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!