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View Full Version : Got a coaching gig :)



Reesha
05-25-2011, 06:51 AM
It probably sounds heftier than it is, but I have a load of cycling work ahead of me in the next ten months and I am actively seeking tips and advice from the talented women here.

The school I work at in St. Louis has a varsity cycling team and I've (finally) been hired to be the assistant coach for the 2012 season-- I am PUMPED. I've been riding with the team for the past few years during the week, but the school wouldn't pay for a third coach. Our founding coach has moved on to another school, which opened up the position for me. I've been riding steadily since 2007, but I've never done an exclusive cycling race... triathlons yes, trail duathlons yes, but never a real road race. One of the expectations that the head coach and I have set for ourselves is that we race alongside our kids-- I with the ladies, he with the gents. I'm a bit nervous about racing (I'm sure it will be fine once I'm doing it), and with our season over with I'm trying to fathom how to get started into it mid-season. Any tips for that?

I've been very geeky about it all and am busy setting specific goals for myself, but I'm ready to take road riding seriously and to begin racing. I got myself the Cyclist's Training Bible, but I'd love to hear some reading recommendations from female riders. I also read and enjoyed Race Weight.

One of the best parts about being an official coach is that I've finally gotten all our girls real women's jerseys. It was pretty awful being told we had to wear baggy men's jerseys because there was no way to order just a few jerseys. Well, that's now been worked out. We'll be getting some rad jerseys made by zbikewear, in women's and men's sizes :D

Anyway, if you are a road rider in St. Louis and would be interested in inviting a spring chicken out on some rides, please PM me. I am getting closer to proper group ride shape. I would love to meet up for some 40-50 mile easy spin rides though. I need to build up my base!

Velocivixen
05-25-2011, 09:40 AM
They're lucky to have you. It's cool that you managed to get women's jerseys too! Have a great time and keep us posted. I'm a newby so don't have any advice.

Reesha
05-25-2011, 10:10 AM
As it turns out, I live just a few miles from a weekly "C" ride or beginners Crit. Can't wait.

I need to get a second wheelset with some proper tires for racing because my commuting tires are not as grippy as they could be for cornering. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on some used racing wheels for a decent bargain, let me know.

TrekTheKaty
05-25-2011, 03:55 PM
Congrats Reesha!

Crankin
05-25-2011, 04:35 PM
Reesha! Congrats.
Where have you been?

OakLeaf
05-25-2011, 04:48 PM
How cool is that! Congrats!

Reesha
05-25-2011, 07:21 PM
How cool is that! Congrats!


Congrats Reesha!


Reesha! Congrats.
Where have you been?

Thanks guy!

Oh, I go through phases with forums. I've been doing my thing... just busy and not spending too much time on the computer. Glad to have a resource like this at a time like this though!

I was looking at new wheelsets today at our LBS team sponsor. Looked at a Sram S30 AL race wheelset and the ksyrium SL wheelset they had. My budget is definitely 1000 and under for a new wheelset, but I'm looking forward to the 'new' ride on my bike. At least I got a feel for what I can expect to spend. I was also admiring continentals navy blue grand prix 4000 tires :D :D :D They'd match my handlebar tape.

Now to just finish this dagum chicken coop in my backyard and I can devote my slush fund to my bike again ;)

Reesha
05-25-2011, 07:25 PM
Could anyone recommend buying used wheels on ebay? Anyone done it with success?

ehirsch83
05-26-2011, 07:15 AM
Check out Williamscycling.com for great wheels at a great price. Keith is amazing and the wheels are great.

Reesha
05-26-2011, 08:06 AM
Oh, thanks so much! Any recommendations on a product of theirs that is very slightly aero but still light for climbing?

ehirsch83
05-26-2011, 11:57 AM
The 38s are aero, but not too aero and light.

The true climbing wheel would be the 20s, but the 38s are an all a rounder.

Reesha
09-07-2011, 07:45 PM
I've been busy designing our new jerseys for this year. I love the horizontal stripes on the world champion jersey, so I put them on ours:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/femmeke830/bikejerseydesign.jpg

bellissima
09-07-2011, 07:58 PM
I like it :)

smilingcat
09-07-2011, 09:01 PM
Whew.. for a minute I thought the jerseys were sleeveless. I like the design.

jelee1311
09-07-2011, 10:49 PM
Sweet jerseys congrats on coaching!

Reesha
09-08-2011, 02:43 PM
Thanks!

Alas, our stodgy athletic director couldn't handle the cool of the uniform and said it needed more 'color'.

Sooo. Time for a different direction. I really love this scotland jersey:

So I am borrowing the design and using it on mine. Still need our ram graphic so I can do something like the lion with the ram.

When it comes to Adobe Illustrator though, my skills are not graphic artist caliber. Anyone who would be willing to help me realize this a bit more crisply, would be soooo awesome and duly rewarded!

http://www.probikekit.com/us/clothing/mens/cycling-clothing/jerseys/endura-coolmax-scotland-flag-cycling-jersey.html

Reesha
09-10-2011, 04:59 AM
New jersey design:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/femmeke830/bikejerseydesign2.jpg

We're going to order these in Vortex Pro from Canari. Can't wait to see em!

Reesha
12-09-2011, 11:22 AM
Oooo I am so excited. I just got the proofs in from Canari for our jersey design!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/femmeke830/MICDSPROOF.jpg

Since it's the first proof, the red is off. Our colors are dark red and dark green, but otherwise, exactly what I hoped for! Yayyy

bellissima
12-09-2011, 11:29 AM
Awesome. I love new kits :)

tealtreak
12-10-2011, 04:11 PM
Congrats!!!!!!!! cheering for you!

pll
12-10-2011, 08:25 PM
Nice!