Minnesota State Championships

By Lieselot Decroix

On Saturday June 24th, I raced the Minnesota State Championship Road Race in Zumbro Falls.

The women's 1/2/3 had to race together, 4 laps of 14 miles with rolling hills, 1 bigger hill of about a mile, wind and hot weather. However the course was beautiful, there wasn't a big turnout; only 13 women!

The Bella's were well represented with 6 of us in the race. We started with a rolling start at the bottom of the hill. Because the group was so small, no one really wanted to race in the beginning, what resulted in a slow first 2 laps. On the third time we hit the hill, I accelerated a little bit to see who would be my biggest opponents, but on top of the hill, I saw that we lost all the other bella's, except Margot was still with me. We talked and decided to wait a little bit and 2 other bellas came back.

The last time we hit the hill and then we had one more lap to go, a girl named Ann who finished Nature Valley last week and who is pretty strong (she had always beaten me in the sprint when we got away together in other races), picked up the pace on the hill and when we came on top, we saw that it was only her, me and another Ann (who's a pro-MTB) left and we had dropped all the other ones.

We cruised the last lap and the time gap with the other girls only grew and grew up to 3 minutes. In the last mile, I took Ann's wheel and just stayed on her wheel. The last 300m before the finish, which were strongly uphill, I sprinted out of her wheel and won surprisingly easily.

I received the Minnesota State Championship RR golden medal, so I am the Minnesotan state champion now, even though I am still Belgian haha! The next bella's were Margot Herman who took 4th and Sheryl Golin who took 7th.

Tilley Finds Banner Elk "Cramped"

by Jennifer


Norba#2 Banner Elk, NC

Alright, so its been a little while since I raced this, but I have been super busy with racing so I haven't had a chance to write. I was really looking forward to the Banner Elk race in NC since I had heard the riding there was awesome.

After preriding the course, I was pretty excited about the race. There was a good hard climb to start, and then some singletrack, and then more climbing. The decent was a bit tricky since parts of it were slick from rain and there were lots of roots and rocks. I decided to keep with my schwalbe tire selection of Racing Ralphs, which ended up for me being perfect. Luckily the day of the race there were clear skies and some wind which dried things out a bit.

I had an ok start, but not great. I held by position for the first part of the climb, but then started passing girls on the second part. I got into a great rhythm and felt really good the entire first lap. I had settled into ~27th, and began the 2nd lap great. I did have to run a few parts of the downhill since parts of it were quicker (and safer) to run. This came back to haunt me on the start of the 3rd lap.

Starting the climb on the last lap, I began to cramp so bad that I couldn't pedal. I had to coast for a bit and softpedal to get my hamstrings and calves to release. I climbed the first part of the climb in a "half cramp" and then it went away. On the last downhill, it came back. I had to stand on the side of the trail for a bit since there was nothing I could do.

I made it down, loosing over 8 minutes. I dropped 10 places. Oh well. Its all part of racing. I had a great time up until the last lap. The issues were definitely me, not the bike. I had a “mechanical free” race thanks to my SRAM stuff. Oh, and it was my first time running Crank Brothers Egg beaters, but I had absolutely no problems with the switch. I was worried about that for nothing.

Overall I had a great weekend, and raced better than I ever have- thanks to the great support from my teammates and Alex, our awesome mechanic Morgan and his wife for cheering, and especially for Chelly Richards who put the team up in her house the entire time- Thanks! I will get those girls at the next Norba!

24 Hours of Rapelje

by Jackie

"I didn't know you could get a bruise in the shape of a bike seat.Yuck! And look at those mosquito bites." This observation from myhusband - my bike mechanic and all-around support guy - a day after I won the women's solo category at 24 Hours of Rapelje.

My bruised, lactic acid-filled, mosquito-bite laden butt basically illustrates how up beat up your body gets at this race through the cow pastures of central Montana.

In good ol' Western fashion we started at high noon with a shotgun blast near the Stockman Cafe. A Le Mans start. At first I started running then thought better of it and walked to my bike. When I got there I discovered I needed to zero out my cyclo-computer.

My dawdling put me way behind the hammerheads, but then again I
didn't have team mates to share the load.

The 12.5 mile course wound through dirt and paved farm roads, cowpaths, and up and down random sections of pastures (no trail). We rolled over sandy dirt, sage brush, lots of rocks, and dead gophers and birds for hours on end. The only sign of civilization was the occasional windmill, fence, or the rare farm house miles away.

At night it was so dark I got disoriented. Right away, another female soloist with a very expensive racing bike began throwing down laps. I kept pace. Finally at lap 4 something inside me snap. I got competitive. New experience for me on the bike.

So here I was - exhausted from the grind of work, lack of sleep for months on end, and little to no time spent on the bike - gunning for a gal half my age. I polished off 8 laps before my butt said, 'nomore'; she stopped at 5. The folks at the Stockman Cafe told me it's a new women's solo course record. Makes me wonder, "what would happen if I actually trained?" hmmmm....

Then again, am I stupid enough to solo again next year and go for a three-peat? I'll think about that only after my butt heals.

Check out out the multi-media coverage from the Billings Gazette!

Nature Valley From the Little Bella

By Jen Joynt


First, I would like to clarify for the record that Jane, Kele and I all Absolutely Did Finish (ADF) the Stillwater Crit and the race. For some reason in the results, they list us all as DNF; we were pulled as were many other riders, but we finished half the race.

Okay, now that I've cleared that up, on to the races. Day 1 was the time trial, a flat, windy course. Not really my ideal course, but I went as hard as I could and paced the course pretty well. I achieved that burning pain in my stomach about 2 miles from the finish and kept it all the way to the line.

Day 2 was the first road stage. 133 eager women trying to get out of the wind led to many close calls, a few small crashes, and then a bigger pile up a few miles from the 2 mile gravel road. This turned out to be a critical moment, as those behind the crash had to chase hard and could see that the peleton was already broken into multiple groups of 20 or so from the crosswind. I found myself behind the crash and did not chase nearly hard enough to get back into a good group. Then we hit the gravel road, which was super painful. Women were sliding out all over the place, and it was really hard to keep your momentum going. My Schwalbe tires stood up well to the task, and I just went as hard as I could. Once we left the dirt, I grouped up with some women. Then I heard John on the radio saying that Colavita was dropping back. Good news for me as I waited for them to come along and drive a good pace. We caught up to a group with Jane in it. Then we saw Kele. Eventually, the pace picked up quite fast in a crosswind section, and my legs died. I caught up to Kele a few minutes later. And she and I rode in together.

Next up was a downtown Minneapolis evening crit. And the big excitement for this race was the crazy thunder, lightning, hail storm that hit about 40 minutes before the start of our race. So much for warming up. We all jumped in the car and watched the weird weather. Our race was delayed and shortened due to the weather. But considering how crazy it was before our race and the second storm that hit while the men were racing, we really lucked out.

Day 4 was the second road stage in Mankato. We were greeted by a hot, sticky day for this one. The air was super thick, leading many riders including me to wish for some rain. It was also another windy day, although the guttering portion of the race waited a little longer than the first road race. Kele got herself into a break with some strong women, and they got the gap up to 40 seconds. But then it seemed like the wind picked up, and we could see them. The gap dropped quickly to 15 seconds, and then the chasers really put on the speed. Unfortunately, this led to the long string in the cross wind. Gaps were opening all over the place. I could not close them. A few women, including Jane screaming encouragement, came around me. I clutched on to Jane's wheel for as long as I could, but not long enough. So I ended up in a chase group with a bunch of women.

The final event was the Stillwater crit, which is a bit like Cat's Hill, only much harder. The race starts right at the base of the main climb, which is long enough that you begin to feel the pain of your efforts about 1/2 up. Then there are 2 more easier climbs on the 1.5 mile circuit. Then some super fast descending turns, and you are back to the hill. The race started out fast, with the definitive move going on the second lap. I hung on as long as I could, 3 or 4 laps I think. Eventually, Jane caught up to me with a few people, and I hopped in with her. And then Kele came flying down the descent, and I hopped on for that ride. So we all three finished together when we were pulled after 27 minutes of racing or so.

It was a super hard week, but we really supported each other through the race. And we had awesome support from all the Twin Cities Bellas and even some Fellas (who I heard cheering on the Stillwater hill). It was great having so many fans cheering for us at all the races, which is all thanks to the local Velo Bellas. And I had quite a few of those fans admiring my super cute Queen Zing; she is fast and a head-turner. And a final shout out to John Coleman, our all-around super support guy, who made the hard days of racing a whole lot easier.

Nature Valley Race report

By Jane Ziegler

Nature Valley was just plain windy. Everyday it was
windy. On one of the road races, there was a dirt
road section for about 2 miles. All sorts of riders
were getting flat tires, but our Schwalbe tires held
up great. No flat tires here.

We absolutely wouldn't have been able to survive the
week without our mechanic, driver, team manager,
everything man...John Coleman. He was in such good
spirits all week and his enthusiasm never died. He
helped us with anything and everything.

All of the stages in Nature Valley were tough. It is
definitely the hardest stage race on the NRC calendar,
besides Toona. The racers don't go there to fluff
around, nor do they go easy during any parts of the
race.

The Minnesota Bellas also came out to help us. They
were also very supportive and positive people to be
around. During the crit, I think there was a Bella on
every straight away and every corner because not once
did , "Go Velo Bella," ever die down. Thanks guys!

Stage 2 Nature Valley 06

-by Kele Murdin

On the profile, and word on the street was this was a flat course....and for some stupid reason, we all take that as 'easier'....WRONG-aroma!

So the first QOH (yes, not to be confused w/ the QOM) was at mile 2.7, and a 2 mile gravel section at mile 14, the second QOM at mile 17.3....what I'm getting at was this was gonna start fast and furious...

Imagine 133 girls, fighting for position going into the first QOH, then descending super tight....and add huge cross winds....what does that spell??? CRASHFEST....aw yea, we were obliged to the first crash about mile 10 right at the front...causing a huge split, well the split wasn't that huge but in these cross winds the effort to close a gap like that was....then a few miles later we hit the dirt section. The radio said 'hardpacked', hmm I fishtailed pretty much the entire way, that sound 'loose' to me. It was 110%effort in that section, we had already been playing gutter-girl chasing after the crash, now it was powering through the gravel slush..lucky for me we ride Schawble tires NONE of us had flats, and many other teams were not as lucky...girls were sliding out left and right, but I managed to grab a good strong wheel, and made up several positions...by the time we came out of the gravel I could see the leaders about 100m...and knew my work had only begun...

We returned to the gutter-girl survival game...and I found Candice Blickem's wheel and was happy....then someone on the front caught sight of the leaders again...another acceleration...on the nose of the saddle, eyes glued to the cassette in front, 'keep fighting, keep fighting'...then it would ease up a little...short reprieve...then another acceleration...once w/ a corner, this time I cracked....dropped to the back of the group....Marissa Asplund (CPT) passes me and yell's "Come on Kele, you can do it, come on!!"...so I stand and get on her wheel....'hold on Kele' I tell myself. The hard effort is lasting a long time...once again I begin to drift back, I'm cracking, Kelly Bengamin (Cheerwine) offers another 'Come on Kele', I stand and go nowhere, rubber band is stretching again...Brooke Oraeda (CPT) yells, "You can do it Kele, come on'....my stand only lasted a few pedal strokes...the legs were cooked....

I'm alone, and hear Jen Joynt on the radio...'There's a big group coming up behind you'...and she was right...Jane and Jen w/ about 30 other riders...I'm saved, or so I thought....so I sit in and try to recover...which is going well, until the next acceleration...guttered again...and my body is revolting, legs ache, head throbbing....'stay in the moment, each pedal stroke, this is your race..', but the body wins, and I'm off the back again....

Jen J was an angle and wouldn't listen to my whinning...'just go Jen', 'No Kele, just recover and stay on my wheel'...she was great.

Jane stayed w/ what became the 2nd group....we were all excluded from the 3 finishing circuits....but that day goes down as the hardest yet of the season! Wish my fitness was better...I was in a great spot, just couldn't hold it...don't worry, I can smell success, and I'm a fighter!!

Thanks so much to our local riders who have hooked us up w/ great feeders, who did an awesome job, and gave me the fluids I needed! It's so awesome to be a part of this 'sisterhood'...all over the country we have 'family' and they alway treat us like old friends, going out of thier way to see we are taken care of!! Thanks Lindsey and Laurel's sister!!!!

We are also super greatful to our guest director/mechanic John Coleman....he has help us tremendiously....from driving us around, to getting discs, trainers, radios, coolers...he is a god send!! And one hell of a good mechanic....Thank you so much John! For an example of his exemplory help, yesterday he drives to our host house, works on the bikes, loads the car, drives us to the race, gets us radios, gets in the Caravan, after the race makes sure we have recovery, loads the car, drives us home, works on the bikes till almost midnight....Yea, WOW! Thanks, doesn't even come close!!

Tonight....the CRIT! Yee-haw!

Kele's latest race report: Nature Valley TT

Nature Valley TT

-Kele Murdin

So this was the inaugural ride for my newest addition in to my beloved Kona family of bikes (I am the proud owner of the Queen Zing Road bike, recently purchased a custom Kona track bike, and now I'm riding the Kona TT bike)... The TT here is a short 4.5mi out and back, along Saint Paul's riverfront. There is one small roller, that feels like a mountain when you're racing it, and side winds are always a factor.

The field here is deep and strong this year. This is my third riding of the NV Grand Prix, and I must say the field is deeper than I remember! This is gonna be fun!!

The TT was 9min 45sec of 'Can you go ANY harder??'....but, my hardest would get me a 21st place finish...after the finish was a quick swap of wheels to my teammates Jane Ziegler, and Jen Joynt...sharing that aero love!! It was Jane's first time on try spoke....and she say's unfortunately, it was still hard! Jen Joynt gave it her all, as she learns each TT how to dig harder and harder....it was her first time using a disc! Laurel and Margot, two strong local riders joining us here at NV, respectively had solid rides....Margot enjoyed having a full TT set up!

Results showed Kristin Armstrong beating out Christine by 6.5seconds, w/ a time of 9:25. Allsion Powers was 3rd, 19sec back...Kori Seehafer, Rachael Heel, Erin Willock, Katie Mactier rounded out the next few places...They've set the bar high, tomorrow's a new day!!

Race Report from Winthrop Washington

By Shannon

I am doing this race report a little different. I am going to start with a race report for a little girl named Grasha that I met this weekend....

An hour after my race had finished was the kids race. I was watching the start and there was this little girl that looked like she needed some help. So I hand Noah to my husband and run over to help her.

The course is 1/2 mile and this cute little girl on a bike with training wheels was all but 3 or 4 years old. The first little part is down a hill and she starts off and says to me" I can do it." So I run next to her and she is doing awsome she makes it down the little hill and we start into the next part. I am having to push her through the mud and she just keeps on saying outloud to herself" I can do it, I can do it, I can do it"

I keep cheering her on telling she is awsome and that she can do it. We go across a small small stream and I finally ask her what her name is. She says " Grasha, Super Grasha" . She was so pumped and just started back in on " I can do it, I can do it" I am not sure how big her vocabulary is but she had all the right words for racing.

The course actually has a little tiny bridge crossing I help her get set up to cross, but she is a little scared. I told her I thought Super Grasha could do it. And there we went across the little bridge. " I did it" It was uphill to the finish so I had to help lots, I was getting quite the after race workout in. She was the cutest thing ever. We cross the finish line and she says again " I did it."

I gave her a high five and told that Super Grasha was awsome. A little later her mom brought her over and Grasha thanked me and told me she was going to be a Super Mountain Biker like me. It is amazing how awsome that can feel, especially coming from a little 4 year old.

She made me smile and she taught me something, Super Grasha had the best attitude of any racer I have ever met. So when races get hard we all just need to say to ourselves " I can do it, I can do it, I can do it" Well hopefully we will see Super Grasha that the races in about 15 years.

Ok here is my report....
I woke up Saturday morning to a downpoor of rain. I couldn't make it from my door to my car without being drenched. It was a little hard to make the decision to head to Winthrop, which is a 4 hour drive into the Cascade mountains where it was also raining. So when the rain let up we loaded up with Kris, Noah, Grandma, and myself and headed due west.

We arrive in Winthrop at about 5pm and it is pouring rain. It had been raining most of the week so it was fairly muddy there. We make the decision to skip pre riding the course so that our bikes will work the next day and go for a little spin on the road.

We wake up Sunday morning (5am thanks to Noah) to a low layer of clouds and the sun peaking out once and awhile. The race started at 10, I had a great start we did a lower loop and then would head up to the top of the mountain for 2 loops. The lower loop was awesome I only put about 30 seconds to a minute on the next rider. It is a fairly flat loop so pretty hard for me to make ground, we then head to the climb.

I had a great climb I probably put 4 minutes on the next girl. As I am climbing I see lightning ahead and hear crashing all around me. Then this crazy rain came down on me, it was coming from all directions. I am thinking to myself... how safe is it to be on the top of a mountain on a metal bike in a lighting storm.

Needless to say I was excited to be starting down the hill. It was so muddy heading down and I was soaked from head to toe. About half way down I am frozen, my whole body is shaking. I know I am loosing time on my lead but there wasn't much I could do. My hands, arms, legs, feet, and chin were all quivering I could hardly hang on to my bike.

Out of no where I here a little voice say " Excuse me Shannon" Nicola (a superstar at muddy decents) passed me. We came around the finish and I was having trouble thinking about going around for another lap. A lady actually ran next to me and asked if I was alright, of course I say yes.

I headed out and caught Nicola fairly fast, luckily with the climbing I was warming back up. I think I put about 2 or 3 more minutes on her in the climb hoping it was enough to finish the decent. On the way down I got behind a Sport male that would not let me by. I think he was having difficulty letting a woman pass him. He finally crashed and took up the whole trail. NOT COOL!!! I was being chased down.

So to make a long story short I was caught again, I sprinted the last 1/4 mile to the finish making myself dizzy trying to catch her but came in 2nd by 15 seconds.

I think I actually threw a temper tantrom by the car. I was so upset with myself ( don't worry I was by myself). So it probably looked more like I was having a seizure from any viewers. It was the first time in a long time I have been out downhilled. So I climbed like a demon and downhilled like a baby. I realized I need to get off the trainer and do some downhilling with my husband and his friends. Anyone up for some babysitting???

A Big thanks to Mark Peterson and Joe Brown for putting on such an awsome race and fun course.

World Cup Montreal and Tour de Montreal- Hiroko

World Cup Montreal and Tour de Montreal

By Hiroko Shimada

While Velo Bella – Kona team was racing great at Mt. Hood, I was excused to participate in these east coast-ish races up in Montreal. These races were UCI sanctioned so besides racing against some of the top North American professionals, I was also against some of the very best riders from all over the world, including world champions, national champions, and Olympic medalists etc… I was secretly hoping for some break-thru performance, but the races still kicked my butt very hard. It was a wonderful time I had, though.

To get there I should have driven there because it would have been only 6hrs or so. But I opted to use my United mileage award flights as I feared my 11yrs-old Honda Civic with >180k miles may not make the trip. There was a short direct flight from Hartford, CT to Montreal so I thought this trip will be a piece of cake. It was too good to be true. I got to the airport on Thu just to find that the aircraft was too small to take my bike box and they said it was my fault not to mention my bike box when I booked the flights. All they could do was to re-book my flights for the following day which would fly me down to DC first and fly up to Montreal. Good thing was that it did not happen on Fri as the race was to be on Sat. Another good thing was that I got time to set up another long experiment in the lab before this trip.

I was not the only one to have problems with airlines. Amber Neben, who was to be my composite-teammate and most importantly who just won the Tour de l’Aude, could not get on her original flight but on a later stand-by flight to arrive in Montreal around 2am on the race day without her bike. Our team manager and she went back to the airport later in the morning, hoping her bike would arrive in time. It did not and she instead flew back to California….. It was very crazy and I was very sorry for her. You might think, “why not borrow a bike for the race?” It is not acceptable for a sponsored rider and she did not want to cause any trouble for her team in Europe. I learned that she won the Pan-Am TT event just the other day! Her bike must have made it alright for the event.

World Cup Montreal

All World Cup races are really hard one-day races but I hear this World Cup Montreal is one of the toughest ones of all. My experience with World Cup races is rather limited, but I can tell you that this race is really darn hard. The fact that less than a half of the starting riders finished within the time cut should tell you how hard this race was. The circuit course was similar to the one in the past, going up Mt. Royal many times, but they added a section after the descent to make the loop a little longer so that we had to do hill repeats ‘only’ 11 times instead of 12. Well, I liked the fact that the introduction to the climb was safer (not as sharp a turn as before), but the positioning in the pack was even more important than in the past as non-climbers strung out the pack of 120 riders to single file before hitting the climb. The road surface was pretty awful and everyone was like “hang on!” as we scream downhill over potholes and cracks. My almighty Kona queen zing was really smooth, considering the road conditions. In such a situation where you are pushed to your limit physically and mentally, it is absolutely important to be able to trust your equipment and my blue Kona queen zing precisely gave me that! I was even commented that I looked very comfortable on my bike and he was very right about it!

Unlike last year, the pace was rather fast from the beginning. I thought I would have some buffer in the peloton and found that those behind me were simply gone in just the first couple of laps. The pack shrunk really quickly down to the half in the first 30 - 40 min. When significant attacks started happening in mid-way of the race I had a difficulty to stay in the pack. I made the time-cut, but was a bit disappointed not to be at the end of the real race. My fellow Japanese rider from Nobili (Italy), Miho Oki, who usually teases me a lot, was actually complimentary to my efforts and told me that I’d need a bit more experience to get the “edge.” Well, I shall keep adding….

Oh, so it was won by Judith Arndt (Ger). I love the way she carries herself as well as the way she rides on the bike. Nicole Cook (GBr) took 2^nd and kept the World Cup leader’s jersey. Kristin Armstrong (USA) was the 3^rd.

Tour du Grand Montreal

Stage 1 --- ITT (11km)

First of all, I have to say that I looooove my brand new TT bike! Thank you, Kona! I got the bike two days before I left for the race and I rode it only once before the race. Your coach would tell you not to race on a new bike you are not familiar with, especially when the course is like 12-corner loop x 2.5 times! BUT, I still loved this new TT bike! The course was very technical and I certainly did not corner well, but it was soooooo comfortable! I know that I should not feel comfortable while TT-ing, but I always dealt with some ridiculous position with a clip-on bar (or no bar at all), so compared with that, it was like riding a Cadillac. For those who are small and short-legged, I strongly recommend to get a TT bike because it is so impossible to have any legal and decent position with a clip-on bar on a road bike. Did you know that the UCI regulation says, “the highest point of the bar has to be lower than the saddle position”? When you have short legs, the gap between saddle and the handle bar is almost none even with a negatively-angled-stem!

Christine Thorburn smoked everyone!

Stage 2 --- Rigaud RR (117.8km)

We went around a big circuit (23km) four times, then rode this small circuit (10km), including a 2km steep hill, twice. Like expected, the race was decided at the steep hill. The rolling hills during the big circuit were tiring enough so that by the time we hit the small circuit, we were about sixty. Like any good race, the positioning was so important to start the climb. I regret that I did not make the group there and stayed in the laughing group. I believe the physical and mental aspects of this sport intertwine, but I was mad at myself about not being fierce enough at the key moment.

Olivia Gollan (Aus) from Nobili won this stage! I had a chance to have some coffee with Nobili gals and it was very interesting to chat in like three languages mixed together and we somehow had a great time...

Stage 3 --- Petite Italie Crit (50km)

All I can say is that I survived thru it! Those who know me know how much I like crits. Luckily the course was a simple four-corner so that I could still carry momentum thru corners even in a less optimal position in the peloton. It started raining mid-way and it was getting darker as it was held in the evening. I could see the time display but somehow I could not find the lap card (which was right below the time display it turned out…), so I actually did not know about the last lap. I was just going with the pack, thinking “this has to be over soon….” And my wish came true.

Kathy Bates (Aus) with a really strong set of legs won in a break which was started by Chrissy Ruiter who finished the third! Kim Anderson took the 2^nd! I liked Chrissy’s comment, “I had nothing to lose,” about when she went, and that is how I have to race, too!

Stage 4 --- Mont-Saint-Hilaire CR (115km)

The GC competition was still tight as the top riders were separated by only a few seconds. So, it was a pretty fast race. Seriously, we kept 27-30 mi/h except for the climbing section which was at the end of the circuit for ~700m. The size of the peloton seemed to shrink each time we went up the climb. I don’t know why, but I flatted again in this stage. I went up the hill for the third time and I noticed that I could not go straight and realized that the rear tire was flatted. I stopped at the top of the hill and I had a rather quick wheel change from the neutral support. But, as I said earlier, the pack was moving pretty fast so by the time I started going, they were out of sight. I thought I was so done for the day, but did not give up. Who knows they might slow up for a change…. I kept going and came to a wide road section. I still remember vividly how happy I was to see my composite team car parked on the right, conveniently taking a loooong pee break. They were awesome! They car-paced me at 55-60km/h back to the end of the caravan train. They said, “take your time and go by one car at a time!” and went back to their spot. It took a bit out of me as there were 20 cars I had to come around. I did take my time to hop around one car, then rest a bit, then go for another one.

That was the highlight of the day…..

Overall, I started feeling that I belong there. Hope to have much more to show for the rest of the season.

Oh, so the Tour was won by Christine Thorburn! Her team did a great job supporting her as well!

*To maintain her availability to race with the Japanes National Team, Velo Bella-Kona Rider Hiroko Shimada is required to attend a few UCI races every year. This year VB-Kona would not be attending Montreal World cup so Hiroko was allowed to race on a composite team to fulfill her UCI requirements.

Shannon Holden Blitz's the Bavarian Bike and Brew Festival in WA

Well my legs worked this weekend even after moving to our new home this week!!!! I wasn't sure if they would after last weekends 24 horus, but on Thursday they still felt like they were on fire if I tried to go hard.

I raced at the Bavarian Bike Brew Festival in Leavenworth, WA. Actually there were two Bellas there, Erika Krumpleman from ID showed! She was awesome and I really enjoyed seeing another Bella at the race (Northwest Bellas in the HOUSE!).

I won (Yippie) and Erika was 2nd in the open field. It was an alright course probably 4 1/2 miles of climbing then all the way back down and around again for 3 laps. My kind of course lots of climbing. I must have done some damage to myself at the 24 hours because both my hands and feet would go numb when downhilling. Hopefully this will resolve soon.

So back in the saddle and racing, I have another race next weekend in Winthrop, WA, and I think our voodoo daddy from Kona, Mark Peterson, helps put it on, so I will be there with extra flair for sure.

Have a great week everyone!

Shannon

Mt Hood Report by Kele Murdin

Mt Hood, first two stages

Ok. So the race started yesterday w/ 3 mi TT or prologue...when does it become a TT not a prologue?? Because they added another hill, and one more mile...I don't know what was wrong w/ the flat, downhill, then 2oom climb??? Sounds good to me!

Well, I rode hard, stayed focused...and was disapointed w/ the result...but hey that's what happens when other girls go faster than you!! Nice work ladies, I know how hard I was working..so you were workin' even harder...WOW! Austin Powers (actually allison, but Austin is funnier) threw down a 7:13ish, w/ Dotsie Bauche (right?) 3seconds back, Suz Weldon 7:30, and me 7:31 (actually it was .8 sec difference, btw)...then Jen Ruiter close behind...and that's all I remember.

My VB-Kona teamates raced well. A few had new TT bikes...Jane Z passed two, count 'em, TWO people in the TT! We have a guest rider...LisaLee (totally not spelled like that, but that's how it's spelled), who is a foreign exchange HS student from Belgium.

Today was a 2 lap 56mi circuit...the flattest of all days. It stayed together....there were two attackes all day (by myself, and I mean that literally), which didn't last long...no one interested in getting away, but me...but to no avail..it was a bunch sprint...pretty dicey at the last 2k...but my teamates were AWESOME, keeping the pace high, and helpin me to the front...I was 6th...Dotsie won!

Mt Hood next two stages

Ok, first of all...Dotsie ALMOST won the circuit race...she was like 2nd, or something. A Palo Alto speed demon won!

Next we had the REAL TT in the AM...10.5 mi out and back....climb then decent...again I felt like I had a great race...until I saw the results....hmm, hope this trend ends SOON! Dotsie actually did win, and took the leaders jersey! I lost like 1:30...Embarrassing, but true!

That evening was the crit! On the positive side, I got to race my kind of race for a few laps, got some primes....then on a sad note, Dotsie crashed and broke her collarbone in this nasty corner! Allison Powers won...which defaulted her the GC leader...but she requested NOT to wear the jersey the following day, due to Dotsie's crash...classy move Allison!

We all wish Dotsie a speedy recovery! And cant wait to see you soon!!

Today was RIDICULOUS! Three mountains...way too many eager climbers...some rain...some sun...tons of pain. So it all came apart right before the first KOM...which is no where NEAR the top (not funny)...so then (I was told later) 4 girls got off (Alicia, Leah, Mara Abbot, Allison Powers...I think) and pretty much stayed away...then there was a second, and third group of chasers... and me yo-yoing off the back of the third...off the back on the ups, and back on the downs...repeat times 3...which sucks, cause there is no time to recover, damn I wish I could just climb better!

So, our Dutch exchange student showed us what's up...she finished a smokin' 7th just behind the lead group! Jane was 12th...and sorry Jen I don't know where you finished but I know it was in front of me...

Leah Goldstien took 1st GC, Alicia Lion 2nd, and Mara Abbot 3rd (Chris I told you wrong...Oops)...