Any race reports from the Women's Kern Stage Race?

[Tokie]

Hi! As I am still in a thumb/hand cast, I just went along to the Kern to support my girlfriend. I can report that it was HOT HOT HOT, and the women were awesomely strong and determined to compete. It was a totally inspiring,supportive and inclusive women's race and I'm going to race it next year! Any TE'er racers have a report on their experience? Tokie

[velogirl]

I'm posting to my blog in a bit.

BTW, you were the pink cast, right?

[velogirl]

Okay, my long-winded blog is here. I need some recovery for my fingers now.....

http://velogirlscoaching.blogspot.co...rne-rouge.html

[spokewench]

Nice report and great race velo girl - being a domestique is not a bad thing - you can gain a lot of respect for yourself and your teammates.

Thanks for being a great sport.

spoke

[SheFly]

VeloGirl - just read your report! Kudos to you! And I echo your frustration with women who are afraid of coming last. If you are out racing, you have fun and you finish, it's all a huge accomplishment. Think of all of the other people who aren't even willing to try.

The dedication you showed to your teammates was awesome! I'm glad that you had a fun time and finished the race. And most especially, thanks so much for sharing a great story and message!

SheFly (occasionally happy to finish DFL!)

[velogirl]

thanks, ladies! it was a big weekend for me. lots of personal growth. I'm happy to share my experience.

Lorri

[Tokie]

Hi Lorri! Next year the red lantern is mine! I was inspired by all of your team's participation and great attitudes. And to read that you stayed with your teammates that needed you is so cool! I was in awe of everyone who participated - that's a lot of racing in 3 days, and the conditions were fierce! I'll look for you next year! Carol

[velogirl]

we chatted briefly, Carol. I commented on how your pink cast matched the new team torelli's. then again, maybe everyone commented on that.

next year I'll race it for real, so you can have the red lantern.....maybe.

good to meet you!

[Tokie]

Hi Lorri! I remember talking with you now - I actually race for another team, the Torellis are the new team bike for my coach's team (Kalyra) - my girlfriend and I are both coached by Jill Gass, and we set up next to their team help us figure out how to survive the Kern! I get my cast off on Wednesday, then start hand therapy - hopefully will get a riding splint soon, so I can get back on the road! I'll look for you next year! - Carol.

[Trek420]

.... your pink cast matched the new team torelli's. then again, maybe everyone commented on that.

The team bikes are Torelli?

[velogirl]

The Kalyari team (formerly Firestone, I think) have blingy torelli's that are black with hot pink trim.

I know Jill!

[Tokie]

Definite thread drift, but Jill along with Kalyra teammates Lisa and Sonia ( the 3 of them did a 4 woman RAAM in 2007 with another teammate) are getting ready to do the "24 Hour RAAM" along with pro cyclist Dotsie Bausch(Colavita) this June! It's a practice run for the 4 of them to prepare as a team (including their support crew preparing) for the 2009 RAAM! They may break a record! Tokie