Kim, Joann go 1-2 at Oakley Night Cap Cross

Congrats to Kim and Joann

for placing first and second, respectively in the W45+ section at Mullet's. Kim took off like a shot and held enough of a lead to tempt Joann to chase her down but never let her quite catch up. The race was grueling at times with a long off camber climb, a tough, steep downhill with a shape turn and barriers and plenty of twists and turns. The Pink Gals showed up in fine fashion showing off the superb pink and black kits under the lights. The VeloRosa kits was the most commented on by the

spectators!! In the Cat 4 race Ali took 5th and Sara took 8th in a race that was packed with young, talented racers. In the W35+ Karolyn took 5th, Lee 7th and Jen V 9th. Julie G took 6th in the 45+. What an awesome night with black skies, rocking music, crazy fans and great fun. There were plenty of VeloRosa riders cheering on teammates and handing up beers. All it was a hot pink night!




Your Roving Race Reporter, Luann

Pink UAR Women's Champs

Kim and Karolyn put down the hammer on the city of Des Moines and all of the other challengers to win the Urban Assault Ride women's division. They used their 'fireball' attitudes, bike savvy and excellent knowledge of the Des Moines to combine with outstanding feats of great skill and strength to take home top prize.

There was an outstanding showing of pink team, pink partners/spouses and pink friends. It was great to see everyone having a good time.









Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Kim, Karolyn, Lee Rock Gravel at Grinnell

The final race in the Iowa Spring Classic Series was held on a windy spring day. Kim, Karolyn and Lee wheeled the line and shot off down the mile of pavement making their way to the hilly gravel. The week prior, the race was held at Hills, but Grinnell has the ultimate hills. Very long and steep uphill climbs covered most of the 25-mile course.

Karolyn was rocking the race when she blew a tire. Unable to make the change in time, she limped back to the start. This allowed Lee to finish 6th. Kim rode strong all day and finished 5th.

It was a awesome showing for the Pink Team!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Chequamegon 40 Race

Karolyn on route.


This is a 40 mile ride that starts innocently enough on a paved road but you had better enjoy the short journey as it heads off on the real path. Many of the latter roads are logging roads with active traffic. If you have ever had a VW Bug scare you while on your bike on a road in DM, try a fully loaded logging truck!


This is what 9-time racers Dee and Dave on the tandem along with first-timers Kim, Karolyn and Julie G faced on a beautiful fall day as they attacked the 40-mile course. While it can be deceptively beautiful the challenge should not be understated.

Or may be teammate Kim H put described it as only one whom road it can do:
"At the start gun 1700 riders rolled elbow-to-elbow past the cheers of the crowd lining the town of Hayward through Rosies's Field and onto the Berkie Ski Trail. Racers were treated to beautiful forest trails, breathtaking lake views, fast gravel forest roads, excruciating climbs, more cheering crowds, sweeping descents, giant mud puddles and even a band of heckling pirates bearing rum shots. The race finished 40 miles later at the Telemark Ski Lodge in Cable, WI." It has been stated that while in the 35-38 mile range many riders are thinking, "I will never do this again IF I manage to finish this." However, shortly after completing, the celebration with friends made it safe to plan to ride it again next year.
In the photo: Karolyn, Kim, Dee, Maria, Julie, Sally and Heather


The website for this race contains this course warning: "PLEASE NOTE: This map is intended for general directional purpose only and not detailed enough to use for orienteering in the woods. Always take along a compass, detailed maps and plenty of fluids when riding in the deep woods. The courses are off-road and on a variety of unmaintained trails. Riding hazards exist and extreme caution should be exercised when riding in the woods."

Warnings aside, the VeloRosa ladies and our favorite bike guy, Dave, conquered this challenge.

See the following blog for lots of pictures from this event!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

Kate, Karolyn and Dee Conquer BCRR

Congrats to Kate and Karolyn for dusting off the racing bikes and taking on the road race at Big Creek.

Karolyn blew away all but one other rider to take second in the Cat 4. Kate held on strong and placed 5th. What a strong showing from some of our most talented riders who like to keep their skills a secret!

Dee jumped into the Open race and took 3rd racing against the upper gals who will be her steady race mates next season. It seems she was just testing the waters one more time before make the big step up.

Congrats to all of the ladies on a job well done!

Your racing reporter,

Luanne