Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith is a veteran bike racer and bike race announcer. He has been a bike racer since 1983 working his way up through the ranks of amateur cycling, and a bike race announcer since 1985 traveling with some of the world’s greatest cyclists. He spent several years in public relations for a sleepy Detroit suburb, receiving one Emmy nomination and several Telly Awards. Writing repetitive press releases and boring speeches inspired him to find something more exciting to write about: bike racing. A graduate of Central Michigan University’s Broadcast and Cinematic Arts program, Jamie has become adept at describing cycling’s most complex intricacies to normal people. His first book, Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer, was selected as a 2009 Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. He has since taken on the role of sport director to translate the complexities of bike racing for befuddled bike racers who mistakenly chase down their own teammates, miss the winning breakaway, and consistently finish one place out of the money. He currently lives in Rochester, Michigan, with his 11 bikes, 2 surfboards, 1 rowing scull, and 5 pair of cross-country skis.

While in high school, Jef Mallett produced a daily comic for the “Pioneer” in Big Rapids, MI. He later worked as a cartoonist, and as an art director and an editorial cartoonist for a chain of eight midsize dailies. He has written and illustrated the children’s book “Dangerous Dan”, and has also served as an illustrator for other authors, including best-seller Mitch Albom. Jef is also a contributing editor for “Inside Triathalon” magazine. He lives in Lansing, MI.