Category — Bicycle Advocacy

I’ll be honest; I’m pretty biased on this one.

Nine years ago I lost a dear friend in a drunk driving accident.  I, like anyone who has lost a loved-one, realize that nothing can bring my friend back to life.  It sucks, it’s tragic, and it’s final.  My friend’s sudden and early death caused untold amounts of pain in the lives of those who knew him, especially in his family.  We all have choices in handling this sort of grief—anger, self-pity, despair, etc.  However, as I’ve watched his family, I’ve learned a lot about productive mourning.  For years his mother has traveled to schools, telling future drivers the story of her son’s death in hopes of sparing other families from similar tragedy.  It’s undoubtedly painful to relive the experience over and over again, but she’s chosen to selflessly use her anguish.  Though her son’s unnecessary death was the result of someone else’s poor choices, she’s chosen to use his memory for the benefit others.  I will never forget her example.

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One of our great sponsors – Bike Shop Hub – is currently hiring!  The position is for a person with great writing skills and a passion for cycling.  To learn more, check out the listing – http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/about.php.  It’s a great company and a great place to work!

More sad news in the Arizona cycling scene.  Doug Flynn, the founder of the Yuma Bike Club, was tragically killed in an accident while cycling.  Doug was an important leader in the Yuma cycling community and a great advocate of youth cycling.  Doug will be deeply missed.

To honor Doug, the Yuma Bike Club is hosting the first annual Carrera de San Luis Fun Ride.  The ride will take place this Saturday, November 7 in Yuma, Arizona.  In honor of Doug, the first annual “Doug Flynn Award” will be given to the lead rider in the adult male, adult female, junior male, and junior female categories.  Registration is available at Active.com.  All proceeds from the event will go to benefit youth cycling in Yuma.  There will be T-shirts and a catered meal for participants as well.

If you are unable to make the ride, please consider a donation to Doug’s family through CARD (Cyclists Against Reckless Drivers).  You can also visit Doug’s memorial site.

Rest in peace, Doug.

A few months ago, I posted a story about Colleen Whealdon-Haught, a local Arizona racer who was battling metastatic breast cancer.

It saddens me deeply to report that Colleen lost her battle this week.  Throughout her battle with cancer, she was a tough fighter and always so incredibly positive, kind, and smiling.  She will live on forever in our memories as an example of a great cyclist and one amazing individual.

If you are in the Tucson area, please come out to support Team Colleen on October 18 from 4 – 7 pm at the Bluepoint Kitchen and Bar.  All proceeds go to the Livestrong Challenge, which Colleen was very passionate about, having raised more than $40,000.

And may Colleen rest in peace and ride on forever in our hearts.

Hi ladies, I have made the trip across country and am now living in Weymouth, MA and started a new job. I’m just getting back to riding and training. I’m lucky to have a training crit for cat 3-4 cyclists only five miles from my house. I went for the first time a few weeks ago and was the only girl! Being the only girl, I didn’t feel so bad when I was dropped three times. I went back the following week and was only dropped once. All of the guys have been great, they even move over so I can have the wheel for the draft. I feel safe riding in the pack and everyone has decent bike handling skills….so, ladies on the east coast, join me on Wednesday nights at Wampatuck state park. You can find all of the info at NEBRA.org!

As you are browsing the blogosphere, please take some time to check out this new site dedicated to the practice of utility cycling: www.utilitycycling.org.  Utility Cycling is dedicated to defining the movement of utility cycling, which encompasses the bicycle as a means of transportation, function, service, mobility, fun, and much, much more.

Although our focus here at Women’s Bike Talk is specifically devoted to women’s cycling issues, there are many ways in which the two sites are complimentary.  For example, some of the writers here at Women’s Bike Talk are dedicated bicycle commuters.  Others are dedicated mothers who are well-versed in the way of bicycle cargo of all types.  And yet others use the bicycle as a vehicle for empowerment.  All that in addition to bicycle racing!

So take a moment to think about how you use your bicycle.  We’d love to hear about it, so please tell us your utility cycling story by commenting on this post.

Until next time, use your bike!

Many of us in Arizona have had the great opportunity to race and ride with Colleen Whealdon-Haught.  She is local Arizona CAT 2 road cyclist who rides for the Summit Velo Team. 

Colleen has been battling metastatic breast cancer.  Therefore, her teammates, friends, and family have banded together to form Team Colleen so that they may go and do the Livestrong Challenge with Colleen in Austin in October.  They are also all trying to help her raise money for the Livestong Foundation.

If you would like to donate, please visit Colleen’s personal page to show your support! Every little bit helps!  And even if you don’t know Colleen, we all know someone who has been affected by cancer.

Team Colleen has also put together a fabulous cycling kit in support of Colleen.  If you or someone you know is interested in ordering a kit, please send an e-mail to us using the contact form on our website.  We will be sure to put you in touch with Team Colleen directly.  Purchasing a kit is not part of the fundraiser, but it is an awesome way to show some support!

Thanks so much and happy riding!

Vote for the Arizona Trail!

I received multiple e-mails yesterday about a contest for the Arizona Trail to win a $50,000 grant for trail improvements.  The project with the most votes by the end of May will receive the grant, and until two days ago, the Arizona Trail was in the lead.

The AZT needs your help!  It’s easy to vote and you can do so online and by text messaging.  You may vote twice per day (once by phone and once online).  In fact, you can vote this way every day through the end of May.  Please visit: http: //www.blazethetrail.com/greatoutdoors/vote/

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Hey all you women’s cycling fans, there is finally a magazine dedicated entirely to women’s cycling!

Women’s Cycling Magazine

I’m very excited about it, and I plan to subscribe today!  The first issues comes out on June 22, 2009.  Big props to the magazine creators!

Owen (nearly 2 years old now) loves to ride in the bike trailer while I do my training rides.  It’s a killer workout for me and he likes to see the various vehicles on the road as we cruise along.  In exchange, at the end of the ride, he gets to crawl around in my car turning on hazard lights, adjusting mirrors and seats, etc.   It works out well for both of us.

Cody and I alternate who pulls depending on who needs an easy workout and who needs a hard workout (the hard workout would be pulling the bike child trailer, duh).  It has been a great system, but we’ve discovered on the days that I pull and Cody coasts along side, the average person we come in contact with during our workout doesn’t seem to readily understand our system.  As a matter of fact, most seem to think Cody is a complete jerk which is especially funny because Cody is one of the nicest people you will ever meet (and over-the-top supportive of me maintaining some sort of life outside of being a mommy).   

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