Univest Grand Prix

[jktgymnast]

Yesterday I did my first race ever. It was lots of fun and i was really glad i did it. It was only a five mile high school race, four laps around town. Only 4 high school girls signed up which was disappointing but there wasn't much advertising for the high school race. I got second place on a mountain bike and yeah that's my exciting weekend event.

[BikeMomma]

High school racing....WoW! Was it actually sponsored by your school or just broken up by age? That is SO encouraging for the sport, especially for the female side of things. Four entrants is disappointing yes, but look at the fact that they even offered a girl's race! That's great!

Way to go jkt!!! You seriously rock, girlfriend! Second on a mtb in a crit-type race (actually more like a circuit race) is awesome! But you need a road bike! You SO could have kicked (more) booty if you'd had one. :D

Keep riding & let us know how you do if you race again, ok? We have alot of gals on this board that race or who are very interested in just reading about it, so please -- post more!

Did you find that four laps was enough for you, or could you have done more? When I was in high school, I was riding quite a bit and could have handled more than five miles easily. I wonder if they should make it more challenging? I'd be interested in your thoughts about that.

Our local riders between Turlock and Merced put on the McLane Cycling Classic in Merced, an NRC Calendar event with a criterium and road race, each year. In addition to the pro-am racing, we like to include family and youth races/activities too. Maybe this is something we could consider, now that there are more high schools in the area, with yet another in the planning stages. I can see it now -- dueling high schools and all the parents out to cheer! Wowie....

Take care!
~BikeMomma

[jktgymnast]

The race wasn't sponsored by the school it was just an addition to the Grand Prix this year. There were three girls who were 15 and one who was 14 so we didnt split up by age although there were supposed to be in 2 age groups 14-16 and 17-18. The advertisements said High School Race 14-18. I'm trying to get a club started at my high school since my friend and I were the only two from our high school which the race goes right by. (any tips on starting a club?)
Usually I do a lot more than 5 miles and I thought that sure I would have no problem doing that however there are two hills in the circuit and that made the four laps plenty for my first race, if I had a racing bike I probably wouldn't have found these hills quite as hard, a little more training would have helped. I had seen the hills several times and climbed the easier one and although they are short they are quite steep for around here.
I think it would be really neat if you had a high school race, I know i enjoyed it and its a great way to get a little more intrest in road racing since there arent many opportunities at least where I live for juniors racing. It was fun and the parents are all very supportive of all of the riders. Also we left just after the pro race so the streets were filled with spectators which made it really neat to get an aspect of what its like to have that many people cheering for you!

[AllezGirl]

I was right at the finish! You were fantastic! That hill at the finish was tough, but you all made it look like a piece of cake. I took my 8 yo son to watch the pros, but he was way more impressed by the kids!

Check in with the McCoaches at Bike Works in Harleysville. They're very involved and may be able to help you get something local started there.

You were fabulous on that podium...way to go!

[Lise]

That's really impressive. Congratulations! :D

[jktgymnast]

Thanks! I talked to the guys at bike works and they said once i had an organized club they could give us a discount on stuff from their store.

I love watching the univest race escpecially this year with the pro's instead of the amateur- It's definately loads of fun for the community- a race everyone here should watch in my opinion!

[velogirl]

Check in with the McCoaches at Bike Works in Harleysville.

McCoaches? Is that their surname or is that a McDonalds joke?

[velogirl]

Katharina! First, congratulations! You should be very proud of your accomplishment.

I've started two clubs/teams over the years (both still in existence). Velo Girls is an all-women's club and I also started a high school mountain bike team. I'd be happy to advise you, answer some questions, and possibly be able to hook you up with a coach in your area who might be able to help.. Shoot me a PM with your email address and we can exchange contact info.