Dang cool XC

[gibbons]

A few weeks ago my son raced in the infamous LOTOJA bike race, 206 miles in one day from Logan Utah through Idaho to Jackson Wyoming climbing 3 mountain passes along the way. One of the race sponsors provided this "neutral support" XC and the bikes on top. I often wondered what it would be like to stagger the bikes into two rows on top like this, when we put 5 bikes side by side on ours, it's a really puzzle getting them on. I think next time we go, I am going to snag an extra bar off of a Subaru and set out XC up like this. Anyway, just thought you might be interested. Oh, yeah, those Colnagos on top are worth about $7K each.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/9595/img1275qj1.jpg


By the way, my biological engineering major, part time racer 21 year old son took 26th place out of 1000 racers. He was pedaling for 9hours34minutes straight and averaged 21.6mph. Here is a link to his pic in the race:

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8568/lotojaem3.jpg

[gary]

that's a cool looking XC, gibbons, and congrats on your son's well placed finished...that's very impressive. [thumbup]

Kinda related, when I was watching the Tour de France this past summer, I believe it was Team CSC that had an XC70 as their team car. I tried to look for a couple of pics of it to post to the site, but I was never able to find any, unfortunately, but it was also a very impressive looking XC with all those bikes up top.

The most I've had up top on mine is three, but they're not staggered; just two facing front and one facing backwards. And mine are nowhere near 7K each! :)

[billy780]

Does anyone find the color of that XC odd. I have yet to see one in the bright red and from the picture it looks as is the decal is applied over the paint. I assume this color was a limited/special order or they had it painted.

[ifnt420]

Most likely repainted after delivery.

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/hamburg_fire_brigade/04vrw107.jpg

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/xc70%20brandweer.jpg

[budrichard]

Many of the suppliers at both European and US road races use Volvo wagons as service vehicles. Look for Campy at any large USCF event in a Volvo!
Me, I stuff my bikes in the back of the wagon and use a rear hitch for more than one if needed. I'm too old to grab the stuff off the roof anymore except for my sea kayak which i manage with Yakima 'Hully Rollers'.
Congrats to your son, that's a long way to average that speed. -Dick

[SRAM NRS]

Hi Everyone,

Yes, those are cool XC's !...I should know as I am director of the program that uses those cool Volvo's.
As a reader of the XC.com site for some time now it is exciting to see our cars up on the site...thanks Gibbon's for spotting one of our XC's at the Lotoja event.

We have 5 of these XC's (2006) and get to drive them all over the USA providing mechanical support at cycling events. At the 06 seasons close (December 17th) for us we will have driven 250,000 miles in our XC's.

The XC's are Barents Blue...well...under the full wrap it is!...a company here in Providence (Graphic Innovations) did the work...really does a nice job protecting the paint, removes easily in about an hour (in direct sunlight).

About the racks on the roof...we are sponsored by Thule and all the components are standard Thule catalog items, the XC will hold 6 bikes on the roof with 5 wheel holders and the fairing. I can provide the layout if anyone is interested.

More pics and our schedule can be found at www.semeventsllc.com
Please come by and say hi to any of us should you see us in your area.

If you would like, please email me your mailing address for a schedule and a 1/32 scale SRAM NRS XC70 cut out. [email protected]

Best,
Butch Balzano

[Art]

Nice looking Rigs Butch! [cool2]

I recall posting a thread a while back which highlighted a similar fleet of 2004 XC70s only those ones were decked out in Campagnolo race colors. Were they also involved in the same program?

[SRAM NRS]

Thanks Art!

Yes, in 2004-2005 Campagnolo was our title sponsor....SRAM Corporation www.SRAM.com (Chicago, IL) took over the title sponsorship for 2006-7...look for new 2007 XC's late December !

Butch Balzano

[PDXXC]

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/xc70%20brandweer.jpg
Dammit, I want that light bar......anyone know where I can find something similar short of stealing one from this official looking vehicle!

[07xc70]

See http://www.qpax.se/eng/Default_eng.htm

No US distributor though...

[PDXXC]

See http://www.qpax.se/eng/Default_eng.htm

No US distributor though...

Rats,
Oh well. Their price for the XC 70 Full bar is $700 excluding VAT.....that's a bit steep.
At least I have some pics to take to my tube-bending, welder buddy.
Thanks