Gary Fisher Will Be Part Of Launch Party Friday In Austin

(Austin, Texas) – Team Hotel San José is now “Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher” for the 2010 season.

The addition of Mellow Johnny’s bicycle shop, automobile manufacturer Subaru and bicycle maker Gary Fisher reflects a commitment by the team’s management company, Redbud Sports, LLC, to build on the momentum from 2009, when the team won 50 races.

“Having the support of companies that are so easily integrated into the cycling scene is both exciting and satisfying,” Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher Executive Director Todd Reed said.

A look at the Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher jersey and Gary Fisher frame the team will ride in 2010.

Title sponsor Hotel San José is a “hotel with soul” in Austin, Texas, where the team is headquartered. Built in 1939 as an “ultramodern motor court,” the boutique hotel has become part of the fabric in the city’s hippest neighborhood.

Mellow Johnny’s bicycle shop has quickly become a fixture in the heart of downtown Austin. Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and his friends aimed to make the shop a hub of cycling life, commuting, social activity, fitness, and a “temple of two-wheeled living.” Juan Pelota Cafe, a coffee shop inside Mellow Johnny’s, is an integral part of the bike shop – offering public showers at its convenient location a block from the city’s primary biking/hiking trail entrance.

Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher Team Owner and Manager Barry Lee said Mellow Johnny’s has played a significant role in the growth of the team and its member club.

“The shop has had a huge impact on nearly every aspect of cycling – riding, racing, commuting, the casual tourist and even the bike messenger community,” Lee said. “They sponsor many teams and have a wonderful staff of both old school and younger passionate enthusiast. It’s a nice balance that you don’t see in some bike shops.”

Hotel San José Owner Liz Lambert said her establishment couldn’t be more pleased to be on the same jersey as Mellow Johnny’s. “It’s a shop that really understands community and I feel like it’s a great fit with the Hotel San José,” she said.

Gary Fisher Bicycles is supplying the team with Gary Fisher Cronus custom carbon road bikes (featuring the squad’s green, orange and black color scheme) with SRAM red components and HED carbon wheels. Gary Fisher himself will be on hand Friday night at Mellow Johnny’s to showcase his support of the team in an event that is open to the public.

Lee said members of the Team Hotel San José club squad have the opportunity to purchase and ride Gary Fisher models, adding even more visibility to the sponsorship.

“Mellow Johnny’s sponsored all the product the first year with Gary Fisher stepping up now to increase and expand into the large clubs we have, as well as the UT Cycling Club,” he said. “So this guarantees there will be a huge amount of Gary Fisher bikes in the Austin and Texas region.”

Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher will field a 12-rider roster to compete in races throughout the United States, including National Racing Calendar (NRC) events, the USA CRIT Series and the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic (Superweek).

The team and its member club are also partners and supporters of a number of organizations, including the Lance Armstrong Foundation/LIVESTRONG Challenge, the Texas School for the Blind, the Texas School for the Deaf, the Texas Bicycle Racing Association (TXBRA), the Texas Mountain Bike Association (TMBRA), USA Cycling, the American Cycling Association (ACA), Austin Parks and Recreation, the City of Austin, First Descents and the Women’s Wilderness Institute.

The Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher club team poses in front of Mellow Johnny’s in Austin.

Team Hotel San José/Mellow Johnny’s Presented by Subaru-Gary Fisher Presentation
Friday, Feb. 26, 5-8 p.m.
Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces Street, Austin
Dinner free to the public, courtesy of Bayou City Seafood and Pasta
Keg beer (at no charge)

Note: A public road ride begins Saturday morning at 9 from Mellow Johnny’s.

Photos courtesy: Rick Kent, Endurophoto.com