Make it Fun! Pro Bella Leads Cross Clinic
August 25, 2009
Learn to ‘Cross like a pro!
Velo Bella elite cross racer Kari Studley will lead clinic in Kirkland, Washington on 12 September. The clinic is open to all levels. All you need is a bike!
Check out the all the details below. You can also contact Kari directly for more information.
Please share this with those you know who are interested in racing cross, but may be intimidated by the sport.
This clinic is all about making cyclocross less scary and actually FUN - what it’s all about! Plus, you’ll get the advantage of practicing the course for the MFG Kirkland Kick Off Race (the next day).
When: 10 - noon Saturday Sept. 12, 2009
Where: Big Finn Hill Park, Kirkland (Enter from Juanita Drive NE onto NE 138th St - we’ll meet next to the playground)
Cost: $15 with USCF license, $20 without
Don’t have a ‘cross bike? No problem, a bike with knobby tires is all that’s needed - mountain bikes welcome!
Email me to RSVP or with questions: karebiker@gmail.com
Thanks!
Kari Studley
VeloBella Pro Cross
San Diego Bellas Rock Barb’s Half Ironman
August 10, 2009
For those of you who haven’t heard the news, the San Diego Bellas kicked some major booty at Barb’s race last weekend!
BJ overcame swim nerves to have a fantastic first Half Ironman! After the race she looked fresh as a daisy as she was corralling her kids (who she had been camping with in the days leading up to the race). Truly a SUPERMOM!
Heather flew through her first Aquabike. Although she had suffered from a recent back injury, Heather was on her game, and finished the race strong and in control, reminding us why
Chris calls her a “Bond Girl”.
Jackie took over 40 minutes off her time from last year. Considering this is Jackie’s THIRD half Ironman in a year, I think this grandma of two officially qualifies as a “long course specialist”.
Lynn S. rocked her first HIM with a 9th place finish!!! She looked calm and in control throughout the race, and glided across the finish line like a gazelle.
Pey-Lih took 3rd in her age group for the Aquabike. She is one fast chick! I guess it runs in the family- her husband Ben also podiumed!
Shannon SPUN up the infamous Chalk Hill. When she got to the top, she said “Really? Was that it?” She went on to finish her first half Ironman with a strong run. Yay Shannon!
And last but not least…
Terri, who is training for her first full Ironman in November, took FIRST place in her age group! And at this race, first place gets you a bottle of wine and a really cool necklace. Way to go!
Thanks to Cindy O’Grady, who seemed to be everywhere at once, cheering on the Bellas. Next year, we’re getting you out on that course =)
Congratulations to everyone who participated!
New Zeal Day!
June 16, 2009
By Allie Burch
Patterson, New York
There’s nothing in this world quite like putting on a pair of brand new goggles or sunglasses. Looking out from behind the pristine lenses is like having your very own window to the world, where eyeballs are free to open fully, gaping unscathed as ocular danger flies past.
My Zeals came today. Finally, the event I was waiting ever so impatiently for, after a random “Act of Dodge” crushed my beloved black Juice glasses, was upon me. A sorely needed pair of Link MX goggles and a pair of blue/wood grain Airestreams, that quite frankly had me concerned as to the way they would fit my small face. Would I look “hip and happenin’” or would I look like something that came out of Roswell, NM as I do with nearly every other brand of sunglass.
Like and old friend, the MX Links were true to fit and form as from the past five years of trusting their protection, breathability and clarity. They fit my small face perfectly while allowing a full range of peripheral vision. They also fit into my helmet, as if the helmet was made to pair only with them. The tearoffs that they came with are easy to use and the lenses are a “snap” (literally) to replace quickly and confidently without the need for “man hands”. The sassy protective cases that come complimentary with this goggle range in surprises from fuzzy leopard print, a grey technical fabric, or this year’s camo. They also include a goggle bag, which is ideal for keeping on your person and wiping the mud off your lenses.
Next were the Airestreams. I opened the hard-shell protective case (that every pair of Zeal glasses ship with) and put the Airestreams on. Much to my surprise, they were weightless on my face. I peered into the car window (I was so excited I opened the box in the driveway and never quite made it into the house) expecting to see a tiny noggin hidden behind some oversized glasses. Not the case. I liked how they looked on me! I ran inside and to my amazement they were perfect! The color, the style, the field of vision, everything!
The Airestreams are my new favorite glasses. Already they have been with me cycling, running, lounging, working in the yard, driving, and they stand up to every task. They stay put without bouncing while running, they provide near total wind block while riding, they stay clear while sweat rolls down my face while mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, etc. Then, a swipe over the lenses with the included glasses bag, has them cleaning up easier than I do and ready to wear for social functions.
I have found that these oversized glasses vent well and offer a fuller field of vision than any other style I’ve tried. These fit well on a smaller face. Finally, something that the peanut-headed can feel confident in!
Thank you Michael and Wink for all of the work you do to put out such a great product!
Velo Bella at Sea Otter!
April 13, 2009
The Bellas return to Sea Otter Classic this week, 16-19 April. The team will have a booth in the exhibition area, and all are welcome to stop in for a chat. Team members may also use the booth to stash extra stuff and warm-up. Weather forecasts claim it will be dry, though windy and cold. Subject to change without notice, natch. Watch for Velo Bella riders on the road and in the dirt!
San Diego Bellas Hold First Annual Camp
March 5, 2009
By Whitney Despain
San Diego, California
It is a well-documented fact: Anytime you get a group of Bellas together, it’s going to be fun! The First Annual San Diego Velo Bella Camp was no exception.
Twenty-seven San Diego Bellas came to Coastal Sports & Wellness Medical Center in San Diego at 8:00a.m. to start the first clinic- Dynamic Stretching and Warm-ups with legendary local physical therapist and ART provider, Gino Cinco. He started us out gently enough. We laid on the ground, working out the kinks on foam rollers. But, as is typical of Gino’s style, soon we were all sweating. He took us back and forth across the room with different warm-up moves. When we were feeling good, he let us loose on his circuit of pain. Yikes! The circuit included balance boards, medicine balls, push-ups and tethered running. There was a LOT of giggling, but we all got a great workout!
Next, part-time Velo Bella and full-time Gorilla Multisports coach DeeAnn Smith did a presentation on the art of hill climbing. After 30 minutes of explaining how to become a better climber, DeeAnn and her assistant/husband Norm Smith took us out on the road so we could practice. I don’t think the folks on Torrey Pines had ever seen such a gorgeous group of fast women! DeeAnn’s expert advice had us all moving out of our comfort zone trying new things. It was an awesome ride!
After the workout with Gino and the ride with DeeAnn, we were all starving. Luckily Chipotle hosted our lunch! They provided a super delicious free burrito, salad or taco plate to everyone in our group. AND they didn’t seem to mind how stinky we all were! That’s my kind of restaurant.
For our afternoon clinics, we went to local bike shop, B&L Bike and Sports San Diego. B&L has a great reputation for their knowledgeable staff, who actually LIKE their customers. Amazing, but true. Service manager, Scott Porter, stepped us through the care and maintenance of our bikes. He cleaned things we didn’t know needed cleaning. He oiled things we didn’t know needed oiling. More than once, he took something apart and we all went “ahhhh”. The hour flew by, and I think we all could have easily spent the rest of the afternoon having him explain brake adjusting, chain cleaning, and cable care.
The grand finale of our camp was a presentation from Kim Mueller, a sports nutritionist. Kim and her company, Fuel Factor, are well-known in SoCal for providing nutrition counseling to a wide range of athletes. We could tell right away she really knew her stuff. After giving us a clear, easy to understand outline of basic sports nutrition principles, she answered wide range of questions. She explained everything thoroughly. We all walked away smarter and grateful to Kim for sharing her vast knowledge.
Shout-outs!
A huge thank you to Gino Cinco, DeeAnn Smith, Scott Porter and Kim Mueller. These four are experts in their fields who all donated their time on a Saturday to help our group have a great season. We all appreciate your time. Mille Grazie!
Thank you to the official camp photographer, John Faseler. Thanks for only showing our good sides.
Thank you also to Coastal Sports & Wellness Medical Center and B&L Bike & Sports San Diego for welcoming us into your facilities.
All Bellas received goodie bags packed with awesome products. Thanks to the following for their generous support: B&L Bike and Sports, Chamois Butt’r, Chipotle, Goody Hair Products, Gorilla Multisports, Infinit Nutrition, LUNA bar, Lululemon, and University Physical Therapy.
See you next year!
Bunny Attacks Field of Wildcats in Canatua
March 1, 2009
BP Cantua, California — Global warming has caused isolated weekend incidents of Bunny Attacks Coupled with a Lil Suenami destroying Wildcats’ predatory instincts in Cantua. It is a known fact that animals can sense changes in weather patterns. Saturday’s ominous weather patterns were no different. Birds scattered to protected areas, while bunnies attacked a field of wild cats in early anticipation of the incoming Suenami. Local residents say it was a band of bunnies, while conflicting witnesses say it was one lone bun. According to local weather expert Beth Welliver, “It was a self preservation instinct brought on by the barimetric pressures of the little known phenomena known as Suenami..”
2009 Bay Area Women’s Cycling Series
February 10, 2009
Here at Velo Bella, we get mail…
Bay Area Women’s Cycling is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2009
Northern California Women’s Racing Series sponsored by NCNCA. This year we
are pleased to add a Master’s Series for women 35+ in addition to the
traditional Category 3 and Category 4 competitions. All three Series strive
to provide more opportunities for women to race in single-category fields
and to provide additional prizes for participants.
As in previous years, each Series includes both an individual competition
and a team competition, and prizes are awarded to the leaders in both
competitions at the midpoint of the series and after the final race. This
year several local teams have stepped up to sponsor special cash “BAWC
primes” at participating races, so there are even more reasons to
participate in the Series!
The Category 3 and Category 4 Series races are:
- Menlo Park Crit (March)
- Altamont TTT (April — team competition only)
- Wente RR (April)
- Kern RR (May)
- Calavares ITT (May — individual competition only)
- Memorial Day Crit (May)
- Ohlone Crit (July)
- Dunnigan Hills RR (August)
- Giro di SanFrancisco (September)
The Master’s 35+ Series races are:
- Berkeley Hills RR (May)
- Kern RR (May)
- Dunlap ITT (June — individual competition only)
- Benicia Town Race Criterium (June)
- Berkeley Bike Club Crit (July)
- Dunnigan Hills RR (August)
Big thanks to the participating races and promoters! For more information on
BAWC or the Series (including results from past years and information on how
points are awarded), please see http://www.bawcycling.com. If your team would like
to sponsor a BAWC prime, please feel free to shoot me an email. For those of
you who are on Facebook (it seems to grow daily…), we have a public group
where we will post updates and information, please join us if you’re
interested.
Please share this email with Category 3, Category 4 and Master’s women –
the more the merrier. Thanks for your support, we’ll see you at the races!
Best,
Elis Bradshaw
Women’s Series Program Manager
Photo copyright Steve Weixel. Used with permission.
Bellas Prepare for Wildflower 2009
February 5, 2009
Stacy and Raja demonstrate one of their three sports
Velo Bella triathletes are busily preparing for the 2009 edition of the Wildflower Triathlon. Wildflower runs 1-3 May 2009 and includes Long course, Olympic distance, and mountain bike events. Bella Raja Lahti writes:
Never gone? You’re missing Woodstock of Triathlon! With world champions guaranteed to show… along with 20,000 of your best friends - it’s not to be missed! Don’t “do” triathlon? How about the mountain bike/off road race? Or a relay? Like to climb… then you need to try a little Nasty Grade! Distances are Sprint (off road), Olympic (1500 swim, 40K bike, 10K run), or Long Course (1.25 mile swim, 56 miles bike, 13.1 mile run).
So far three Bellas have signed up to participate in the May party. Raja Lahti, Stacy Dietrich, and Lynne Branchflower have all sent in their entries and are hard at work training for the big day. We can’t wait to here all about their adventures!
Velo Bella Goes To Camp: Photo Gallery
January 23, 2009
The Bellas hit the roads around San Luis Obispo for three days of training, skillz drillz, and winervals. Santa Barbara photographer Carson Blume followed the Bellas and captured the fun. Here is what he saw:
Want to see more? There are oodles more photos of Bella fun in the full gallery by Carson Blume. You can also order photos of yourself and your friends. What could be better?
Velo Bella thanks Carson Blume for the use of his photos. All photos this page are copyright Carson Blume and are used with permission. Look, but don’t touch. Thanks.
Flair Sighting!
January 6, 2009
Beth Welliver Rocks the Sock Flair at Peak Season CycloCross.
Photo by NorCal Cyclingnews. Used with permission. See the Full Gallery.
