Monday, March 17, 2008
Aaron's School Visit
The VeloNews.com article I wrote on Friday's visit to Rocky Hill Elementary in Exeter has been posted here.
Sequoia Classic's a Wrap
The pro women put on a great show yesterday at the Visalia Criterium, as it was fast and furious from the start. You can read my VeloNews.com article here. And I promised to put up some of my own pics from Saturday's Yokohl Ranch Exeter Time Trial (keeping in mind I am NOT a photog!), so there are a few here, along with some from yesterday's crit.
This is Mark and Sheri on Friday before a "fun ride" of the time trial course for media, community members, and racers.
She's so famous that I probably don't need to put a caption, but for those of you NOT in the know, this is the Bay Area's pro racing sweetheart, Martina Patella (aka, Yellow Bug on my rockin' blogs list), at the start of the time trial. The dude who held her saddle (certainly every man's dream job) is Sheri's hubbie, and one of my first cycling coaches, Tim. He started every racer, including the pro men (my dream job...) and all the amateur categories -- that's a lot of saddle holding!
This is the winningest female cyclist in America, with over 300 career wins -- yes, 300! Cheerwine's Laura Van Gilder. She is from the Poconos in Pennsylvania, where her family has a restaurant in a place kinda like Bridgeport. And though she is a fierce competitor and an AMAZING sprinter, you would be hard-pressed to find a more humble and gracious woman anywhere. She is a class act -- no doubt about it.
And another class act, one of Laura's stellar lead-outs, Kelly Benjamin. She's a full-time firefighter in her non-cycling life, and is a total hammer on the bike.
This is Kate Ross, a fellow Boulder-ite, and one of a great group of women on the America's Dairyland team. She upgraded last year from a cat 4 to a cat 2 -- in one season! -- so now races with pros. Got to chat with her at the Frostbite Time Trial back in Colorado a few weeks ago, and it's fun to see her racing with the heavy-hitter women now.
Seriously, no introductions needed here...the world champ, Kristin Armstrong, adjusting her helmet at the start before absolutely burning up the course. And, apparently, bleeding on it a bit, too...she got a bloody nose along the way and, in true competitive fashion, just kept cranking the pedals, leaving a trail of red behind her! No doubt there were flames on the road, too.
Honestly, I don't know how this happened...catching Anne Samplonius, the Canadian national time trial champ, with her tongue out. I met her for the first time this weekend right after the time trial podium, as she took fourth. Super nice gal who's joined Cheerwine this year, and I look forward to seeing her at more races, too.
And one more great gal from Cheerwine -- Leigh Hobson. She took second last year at the time trial, so because Colavita / Sutter Homes' Alison Powers (the winner) wasn't here this year, she was slated to hit the course last. She's soft-spoken, but a super time trialist and lead-out.
About halfway through the women's field, a woman named Kristy Gough was supposed to ride. She was killed last weekend in a tragic crash in the Bay Area, along with one of her training partners, Matt Peterson. Apparently, a sheriff's deputy fell asleep at the wheel of his car, and went straight around a turn, going into the left lane and hitting Kristy, Matt, and another cyclist (in critical condition) from Germany head-on as they were descending -- horrific for all involved. The gentleman on the left is a USA Cycling official who was starting the women, and the other gentleman is a good friend of Kristy's. He's holding her race number, and announcer Dave Towle asked for a moment of silence in her honor. A heartbreaking moment, but such a beautiful symbol of how supportive and close the cycling community is.
These are pictures of Matt and Kristy that the Sequoia Classic organizing committee had framed and signed by athletes in attendance. They'll be presented to their families. The photos are shots of them on the podium in Merced just two weeks before the accident.
And we continue to pedal....this is Felicia Gomez, Kristin Armstrong, and Alex Rhodes in the top three spots on the Exeter Time Trial podium.
And then it was Sunday, and time for the Visalia Criterium. Before the women raced, there was a kids' race, and who was the first child I noticed cross the line? None other than Avery, the 2-year-old daughter of Vee, one of my friends here in Fresno who raced for Central Valley Cycling. The next generation in the making -- and she's looking FAST in those pink specs!
There was also a men's pro race, though I didn't cover it because it wasn't NRC. This is the winner, Colavita / Sutter Homes' Sebastian Haedo balancing his box of oranges after the podium ceremony while talking to a local reporter. Probably not something the Argentinean rider -- and brother to JJ! -- typically has to balance on the bike!
Sebastian's teammate, Alejandro Borrajo, also from Argentina, took third. Olive oil...wine...and two cases of oranges. Yummy!
There was also a walk/run to benefit the Jeff Barnes Brain Injury Foundation, and all ages were encouraged to participate. This little guy (girl?) made it all the way around the .7 mile course!
This is Rory Sutherland, an Aussie racer on Health Net, cooling down after the men's race. Kinda photogenic, aye?
And finally, the women's pro/1/2 race! The call-up started things off, and Laura Van Gilder and Felicia Gomez were two of the racers announced. Fun to see women who are so competitive also show great camaraderie and respect for each other.
The Proman racer here is Megan Guarnier -- remember that name. She is about to head over to Europe with a new USA Cycling program that is developing young, relatively unknown, but promising American riders by sending them to race in Europe. She will be racing in some French Cup races, and I'm starting an article about her and two other racers for USA Cycling's newsletter.
Team Tibco's super sprinter and national team member, Brooke Miller (left) and ValueAct Capital's rockin' sprinter, Martina Patella, were also called up, and chatted it up for a few seconds before the start.
No action shots during the race -- certainly don't have the camera for that! -- but there was plenty of action, including two crashes. The first one brought about 35 women into the pit for their free lap! You can see all the action, though, on ibnsports.com, as they filmed and have the race archived. I'm not sure they caught the big crash, but likely caught the second one coming into the final stretch.
But I did get some podium shots, and like this one of the women raising their oranges above their heads...strong to the end! (l to r: Lauren Franges, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, Brooke Miller)
This is Mark and Sheri on Friday before a "fun ride" of the time trial course for media, community members, and racers.
She's so famous that I probably don't need to put a caption, but for those of you NOT in the know, this is the Bay Area's pro racing sweetheart, Martina Patella (aka, Yellow Bug on my rockin' blogs list), at the start of the time trial. The dude who held her saddle (certainly every man's dream job) is Sheri's hubbie, and one of my first cycling coaches, Tim. He started every racer, including the pro men (my dream job...) and all the amateur categories -- that's a lot of saddle holding!
This is the winningest female cyclist in America, with over 300 career wins -- yes, 300! Cheerwine's Laura Van Gilder. She is from the Poconos in Pennsylvania, where her family has a restaurant in a place kinda like Bridgeport. And though she is a fierce competitor and an AMAZING sprinter, you would be hard-pressed to find a more humble and gracious woman anywhere. She is a class act -- no doubt about it.
And another class act, one of Laura's stellar lead-outs, Kelly Benjamin. She's a full-time firefighter in her non-cycling life, and is a total hammer on the bike.
This is Kate Ross, a fellow Boulder-ite, and one of a great group of women on the America's Dairyland team. She upgraded last year from a cat 4 to a cat 2 -- in one season! -- so now races with pros. Got to chat with her at the Frostbite Time Trial back in Colorado a few weeks ago, and it's fun to see her racing with the heavy-hitter women now.
Seriously, no introductions needed here...the world champ, Kristin Armstrong, adjusting her helmet at the start before absolutely burning up the course. And, apparently, bleeding on it a bit, too...she got a bloody nose along the way and, in true competitive fashion, just kept cranking the pedals, leaving a trail of red behind her! No doubt there were flames on the road, too.
Honestly, I don't know how this happened...catching Anne Samplonius, the Canadian national time trial champ, with her tongue out. I met her for the first time this weekend right after the time trial podium, as she took fourth. Super nice gal who's joined Cheerwine this year, and I look forward to seeing her at more races, too.
And one more great gal from Cheerwine -- Leigh Hobson. She took second last year at the time trial, so because Colavita / Sutter Homes' Alison Powers (the winner) wasn't here this year, she was slated to hit the course last. She's soft-spoken, but a super time trialist and lead-out.
About halfway through the women's field, a woman named Kristy Gough was supposed to ride. She was killed last weekend in a tragic crash in the Bay Area, along with one of her training partners, Matt Peterson. Apparently, a sheriff's deputy fell asleep at the wheel of his car, and went straight around a turn, going into the left lane and hitting Kristy, Matt, and another cyclist (in critical condition) from Germany head-on as they were descending -- horrific for all involved. The gentleman on the left is a USA Cycling official who was starting the women, and the other gentleman is a good friend of Kristy's. He's holding her race number, and announcer Dave Towle asked for a moment of silence in her honor. A heartbreaking moment, but such a beautiful symbol of how supportive and close the cycling community is.
These are pictures of Matt and Kristy that the Sequoia Classic organizing committee had framed and signed by athletes in attendance. They'll be presented to their families. The photos are shots of them on the podium in Merced just two weeks before the accident.
And we continue to pedal....this is Felicia Gomez, Kristin Armstrong, and Alex Rhodes in the top three spots on the Exeter Time Trial podium.
And then it was Sunday, and time for the Visalia Criterium. Before the women raced, there was a kids' race, and who was the first child I noticed cross the line? None other than Avery, the 2-year-old daughter of Vee, one of my friends here in Fresno who raced for Central Valley Cycling. The next generation in the making -- and she's looking FAST in those pink specs!
There was also a men's pro race, though I didn't cover it because it wasn't NRC. This is the winner, Colavita / Sutter Homes' Sebastian Haedo balancing his box of oranges after the podium ceremony while talking to a local reporter. Probably not something the Argentinean rider -- and brother to JJ! -- typically has to balance on the bike!
Sebastian's teammate, Alejandro Borrajo, also from Argentina, took third. Olive oil...wine...and two cases of oranges. Yummy!
There was also a walk/run to benefit the Jeff Barnes Brain Injury Foundation, and all ages were encouraged to participate. This little guy (girl?) made it all the way around the .7 mile course!
This is Rory Sutherland, an Aussie racer on Health Net, cooling down after the men's race. Kinda photogenic, aye?
And finally, the women's pro/1/2 race! The call-up started things off, and Laura Van Gilder and Felicia Gomez were two of the racers announced. Fun to see women who are so competitive also show great camaraderie and respect for each other.
The Proman racer here is Megan Guarnier -- remember that name. She is about to head over to Europe with a new USA Cycling program that is developing young, relatively unknown, but promising American riders by sending them to race in Europe. She will be racing in some French Cup races, and I'm starting an article about her and two other racers for USA Cycling's newsletter.
Team Tibco's super sprinter and national team member, Brooke Miller (left) and ValueAct Capital's rockin' sprinter, Martina Patella, were also called up, and chatted it up for a few seconds before the start.
No action shots during the race -- certainly don't have the camera for that! -- but there was plenty of action, including two crashes. The first one brought about 35 women into the pit for their free lap! You can see all the action, though, on ibnsports.com, as they filmed and have the race archived. I'm not sure they caught the big crash, but likely caught the second one coming into the final stretch.But I did get some podium shots, and like this one of the women raising their oranges above their heads...strong to the end! (l to r: Lauren Franges, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, Brooke Miller)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Yokohl Ranch Exeter Time Trial
Saturday's Podium, complete with oranges for each winner (l to r):
Katharine Carroll (Aaron's), Felicia Gomez (Aaron's), Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-LifeForce), Alex Rhodes (Team High Road), Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine)
You can read my velonews.com article here.
The women were impressed with the difficulty and length of the course, as well as the $10,000 purse. Definite kudos to friend and race director, Sheri Clark, and her organizing committee. They work very hard on the race, and it's nice when the racers recognize and appreciate their efforts.
While there were many highlights of the day, one big one was seeing friend and Fresno State prof, Felicia Gomez of Aaron's, take the podium in third place. A Canadian citizen, she's on sabbatical this semester to focus on her training in the hopes of representing Canada in Beijing. She was all smiles regarding her performance, and knowing how hard she works, it was really fun to see that.
I did take some photos -- a few are even in the article! -- and though I'm clearly meant for putting down words and not images, I'll post more later. No time now, though, as need to get to Visalia to cover the criterium. It promises to be incredibly fast and exciting, with another $10,000 purse on the line!
While there were many highlights of the day, one big one was seeing friend and Fresno State prof, Felicia Gomez of Aaron's, take the podium in third place. A Canadian citizen, she's on sabbatical this semester to focus on her training in the hopes of representing Canada in Beijing. She was all smiles regarding her performance, and knowing how hard she works, it was really fun to see that.
I did take some photos -- a few are even in the article! -- and though I'm clearly meant for putting down words and not images, I'll post more later. No time now, though, as need to get to Visalia to cover the criterium. It promises to be incredibly fast and exciting, with another $10,000 purse on the line!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hangin' with Aaron's Pro Cycling Team
Friday, I had the honor of joining the Aaron's Professional Cycling Team as they visited Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Exeter. They were there to encourage the children to come try the kids' race during the Sequoia Classic on Sunday, as well as to talk to them about racing, nutrition, and bike safety. Their title sponsor, Aaron's Corporate Furnishings, will be providing Specialized helmets to the first 50 kids signed up on Sunday -- cool!
Here the team poses with some of the third through fifth graders before their talk and in front of a sign that the kids made.
Team Director, Carmen D'Aluisio, a former crit national champion, proudly introduces her team to the kids.
Each of the racers introduced herself, and then the kids got to ask questions. It was hard to pick a hand, as so many went up!
When a boy asked if the team knows any bike tricks, Erica Allar (PA), who started racing on the track in 2001, showed them a track stand.
Another child asked how the team talks to each other during a race, so Kristin Sanders (2007 Master's National Champ) used Erica to show the kids how they are "wired" with radios during races.
After the riders showed the kids that they clip into their pedals and wear special shoes to do so, one child asked if the shoes are comfortable. Katharine Carroll (who just came home with the Sprinter's Jersey from New Zealand!) was nice enough to pass her shoes around...yes, a few children sniffed them. Nobody fainted, though.
When the talk was over, children swarmed the riders like rock star groupies, and asked them to sign their arms. (Apparently there's a paper shortage in Exeter?....)
Carmen McNellis, a former 5th grade math teacher and also a member of the US National Team, felt right at home with the kids, and signed a few arms -- and a forehead!
From left to right: Kristin Sanders, Carmen D'Aluisio, Carmen McNellis, Katharine (Kat) Carroll, Erica Allar, and Meredith Miller. Shapin' the next generation!
Here the team poses with some of the third through fifth graders before their talk and in front of a sign that the kids made.
Team Director, Carmen D'Aluisio, a former crit national champion, proudly introduces her team to the kids.
Each of the racers introduced herself, and then the kids got to ask questions. It was hard to pick a hand, as so many went up!
When a boy asked if the team knows any bike tricks, Erica Allar (PA), who started racing on the track in 2001, showed them a track stand.
Another child asked how the team talks to each other during a race, so Kristin Sanders (2007 Master's National Champ) used Erica to show the kids how they are "wired" with radios during races.
After the riders showed the kids that they clip into their pedals and wear special shoes to do so, one child asked if the shoes are comfortable. Katharine Carroll (who just came home with the Sprinter's Jersey from New Zealand!) was nice enough to pass her shoes around...yes, a few children sniffed them. Nobody fainted, though.
When the talk was over, children swarmed the riders like rock star groupies, and asked them to sign their arms. (Apparently there's a paper shortage in Exeter?....)
Carmen McNellis, a former 5th grade math teacher and also a member of the US National Team, felt right at home with the kids, and signed a few arms -- and a forehead!
From left to right: Kristin Sanders, Carmen D'Aluisio, Carmen McNellis, Katharine (Kat) Carroll, Erica Allar, and Meredith Miller. Shapin' the next generation!(I wrote an article for velonews.com, and will put a link here when it's up)
My Cycling Roots
Stayed with Katie and her girls my first night back in Fresno -- great reconnecting with them. And on Thursday, I got to ride up past Millerton Store and nearly to Prather (insert deep, deep meaningful sigh here). It was so beautiful -- these blossoms greeted me on the way out of town on Willow. The trees were cut down, but the blossoms were still intact.
This is one of my favorite views on the way up...a little piece o' Ireland just before St. Paddy's.
This is a new piece of the scenery on the way up. It was in the works when I left, but not completed....there's no ocean nearby, so it's not a lighthouse...just a fun place to take in the view for a mountain-top home owner, I suppose.
And the store! Chatted with a couple very nice guys here, and it was like old times.
And, once back down into the Valley, almost home, of course I was greeted by this St. Paddy's-clad fella. He's just before Auberry and Copper, and is always dressed in his holiday finest!
Lookin' forward to more riding while here. The Rockies are great and all, but this is where I fell in love with all things bicycle.
This is one of my favorite views on the way up...a little piece o' Ireland just before St. Paddy's.
This is a new piece of the scenery on the way up. It was in the works when I left, but not completed....there's no ocean nearby, so it's not a lighthouse...just a fun place to take in the view for a mountain-top home owner, I suppose.
And the store! Chatted with a couple very nice guys here, and it was like old times.
And, once back down into the Valley, almost home, of course I was greeted by this St. Paddy's-clad fella. He's just before Auberry and Copper, and is always dressed in his holiday finest!
Lookin' forward to more riding while here. The Rockies are great and all, but this is where I fell in love with all things bicycle.
Sequoia Cycling Classic Preview
The first race I'll cover in Cali is the Sequoia Cycling Classic in Exeter and Visalia. While at Carla's on Tuesday, I wrote the preview article, which you can find here.
So happy to finally be back covering some races, and it's extra special to cover ones in my old stompin' grounds.
Hope to see you at the races!
So happy to finally be back covering some races, and it's extra special to cover ones in my old stompin' grounds.
Hope to see you at the races!
Cali or Bust, Baby!
Turned the Suh-boo-buh-roo toward Cali on Monday -- headed out to cover races for velonews.com for a month. And my bike came with me -- yay!!!
You know you've crossed over into Wyoming when you start to see buffaloes...
...and Abraham Lincoln...?!! Ever since I saw this big hunk 'o man on Wyoming's Interstate 80 on my first cross-country drive from grad school, I've wondered why he's out here. I finally read the little plaque. Apparently, he was on Hwy 30 -- the first transcontinental road for automobiles -- and it was named "The Lincoln Highway" to honor his support of the building of it. It was moved to the highest spot on 80 in the 50's, I believe, where it sits now. At a rest stop that is very conveniently placed, if I may say so myself.
There are acres and acres of these big purty flowers in Wyoming, too.
And the road was MUCH more clear than when I drove back and forth at Christmas.
Carla and Dan welcomed me to their little "ranch" in Spring Creek, where I stayed until I made the last part of the trip on Wednesday.
This is the view of the Ruby Mountains from their living room -- sweet!
Back on the road, I finally made it into the Sierras...aaaaaahhhhhhhh!
Didn't stop for burgers here, though...eeeeeewwwwww!
You know you've crossed over into Wyoming when you start to see buffaloes...
...and Abraham Lincoln...?!! Ever since I saw this big hunk 'o man on Wyoming's Interstate 80 on my first cross-country drive from grad school, I've wondered why he's out here. I finally read the little plaque. Apparently, he was on Hwy 30 -- the first transcontinental road for automobiles -- and it was named "The Lincoln Highway" to honor his support of the building of it. It was moved to the highest spot on 80 in the 50's, I believe, where it sits now. At a rest stop that is very conveniently placed, if I may say so myself.
There are acres and acres of these big purty flowers in Wyoming, too.
And the road was MUCH more clear than when I drove back and forth at Christmas.
Carla and Dan welcomed me to their little "ranch" in Spring Creek, where I stayed until I made the last part of the trip on Wednesday.
This is the view of the Ruby Mountains from their living room -- sweet!
Back on the road, I finally made it into the Sierras...aaaaaahhhhhhhh!
Didn't stop for burgers here, though...eeeeeewwwwww!(Ok, pretend there is a pic of the Donner Pass sign here...it would have been a great one to end with here, but I accidentally deleted it....)
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