just taking a survey

[Eden]

what type of racing? and what level if applicable
I race road - I've had plenty of team mates try to talk me into the other disciplines, but I've purchased enough bikes for a while... I am a Cat 4 at the moment, but I have enough points to upgrade to a Cat 3. I would like to get a few more races in before I do so.

why do you race?
It's fun! I love cycling and I've ridden recreationally for a loooong time. My husband started racing and he kind dragged me into it, but not in a bad way! Tit for tat I suppose . I made him buy a new bike back when we were in college - he was riding his mom's hand me down and it was way to small. What I think I really love is that the playing field seems much more level. I can be small and not be at a disadvantage.

when did you start?
I did my first race at the end of the season 2 years ago (it was a hillclimb TT). I did well and it convinced me that perhaps I could actually compete. This year will be my second full season.

How supported do you feel in this journey? Do you have a group you train with, or just your SO, or...
I joined a team right off. I watched my husband struggle through his first year racing as an unattached rider and I decided that I did not want to do that. The women on my team are wonderful. I don't think I could have found a more supportive environment. As far as my husband goes - he's the one who started me and he's wonderfully supportive - even though I am doing much better than him. He loves when I do well and if he feels jealous he doesn't let it show. He kind of likes being known at the races as Eden's husband... His team is great too. I ride with them occasionally and I never feel like they don't want me there or think that I hold them back.

Name ONE thing that would make your journey better
We need more women out racing! We've been getting better as far as the 4's go, but there still aren't enough of us. When you upgrade you go directly to racing with the 1's and 2's so it will be a big change. I'm still going to do it. I just want to wait until after the first stage race if I can help it. Unfortunatly this probably won't change very quickly - its not a problem of having enough 3's - its that there are not enough 1's and 2's to make a field, so the races are always combined - since the 3's aren't scored separately its hard for the 3's to get points to upgrade.... I'm not sure what the solution to this catch 22 is.