An Eventful August - so far!!!

I know it's suppose to be, like March, or something - but this year August came in like a lion!

Pink shone brightly at the Iowa State Road Race Championships on the first day of the month. With Kim and Joann all beat up, Dalena racing Big Creek and Kristin racing her mtn bike in Waverly, Dee headed over to West Branch to fly the pink flag solo. 15 starters toed the line for the 54 mile race. By the end of the race, it was down to 3 in the front group - our beloved Dee amoung them. A long hill lead to the finish line, and in the 3-up sprint for the line, Dee came out victorious! A state champion in Pink! And with Iowa Cup points to boot! With her victory at the road race, Dee now holds a slim lead over Sara (PRC) and is 5 points behind Sandy (Skin)in the season long Iowa Cup. A strong showing will be needed at the East Village Criterium by each of those three ladies if they are to be crowned the Iowa Cup Champion!

That same weekend, Dalena and Dotty flew the pink flag at the Big Creek Triathlon! Both of them enjoyed the wet-suit legal swim, rocked out on the bike and "cruised" the 2 lap run - I say 'cruised' because, though the morning started out cool, the sun was full-out by the time runners hit the pavement - and it made for a hot and sunny run. But both ladies did well, shaving minutes from thier Hy-Vee Olympic times!

Up north, Kristin Reese felt like getting a little dirty at the Camp Ingawanis Mountain Bike Race in Waverly. Kristin rode strongly on her sweet pink Gary Fisher mtn bike and finished in 2nd in the sport category!

The next weekend (Aug 8-9), Karolyn, Kristin and Dee (with her hubby, Dave, on the tandem) traveled to Aquabi State Park for another IMBCS mtn bike race. Karolyn, in her first race, won the beginner division against some strong riders! Kristin was 4th in the 3 lap sport category and Dee and Dave won the 4 lap tandem category!

We also heard about Julie and Julie rocking out the Muddy Buddy race in Chicago last weekend (Aug 1-2) in Chicago - Julie S. assures us that we need to rent a bus next year and all head over to the super fun event!

Congratulations all on an eventful, exciting August - and it's only just begun!

Pink Rocks @ Hy-Vee!

I loved the experience of training and competing...beat my goal on time for cycling so I was thrilled. And talk about FUN with a capital F. Loved the pink, it was sure easy to spot teammates! - Beth S.

All9Yards Women's Cycling Flys To England!!!

Two years ago when I met the Mable's and decided to try out this new "women's cycling thing", I never thought it would also give me the courage to someday rent a bike while traveling abroad and tour the countryside. Well, I had the opportunity to put my skills and courage to work this past June, when my husband and I decided to take two weeks off and travel to England to watch him play in the British Amateur Golf Tournament.


For the first three days we were there, he was going to be busy practicing, so I decided to do some exploring of my own...on the bike! I did a little research about hiring a bike (that's what they call it over there) and thought I had found a place to get a bike and all the fixins. When I arrived to pick up my bike, I realized that it only had three gears and looked like something to tool around the beach on. This was not good and I didn't bring any equipment, except for my awesome All9Yards kit to ride in, so I could travel light. I ended up taking Gene to the golf club for his first practice round and asked the club pro where he might suggest I go to rent a bike for the week. They were not very optimistic that I would find a place, but the stars were in alignment for me that day and I was in luck and someone suggested this little bike shop just ahead in the next town, Birkdale. So I kissed my hubby good day and set out on my adventure.I didn't realize how difficult driving on the opposite side of the road AND car could be, but I finally made it to Birkdale Cycles. Dave White, owner and bike maker, said he didn't typically hire out bikes, but said he would be happy to help me out and grab a brand new bike off the showroom floor, put on a water bottle cage, paddle lock, tire repair kit and I was set! It wasn't the new Trek Project One machine i have back home, but was perfect for the different terrains I would be traveling on. He also printed off a cool map of a few trails to try and said it would be ten pounds or about $20 us dollars per day to rent. I was so excited to start my journey. I was only able to fit in two long rides and see about 80 miles of beautiful and very old England Country side. I also got to experience an interesting cemetery and before leaving had to use their very old toilet! It actually flushed and yes I had had to hover! EEK!

I met a few people along the way and was even invited by one lady to come over to her home for dinner one night if we had time. She is the one who directed me to the old toilet at the cemetery. She was visiting her husband for his birthday. It was like going back in time and everybody was so friendly and the trails were amazing. It makes me want to explore our own beautiful countryside here in the USA!

There were all makes and models of bikes and cyclists. Many of them didn't have fancy kits or helmets, but just out enjoying the beautiful outdoors. There were also many groups of walkers out exploring the trails with a guide. I did make sure to wear my helmet, because the bike shop owner said you don't get paid as much for insurance, if you get hit and wasn't wearing one. He also said that it is almost like murder if a motorist hits a cyclist. I never heard one honk of a horn or any obscenities while riding either. They have bike lanes and motorist seem to actually respect bikers. I understand why so many enjoy taking bike tours over a vacation, in a bike friendly world. I saw more on my bike, then I ever would in my car and the interaction and friendliness of the people of England was amazing. There are a few things I would do differently the next time I travel abroad and looking to do some cycling, but wouldn't change anything about my first experience, expect for not being so close to an upcoming triathlon like Hy-Vee...smile.

Fill the Hill at Hy-vee!

Let's FILL THE HILL at the tri this weekend with Team GO! GO! GO! GO!

details here: www.wegowithyou.com

Tour of the Mississippi River Valley

It was a great weekend to be on a bike. KPav, Karolyn and I went on the TOMRV ride this past Saturday and Sunday. For anyone who doesn't know TOMRV starts in Bettendorf, Iowa travels along the river valley and crosses into Illinois and up to Dubuque, Iowa Saturday night for 106 hilly miles. Then we got up Sunday and did the return trip on the Iowa side for about 89 more fun filled miles. We lucked out and missed the rain and had a great time meeting tons of other bikers and enjoying the great scenery. By the time you get back to Bettendorf you have climbed and very quickly descended a lot of hills. We were flying down some so fast I was glad I didn't have anything on my bike to tell me how fast I was going.

I also have to say our pink kits and pink bikes were quite a hit. We had people constantly complimenting us on the sweet pink colors!!

Yes the butt was majorly sore along with my legs Sunday night, but I for one am ready to do it again next year. It's a beautiful ride with great sag support, good food and plenty of interesting people to talk to.

Joann

What a nice night!

Thanks to the Jasper Winery for hosting yet another beautiful evening after the Wine Ride! See ya'll on the Steak Ride on June 10th!

Thurs Night Wine Ride

Thurs night is our 3rd Wine Ride of the season!! The weather is looking fantastic so come on out and ride with us! Plan on meeting 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 for some tacos and drinks and then ride back to the Winery where we can enjoy music from their Summer Concert Series. Should be a good time!

If you are planning ahead, the next Steak Ride is Wed. June 10th. Meet at The Rendezvous in Adel (park in back of the building) at 5:45. From there, we'll ride out on the trail to Redfield and back (approx. 20 miles). Afterwards, we'll enjoy grill-your-own steaks and cold beverages. Bring cash because last time I checked The Rendevous didn't take plastic! It's really a lot of fun and will be a great chance to get better acquainted!