Women's Clinic in Alameda... More fun with W.O.W.

Last month I was in Alameda for a fun event put on by Women on Wheels (W.O.W.). It was a great time! Kelli and Sarah of Alameda Bicycles spearheaded an event that was designed to get women more comfortable with their bike riding skills. I was super excited to be the lead instructor on the bike. It was also a great experience because it is the first time that I have been able to participate in a real cycling skills camp with the Giant For Women Council.

We had been planning this event for a while, and so it was fun when the actual day arrived. It started early in the morning and everyone arrived by 9am. The girls of the Alameda bike shop had bagels and coffee waiting for us. It was a perfect way to start the morning. No matter how many camps I do, it is always interesting to me how nervous everyone is in the morning. A lot of it is because people don’t know how their riding skills will stack up to
the others in the group, but a lot of it is just human nature around a new group of people. I find myself nervous too, and I have done a ton of camps. Its funny, but it always takes me awhile to warm up. I am one who needs several cups of coffee, and an enthusiastic audience to really get going!

I had great help, and we set up an obstacle course. It was comprised of a series of cones and the riders had to practice stopping, starting, and cornering. By the end, everyone was looking like pros. I don’t know how many times the words RELAX, came out of my mouth, but I was amazed by how much people really did relax after our three hours of skills.

The rest of the three hours in the morning were comprised of exercises designed to make them comfortable. We practiced reaching down to get water bottles, getting in and out of pedals, and riding close to our new friends. After the first session was finished, we all sat down to a catered lunch of sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and yummy cookies! We got a chance to socialize and basically kick back for a few minutes. It definitely felt good to sit in the shade.

The presentation after lunch was about bicycle fit and maintenance. Kelli and Sarah were the experts in that division. Let’s say I’m competent but I am no mechanic! I can change a tire and pack my bike, but I still always carry enough money or a credit card just in case : )

After lunch, we went on a ride as a group. I have never ridden in Oakland. It was beautiful. I really enjoyed riding through the downtown. Here in Colorado Springs we don’t have much city life, so it’s always fun for me to get out to the big city and see the hustle and bustle of life. I think there were some worries about heading through downtown, but I have to say it was one of the most interesting parts of the ride for me. Plus, it gave our group a lot of opportunities to practice their new skills of getting in and out of their pedals.

The mood at the end of the ride was such a contrast to the morning. It was like we had known each other forever. I love that part of camps. We all share a common thread of wanting to try new things, and even though we don’t know what to expect in the beginning, that common adventurous thread is what brings us close by the end. Everyone is nervous to step out of that comfort zone, but doing it is what makes each new experience so special. So, next time you have that nervous intimidation in the beginning, just remember we all have those feelings. Embrace it, meet new people, and make some cool friends. Then at the end of the day, reflect and be thankful that you broke one more barrier.

Until next time,
Mari