the difference between cats + dogs

when I was a child, I assigned gender to lots of things.  spoons were girls, forks + knives were boys.  cats were girls, dogs were boys.  boats were girls, cars were boys.  salt was a girl, pepper was a boy.  mustard was a girl, ketchup was a boy.  birds were girls, squirrels were boys.  you get the idea.  some of these items were genderless, some not.  I have no idea why I did this.  was it based on appearance or behavior or utility?  I'm not sure.  but somehow, in my child's mind, there was a difference between feminine and masculine and I clearly felt the need to distinguish between the two.

flash forward to my 20s and I focused the efforts of my MBA on the study of gender.

flash forward again to my 30s and I started a business based on gender.

now in my 40s I've had the unique opportunity of spending the past decade working in a women's -focused organization (that allows men to join us from time to time, too).

while others might disagree, I definitely believe there's a significant difference in how the minds of women and men work.  we approach sport differently.  we approach learning differently.  we approach community and relationships differently.  we tick differently.  we tock differently, too.

yeah, I know that none of this is black + white.  I also know that some of this is learned behavior (not inherited behavior) and that there are generational differences.  but all in all, I still believe that there is great value in gender-specific activities from time to time in our lives.

in 2003, I developed a two-day women's cycling clinic.  in later years, at the request of our clients, we developed a series of men's clinics, too.  and eventually, as our client base shifted to 40% men, we started offering co-ed clinics.  but there's still something very special about our women's-only Girls Got Skills clinic sponsored by Jan Medina Real Estate.  so even though we've let the boys come out to play for many of our programs, Girls Got Skills will forever remain a women's-only event.

our next Girls Got Skills clinic is October 8th + 9th, right here on the San Francisco peninsula. it's two days jam-packed with women + skills + bikes + fun!  we learn fundamental cycling skills, group riding, and climbing + descending.  we share our challenges and our successes. and we have fun doing it in a safe, comfortable environment.

there's still time to register!  as a matter of fact, if you register by Sunday, September 25th, you save $20 on the registration fee (score!).  so please, join us for a fabulous, women's-only cycling weekend in October.  I guarantee it will change your world.

you'll find info on Girls Got Skills and all our clinics and programs here:

http://www.velogirls.com/coaching/main.php

waiting with bated breath

wait no more! without further adieu, I'm thrilled to announce the Velo Girls Coaching Services 2011 clinic and camps schedule. registration has already opened for all events through June and many are close to selling out, so if you're interested in participating, I would encourage you to do so soon. a $20 early bird discount is applied to all registrations processed more than 2 weeks prior to a clinic. All clinics are co-ed with the exception of our two-day Girls Got Skills clinic which is for women + girls only.

Just click on the date and you'll be whisked away to our fancy-dancy registration page for that specific clinic session:

Bike Skills 101 – Fundamental Bike Handling Skills – sponsored by BicycleLawyer.com
Feb 12th, March 20th, May 1st, June 18th, July 24th, Sept 10th

This 4-hour co-ed clinic is the foundation of everything else you’ll learn on the bike. This is the clinic where we teach the old dogs new tricks and the newbies the fundamentals. You’ll learn about balance and weight distribution and how that affects your ability to ride your bike safely and confidently. We’ll learn skills like riding with no hands, emergency stops, and how to look behind you while holding your line, how to steer, and counter-steer. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike.


Bike Skills 102 – Fundamental Mountain Bike Skills – March 26th

It's time for a little dirty fun! We'll teach you the basics (and not-so-basics) of balance, weight distribution, and how to use the terrain to your advantage. Learn to rock, roll, hop, and jump. Master the art of steep climbs. Learn to descend with confidence and skill. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike.


Bike Skills 103 – Fundamental Cyclocross Skills + Tactics – TBA summer 2011
Have you been wondering what's all the buzz about cyclocross? It's a fun but challenging sport that's beginner-friendly and appropriate for the entire family. And best of all, it's happening at a park near you! In this four-hour clinic, you'll learn all the skills needed to get started in this incredible sport, including mounts, dismounts, and how to shoulder and carry your bike. We'll also share information about bikes & equipment, the local cyclocross racing scene, and how to train for a successful season. We’ll finish off the day with a simulated race and de-brief. You'll need a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike for this clinic.


Bike Skills 201 – Climbing + Descending Skills sponsored by Teresa Callen of Image Arts Salon
March 20th, May 1st, June 18th, July 24th, Sept 10th
What goes up must come down, right? In this 4-hour co-ed clinic, we’ll teach you how to climb like a pro – seated climbs, standing climbs, short climbs, steep climbs, extended climbs. And then, we’ll teach you how to come back down again, focusing on a fast straight descent, and then a technical switchbacky descent. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.


Bike Skills 301 – Pacelines + Group Riding Skills – April 10th, June 4th
Wheelsucking is an art! Whether you’re a racer or a recreational rider, group riding skills will help you ride longer, faster, and farther. We’ll learn draft theory and basic pacelines, beginning with partner work and progressing to more complex group riding skills and introductory racing techniques. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.


Bike Skills 302 – Racing Skills + Tactics – May 7th
This four-hour clinic will teach you all the individual bike-handling and group riding skills you'll need to race your first (or your 10th) criterium or road race. In addition to skills & drills, you'll receive expert coaching on race preparation and logistics, and an introduction to tactics. We'll finish the day with a training race followed by a de-brief. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.


Alpine Altitude Adventure (aka Death Ride Training Camp) – June 24th – 26th
Join us for a fun, co-ed training weekend in Markleeville, CA, home of the Death Ride. This co-ed weekend camp is designed to help prepare participants for the rigors of endurance riding at high altitude. Based in Markleeville, CA, this camp is appropriate for Death Ride participants and others who wish to gain high altitude experience. Daily mileage options range from 25 - 75 miles. Registration fee includes camping (Friday + Saturday), SAG on rides, cycling nutrition, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sunday breakfast, and lots of fun with cool folks. Thursday and Sunday night camping options available for a small fee. You are responsible for transportation to/from Markleeville, however participants will be encouraged to carpool.


Girls Got Skills sponsored by Jan Medina Real Estate – June 11th + 12th

This is our corner-stone clinic, and includes 16 hours of “you” time in the company of other cycling women. This clinic is a must-do for recreational cyclists and racers alike! We cover individual bike handling skills, group riding skills, climbing and descending, and training principles (including a time trial to determine heart rate training zones). Since 2003, women from all over the US and Canada have participated in this clinic. You’ll walk away from this weekend with a renewed love for the bike and the cycling community!

Just Added -- Bike Skills 301 (group riding) -- Oct 24th

You asked and we listened. Everybody wants to learn how to safely and efficiently ride with a group, whether that's one riding partner or a 50-person peloton. So we added another session of our ever-popular Bike Skills 301 (co-ed pacelines + group riding) clinic to the fall calendar on Sunday, October 24th.

This 4-hour co-ed clinic will teach you the fine art of wheel-sucking. Whether you’re a racer or a recreational rider, group riding skills will help you ride longer, faster, farther, and safer. You’ll learn draft theory and basic pacelines, beginning with partner work and progressing to more complex group riding skills and introductory racing techniques. We highly recommend that you participate in our Bike Skills 101 clinic prior to registering for Bike Skills 301.



Also on the calendar for fall 2010:

Bike Skills 102 (co-ed mountain bike skills) -- October 2nd

Girls Got Skills (2-day women's cycling clinic) -- October 16th + 17th

Bike Skills 101 (co-ed fundamental bike handling skills) -- November 13th

Bike Skills 201 (co-ed climbing + descending skills) -- November 13th

More details about these and all our clinics can be found at http://signmeup.com/68201

falling off the bike

There was a recent thread on the Velo Girls email group that prompted this post. In that thread, a rider commented that a specific local century ride was dangerous because the roads were in poor condition and that these roads caused at least three crashes during the event. With no disrespect to the original poster, I feel obliged to share some thoughts about these assertions.

Roads do not cause crashes. Unskilled riders cause crashes.

I've had the opportunity to ride and race my bike all over the world. I've ridden my road bike on baby-butt smooth pavement, on cracked and pot-holed farm roads, and on dirt roads (including an epic 1/2 mile dirt climb on Happy Canyon just this past weekend). You can ride your road bike on sand, gravel, grass, and ice. If you limit yourself to riding on perfect pavement, you might as well just ride loops in a business park (there are plenty of them in northern CA). Some of my most memorable rides are those that took place on less than perfect roads -- these are the challenges we remember long after the ride is over.

When I first began riding a bike again as an adult, I was scared of everything. Instead of riding intuitively, I tried to manage every obstacle and bump on the road. I tried to control the bike instead of working with the physics of the bike to allow it to do what it's supposed to do. I was nervous and I didn't understand how my bike worked. And somehow, I never crashed (although I probably should have given the way I rode).

So, how do riders not crash when riding on variable terrain?

#1 -- always look where you want to go. this means looking at the horizon view and using your peripheral vision to see what's directly around you. by looking ahead, you have time to change course or respond to any obstacles on the road ahead of you. there is almost never a reason for you to look down at your bike or to look down at the road directly in front of your wheel.

#2 -- learn to evaluate what is an obstacle and what is an inconvenience. your bike, at speed, will roll over just about anything you might encounter on the road. while a bump, rock or hole might be inconvenient, most of the time it won't cause you to crash. true obstacles would be tracks or cracks that are running parallel to your line of travel or deep holes that are bigger than your front wheel (and even then you might be able to roll it).

#3 -- maintain the appropriate speed for the riding conditions. momentum is your friend. speed is what keeps the bike upright. it's basic physics. if you reduce your speed too much, it will be more difficult to roll through those bumps and holes.

#4 -- steer your bike with your hips, core, and mind, not your hands and handlebar. do not use your bar to try to steer around an obstacle. the bicycle is a rear-driven vehicle. you steer the bike from the saddle, using your hips and your core. subtle changes in direction (ie riding around an obstacle) require a subtle motion. I tell riders that you can just "think" about making a directional change and it will happen. directional changes are initiated with your body -- your hands (and bar) will follow. we only steer with the bar at very low speeds.

#5 -- learn to modulate your speed without using your brakes. brakes are designed to stop the bike. braking disrupts the physics of propulsion. so practice using other methods to modulate your speed: stop pedaling, put less torque/pressure on the pedals (aka soft pedaling), sit up a bit to create more drag. these are all very effective methods of slowing yourself down and don't use the brakes.

#6 -- if you do need to brake, focus on smooth, steady brake pressure. do not brake during a turn, in gravel or loose pavement, or directly on an obstacle. if you need to to reduce your speed quickly over a short distance, learn proper emergency stopping techniques.

#7 -- stay alert but relaxed. maintain your focus, but keep your upper body relaxed and soft. your arms and legs serve as shock absorbers on the bike -- they're your suspension. drop your shoulders, bend your elbows, and keep a firm but relaxed grip on the bar.

I've spent the better part of the past decade studying the bike, how it works, how the rider interacts with it, and developing methods to teach riders all of this. If you haven't participated in one of our skills clinics, I highly recommend the experience. Past participants will tell you that our clinics have literally changed their lives and made riding a safer, more enjoyable experience. Riding a bike doesn't have to be hard. It doesn't have to be a painful experience (physically or mentally). Whether you've been riding for 2 months or 20 years, I can guarantee you'll learn specific skills that will make you a better rider -- and help prevent you from falling off the bike.

Details on all our clinics here: https://www.signmeup.com/68201

ride a bike? we've got an app for that!

Velo Girls Coaching Services is thrilled to announce our 2010 clinic + camp schedule! In 2009, we had more than 800 participants in our various programs. Almost all of our 2009 clinics sold-out weeks in advance, so I would encourage you to register early for any programs you'd like to participate in! I can't wait to work with you in 2010.

Velo Girls Indoor Training Series – Feb 2nd – April 8th, 2010
Beat the winter blues with the return of our 10-week Cinderella indoor training series! Each 90 minute session will help you build strength, power, and speed and is the perfect compliment to your outdoor riding. Bring your bike, a towel, a couple of bottles, and your stationary trainer for this women's-only training series held at Mike's Bikes in Palo Alto. Space is limited so register today! BONUS! Register for the full series and receive one free registration to Bike Skills 101 (valid through June 30th, 2010) -- a $105 value!

Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program – Bariani Road Race -- Feb 3rd - Mar 20th
The Tri-Flow Women’s Development Racing Program is designed to be a small, focused training program that teaches women how to road race and supports experienced racers who aren’t part of a season-long team. Because of the small group size, each woman will receive very personalized attention. This six-week program will prepare women to race in the Bariani Road Race in Zamora, providing both skills and fitness training. The entire group and coach will race together, and we’ll provide full logistical and strategic support on race day.

Bike Skills 101 – Fundamental Bike Handling Skills – Feb 13th, Mar 21st, Apr 24th, Jun 13th, 2010
sponsored by BicycleLawyer.com
This 4-hour clinic is the foundation of everything else you’ll learn on the bike. This is the clinic where we teach the old dogs new tricks and the newbies the fundamentals. You’ll learn about balance and weight distribution and how that affects your ability to ride your bike safely and confidently. We’ll learn skills like riding with no hands, emergency stops, and how to look behind you while holding your line, how to steer, and counter-steer. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike.

Bike Skills 102 – Fundamental Mountain Bike Skills – Mar 28th, 2010
It's time for a little dirty fun! We'll teach you the basics (and not-so-basics) of balance, weight distribution, and how to use the terrain to your advantage. Learn to rock, roll, hop, and jump. Master the art of steep climbs. Learn to descend with confidence and skill. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike. This clinic is highly recommended for roadies who are racing cyclocross and would like to learn more about all-terrain riding.

Bike Skills 102 – Cyclocross Skills + Tactics – coming summer 2010
Have you been wondering what's all the buzz about cyclocross? It's a fun but challenging sport that's beginner-friendly and appropriate for the entire family. And best of all, it's happening at a park near you! In this four-hour clinic, you'll learn all the skills needed to get started in this incredible sport, including mounts, dismounts, and how to shoulder and carry your bike. We'll also share information about bikes & equipment, the local cyclocross racing scene, and how to train for a successful season. We’ll finish off the day with a simulated race and de-brief. You'll need a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike for this clinic.

Bike Skills 201 – Climbing + Descending Skills – Mar 21st, Apr 24th, Jun 13th, 2010
What goes up must come down, right? In this 4-hour clinic, we’ll teach you how to climb like a pro – seated climbs, standing climbs, short climbs, steep climbs, extended climbs. And then, we’ll teach you how to come back down again, focusing on a fast straight descent, and then a technical switchbacky descent. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 301 – Group Riding Skills – Apr 25th, 2010
Wheelsucking is an art! Whether you’re a racer or a recreational rider, group riding skills will help you ride longer, faster, and farther. We’ll learn draft theory and basic pacelines, beginning with partner work and progressing to more complex group riding skills and introductory racing techniques. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 302 – Racing Skills + Tactics – May 8th, 2010
This four-hour clinic will teach you all the individual bike-handling and group riding skills you'll need to race your first (or your 10th) criterium or road race. In addition to skills & drills, you'll receive expert coaching on race preparation and logistics, and an introduction to tactics. We'll finish the day with a training race followed by a de-brief. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 303 – Advanced Racing Skills + Tactics – Feb 20th, 2010
Take your racing to the next level! In this 4-hour clinic, you'll learn to "make the race" by incorporating individual and team tactics -- and we'll teach you the skills to do that! Bring your teammates for maximum learning. Liza Rachetto will be joining us as guest coach for this clinic. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 302 or equivalent racing experience. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 302 or equivalent experience.

Girls Got Skills sponsored by Jan Medina Real Estate – June 5th + 6th, 2010
This is our corner-stone clinic, and includes 16 hours of “you” time in the company of other cycling women. This clinic is a must-do for recreational cyclists and racers alike! We cover individual bike handling skills, group riding skills, climbing and descending, and training principles (including a time trial to determine heart rate training zones). You’ll walk away from this weekend with a renewed love for the bike and the cycling community!

Alpine Altitude Adventure (aka Death Ride Camp) – June 25th – 27th, 2010
This weekend camp is designed to help prepare participants for the rigors of endurance riding at high altitude. Based in Markleeville, CA, this camp is appropriate for Death Ride participants and others who wish to gain high altitude experience. Daily mileage options range from 25 - 75 miles. Registration fee includes camping (Friday + Saturday), SAG on rides, cycling nutrition, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sunday breakfast, and lots of fun with cool folks. Thursday and Sunday night camping options available for a small fee. You are responsible for transportation to/from Markleeville, however participants will be encouraged to carpool.

Register Now for GIRLS GOT SKILLS!

Seven years and counting, women from across the US (and Canada) have participated in our corner-stone two-day women's cycling clinic -- Girls Got Skills. This weekend clinic is total cycling immersion for women of all levels, and participants walk away with a renewed love for the bike! Just think, 16 hours of you, your bike, like-minded women, and expert coaches! It just doesn't get any better than that.

During the weekend we focus on fundamental bike handling skills. Paradigms will shift as we teach you how to REALLY ride your bike, understanding the physics behind balance, weight distribution, and gyroscopic force. Don't worry, this isn't high school physics -- we teach you in a safe, comfortable setting that includes lecture, demonstration, and lots and lots of hands-on practice under the watchful eyes of our coaches and mentors. Besides the fundamentals, we'll teach you how to corner at high speed like a pro, climb like a butterfly, and descend like a freight train. We'll also teach you ever-important group riding skills, like how to draft a wheel and paceline with one individual and a large group. And if that isn't enough, we throw in bonus material on nutrition and training with heart rate. We even help you establish HR training zones by performing a short HR test.

This is one of our most popular clinics and it always sells out. There are a few spots left, so I would encourage you to register today:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3032

September 26th + 27th, 2009. Mark those dates now as the beginning of the rest of your cycling career. This weekend is definitely life-changing.

Update your Bookmarks -- Velo Girls Clinics!

Our on-line registration provider, SportsBaseOnline, made some system upgrades this weekend and changed all of the links to Velo Girls membership and clinic registration (SURPRISE!). Please note the following:


Velo Girls Coaching Services Clinic Index:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Series.aspx?id=438


Bike Skills 103 -- Cyclocross Skills -- September 26th -- co-ed:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3290


Girls Got Skills -- September 26th + 27th -- women only:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3032


Bike Skills 101 -- Fundamental Handling Skills -- October 18th -- co-ed:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3027


Bike Skills 201 -- Climbing + Descending -- October 18th -- co-ed:

https://old.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3028



Registration is open for all of these programs!

Double your pleasure; double your fun!

Last season, Velo Girls Coaching Services added a series of 4-hour Bike Skills modules, each focusing on a different skill set: bike handling, climbing + descending, group riding, racing, mountain biking, and cyclocross. Some of our clients suggested that we pair up our two most popular clinics -- Bike Skills 101 (individual bike handling) and Bike Skills 201 (climbing + descending) -- and we took that suggestions to heart.

Sunday, August 2nd, you can participate in a full day of co-ed Bike Skills fun! From 8:00am - 12:00pm, we'll cover all the essential bike handling skills in Bike Skills 101. Then, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, we'll teach you to climb + descend like a champ in Bike Skills 201.

There are still a few spots available in both clinics. And while you don't have to participate in both, we wanted to provide that opportunity for those of you who really want an intensive day of cycling fun + learning!

Registration and more information here:

https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Series.aspx?id=438