Sorella Cycling
March, 2018
Sorella VP Angela Barros and Shanicka Roberts shake out their legs on the SCT following the Tundra Time Trial!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save the Date!! Sorella Annual Club Meeting/Party!
Sorella Annual Club Meeting/Party
Calling all Sorellas: Join us at our sponsor, Eventide Brewing, for our annual club meeting Saturday, April 28!
We'll have a recap of last year and announce exciting plans for 2018. Meet our fantastic sponsors and lots of new cycling friends! Complimentary great food (veggie choices too!) and beverage (free Eventide plus tea etc)!
Plus we'll have raffles, including free entries to the Hincapie Grand Fondo and Six Gap Century, goodies from Atlanta Cycling, and a free custom Sorella surprise for all who attend!
Note: this is a Girls night; we'll have other events that include the Fellas. Friends can come to the meeting if they join.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2018, 05:00 PM
Eventide Brewing, Grant Street Southeast, Atlanta, GA, USA
The Tundra Time Trial Race Report: Two Perspectives on a Successful Day
by Angela Barros and Shanicka Roberts
Sorella VP and seasoned TT racer, Angela Barros:
The 2018 Cumming Tundra Time Trial was held on a beautiful 48-degree morning with three Sorellas attacking the 12.4 mile rolling hills course. The race promoters had prepared a well-marked course with signs as well as sheriffs and volunteers at intersections to help keep us moving as this was an open course to road traffic. It was so nice having three Sorellas all kitted up in our new 2018 kits and Tifosi's. The sun was out and we woke up our legs riding around ahead of our start time. With Time Trials you have a specific assigned start time so we ensured we were in the staging area on time with some of the earliest start times of the morning. We had pre-driven the course so we had an idea of what we would encounter during the course. On the line I received the countdown 5,4,3,2,1, go and I was off with a rider a minute ahead of me and the other competitors to follow at one-minute intervals. In my recent training, I have been using my Pioneer Power Meter to determine what kind of power I can sustain over various distances and conditions and I planned to use that to help pace myself during this course. Within the first three miles, my average power was well exceeding my FTP so I think I was a little pumped. I reigned my power back to a manageable level and pressed forward. I passed the one competitor that had started ahead of me and stayed focused on being able to sustain a good average power over the remaining 9 miles. There were several turns on throughout the course with the finish looping back the way we had started. As I approached the final turn heading into the last mile or so of the course I gave it my all and powered through to the end crossing the finish line. With the race over I could review my data and was happy with my time and power results, my highest power output! After a quick cool down I returned to the finish line as I wanted to see my Sorella sisters as they finished up their races. I cheered them on as they crossed the finish line and quickly met up with them to see how their race went. We snapped some team pictures as we waited for all racers to finish and for the results to be compiled. All three of us were presented medals for placement in our categories and I was awarded the Overall Female Fastest Time of the day being presented a trophy that will reside at Reality Bikes with a fresh nameplate as this year's winner. It was so great to complete the first Time Trial of the year and to do it with such supportive teammates!
First-timer and Sorella member, Shanicka Roberts:
The day began in mid-February with a temperature high of 67 degrees which granted perfect weather for any outdoor activity. It was with great excitement for me to compete in my first cycling race. Being in the company of the great Angela Barros and fierce Diane Schleicher helped to calm any pre-race jitters. Going into the race I had a "Champion Mindset;" in my eyes, I had already won by having the audacity to race.
In 5-4-3-2-1... I was off, upon starting the race I quickly remembered to breathe and enjoy the moment. The time trial course had several rolling hills. With the assistance of sheriffs at intersections for oncoming traffic, I often found myself sharing the road with passing cars which made it quite interesting. Keeping distractions to a minimum, I continued pedaling closer to the finish line. My greatest accomplishment was not only coming in second place for the Tundra TT, but sharing the podium with my teammates!
One huge takeaway for me that I recognized that I have strong willpower and determination. Cycling has afforded me the opportunity to dig deep and revealed things about myself that I never knew. It's amazing how powerful the brain is when fully engaged with something you are passionate about. Think about it, most of us hop on our bikes and get after it without a second guess. People who aren't cyclist call me crazy... Yep, I will be just that... Crazy about cycling! :-)
Without the outpouring support of the Sorella sisterhood that encourages and brings out the inner athlete in me; I wouldn't have improved my skills as a cyclist today. Each race is a learning experience for me. I look forward to making major improvements in my climbing along with becoming stronger physically and mentally.
Check Out Our New Public Group Ride Calendar!!
New for 2018, Sorella Cycling has implemented a public group calendar found at http://www.sorellacycling.com/calendar/club/ as well as from within Google Calendar at https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=c29yZWxsYWN5Y2xpbmdAZ21haWwuY29t
The purpose of this club calendar to provide a single and simple reference to activities that may interest our Sorella Cycling Members. While this is not an all-inclusive calendar, it shall contain key date announcements/deadlines, rides, races, clinics, meetings and centuries (primarily those with Sorellas planning on attending). Activities that are not hosted/sponsored by Sorella are included for informational purposes only, users of this calendar are encouraged to stay updated on the latest information via the event host’s site which will be referenced on our club calendar.
If you are aware of a cycling event that our Sorella membership may be interested in seeing on the calendar, please send the information to sorellacycling@gmail.com so we can review your request and consider adding it to the club calendar.
Sorella Members Debra Snell and Rita Wuebbeler at the 2017 AV200
Creating Community and Riding for a Cause: Join the AV200 on May 19 & 20, 2018
by Rita Wuebbeler
Who wouldn’t want to ride from Emory University on a sunny Saturday morning in May 100 miles down to Eatonton GA, spend the night at the newly renovated 4H camp at Rock Eagle with 120 of your closest friends and ride back up the next day – to a warm welcome and thunderous applause of well-wishers at the Emory School of Medicine?
In its 16th year this May, the AV (AIDS Vaccine) 200 (mile) ride is a great way to train and ride with a group of fellow cyclists AND help eradicate AIDS/HIV. In the past 15 years, the AV200 has raised $2.7 million; 100% of the donations go to the beneficiaries, i.e., AIDS Vaccine research at Emory University and other AIDS/HIV-related organizations in Atlanta.
While the majority of riders are still male, the share of female participants has increased steadily – and we want MORE WOMEN to ride. Organized raining rides (mostly in town) begin in early March. Come and join the cause and a great group of riders. Let’s build a larger community of women cyclists in Atlanta! For more info: www.av200.org or email me at: rwuebbeler@gmail.com
Featured Sorella: Carol Lipinski!
Tell Us About Yourself:
My name is Carol Lipinski and I am a veterinarian, currently working part time. I recently sold my veterinary practie of 24 yrs.
I am married to David, also a mountain biker - we've been together for 23 years and we have 3 awesome children: 2 boys/young men (19 and 21) and a 29-year-old step daughter. We have a singing, skate-boarding, mixed breed dog named Champ and 2 cats, Buzz and Bubbles.
I live in Sandy Springs - walking distance to Chastain Amphitheater and riding distance to many great rides, but I'm originally from Trenton, MI which is about 20 minutes south of 'Motown' Detroit.
Besides biking, I enjoy yoga, cooking, and any outdoor activities!
What made you decide to join Sorella:
Really, if you are a woman cyclist in the Atlanta area, why wouldn’t you join Sorella?! The comaraderie is great, the kits are cool, and you get nice discounts at the bike shops.
Do you do Road, Mountain or Cyclocross:
I ride Road and Mountain, and just tried snow biking/ski biking in Colorado.
Types of bike(s) you ride:
Lately, I am a trekkie! Road-Trek Madone 5.9 w/ DI2 shifting. Mountain-Trek Fuel EX w/full suspension.
Your Favorite place to ride:
Really, anywhere, as long as I'm with the people I love. With my girlfriends, I love our morning MTB rides at Sope Creek, Tuesday morning hill rides through Buckhead, and Saturday rides to Douglasville. On weekends in Blue Ridge--chasing my husband up Noontootla or Flat Creek. On vacation with the boys-the SanJuan Islands were beautiful, and Horse Gulch in Durango, Colorado was awesome.
Your dream ride:
I’d like to mountain bike in South Africa(thanks to Ali's husband!), and Moab, Utah.
Biggest accomplishment on your bike:
Completing a Ride the Rockies one year in dangerous weather conditions with a fatality.
Why you love being a Sorella:
Riding with Sorellas makes me want to keep up and stay fit, and I love when someone yells “Sorella” when they see our kits on the road or trails.
#SORELLARIDES
Recurring:
Silver Comet Group Ride p/b Emory Sports Center
When: Sunday, March 18th, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Open to: Sorellas, Lady friends, and Fella Friends
Leaves from: The Caboose at the Hiram Silver Comet Trailhead (mile 14.5)
Presented by Emory Sports Medicine and starting at 2:00 PM from the caboose at the Hiram Silver Comet Trailhead (mile 14.5 on the Silver Comet Trail). This ride offers different distances and paces to meet the needs of all riders. A popular ride is to the Brushy Mountain Tunnel - a 32-mile round trip. Chose your distance since it is out and back). Groups will form at comfortable paces, with no one left behind. We invite all Sorellas, fellas and friends to join us! Angela Barros and Teri Danielson are your hosts with many Sorellas participating each month. Helmets required!
Atlanta Cycling - Vinings, Ladies Ride
When: Tuesdays evenings: In March at 6:15, April through August at 6:30
Open to: Ladies, Sorellas
Leaves from: Atlanta Cycling, Vinings
Join Atlanta Cycling for an 11, 18, or 22-mile ride for ladies only! This ride travels a low traffic, no-drop, marked route through the area. The emphasis is on meeting others and becoming a comfortable and skillful rider. You'll see some familiar faces as Sorella provides the sweeper for the ride. More information about the ride can be found here on the Atlanta Cycling website or on our Sorella ride calendar.
Wednesday Evening Women’s Buckhead Road Ride
When: 6:00 pm through August - Begins April 4th
Open to: Sorellas and lady friends
Leaves from: E Rivers Elementary School
This ride runs the first Wednesday in April thru September and is led by Sorella Linda Rathje. Start time is 6:30 pm (6:15 PM in early September) and it will leave from the parking lot at E Rivers Elementary School at the corner of Peachtree and Peachtree Battle. Restrooms are available at Starbucks, across the street if you need them. If you ride to the start you can either join us at E Rivers or meet us at Cherokee Rd. and Andrews Drive. The pace is 14-15 mph which doesn't sound like much but the route is a hilly 21 miles. It is not a beginner ride. You should be comfortable riding with a group in light traffic and in hilly terrain. It is a great opportunity to improve your climbing skills and step outside your comfort zone, with a friendly group of women. There are a few pretty good climbs (4 or 5) and you can take these as hard and fast as you want. We regroup at the top so everyone can continue to socialize to the next climb. The group usually grabs dinner after the ride at La Fonda. For questions, contact Linda at lrathje@bellsouth.net
4th Sunday Decatur/Grant Park Social Ride
When: Sunday, March 25th, 9:30 a.m.
Open to: Sorellas, Lady friends, and Fella Friends
Leaves from: Decatur High School
Join Sorella Michelle Hollberg for a casual beginner city ride from Decatur High School to Grant Park (7 miles each way) with a social coffee stop at the Farmers Market. All bikes and riders are welcome - commuters, urban, road - bring your enthusiasm for cycling!
Winter Wednesday Night Ladies Ride at Stone Mountain Park
When: 6:30 p.m. - ends with daylight savings time
Open to: Sorellas and fellas who follow the Sorella pace
Leaves from: Meet in the West Gate (walk-up) Parking lot.
Led weekly by Sorella Pilar Hernandez. Please be sure you have rear and front lights (required by Stone Mountain). The pace and number of loops will vary depending on participants. Roughly 20 miles with an average pace of 12-14 mph. Because the ride consists of loops, it's great for all levels of riders - plus there is no fear of getting lost! Fellas are welcome with the understanding that it's a women's ride and allow the women to set the pace.
Atlanta Cycling Summer Gaps Training Ride
When: 8:00 a.m., March 24th, April 21st, May 26th, June 16th, July 14th and 28th, August 11th and 25th, September 15th.
Open to: Anyone
Leaves from: The Rock Pile, Dahlonega, Georgia
This ride is sponsored by Atlanta Cycling and begins at 8:00 at the Rock Pile. Park along the highway at the intersection of GA 60 and US 19 (The Rock Pile) north of Dahlonega, Ga. Drive time is about an hour. This is a very challenging, but beautiful 33-mile training ride over three gaps - Neal's Wolfpen & Woody's. There are store stop opportunities along the route. The early season rides are "no drop" designed for those who are new to riding in the mountains. Estimated ride time is 3-4 hours. Late season the rides change to "drop" rides and additional gaps may be added. More info can be found here. Contact Mark@Atlantacycling.com (Duluth) for more information. 770-476-4949.
Special Non-Recurring:
Athens Twilight and Tifosi Group Ride
When: April 28th, 12:15 p.m.
Open to: Sorellas, Fellas, and Friends
Leaves from: Athens, Ga
Join us for a group ride from Athens Twilight to Tifosi Optics in Watkinsville, GA. This will be a no drop ride completing a loop from Athens to Watkinsville with a quick stop at Tifosi to show out sponsor (through pictures) some Sorella love. Route under consideration is a 16-mile route from Athens to Tifosi and then 8 miles back to Athens for a 24-mile ride. Be sure to wear your Sorella kit and Tifosi glasses (and a helmet, of course). More info here.
Sorella Membership Update
Wow! We have had a number of new members and renewals these past couple months so THANK YOU to everyone who continues to get the word out and support Sorella!
Please join us in welcoming our new members: Jessica Loo, Karen May, Pat Moore, Victoria Jarvis, Tara Vito, Susan Brock, Jenny Obando and Jameela Belyeu! We all are excited to have you join the Sorella family!
Thank you to all of our members who have chosen to renew your membership for 2018! If you haven't yet renewed, please do so as soon as possible! Our current membership is at 163 and rising quickly!
We are so excited to see what 2018 holds for Sorella and Iook forward to another great year making memories with such a strong group of women. Let's fill this year with even more adventures, podium victories and friendships!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~