October Rider of the Month -- Jackie Link

Jackie is known by her friends and fellow cyclists to always bring a smile wherever she goes. This was evident even thirty years ago when she was in a sailing accident that crushed her knee, turned it into something good, and used cycling to recover. Since that time not only has she ridden for her own physical and mental health, but she has dedicated herself to helping other women get outside and on their bikes.

Jackie joined Velo Girls in 2003 and became a member of Team Velo Girls in 2006. As part of the Endurance Team she has dedicated hours of her time to women ever since. She has started and led four different rides to help women start riding and meet others. She understands that women will continue cycling if they have others to ride with and she has made it her personal mission to offer as many rides as possible. Many women in Northern CA, including some of the area's finest racers, credit Jackie with helping them learn to ride a bike and develop a love of cycling.

Jackie is retiring from the team this year, but trust us that is not because of a lack of energy! We want to thank her for her dedication, commitment, and unselfishness.

Favorite Ride: My ramble around the entire city---around the bay waterfront, through the Presidio and around Land's End, down Ocean Beach, over Twin Peaks and through the Mission to my home on top of Potrero Hill. It's about 30-35 miles and there's always a surprise somewhere along the way.

Why I Ride: Because no matter what else is happening in the world, when I put my foot on the pedal and push off, I'm very, very happy.

Most memorable Velo Girls moment(s): Whenever a beginning rider comes up to me, sometimes years later, to tell me how much it meant to her that I'd helped her when she first started riding. Some have gone on to race, others to complete ALC and century rides.

A Bit About Me: I took up cycling after having a knee crushed in a sailing accident in 1980, and it's opened up the world for me. I've taken a bike to explore Holland, France, Denmark, Portugal, Japan (including up Mt. Fuji!), Arizona and countless trips along our coastline from Seattle to San Diego.

Favorite Quote: Years ago, on a Northern Exposure ride with over 30 riders, one woman said to me, "I like your style, you don't mind leading from the back!"