GPM10 and Serotta Join Forces

This is the first post in about 10 days! You have my apologies for dropping off the grid without much notice.

I traveled to London to hear Ben Serotta keynote the International Cyclefit Symposium (I will share the video of Ben’s talk on our website soon), met with a number of important customers, garnered some collaborative time with one of the bicycle industry’s sages and then, most importantly, Donna and I traveled to Zurich to spend a few days with my daughter, her husband and Sadie, their dog (our favorite Golden Retriever). I had the best of intentions of continuing my daily posts but time just got away from me amidst some busy days and evenings abroad.

But I am back in the saddle and ready to continue our conversations. In today’s post I want to let you know that while in London I met with Mark Neep and am now able to announce our 2013 partnership with GPM10. GPM10 is Europe’s leading provider of bicycle training camps and supported bike tours. Since 2003, they have operated in the French Alps and continue to provide challenging and professionally supported trips for cyclists wishing to push the limits of their riding. To get a taste of what they offer, watch this clip on YouTube.

What will be our involvement with GPM10? Well, we will be anchoring our European demo fleet – 10 bikes of varying sizes – with them in France. And great demo bikes they will be! We will provide American hand-built MeiVici SG (all carbon, standard geometry) bikes outfitted with internal electronic wiring for the Campagnolo Super Record EPS electronic shifting system, Campagnolo Shamal Ultra wheelsets, Deda trim parts, Zero seatposts/stems/handlebars/tape, Fizik saddles and Continental GP4000 tires and tubes. These will be “go­-to” high-performance bikes for the “go­-to” high­-performance European travel company hosting clients who want a top-of-the-game riding experience.

When I sat with Mark at lunch, I asked him, “You have been courted by the top bicycle brands in the world, so why Serotta?”

Mark replied, “Well, first, I personally (and lots of the GPM10 staff) ride Serotta as my No. 1 preferred personal bike. As such, we’ve been associated with the brand for such a long time that we’ve got tons of confidence in Serotta. We simply know these bikes will hands down enhance the experience of our clients trips. Through Serotta’s demo fleet, we’re excited to finally offer clients the opportunity to ride their own Serottas and experience what we already know personally and professionally: Serotta is the best in the world. All of our clients have their own really good, high-­end bikes – and there are lots of them – but this will be a way for them to experience a truly awesome bike.”

I have got to tell you that Ben and I smiled to hear this. It was better than dessert and an espresso!

Scott Hock (our technical support and R&D guru) and John Gorman (our Ultimate Ride Contest winner) will be joining Mark and his GPM10 staff for an early season, weeklong hammer session in Mallorca at the end of February. Of course, cycling is only half the attraction of a GPM10 trip. The other half involves taking in the scenery, camaraderie with fellow passionate cyclists and enjoying the best food and drink that inns, hotels and pubs along each route can offer. What a job they will have to report their daily experiences to you so, watch for their blog posts complete with photos and videos.