SheGotBike

[divingbiker]

[QUOTE=zencentury;249423]


You must have been right behind us at the rest stop! We rode most of the first part of the ride trading places with the woman with the fancy-painted Waterford with mustache bars. They were still at the rest stop when we left.

[Whip]

Hello,

Thanks to those of you who came to She Got Bike - I had so much fun - even though I was gritting my teeth in pain (and I wasn't even riding )

Anyway --- question for you ladies - next year we decided to make a change to the routes and our ride leader philosophy. We are going to have one much easier ride (for those really, really new to the sport) AND...

Now that we are picking up a lot more momentum (almost 500 women came - woooo hoooooo!!!!!) we are going to have Ride Mentors instead of ride leaders at a 1 mentor per 10 rider ratio.

We want mentors who are willing to pre-ride the courses as a group and can also really support our riders - see if they are in too hard of gear, make suggestions, etc.

I think a lot of you would be PERFECT as Ride Mentors. I know it's early, but we always start planning for the next year 12 months in advance

Would any of you be interested? We have a fantastic elite racer, Janet Olney, who is going to run the Ride Mentor program and offer instruction to our Mentors to help them be even more AMAZING than they already are. Janet is a Cat 2 racer and a certified cycling coach and can help you be able to offer help like "hey, your seat is too low" etc.

Besides getting to come for free and mentor incredible women, you'd also be able to connect with Janet and ride with her a couple of times pre-event - which is truly a great opportunity.

Anyway, I know this sounds like a sales pitch (okay, it is), but I am so impressed by the women on this forum - your compassion, passion and just downright good-woman-ness ----- anyone interested?

Let me know if you'd like to consider it - we won't consider you committed until sometime next year - I just want to feel it out with you.

Susan O.

[divingbiker]

Anyway, I know this sounds like a sales pitch (okay, it is), but I am so impressed by the women on this forum - your compassion, passion and just downright good-woman-ness ----- anyone interested?

Let me know if you'd like to consider it - we won't consider you committed until sometime next year - I just want to feel it out with you.

Susan O.

You know, this is very interesting. I'm nowhere near confident enough to be considered a mentor to anyone, and I'm slow as molasses, yet at SheGotBike I was clearly a more experienced rider than many who were participating, at least in the 25 mile ride. I think it is great how women dig their bikes out of the garage and just do it, and I think it's a great idea to have a shorter ride next year.

So I'd say no, I am probably not mentor material, but I hope you find others who are willing.

[Zen]

I'm slow as molasses, yet at SheGotBike I was clearly a more experienced rider than many who were participating, at least in the 25 mile ride. I think it is great how women dig their bikes out of the garage and just do it, and I think it's a great idea to have a shorter ride next year.

I agree, I was really impressed with those women. I think the draw was having friends who were interested or the fact that it was a non-intimidating all women's event. Also that it wasn't entirely cycling focused, it was kind of a mind-body-spirit kind of thing.

Something happened during my ride that has really stuck with me.
We were grinding up yet another hill toward the end of the ride and as I was passing one woman who looked like she might be in a bit of trouble. I suggested she take a rest and walk the hill. While i was putting my bike back on the rack I saw her ride into the parking lot and cheered and applauded her. She thanked me for my help on the hill. I didn't do anything! Fixing a flat would be doing something

I guess she really needed that rest.

This is my first year of riding and my skills need a LOT of work. Everything I've learned has been from here and TITS but I'd possibly be interested in mentoring.

Whip, where were you?

[Whip]

I'd possibly be interested in mentoring.

Whip, where were you?

YEAH!!!! Yes, can you send me a personal email to susancolson@earthlink.net and I will put you on the list. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I wish I had asked you guys to find me and say hi - I would have liked to meet you in person. I launched the rides and then spent the rest of the day talking to our riders and exhibitors, plus making announcements about sponsors and raffles, etc. Getting people to activities, etc. It's so much fun! I just love putting this event on.

Anyone else for Ride Mentors -just let me know! I'm sure I'll be asking again.

[Zen]

Do you know the woman in my photo with the pink BBC jersey?

[Whip]

Do you know the woman in my photo with the pink BBC jersey?

It's Sue McQuiston - one of my spectacular ex-teammates. Do you want me to put you in touch with her?