I think I'm around on 8/16 and would like to do at least 1 R&A race this summer so I'm tentatively in.

And I wanted to do the CP race the following weekend but looks like I'll be in the catskills on a mini weekend getaway instead.

@Gwynna and all of the ladies: there is a race in CP next Sunday.

Just in case you missed the announcement, I'm planning on leading a slow, short group ride on Saturday from the GWB. About 1 hour bridge to bridge, with stops to work on some skills like sprinting, descending, cornering and pacelines. Hammer heads will ONLY be permitted to open up their legs a few times during a sprinting drill or going up a climb.

Check out the mentoring thread for more details.

Gwynna Smith said:

Kayt, what do you think of that field for Mengoni? Looks like a lot of the same names from last week. I'm reluctant to pay $45 to get dropped the first time up Harlem, but I also think that if I don't slam it down the S curves that I might be able to hang. I'll get dropped eventually, but if you have any guesses on how hot they are going to go out, that would be helpful.

Gwynna, I know you didn't ask me and I'm butting into your thread, but I wish you had more confidence in yourself after your great ride at Prospect Park.

Here's how you handle the hill in Harlem.

Get to the front on the descent, but don't kill it. Just ride down it tempo at the front of the field. Keep the pressure on the pedals after the descent levels off, but nothing crazy. If a few people come around you, good, fine. Let them tow you to the base of the climb. Now, you are still at the front on the field. Then you've got a minute or so to get to the top. Ride it hard, but nothing crazy, if someone blasts by you, let them go. If riders are going faster than you on the climb, no worries, let them pass you, but since you've started at the front of the field on the climb, you only have to hang on at a pretty good clip (or not, sometimes the field positively goes SLOWLY up that hill), for a minute. A minute. You're a stud MTB-er, I know you've got a minute in you.

#thingswetalkedaboutatbothofmyCPracingclinics #jk #justsay'n #kittens

Um...don't forget there's a prime on each lap at the top of harlem hill. That will change the dynamics of the race.

Oh you're right Gwynna.. last year it was on top of Harlem hill each lap...  oh well.. it'll be an easier race then.

@Gwynna, if the field is looking similar to the one on Saturday, I would venture to guess the speed will be similar. Marc's advice is gold, and your point about learning how to move in a pack by racing is well-taken. 

Gwynna,
I'll see you at the Rapha ride on Sunday! Good choice, plus breakfast is
involved in the ride




On Thu, Jul 17, 2014 at 2:48 PM, Gwynna Smith <

I'll be there probably in generic-wear, though team kit is perfectly acceptable.

Come on, team kit ladies! Represent! Maybe you can do some good ol' recruitin', too...

Ladies,

Okee doke, kit it is.  

I'm all about the kit, nice sell Jules. Way to lay it on thick.


On Thu, Jul 17, 2014 at 4:56 PM, EmilyAtwater <

Evening women's team,  Is anyone interested in coming out tomorrow for a get together?  It's kind of sad riding around all alone on Friday mornings...  

How to wash kit after every ride:

@Dale, I'll be out at 6:00 am if the block party outside my window ever stops. It's been a trying summer so far...

Hey Kayt,  Considering that I am still at work at the moment,  I think I am going to bow out for tomorrow.  I will try to come by before the race on Saturday.  Good Luck!

Met up with Erika, Jim & Wes this morning.  We saw a flash of Handsome Joe but he was too fast (and too handsome) for us...

I'd like to echo Jules' comment. Aside from the social media promotion, one of the biggest things we can offer our sponsors is a "rolling billboard" of their name throughout the tri--state area.

I'd love to get some photos of the ladies on the Rapha ride. While we may not give a shout out to any particular sponsor via the photo, the mere fact that you are out and riding among other women with the kit on is evidence of the visibility that club sponsorship and kit placement can provide a potential sponsor.

Given August & Sept will be the busy season with respect to recruiting new sponsors, the more recent evidence I can provide to prospects the better.

Thanks and have a lot of fun.

Jules said:

Ladies,

The team kit is not just for feeling spiffy; it's a deal (in writing, no less) that we make with our generous sponsors that whenever possible we'll train & race in our kit with their logos.

This is the time of year when your Sponsorship Director is working hard on getting us all sweet deals (like Osmo, Cannondale, Rudy, Stages, discounts at Ride, etc) so it would be super, super sweet, with whipped cream and hugs if everyone can fly the team colors whenever possible, and double-thusly if they're on a well publicized ride or race.

On the same vein if there is some reason for NOT wearing team kit on a ride/race (other than don't own it or it's covered in blood - ERIKA) please pipe up so we can try and fix it.

#hugsandsmileyfaces

If I could toss my $0.02 into this conversation... What I didn't love about last year's Women's 100, was how Rapha it was. The Women's 100 is to Rapha as Valentine's Day is to Hallmark and Russell Stovers. As wonderful as it would be if the Women's 100 / Valentine's Day was about empowerment/love, it's mostly a huge marketing opportunity.

Kayt Mathers said:

 Also, is there a post CP race coffee spot?

Mattie's in Piermont

feel better @erica

I get what you mean, but I have to say I always appreciate women only cycling events and glad someone is willing to do it. I've found its a fun social non competitive event ( a rarity) : )

I was going to go as well , but I'm now heading to sf for work for 8 days or so.

and, on that note, does anyone know people out there who might have leads with either a loaner bike for a ride over next weekend or places that rent decent road bikes?