I got my start in cycling in 2010 when my husband gave me a bike as a wedding present. I should have foreseen my future as a cyclists when we skipped the limo waiting for us and took this to our reception instead!
I went from not being able to keep up on beginner group rides to participating in my first race a couple short months later, and being able to help lead the group rides the following year. It has only been a few years, but every year of riding and racing has become more fun than the last. I enjoy many types of cycling, all of them offer something a little different.
The start line at my very first race. I'm smiling, but I'm pretty sure I was terrified! (Bobber's Cross, 2010) |
Racing has been a huge confidence builder and I love it. There is something magical about pinning on a race number. I can push myself harder than I imagined possible. Fear melts away and determination takes it place. Nothing feels better than knowing I gave the course everything I had when I cross the finish line. It makes me feel like I can accomplish anything, on or off the bike.
This is how happy racing & riding my bike makes me!! Chris Lillig Memorial Cup Day 2, Old Capitol Criterium, April 28, 2013 (Justin Torner/Freelance for the Iowa City Cycling Club) |
Racing and riding have made me so happy, that I had to share my enthusiasm with others. I joined the Iowa City Cycling Club in 2011 and became a committee member for the Women’s division of the club later that fall. It has been a great opportunity to build friendships and work toward growing the sport of cycling.
Awesome turnout for one of our Beginner Friendly Gal rides! |
I started this blog to share my passion of cycling and help encourage other women find theirs. Cycling has become such an important part of my life and I owe it to the women who helped me get a start. If it weren’t for the support and encouragement of the other women in the community I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today. I would be missing out on so much. I want to inspire and motivate other women to get on a bike and maybe even give racing a try!
OMG it's Emily Batty!!!! If I can't inspire you to race, I bet she can! (Cyclocross World Championships, 2013) |
Awesome E! I love your blog!
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