VeloRosa Women's Cycling Team

AWESOME NEW KITS

2012-01-21T12:17:00.018-06:00

You've asked about? You've dreamt about it! You've even fantasized about how you would look in it. Because you belong, you can now order this awesome kit. This is THE kit for 2012. Others are going to be staring, gawking, falling off their bikes when you cruise by in the VeloRosa team kit.

The short sleeve jersey is light weight with plenty of ventilation. You know that Iowa summers are hot, hot, hot.

When the weather cools or you are out after dark, put on the long sleeve jersey. This heavier weight jacket is perfect for chilly mornings or evenings. In the winter layer under it and stay warm. You can ever wear it out as a jacket for a night on the town.

The shorts are some of the most comfortable that you will own. The new design is sleek and stylish. The sleeveless jersey is great on the single-track trails or for not having biker tan-lines on your arms. Hey, the short tan-line is enough of a tag!

After you ride, slip into the newly designed T. It is perfect with your bike shorts for a casual ride or with jeans or shorts for that cool beverage that you know you will be enjoying. Also available are sweatshirts, hats, arm warmers and yoga-style pants.

GUYS, don't you worry, men's styles are available for many of the items. You know that you ROCK THE PINK too!

These kits were designed by our most talented teammate, Kim H. A team could not ask for a better design that represents the passion that flows through this team. See note below for her co-hort in design.

Order now as the window closes on January 29. This is your only time this year to order. Here is site address: http://pinkbikerchicks.blogspot.com/

Your Roving Race Reporter (and now fashion guru),

Luann

NOTE FROM KIM: I just wanted to thank my friend and fellow artist, Greta Songe, for collaborating with me on this project. I met Greta a few years ago on RAGBRAI. She rides for Team Stream who are supported by a cool Airstream trailer as they travel across the state. Among her other endeavors, Greta enjoys designing fabrics and I asked her to create the "thorn pattern" that is used on the arm/leg of the kit. Her direction was to come up with something that was "graceful yet threatening"... much like the women of VeloRosa!:) Her design completely hit the mark and I really love the flair it adds to the kits! Here is a link to her spoonflower page where you can view (and I believe purchase) her beautiful fabrics! THANKS AGAIN, GRETA!!!!

http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/gsonge

Velorosa Holiday Party

2011-12-27T13:49:00.005-06:00

Pizza, Drinks, Door Prizes & More!!

When: Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Where: Orlando's-4337 Park Ave, DM

Time: 6pm-8pm

RSVP-Joann at schmjj12@hotmail.com

IT WAS REALLY SPOOKY OUT THERE

2011-10-31T19:42:00.008-05:00

Another haunting weekend of biking has come and gone. Yes, it was time for Spooky Cross. The Pink ladies donned costumes and hit the dirt. If you like hills, these races are for you.

Saturday's race through the town looked innocent enough. A few gravely turns and you are out of site. Through the woods, over the road, a sharp right then reveals a hill. Take your lowest gear and grind through it. You had heard about the hills and think, "Girl, they were right!" A little downhill and around the curve to the barriers. Yep, it is not cross without barriers. You hop over them and get ready to remount. But WAIT!!! No! THIS is the hill they meant. Holy Mackerel. You resign yourself to run up it. OK maybe walk up it. But pushing your bike, the heckling stings. Where are the cheers of encouragement? Ha! Not at this point. You legs quiver and your lungs burn. At last to the top.
Hop on and take off. Great to ride again. A few turns and then straight down hill. Don't take out any more markers (thank goodness they are plastic). A few rollers, some gravel, another set of barriers, a field and back to the main road. Where these crowds do cheer, ring cowbells and offer you a 'Cold Hamm's'. Yes, this is day one of Spooky Cross at Living History Farms.

If you are game enough, come back on Sunday. Oh, the venue is the same but the course has transitioned. If you ever thought a county road was a bumpy and rough ride, we scoff at you! Ride through harvested fields, full of mud plods, loose gravel, tight turns. There is water but a nice crossing; if you can ride the narrow bridge and goes up in sections and then drops you back on the trail. Tool around the farm and enjoy the view.
Some hills, grassy section, a few barriers, let go on the steep down hill so that you can make it up the next rise. Take a few tight turns, head down a worn, rutted, loose dirt road with a right right and let the real fun begin.

Really? You ask. You cannot see it coming but gear down and start to climb. The road is not nice. Deeply rutted, loose dirt and gravel. Long grass to grab your derailleur. OK, you made it across the road and turn to see THE HILL. Long, narrow, rutted, deep gravel, leaves, loose dirt and as steep as they come. At least here the fans cheer, cow bells ring, Halloween candy is offered,
as is a hot pepper. Whatever it takes to get up the dang hill. You can spin, stand and climb, pray as only the strongest legs get up that hill. But the cheers are well worth it. A few turns and some mulchy rollers. One more set of barriers and you are back to the gravel and one lap is done. Enjoy the next 5,6 or 8 additional laps!

Yes, this is Spooky Cross!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Most photo credits to Dave Mable; Megan K; Joann S; Kim H; Aryn F; Lee all posed for these photos! :)

Newcome Kim Wins at Iowa Games Tri

2011-09-03T19:16:00.003-05:00

One of our newest members, Kim B rocked out the Iowa Games Triathlon by winning her division.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

East Village Crit Pink Photos

2011-09-03T19:07:00.018-05:00

THANKS to everyone for the great photos! What an awesome Pink memory!

Your Roving Photo Downloader,

Luann

East Village Crit Ruled by Pink

2011-09-03T18:45:00.008-05:00

What a Saturday on the East side of downtown Des Moines is was as VeloRosa dominated the day's races.

Not only did Pink Gals race well, they also manned the corner, helped with registration and handled the prim table. Thanks to everyone that came out.

Megan held off a charging DMOS rider to take the Cat 4 race. With this race Megan closed out the season as the Cat 4 points leader. This is the second year that a VeloRosa rider has taken the points cup in this Cat, as Dee Mable swept it last year. Dee also won it four years and took third three years ago. What a great cycling legacy the Pink Gals have!

Lee rode the crit race of her short racing lifetime to take 6th place. She is set up to take a victory or two next year in the Cat 4 races.

Megan and Loren teamed up to race the Cat 1/2/3 race. Megan did an immediate upgrade to the next class and took on the challenge that same day. It is hard enough to race 15 or so laps of 70% uphill grade and then come back a few hours later and race for more than 15.

In the Cat 1/2/3/ Loren threw the regular pack off kilter with her hard charging racing style. She made the podium by finishing third. I believe that makes her a podium finisher for each cup race that she entered. Megan followed up her earlier victory and made her presence known for next year by finishing 6, beating several ladies that have raced in this Cat all season long.

On the pink gents side, Jason came out to try his first crit and quickly found the going all up hill. He raced hard and hung on to finish strong. His comments afterward may have pointed to his continued racing in road races over crits. However, the long winter tends to fade the first-race pains!

All of this awesome pink riding could not have taken place without the support of all other team members in helping to put on this race.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

See next post for photos from this awesome day!

Teresa Places at Hickory Grove

2011-09-03T18:40:00.004-05:00

Big Congrats to Terese Harms for placing at the Hickory Grove Tri. The sprint distance triathlon is quite the challenge. Terese held off all competitors in her category except for two to claim third place.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink UAR Women's Champs

2011-09-02T19:32:00.007-05:00

Kim and Karolyn put down the hammer on the city of Des Moines and all of the other challengers to win the Urban Assault Ride women's division. They used their 'fireball' attitudes, bike savvy and excellent knowledge of the Des Moines to combine with outstanding feats of great skill and strength to take home top prize.

There was an outstanding showing of pink team, pink partners/spouses and pink friends. It was great to see everyone having a good time.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Kim Hopkins Wins 7 Oaks MTB Race

2011-08-12T19:38:00.003-05:00

Kim showed why she left road racing to concentrate on the dirt by taking first place in the Cat 2 race. If you have ever riden with Kim on the dirt, you can see her exceptional bike handling skills. If there ever was a course that demanded that, it is 7 Oaks.

Congrats to Kim for this outstanding victory.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

State Road Race Championship to Megan!

2011-08-12T19:24:00.007-05:00

Megan Kelly road the race of her life time and held off the field to take first place in the State Road Race Championship. With this she added 10 more points to her total for Iowa Cup Points. She currently leads all of the women in Cat 4. With one more race to go in the series, she is a lock-in to take the title.

In the Cat 3, Loren came off of the injure reserve list to place 2rd. She showed her very strong biking skills to rock this Cat. Next year she and Dee should give the Mercy gals a strong run for the money.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

VeloRosa Takes Medals at Clear Lake

2011-08-12T18:26:00.008-05:00

What a weekend of racing it was in Mid-July in Clear Lake. A beautiful Saturday opened to an outstanding Crit race. Not only was it the always competitive Clear Lake Crit it also was the Iowa State Crit Championship.

In the Women's Cat 4, reigning Iowa Cup leader, Megan Kelly took first in a hotly contested race. Lee hung on for a lucky 13th place.

In the Women's Cat 3 Dee Mable too time off from the gravel to place 4th.

In the Women's State Championship, Megan took First in Cat 4 and Lee 10th. Dee took 2nd in the Cat 3 race.

First time racer Jason Simpson, in the Men's Cat 5, took 3rd overall and places 2nd in the State Championship. Not only did he rock the pink, he rocked the Cat 5 with this stellar first showing. Whomever said men don't look good in pink? That person never saw said man on the podium!!!!

On Sunday, the racers met again to take on the lengthy road race through the rolling hills around Clear Lake. This time two men in pink showed up at Tobin Bennett joined medal-winner Jason to take on the Cat 5 group. Unfortunately, Jason flatted almost right out of the start which kept pink from taking the top two spots. Tobin road on in his first race and took 3rd.

The Women's Cat 4 lined up pink racers Megan, Lee and Melinda Reese joined in this race. Melinda looked strong riding through the pack to sit just off of the front. Megan held her own out front with a strong Mercy contingent behind her. Lee showed her mettle when she recognized the group's break away and went with them. For the first time in her career she stayed with the lead pack and finished 9th overall. Melinda held on to the back of the pack and ended up 11th. Megan put on a great ride and finished 3rd overall.

Dee hung with the leaders in the Cat 1, 2 3 race to take 3rd in the Cat 3 race. She looked strong again at this longer distance.

Wow! That was the most awesome weekend of pink racing. Many thanks to Lisa B and Kim H for coming up to cheer. If you have not been to Clear Lake, put it on your calender for next year. Outstanding racing along with great BBQ and blues music.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Grinnell Crit--Dee Take 3rd in Cat 1/2/3

2011-06-30T21:03:00.003-05:00

Dee M came off of the grimy gravel roads to put the light, fast bike on the pavement and see what she had in the tank. She proved that the time on the tandem has been well spent as she placed 3rd in this race.

Congrats to Dee!! We all know she will be back after her and Dave demolish Leadville!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Megan Takes Rose Fest Crit and Road Races

2011-06-30T20:28:00.010-05:00

Big Congrats to Megan K for winning both the twilight crit and the road race in State Center. Beside these awesome victories, a new slew of pink racers were initiated.

Melinda R came out for her third race and placed 7th overall at the Road Race. Erika Y tried her hand at the Road Race and took 8th overall. Both raced in the Cat 4 race. This race was a single lap with plenty of hills. Both of these gals hung on and then raced fine races through the 20+ miles.

Megan hung at the front of the pack and sprinted to victory in Road Race to follow up on her first place the night before. Megan is leading the Iowa Cup points race this year.

Melinda and Erika both celebrated their places:

Rock on to the pink ladies!!!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

PINK ROCKS TOMRV

2011-06-30T19:57:00.012-05:00

The pink ladies and gents took on TOMRV The total climbing added up to 11,280 feet.
Some of the climbs were over 300' in height through the limestone and valleys.
Some of the descents were breath taking in beauty as well as in fear!
Congrats to all that mastered the 200 miles.
We have some awesome biking couples associated with this team!!! Ride on.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Squaw Creek May 7

2011-06-30T19:39:00.013-05:00

Squaw Creek crit was raced on a sunny Saturday in Marion, IA. The compact course contained several steep climbs including one at the finish. The 1/2/3s raced along with the 4s leading to a very fast start.
The pack stayed together until the long, steep down hill and sweeping left turn. That combination netted out the meek from the courageous.

Megan K sat off the wheel of front Mercy gals for the whole race. She showed her
mettle with a burst at the final hill to take second place. Lee held on for a fourth place finish.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Race Like a Girl

2011-05-24T20:21:00.018-05:00

RLG returned to Des Moines

and the VeloRosa ladies, plus the hotest guy in pink,
showed up in force to take part.

It was wonderful to see all of the new

riders coming out to learn the ropes.

Erika, Aryn, Melinda, Dee, Megan and Jason rocked the pink jerseys and rode like the wind.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Photos by Kim and Karolyn............thanks gals!!!

Pink Gals Master Bluff Creek Tri

2011-05-24T20:05:00.004-05:00

Congrats to all of the pink that rocked the Olympic Tri course at Bluff Creek. Aryn lead all out of the water and added a strong bike (2nd best time overall) and run. For all of us that have been riding with Aryn, a strong bike is not a surprise. She finished 4th overall and won her age group. An awesome first race and start to the 2011 season.

Competing in her first Olympic Tri, Jane showed that hours of bricks can make one very successful. Even thought she found the 54 degree water chilling she used all of her pink strength to survive and get to the disciplines that she is more fond: biking and running. Congrats Jane!

Michelle also tackled this tough course. She blew away her time from last year. In addition to a strong race, she showed pink love and kept newbie Jane calm and ready to race!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Dee and Dave Whip Almonzo

2011-05-15T20:12:00.003-05:00

Dave has pretty high standards on when he will ride. There are very few reasons that he won't get on the bike, solo or tandem, and tear it up. He had held a pretty strong line on the position that he will ride when it is cold; and when it is raining; but not when it is cold AND raining. Well he can toss that one out but apparently only if you toss in a half inch of facial mud!

Dee and Dave rode in some awful spring conditions to knock out 100 miles of gravel roads. Welcome to Almonzo where it costs nothing to enter but can tear your heart, soul, and guts out. Tide may be able to solve all stains on TV but it could not touch Dave's kit.

Being true students of biking, they used the time on the bike to show that drafting works. Dee stayed tucked nicely behind Dave and she clearly has 20% less mud on her.

As Dave summed it up on his FB: ‎42 degrees. strong NW wind, endless hills (endless), mud, fresh gravel, rain, rain, rain, mud, hills, wind, rain, mud, hills, soft gravel, mud, hills (leg-breaking), rain, cold, wind. Oh, and a flat.

Congrats to both Dee and Dave on this momentous accomplishment.

Your Roving (but clean) Race Reporter,

Luann

VeloRosa Riders Place 2, 3 at Zealous Race

2011-05-15T06:23:00.002-05:00

The rains held off to allow for cool but drier race conditions. Megan continued her early season prowess by placing 2nd at the Zealous Road Race in Des Moines.

Melinda opened her road race season with a solid 3rd place finish in the same race. The tough course may have kicked rear end, but she kept pedaling away.

Congrats to both Pink Ladies!!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

ARTCRANK Opens This Thursday

2011-05-14T16:07:00.003-05:00

ARTCRANK opens this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Des Moines Social Club located in the Kirkwood Hotel (4th and Walnut). This is the ultimate poster party for bikers of all types. The are original, bike-inspired pieces of art from many local artists.

Admission is free and all posters are $30

ARTCRANK Des Moines 2011 is presented by Des Moines Bike Collective, a nonprofit organization that promotes cycling as a viable transportation alternative and advocates for making Des Moines and the surrounding metro area more bike-friendly.

Full Schedule:
Thursday May 19
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Friday May 20
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday May 21
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Luann

Race Like a Girl THIS Thursday

2011-05-14T15:56:00.002-05:00

Yes, the series is back. Thanks to all of the ladies that love to ride, RLG will not fade away. The race is held at Union Park in Des Moines and starts at 5:30 p.m. This is the best $10 you can spend on a Thursday night. You do need a license and one-day ones are available for sale (also $10, I think).

Everyone should give this a try. It is a short course road race. There are usually 3 races for each group. They are rather short races with 6-8 laps. You can ride one or all three.

Bring a lawn chair, some beverages, a little food. Come to watch or ride; bring the kids. There is a rocking kids race with rising superstars like Reed who wants to ride a full lap. Kids get a free cookie from Baby Boomer Cafe. There is no fee for the kids race.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink Riders Super Fast at Elkhart TT

2011-05-14T15:39:00.001-05:00

The winds finally calmed down and the rains held off so that VeloRosa could race time trials this last Thursday.

Aryn lead the team with a 20:38 for the 12K race. She earned 2nd in the Eddie Merckx division while Melinda took 4th with a 22:56. Julie G put down a 22:09 for 5th in the Women's Masters.

Ride on, Pink Ladies, ride on!!!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink Goes 2, 4 at Squaw Creek

2011-05-14T15:11:00.007-05:00

Megan road an awesome race to take 2nd at the Squaw Creek Crit on her birthday last Saturday. The race started on a steep hill and had many tight turns. Megan held up front with the Cat 1/2/3/ gals through the winding course.
The Mercy team worked hard as a group and Megan could have been wearing light blue. She rocked the pink right in the midst of that sea of blue!

Lee held on to take 4th in the same race.

Lee continued to show that a year's worth of experience is the best medicine for improving at the Cat 4 level.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink Gals Run Too

2011-05-03T20:45:00.005-05:00

Congrats to Jen Veak who put away the ease of riding a bike to put on her running shoes and beat down on the Country Music Half Marathon. She joined her cousin and fellow running friends to put some rock into the country race.
Jen commented that this was "one of the best races I have ever run."

The highlight of the day may have been this 5th place pewter medal or the fact that her Dad was able to come over from Dyersburg, TN, to watch and wonder what type of crazy daughter he had raised!!!!

With VeloRosa, you do not have to rock the bike to make the blog!

Your Roving (but not running) Race Reporter,

Luann

Iowa City Road Race Starts Season

2011-05-03T20:35:00.003-05:00

The last Saturday of April marked the start of the road race season in Iowa. The Iowa City Road Race in Kalona brought forth a typically windy day on the open fields of Iowa. The pink team sent three stalwart ladies to battle the conditions in this race that runs 13 miles per lap.

A strong winter training regimen helped Megan hang on the main pack and finish just off it in 5th place. She used a great plan in hanging with the pack to finish near the front of the field.

Lee survived a crash that took her off of the road and put fellow biker and pink-friend Kim Topp on the ground. Shecame back with a nice pull from Kim and took 2nd in the Women's 35+ category.

Dee toed the line with the big gals in the Cat 1/2/3 race. She battled the wind and took 9th over all in this tough division that brought in highly competitive teams (that took 6 of the top 8 spots) from outside of the state.

Congrats to all of the Pink Ladies that showed up and rock the road in Kalona.

Your Flying and Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Old Capitol Crit

2011-05-03T20:04:00.007-05:00

Three Pink Gals rode hard in the challenging crit last Sunday in Iowa City. This is a race that starts with a steep downhill into the 90 degree right turn, a sprint to the next corner with another 90 degree turn into an uphill climb that will take the power from your legs and the breath from you lungs. A few rights and lefts and a sprint into the strong Iowa wind before you head downhill at breakneck speed. It takes nerves of steel to not jamb on the brakes before the turn at the bottom. Medical personnel man the post at the bottom of hill, hay bales line the poles and spectators hold their collective breath as the bikers whip down and into the turn.

Megan, Lee and newcomer Melinda Reese showed up on the cold and windy morning to tackle the Old Capitol Crit..
Megan stated out strong leading the pack to the first corner. She showed no fear, cut the sharp angle and took off down the straight away. Lee started off with the front line but eased into the turn and fell off the main pack. She battled back up the hill eventually overtaking sometimes-pink but racing DMOS orange Laura K. Lee and Laura battled it out for a fun finish with Lee showing her year's experience in beating Laura to the line.

Newcomer Melinda showed up and made this her first race. What a tough course to battle through. Congrats and continued success to Melinda! She makes Pink proud.

Meghan finished 7th in the Cat 4 with Laura behind her. Lee took the podium with a 2nd place finish in the 35+.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Thanks to Joann for the photos and her support!!!!

Reeses Make Pieces of Bone Bender

2011-04-27T12:47:00.005-05:00

Can you image over 6 hours of single track mountain bike riding..........at once? In race conditions? OK, if that is not enough for you, try it as a team! Kristin and Bruce (Reese) teamed up to take 2nd at the Bone Bender.

Check out this really cool pink bike!!

Congrats to one of our favorite biking couples on a podium finish!!!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Pink Team Whips Gents Race

2011-04-15T19:45:00.009-05:00

Congrats to our pink team of Dave, Dee, Joe (sometimes claimed by Joann), Jim Logan and Ken Sherman for taking first in this inaugural race. A big pink thanks to Ken for filling in for Joann when she went down with an injury. This team worked hard to stave off a hard-charging challenge from the second place team. All of those Sunday afternoons spent riding in the mud and gravel paid off for this dedicated group.

Pink also took third with a team of Kim Hopkins, Mark Jeffernbruch, Jason Simpson, Karolyn Zeller and Tobin Bennett. Two of our favorite pink guys Jay and Tobin along with now certainly always pink, Mark,
joined Kim and Karolyn to be on the chase of the first pink team. This group also gave up many Sunday afternoons to ride gravel in anticipation of this race. It appears to have been time well spent.

Not to be out done, another pink team completed the race. The fine ladies including Janan Felts, Jen Veak, Elaine Kay, Sara Broek and Julie G were proud to make it through the miles. You might think, "So what?" Well this is what is what: many of these ladies had nary a gravel ride under her belt; never raced on gravel; and/or had never completed this distance. Being Pink is not always about winning. It is about challenging yourself to do something beyond what you thought was possible. All things are possible when you are pink, have pink
teammates and pink friends cheering you on!

The best quote heard during the race: "I am pregnant and I am hungry, leave my pizza alone" when the pink girls thought (out loud) briefly about accosting her for her pizza when they stopped for a fuel up at Casey's.

Generally folks were worn out but happy with finishes and finishing. As this photo shows, there is always enough energy for a post-race beer!

Congrats to all that raced!!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Julie G Rules Elkhart TT

2011-04-15T19:38:00.003-05:00

Pinks' own Julie Goodman defied the principle of wind and sliced through the tough course in 24:12 last Thursday for first place in the women's division. Which, by the way, would have gotten her second in the women's 1/2/3.

When asked how she could be so svelte in the strong winds she opined: "I know how to ride in the wind! One advantage of riding by yourself a lot." Well, Julie keep up the great work and thanks for bringing one home for the Pink Team!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Kim Third At Sylvan Park MTB

2011-04-10T20:52:00.003-05:00

Kim showed her MTB prowess and placed 3rd at Sylvan Park MTB race. Pink-friendly Sally Logan won the race. She is an outstanding mountain bike racer. Cara, one of IC's best MTB racer was 2nd.

Kim braved the windy weather and took to the dirt not letting mud, hills, tight U-turn and fast, bumpy downhills all in stride on her trusty 29er.

It is believed that Pink buy Tobin also raced. At this time, his results are not known.

Kudos to Kim for an outstanding race.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

VeloRosa Spring Clinic

2011-04-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

The winds could not blow off the annual spring clinic put on by team VeloRosa. More than a dozen women showed up to learn the ins and out of group riding. Dave Mable took the reigns and raised the riding level of all whom attended.

The ladies learned how to properly ride in a pack, find the sweet spot off of someone else's wheel and ride in an echelon.

Now let's go race!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Loren Whips Kent Park Road Race

2011-04-10T20:33:00.005-05:00

Loren shot out at the start and hung with IC Robin Williams to take second in the opening race of the 2011 season. The weather was typical cold, windy, spring-time-in-Iowa weather but Loren raced like she had been training in Phoenix all winter.

Lee showed up and gave it her all finishing in 12th place.

A big Pink CONGRATS to Loren for such a strong showing.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Early Racing Nets Free Entry to Iowa City RR

2011-04-10T20:23:00.004-05:00

Lee got out early again this year and raced the Iowa Classic Series gravel races. By placing second overall in the Women's Cat 4, she earned entry into the Iowa City Road Race in late April,

Congrats to Lee! Right on for Pink Team.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Kim, Karolyn, Lee Rock Gravel at Grinnell

2011-04-10T20:08:00.009-05:00

The final race in the Iowa Spring Classic Series was held on a windy spring day. Kim, Karolyn and Lee wheeled the line and shot off down the mile of pavement making their way to the hilly gravel. The week prior, the race was held at Hills, but Grinnell has the ultimate hills. Very long and steep uphill climbs covered most of the 25-mile course.

Karolyn was rocking the race when she blew a tire. Unable to make the change in time, she limped back to the start. This allowed Lee to finish 6th. Kim rode strong all day and finished 5th.

It was a awesome showing for the Pink Team!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Karolyn Rides Mexibrai!

2011-03-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

What? You have not heard of Mexibrai? Well, then you are missing the inaugural event!!

OK, so prior to now, it was just an idea in Karolyn's head. But as many things that start there, she is seeing it to fruition. Most folks would spend spring break in Mexico soaking up the sun and enjoying a frosty beverage. But not Pink's own Ms. Karolyn. She had decided to tour Mexico via bike....and what a fine ride she has acquired.

Watch for more details and photos to be posted.

Yours Roving Reporter,

Luann

PS Please do not think that riding excludes frosty beverages for Karolyn. She will find time for all of the Mexican pleasures!

Pink Fun To Support ICADV

2011-03-16T20:44:00.004-05:00

What could beat a Sunday ride that runs from Mullett's to Mar's? Not much, replied Julie G, Lisa and Lee as they tackled the many miles this fundraising-ride presented. OK so it was only about 4 miles total with stops at The Royal Mile and Gusto Pizza. But it did raise much needed money for the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Other pink friendly faces out on the ride included Heather M-D, Steve C and Steve F. The pizza rocked at Gusto, which is located on the Western edge of downtown. The ride concluded with one off-tour stop at Carl's place..............hey, is any ride complete without that?

Keep tuned to Bikeiowa.com for more rides. You can find one to fit any one's appetite for riding.

Your Roving Ride Reporter,

Luann

Lee Takes Second at Iowa Spring Classic at Hills

2011-03-16T20:34:00.004-05:00

The winds were howling just south of Iowa City for the second of the Iowa Spring Classic Series races. A continuous wind of 22 mph with almost constant gusts of 32 mph greeted the racers on Saturday. Not quite as many Pink women made the jaunt to the start line as the previous week for this very hilly race.

Why does it seem that the softest part of the course is always only up hill and against the strongest wind? Maybe it is Mother Nature's cruel sense of humor aimed at bicyclists! But you know it is windy when the cross winds about knock you and the bike over with a sudden chuckle.

Lee hopped aboard her newly customized cross bike and hung on to take second place. Yes, this year she actually beat a few other riders!

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

Loren, Joann Lead Pink Romp at Colfax

2011-03-16T20:26:00.004-05:00

The Pink Team made a big splash at the first Iowa Spring Classic Series race in Colfax. The very hilly course was a cruel reminder to many of all of the training that went awry over the winter. But that did not deter our awesome team.

Loren and Joann went 1-2 in the women's Cat 4 race. Janan and Julie G took 5th and 6th respectively. It is always a great race day when Pink takes 4 of the top 6 spots.

Great job to all that braved the brisk weather to tackle some gravel.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

VELOROSA FUN!!!!

2011-03-02T20:24:00.003-06:00

With the 2010 biking season under wraps, the ladies and gents of VeloRosa gathered at team sponsor Orlando's for a celebration. The year was recapped. It include races, rides, pink day on RAGBRAI, laughter and planning for 2011.

The following links will take you to see all of the fun.

WARNING: this may make you laugh hysterically so if you are work, stay in control!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmOhRZ4IaU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUHig77ViWI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WikFl7jja6A

It looks like you may have to cut and paste...............but trust me it is worth the effort.

Remember, you too can join the team. See the link in the sidebar. Women, biking and fun. Is there a better way to spend your summer? All abilities welcome......we are a riding club with a little racing habit. Helping women ride bikes since 2007!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

Ladies Night Tuesday, March 8

2011-03-02T20:15:00.002-06:00

Come out for an evening a great women talking biking. Guys are welcome too!!!
Food, drink, give-aways, demos, test ride great bikes, seminars like how to change a flat!
Bike World West 6-8 p.m.

Pink Ride for Livestrong

2011-03-02T19:42:00.009-06:00

Melinda R encouraged a team to participate in the Livestrong Ride at Jordan Creek. Melinda, Melissa Coffey (Melinda's sister), Tobin Bennett, Brenda Schwartztrauber, wearing the awesome CANCER SUCKS shirt, teamed up to ride for this worthy cause.

Laura K, who was moonlighting for DMOS, also joined in the fun.

This proves again that VeloRosa, ladies and gents, are more than just bike riders, but caring members of the community!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

LOREN BLAZES CIRREM COURSE ON FRIGID DAY

2011-03-02T19:14:00.004-06:00

As the temps on February 26, 2011 hovered below 20 degrees and the snow turned to sleet, everything seemed to melt away around Loren Uscilowski who was riding for Pink Team! The roads were covered with fresh gravel, snow and ice but none of that mattered as she ripped through her METRIC in just over 5 hours.

The 62-mile course was exceptionally hilly, per Kent Carlson, one of the event coordinators. As if the self-supported ride was not challenging enough. That means one carries all food, water and repair supplies. There is a mid-point check in that has some water and cookies. Otherwise, it was just a peaceful ride through the Iowa country side.

Dee pushed Dave throughout the ride to become the first co-ed tandem to cross the line. They feared a new set of competitors whom were out to challenge them. However, years of experience paid off for two of our favorite Pink Riders!

Other members of the team joined Julie Goodman on the CIRREM shorty. Kim and Karolyn logged about 25 miles and managed to find a wild-game feed which provided some warmth and beverages during their journey. It seems like those two can find a gathering no matter where they go....a great testament to outstanding bikers!

Julie G and Lisa had a shorter version of this ride and were back in time to support the other riders as they returned to the Tap.

I started and made it just past the mid-point of the the Metric where good sense lead me back to the Cumming Tap for food and beverages. Really, I could not catch Loren and have absolutely no sense of direction. In my delirious state I said, "When did we go under I-35?" to which Kent answered, "You went over it....it was that wide, paved road with all of the cars." Maybe I should stick to blogging and beer.

Prost! to all who attempted and those who conquered!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

IOWA ROLLER RACE SKED

2011-01-08T11:09:00.007-06:00

The 2011 Al Kreitler Memorial Killer 2-Mile Roller Races have been posted at iowabicycling.org There are additional links at that site.

There will be a prize drawing for a set of Kreitler Challenger rollers w/fan at the final roller race.
To be eligible in the drawing you must compete in four of eight roller races.

Photo "borrowed" from Bike World website

SKED

Sunday, January 9th – Valley West Wipeout Roller Race (West Des Moines, IA)

Saturday, January 15th – Harper’s Cycling & Fitness Rollerhead 2 Miles (Muscatine, IA)

Saturday, January 22nd – Rollin’ the Rapids (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Sunday, January 23rd – Fort Dodge TriSport Rock ‘N Roller Race (Fort Dodge, IA)

Saturday, January 29th – Healthy Living Expo Roller Race presented by Smart (Des Moines, IA)

Sunday, February 6th – Velosport Racing Iowa Roller Race (Davenport, IA)

Saturday, February 12th – Bickel’s Killer 2-mile Roller Race (West Burlington, IA)

Sunday, February 27th – Ames Assault Roller Race (Ames, IA)

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

WORLD CLASS AMANDA MILLER TO VISIT DES MOINES

2010-12-25T08:30:00.006-06:00

Hey all of you biking folk out there, local to Iowa biking phenom is coming to Des Moines to share her insight and experiences. Amanda Miller hails from Mt Union and rode local to Des Moines during her time in JUCO. She ended up biking for Colorado State University and in 2008 she made the podium at the Collegiate Mountain Bike Championship and Cyclocross Championships. This past summer she won the St. Francis Tulsa Tough, a road race.

Miller, 24, just completed her first pro season in which she raced in Europe as well as the U.S. She is looking toward a run to make the Olympic team in 2016; 2012 if she gains the requisite experience. She is something of a jack-of-all trades as she races road, 'cross and mountain.

Racing for HUDZ-Subaru, she rocked the Jingle Cross Rock race in Iowa City this past Thanksgiving weekend. She placed third on Friday in the UCI C2 category and beat the nearest competitor by 30 seconds in the Saturday race in a time of 34:40 for 12.3 km. The Sunday race was category UCI C1, the best of the best. She covered the 17.5 km in 44:24 for an average speed of 23.65 through a very muddy, slick and steep course. She beat out her coach Meredith Miller (no relation) by almost 40 seconds. It was an awesome race to watch.

She recently signed with a top women's team HTC-Columbia and will be competing against the world has to offer.

Come out and listen to what this world-class athlete has to say on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Des Moines University Clinic. Enter on the East side, park in the garage and head to the lobby.

Your Roving Reporter,

Luann

What A Spooky Pink Weekend It Was

2010-11-01T10:07:00.032-05:00

The Pink ladies were out in full force to ride and to cheer on each other during the Spooky Cross races at Living History Farms.

The team took on steep climbs, roller coaster like down hills, mud pits and obstacles galore! Pink tutus, boas, sock and hats abounded around the Farm.

The results will be posted later; for now, enjoy the photos.

Dirty Du--Running and Riding Through the Woods

2010-10-24T21:21:00.003-05:00

Saturday morning showed a bit of rain before clearing off and allowing the Dirty Du to take place.

Lauren raced in the open women's division tackling the course in the solo division. She rocked the run, quickly turned her novice mountain biking skills into veteran form.

Kim and Mary R teamed up on the relay with Mary running and jumping the creek while Kim showed her mastery of both the Hillside and Roller Coaster segments. Our team was the first all female team to cross the line in a close race.

Elaine popped into town to help run the races and then was the running leg of a relay team.

Once again pink stood out in the heavily wooded, urban biking oasis behind the Art Center.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luann

FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS

2010-10-24T20:45:00.009-05:00

One of the tags for Mullet's night cyclocross race was "to put something fun between your legs" for this first-time event. VeloRosa women showed up in mass to do just that. Both spectators and racers spent the night cheering and racing.

Cyclocross is a rather unique event in and of itself. Take what is usually a wide open course, make it compact and put it under the lights. Then overload the races, add a band and wash it all down with plenty of adult beverages and you have one rocking evening. This truly was an awesome party.

The pink and black kits really stood out under the lights as the ladies showed up to race. Several cross first timers including Julie H and Lee took to the night race like, well bikers to the road. Rumor has it that Lee wiped out once, pulled a dollar bill from Squirrel and drank 3 beers while riding with an assist from non-riding teammate Sam. Several other riders also collected dollar bills as part of the fun-filled evening.

VeloRosa placed well in several categories. If you have been thinking about racing, come out and join the fun on both Saturday and Sunday over Halloween weekend at Living History Farms.

Kate raced hard in the women's Cat 4 before her bike betrayed her sending her to the sidelines. In the W45+ Melinda, Lee, Julie G and Julie Hfinished 4th, 5th 6th and 7th respectively.

Thanks to all teammates and friends that showed up to support the racing efforts!

Your Roving, Racing Reporter,

Luann

VeloRosa IS Moutain Biking

2010-10-13T09:17:00.006-05:00

Wow! Pink showed up in full force to ride Mullett's Mountain Bike race this past Sunday. After many hesitant emails, the ladies showed up, bucked up and rode as individuals. This is a show of the gumption that this team has shown; taking the challenge head on.

Big CONGRATS to Joann for taking her category in her very first mountain bike race. Joann has really branched out this fall racing both cyclocross and now mountain bike racing. Joining in for the first time also were Angie, DeAnn, Jane and Julie H.

VeloRosa Finishers:

Sport Women
Joann 1st
Elaine 6th

Beginner Women
DeAnn 3rd
Angie 5th
Julie S 8th
Julie G 9th
Julie H 10th
Jane 11th

Dave Mable 4rd Marathon Solo Men

Dee and Kim 3rd Tag Team Marathon and first all woman team.

Kim West and Sue Cook 1st Place Tandem

Yes Kim and Sue have taken the tandem to new and interesting places like this mountain bike race and cyclocross. It is great to see such teamwork flowing along with nary a heated word between them. It could be because they are both gasping for breath. Anyway, it is great to see them streaking by!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann
Thanks to Karolyn for the great photos!

Pedal, Mud, Stump, Hill, Pedal, Jump, Carry...Repeat

2010-10-07T07:51:00.007-05:00

Wow! VeloRosa women rocked the Dirty Wooden Shoe and Altoona cyclocross races on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3. These were hilly and challenging races. There may have been a near mountain with a barrier about 1/3 of the way up in Pella. Ah ha, you ask "So what?" The what is this: ride your bike at full speed, start to swing your right leg over the seat while still moving, unclip your left cleat and hop off at a run. Don't take a breath here because you are just getting started. Hoist up your bike and run over the 18" barrier or two and run, either carrying or pushing you bike, up the rest of that big hill. Whew! But not done yet because while still running hop on to your seat and pedal off hoping that your cleats clip in before the next hole, 180 degree turn or heckler offers you a beer.

The rest of the ride has sand, mud, grass, rolling hills, steep down hills and more 180 degree turns. Do this for 45 minutes non-stop while chasing down the gal in front of you. Don't forget to watch for Kim E.(Iowa City) or Lisa V. (PRC) whom may be passing you like you are not moving at all. And while your mouth is bone dry attempt to grab your water bottle, drink and put it back before any other above hazards come at you like a freight train.........again.

That makes me tired just writing about it. This is what our crazy, challenge-loving teammates were up to this last weekend. The good thing about cross is that you can ride at your own pace. Yes, some folks like our newest teammate Loren are busting it up at break-neck speeds that have lead her to first places in the Cat 4 races or you can be more social by heckling the heckler or saying hi to a cheering teammate all while trying to enjoy the fun that around minute 35 seems like torture.

Congrats to all of the VeloRosa racers list below. Remember that everyone who rides is a winner.

ALTOONA:
Loren....1st..WCX4
Kate.....4th..WCX4
Joann....2nd..W45+
Melinda..5th..W45+
Julie G..6th..W45+
Dee......7th..W45+

PELLA:
Loren....1st..WCX4
Melinda..4th..W45+
Julie G..5th..W45+

Your roving and hopefully someday a big enough bike to ride with these fine ladies roving reporter,

Luann

Rain and Mud Make it Cyclocross

2010-09-26T21:07:00.006-05:00

It was a wild racing weekend in Des Moines the past few days.

For those not familiar with Cyclocross, it is described as "a bike race mixed with steeplechase. In cyclocross, riders race laps around a short course that usually features some pavement, some dirt, some woods, some steep hills and for good measure, some obstacles thrown in that require riders to dismount, work their way through and then get back on and ride some more." (David Fiedler @ David's Bicycling Blog)

Saturday's race was held in a steady rain. While to some this would seem to be very poor conditions but the rain did a good job of washing away the mud that would have accumulated and affected racing. Kim H took the women's 45+ race's top spot. Kate also raced through the slop with a strong showing with a bronze medal performance. Julie gutted out another fun day chatting and racing well.

Sunday turned out to be a gloriously sunny fall day. The ground was sloppy but no rain was falling. What was not foreseen was the mud that would accumulate making it nearly impossible to even push your bike up the inclines. Many a women surrendered trying to ride up the hill to try and push, drag and/or curse that heavy bike along. Yes, even a carbon bike is very heavy when coated in mud. The best this roving reporter could offer was a cold beer on the back stretch hill.

Julie G joined the fray donning her unique green helmet along with Kim and Melinda. Jule finished 5th, Melinda 6th and Kim 3rd in the very competitive 45+. Dave joined in the muddy fun and took 2nd in his 45+ race.

Check out MOMENTUM or bikeiowa.com for a list of upcoming races.

Your roving, muddy race reporter,

Luann

Chequamegon 40 Photos

2010-09-26T20:49:00.010-05:00

Follow the fun with these great photos. Thanks to everyone from whom I pilfered these!

Dee asking Kim "Did you really just say THAT?"

Kim racing.

Right: Proof that Karolyn and Kim finished!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

Chequamegon 40 Race

2010-09-19T14:34:00.009-05:00

Karolyn on route.

This is a 40 mile ride that starts innocently enough on a paved road but you had better enjoy the short journey as it heads off on the real path. Many of the latter roads are logging roads with active traffic. If you have ever had a VW Bug scare you while on your bike on a road in DM, try a fully loaded logging truck!

This is what 9-time racers Dee and Dave on the tandem along with first-timers Kim, Karolyn and Julie G faced on a beautiful fall day as they attacked the 40-mile course. While it can be deceptively beautiful the challenge should not be understated.

Or may be teammate Kim H put described it as only one whom road it can do:
"At the start gun 1700 riders rolled elbow-to-elbow past the cheers of the crowd lining the town of Hayward through Rosies's Field and onto the Berkie Ski Trail. Racers were treated to beautiful forest trails, breathtaking lake views, fast gravel forest roads, excruciating climbs, more cheering crowds, sweeping descents, giant mud puddles and even a band of heckling pirates bearing rum shots. The race finished 40 miles later at the Telemark Ski Lodge in Cable, WI." It has been stated that while in the 35-38 mile range many riders are thinking, "I will never do this again IF I manage to finish this." However, shortly after completing, the celebration with friends made it safe to plan to ride it again next year.
In the photo: Karolyn, Kim, Dee, Maria, Julie, Sally and Heather

The website for this race contains this course warning: "PLEASE NOTE: This map is intended for general directional purpose only and not detailed enough to use for orienteering in the woods. Always take along a compass, detailed maps and plenty of fluids when riding in the deep woods. The courses are off-road and on a variety of unmaintained trails. Riding hazards exist and extreme caution should be exercised when riding in the woods."

Warnings aside, the VeloRosa ladies and our favorite bike guy, Dave, conquered this challenge.

See the following blog for lots of pictures from this event!

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

Melinda Manipulates Minneapolis

2010-09-19T12:48:00.004-05:00

With sister Michelle and daughter Jennifer along for support, Melinda R. traveled to Minneapolis in late August to show that lake state how to du it VeloRosa style. She completed the Team Ortho Minneapolis Duathlon.

Her pink-team bike training paid off big time as she posted a streaking 1:00:09 for the 17.2 mile bike leg which was sandwiched between two 5K runs. The hot and humid weather made for a tough day.

She finished in the top third for women overall as well as in her age group.

Congrats to Melinda for finishing well and for taking our team to the north for this event.

Your roving race reporter,

Luann

Pink Gals Stomp Snus Hill Winery

2010-09-19T12:24:00.008-05:00

Julie and Robin rode over to the annual wine stomping at Snus Hill Winery in late August to try their feet at making wine. Snus Hill is located in Madrid and each fall it allows wine aficionados and crazy bike chicks to stomp grapes and play winery games.

Julie was the best at bobbing for a water balloon, running it to a chair and then using her bike-toned buns to smash it. She put down more than anyone else in the one minute contest. Her teammates always suspected that she was multi-talented. Now that is a proven fact.

Robin's miles of biking, drinking and dancing paid off as Robin was voted the most energetic grape smoosher.

Once again, Team VeloRosa shows that a biking team is only as good as it is at having fun. And those team kits look outstanding off the bike.

Your roving (once again) bike reporter,

Luann

Big Creek Road Race Results

2010-08-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

Results as we've been given by the USAC Officials:

Cat 5 Men
1. Inigo Ibarra
2. Adam Ventling
3. Erik Guffy
4. Josh Christenson
30 participants

Cat 4 Men
1. Jason Beerands
2. Kevin Severs
3. Reed Rinderknecht
4. Gerald Johnson
5. Bobby Bridgeman
40 participants

Masters 40+
1. Paul Deninger
2. Chad "The Man" Vandelune
3. Scott Wall
4. Jimmy "Cube" Robidoux
5. Tim Putnam
6. Dave Mable
7. Shawn Loomis
8. Kurt Albrecht
9. Greg Shimonek
10. Nat Wolins
11. Dave Cornelison

Masters 50+
1. Chris Eastburn
2. Doug Reichardt
3. Dan Shaffer
4. Dave Delperdang
5. Mark Weitzel
6. John Brown
7. Jerry Pascale
8. Tom Morgan
9. Steve Flood
DNF Michael Harper
DNF Robert Stumbo

Women's Open
1. Lacey Douglas
2. Katie Fistler
3. Dee Mable
4. Kara Hamann
5. Rebecca Miller
6. Sandy Kestler
7. Darian Nagle-Gamm

Women's Cat 4
1. Kristin Rinderknecht
2. Leah Kleager
3. Karolyn Zeller
4. Sandy Dunivan
5. Kate Clark
6. Nancy Leysens

(we are still waiting for the results from a video analysis of the Cat 1,2 3 race)

Photos from a summer of fun!

2010-08-30T21:35:00.012-05:00

Wine Ride Gone Wild

2010-08-27T08:04:00.005-05:00

For any whom did not ride last night, it is your loss. More than 15 VeloRosa folk showed up for a beautiful evening of riding, friendship and humor.

The ride started for most at the Jasper Winery, which is a fine sponsor of the VeloRosa Team. Others whom were there to hear the music looked a bit oddly as 10 pink clad bikers mounted and took off down the street. George Flagg was clean and dry and in no time the trail head appeared.

Ah, the smell of the fresh air, plants and good Iowa dirt greeted the riders. It had been a while since seasoned members had seen each other so the chatter flowed freely. One rider in particular looked like a kid in the candy store as Lee rode for the first time over 4 weeks. Several new bikers joined the team for the ride.

Time and miles flew by quickly and suddenly Cumming Tap appeared. It had been rumored that Kim and Karolyn would be there with cold beverage awaiting the group but that was not true. The team was not defeated and flooded the bar for soda, beer, sweet tea and the drink of the night: Moscow Mule (or was it Leningrad Mule?)

After much concern for our lost compadres, Kim and Karolyn appeared. They bragged by showing us the awesome route they mapped out for their gravel training ride. The group being fully impressed, they then admitted to and showed only the part which they had ridden. It could have been the beer tree they ran into or the Margarita patch, no one was sure. It was great that they cut the training short in order join us.

Soon the one-legged Lee was itching to get back on that fine tandem. Kim West was kind enough to let Lee be the stoker for the evening and get her riding fix. Off to Jasper Winery it was. If those non-riders looked oddly at the team at take off, the larger crowd was quite puzzled to see Lee get off from the tandem and walk, with her boot on, to join the festivities.

At Jasper, burgers and beverages were in order. Thanks to Kim for the yummy hummus and Cowboy Caviar. The mosquitoes carried several teammates off early but the rest held out until the music ended.

So if you are saddened that you missed this event, mark you calenders for Thursday, September 9 for the next one.

Your still hobbled roving reporter,

Luanne

Kate, Karolyn and Dee Conquer BCRR

2010-08-24T21:13:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Kate and Karolyn for dusting off the racing bikes and taking on the road race at Big Creek.

Karolyn blew away all but one other rider to take second in the Cat 4. Kate held on strong and placed 5th. What a strong showing from some of our most talented riders who like to keep their skills a secret!

Dee jumped into the Open race and took 3rd racing against the upper gals who will be her steady race mates next season. It seems she was just testing the waters one more time before make the big step up.

Congrats to all of the ladies on a job well done!

Your racing reporter,

Luanne

VeloRosa Mans the Corner at East Village

2010-08-24T19:09:00.002-05:00

After putting on a fine road race on Saturday, the pink team gathered to help support the crit race. It was long day, but well worth the effort to be part of this fine racing event.

Beth and her wonderful guy Scott, along with Melinda Reese and Kim Hopkins were there to help out with the race. It is rumored that Kim was seen streaking along Locust on her bike, defying her pledge to no longer race, on her way to the designated corner.

Without these outstanding volunteers, races as this could not be held. Job well done!

Your hoping-roving reporter,

Luanne

Pink Conquers Pigman 1/2 Iron Man; Takes Medal

2010-08-24T18:56:00.004-05:00

You may be asking, why would bikers want to challenge themselves to racing in the August heat through 1.92k swim, 90.13k bike and then run 21.08k? Because VeloRosa, despite the name, is more than a bike chick group. The Pink Ladies take on all challenges.

Newer to the team, Jen Veak, greeted veteran, Kristen Reece, in the transition area after a few weeks of friendly email banter. She showed exceptional intelligence in looking for the pink jersey and made quick ID of Kristen. They waited out a fog delay prior to the start.

Jen's recent work in the open water paid off in this, her second, 1/2 Iron Man. Quickly putting that behind her, she hopped on her bike to whip through the miles that faced her. The headwind took quite a bit out of her but she completed and transitioned to the run.

By this time, it was starting to get to be typical August, nasty hot. She may have pondered not doing the run, but she again ran across Kristen and the ladies encouraged each other to keep at it.

Kristen competing in her second Pigman rocked the strong gals division whipping the competition. Her time in the pool and refined biking strengths, allowed her to shave of over 13 minutes from last year's race despite the incredible heat of the run. This PR time brought home the gold.
As of this time, no photos were available to help to document this fine feat. Congrats to both Jen and Kristen on the great effort and fine performances.

Your only-dreaming-of-a-1/2 Iron Man, roving reporter,

Luanne

Should We Be Working on the Next MOMENTUM Issue?

2010-08-24T18:43:00.004-05:00

Sunday, Dave and Dee, ponder if they were supposed to be doing something other than racing all day. Dave's thought: What was the due date to get it to print? Dee's thought: Did I sell enough advertising to pay for this rockin' banner? Together: Oh well, let's race!

Your funny roving reporter,

Luanne

East Village Crit--Dee Takes Second

2010-08-24T18:33:00.005-05:00

Dee and Karolyn braved the hilly course for the East Village Crit held Sunday in Des Moines. Dee, pictured above, came away with second place overall. She was quite excited about finishing strong. Some unknown out-of-towner beat her to the line. Karolyn hung on strong and finished further back.

After her strong performance, Dee requested an upgrade to Cat 3. She then tackled the course for a second time and raced in the Cat 1/2/3 race. Dee literally left it all out on the course for a 6th place finish. As usual, fellow VeloRosa gals were there to help Dee out and get her back up on her feet.

Congrats to both ladies for racing hard and representing the Pink Team.

It was rumored that some booted bike chick was trying to chase Dee up the final hill with words of encouragement. It could have been the beverages from the Urban Assault. Further details were not available!

Your hobbled but still roving reporter,

Luanne

VeloRosa's Big Creek Road Race

2010-08-23T20:41:00.006-05:00

Saturday brought hot and sticky weather along with outstanding racing at VeloRosa's BCRR. The pink ladies showed up to help the event go off without a hitch! Many thanks to the following ladies (and one really cool guy):

Anne Lynam, Amy Lynch and Joann Schmidt helped to ensure a smooth and quick registration. Not one race was delayed due to a slow registration table.

Amy Lynch, Kim Hopkins, Julie Goodman, Lori Vandrzyl, Michelle Lange, Melinda Peppers, Laura Majure, DeAnn Wiltse and DaLena Elliott (wo)maned the corners to keep the cars away as the bikes rode past. It may seem like a simple job, but after being there for hours, it can get fatiguing.

Joe and Erika passed the driving test and were the pace vehicle drivers.

They say it take a village to raise a child, I say it takes a whole pink team to run a very successful race.

Your very absent roving reporter,

Luanne

Wine Ride August 26

2010-08-14T09:57:00.002-05:00

The next wine ride is Thursday, August 26. This involves an evening of meeting at Jasper Winery near Gray's Lake, riding to Cumming and back. Then there is food, wine and music. Of course, a stop at Cumming Tap is usually needed for rest and refueling.

Come out and join us!

Hot and Sticky Steak Ride

2010-08-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

About 15 pink riders braved the heat and extreme heat index to take a ride to Adel and then Redfield. After the ride, great food, drink and conversation took place.

If you do not know what the steak ride is, I encourage you to come and find out. Some of the gals ride from West Des Moines or Waukee to Adel. The VeloRosa group then rides to Redfield and back. The Rendezvous bar then hosts the party. You can choose from Iowa Chops, steaks, kabobs, burgers all with salad bar, potato and the awesome grilled garlic toast. This week one-legged Lee manned the grill. Sitting around for two weeks had caused her to go stir crazy, so she drove out and then cooked for many.

The Steak Ride takes place once a month on a Wednesday.

Your not quite roving reporter,

Luanne

Sam Tackles Big Creek

2010-08-09T17:27:00.008-05:00

VeloRosa's Sam Bolen veered off the bike trail and jumped into Big Creek for this past weekend's Tri! The Olympic distances in the swim and run were shortened. However, for any true biker like Sam, that was no problem. Although it is rumored that if you want your Olympic distance Tri to be cut short, have Sam enter!

According to Sam's hubby Jon, she still swam the full 1.5k due to some sighting issues and a strong desire to help bring in the buoys. In true VeloRosa fashion she went above and beyond the call when competing. She transitioned quickly and rocked out the bike course. The 5k run was possibly the best part when her two pacers joined her (see photo).

Finally the sign we all like to see FINISH was welcome in the heat and humidity of the Iowa summer. Congrats Sam! Job well done.

Your hopping (not roving) race reporter,

Luann

DEE TAKES IOWA STATE ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-08-08T14:20:00.003-05:00

VeloRosa's own Dee Mable took her bike and her metal to West Branch on Saturday to race in the Iowa State Road Race Championship. The 54-mile, 2-lap race was a test of strategy as well as stamina. The first lap was rather uneventful as the pack stayed tight. That all changed with about 5 miles left. Cara Hamann with the Iowa City Cycling Club charged away from the pack. Dee accepted the challenge and took her wheel. They worked together through the remaining miles. Dee plotted her strategy and made an aggressive move near the end. She was able to beat Cara to the line to take home first place.

This win puts Dee a bit further ahead in the 2010 Iowa Cup Point Race. Dee is expressed excitement at being able to come home for the next point race--VeloRosa's Big Creek Road Race on August 21. The final race in the series is the East Village Crit on August 22.

Pink Fun on RAGBRAI All Photos

2010-08-03T16:51:00.010-05:00

THANKS KAROLYN! (PHOTOS PILFERED FROM HER)

PINK RIDES RAGBRAI

2010-07-29T21:42:00.005-05:00

This photo also shows several non-pink ladies who obviously are considering the offer of a team beer to join the pink team next year!

On Wednesday, the Pink Team gathered at the coffee shop in Clear Lake to head out on a day's journey across Iowa. Many of the team members were already doing the full week of RAGBRAI while others traveled up to ride for the day. It was a strong showing of 20 or so pink that traveled to Charles City. As Wednesdays are often group fun ride, this just added to a memorable summer of fun rides. The many training rides to Cumming Tap, Jasper Winery and Rendezvous Bar proved to be excellent training for this day of RAGBRAI.

VELOROSA BUILDS A BIKE FOR DESERVING YOUTH

2010-07-23T23:00:00.002-05:00

The Pink Team answered a call to build a bike for a worthy young man who is riding for tranportation and also for his first RAGBRAI. As usual, many offers were made with parts, money and help. What a great team project. Here is the summary of how it ended up:

Kim H., who put out the initial plea, reported that there were many offers of bikes, parts, money and support. Once again the ladies repsonded with a great showing of community support.

Mike was able to find a Cannondale frame. Angie B. gave up some sweet Shimano 105 components and carbon seat post with saddle. Ernie Fisher did the build. The bike was presented to Zach this past Thursday. Mike reports that Zach was super excited.

Zach is riding RAGBRAI with Dream Team. So if you see him with his cool yellow bike and a helmet with a raccoon tail, be sure to holler out: "Sweet ride, Zach!"

VeloRosa ladies: JOB WELL DONE!

Your Roving Bike Reporter,

Luanne

Dee Races Single Speed at RLG

2010-07-22T21:38:00.008-05:00

Dee and Lee celebrate Lee's last race of the year with TEAM VELOROSA BEER!!!

It was a hot and muggy night................wait that is from a PEANUTS cartoon or something. But it was hot at RLG Thursday night. Once again as Lee was telling Dee how she was going to smoke her, Dee revealed she would be racing single gear. Lee gave up right there as HOW could she compete with THAT advantage. Dee turned in a stellar performance regardless of the limited capacity of her bike.

In the first race, the field still expected Dee to pull them along. The lead group broke away with Dee and Lee in the second pack. With the encouragement of Dave, Lee broke from her wheel and got in front of Dee to pull for part of the lap. According to Dee, "Lee pulled me back to the lead pack." With the domestique duties out of the way, Lee faded back wondering where she left her lungs. Lee did hang on to overtake another lady for the finish.

The second race was such that the winner of each of the 5 laps dropped out. Dee used her exceptional skills to lead the first lap and get out of the race. Lee raced hard but was not able to over the leader for the 5th place lap win.

Both of these fine VeloRosa ladies took the rest of the night off to sample VeloRosa Team beer and recruit. Lee failed in her recruitment pitch of, "We have a team beer", but the green ladies had fun listening to it. So no new recruits but an overall fun time.

Several other biking folks, including the soon to be newly-weds, did share in the fine beer and offered to help brew the next batch while Lee is recuperating.

Stay tuned for the next team bike night from WDM. Be safe on RAGBRAI!!!

Your roving bike reporter,

Luanne

DUBUQUE DUATHON

2010-07-22T13:47:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday a group of energetic athletes arrived in Dubuque with the goal of mastering a run/bike/run race. While there is no swimming, which for some is a blessing and for others is a curse, there are distances to cover at 1.2/17/3 miles. Melinda Reese took the challenge and represented the Pink Team in fine fashion finishing in 1:46:36. Congrats to Melinda for doing the Pink proud!

Your roving race reporter,

Luanne

Big Creek Road Race, Saturday, August 21st

2010-07-20T11:21:00.005-05:00

Directions: Race start and registration is north of Polk City, Iowa on the East side of Big Creek lake in the parking lot near the corner of Big Creek State Park Road and NW 142nd Street.

Pre Registration: Register early and save money! Online registration is $23 at www.bikeiowa.com before
midnight on Thurs, August 19th. (additional $2 registration fee goes toward supporting BikeIowa.com)

Race day registration: Registration is $30 on race day. Open from 7:30 am - 8:30 am.

For more information go to: http://www.bikeiowa.com

Scott County Mountain Bike Race

2010-07-18T17:30:00.002-05:00

The Scott County Mountain Bike Race took place this last weekend.

VeloRosa's own, Elaine, finished third in her age group . The challenging course lasted 181miles. Even through the heat and humidity she held on to claim third.

Congrats to Elaine on her fine race.

Your Roving Race Reporter,

Luanne

VELOROSA SWEEPS IOWA GAMES MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

2010-07-18T17:16:00.006-05:00

A hot and muggy morning greeted the participants at the Iowa Games race at Peterson Pits north of Ames. The Novice race was two laps of 5 miles each, for as accurate as a mountain bike distance can be measured.

The course had flat grassy areas that lured the riders into the view that it would be a relatively easy race. However, the great sand beach that appeared was just a preview of what the course actually entailed. The course held rolling hills, mud, bridges and jumps, a water hazard, heavily-rooted climbs and steep descents. Then back out into the blazing sun, a bit of gravel road and on to lap 2.

The overall women's winner is VeloRosa racer Julie S in 1:01:06. Julie is working on getting back into racing and proved her mettle in this race. She declined a post-race comment but had a great big smile. Lee came in second overall at 1:10;47 in just her second mountain bike race. She opined that sand is much softer to fall on than rocks and roots. Both of our ladies took home age group honors and scored Gold Medals!

Your roving race reporter,

Luanne

IOWA CUP POINTS RACE--GO DEE!

2010-07-18T17:01:00.004-05:00

The Iowa Cup Cat 4 Women's race has been very close all season. The level of competition has been very high all year with several women on the cusp of moving up to the Cat 1/2/3 level.

VeloRosa's own Dee Mable is currently the points leader. She is duking it out with Cara H. who is with the Iowa City Cylcing Club. There have been many sprint-to-the-finish endings for these two gals. With three races remaining, it will be a fight to the end.

Two of these races take place right near Des Moines with VeloRosa's own Road Race on Saturday, August 21 and the East Village Crit on the 22nd. Last year's East Village Crit was the deciding factor in the final 2009 standings.

So get your cowbell, cooler and lawn chair and come out and cheer on our teammates! Or get your helmet and bike and join in the racing.

Luanne

Tunnel Ride

2010-07-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

Several of the ladies gathered for an evening of riding and took part in the Tunnel Ride. Beth enjoyed her first mountain biking ride as she joined Kim, Karolyn and Lee for a quick tour of Hillside. The mosquitoes won that battle and the ladies headed to the pool for a quick wash up (no one wants poison ivy rash for RAGBRAI) before continuing to Orlondo's. Laura and Angie were already there warming up for the ride to The Cumming Tap.

What an outstanding showing for the Iowa biking community. The grass lot overflowed with riders and beverages. Some awesome pizza slices were quickly devoured and then it was time to head south.

The team members split up at the first tunnel and the lean-to. Music blared, stories were shared and lots of laughter ensued. At last it was time to make haste and get on with the grueling ride to Cumming.

Everyone arrived safely at the Tap and enjoyed adult lemonades and cold barley and hops. The place oozed biking and friendliness. If you left the night with no fewer than 10 new friends, something was greatly amiss. The storm that blew in moved everyone inside but did not diminish the fun.

If you have not done a Cumming Tap ride, grab a teammate and get on it. It is a unique and thrilling adventure.

Stay tuned for news from next Wednesday's Steak Ride. Rumor has it that Dee may find her favorite beverage as she was literally locked out last time.

Iowa Games Tri

2010-07-15T09:39:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, July 11, Erika dove into the water to conquer her second Tri at the Iowa Games Tri. This is a sprint distance Tri with competitors of all levels. The weather was not very cooperative with rain and some wind.

Erika turned in a PR shaving 30 minutes off of her time at the Bluff Creek Tri!

Congrats to Erika on this fine race.

Luanne

Clear Lake Races

2010-07-11T22:13:00.001-05:00

The weekend saw Dee Mable, Joann Schmidt and Lee Buell head north for a weekend of crit and road racing in Clear Lake. Saturday’s crit was full of action.
Racing in the Cat 4, Dee, Joann and Lee all took off strong. Dee took the lead of the pack and raced hard around the many turns and a strong head wind. Lee road off of Joann’s wheel and even took one turn at pulling, which was a major improvement for her. The mid-race highlight was a race for the Prem among three mid-pack ladies. Lee and Joann did an all out sprint for two blocks for the valued prize. Joann nipped Lee at the line by the width of a tire. In the meantime, Dee kept up at the front of the pack and finished strong with a 2nd place showing. Joann took 7th and Lee took 8th. The VeloRosa ladies did snag all of the Prems with Dee getting 2 and Joann 1.

Dee liked her strong performance and, with the egging-on of her beer-drinking teammates, took on the challenge of the course again for the Cat 1/2/3 race. She raced strong for the full 40 minutes but was unable to hold with the fastest lady around, Lisa V., who had just raced very well in the men’s race that preceded the women’s.

The team awoke to thunder and rain on Sunday. Dee and Joann embarked on the 42-mile road race along with our guy, Dave Mable. Dave rode well in his Master’s 40+ group for a 4th place finish. Dee and Joann led the pack for many of the 42 miles. Dee took second and Joann got flat out robbed. Lee drank some coffee and came to the finish line to cheer them on.

Overall it was a fun racing weekend with great music, food and a rocking fire including S’mores! Thanks to Joe for being our race crew and getting all of our bikes ready so we could concentrate on race tactics and bathroom runs!

Stay tuned for the next bike and beer night as the keg is not dead yet.

Luanne :)

Race Like a Girl

2010-05-01T14:28:00.003-05:00

Punk Rock Cycling hosts Race Like a Girl at Union Park
29 april 20ten video by teamskincycling

Kits' look great!

2010-04-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

We'll be reordering soon - so stay tuned for more info!

Saturday Training Ride

2010-04-23T14:08:00.002-05:00

Saturday Training Ride - 04/24/10 @ 7:30 AM

This Saturdays training ride will start at the trail head on Park Ave. You should be able to park on the gravel road right next to the trail. This ride will start at approximately 7:30 AM and head out towards Moffitt Lake. It will include some flats and a couple long hills. We will take it easy and go at a slower pace to keep everyone together and used to the route. We are looking at riding two loops or around 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If you don't want to ride that long, you will have an opportunity to drop after the first loop and head back to your car. There is no need to RSVP, just show up and be ready to ride.

We will try to get out an email by 7:00 AM if the ride is canceled due to weather.

Questions: Send an email to the VeloRosa google group or contact Natalie Schrader at nschrader@lightedge.com or call (515) 491-8485.

Thank You!

2010-04-19T21:53:00.003-05:00

Hi VeloRosa Team!
Thanks everyone for joining us for a great training series of group riding and racing instruction from GO! Training instructor, Dave Mable. We couldn't have picked a better day to gather a few of our fellow cyclists together for our annual bike clinic at Union Park in Des Moines. First, Dave helped us learn more about group riding and gaining a better comfort level with riding wheel to wheel. Then, we went through a series of group drafting moves to continue building our comfort levels in a group situation.

Union Park was a great location and many of you will now have an opportunity and hopefully a better comfort level to join in some of the racing fun at the Race Like a Girl Series in the upcoming weeks. Great job to those that hung out after lunch for a couple of fun practice races!

By the end of day, we all improved our cycling skills and more importantly had so much fun learning more about ourselves and our bikes! Thanks again Dave for your awesome instruction and hope to see you all out riding with the your fellow team members very soon!

Thanks again!
VeloRosa Cycling Team

Bike Clinic Reminder for This Saturday, April 17!!!

2010-04-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER TO ATTEND THE VELO ROSA BIKE/CYCLING CLINIC THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH STARTING AT 9:30 AM AT UNION PARK IN DES MOINES.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! THIS IS FOR BEGINNER AND SEASONED CYCLISTS!!!

WHEN: Saturday, April 17th

WHERE: Union Park, 725 Thompson Ave, (Across from Birdland Marina)

AGENDA:

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Divide into two groups for instruction and practice. Beginners will cover riding in a group and safe drafting. Advanced group will cover strategic racing techniques.

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Lunch Break

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Optional racing practice!

Clinic will be directed by Go Cycling and tri coach, Dave Mable. Feel free to bring a friend. The clinic is free, but don’t forget to register when you arrive because we will have a drawing for several great prizes!!

Please RSVP to:

Karolyn Zeller at karolynzeller@gmail.com 515-975-5206
Dalena Elliott at dalena@dalena.net 515-210-3919

Bike Clinic Volunteers Needed This Saturday!!!

2010-04-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Velo Rosa Cycling Team!!

As you know we have our Woman's Cycling Clinic this Saturday, April 17th and we need a few members to help at the event! There are a few different opportunities available and only need a total of about 8-10 volunteers. It's going to be a fun morning, so whether you are going to try your hand at racing or just want to meet a few new members, we'd love to see you there!

Please give me a call or send me and email if you are interested! Thank you in advance for your help!

DaLena

Cell: 515-210-3919
Email: dalena@dalena.net

Bike Clinic Just One Week Away Ladies!!!!

2010-04-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

When: Saturday, April 17th
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Registration, Celebrations coffee, & energy/snacks.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Divide into two groups for instruction and practice. Beginners will cover riding in a group and safe drafting.Advanced group will cover strategic racing techniques.
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Orlandos pizza. YUM!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Optional racing practice! This includes Race Like a Girl format for those interested in getting involved with upcoming races.
Where: Union Park, 725 Thompson Ave, (Across from Birdland Marina)
Clinic will be directed by Go Cycling and tri coach, Dave Mable.

Feel free to bring a friend. The clinic is free, but don’t forget to register when you arrive because we will have a drawing for several great prizes!!

Please RSVP or Volunteer to: Karolyn Zeller at karolynzelller@gmail.com and 515-975-5206 or Dalena Elliott at dalena@dalena.net and 515-210-3919.

Saturday Training Rides

2010-04-07T19:09:00.003-05:00

Saturday training rides start this Saturday, April 10th at 7:30am.

The Saturday training ride will start at the parking area, next to the trail, by Orlando's on Park Ave. This ride will start about 7:30am and head out towards Moffitt Lake. It will include some flats and a couple long hills. We will take it easy and go at a slower pace to keep everyone together and used to the route. We are looking at riding around 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You don't need to RSVP, just show up and be ready to ride.

We will try to get out an email 1 hour before the ride if it is canceled.

Questions: Send an email to the VeloRosa google group or contact Joann at schmjj12@hotmail.com

Ladies Night at Bike World April 2010

2010-04-06T11:35:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a great night for ladies Thursday, April 1st at Bike
World. We had such a fun time welcoming back old members

and meeting our new ones.

It is exciting seeing so many women interested in cycling.

We have a great year planned with rides and events happening almost every week. So please check out the calendar and put some fun events on your schedule.

Our first ride will be this Saturday starting from Orlando’s on Park.

Keep the ideas and suggestions flowing because this is your bike team. Don’t be afraid to suggest a ride or destination that you want to try. With a whole lot of members you’re bound to find people interested in riding with you.

The Pre/Post nutrition guide and recipes
from Thursday night will be posted soon.

VeloRosa Cycling

Ladies Night; April 1st at Bike World in Urbandale

2010-03-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

Order Your Kits!

2010-01-31T13:42:00.008-06:00

Team designer, Kim Hopkins has been at it again - and this time has simply outdone herself! Beautifully designed, quality crafted and reasonably priced, we should be seeing lots of pink on two wheels this summer!

Three jersey options are available; short sleeved, long sleeved and sleeveless. If you plan on doing any official USAC Road Races, you will need the short sleeved jersey. The sleeveless can be worn in mountain bike races. Arm warmers are also available for $30 and will look the same as the arms of the long sleeved jersey.
Tri kits are also available, but not pictured. The look will be similar to the designs below. Tri Tops, with a zipper, are $74 and Tri-shorts, which feature a tri-specific chamois, but are longer on the legs, closer to bike shorts, are $70.

For the rest, prices are listed below the picture and there is a size chart at the bottom. Louis Garneau will be the manufacturer again, so fit will be very similar to the 2009 kits. Louis Garneau assures us the the chamois is new this year, and there will be no issues with the stitching. As always, if there are any issues with the construction, they are happy to address them! Click on each picture for a larger image.

Ordering will be done via Paypal (on the right side of this page) and is due by 2/10/10. You may renew or join your 2010 membership at the same time as you order. Boys are welcome to purchase jerseys this year, and as long as 12 are ordered, mens sizing will be available. The long sleeved jersey is unisex sizing. If you want a jersey for your man - just order and pay for the women's, but send an email to Dee changing it to a guys fit.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kim at kimhopkins@mchsi.com or Dee at deemable@msn.com - Thanks!

A New Look! A New Beginning!

2010-01-20T18:37:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the VeloRosa Cycling Team!

We welcome women of all abilities and interest to join us in our celebration of cycling! Whether you want to ride competitively, improve your mountain biking skills, compete in triathlons or simply enjoy some leisurely rides with like-minded women, VeloRosa is the club for you!

Throughout the summer we'll offer clinics to help you ride comfortably in a group, maybe even do some racing! We'll also help you with your triathlon training or learn to hop over a log on your mountain bike! Maybe you are just looking for a fun group of women to go with for a Wednesday night ride to Adel. We've grown from a group of 12 women who wanted to learn to ride in a group and maybe do some racing to an 80 member strong club with sweet pink jerseys, Wine rides, State Champions, Ironmen, Mountain Bike Champions - and everything in between!

We'd love to have you join us this summer - as a member of VeloRosa, you'll be invited to numerous events throughout the year, women's only training rides, bike maintenance clinics and weekly rides, races and events! You'll also be able to order the beautifully designed 2010 team jersey and shorts, plus triathlon gear, casual wear and more!

To join, simply scroll down the right side of this site, and click on the 'Buy Now' button below the Membership information! We'd love to have you!

Last Steak Ride of the Summer!

2009-09-11T13:02:00.003-05:00

Join us this Wed., Sept. 16th, for the last Steak Ride of the summer! We will meet at the Rendezvous Bar in Adel at 5:45. It is located at 909 Main Street. If you are driving out, there is a small parking lot in the rear or you can park on one of the side streets. Plan on riding a total of 20 miles. We will ride the trail from Adel out to Redfield and back. Just far enough to earn a great steak dinner and a beer!

Big Creek Road Race this Weekend

2009-08-25T14:47:00.004-05:00

The weekend is almost upon us! Look for some great cycling fun to happen in and around the Des Moines area.

Start the weekend of right and GO jump in a lake! Hosted by GO! Training, the swim starts at 8am on the beach at Big Creek Lake. Contact Dave Mable at dmable@juno.com for more information.

Stick around after the swim and race the Toyota Big Creek Road Race, brought to you by the women of the Bike World/All9yards Cycling Team. With $1900 in prize money and a great 6 mile rolling country course, the start/finish in beautiful Big Creek State Park (right near the beach... bring the kids!!) - it will be a great race! There will be a 'Women's Beginner' race for women who have raced for less than a year - the open race is for all the fast chicks that have been beating each other up for more than a year. Go to bigcreekroadrace.blogspot.com for more information.

Sat. evening head down to the State Capitol where the Bicycle Coasting Contest will take place on the East Walnut Street hill, beginning at 6:30 p.m. A $5 entrance fee benefits the Des Moines Bicycle Collective. Also on Saturday, the Des Moines Cycle Club is hosting a Pajama Party bicycle ride in the East Village. The ride is free, but a $5 per person donation is requested for the alcohol-free pajama party, $1 of which will be contributed to the Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with food and bike vendors on-hand. The ride starts on East Third Street at 7:30 p.m. and will continue through downtown Des Moines for about one hour. There will be prizes for the best lighted bike and the best pajamas. The pajama party will begin in the parking lot on East Third Street, between Locust and Walnut streets, immediately following the bike ride and include a showing of the movie "Breaking Away."

The final event of the weekend is the East Village Criterium bike race on Aug. 30. Events start at 8:15 a.m. and continue all day until the award ceremonies at 6 p.m. Events include races for kids and age groups to age 60 and older. Race day registration starts at 7 a.m. near the start/finish line at the foot of the Iowa State Capitol. Online registration, at www.eastvillagecrit.com, closes at 10:59 p.m. Friday.

What A Great Way to Start the Day!

2009-08-20T10:10:00.008-05:00

Thanks Dee, JoAnn, Joe, Kristin and Lori for another great ride from Bike World West Wednesday morning! It started out a little chilly and of course very dark, but we were excited to see JoAnn and Joe pull in to join us!

Monday, JoAnn was going to give it a go, but do to the heavy rains opted out. The forecast was in our favor today and we only got honked at one time! I think everyone had a great morning and we didn't have one rain drop!

Let's do it again soon! Go Pink!

45+ Miles On The Bike Was Our Goal...

2009-08-20T09:25:00.005-05:00

...but didn't think we would be welcomed by a monsoon to start our early morning ride!

This past Monday morning Joann, Dee and I headed to BWW to do an early morning ride with a regular BWW group of riders starting at 5:15 AM. We planned to do the Urban Loop with them and then head out East to finish on the Van Meter loop to try to get in 45+ miles.

As I drove to BWW for the start of the ride, I noticed it starting to sprinkle a little. According to the radar, on my handy dandy I-phone, it looked like we might just get a little sprinkling for the start of our ride, but wasn't supposed to be get too crazy. Not many were gathering for the early ride this day, possibly because of the threat of rain. It ended up being the three of us and three other riders. One was a new rider, out of Chicago area, named Mike. After one last evaluation of the radar, along with the encouraging advise of Mr. Dave Mable, that we would only get the “tail” of the storm, we headed out to try and "Git-R-Done.” Joann, recovering from a broken collar bone, decided not to take any chances with the threat of slippery roads and opted out of the early ride. JoAnn, it was so nice to see you back on the bike so quickly after the accident. Great job!

We started out with the regular early group, but after about 2 miles ,decided that they really must have wanted to ride by themselves, because they started out really fast and it was just too dangerous with the heavy rains to go continue at that pace AND it was still dark out. At one stop light, our brakes weren't even working properly. So Dee, Mike and I let them break away and by this time the rain was really starting to come down. By the time we got to the Valley Junction area the rain was coming down so hard it was stinging our faces. We decided to not take any chances and pulled into an awning area to wait it out. I am so glad we did.

Once the rain subsided, we headed out again and Dee suggested that we just turn around and head back East to complete the Van Meter Loop instead of trying to finish the Urban Loop first. As we headed back east my enthusiasm to continue on was dwindling and I really just wanted to head back to Bike World West, get in my car, head home to take a nice hot shower and get the work day started. I'm glad that Dee encouraged us to continue on. We ended having an awesome ride, along with our new friend Mike! It turned out to be a beautiful morning and so our goal 45+ miles was complete!

Thanks Dee and our new friend Mike from Chicago! I couldn't have done it without you!

The Bike Collective Experience!

2009-08-11T21:41:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered what happens at the Bike Collective downtown? Well, I did too and finally got the chance to volunteer my time with some great Friends this past Friday night. I had so much fun and it was nice to know we were making a difference in our community. After picking up a few snacks and drinks JoAnn, Joe, Natalie, Amy, Lisa & Myself worked for about two hours cleaning and helping to organize the facility. The organization is completely ran by volunteers who collect donated and used bicycles, fix them up and give them charity or sell at a very affordable price.

If you haven't had a chance to volunteer this year with your fellow members in the club, then watch for details on upcoming opportunities to help the Bike Collective out. If you aren't able to volunteer at an organized event with the club, then feel free to stop by their shop anytime to give a little time for a good cause. You can find more details and photos by going to their website: http://dsmbikecollective.org/

An Eventful August - so far!!!

2009-08-09T20:41:00.002-05:00

I know it's suppose to be, like March, or something - but this year August came in like a lion!

Pink shone brightly at the Iowa State Road Race Championships on the first day of the month. With Kim and Joann all beat up, Dalena racing Big Creek and Kristin racing her mtn bike in Waverly, Dee headed over to West Branch to fly the pink flag solo. 15 starters toed the line for the 54 mile race. By the end of the race, it was down to 3 in the front group - our beloved Dee amoung them. A long hill lead to the finish line, and in the 3-up sprint for the line, Dee came out victorious! A state champion in Pink! And with Iowa Cup points to boot! With her victory at the road race, Dee now holds a slim lead over Sara (PRC) and is 5 points behind Sandy (Skin)in the season long Iowa Cup. A strong showing will be needed at the East Village Criterium by each of those three ladies if they are to be crowned the Iowa Cup Champion!

That same weekend, Dalena and Dotty flew the pink flag at the Big Creek Triathlon! Both of them enjoyed the wet-suit legal swim, rocked out on the bike and "cruised" the 2 lap run - I say 'cruised' because, though the morning started out cool, the sun was full-out by the time runners hit the pavement - and it made for a hot and sunny run. But both ladies did well, shaving minutes from thier Hy-Vee Olympic times!

Up north, Kristin Reese felt like getting a little dirty at the Camp Ingawanis Mountain Bike Race in Waverly. Kristin rode strongly on her sweet pink Gary Fisher mtn bike and finished in 2nd in the sport category!

The next weekend (Aug 8-9), Karolyn, Kristin and Dee (with her hubby, Dave, on the tandem) traveled to Aquabi State Park for another IMBCS mtn bike race. Karolyn, in her first race, won the beginner division against some strong riders! Kristin was 4th in the 3 lap sport category and Dee and Dave won the 4 lap tandem category!

We also heard about Julie and Julie rocking out the Muddy Buddy race in Chicago last weekend (Aug 1-2) in Chicago - Julie S. assures us that we need to rent a bus next year and all head over to the super fun event!

Congratulations all on an eventful, exciting August - and it's only just begun!

Pink Rocks @ Hy-Vee!

2009-07-07T08:27:00.003-05:00

I loved the experience of training and competing...beat my goal on time for cycling so I was thrilled. And talk about FUN with a capital F. Loved the pink, it was sure easy to spot teammates! - Beth S.

All9Yards Women's Cycling Flys To England!!!

2009-07-03T09:50:00.011-05:00

Two years ago when I met the Mable's and decided to try out this new "women's cycling thing", I never thought it would also give me the courage to someday rent a bike while traveling abroad and tour the countryside. Well, I had the opportunity to put my skills and courage to work this past June, when my husband and I decided to take two weeks off and travel to England to watch him play in the British Amateur Golf Tournament.

For the first three days we were there, he was going to be busy practicing, so I decided to do some exploring of my own...on the bike! I did a little research about hiring a bike (that's what they call it over there) and thought I had found a place to get a bike and all the fixins. When I arrived to pick up my bike, I realized that it only had three gears and looked like something to tool around the beach on. This was not good and I didn't bring any equipment, except for my awesome All9Yards kit to ride in, so I could travel light. I ended up taking Gene to the golf club for his first practice round and asked the club pro where he might suggest I go to rent a bike for the week. They were not very optimistic that I would find a place, but the stars were in alignment for me that day and I was in luck and someone suggested this little bike shop just ahead in the next town, Birkdale. So I kissed my hubby good day and set out on my adventure.I didn't realize how difficult driving on the opposite side of the road AND car could be, but I finally made it to Birkdale Cycles. Dave White, owner and bike maker, said he didn't typically hire out bikes, but said he would be happy to help me out and grab a brand new bike off the showroom floor, put on a water bottle cage, paddle lock, tire repair kit and I was set! It wasn't the new Trek Project One machine i have back home, but was perfect for the different terrains I would be traveling on. He also printed off a cool map of a few trails to try and said it would be ten pounds or about $20 us dollars per day to rent. I was so excited to start my journey. I was only able to fit in two long rides and see about 80 miles of beautiful and very old England Country side. I also got to experience an interesting cemetery and before leaving had to use their very old toilet! It actually flushed and yes I had had to hover! EEK!

I met a few people along the way and was even invited by one lady to come over to her home for dinner one night if we had time. She is the one who directed me to the old toilet at the cemetery. She was visiting her husband for his birthday. It was like going back in time and everybody was so friendly and the trails were amazing. It makes me want to explore our own beautiful countryside here in the USA!

There were all makes and models of bikes and cyclists. Many of them didn't have fancy kits or helmets, but just out enjoying the beautiful outdoors. There were also many groups of walkers out exploring the trails with a guide. I did make sure to wear my helmet, because the bike shop owner said you don't get paid as much for insurance, if you get hit and wasn't wearing one. He also said that it is almost like murder if a motorist hits a cyclist. I never heard one honk of a horn or any obscenities while riding either. They have bike lanes and motorist seem to actually respect bikers. I understand why so many enjoy taking bike tours over a vacation, in a bike friendly world. I saw more on my bike, then I ever would in my car and the interaction and friendliness of the people of England was amazing. There are a few things I would do differently the next time I travel abroad and looking to do some cycling, but wouldn't change anything about my first experience, expect for not being so close to an upcoming triathlon like Hy-Vee...smile.

Fill the Hill at Hy-vee!

2009-06-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

Let's FILL THE HILL at the tri this weekend with Team GO! GO! GO! GO!

details here: www.wegowithyou.com