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

Cap City Cross Pictures

Cap City Cyclocross

Capitol City opened the cyclocross season in central Iowa. It was great to see all of the pink gals out there racing. If you have not come to watch, get out this Saturday evening at Mullet's. It is night racing under the lights. It is a rowdy crowd for a sport where hackling is cherished. Close your eyes and imagine..........live bands rocking the night; brightly clad bikers pedaling, running and carrying bikes over barriers; racing fans mixed with local just looking for a fun night of beer and friendship. Did I say BEER! Yes a beer tent usually with great prices. So what are you waiting for.................come on out. The women race at 8:45 p.m. Full sked at www.usacycling.org But back to the races...............Saturday's race was fast and furious. The course was dry and fast. There was a large hill to race down with a funky turn in it. For those unable to navigate the tight turn, it was a run off through the yellow tape. Rumor has it that this was one of our own pink gals on nice new Jamis bike! Congrats to Michelle Smith Jones for taking 6th and Abby for taking 9th in the very competitive Cat 4 race. Lee finished 4th and Julie G 5th in 45+ race. The Sunday version switched the uphill with a downward route. There was a fast downhill that allowed many riders to catch some air. The uphill was a double barrier climb. Those folks on heckler hill were kind enough to install a chair where one could rest and enjoy a beer. The proof is in the pictures. Lee personally thanks Pete for bike transportation while she was taking a breather. Boy, you have to love cyclocross. Rumor has it that even the women's winner stopped for a quick beer hand-up. The race was brimming with Pink Gals! Congrats to Ali on her 4th place finish in the tough Women's Cat 4. Kim pulled off a 7th place finish in the Cat1/2/3. Lee and Amy each took second in the Masters 35+ and 45+ respectively. Your Roving Race Reporter, Luann I am having trouble putting up photos.............will try in a second blog!

Just Cool Race Photos

Thanks to Kirschen Seah, most awesome photographer! Your Roving Race Reporter, Luann

Pink Places at Big Pig

With bike racing season winding down, VeloRosa teammate Heather set off for her first half Ironman distance triathlon.  On August 19, she ventured out to test her mettle at 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a half marathon run.   In her usually calm manner, she set her goal to just complete the first one and ended up on the podium earning an awesome beer mug.  She completed the grueling race in 5:37:47 for 4th place in the 25-29 age group.

Note the rocking pink socks!

KPav (Kristin) took the slightly easier route and entered the women's team competition. 

They rocked the course in 5:22:08 to finish in 2nd place in the women's team division.

It was great to see the Pink Gals rocking the long distance triathlon.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann
Below is Heather with her brother Rob in the yellow cap (TOMRAV pink guest rider) and as she shows off her medal and mug.

Race Like a Girl

Race Like a Girl was formed to give women a chance to experience racing without entering a large, weekend event.  On the third Thursday of each  summer month, various races are held at Union Park in Des Moines.  The women's races are usually split into A and B groups with the women choosing which group to race.

It was great to see the VeloRosa women showing up each time to race.  A few of the regulars showed up almost each race but new women came out to give it a try.  It is always such a good mix of long-time member and newcomers. 

We were also graced with the MCing of Dave and Jason whom both rocked the park!

As the following photos show, a good time is always to be had at RLG!!!

Your Very-Proud-to-be-Pink Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink Rules Beverly Park Mtn Race

Kim and Joann took to the mud

of the single track to race in the coolness of the woods in July at Beverly Park.  Both ladies worked hard to fend off the competition.

Kim competed in the women's expert division and took 2nd place (yes I know the photo does not show this but USA Cycling has her as second).

Joann placed second in the sport division.  For those not familiar with mountain biking  Kim raced the most competitive division and Joann in the second.  The third category is the novice division.

Joann's other half Joe finished 2nd in the men's sport 45+ division.

It is good to see folks donning the pink kits and racing the summer away!

Your Roving Race Reporter, Luann