THURSDAY NITE WINE RIDE

May 21st, 2009

When Kristin asked if anyone would be willing to write about the Wine Ride last Thursday night, I jumped at the chance to give the opinion, from a “newbies” point of view! AMAZINGLY-AWESOME, are still the emotions I’m living high off of TODAY!

I’ve been riding for only 2 years, this being the start of my 3rd season. I joined the All 9 Yards team, because of my love for cycling and my want to advance my riding skills. Not to mention, the opportunity to be able to meet new women with like minds! After last Thursday nights ride, I realize that I’m gaining all that, and SO much more!

My friend Kristin Hjelmeland, (also new!), and I arrived a bit early, feeling a bit intimidated. This was our first group ride other than riding with friends, and doing the hand full of events that we’ve ridden in, such as the Livestrong Ride, Mayors Ride, and the Iron Girl Duathlon, which we’ve competed in the last several years. But this was to become our first ride with our new team members! And we were STOKED!

We started out in the back of the pack, wanting to be able to take everything in, and not sure that we’d be able to keep up, we didn’t want to be in the way. The gals riding back there with us were so kind! They really took the time to get to know us, made us feel welcome, and part of the team. This kindness only continued! Once we arrived in Cummings, everyone introduced themselves over a cold beverage. It was the perfect evening for sitting on the patio, and enjoying some sun, while we talked about our families, eating and dieting tips, riding and training techniques, and sharing some much needed laughter! (Those Fat Tires were great! Thanks Kim and Maria!)



On the way back, Kristin and I feeling a bit more brave, took to the front of the pack! I know to a lot of you this really isn’t something to want to write about, or brag about…but it was, to me, for sure, one of the highlights of any of my riding! I’ve never ridden in a double pace line, wasn’t even sure how it was done! Or if I could! But the gals up there with us were so extremely patient! It was like being mentored! I learned a lot on that ride back, including the potential I now know I have as a female cyclist! I have no doubt with the help of all of you wonderful women, I can take my cycling to any lengths I may want.
And then arriving back at the Jasper Winery. Let me just say, any intimidation that I felt in the beginning, was gone! The empowerment and strength I felt riding up with all those spectators turning to check us out! WOW! I can’t express the pride I felt! To be a part of this team made up of such emotionally and physically strong women! Thank you, to everyone on that ride! And to everyone that I will consider it to be my pleasure, to meet in the future! I can’t wait for the opportunity to ride with you all again!

And to any of you that might be holding back from going on a group ride, what are you waiting for? GO FOR IT! You’ll have the time of your life!!

Brenda Schwartztrauber

Get well, Maria!

A dear friend of the Pink Team, Maria R. was injured in a crash at the Mellon City Bike Race this last Sunday. We would all like to send our best wishes to Maria and her family as she continues to recover in a Muscatine hospital.

Maria was hurt in a crash on the fast downhill side of the course, suffering some significant cuts to her face and rupturing her spleen. She was rushed to the local hospital where she had surgury to repair her spleen and stitch up her cuts.

She's doing well today (Monday) and will be in the Muscatine hospital for a few days, then return home to recover.

Again, we wish Maria the best and hope she has a speedy recovery.

- The Pink Team

MEMORIAL WEEKEND RACES

OK, so I am supposed to be working but I am a bit distracted by thoughts of all the racing I will be missing this weekend. Memorial weekend is one of the biggest for road racing in Iowa. There are four straight days of racing starting with a road race on Friday in Burlington. The Snake Alley Criterium on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend. This is one of the most physically challenging races in the Midwest. It is held on a fifteen block course, with differences in elevation from 555 feet to 678 feet. The course is entirely on city streets, mostly in a downtown commercial area. A one block long climb is on the historic brick street named Snake Alley, dubbed "the crookedest street in the world." The 276 foot long Snake Alley has 5 switchbacks in a sixty foot climb. The average grade is 12.5 percent in that one block. If you still have energy left after all the climbing you did on Saturday you can head over the the Crit in Muscatine on Sunday. This race has been part of the Memorial weekend races for over 30 years. The course features a 1 mile circuit with a fast decent, sharp uphill gradient and two 90 degree turns...to top it off there is a speed bump at the bottom of the hill. Nothing better than screaming downhill at 30 and going airborne when you reach the bottom. Scary as hell, but everyone should try it at least once! Mondays race is another Crit in the Quad Cities. 2009 will be the 43rd straight year for this race. It is a flat, fast 3/4 mile hourglass shaped course just one block from the Mississippi River. Over 10,000 spectators come annually to cheer on the racers!

I’m exhausted just writing about all those hills. Seriously though, GOOD LUCK to all the Pink ladies that will be traveling to Eastern Iowa this weekend to race. Hope you all have ton’s of fun, can’t wait to hear all the stories when you get back!

Kristin

Thurs Night Wine Ride

Thurs night is our 2nd Wine Ride and it's supposed to be a beauty!! The plan is to meet at the Jasper Winery on George Flagg at 5:30. From there we will ride out the Great Western Trail to Cumming (approx 8 miles). We'll stop at the Cumming Tap (I believe they have a Thursday Taco Night out there) for some eats and drinks and then ride back to the Winery where we can enjoy music from their Summer Concert Series. Should be a good time!

Adel Steak Ride

Join us this Wed. for the first Steak Ride of the summer! We will meet at the Rendezvous Bar in Adel at 5:45. It is located at 909 Main Street. If you are driving out, there is a small parking lot in the rear or you can park on one of the side streets. Plan on riding a total of 20 miles. We will ride the trail from Adel out to Redfield and back. Just far enough to earn a great steak dinner and a beer!

CLINIC CANCELLED - rather... postponed...

Waterworks is, well, under water.

We really want to hold this great gig - but will need a, you know.. dry place to ride.

Watch for a new date asap!