Spinning at Bike Beat

Starting in January we will be spinning at Bike Beat on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5 - 7, and we would love it if you would join us!

Come around to the back of the shop and bring your trainer and a towel. You can join in a workout we have planned or you can do your own workout and spin with us for company. Last year we had a TV for videos and a pretty good selection of cycling races or training videos to choose from, so I expect that will be the same this year. Riders are welcome at anytime from 5- 7, so no worries about being late or leaving before 7. Hope to see you there!

TWR t-shirts

Tiffany models the latest Tradewinds Racing team gear. Get yours today at Bike Beat (Hilltop location), 100% of proceeds support the development of women's cycling. Great stocking-stuffers, or just treat yourself!

Ready for the 2011 race season yet? Check out the calendar on our site to see what there is to look forward to this spring!

Charlottesville CX, short report

Darden Towe CX was this past weekend in Charlottesville, VA. I was not there, but Avanell traveled to the last race on the VA CX calendar. The long drive was well worth it, Ava placed first for category 4 riders and 2nd overall for the series CX competition. Go Ava!

Virginia State Champ CX

Thanks to Tripower for another great race. I was especially excited about the coupons to Skinny Dip they gave away to participants, although maybe this is why I had trouble on the hill...

The new VA womens 1,2,3 state champion is Deidre Winfield. She got a gap early and it grew throughout the race. The rest of the race was similarly spread out, and after 3 laps the race was decided. Julie K (Fruit 66) took second, and Jen P (FF) came in third. About as exciting to watch as a time trial, but the very talented Deidre did put on a good show of how fast women's cx can be. (photo by Alyssa Beda, please note the pain in my face at the top of this hill)

The category 4 women's race was where the real action was Sunday. It was close the entire time with three women fighting it out until the very end. Avanell (TWR) and Valarie N. (OBX) battled for the lead throughout the race with Meaghann M. (Tripower) close behind during most of the half hour race. The brutal grassy hills wore people out and on the last lap Meaghann came from behind to take the win in the sprint. Valarie placed second and Avanell placed 3rd. (photo by BJ Samuel, Ava gaining ground through the only set of barriers in the race)

We are so proud of Ava and look forward to hear her report from Charlottesville in the last VA cross race of the season this coming Saturday.

Bennett's Creek CX

60's and sunny. A great start to the day and it only got better. The course was fun and the company excellent. The Suffolk CX race had a good turn out, with 20 or so women in the cat 4 race ready to get their feet muddy.

Category 1,2,3 Women

In the cat 1,2,3 race the top 2 women, Jen P. (FF) and Sally M. (Tripower) got their gaps in the first lap and held it to the end. 3rd place was more of a struggle and changed several times throughout the 45 minute race. I (Emily) had a pretty slow first lap and struggled to close the gaps for the rest of the race. The other women pulled away through the woods, tight turns, and mud while I pushed hard in the grass to catch back up. This went on back and forth for a few laps until it finally seemed like I was close enough to re

ally catch up. With a few laps to go I got into the 3rd place and held it. Very close behind were Liz S (Tripower) in 4th, and Leslie (TWR) in 5th.

Category 4 Women

The start of the category 4 women's race was pretty crowded, with everyone trying to get to the front before the woods and turns. TWR's Ava got to the mud in about 10th and went outside and around, taking a great line and pushing up to the front through the barriers & run up. Ava showed off her skills through the woods and tight turns, and kept the push through the long road and grass straights. Ava quickly caught up to the 1,2,3 race that started a few minutes ahead. 2nd and 3rd also caught the back of the

1,2,3 race, Brittany M (FF) & Valarie N. (OBX).

Thanks as always to the promoters for such a great race. We are happy to support you! (photo of Ava from Tami Cole's album)

Chuckatuck CX

Sunny beautiful day, fun course and friends. Chuckatuck CX had a women's 1,2,3 race that started 15 seconds before the women cat 4 racers (15+ women). I have limited cross racing experience so I might not be that good at describing the course, but there was a lot of grass and many turns through the field and trees, two sets of barriers, and a steep run-up followed by a short switchback climb.

1,2,3 women: Jen(FF) got an early gap and held it to win the 1,2,3 race followed by Sally (Tripower), and I was 3rd. Tradewinds' newest team rider, Leslie Winters, finished in 5th.

cat 4 women: Another nice size field for the cat 4 women. The first few laps three leaders pulled ahead of the rest of the pack and proceeded to swap gaps through various sections of the course. Eventually Brittany (FF) pulled ahead and took the first place spot, Valerie (OBX) got 2nd and Avanell (TWR) was 3rd.

Super fun race, thanks for All About Bikes for the good time!

Bay Days Crit

A great new 4-corner crit course, featuring smooth pavement and friendly crossing gaurds, thanks to Hilton for their hard work promoting it! It is late season for me and this race ended up being the icing on the cake. I decided to race the night before, but it ended up a good decision. Since there were sepperate events for category 4, category 1,2,3, and 40+ women, the numbers in the race were small, but it proved to be competitive group.

Women's 4
Avanell had to pull some strings to get off work for the morning to race, and she was glad it worked out! After a few laps all together, Michele (Bike Stop) went early for the first prime and got a gap that sent the field chasing. Amanda (Hilton) and Avanell (Tradewinds) were able to close the gap together and the field was split. The 3 ladies increased the gap the entire race, and it came down to a close 3-way sprint for the line. Michele went early on the back side, Avanell chased, and ended up 3rd through the final corner. Showing her speed, Avanell stood up and managed to pass the other two ladies right after the corner and held it to the line in an exciting finish. What makes it even more exciting is the fact that it's her first win on the road... go Avanell!

Women 1,2,3
Our race was fast paced from the start, with Ali (VKVB) on the front pushing. After taking a quick rest Ali launched a clissic hard attack but got stuck with me in tow. After staying away for a few laps the group came back together. Jen (FF) also had several well-timed attackes that briefly split the field up, but a break was not in the cards. I sprinted for all 4 primes, and won all of them, but I don't think anyone else seemed very interested. Saving up for the final sprint? We were all together at the end when Ali tried to get away again with two to go. No luck. I jumped first for the sprint after corner 3 and sailed through wide corner 4 without loosing much speed., stood up, and held it to the line. Sally (Tripower) came in right behind me, and Ali finished 3rd.

A good day overall for the ladies of Tradewinds Racing!

New Riders for 2011

Tradewinds racing is currently taking rider aplications for the 2011 season. We are looking for female cyclists of all categories who are interested in goal setting, training and racing consistantly, and working as a team when possible.

If you would like to be a part of a small and highly competitive women's cycling team, please send the team manager an email.

We look forward to hearing from you and gearing up for the 2011 season!

Emily Joyner
Tradewinds Racing Team Manager

emilyjoyner@gmail.com

season ending race

Tradewinds Racing travelled to Stony Creek for the Virginia State Time Trial Championship and feasted on delicious taste of victory (literally, part of the prize was meat from Fiorucci).

The time trial was a flat and fast 40 k. Emily won 1st place for the elite 1,2 category with a PR of almost 3 minutes faster than her previous PR. The win also makes Emily the Virginia State Omnium Champion for category 1,2 women, and the Virginia State BAR (Best All Around Rider) champion for cateogry 1,2 women. Tiffany was ready to contend for the Cat. 4 race but had an unfortunate flat not to far into the race.

It was a long season and we are looking forward to some time off the bike, resting the legs and maybe some waves (come on Danielle).

Chesapeake Race Weekend

Chesapeake Criterium and PLT time trial made it a double race weekend right in our back yard, we like good races, but we love good races that are close to home!

At the Chesapeake Crit a women's open field of close to 20 lined up bright and early. It took a while for everyone to wake up, but once the pace picked up attacks were made by Vanderkitten VB and Jen R from Kenda. Mid-race Jen R launched an attack that stayed away for four laps or so before VKVB and Fat Frogs pulled it back.

The next serious effort was made with about two laps to, and caused a small break of four riders. Laura and Jen R worked for a lap to keep it away while Emily (Tradewinds) and Sally T (Tripower) sat in. With a little more than half a lap to go Jen R attacked the group & Emily J followed her wheel. The sprint for the line was hard fought with Jen taking the win and Emily taking second.

Close behind was the sprint for 3rd, with Sally out sprinting Laura. The rest of the field sprinted for 5th and I was told Ali I (VKVB) was the bunch sprint winner. Tradewinds rider Tiffany R was looking very comfortable in the pack and finished 9th overall.

PLT Time Trial on Sunday was a nice event, Avanell, Tiffany and Emily were on site with Champion Nutrition MET Endurance for anyone in need of a post race recovery drink. The course was around 23 miles and flat. The heat and wind factor were really not too bad, considering the location. In the end, Tiffany R. placed 3rd in category 4. Emily J raced on her road bike, so she won the Mercx division (which was make-believe :) and got a personal course best by over 3 minutes.

Recovery drinks on us!

If you are time trialing on Sunday at the PLT, please stop by the Tradewinds Racing tent after your ride and try some delicious recovery drinks from Champion Nutrition.

We will be giving out our three favorite products: Pure Whey protein drink (chocolate), Revenge Sport electrolyte drink (lemon venom), and MET Endurance recovery formula (orange smoothie).

The Tradewinds Team has been using (and loving) these products all season and we look forward to sharing some of them with you on Sunday, hope to see you there!

Page Valley (mountain) women's race

Page Valley Road Race is a really unique race on the VA calendar, here are some ways it is different: there are 2 serious climbs complete with QOM points, you can get over 50 MPH on the biggest descent, the race is over 50 miles long, and no one is thinking about the sprinters at the end this course! In fact on the flyer for the race weekend next year they could put "Sprinters: enter at your own risk" Or "Sprinters beware". Now I know how Robbie McEwen feels... at least on the climbs. I know people get pretty pumped about Jefferson Cup, but I think this race would be way more prestigious to win. A really challenging women's field showed up for the race, many of them the best from their respective districts, and just about everyone is faster at this time of the year than Jefferson Cup. Also, the course is way harder.


My race basically went like this: get to the front at the bottom of the hill, try and stay on until the top of the hill, close the gap on the downhill. Repeat 5 times. I did enjoy the challenge of it and the fast downhills. By the final lap there was a group of four riders on the front and a group of 5 riders chasing. I was in the chase group, but was told it came down to a slow up hill sprint for the line between Amanda W (fruit 66) and Ainhoa (Cardio Sports Lab), with the later taking the better line and the win. Heidi (Kenda) took 3rd... and I came in 5th for 1,2 women.

Luray Criterium
This race was like hill repeats, for an hour, with the finish line at the top of the hill. Ouch. Add to the difficult terrain the fact that riders on their way back from prestigious races such as masters nationals and the Charlotte Criterium stopped in to race, and it was a very challenging race!
Erin Silliman (Fruit 66) broke away at the beginning of the race and stayed away (actually lapping the field close to the end). Jen R (Kenda) chased and soloed in for second, and Amanda (fruit 66) took the field sprint for 3rd place and the overall omnium title. I came in 7th.

Bryan Park and burritos

Bryan Park in Richmond, the race Sunday was filled with Burrito Primes from Chipolte... so it was a good day! Although we did not have a huge number of riders show up everyone was ready to race fast and the pace was pushed by Julie K (Fruit 66) straight from the start. In the middle of the race Ali (Vanderkitten) launched one of her monster attackes, well timed and well executed, but the break was not to be. The race stayed together until the end. On the last lap on the back of the course the FF riders made everyone chase and scramble for positions. I was on Julie K's wheel into the last corner when everyone jumped for the uphill sprint. It was a hard faught battle all the way to the line with Julie taking the win, Ali getting 2nd and myself with 3rd.

The women in category 4 raced with us but were scored sepperately. We had one cat 4 in the race, Tiffany Russell. In the 4 race Amanda (Hilton) took the sprint with a very strong push up the hill, Brittany (FF) came in 2nd, and TWR's Tiffany came in 3rd.

Next on the calendar? We will be at ODU on August 1st! Note to promotors: we will sprint for burritos!

Roanoke ID3, IB2

Three days of racing for an overall points omnium... starting with a monster hill climb and throw state crit championship into the mix and you have one interesting race weekend. I know it takes a lot of work to put on this kind of all weekend event, so thanks to the promoters and officials for a job well done!

The Mill Mountain Hill climb is short but steep with 1.87 miles of road and almost 900 feet of climbing. I was able to get a personal PR on the hill climb by about one minute, but even this effort put me in 5th overall for the start of the omnium. The queen of the mountain was Kenda rider Amity E., followed by team CARD rider Cora O., then Fat Frogs Brittany M. and Jen P.

The first criterium of the weekend was a flat, down-town course with some awkward corners after the line, and some really fast corners right before the finishing straight away. The group stayed pretty much together in this race even though there were numerous attacks from many riders throughout the peleton. At the end, Cora (CARD) went hard with one lap to go and continued to stretch out the field for the entire lap. I sat 3rd wheel behind Amity (Kenda) and we rounded the last corner taking a wide line and starting the sprint immediately out of the corner. I passed Amity just before the line for the win, Amity took second, and FF Brittany took 3rd place.

Photo from the Roanoke Times

The final race of the omnium was only four blocks away, but totally different. An L shape with six corners and and two up hill sections, one was gradual and one was shorter and steeper. This race also happened to be the state crit championship for Virginia, so the field included riders aiming for the title and others who were focused on the omnium. There was some GC strategies and tactics that came into play and proved to benefit a Syn Fit rider who took advantage and broke away with a strong attack and solo win. Going into the last lap the front group (vying for 2nd) included Cora (CARD) who pushed the pace up the gradual hill, then taking the front was Syn Fit rider (who had just lapped the field). I rode 2nd wheel behind the Syn Fit rider through the last corner, then jumped immediately for the sprint. I was able to stay in front through the line and got 2nd overall, 1st for the category 1,2 state criterium (because the Syn Fit rider was a cat 3).

Overall, I ended up with 2nd for the points Omnium, behind (omnium winner) Amity E. and taking 3rd place in the omnium was Brittany M. The points omnium and the state crit definitely added some drama and excitement to the weekend racing.

Tradewinds blew into Reston!!

The long drive from VB was worth it today. This is my favorite race of the year. It has been a goal of mine to win this race since I first raced it in 08 and I am excited to have accomplished that goal. It has everything, a great course with hills, turns, speed, big crowds, announcer, nice prize list, smooth pavement and always really good competition. And oh yeah, a Ben and Jerry's right by the finish line along with a kids race for Bruce. And yes, I went straight to the ice cream shop with Bruce after my victory lap. It was really hot out ok.

It seems like there are a ton of variables in this race so anything can happen. The first half of the race was just attack after attack from various riders. About half way through the race I saw a break combination I thought would stick and briged up to it. The break was comprised of 6 of us. Our small gap was steady for a few laps until it started increasing. With ten to go it was clear we would stay away.
There were a couple of small attacks within our group but nothing was getting away at that point. With 2 laps left the 2 Kenda riders moved to the front and pushed the pace hard to control the front. Jen for Kenda pushed the pace on the bell lap with her teamate right behind and me 3rd wheel. Right before the 2nd to last corner I saw LJ out of the corner of my eye behind me start to jump so on impulse I jumped in front of her and got in front going into the 2nd to last corner, got a gap and held it through the last corner and up the finishing stretch across the line.

Emily J

First place "family" at TTT; happy anniversary!

I'm pleased to report a first place victory in the family division and second place co-ed division for "Team Russell" aka Tiffany (Tradewinds Racing) and my husband Derek (racing for brother team VB Velo)at this weekend's TTT in Smithfield. VB Wheelmen offered a fantastic course for Derek and I to celebrate our 4 yr. wedding anniversary - challenging short hills, fast straightaways, false flats, wind, heat and distance.

Cyclists play to their strengths during competition. In this case, Derek was the "strength" and my job was to (1) hang on for dear life and (2) climb like a billy goat. We all know drafting saves you 23-25% energy... except when your partner is hammering incredibly faster than you could ever sustain by yourself- you simply don't take pulls. Derek told me at mile 16 I could keep the prize money if I could just hang on. VERY effective motivation.

Congratulations to Laura and Gene for winning the co-ed division. Finishing second to the top woman time trialer in Virginia gives me hope that my fitness is improving.

Now to spend that prize money on a new bike I have on layaway...stay tuned for details!

(Photo courtesy of Kevin Horvath)

Crystal City and Clerendon

I think I learn a little and gain confidence at every big race I go to, and this weekend was no exception. I just wish I was a faster learner or that there were more big races in the region, so I could have a few more chances this season!

Clerendon was fun while it lasted, all the big teams were represented (Tibco, Colavita, Mellow Mushroom, Vera Bradley, Peanut Butter & Co) as well as many strong elite regional teams. I found myself in the back at the start, but to my relief a few really experienced riders were back there too and I was able to follow wheels to the front in a lap and a half with little effort. This was the highlight of my day, to experience first hand how gracefully someone can move though the pack. Sadly, I was not able to keep my self exactly where I wanted and it became an up and back effort. It was somewhere around the halfway point when I was in the back of the pack and a rider wrecked. I had to slow down to get between her and her bike, I jumped to try and get back on but was unable to. I rode with a few other riders until we were pulled. The rest of the race was enjoyed from the sideline, the sprint was awesome, with Miller and Cliff-Ryan elbow to elbow (until Cliff-Ryan hit a bump and slid head first for 10 feet on pavement). Miller won.

Crystal City is a more open course with more room to move up on the outside, and it is twice as long at 2k. The corners were fast and most of the same riders were racing, but Tibco and Mellow Mushroom were not there. Again I started in the back, but my goal in this race was to keep working on placement and efficiently moving around in the peleton. My efforts paid off, and when the primes started coming, and the attacks started going, I was able to stay with the group because I was not so far back. I even got a prime. When it came time to get ready for the sprint the pace got slow because a break of three was up the road (Farina, Cheatley, and Silliman). I got to the front with 2 laps to go getting ready for the pace to pick up. I was not aggressive enough, though and lost the position by the time the pace got fast and started the sprint from the back. Sarah Caravella took the sprint for 4th.

Photo from Kevin

Field Day gets a taste of bike racing!

TWR recently volunteered to help out with a local elementary school field day. We brought bikes, thanks to the support of BikeBeat, and set up a race for the kids as a part of many events the kids were able to try out during the day. When they came outside it was a mad dash for the bike race, the kids were clearly very excited. We were able to teach kids about bike safety and the importance of helmets through conversations about why helmets were required for the race. The students raced their friends and the clock, and at the end of the day the fastest time was awarded a new helmet and a horn. We hope to go back next year and get more kids excited about bike racing!

Amphib and Langley, women's races

It was a good weekend for TWR. Two local races, and two local wins. Plus a killer performance in the Langley women's category 4 race by Ava with 2nd place (looking forward to her full report). Thanks to BJ Samuel (and family) for some nice pictures.

Amphibious Assault Crit Saturday, our race was a combined women's field at 8 AM and it was already super hot. The first attack early on was from local legend BJ Samuel (VBVK), who put her camera down for long enough to show the young riders how it is done. She raced aggressively and got herself in a break that stayed away. Also in the break was Leslie Winters, an experienced cat 1 racer who we hope to see more regularly at races! Bridging up, with a little extra motivation from a prime, was VBVK Ali Ingram and me (Emily). In the end I jumped first for the sprint and was able to stay in front to the line. Ali was 2nd, Leslie 3rd, and BJ 4th.

Langley Criterium
A low turnout in the 1,2,3 race and a hot day led to a pretty uneventful race. BJ (VBVK), Jen Pope (FF) and I got away and lapped the other riders. Then, after all my water was gone, Jen and I got away and lapped the other riders. Unfortunently the big excitement was the timing, because we lapped the riders on the bell lap it was a confusing finish for the rest of the field because they expected another lap but they were on their bell lap at that point, too. I won the sprint.

Looking forward to continuing the winning streak at Clarendon/Crystal next weekend... um, positive thinking, right?

Casey Criterium, women's race

Casey Criterium- Flat and fast, with a combined field of women racers ranging from beginner to category 1. It ran counter closkwise, like last year, very nice. After of couple small attacks early on in the race VBVK's Ingram launched a massive attack that blew the field apart.

I was able to stay with Ingram we stayed away for a few laps until VBVK's Cook and Tripower's Enser bridged tha gap, and struck the final blow to the struggling chase group. After Enser took a turn on the front VBVK pushed the pace hard enough to put Enser off the back. At this point I was left to fight off attacks in the two-on-one situation. We were all together for the sprint when Cook put the pressure on to lead Ingram out for the sprint, happily I was able get around her before the line and win the race. Thanks to JRVS for a great race!

Bruce also raced at the Casey Crit, in the kids race. It is so nice when a race has a kids race, it has become something Bruce really looks forward to. The little ones had to go an entire lap, which was tough for Bruce (I think he is a sprinter), but was worth it for the Rita's Ice cupon which we used immediately after the race. He decided on Orange, "like my bike".

Thank you BJ Samuel for the great photos!

Wilmington, Bike Jam, & Sleepy Hole

Wilmington was a crazy course, coming from flat VB I particularly liked the turns at the bottom of the short steep hills, especially the one with the construction fence and narrow road... ok not so much. This race definently favored the experienced (and the less cautious) riders. It turned out to be a race of attrition, starting with about 70 riders and ending with about 30. I was among the 40 category 1,2 riders to get dropped along the way. I did enjoy the end of the race from the sidelines, with the drama of a 5 preson break (and mechanical issues) adding to the drama.

Bike Jam, we got luck and had dry roads. About 50 riders lined up to start the race. Van Guilder was present, but many of the other big names from Wilmington were absent. Riders from Vanderkitten, Verducci, and Fruit 66 kept the pressure on but no one was able to get away. I was happy to escape two wrecks unscathed, at one point crossing between a fallen rider and her runaway wheel. In the end it was a fight for position and a sprint from the s turn that decided the order. I did not end up with a good position coming into the sprint and finished 16th place.

Sleepyhole Smackdown, Ava was present for the category 4 women's race Sunday, which ended up being a nice day for a race. The women stayed together for another sprint finish. TWR's Ava surprised the field with an early jump. She had a great jump and was in the lead before being passed by 3 riders at the line. 4th place for Ava, nice job!

SIS women's race report, oh toddlers, too!

Sprint into Spring was awesome, the thrill of the day for me was watching our youngest team member (honorary) in his first bike race. He has clearly seen a few races in his 3 years of life because he looked back and saw that he was ahead of a little girl, then threw his fist in the air to celebrate his victory.

After Bruce's race I rode in the women's 1,2,3 race. The course was new this year and very nice, smooth and fast. The field was small but ready to race, and after the first prime a break of 5 riders got away with Fruit 66, Nature's Path, Fat Frogs, Tripower, and TWR/VA Asset Group represented. The 4 primes kept the pace fast and for the most part, the break worked together until the race was getting towards the end. The last lap was fast and the finishing stretch was into the wind. Joyner from TWR/VA Asset group jumped at the 200 meter mark and stayed in front through the line. Jen Pope (Fat Frogs) placed 2nd overall. Not sure about the rest of the places for the overall.

I took a break and then rode with the masters men, thanks to all the guys who raced safe and hard and were very encouraging to me and my effort!

Fastest bike split at SML

I'm pleased to report that at last weekend's Smith Mountain Lake sprint triathlon I finished with the fastest bike split time (00:35:43) out of 120 female competitors, which boosted me to a podium finish of 3rd place overall female. The bike course was extremely hilly, so my training in the north Georgia mountains the week prior certainly paid off (Thanks to Rick at Bike Beat for lending me the compact crankset for the training!). I would post race photos but regretfully I'm not "Miss Photogenic" when time trialing, so here's a beautiful photo of SML. -- Tiffany

Check out TWR in Tidewater Women Magazine

Check out TWR in the news again, this time it is an article in Tidewater Women. The story talks about different local cyclists and features Emily Joyner for the competitive cycling section (excerpt below).

THE THRILL OF COMPETITION
Some cyclists love the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of winning. One of racing cyclist Emily Joyner’s favorite moments on a bike happened on a steep hill not far from her family’s home in Gettysburg, Pa. Her two sisters got in the habit of stopping halfway up, but Emily had a plan.
“I would always ride as far as I could,” she explained. “It was this incredible goal for me to get to the top. And I remember the time I got there. I never wanted to get off my bike.”
In her college days, Emily says she was “one of the only girls on a bike at Radford,” where she challenged herself, timing her routes to and from classes. She enjoyed seeing how fast she could get around.
These days, 29-year old Emily—married, the mother of a 3-year-old boy, and a full-time math teacher in Northampton County—pushes herself in a different way with a brand new team of racing women cyclists, sponsored by Virginia Asset Group. The weekend after Easter, she came in first in a 350-meter street sprint in a race known as “The Rock Hill Omnium” in Rock Hill, South Carolina. On April 3, Emily came in 2nd in her group in the Downtown Smithfield Hammer Fest, and she’s gaining speed and confidence with every race.
“I started riding with [bicycle] shop groups after college, and I’d ride a little further and faster each time,” she said. “Then one Tuesday night, I went to watch a women’s race, and I thought, ‘I could do that.’”
At the time she started racing, there were very few women in Tidewater to mentor her, so Emily joined an elite club in Richmond led by Emily Helmboldt, a strong cyclist who helped her discover what she could do on a bike.
“I would have never thought to push myself as hard as I did without seeing where she was and having her show me the ropes,” she said.
Last fall, Emily decided to create a team here in Virginia Beach, supported by Bike Beat, a bike shop with locations at Hilltop and Kempsville in Va. Beach.
“My goal is to do that for women in this area—to set goals, promote cycling, and meet those goals with other women,” she said. “Eventually, I want to have at least six riders in the developmental program and six in the elite program.”
Emily mentioned the importance of eye protection for racers, along with essential gear. “One time when I was riding without sun glasses, I was hit in the eye, and I couldn’t see out of it for the next ten miles,” Emily said. “And the gloves are important, not only for your grip, but if you do take a spill, they protect your hands from road rash.”
Emily has great support from her husband, Steven, who’s a U.S.A. Cycling Certified coach for her team. Their 3-year-old son, Bruce Joyner, newly empowered by his ability to manage a bicycle with training wheels, says proudly, “I’m a racer, Mama!”
Emily’s forward motion as a racing cyclist draws her family and fans to races and brings more attention to professional women’s cycling in Tidewater.
At the turn of the last century, when women were seeking the right to vote, riding a bicycle was synonymous with being daring and bold, like bobbing your hair. Maybe as this new century rolls on, getting back on a bike could be the best new habit to add to your life. n

For more info:
• Bike and Build - bikeandbuild.org
• Bike Virginia - bikevirginia.org
• Tidewater Bicycle Association - tbarides.org
• To see Jacki and Ashley’s film, go to vimeo.com and search for Bike and Build: Be the Change.
• To follow Emily Joyner’s team, visit tradewindsracing.blogspot.com

Kathleen Fogarty is a frequent contributor to Tidewater Women. She lives on a farm in Virginia Beach.

Her goal: Develop a local women's elite cycling team

Tradewinds Racing team manager and sponsors highlighted in Virginia Beach Beacon newspaper:


Emily Joyner created Tradewinds Racing Women's Cycling Team last November to support local elite women cyclists. (John Streit | Special to The Virginian-Pilot)

The Virginian-Pilot
© April 20, 2010
By John Streit Correspondent

Her goal: Develop a local women's elite cycling team

As an up-and-coming cyclist based out of Richmond, Emily Joyner looked to her more accomplished teammates as inspiration for her cycling goals.

That exposure paid dividends. She began traveling with her elite team to various races. She was rated as a category 3 cyclist when she joined and sprinted through category 2 before reaching category 1 last year.

But back in Virginia Beach, Joyner saw a great need for women cyclists to receive the same tutoring and encouragement she received in Richmond.

So, Joyner created Tradewinds Racing Women's Cycling Team last November. Her goal is to develop a team of women committed to ascending to elite competitive status.

"This is a real lacking area - there are a lot of men's teams and women's clubs, but no other women's elite teams," said Joyner, who most recently won the street sprint portion of the Rock Hill Omnium in South Carolina. "I wanted to be able to do for women locally what that team in Richmond did for me."

While Joyner said the team accepts novice cyclists, Tradewinds' purpose is to develop and sustain a competition-centered team. That central goal differentiates the team from recreation-based women's cycling clubs and makes it the area's only elite women's cycling team, according to Joyner.

"My goal, eventually, is to pull riders up through a developmental team to an elite team that is competitive on a national level," said Joyner, whose club currently has four other members.

Tradewinds membership includes USA Cycling-certified coaching through Stephen Joyner, Emily Joyner's husband and dedicated cyclist in his own right.

Through title sponsorship with Virginia Asset Group, Tradewinds also assists members with equipment costs and racing fees.

The team gathers for group workouts, rides and community service events.

For example, team member Sharon Oakley, who works at Bike Beat bike shop, is planning a children's bike safety rodeo at the Hilltop location.

"Cycling is kind of like a counter-culture sport - it's kind of hidden in that you don't really know what's going on unless you're into it," Joyner said. "So we just want to stay connected to the community and promote women's cycling through things like cycling safety."

Rock Hill Omnium womens race report

TWR team VA Asset Group travelled to South Carolina this weekend for the Rock Hill Omnium, including Friday night street sprints, Saturday Road Race and Sunday Criterium. The race was packed with talent from all over the region, including BMW-Bianchi, Team Type One, Vera Bradley and Specialized.

During the omnium we were able to pull off one win, with Emily Joyner showing her power during the street sprints. The road race, billed the "Hell of the South", was a hilly 47 mile race with a QOM climb, Joyner was pleased to come in 6th over the top. The race came down to a sprint finish, Joyner jumped way to early and misjudged the finish line by 150 meters. The criterium on Sunday was fast and aggressive race from the start with riders constantly attacking and counter-attacking. The pack was all together when a 100$ prime was announced. Joyner got into position and took the prime, causing a huge gap on the field with only a couple other riders. Robin Farina of Team Vera Bradley then attacked up the hill with 5 other riders able to go with her. That group worked together until Farina attacked the break and soloed to victory.

The omnium was was promoted by Rock Hill Cycling Club and was one of the most organized non NRC races we have seen. We'll be back. We loved it.

Chiropractic for cyclists? The truth here.

Submitted by Dr. Derek D. Russell, Chiropractor and Team Sponsor

All cyclists want to be faster, stronger, and more efficient. Chiropractic can help. Lance Armstrong, arguably the best known cyclist in the world, has a chiropractor travel with him, so he doesn't miss out on expert care. Luckily, you don't have to be Lance to also enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care. Whether utilizing care for rehab, maintenance, and/or wellness; you can maximize your health through consistent chiropractic adjustments. Additionally, your chiropractor can and should offer advice on numerous lifestyle modifications you might make to further enhance your well-being. From stretching to nutrition, chiropractors are well trained to address a myriad of health related topics.

At Nimmo Wellness, we combine expert chiropractic care with deep tissue sports massage to ensure our client/patients are optimally prepared to grind out a time trial or hammer away in a crit or road race. We do take care of recreational cyclists too, everyone on a bike should have their spine maintained. There is always the unfortunate bike wreck and we are well suited to help get those hurting folks back in the saddle. Dr. Russell is a competitive cyclist and elite triathlete. We know what your body needs so that you get the most of out of your cycling. So instead of spending thousands on equipment that probably is not the ultimate answer, give chiropractic a try and you'll find that you, the "engine", will get stronger and healthier.

Derek D. Russell, DC
Nimmo Wellness
2125 Mccomas Way 101
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-427-7690
757-427-7692(f)
757-270-7001(c)

Women's races at HAMmerfest

Thanks to the VBW for all the work that goes into a race (and especially a new course), it was a really fun course and turned out to be a safe day for the women. We especially loved the short steep hill on the course, it made the race different and exciting.

Women's 1,2,3
There were only a few break attempts early on before the winning break, by VBVK's Ingram, stuck. There were some individual efforts to pull her back, but the field seemed to have trouble working together. Attempts were made to bridge up, but they were unsuccessful, and Ingram soloed in for the win. The field sprint was for 2nd. FF's Pope went early on the back of the course after turn 2 and held a small gap through the bottom of the hill. The sprint began up the short, steep hill with Emily powering ahead and holding the gap to the line for 2nd place. Sally (Tripower) sprinted in for 3rd with a safe gap on the competition behind her.

Women's 4
This race was exciting to see since there are not a lot of races in this area with a sepperate race for category 4 women and we were happy for this racing opportunity. The field rode a conservative race, with few attacks. Several riders were unable to stay with the field up the short steep hill, but other than that the field was intact with 1 lap to go. On the bell lap the pace picked up and riders pushed the pace. Up the hill and into turn 4 the pack was led by FF's Brittany, who held her lead to the line. Tripower's Sharon came in 2nd, a Hilton's rider picked up 3rd (sorry I forget her name), and TWR's Avanell finished strong with 4th place.

Look forward to racing here next year and maybe coming home with the ham next time :)

Tips for Avoiding Tan Lines

Now that it is warm and sunny, cycling tan lines are becoming an issue. Contrary to many beliefs these tan lines are not cool or attractive. Maybe it is because we live at the beach and spend much time on the beach in swimsuits. Whatever the reason we seem to care more than most cyclist about not looking like two-toned tourist. Here are some tips to help you out as you are training for your next big race:

1. On not as long rides when you don't need pockets and riding by yourself girls can feel free to ride in sports bras. Guys you can wear no shirt at all. (Think ladies man Mario Cippo) It feels good riding this way as well.

2. On longer rides when wearing a jersey, roll the sleeves up and then down.

3. Use different length shorts on your rides. You can roll up your shorts. Girls can cut the elastic off the bottom and hem them. They can then become much shorter. Doing this can help avoid a distinct tan line and you can have more of a fade from tan to pale.

4. On rest days surf, or spend some quality recovery time out by the pool or the beach.

Women Cat 4 Jeff Cup- Faster or Smarter?

In women's racing, which is better- to race fast or race smart (I'll get to this in a minute)....

Congratulations to the Cat 4 ladies at Jeff Cup for (1) racing despite rain/cold and (2) for staying safe on the course, no wrecks for us (that I know of)! The Syn-Fit Race Team was strong and stayed consistently towards the front. A shout out to my friend NCVC/UnitedHealth Group racer Rebecca Lowe (former VaBeach gal) for pushing the pace on lap two to keep things interesting. There is a strong Cat 4 group this year, so the race was unpredictable at the start- nobody knowing who the new hotness would be this year, would it be a new Mabra girl or a beach girl?

This was my second year at Jeff Cup and that mother of a hill on lap 3 still hurts. I think a lot of Cat 4s struggled then too b/c the determining breakaway happened there and it was a chase to the finish line- I never caught the top 5. Finished 11th place. Again.

So- is it better to race fast or smart at Jeff Cup? I've tried both now and it still gave me 11th place, two years in a row. ha

Congrats to our own Va Asset Gp/ TWR racer Kim Cardenas for finishing top 10 and Avanell for finishing strong. Looking forward to Tyson's Corner in a few weeks!

Jeff Cup Women Predictions

Since I am unable to attend the women's open at Jefferson Cup (too early for a day trip, 2nd year in a row), I will share my predictions about the race based on the current start list.

From MABRA the CAWES team has 7 (out of 17 1,2's ), but missing from the start list is their stand out rider from last year, Leslie Jennings. With these numbers and thier traditionally strong team you can expect to see two riders break into the top 5.

Richmond's powerhouse Fruit 66/Artemis has 5 strong riders registered in the 1,2 category. Although the riders are very strong individually they have not yet raced as a team. I predict one rider from this team will place top 5.

Virginia Beach also has a team in the competition, VB Vanderkitten. Although the numbers are not as big the 2 riders have much experience working together, and the engines to pull off a win. My prediction is for Laura Cook to bring the Jefferson Cup to Virginia Beach. She has the best time trial around matched with the power/weight ratio to suceed in the hills (aka, she's skinny). She has already proved herself at this race (placing 2nd in 2008) and has shown herself to be fit this season with a 1st and two 2nds already this year. In addition she was picked up by the Vanderkitten national squad.

Who knows what will really happen, anything is possible in a race, but that is my prediction!

Attention Ladies: Top 10 Reasons to Motor Pace

What did our new women's cycling team Tradewinds Racing put on its wish list for the 2010 season?

A scooter for motorpacing, of course.

The fine folks at RK Auto have handed over a brand new 2010 Piaggio Fly 50 scooter which will be used to fine tune the fast femmes of Tradewinds Racing team.

"I would like to thank RK Auto for their support," said team manager Emily Joyner. "We will be training very hard, and the Piaggio Fly 50 will be covering ground all over southeastern Virginia in pace training. We required a reliable scooter to get the job done. The Piaggio Fly 50 fits that bill perfectly."

So, after a day of fabulous motor pacing in Pungo yesterday afternoon, here are my top 10 reasons why motor pacing rocks for female cyclists:

1. If your work & family schedule keeps you from participating in a morning group ride, the scooter is ready whenever you are. Just add driver!
2. Vehicle drivers in Virginia Beach may not respect cyclists taking up road space, but they are very respectful of motorized scooters and give you plenty of room.
3. There is so much storage for extra water bottles, snacks, that vest, arm warmers...no need to carry all that weight on your bike when you have a scooter as your musette bag!
4. For new female riders, having someone you trust(coach, spouse, friend) next to you on a scooter instructing and practicing with you is great quality time. And they don't even have to be a cyclist to practice with you. Practice makes perfect!
5. Intervals make you strong, motor pacing makes you fast!
6. There is nothing better than attacking at 30+, stay out there for a minute or so, and then get back in when it comes past you again. You really find out where the bottom of your tank is. (ok, so maybe 10 seconds was more like it).
7. It's the closest thing to feeling and looking like a European cyclist. Post-ride espresso anyone?
8. For endurance riders, you can basically do a consistent, paced century ride before you need to fill up the gas tank (110-115 mpg, gas tank 1.9 gallons) - that's like $4.
9. Scooters never drop you to make themselves look good.
10. The cool factor. It's there. Scooter colors can match your bike and outfit too.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

1st WIN for our new team

Snowball Crit #2 happened on a 60 degree sunny day. The day was almost identical to the first snowball crit in terms of weather. We have been blessed with these early races with good weather. The womens open field was almost the identical field of riders as the first snowball with a few extra racers thrown in. This race had many different attacks by many riders. Many primes were thrown in making for an exciting race to be in as well as watch. 3/4 of the way through Brittany from Fat Frogs got a huge gap during a prime and it got bigger and bigger as the laps were counting down. The peleton was deciding who would make the move to go after her. Eventually Vanderkitten attacked which led to a 5 person breakaway that caught Brittany with a few laps to go. With 3 laps to go Laura Cook (VK) bridged up to the breakaway group to join her teammate Ali, bringing Jen Pope with her (FF). Ali gave a fast lead out for Laura on the final lap. Emily Joyner (TWR) went around in the final 200 and barely held off Laura at the line for a photo finish. That's how Tradewinds got their first win of the season and ever as a new team. Also congrats to Jen Pope and Fat Frogs for breaking onto the podium.

Thanks to BJ Samuels for a great shot at the line:
top 5 results:
1st Emily Joyner(TWR)
2nd Laura Cook (VKVB)
3rd Jen Pope (FF)
4th Ali Ingram (VKVB)
5th Brenna Hosang (TP)

Like nascar, but on bikes!

It was pretty fun to be on such a cool track, racing at the Richmond International Raceway on Saturday during the women's open. In the VCA there has already been 2 races and 3 if you count wolfpack. It is still february. The weather was February weather this weekend (cold and really windy). The attacks started after a few laps and never let up, with VKVB off the front launching all of them. In the end VKVB was able to get away and go 1,2 showing their strength in the monster wind.

One last note. In all the men's divisions the races were full with over 100 riders in some fields. People came from all over, north south and everywhere else. We were expecting this to be true for the womens race as well seeing as how Richmond is in on I95. We thought there would be an invasion of MARA riders in particular who would take the quick drive down. Thanks to Artemis who supplied one rider. But that was it. Our field had a healthy 20 plus riders from the Hampton Roads and Richmond. Hopefully we will see more MABRA racers in the future. VCA has some of the strongest girls seen in a very long time this year. The competition is good, come join us!

Sunny Snowball

Lots of sunshine and new faces at Snowball Criterium. The race was pretty mellow for the first 15 minutes, but after that the action picked up. After several failed attacks by various people, Ali (VKVB) launched a killer before turn 1 and continued into the headwind. The peleton scrambled to react with Brenna in lead pursuit (Tripower) when Emily (VA Asset Group/TWR) powered up and bridged the gap. Ali showed her strength and continued to push the break with little help from Emily while the chase group began to reel them back in (Fat Frogs' Jen and Bridget with Tripower's Brenna). Laura (VKVB) sat in the chase group and bridged to the break after the gap had been shortened by others. Once in the break the two VKVB riders began to attack Emily until Laura broke away solo. The chase group then pulled Ali and Emily back in and continued to chase Laura for the last 4 or 5 laps... well they tried, but Laura's teammate Ali threw them off their pace line by taking slow turns and the chasers could not quite get into their rhythm. Laura came in first, then the group sprint came in with Emily taking the sprint for 2nd and Ali coming across for 3rd.

Wolfpack Race Report

Three of us made the trip south for the Wolfpack Cycling Classic this past weekend, after a lot of discussion about the weather we decided to go Friday as planned. The snow ended up cancelling the Saturday race but we enjoyed the time eating waffles, spinning inside, riding the Sunday course, window shopping in Chapel Hill, and watching the Olympics. It was fun getting to know my teammates better and planning for Sunday's race.

Sunday was Kim's very first road race and every one's first race of the season. After several flat tires before the start of the race, a broken helmet, and a broken trainer we lined up at the start and were impressed by the large number of college racers. The roads were full of pot-holes, so more excitement and more flats (none on our bikes). The attacks began immediately after the roll out and continued until the inevitable break made. I tried to get in on the action but quickly discovered that it is not July, and I need to race a bit more conservatively in February. More excitement at the start of the last lap with a wreck that took up most of the two-lane road. I was very thankful to get around it (and more thankful that my team was all still rolling, too). I was not able to get into the post-wreck break and so worked with Kim (teammate) and Katie (RCWR) for the last lap. Kim, in her first race ever, was a huge help to keep me fresh enough to make it up the last hill with a gap on our small group that I held through the finish line for 5th place in the women's open. What better motivation to keep on the trainer and to get out in the cold than an early season race? Looking forward to a great season and an awesome team!

Prize list is Snowballing

We are still getting more prizes, so this list is not complete, but check out who is donating prizes to the womens race... and sign up today for the Snowball Criterium!
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10242

Snowball Criterium

Our friends from VBV have added a stand-alone womens race to the line up at the Snowball Criterium this year. Mark your calendar and come out to support and participate in some great local racing. And don't forget to check back for details on the prizes, in addition to the cash on the flyer we will have products from sponsors as well. Looks like some great sponsors are stepping up, so check back for details!
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2010-532

Tradewinds Racing Team Uniform Design

Wolfpack Cycling Classic

Registration is up for a very early season weekend of road races in North Carolina, the Wolfpack Cycling Classic. Two days of racing, and options for category 4 riders to ride in a cat 4 race or with the open women's race. Looks like fun!

http://www.pre-reg.com/Users/RacerMain.aspx?Type=1&EventID=438

Tiffany's off-season fun

Congratulations to team rider Tiffany who just completed her first marathon, and enjoyed some sunshine, in Arizona on Sunday. She did amazing, too, her time was 3:23:31 giving her 11th place in her division out of 502 runners!! I am super impressed with her dedication and training... and also looking forward to seing her more now that its over :)

Stay Tuned

We are getting pretty close to announceing the team, kit and sponsors, so stay tuned!!

cycling news from down under

In Australia the Open Road Championships are underway. Lucky them, it looks like nice weather! The women's field was the biggest ever this year. A good sign for women's cycling...

Photo of Irene Digenis from Victoria in action during the Women's Time Trial Championship in Buninyong, from cyclingnews.com