Women Only MTB race / MICA Dragon GAP MTB Race

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11291
Come out and support MICA and enjoy a women only mtb race.

The morning will have a host of youth races.

Cyclo Cross season is here!!

Vets Park double race weekend is coming up at the end of this month. Be there!

West Branch RR: Kicked in the Dairy Air

Cat 4 racers Christine, Emilie, and Laura R left Ann Arbor at dawn on Saturday to represent Pear Tree Pens at the West Branch Classic. Driving through the rain and past the farm machinery emporia of Ogemaw County, each prepared for her upcoming ordeal in her own way: Christine breakfasted on wholesome Greek yogurt, Emilie gulped Day-Quil in the hopes of offsetting an incipient cold, and Laura R munched on a Tim Horton's chocolate glazed donut---a decision she would later regret.

The Cat 4 race was two laps of a hilly (for Michigan) course that climbed 1100 feet in 22 miles. The most serious hills came in the second half of the loop, with the cruelest hill of all---at least a kilometer long and not at all gentle---at the very end. The barely-trafficked roads were silky smooth; they wound through forests and shot by farms. Cows were abundant, as were cow odors.

17 friendly souls started the race. On the back half of the first lap, the field began to come apart. Pear Tree Pens was hanging tough until the last climb of that lap. There, in full view of the crowd (such as it was) of spectators, Emilie and then Laura R threw their chains off in nearly synchronized front derailleur mishaps.

For each of the Pear Tree Racers, the second lap of the race was a lonely odyssey. Back on her bike, Emilie chased down a group of stragglers from the lead pack, worked with them briefly, then set off again on her own. Catching the lead pack just before the final climb, she finished with them. In spite of pedaling hard (for Laura R), Laura R couldn't manage to catch up with anyone, and spent most of the last lap wishing she'd eaten more donuts. Accompanied only by her clicking knee, the valiant Christine battled headwinds on the front end of the last lap and relentless hills on the back end, to finish strong.

The team repaired to West Branch's elegant Lumberjack Tavern, where, heartened by the scientifically balanced recovery foods of jalapeno poppers and pale ale, they expressed themselves pleased at having survived the brutalization that was the West Branch Classic.

New team schemes: 1) Team RV, so we don't have to conduct our pre-race preparations in bushes alongside mosquito infested forest roads.

2) Team training week, or weekend, someplace not too far away, with nice roads and real hills. Does anyone have a lead on a base of operations in the Vacationland part of Michigan?

What a weekend! Willow Park TT & STS #4

Despite the forecast of wet, wet, wet, our magic *Team Tent of Dryness* appeased the weather gods long enough for the tough-grrrls to put down some SERIOUS smack this weekend.

Saturday, we had a good cat 4 showing for the Willow Park TT (a 13.2 mi solo TT) with Emilie T, Grace, and Jenny in the cat 4's. With Alice nursing a yoga injury, Laura J represented for the 1-3's.

Part of life is just showing up, as Laura J aptly demonstrated taking both 3rd and last in an anemic cat 1-3 field.

In the much larger cat 4 field, Grace just missed the podium with a strong 4th place finish, just 7 sec behind Laura J's time. Jenny took 7th in a TIGHT cluster of racers. And Emilie just DECIMINATED the 4's with a smoking 34:01, over 2 min faster than 2nd place and strong enough for 2nd overall. If that's not a course record for the 4's, it's darn close. Only semi-pro Mackenzie Woodring was faster than our Tower of Power.

Full results

Sunday's last Spring Training Series looked like a wash-out but the weather held out long enough for all the races AND the super post-race cookout with recovery brats, beer, and Zingerman's goodies.

With low turnout in all fields, and having a separate women's race in question, Grace and Laura J decided to show the boyz of the C race how it's done. Both tough-grrrls threw down attacks and rode strong, with Laura J. taking advantage of a last lap move by one of the Greyhounds guys for a sprint for 2nd.

By this time, 4 more women showed, so lead offical Paul Alman offered a women's miss-n-out. Not a typical crit, but a track fave where riders ride easy laps followed by multiple bell laps. The last racer across the line gets pulled from the race until there's 3 left to sprint for the win. With Canadians Aimee A and Emily, Wolverine powerhouses Adrienne and Sara D (fresh off a bunch of prime sprint wins in a St. Louis pro-1-2 race), Grace and Laura wondered the wisdom of throwing it down so hard in the men's C race. In the end, all three teams were represented for the final by Aimee A, Sara D, and Laura J. For the final, Aimee attacked early with Sara in tow. Laura, caught off guard, ended up chasing along the backstretch, catching on just before the final 200m sprint which Sara easily won. Laura did salvage some sort of sprint over Aimee, taking 2nd.

Our two gluttons for punishment, Grace and Laura J hung on for another heapin' helpin' of suffering in the men's B race before heading off to the Magic Tent of Dryness for some much needed recovery food and drink.

One on One Spinning Spectacular

Ever wonder how racers like Grace and Megan stay in shape over winter? Spinning! Grace lined up a special team spinning session at One on One Athletic Club Saturday. Despite the early (7:30am!) class, the team was out in FORCE. Perhaps Jess' neon tights woke us up with their post-nuclear glow? Terri of One on One, led us on a virtual bike tour, complete with rolling hills, pacelines, and sprints.

One on One Spinning Spectacular

Afterwards, Aimee, Kristi, Laura, and Megan took to the open roads west of A2 for some extra miles, sunshine, and bon homme. Megan took advantage of the spectacular spring day, turning off towards Dexter. The other three headed back to A2, each wondering if they had enough food in the tank for the return. Aimee slurped down Gu's, Kristi talked off making post-ride pancakes, while Laura silently cursed for bringing one granola bar to power at 2+hr ride. Though no one wanted to admit it 'til Kristi spotted Great Harvest Bread Co. and the trio screamed into the parking lot like it was the last turn of a crit. Free bread samples revived the group as each admitted they *really* needed food but didn't want to say anything. Kristi pondered the logistics of carrying a loaf of bread back, 'til Laura showed off "what she learned at bike camp" how to carry food pro-style (ie tucked hunchback like under one's vest).

Hi Ladies! I'll be stopping by the STS this Sunday to say Hi and cheer you all on! My collegiate race is almost overlapping, so I can't do both:( But feel free to stop by my race (women's A, 11:05 am) and cheer the Midwest Collegiate Conference on...or just me. I included links for the race flyer and directions to the course (which is super close by ~2.5 miles away).
See you all Sunday!

Race Info & Map

STS 4-11-10

There was some fine team racing going on at the STS yesterday! For some shots at the action:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49229940@N08/sets/72157623832676776/

A blast from the past....welcome back Alicia D!

The Pear Tree Pens/AAVC women's team warmly welcomes back veteran team member Alicia D. We suspect it was the snazzy jersey that lured her back after a hiatus from racing. Look or better yet, listen for her--she knows her race stuff and has the legs and lungs to homeschool a field.

Welcome--Emilie & Emily!!!

Pear Tree Pens/AAVC welcomes aboard Emilie and Emily for the 2010 season!

Emilie is a brand spankin' new racer with a triathlon background who joined us in her 1st mass start race at the Spring Training Series. Given her ability to lay down a PACE during the STS race, she'll be a cat 4 powerhouse!

Emily F returns to the team for her SIXTH year, balancing racing with finishing her PhD dissertation. Emily is a veteran of both the local MBRA and collegiate race scenes. Her lengthy race bio is stacked with some EPIC races, including the marquee Michigan pro/am race, the Tour de Leelanau.

On Friends, happenstance, and riding with ALL YOU LADIES!

So, today Laura R and I were scheduled to go out for a nice, chill ride. After meeting up with Grace, Laura J, and the boys at Wheeler, we got sucked into a beautifully long, harder ride than I had bargained for. I've never been happier. A Sunday of riding, beautiful weather, and fantastic friends cannot be matched by much. The only downside was the inaugural event of the 'bizarre tan line' season, where everyone can see where my watch and gloves were before I got burnt to a crisp. It's tough being a red-head when the weather is beautiful.

Amongst all of the awesomeness above, one thing that was talked about in between huffing and puffing was starting up Wednesday night woman's rides again. All people that lack a Y chromosome are invited, and please bring along interested cyclists that may not have joined us as of yet. 6pm at Wheeler seems to work for the other rides, so let's plan for that. It will be relaxed, whatever pace fits with the group that's there, and no-drop (to foster our lack of testosterone and our sense of camaraderie). We are all busy, so we may not show every week, but it's nice to keep in touch with the ladies of the team, and to bring in awesome new people! Hope to see you there, and in the mean time all the best and don't forget the SPF 55.


Map to Wheeler Park

New jerseys christened on a rainy Spring Training Series

Well the icy cold rain didn't scare away the hard-women of cycling. Grace, Laura R, and Emily T lined up for both the C-race and the women's despite temps in the low 40's and a nasty rain.

With Christine coming off a big human genetics data crunchin' bender the previous night, Laura J wimpering about some silly puncture wound to the knee, and Jenny battling a death-cold, the crowd was *stacked* with PTP/AAVC support!

Check out the race scene with the grrrls in action .
Complete results

Fisk Knob TT

Me and my support crew, Todd (the hippie) and Jake (the dog), made the trek over to the westside of the state for the Fisk Knob TT. It was a bit of a mini-reunion of the Alabama Cycling camp folks. Ran into West Michigan Coast Riders Terry B. and Marc B. (no relations), fresh off the mall race the previous day during which Terry had squeaked out a victory (and free dinner) from Marc. I might mention Marc had the most AMAZING HAT but unfortunately I was too stunned to photograph it. While lining up for my start, I spied Ken of Breakway Bicycles but never had a chance to say "hi" before it was time to speed down the Knob.

I'm not exactly a TT queen but I did get the bike ready by ditching the dorky homegrown pump bag and pink leopard seat bag (tools? who NEEDS tools?). I was rockin' it old-skool with my '94 ('93?) Merlin and a power tap wheel that weighed more than half the frames there. Areo bars? Eddy Merckx never needed 'em. Zipp 808's? Rear disc wheel? Aero helmet? Really people, I have a mortgage. I did acquiesce by wearing a skinsuit, but I had to insulate that with a couple of layers so you couldn't really tell.

Overall, I didn't do as badly as I typically do at Fisk. I managed to pass a 12yr old girl at one point and by some miracle (musta been the scent of hot dogs wafting from the finish), passed a guy on the last 100m of the Knob.

Things to know about the Fisk Knob TT

1. It starts (and more importantly finishes) atop the highest point in Kent Co.
2. Fisk is traditionally windy, cold and possibly snowy (subject to change)
3. Bring ALL the cycling clothing you own (if new team clothing hasn't arrived, dress fashionably)
4. Have your coach at the start line....
5. Those who lit out fast on the outbound stair-step downhill (with tailwind!) section of 22 mi road will pay later
6. The 4 mi return trip on 22 mi road is a series of stair-step uphills into a headwind
7. Even when you *think* you've turned out of the headwind, here's still plenty of wind for the last 1.5 mi up to the top of the Knob.
8. They have SOUP! (note: do not leave your roll unattended if you bring a dog)
9. Always thank your support!

Alabama Cycling Camp

We (Anne, Grace and Laura) spent a FANTASTIC week down in southern Alabama at Alabama Cycling Camp. Loads of base (ie easy to moderate pace) miles on roads smoother than a baby's bottom, warm temps (50's-60's) and sun, sun, SUN.




Besides superb riding, we were treated to great eats by Renee and loads of advice from special guest pro-cyclist Alison Powers (2009 NRC champ) of Team Vera Bradley

Things we learned at camp:
Views expressed are not necessarily representative of the all campers involved
Travel

BYOCM (bring your own coffee maker)

When negotiating hotel discounts do not ask for AAA, AARP, or such. Just nod knowingly when the manager asks if you have a coupon book (especially when he asks a second time)

Eating

Mike makes THE best waffles. Period.

Post ride, the answer to shower or food depends on the number of cyclists circling the table

You can always find pickeled pigs feet

A pitcher of margaritas is cheaper and more fun than 3 individual glasses

Hoop cheese is tasty

Hog jowls, $1.29 at Big C's grocery (advertised special)

Cycling rules of the road

The number of roadside pee stops is directly proportional to the number of men in the paceline (Corollary: Presence of women does not reduce the number of pee breaks)

Deer crossing signs shall be shot....repeatedly

The number and ferocity of dogs is inversely proportional to the value of the property being protected

Vultures circling overhead do not necessarily mean you're dead

An armadillo's defensive response of curling up into a protective ball has little effect on a speeding car.

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: To prove to the armadillo it could be done

The proximity of dwelling to the road is inversely proportional to the odds a pack of dogs will coming bursting out

Southern culture on the skids

"HELL IS REAL" (at least in the south where you're reminded on 20ft billboards)

Wild turkey is a bird that travels in flocks, not a drink

A Co-op in the south does not mean the same thing as in a college town (this is where farmers trade goods, not where you buy tempeh, wheat berries, or seitan)

If you read the local paper at the convenience store, "please put it back so others can read it"

No one gets upset if the flyer for the local picnic advertises: "No alcohol, Boys and Men Only"

If you are the prince of darkness, do not attempt to enter a Baptist Church. Just in case..."Satan stay OUT! Shake him OFF!"

Going green Southern-style: riding horses to the local grocery store

Woodsmen of World is an insurance company

Waving (with all fingers, not the middle one) is expected courtesy

Camp

Do not fall asleep on the living room couch with your mouth agape, someone will photograph you

Ditto for trying to bust any fancy yoga moves

While relaxing, curl up with a good (note)book

An open laptop attracts the male species

"Free candied pecan samples? Did someone say free candied pecans???"


Cycling technique

Always plan and memorize your route so you don't have to fold up a wall-sized map

If you get dropped by the lead group and manage to claw your way back on, announce your return (even if you're still gasping), least you catch a load of nose effluent upon your return

If you're male, compression tights MUST be worn with either a) a long baggy shirt b) baggy shorts c) both a & b

Old cyclists never die, they just go to Alabama

AAVC Women's team debuts as Pear Tree Pens

The Ann Arbor Velo Club (AAVC) Women's Team (formerly Team Priority Health) welcomes our 2010 Title Sponsor, Pear Tree Pens of Ann Arbor, MI. Thanks to the generous support of Pear Tree Pens, supporting sponsors Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, Jeff Crause of Edward Jones, One on One fitness, Eight Ball Saloon, Connected Learning, and Power by Design Coaching, we're excited about the upcoming 2010 season.

Look for our snazzy new blue jerseys coming to a race near you!