a year in the making

Team Velo Girls member, Carolyn Thompson, shares her experience racing mountain bike cross country at Sea Otter Classic for the first time.

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Well the day of reckoning came and went for me on Sunday April 18th - the location? Sea Otter Classic of course!

Since last spring when I decided I would try my hand at Sea Otter for the first time in 2010, I've been thinking about (and stressing about if the truth be told!) doing well at Sea Otter. In January I got serious and put together a training plan with 14 weeks of focused training leading to a peak for this race. I slogged through hours on the trainer while it was pouring outside and dark before the end of my work day and muddy slippy rides on the weekends. I set my goal as top 10 in my age group knowing that was a stretch goal but a realistic one I hoped to achieve with dedicated training and focus!

I got lots of advice from past racers and our very own Lorri Lee Lown - all of which was playing over in my head as I lined up on the front starting line! This years course started the racers on the race track between turns 4 and 5. Quick de-tour: Can I just say as an avid motorcycle race fan and frequent spectator at motorcycle races at Laguna that I was out-of-my-mind excited to be racing on "the" race track at Laguna!! For part of our warm up we spun up, and then jammed down the infamous Cork Screw turn and I was bubbling over with excitement the entire time! Ok end detour back to RACING! With teammates Kerri Stevenson off in the heat ahead of me a Mariska Vodegel in the group behind, I held my own on the front line at the starting grid. 30 seconds ladies...and we are off!

As if she was shot out of a cannon, the skinny fully kit'ed rider from Specialized I noticed as serious competition before was out in front and in the blink of an eye she was rounding turn 4 headed for the Andretti Hairpin (Turns 2)! I got on the back of a train of 4 or 5 girls but they were taking their time and I wanted to get a jump and put some space between me and others before we got off the track and onto the trails. My legs were feeling good, heart rate a little higher than I'd like but this is racing, so I click up a few gears and pull past all of them, enjoying the pristine tarmac on the race track as I headed, IN SECOND PLACE!!, around turn 11, up turns 10 and 9 before jumping off the track onto the rutted sand run-off section that puts us out on the trails.

The fire road climb bring a passer or two from the group chasing but I bring them both back using momentum from the downhill sections to pull me up the short climbs. The fire road had a well beaten line in it that was free of the scary loose gravel that was there during both of my pre-rides so I was able to push it faster there than I expected - it didn't hurt that I was catching girls from the group in front of my giving me a few rabbits to catch up to. Two girls from my group pass me and this time the pass sticks and I push to keep with them on the final fire road climb before we get to the first section of beloved single track.

We hit the single track and I'm in 4th place now and know I'm fast in that section of the course, I push up a gear and crank and quickly bring them into sight. Someone from the group before us is slowing the train down in front of me which only helps pull them closer in and just like that I'm hooked back up to the train of ladies fighting for top 5! We cross the road and start the single track climb up to the infamous "Beach". I keep in contact with the girls ahead and make a few passes to get past those holding us up. A number of folks kindly pull over when they hear the train of ladies huffing and puffing up the hill and I holler out "one more back" so they keep the spot open for me as well - they gladly do! Climb over and we hit the roller fire road up to the "Beach". I make a pass, putting me in 3rd or 4th but she doesn't give up easily and keeps right with me.

And now the "Beach"...condition s were perfect and I should have been able to stay on but I lost it part of the way down and had to drop a foot - Drat!! I get passed by one, two, three girls...grrrrr! Not happy! I flail with one foot out and one more passes me and I realize I've got to run this baby - so I'm off and running. Finally out of the sand I remount and jam but the damage is done and the girls are out of sight. With my delusions of fame, fortune and top 5 smashed I push on knowing I can still meet my goal of top 10 but can't slack off. The single track uphill after the beach is a non-stop route of short, steep uphill kicks without much relief in between and my hard effort at the start is showing because my legs are not cooperating and I struggle to get up the hardest stuff. Finally at the top I gear up and descend the fire road and then regular road before using all my momentum to propel me up onto the next fire road at about the 45min
mark - time to GU!! Yummy Mint Chocolate!

I climb the short fire road leading to the final single track of the course, pushing through the single track I reach to top very pleased with my single track skills for the day. Then I see it...the trail that has been giving me heart burn since my first pre-ride...3 deep rutted out sections back-to back that I had yet to ride all the way through. My fearless riding partner and husband Aaron had shown me the right line, pumped me up that I could do it but it was up to me to make it happen! I couldn't afford to get off and walk for fear of who was behind me so on I went. Section 1 & 2 = not so bad! Ahead of me looms the third and hardest section - I know the race line is on the far right and that it is initially blocked from view by a shrub so trusting Aaron's advice, and ignoring the 2 boys walking it on the left!, I push on to the right, hollering out to the walkers below that I was riding and on the right. And like that it was over - I had lived,
was not horribly mangled and had actually made it down! Yippee!

With my daemons conquered, hoping I was still top ten I pushed on the final fire road climb up Skyline. My legs were screaming so I did what I could to survive the climb, passing others and getting passed some of the time. With relief in sight and cheers coming from all around I took the hard left down the final trail to the track. I made it through, almost...had to drop a foot due to bad gear choice on a short uphill...and was back onto the sacred ground of the race track with my wheels pointed downhill finally! I put on all the gear I had, channeled Nicky Hayden's MotoGP cornering skills and mashed down turn 6, whipped around turn 5 and finished pushing all out!

I did meet my goal of top ten - 9th out of 21 for my category, but I'd be lying if I didn't was I was disappointed to not be in the top 5! In the end I know that I left everything out there on the race course and am pleased with where my training put me in the end. I have more improvements to make and better race form to achieve throughout the year but this Velo Girl is proud to be in the top 10 racing against some really top notch competition and to have my first Sea Otter race under my belt!

Thanks for reading!
~Carolyn

Amy's Goals -- met at Bariani!

Team Velo Girls member, Amy, recently participated in the six-week Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program. Here's her report from her first race:



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First things first: Happy Birthday to my sweet Delaney! 7 years old; I can't believe it!

Bariani Road Race (as in Bariani Olive Oil):

I was nervous the whole 2 hour trip to the race. To be more accurate, I've been nervous for the last 2 weeks, feeling the passing of time acutely. I keep thinking about this crazy bike year: Last year at this time, I was a committed recreational rider (newly picked by Trek to do this blog!), and thinking that anyone who raced was either super-fit or just plain crazy. And there I was a year later, on Saturday, in the car on my way to my first race...nerves and anxiety on full blast. On Friday we had hosted a birthday party for my daughter and ten of her friends, then my two-year-old appeared to have the stomach flu. Not the most relaxing or focused way to spend the day (and night) before my first race, but perhaps it took my mind off of my worries. Saturday morning, I finished prepping my gear, and Declan looked well enough to leave with the grandmas (who had both flown in to celebrate Delaney's birthday) which meant Chris could come with me (hooray!). In the car, despite the deliberate non-cycling conversation, I kept focusing on one aspect of the race: would I be able to clip in to my pedals and at least leave the start line with the pack?

Read the rest of Amy's race report along with her photos here:

Amy's Blog on Trek Women Who Ride

Registration for the next six-week Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program is now open. As an added bonus, we'll be working with Kristin Keim, professional bike racer and Sports Psychology PhD candidate. The program is limited to 10 women and you can register here: https://www.signmeup.com/68201

Sand and Climbs and Sandy Climbs

Here's a race report from Team Velo Girls member, Cristina, from the CCCX race on March 14th. Medals are cool and so is Cristina!



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Hey Y'all, here's my race report from our most recent Mountain Bike race, last Sunday.

How did I spend MY first morning of Daylight Savings? On my bike, of course!

Crystal clear skies, fresh seaside air, frogs croaking in the ponds, and the buzz of neighboring Laguna Seca. That's what racing at Ft. Ord is all about. Oh yeah, and sand... and climbs... and sandy climbs.

We had two racers in the Beginner Women's group of 4 ~ Edith and myself, while Carolyn rocked it in the Sport category. This race was a little longer than the previous race @ 17 miles. The 3 lap course consisted of many mean dirty climbs, swoopy hard rutted downhills, fast ice plant infested meadows and a couple sneaky sections to keep us on our wheels.

After my previous experience racing at Ft. Ord, where I took it easy and just cruised the whole time, finishing with the desire to do another couple laps, I thought I should actually "try racing" this time. So my first lap was fast, but tough. I powered up all the climbs (no cylcocross style run-a-bike for me!), bombed some jarring downhill, and cranked my way along the flat sections. I finished the first lap feeling tired, but pretty good. Lap 2 caused me to question why I didn't fuel better before the race. Pedaling on, I tried to hydrate myself better and slowed my pace a bit... remembering at each death-climb that I had to do this one more time. Lap 3 came with a crash: zero energy and total body ache. I wanted to quit. I stopped, listened to the frogs, gazed at the trees, and made mental notes about proper fuel and hydration for next time... duh.

We all finished our races, Edith and Carolyn both knocked out 3rd places in their categories ~ with some super fit and challenging ladies racing against them. I did finish, took 4th out of 4, and actually got a medal.... my first ever medal for anything athletic. Thank you, CCCX, see you next time... and next time I promise to be more prepared.

-Cristina.

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spring is in the air!

and that means it's time to bring back our weekday evening rides! Velo Girls will once again be partying in the PM on both the asphalt and the dirt:

Dirty Velo Girls dirt ride: starting Thursday, March 18th!

It's time to get down + dirty with the Velo Girls. Join us on this all-levels, beginner-friendly dirt ride at Arastradero Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto. Mountain bikes + cyclocross bikes are welcome. Post-ride, we'll head over to the Alpine Inn for recovery food, beverages, and girl-talk! RSVP to dirtyvelogirls@velogirls.com


Midweek Madness road ride: starting Wednesday, March 31st!

Join us on this fast-paced Velo Girls tradition (since 2002). This ride focuses on group riding skills and high-intensity training. Rolling from Woodside Town Hall promptly @ 6:00pm. RSVP to coaching@velogirls.com

two doses of dirt this weekend for Team Velo Girls

Hello Velo Girls!

I just want to thank Velo Girls for giving me numerous cycling options on Saturday. I could have joined the girls on the Cinderella training ride (short or long), or perhaps train alongside the Tri-Flow gals, shoot, I even had an invitation from my husband to join him on a ride.

Well, last minute Friday night, I decided to drive 35 minutes south to San Martin and park in a freshly cut pasture to join a few hundred other mountain bikers for the first South Bay XC race. The race was held at Harvey Bear Park, and I just have to say how AWESOME it was to be able to race so close to home! I mean, seriously, left the house at 8am and was back for lunch at noon!

The race was interesting to say the least. The race director informed us at the race start that the race would have probably been fast and furious had it not been for the rain and the cows. Because of these two factors the trail had been turned into swiss cheese. And swiss cheese it was…. Right from the get-go, the trail was festooned with hoof holes and of course, do I even have to say it? cow dung. (Which reminds me… I need to rinse my bike off.)

The 9 mile loop takes you up into the hills with a 1000 ft climb at the start. I really love climbing but after 30 minutes of bouncing over hill and dale, I was really glad when the trail started heading down. But, it was a false break. The loop winded down again, but the challenges didn’t end. At one point the entire trail was covered in thick, knee deep mud. Of course, after Lake Sonoma, this was cake… right? Right?

The fun didn’t end there though. After an extremely bouncy downhill, which I’m sure is the source of my current back ache, I looked up to see a particularly LARGE BLACK COW standing in the middle of the trail. What’s a girl to do? Well, of course, what any Velo Girl would do in this situation… I started yelling, “GET OUT OF MY WAY!” And to my surprise, it actually worked! Wow. Me - cow herding. Who would have thought? You might think it was just luck, but I tell you, a few minutes later, a whole herd of them started galloping (do cows gallop?) across the trail. I used my new skill again, and sure enough they listened. They didn’t look really excited about it, but I don’t think cows get really excited about anything. They just chew whatever they chew and move along.

Well, soon after this episode, my journey came to an end as the loop circled back and the race ended with a fast downhill back to the finish line. Yaaa! First race completed!

Well, maybe I should have used the day to put more miles on my legs or practice group riding skills, but really sometimes a girl can’t ignore that little tickle in her ear whispering….”Let’s go race.”

See you on the trail or on the road!

Mariska : )

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Hello Teammates!

I wanted to share my race report for the South Valley Endurance Dirty Gears race that took place out at Fort Ord today!

SVE's Dirty Gears race series is new this year and there were lots of cool new things (USA Cycling sanctioned race, chip timing, swag bag with GU products plus t-shirt, and hot soup and oreos at the finish line!!) and not so cool things (no great place to warm up and spotty course markings causing many to get lost) about this new series. I'm sure they will dial out the glitches for their next race and I look forward to racing at their events again!

The course was 13 miles deep in Fort Ord on many trails that have been part of the Sea Otter course in the past. The beginners were all sent out onto the course at the same time so I was racing with guys much of the day which was
pretty cool! After an initial hike-a-bike hill there was some killer single track that was a blast to ride. I was able to make a number of passes in that section and was having fun! Then came lots of deep sand, a steep road climb up to more sand and then rolling single track down to the finish.

I came out with a 2nd place medal and a new-found appreciation for being a good trail site-reader. I don't often ride trails for the first time during a race so keeping up a race pace while riding unknown territory is new experience for me and a skill I am glad I pushed myself to work on today.

Happy Sunday from your very dirty (and sandy) teammate!

~Carolyn

a triple-play weekend for Team Velo Girls

never before in Team Velo Girls history have we had team members racing in three disciplines in one weekend! this weekend, we had women racing cyclocross, mountain bike, and road.

congratulations to Gnat Harris on her impressive finish at the CXSR season finale on Saturday! the course was flat and filled with muddy goodness -- and a perfect way for Gnat to end her 2009/10 cyclocross season!

Sunday was the season-opener of the CCCX cross-country mountain bike series in Monterey. three Velo Girls raced -- Kerri Stevenson with the beginner women and Carolyn Thompson and Lorri Lee Lown with the sport women. the course was just about as perfect as it could be, with fast + fun berms, breath-stealing climbs, and lots of fast swoopy single-track.

Monday, Angela DeSapio lined up with the big girls in an open women's field at the Dinuba Criterium (in charming downtown Dinuba). where's Dinuba, you ask? go to Fresno and keep going, that's where. the course is a really cool one, with great pavement, left + right turns, and just enough head-wind to make a difference in the final sprint!

congratulations to all our racers for a great weekend representing the girls in pink!

in non-racing action, Velo Girls was busy as ever! Saturday morning was an on-road training session for the women participating in the Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program. We also kicked off week #1 of our Cinderella Training Series with 30 women participating in a sunny spin from Woodside. In the afternoon, we held our first Bike Skills 101 clinic of the 2010 season. And on Sunday, we held our weekly Northern Exposure ride originating in San Francisco and riding up into sunny Marin.

if you're not riding your bike, you've got no excuses. with all this fun on the calendar, we invite you to come out and join us soon!

all the cool girls are wearing it!

I'm thrilled to announce the winner of our 2010 Velo Girls club jersey design. The winning entry was designed by Team Velo Girls member Bonnie Osborn. And thank you to all our contest entrants: Dawn Castelli, Gnat Harris, and Kelly Thompson. I think this year's designs were the best yet!

There's still time to pre-order your jersey for March delivery (in plenty of time for Cinderella).

You can order a jersey with your 2010 Velo Girls club membership here: https://www.signmeup.com/67314

If you're already a member, you can order a jersey in our on-line shop: http://www.velogirls.com/shop.php

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.

a picture speaks a thousand words

of course, I'll write a few more.

thank you to everyone who voted the 2009 Tri-Flow Menlo Park Grand Prix the "best cycling event" in the Competitor Magazine Best of 2009 readers' poll. this honor is shared by all of us -- Velo Girls, our sponsors, and all of the racers who came out for a fabulous event on March 8th, 2009.

mark your calendars now for Sunday, April 11th, 2010. we're busy planning the the 5th edition of the Hippstar Menlo Park Grand Prix and the event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

of course, we need your support to make that a reality!

if you'd like to sponsor the Menlo Park Grand Prix in 2009 -- if you'd like to be part of THE BEST CYCLING EVENT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA -- shoot me an email. we have a diverse range of sponsorship opportunities available, for cash, service, and product sponsors. and we'd love to have YOU share in the glory of being part of the BEST of 2010!

Lorri@velogirls.com

Vote now for the 2010 Velo Girls club jersey design!

the submissions are in and they're HOT! voting is now open for the 2010 Velo Girls club jersey design and will conclude on January 20th (just in time to place your order). please note that you must be a member of the Velo Girls yahoogroup to participate in the poll.

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/VeloGirls/surveys?id=12977014

you can see all the groovy designs in all their pink glory here:

http://www.velogirls.com/VGjerseydesign2010VOTE.php