All Posts By

admin

Aug 21 2019
0

Decorate Manny P

By | Uncategorized

MFG Dress the Manneken Pis Contest

Words by Nat Pellman, GM at Brouwer’s Cafe:

Brouwer’s has been a sponsor of MFG cyclocross since it started.  We’ve always wanted you to have fun winning prizes, so our promotions over the years have included everything from “Beat the Hodala Rider” to a jersey for the SSers, and hopefully you’ve enjoyed them!

This year we’ve decided to make our contest more team-oriented! We’d also like to see more of your smiling faces down here at Brouwer’s! So here’s the idea that’s been tossed around and agreed on – “Dress the Manneken Pis”. What?!!

Manneken Pis is a sculpture in Brussels, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain’s basin. It was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618. And yes, we have our very own Manneken Pis fountain here at Brouwer’s! He gets dressed up for many of our events and welcomes folks at the front entry.

So during the week(s) leading up to each MFG race, teams or individuals are encouraged to “dress” our Manneken Pis, take a photo, upload it to Instagram, and tag the post with  #Brouwers @brouwerscafe #MFG @mfgcross and #Mannyp @brouwersmannyp  (as he’s affectionately called here). You can dress him however you like, the more creative the better! Search “manneken pis costumes” on the interweb and you’ll get the idea.

The prize will be a $50 gift certificate to Brouwer’s, and we will announce a winner each Friday morning before the race weekend, on both MFG and Brouwers social media.

Here are a few rules:

  • When you arrive at Brouwer’s, check-in with the Manager on duty.
  • Avoid coming on Friday or Saturday nights. We are usually really busy and want to avoid giving the general public the idea they can mess with him.
  • Come for a drink or something to eat.
  • Mannyp is about 2 feet tall and can’t be picked up or moved.
  • Absolutely No stickers or painting please.  Aka leave him as you found him!
  • Also avoid touching or dropping anything into the water below him.
Nov 19 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: Sub Pop Records

By | Uncategorized

Screen Shot 2017-11-19 at 7.26.04 PM

MFG Sponsor: Sub Pop

Website: www.subpop.com

Instagram: @subpop

What Sub Pop does:

Sub Pop is a Seattle-based record label producing decades worth of historic music.  Sub Pop was founded by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman in 1988 with early releases from TAD, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and of course, Nirvana.

More recent artists working with Sub Pop to release music include Beach House, Fleet Foxes, The Postal Service, Shabazz Palaces, and Foals.

Why we like Sub Pop:

Travel anywhere around the world and the Sub Pop logo will be plastered on a hat, a stop sign, a toll booth basket, or a bathroom urinal.   We love that the Sub Pop mark has stood the test of time.   We also love the diversity of music being produced.   Shabazz Palaces, TAD, and The Postal Service couldn’t be more different in sound and presentation.   That Sub Pop has given each of these bands a road map and a chance to produce music is admirable.

Five things you should know about Sub Pop:

  1. Sub Pop is (in)famous for their rejection letter to artists that began, “Dear Loser,”
  2. Multiple members of the Sub Pop staff race bicycles
  3. Papercuts, one of our all time favorite bands, produced their first album with Sub Pop.
  4. Their tag line at the moment reads “We’re not the best, but we’re pretty good”
  5. You can see Porter Ray and Shabazz Palaces in Vancouver, BC on Dec 1st
Nov 05 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: The Athletic

By | Uncategorized

Three_Bolt_Grey_Seafoam_2_1024x1024

MFG Sponsor: The Athletic

Website: www.theathleticcommunity.com

Instagram: @theathletic

What The Athletic does:

  • The Athletic is a local Portland company founded by Jeremy Dunn and Julie Krasniak.  The Athletic pioneered the modern cycling sock craze with the introduction of their PDX Carpet sock in 2013.
  • In addition to a retail space, a web store, and a cyclocross racing team, The Athletic also hosts a podcast under the name Transmissions with guests inside and outside the cycling world.
  • Cycling kit design has always been a strength and a priority at The Athletic.   You can see their latest kit design here.

Why we like The Athletic:

If you ever get the chance to drive over to the sleepy village known as Portland, it’s absolutely worth taking a stop at The Athletic.   Their space is ultra cozy and merchandised nicely with lots of stock on hand.  One of the things we like most about how the store has been curated centers around the publications on hand, as well as the obvious fondness for sports other than cycling.

Five things you should know about The Athletic:

  1. Garrett Chow is The Athletic’s design director.  You might remember him from this project.
  2. The newest wool sock collection in dusty teal is proving to be the most attractive yet.
  3. Jeremy knows East Coast cyclocross 
  4. Julie knows professional European cyclocross
  5. Yes, Jeremy and Julie are Cycling’s Coolest Couple.
Oct 16 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: Nuun

By | 2016, Cyclocross, Sponsor

OM_Front_Pouch_485_500

MFG Sponsor: Nuun

Website: www.nuun.com

Twitter: @nuunhydration

Facebook: nuun

What Nuun does:

  • Nuun is a local Seattle company that pioneered the concept of an electrolyte tablet without all the sugars or plastic bottle waste. The company focuses on delivering optimal hydration for whatever activity you choose, leaving you to find energy from bars, or waffles!
  • Nuun is comprised of triathletes, runners, climbers, and cylcocross racers, so they are often out there racing with you.
  • The Nuun hydration tent is present at all MFG venues, with Nuun on tap to fill bottles and maintain proper hydration.

Why we like Nuun:

Nuun has been a MFG series sponsor from the start.   Perhaps more than any other vendor, Nuun has made a dedicated effort to staff a professional booth at nearly all MFG events, raced the days races, and help tear down at the end.   The crew at Nuun includes Tyler S. and Peter B. and has a very strong and positive presence at all MFG events.

Beyond the involvement of Tyler and Peter and MFG events, Nuun as a company is extremely involved in many outdoor events.  If you look at kits from racing teams around the Northwest, you’ll see the Nuun mark on the backside of many racers.   Call it branding, call it lifestyle:  one thing is for certain, Nuun is OUT in the field, doing great work.

Five things you should know about Nuun:

  1. The newly formulated Nuun Performance uses dextrose and cane sugar to aid in fluid recovery.
  2. Nuun Electrolytes are effervescent so that they dissolve quickly, and do not clump on the bottom of your bottle.
  3. Nuun Performance pouches come in Orange/Mango and Blueberry/Strawberry
  4. Four of Nuun Electrolyte flavors come caffeinated.
  5. Nuun sponsors elite running star Kara Goucher

 

Sep 30 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: Hammer + Awl

By | 2017, Sponsor

Screen Shot 2017-09-25 at 9.16.32 PM

MFG Sponsor:   Hammer + Awl

Website: www.hammerandawl.com

Like them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

The modern man needs modern equipment whether this is apparel, accessories, or home goods.  Our friends at Hammer + Awl have taken a stance to curate a selection of men’s products that focus on quality, style, and made in the US when possible.

Whether you’re looking for apparel from Still By Hand or fragrance from Blackbird, Hammer + Awl is your source for thoughtful men’s products. 

Why we like Hammer + Awl

Hammer + Awl is the brainchild of Erin Krohn and her husband (and long time MFG friend and racer) Anthony Dickson.   Hammer + Awl supports cycling as they continue to sponsor the Hammer + Awl cycling team.

Five things you should know about Hammer + Awl:

  1. You can shop and support Hammer + Awl directly from your living room via their web store.
  2. The Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket is one fine looking piece.
  3. Hammer + Awl offers select products from Seattle-based Filson such as the Travel Kit.
  4. Why (k)not bow tie?
  5. Hammer + Awl models look like this!

 

Sep 24 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: Coal Headwear

By | 2016, Cyclocross, Sponsor

screen-shot-2016-11-04-at-2-19-31-pm

MFG Sponsor:   Coal Headwear

Website: www.coalheadwear.com

Like them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

In 2002 Coal started as a labor of love in an apartment in Portland, Oregon. In Coal’s first year, they launched the brand with a vision for a quality headwear line inspired by friends and family—one that would be an outlet for our whole new take on the woolen, knit beanie. Coal was founded on the belief that headwear is more than an accessory.  It’s part of you, your identity, and your lifestyle.

Why we like Coal Headwear

Coal’s Fall 2017 collection of hats is extensive.   They offer hats, caps, and a variety of other styles.   We particularly like the Donner in the Deep Purple livery, as well as the Downhill knit hat in Canada colors.

Five things you should know about Coal Headwear:

  1. Their hats are available at Evo.
  2. They offer collections for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.
  3. They also offer scarfs and gloves.
  4. The hats have cool names.
  5. Randy Salomon likes The Preston.
Sep 10 2017
0

Sponsor Spotlight: MIIR

By | 2016, Cyclocross, Sponsor

sprudge-miir-sarabillups-miir_int_billups_04

Photo: Sara Billups

MFG SPONSOR:  MIIR

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website

The concept and spirit of MIIR was founded by Bryan Pape, after breaking his femur in a ski accident.  Bryan’s vision at that sobering moment was to live a more generous life while thinking of others.   Today, that altruistic epicenter has led MIIR to bring distinct products to market including innovative bikes, bags, and hydration products.

Why we like MIIR

  • The form and function of all MIIR products are elegant and intuitive
  • MIIR gives 5% of revenue to trackable giving projects
  • MIIR offers a geared, disc-brake commuter for under $800
  • The draft list at the MIIR cafe is insane!

5 Things You Should Know About MIIR

  • MIIR is the official sponsor of MFG #1 at Lake Sammamish State Park
  • MIIR’s flagship store and cafe is located in Fremont, right off of Stone Way
  • Currently there are over 20 beers on draft at the MIIR cafe
  • You can host a party and reserve an event room at the MIIR Flagship
  • You’ll find MIIR employees Joshua Stinger and Ian Crane at the front of all MFG singlespeed races
Sep 05 2017
0

Bib Number and Timing Chip Pick-up this Thursday at Rapha Seattle

By | Uncategorized
rapha seattle
Welcome to MFG Cyclocross Season Nine! We look forward to kicking off the season on Sunday, September 10th at MFG #1 at Lake Sammamish State Park.
 
We’d love to save you time and unneeded stress by inviting you to a number and timing chip pick up at Rapha Seattle this Thursday, September 7th from 5-7pm.
 
Join us and our new sponsor Rapha for some light food and drink, and pick up your number at the clubhouse (301 E. Pine Street on Capitol Hill). You can still purchase a Season Pass that evening, and also receive 20% off any Rapha purchase.
Nov 25 2016
1

Sponsor Spotlight: Brouwer’s Cafe

By | 2016, Cyclocross, Sponsor

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Location: 400 North 35th Street in Fremont at Phinney Ave

Brouwer’s Cafe has been a MFG sponsor since the beginning, and has graciously given away Gift Certificates throughout the season.  This season Brouwer’s Cafe is the title sponsor of the Brouwer’s Cafe Hot Lap Competition.

Brouwer’s Cafe is rich in Belgian decor, food offerings, and of course, beer.   With 300 bottles on hand, nearly 75 beers on draft, and a leather-bound scotch novel, there is a drink worth having for just about anyone at Brouwers.

What’s more, Brouwer’s is managed by none-other-than Nat P., a regular Hodala! singlespeed tough guy who regularly finds himself creepin’ in the top 10 at all CX SS races.

Why we like Brouwer’s:

Really good food, insane beer draft and bottle list, and servers who are willing to make recommendations.   Oh, and clean lines changed on every keg on draft make for QUALITY.

Five things you should know about Brouwer’s Cafe:

  1. Service staff are intelligent and will make recommendations for drinks.
  2. Belgian passion with Manneken Pis in the front entry!
  3. Multiple frite sauces options including aioli, curry ketchup, and tartar.
  4. Over 60 Scotches available.
  5. The 10-person library room on the top floor.
Nov 23 2016
0

Sponsor Spotlight: Subaru

By | 2016, Cyclocross, Sponsor

2017_photos_ext_34

MFG SPONSOR:  Subaru

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Founded in 1968, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is the U.S. Sales and Marketing subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) of Japan and is responsible for the distribution, marketing, sales and service of Subaru vehicles in the United States.

Over the last 20 years, Subaru has sponsored cycling teams and events on the road and in the dirt.  Within the Northwest, Subaru has sponsored the UCI Subaru Cyclo Cup, Subaru StarCrossed, and most recently, the entire MFG Cyclocross 2016 season.

Why we like Subaru

  • Subaru is likely the most iconic vehicle in the Northwest.
  • Subaru prioritizes traction and balance into their all wheel drive system, much like some bicycle companies strive to do with rider weight distribution
  • The 2017 Subaru line-up features 24 vehicles under $30,000
  • The all new 2017 Impreza starts at $18,395!

5 Things You Should Know About Subaru

  • All vehicles except BRZ come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
  • Subaru’s Boxer Engine design prioritizes efficiency, a low center of gravity, and a low profile.
  • The WRX STI Limited produces 305 hp at 6000 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
  • Show your love for your Subaru with a custom Badge of Ownership
  • You can find your local Subaru retailer here