily married to Edith with 3 young kids. Karla 5yo, Ian 6yo, and Kayla 8 yo. I am a practicing PT for 14yrs and is NDT, and Kinesiotaping certified. I started cycling last April of 2006 due to my weight has reached the all time high of 195 lbs. Cycling has helped me lost weight through this years but I feel stuck with 160 lbs. I did my first and only marathon last year 2009 and at the same time decided to get really more serious and consistent with cycling. Ruben Pena has inspired me to push myself and i believe that i am a better cyclist now due to his persistent, and patient mentoring. Now, I admit that i am a cycling addict.

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Leo "Gonzo" Gonzales

Home town: Robstown, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: I have chosen to race with ALS-C3 because they represent/support a very good cause and i am truly honored to be a member of the team.
Member since: I have been and ALS-C3 member since it's induction.
Favorite food on and off the bike: As for my favorite foods? Hmmmm......let's see. On the bike: I really like to chow down on some hot dog's during a group ride when the tempo get's extremely intense. I like GU packets that are made with Natural spring water from the Lourdes, France spring and you can only get these suckers in Tibet. Bananas from the Thanin market in Chiang Mai, Thailand are also good to munch on during those long rides out to the Nueces River and back home to Flour Bluff. Snickers, Bit o honey, Big Hunk, Now or later, M+M Peanut, Reeses peanut butter cups, Cool Ranch Cornnuts, Nacho Cheese Doritos, Grandma's Vanilla cookies, Chocolate Coins, Anything with Dark Chocolate in it, Bubble gum Blow pops, 2 for a dollar salted nuts from any Times market, Spiderman pop toppers, Twizzlers, Little Debbie oatmeal-creme pies, Ring pops (These are da bomb especially during a TT), Peanut/almondbutter-honey and grapenut sandwiches wrapped in Aluminum foil, Salt water taffee (any flavor but passion fruit), Bagels, Fig Newtons, Garibaldi Biscuits, Frusli bars. For Hydration purposes i usually bring 2 Polar insulated water bottles Iced down with Lime flavored Perrier water - San Pellegrino Water if it's a race.
Favorite race from 2009: My favorite race of 2009 would have to be the Time Trial up in San Antonio, Texas (Fiesta Grande. I did pretty decent for not having trained for the TT. The best part was when i got done with my split and came back to the staging area to find Aaron quickly prepping his bike to go up to the line. I saw that he was having some difficulty with his Aero bars so i just literraly threw him my time trial bike and told him to ride "Diablo" instead. With a little difficulty and some help from strangers we eventually switched out the pedals and he went on to do great things on my rig without adjustments or fitting. This was all done in like what seemed like seconds at the time - it all happened so quickly.........that was a great day!
My ride: I ride 2 translucent steeds and have one retired frame in stock. Diablo is a 51cm Pinarello Montello SP8 Time trial bike with SRAM force Components and Zipp Zedtech 606 wheels. (Ravage) is a 54cm 2009 Orbea Opal with SRAM Force components and Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels. MOCO is The retired frame in Lime green......may he rest in peace.
Goals for 2010: Depending on the fiscal year 2009 training schedule for the U.S. Army Reserve unit i belong to, I want to Ride the Lightning for the 2010 season and enter in as many races that i can and hopefully place well in them - maybe get outta the "CAT 5" category......yeah.
My perfect day: [too ridiculous to publish in its entirety. provided here is a very abbreviated excerpt.] Order a light snack of Black Caviar and Stolichnaya Elit Vodka and other assorted H'orderves.

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Nick Green

Home town: Houston
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? Great group of guys that really push eachother to excell.
Member since: 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: I love the snickers triatholon bars I eat them alot!
My ride: Giant TCR 3 with SRAM Force
Goals for 2010: I would love to Cat up and just have a good first season.
My perfect day: My perfect day is about 75 degrees with some slight wind and sunny, riding with good friends of mine and not worrying about what time we have to be back.
Other racing/riding highlights: My favorite memory from riding is when my friend Adan clipped out of both clips and was what looked like skiing with a bike in the middle of his legs. The look on his face was priceless. To make it better was the 34 mph speed haha.
How high I shave my legs: I shave my legs to speedo length. I read in a Road Bike magazine that depending on how high you shave your legs shows your level of commitment. I chose full commitment.
More about me: I started riding last year just for fun until a friend really started getting me faster. From just knowing the guys at Bay Area and watching them ride I got into cycling pretty hardcore. I am training with a coach and hope to get into college racing in the next 3 years.

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Trevor Hadley

Home town: Abilene, Texas
USAC Category: 4
Why Team ALS-C3? The team supports the ALS Association South Texas Chapter and that is very important to me having had many family members die from the disease. I also enjoy riding and racing with close friends.
Member since: The beginning
Previous Teams: Team Bicycles Inc., STARRS Racing
Favorite food on and off the bike: Favorite on the bike would have to either be pb+j, ginger snap cookies, or banana. Off the bike there are several, but one I always like is anything with Grafton 3 yr old extra sharp cheddar, especially mac and cheese. Grafton Village Cheese.
Favorite race from 2009: I guess it would have to be the CtC Crit since that was the only race I was in this year. Craig did a great job with the event.
My ride: road bike - 2007 Trek Madone, red black and white, 56cm, training wheels are Rolf Comps - they are bomb proof but are showing their age, race wheels are Neuvation SL 28 - great race wheel for the money, Ibike powermeter, tt bike - 2003 Trek 5200 oclv, silver/grey
Goals for 2010: Race and eventually be competitive. I would like to do well at the 2010 State Crit weekend.
My perfect day: The morning would be a good hard ride with the team guys. The afternoon would be at the beach with my wife and daughter. While they sun and read I would fish in the surf. If I have those 2 things in a day, then it's always good!
How high I shave my legs: my preference is just above the shorts line. Don't have a reason other than that is what I've always done.
More about me: One I always have to say, I am a lightning strike survivor! And, I'm not afraid to say I like Coldplay.

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Mark Hallowell Jr.

Home town: Portland, Texas
USAC Category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? It supports a good cause and a great team to get started with.
Member since: September 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: Off the bike would be pizza and on the bike would be cliff bars.
Favorite race from 2009: Conquer the Coast Crit, my first race.
My ride: 2010 Trek Madone 4.7 full carbon 10 spd. Piave Piogo Aluminum 8 spd.
Goals for 2010: Get as close to being a cat 4 as possible
My perfect day: This doesn't have to have anything to do with riding. Any day the sun is out.

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Zak Hardage

Home town: The Colony, Texas
USAC Category: 3
Why Team ALS-C3? If you want to race in Corpus Christi, this is the crew to be with. That's why I joined. But the very small, and still profound way in which we've touched people's lives makes this about so much more than racing.
Member since: The beginning
Favorite food on and off the bike: On training rides, I try to keep the food as real as possible, pb+j, bananas, raisins, croissants. For races, give me lab-food, space gels, unpronounceable energy gloops. Back at home I'm always down for my wifes exploded sushi bowls or Mexican casserole. I also loves me some cheese and onion enchiladas and every kind of pizza--just hold the meat, sucka.
Favorite race from 2009: Winning the State road race was a huge high. When I crossed the line in first place I was totally freaking out and screaming at the top of my lungs. Fredericksburg was also great. I gave everything I had for a breakaway that dwindled and died and ultimately puked myself crossing the line in 7th. My total favorite race, though, was our hometown Corpus crits where Aaron and I rode off the front and lapped the field while our teammates tamped down the chasers. All our friends were cheering us on. It was the best overall racing experience ever.
My ride: I roll with a 2010 Specialized Tarmac Pro SL DA, 58cm. I've never before ridden anything so svelte. I'm a true believer.
Goals for 2010: I have a lot to learn this year. But I want to go to some big races. Gila, Dairyland, Rouge, Joe Martin. We'll see what the legs and wallet can endure.
Your perfect day: An early hike with my family on the greenbelt, breakfast at Mr. Natural, a long ride with friends, a huge dinner with my wife, a good walk with my dog, an episode of Star Trek TNG, then some remixed Louis Armstrong.
How high I shave my legs: Hair shorts all the way. I love wearing the furry liederhosen.

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Aaron Haspel

Home town: San Angelo, Texas
USAC Category: 4
Why Team ALS-C3? Co-Founder of Team ALS-C3
Member since: 2008
Previous Teams: STARRS Racing
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike: Peanut butter and preserves, cliff bars, Matt's pancakes and gels. Pretty much whatever I can get my hands on. Off the bike: I like fruit the most but I'll eat anything from Thai(my fav) to Mexican. I like food!!!
Favorite race from 2009: Well my most memorable races from this season: Lago Vista: Zak and I were sitting at the front of the peleton pushing the pace until my chain broke! CTC Crit: I had gone off the front and started to develop a gap and a few laps later Zak decided to come and join me. We laped the field with a few laps to go and took 1st and 2nd. Very good day for me.
My ride: I ride a Trek Madone 5.2 54cm. Custom Painted by Donny Orchard! This rig is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Goals for 2010: First goal would be to make my way into the 3s! And a few of us want to do some really big stage races this year. I also want to get myself a TT bike, then maybe I'll be competetive in time trials this year.
My perfect day: A nice day with some good friends on the bike with good conversation and lots of miles!!!
How high I shave my legs? Well pretty much like the whole leg! I mean its just a leg, right?
More about me: Well Im a student, work at a local bike shop and a cyclist. I started out in cross country and that is where I initially got hooked on endurace sports. From there I started to compete in duathlons then came triathlons to half marathons stretched it out some more and raced marathons. Through all of these sports, I found myself most comfortable on the bike. In 2007, I raced my first season as a competitive cyclist. And now here I am.

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Craig Hottell

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 4
Previous teams: Groton Schwinn Cyclery and STARRS
Member since: The very beginning
Favorite food on and off the bike: he food and drink categories that give me incentive to ride. ie. foods with lots of carbs therefore the reason I ride.
Favorite race from 2009: Not Fort Davis. It would have to be the early part of the season, The Alsation Country Omnium, placing 6th without even racing in the TT. Also Tour of New Braunfels Criterium and Road Race was awesome. And of course having the inaugural Conquer the Coast Crit weekend.
Goals for 2010: Continue to grow the team along with spreading the knowledge of ALS within our team and through the formation of CLUB ALS-C3. In reference to racing, make as many races as time allows and support the team any way I can.
How I shave my legs: As often as possible.
More about me: My background includes six colleges, the US Navy Nuclear Power Program, Reactor Operator, contractor to Department of Energy at a high level radioactive waste facility in Aiken, SC and a nuclear weapons stockpile in Amarillo, TX prior to coming back home to Corpus Christi in June 1994 as a financial advisor where I currently work as a First Vice President at UBS. I raced briefly for a team in Groton CT, circa 1986, and moved from cat 4 to cat 3 on a steel FUJI 10 speed without clipless pedals taking 2nd place in the cat 4 state road race my first and only year of racing prior to racing the last two years here in Texas. My passion has always been surfing but in 2009 I put cycling in front of surfing most weekends. Sports are where I feel closest to my maker and really open my mind, releasing stress.

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Matt Kessing

Home town: Aiken, South Carolina
USAC category: 3
Why Team ALS-C3: I chose to race for Team ALS-C3 because the cause is something I feel very strongly about. The friends I have made since beginning to ride have made the team more like a family.
Member since: The very beginning
Favorite food on and off the bike: My favorite pre-ride meal is banana pancakes. On the bike, I eat any kind of peanut butter + jelly sandwiches, with my favorite being peanut butter, strawberry jam, banana and cinnamon. After a ride, I like to cook a large meal. Beans, rice, veggies, greens.
Favorite race from 2009: Hands down, my favorite race from 2009 was Walburg. It was my first race as a cat 4, and I was nervous. It was cold and as soon as we rolled off the line, it started raining on us, which calmed me down a little bit. On the first lap, right as we turned into the cross-wind, I jumped out and attacked. The feeling I got when I looked back and saw the entire pack shattered behind me was awesome. I ended up making the final group. Even though I made some tactical errors and ended up in 5th, it was still my best race, because it showed me that I could hang.
My ride: 57 cm Giant TCR Advanced with Campy Record groupo. Awesome bike, built up by the best mechanic in Corpus, Donnie Orchard.
Goals for 2010: My goals for 2010 are to develop my racing skills, both solo and team, while racing with Zak as a cat 3. I want to make it to cat 2 by the end of the season.
My perfect day: The perfect day for me is any day that I get to hang out with the people I love. Cooking, talking and screwing around. On or off the bike, it doesn't matter. The best days are always the ones that I spend with friends.
Other racing/riding highlights: I've been racing competitively since the beginning of 2009, and riding recreationally since 2007.
How high I shave my legs: A lot of times, I get lazy and only shave to the tan lines. Few people see higher than that anyways, and the notion of donning the "hair shorts" makes me laugh every time I take this shortcut.

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Al Kline

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: Great cause!
Member since: 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: Peanut butter and jelly.
Favorite race from 2009: Lavernia
My ride: Specialized all carbon s-works
Goals for 2010: Get back to my 2009 base and move forward.
My perfect day: Everyday is a perfect blessing.
How high I shave my legs: Just past my shorts. All serious riders do it.

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Ryan McFeely

Hometown: San Jose, California
USAC category: 1
Why Team ALS-C3? In order to link up with other passionate cyclists while I am stationed in Corpus Christi, make new friends and be a part of an organization that represents more than just personal glory, but also towards bettering our communities.
Member since: 2009 Spring
Previous Teams: United States Naval Academy, TBS Racing
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike... hands down Clif Bars. Nothing matches the variety, ease of consumption (ever try eating a powerbar on the bike??? Its impossible), ingredients and nutritional profile. I can't even pick a favorite flavor. Off the bike, its a hearty PBnJ utilizing almond butter, soy nut butter, fruit preserves... or sweet potatoes... or a genuine craft beer.
Favorite race from 2009: Mt Hamilton RR, San Jose CA. Besides being my favorite ride / race, last year's ascent up the 5000' peak was a true test of my perseverance. I crashed early on and found myself out of the race but hung in, despite a deep laceration that needed an ER visit afterwards and was able to salvage the race, leap frogging up in position over the following 2.5 hours of the race and finishing decently. Next year, there are things left unfinished on that Mountain side and I will finish the job.
My ride: 2008 Trek Madone 6.9 PRO with Neuvation wheels and a powertap, all SRAM Red equipped
2006 Trek TTX, Zipp 909 wheel set
2005 Giant TCR0 Composite (Academy racing bike and in retirement in San Jose CA)
2004 Giant TCR Alloy ... awaiting to become my weather bike
2004 Kona Blast ... my mountain bike that I miss
Goals for 2010: Simple... CAT1 ... Armed Forces Cycling...
My perfect day: Any day when I get to climb a mountain on my bike!
How high I shave my legs: Whatever feels right at the time

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Glenn Mejia

Home town: San Diego, California
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3: My uncle has been living with ALS for over 3 years. Watching him lose even the most basic functioning over the years, I decided I wanted to do what I could to bring more awareness to this disease. I definitely wanted to be part of a team that has the same goal and I feel fortunate to part of Team ALS C3.
Member since: Fall 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike, a power bar or cliff bar is fine. Off the bike, there isn’t much I don’t like…fish tacos, prime rib with loads of horse radish, pizza, ice cream, dark chocolate, Mexican food, Chinese food, and can’t forget Filipino comfort foods like pancit and lumpia.
My ride: I ride a Ridley Compact with Ultegra and locally hand-built wheels (Velocity Aeroheads laced to Formula hubs). It’s not the most glamorous or hi tech ride but it’s mine and I feel connected to it. Besides, I’m always working on a better “engine”.
Goals for 2010: Represent the team well by competing the best I can and also do my part in increasing awareness about Lou Gherig’s Disease.
My perfect day: Any day where my family gets what they need when they need it.
Other racing/riding highlights: Back in the late 80’s I crashed into the back of a Caddy parked in the bike lane at 21 mph. The top and down tube on my steel Rossin were crumpled and the forks were bent backwards. I was thrown from my bike, did two full flips and landed at the front of the Caddy. Luckily I landed on my upper back and not my head but I still got a slight concussion, huge bruises on the front of both thighs, and temporarily lost vision in my left eye. I didn’t ride for 15 years after that event, mainly because I didn’t have the funds to buy another bike or get my frame repaired. Why is that a highlight? The frame still hangs in my garage and reminds me how quickly things in life change especially when careless. Yeah, sometimes it takes the obvious to happen for me to learn a lesson!
How high I shave my legs: I don’t have the hairiness gene so as disappointed as I am that I can’t grow a decent beard or stash, I don’t have a lot of leg hairs to keep in check either. Shaving tan line high is all I need.
More about me: I work as an Occupational Therapist in a local school district. I have two great kids and a beautiful wife that no longer gets annoyed when she hears my alarm go off two hours before she’s supposed to wake up just so I can squeeze a ride in before work. I’m a USC Trojan (which, by association, also makes me a UCLA, Cal, and Notre Dame hater) and I’m also a huge Chargers fan…go Bolts!!!!! Finally, after seeing what ALS has done to my uncle, I no longer consider a difficult day in the saddle as “suffering”. It’s a privilege.

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Ruben Pena

Home town: Kingsville, Texas
USAC category: 4
Why Team ALS-C3: Race and ride with great friends and for the ALS cause.
Member since: The beginning
Previous Teams: STARRS Racings
Favorite food on and off the bike: Favorite food on the bike would be almond butter/jelly/honey sandwich, banana, cliff bars. Off the bike would be anything Italian, pizza and pasta.
My ride: Road: BMC 49cm, Dura Ace components with SRM. MTB: Cannondale Scalpel Lefty/15.5, Sram X.9, Avid Juicy seven brakes, Stans no tubes ZTR355 wheels.
Goals for 2010: I want to make it to Cat 3 by end of season. I also want to competitive and win a few MTB races in my first season.
My perfect day: Getting up and going on a morning ride with friends. Then come home and spend time with my family followed by a late afternoon MTB trail ride with my kiddo. Once our ride is over come home and cook or BBQ for the family.
Other racing/riding highlights: Winning the Camino Real Summer Crit series back in 2008. That was a great cycling experience in my first year of riding and racing.
How high I shave my legs: As high as the razor will allow.
More about me: Married for 17 years to a beautiful, wonderful and VERY understanding wife who allows me to ride and race. I have 2 children 16 year old Marissa and 7 year old Ryan. Ryan has taken up cycling (road and MTB). He states he loves giving pain to his friends while MTB riding.

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Matt Seagrave

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 1
Why Team ALS-C3? The team is an awesome group of guys that all share the idea of wanting to make a difference while racing thier bike.
Member since: 2010
Previous teams: Richmond Pro Cycling, Kahala La Grange, Metro VW, Kings North International Wheelers (Belgium)
Favorite food on and off the bike: Peanut butter and Honey sandwich, Pineapple, strawberries, whole wheat pancakes with peanut butter, burritos
Favorite race from 2009: Poor Farm/twisted tire Mountain Bike Race: I really enjoyed this race because it brought back my true love and enjoyment for the bike.
My ride: Road: Kazane 54cm, Durace Components with SRM; Mtb: Niner EMD9 medium/16.5, Sram X.9, Rock Shox Reba SL, Stans No tubes ZTR355 wheels
Goals for 2010: To win the MABRA Mountain Bike Series. Finish top 5 for Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships. My main goal for 2010 is to have the most fun racing my bike as possible.
My perfect day: Would be waking up and having some breakfast with friends and family. Then go for a good ride in the mountains road or mtb, then paddle out for a surf session and then go back to the house for a relaxed enjoyable dinner with friends and family.
Other racing/riding highlights: Multiple Podium and Top Ten finished while racing in Belgium. Winning the Overall and 2nd stage at Valley of the Sun Stage Race (pro race). Racing to Raise Awareness for Autism. Winning and setting the record for the Mandville Hill climb. State Time Trial Champion. Top 15 at Road National Championships. 2nd place at first mtb race (singlespeed). Former Professiona Triathlete.
How high I shave my legs: Up to my ears.
More about me: I enjoy being able to use my athletism to help other people (ALS, Autism). Family and friends are a huge part of my life and big reason why I have had the strength to persue the non-traditional path in life with some success.

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Lee Smee

Home town: Corpus Christi, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? Raise Awareness and $$ for ALS Foundation.
Member since: 2008
Favorite race from 2009: Castroville. My first race, I was hooked.
My ride: I just purchased a Cannondale Super Six that is spectacular.
Goals for 2010: Race 6 events, place top 10 in at least one.
My perfect day: A long ride in the Texas Hill Country followed by an evening camping with friends and family.
How high I shave my legs: Well, I don't shave the bikini line. My wife says she is glad we were married before I started wearing spandex and shaving my legs.
More about me: Check out my website www.marineecologylab.tamucc.edu.

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Mando Soto

Home town: Alice, Texas
USAC category: 5
Why Team ALS-C3? The riders are nice and they ride for a good cause.
Member since: September 9, 2009
Favorite food on and off the bike: On the bike I like Peanut Butter & Jelly Cliff Bars and Bananas. Off the bike I like eating steaks.
Favorite race from 2009: Fort Hood State Championships because it was a great expierence for me.
My ride: Cannondale R5000, 50" and a Trek 1000
Goals for 2010: To return back to Fort Hood to the State Championships in better shape.
My perfect day: To be able to have a great ride.
Other racing/riding highlights: 2007 Second place in Three Rivers at the Hotter than Salsa ride; 2007 First place Kingsville Texas Ride on the Wild Side; 2007 First place Tour de Goliad in Goliad Texas; 2009 First place in Three Rivers at the Hotter than Salsa ride
How high I shave my legs: All the way up baby because I've always done it ever since I have been in sports...dont like it any other way.
More about me: I live to compete so I love the thrill of any competition. Words I live by, "Pain is just a weakness leaving the body."

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How to Join Team ALS-C3

Team ALS-C3 gladly welcomes new members. All new members must meet the following requirements and then contact our executive board to apply for membership. New members are admitted twice a year, January 1st and July 1st. Cyclists who are interested in being a part of Team ALS-C3 but who do not meet our membership requirements are welcome to join our club. Contact our club president for more information.

Familiarize yourself with our cause; follow our links on ALS
Hold an active USAC license
Complete 4 mass-start USAC events (road, mountain, cyclocross or track)
Contact our executive board
Purchased our team racing kit
Paid annual team dues

If you have any questions contact our executive board or join us for a ride.

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