Thursday, September 30, 2010

October 2nd Ride Email

RaeLynn’s ride email
Hello all,
Well Vegas swallowed me up for a little longer than I thought, but I got a great tan, spent time with industry friends, went gaga over all the new bikes/gear/clothing and of course, got shelled on a bike ride—life is good! Look for all the juicy pics and techy write-ups at www.roadbikeaction.com.
Back to reality there is soooo much going on I’m going to make a list..hope I don’t forget anything.
1. Saturday @Bicycle John’s ride 7:45 meet time 8:00 a.m roll out, all levels welcome, helmets mandatory and bring lots of fluid and fuel It’s Africa HOT! Our beginner ride is a no-drop 20-25 mile ride, so come on out and enjoy the journey.

2. Tonight (Thursday) Strong Body Studio Open House—remember Emily from our Le Tour Day..now visit her shop and check out the reformers…get strong, flexible bodies: http://www.thestrongbodystudio.com/open-house.html

3. Nov. 3rd is the 2nd annual Mike Nosco Memorial ride to benefit Andreas Knickman: This is the perfect ride to take the day off for, don’t miss it and don’t let the route scare you off—I will be doing a shortened version for those who want to join me. Here is the facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/womencyclist#!/event.php?eid=124335444281843&ref=mf


4. Jill Gass (www.revolutioncoaching.com) and I are putting on another clinic: Free Speed Time Trial 2 day (Perfect for triathletes or any cyclists that wants to improve their speed—Women only, sorry boys, but I am working on a winter training event for men….be patient it’s coming!
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=130641773649221 Ladies, sign up now by dropping a check made to Revolution Coaching at Bicycle John’s or mailing to RaeLynn Milley 3968 ashbourne lane moorpark ca 93021…$145.00 includes race registration and insurance. http://www.womencyclist.com/events


Ladies: Want an adventure cycling vacation? We are now booking a credit card tour for the 1st weekend in November, Los Angeles to San Diego credit card tour: 3-4 days of riding along California’s beautiful coastline, fully guided by USAC coaches, SAG, 50-60 gentle miles a day, endless hours of fun! Email me to get details (limited to 5 female riders): zenzyus@yahoo.com

Want to say CONGRATULATIONS to all of our triathletes from Moms in Motions, Kaiser Tri, Transcend, LA Tri, Malibu, SB Tri and Carp Tri for excellent results all the way around. Also a big high five to all those who rode California Coast Classic and the upcoming MS, CF, Arthritis and AIDS rides…you are our heroes riding for many worthy causes. Lastly, but not least, to all those riders who raced this season, male and female for supporting the sport that keeps all of us employed (especially those who promoted races e.g. Rock Store Time Trial)…and major hugs to Lynda and Bear Thompson for their incredible journey EVERYWHERE to support Arthritis Foundation.
Ride on,
RaeLynn

Friday, July 30, 2010


Update to this post....Bear's and Lynda's adventure starts this week...Please follow Bear's ride via gps and don't forget to donate:) Good luck Bear and Lynda, ride safe! xoxoxoxo

There are times, like this week, that I've been utterly amazed at the generousity and ambitions of fellow riders...

~~with that written I'm shamelessly sharing some information about friends who, probably they will kill me for doing this, but have supported cycling in a multitude of ways and continue to do so..... I have cut and pasted my friend Bear's (yes, that's his real name) goals and fundraising story below to share with all of you...it's going to be an amazing adventure to follow and a huge effort to raise monies for the Arthritis foundation. I am proud to ride with and support cyclists like Bear and Lynda and I hope you too will join them, on whatever level you can to support and encourage this effort.

Here is their inspiring story:

The cycling season is well under way, and once again I am aiming to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. This year I have big plans, as you’ll see below, so read on. This will be my 6th year on the California Coast Classic ride; it just doesn’t get old. I keep making new friends and meeting new folks who either have arthritis themselves or have a family member who does. A number of them have kids who suffer with a juvenile form of the disease. I can assure you, any donation, large or small, will be truly and deeply appreciated by all of the patients that the AF serves throughout the year.

From September 25 - October 2, I will again be riding in the CA Coast Classic, a 525 mile bike tour from SF to LA that raises funds for the Southern California Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation to support research, education and programs for the 46 million Americans that live with arthritis every day. If you would like to help, please go to my personal fundraising page, Bear's California Coast Classic Page, to make a tax-deductible donation. If you’d prefer to donate off-line, you can print out the PDF form from my VeloBear web pages (see signature below) to fill out and send in with your check or credit card information.

New for this year, from September 12 - September 17, I will also be riding in the inaugural People’s Coast Classic, a 363 mile bike tour from Astoria, Oregon to Brookings, Oregon that raises funds for the Northwest Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation to support their efforts in funding similar research, education and programs. If you would like to help, please go to my other fundraising page, Bear's People's Coast Classic Page to make a tax-deductible donation there, or use the PDF form.

BUT WAIT! THAT’S NOT ALL!Between these 2 rides, from September 18 - September 24, I will be riding in the first-ever Bear & Lynda’s Insane Coast Classic, a 439 mile bike tour from Brookings, OR to San Francisco that Lynda and I have plotted out connecting the two rides. Lynda will be driving the Team Support Vehicle as Directeur Sportif, Soingneur, and local tourist along the way. If you would like to help, please go to either Bear's People's Coast Classic Page –or- Bear's California Coast Classic Page to make a tax-deductible donation to either AF chapter. If I’ve reached my goal for one of the AF rides, please consider donating to the other! And if I’ve met my fund raising goals on both, don’t shy away from pushing me over the top! Any and all donations go to the Arthritis Foundation chapters. Lynda and I are sponsoring our own little undertaking ourselves.

So there you have it: September 12 – October 2. Another cycling Grand Tour just like the Giro d’Italia, Le Tour de France, and La Vuelta a EspaƱa. Three weeks of riding 1,327 miles down the West Coast to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. I hope you’ll join us!

Yeah, I thought you'd be amazed....incredible and I look forward to following this journey...if you have questions for Bear or Lynda follow the links above to reach him or email me and I will put you in touch:)

All I can say is 1327 miles....wow, wow, wow!!!! Let's get this party started!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Races, Rides & Parties: what more could a girl or guy want?

Events, Events, Events...that's what's news this week....lots going on in cycling through July, so get your calendar out and SAVE the dates----
First upcoming event is: our Saturday ride from Biycle John's (29041 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Agoura, CA)---this Saturday July10th: meet time 7:45 a.m. roll out at 8:00 a.m, Rides for all levels of riders: no drop-intermediate and fast & furious! Helmets are mandatory as is a proper working bike, fuel and clothing. Men and Women welcome. It's hot now, so bring lots of H2), electrolytes and of course sunscreen.
Upcoming races are fun for both spectators, first time racers and the seasoned racer, get out and join us at one/all of these:
1.) Bicycle John's Grand Prix This is a really fun 1.1 mile course with one big ring hill. July 17th in Santa Clarita. Come on out and race with us at our Bicycle John's owned/sponsored event!! One very special note about this race is that there will be 6 Junior categories with Awards--way to race juniors and they are fun to watch too--look closely, they are FAST! Thousands$$$$ in prize monies available for the other categories too---mens, women's, Pros & Masters....this will make for GREAT races.....so don't hesitate to come out and spectate if you haven't yet seen a race, it's really exciting stuff!! Register today at www.socalreg.com
2.) Rock Store Time Trial July 28, 2010 Last chance this year to put your official time stamp on our very famous climb....don't delay, this SOLD OUT last month! All proceeds benefit the Arthiritis Foundation. www.rockstorett.com Don't be intimidated, lots of first-timers at this race and no, you don't need to wear your SuperSonic Hedgehog TT helmet or a skinsuit to participate
3.) Piru Time Trial: July 10th and 11th, 2010 www.uncletren.com...2 days of Time Trials...40K and 20K courses on a beautifully paved road--smooth, fast and the every changing winds make this course as unpredictable as the arrival time of this newsletter! Lots of fun and a chance to see just how FAST can YOU go...."The Race of Truth, just you and the clock" Public categories for both men, women and juniors, so no need to be a pro, if you have a bike, you can race this one!
Not ready to race? Try a little altitude training with friend and fellow coach Rob Panzera before the snow flys in the hills: http://www.cyclingcampsandiego.com/High-AltitudeEnduranceTrainingCamp.html
Next up I'm sure you all have realized by now that the Tour de France is on Versus and whether you are watching on the internet, the television, or via www.roadbikeaction (for up to the second on site commentary on web and Twitter/Facebook) the racing has been riveting!!! Really exciting racing with some unexpected crashes, gnarly courses and an awesome chance to watch "seasoned" racers like Lance Armstrong, yes you know he is my FAVORITE. We are playing the tour via the internet all day, everyday at Bicycle John's so stop by and watch, recap or rewatch..... then we'll follow up all this exciting racing locally and abroad with nothing better than -----
A PARTY...yes our annual FREE Bicycle John's Le Tour and Customer Appreciation day/party/ride happens again this year August 7th at the Agoura location. Remember last year?...great prizes, a awesome ride and pulled pork sandwiches--woohoo. We'll do it all again starting at 4:30 p.m with a very special Benefit ride for "Mrs. Bicycle John, Shelly Fries". Those who know her, understand that Shelly has been fighting a brave battle against cancer this past year, so we want to show her and John our support as part of this community event. Details on our Bicycle John's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134572999899913&ref=mf rsvp so we can plan the food to jennifer@bicyclejohns.com 1st 100 rsvps get a special gift too!

That's the news for this week, now let's get out and ride, race and Party!!
See you Saturday,
RaeLynn

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Photos of WomenCyclist/Bicycle John's Clinic

Please credit Robin Karlson for these pictures if you use them...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moorpark-CA/Women-Cyclist/183785497458#!/album.php?aid=148981&id=183785497458&ref=nf

Girls and Bikes

Girls and their bikes…

Perhaps you remember your first bike (mine was a yellow banana bike), or your first ride. Maybe you were young or maybe you aren’t, but it happened…you pedaled your bike and that feeling of freedom, independence and confidence come over you. Next time you went a little farther, then climbed that big hill, then rode a charity event and perhaps even have participated in a race or two. Now you can’t imagine life without your bike. This is the magic between a girl or woman and her bike.

Magic is what it felt like last Saturday at Bicycle John’s bike shop in Agoura, CA. Bicycle John’s graciously hosted a WomenCyclist (a.k.a.RaeLynn) Ladies Ride & Clinic. We met in the morning for breakfast and divided into two groups; one route was shorter lead by Jennifer(owner of bike shop) and Irene Johnson (Cat 2 racer). The second group rode a warm up pace with the first until the split in Westlake Village where we went on to practice paceline and group riding skills with the guidance of Kalyra RAAM 2010 Ladies Jill Gass &Sonia Ross.

If you haven’t experienced the thrill of a double paceline 40 women strong you must give it a try. It isn’t about the speed, but the incredible energy of the group. Truly inspirational from beginner to advanced rider. We were lucky to have sunny skies and quiet roads to enjoy this experience.

The longer riding group returned to Bicycle John’s in time to help the first group finish up a flat changing clinic, eat lunch and dive into our other topics of interest for the day.

Many of our riders took full advantage of Janis Burns; professional soigneur who worked out the kinks, helped stretch and relax the riders after the ride. I think Janis deserved a massage at the end of the day—she worked hard and we all learned a lot. Best piece of knowledge for me: the ice bath benefits—challenge is; actually doing it!

Jill Gass and Sonia Ross shared with us their goals for 2010 RAAM and experiences at past RAAM events. Amazing level of commitment/ planning and training…All to benefit Girls Inc. in Santa Barbara, even better! http://www.kalyrawomensracingteam.com/index.html

Next up on the podium we had Susan Farber, sports psychology coach from The Winning Edge: www.thewinningedgesb.com. Susan talked about goal setting and fears that hold us back, as well as answered questions about specific issues/challenges woman in the audience experienced. We learned that group riding poses a great deal of anxiety for women and hope to bring more clinics in to help with group riding skills, both mental and physical.

Irene Johnson explained the benefits and challenges associated with bike fit. How to overcome issues and the importance of bike fit to aid in injury prevention as well as improving performance. The right chamois and the right saddle top the list of most necessary items for our ladies.

We finished up the day with another flat changing clinic for those long riders who hadn’t had the opportunity to do that earlier.

I would be remiss not to mention that we even had our very own videographer filming this event—wow did we feel special, but I bet he felt like the luckiest man alive that day—haha… Thanks Michael.

And of course we ate again…after all we did ride!

All in all it was an amazing day, with amazing women who love to ride bikes, share their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of the movement: Get more women on bikes!

Days like Saturday inspire me…

Women I’ve met like Jill, Sonia, Susan, Irene, Jen, Janis and all the participants inspire me….
Indeed this is a long blog, but so much effort and time went into this event from all of our contributors it would be a shame not to spend some time sharing it properly.

Much thanks goes out to:
• All the participants for coming out to ride.
• To Bicycle John’s owners, Jen, Scott and Mike for the facility, food and support everyday
• To Kalyra RAAM 2010 riders Jill Gass and Sonia Ross
• To Janis Burns, professional soigneur
• To Susan Farber, sports psychology coach
• To Irene Johnson, Cat 2 racer
• To Bryan and Fabien for the mechanical support
• To Michael Rieder for videotaping
• To Robin Karlson for the photos that are attached to this post (please credit her if you use them on your socials/websites)

Pedal fast, but enjoy the journey…
RaeLynn

www.womencyclist.com
USA Cycling Coach
All a girl really needs is an open road,
her favorite playlist,
a beautiful, fast bike and
legs that let u never feel the chain:)


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

A Million reasons to ride..Upcoming Events

‘Tis the season for Cycling Events so for this email I have gathered some to put on your calendars…

Of course I will start with the upcoming Ladies Ride & Clinic this Saturday Feb. 20th at 11:30 a.m. at 29041 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Agoura, CA @ Bicycle John’s.

There are so many exciting aspects to this day it won’t make a difference if it rains or shines; there’s something to be learned for everyone. Here’s a list of our featured coaches in no particular order with their topic in bold:

o RaeLynn Milley USA Cycling Coach, Cat 4 racer for Bicycle Johns (ride leader, flat repair, nutrition, safety)
o Jennifer Johnson; owner Bicycle John’s (ride leader &flat repair)
o Irene Johnson; Cat 2 racer for Bicycle John’s, Masters Worlds Austria Everest Challenge, Death Ride, Breathless Agony, (flat repair & bike fit)
o Janis Burns, Professional Soigneur for USA and International Pro Teams: Liquidgas, Trek U23, Kenda and more (massage & recovery)
o Jill Gass; State and National Champion, USA Cycling Expert level coach and Kalyra RAAM2010 team (ride leader, paceline skills)
o Sonia Ross of Kalyra RAAM 2010 team, Masters and National Champion racer, massage therapist (ride leader, paceline skills)
o Susan Farber: sports phsycology coach, Cat 4 racer for Echelon, The Winning Edge(The mental game/goalsetting/dealing with fears that hold us back)
• So don’t miss it or you’ll miss A LOT Email to rsvp or ?S raelynn@womencyclist.com
2 rides: one shorter 10 miles, one longer 35 miles

• Oh yeah; this is a FREE clinic, generously provided by Bicycle John’s) --even more reason to come.

But wait there is more---Ladies & Gentlemen of our 8:00 a.m. Saturday ride—this ride is still happening prior to the clinic and you will be joined by the ladies, Jill & Sonia of the Kalyra RAAM2010 team on the ride. This will be their training ride for the day, so rest up and show them a warm welcome to our hills—don’t be afraid of rain; Jill and Sonia aren’t—after all it could rain on their 3000 mile journey across AMERICA!!

Helmets are mandatory and it will be a PROMPT 8 a.m. start to get Jill & Sonia back in time for something to eat and the clinic! Start at 29041 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Agoura, CA @ Bicycle John’s bike shop.

Ok onward …if you are like me you’ve been awaiting the Road Bike Action April issue…heard today it’s in, so hoping to see that in shop and in your mailbox soon! www.roadbikeaction.com

April 3, 2010 is a big day with two events and YES you can do both…
Santa Clarita Century Ride: Starts at Valencia Town Center
http://santaclaritacentury.com Full century (get ready to climb), Half century, and Family Fun ride

and then……

"Women of Dirt” brought to you by MTBChick, Tonya Bray—this is going to be a fun night and I am hoping we can meet up at the shop and get carpools set up for attending. There will be a VIP section, open seating and 5 awesome women from So Cal will/are being chosen for their outstanding contributions to women’s cycling. Ticket info coming soon Men and women will love this thrill seekers/gravity lovers’ video! (Date night…think about it:)
Awesome Land: Women of Dirt screening in Hollywood" on Saturday, April 3rd at 6:00pm.

Event: Awesome Land: Women of Dirt screening in Hollywood
What: Opening
Start Time: Saturday, April 3 at 6:00pm
End Time: Saturday, April 3 at 9:00pm
Where: Cinespace Hollywood
Last but not least……

May 8th, 2010 Cruisin the Conejo ride is coming up so get registered for the best charity ride in our own backyard. 6 routes including 2 metrics and a full century—something for every level of rider! www.cvcbike.org for more info or for group rides to get in shape before the Cruisin’.

Then the BIGGY…Tour of California May 16-23rd..lots of events planned as we get closer to this great race.

So see you Saturday for all the FUN! And if you don’t see something for you, let us know what your TRI group, Cycling club, MTB group wants and we’ll be happy to put it together for you…

Ride safe,
RaeLynn

Monday, February 1, 2010

Bike racing 101

The few, the brave, the unknowing, the anxious, the confident, the sexy, the fit, the best of the best came out for a weekend of bike racing in the San Inez/Goleta area this past weekend. The Poor College Boys race was on Saturday and what a course, what a day to ride and what a race. This was a road race, so not much opportunity to see a lot, but I got a good spot on a hill just after the start and had excellent views as they came screaming down the hill into the finish line. Too bad the camera battery died:(

Both the men and women were fired up for this first race of the year and all quads were firing. Love the sounds of racing and the views were spectacular:) CA Pools men were killing it, they are going to have a great season. Saw a bit of the women's and then lost track of which group belonged to which category so just cheered them all on. Scott Johnson of Bicycle John's pulled off a great race and bunny hopped a crash at the finish...great skills.

Sunday was all about women at the Mothballs criterium. Jennifer & Scott, Robb put up the Bicycle John's tent and made room for the ladies to warm up near the start line. Jill Gass gave a great clinic on criterium skills and Kim Anderson of Columbia High Road shared a few words of motivation for the first time racers.

This Cat 4 race was part of the Womens Cycling Challenge which is a movement to get more women to race. There were a few variations in the normal crit process but none the less everyone raced and had fun. Most received prizes or primes and everyone got a Bicycle John's WomenCyclist goodie bag complete with Gu, Shot bloks, Road Bike Action Magazine,Patch kit, wine opener, Action Wipes and chapstick:)

Team Echelon provided Susan Farber, sports psycology coach for before and after the race to help overcome some nervousness and learn from the race debriefing. A benefit that is beyond useful! Team Nexus ladies were in good form this spring as well. Avalon (Echelon) of course was her own force to be reckoned with---I think she used a bit of pent up anger at having her car stolen to motor down the course--she was a women possessed:)

We even had a fun ride on Sunday morning which I did ride and it was gorgeous, beautiful bike lanes and always a favorite to ride a double paceline with such skilled riders.

All in all, a great racing weekend and I was happy to be a part of it..even though I couldn't race. Until the next one: Congratulations to all the racers Men and WOMEN!

I posted photos on WomenCyclist facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moorpark-CA/Women-Cyclist/183785497458#/photo.php?pid=3200967&id=183785497458


RL

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Rainy day Fun






Ok, so I admit to being a girl that likes to have fun, is easily bored and has an attention span smaller than a pin head, so when it comes to facing a week of rain I have to find ways to fill the gap where I would normally be riding my bike.

Luckily, my friend and local trainer Mike Pincus has come up with a fun, challenging class that is perfect mix of strength, aerobic and flexibility work--oh yeah and add a dash of scary stuff too!

Myself and a few other women met Mike at the Victory Gymnastic Center in Newbury Park, CA. Here Mike had us take off our shoes and socks and warm up on this spongy floor (I'm sure there is a technical term for this but I don't know it). We did a variety of movements that; to say the least, challenged my cyclists' hips...it all felt good but the sideways movements certainly make you realize how pedaling all the time has some side effects.

If you haven't been on a trampoline in a while I highly suggest you give it a whirl. It's a little scary at first but as you get higher and more balanced it actually feels great--right up until Mike says ok now jump into the foam pit!! Yikes I'm not 10 anymore and honestly I never was a really brave kid; certainly I am less brave as an adult:) Ps..yes I did it but that's only half the challenge; to get out of the pit you must "swim" out. I admit to giggling the whole time so it probably took longer than it should have.

And hey why stop there, let's add some spring board trampoline jumping, straddles and hops; then climb HIGH onto the vault and jump into the pit again--yikes my heart was beating fast now. I admit it took 2 attempts to get me to jump from that high.

Next up my favorite part: the ropes. There's a set of 3 ropes hanging from the ceiling--no one to catch you and you need to climb up bare hands and feet. The first time I really struggled. But the second time I did much better and made it up.

Talk about empowering to be up that high, feeling strong and having the time of your life. I loved it. This was great fun and an incredible workout. I can feel muscles that have been dormant for quite some time waking up.

If you want something to do in this rainy season..join Mike at Victory Gymnastics M-W-F at 12:15 pm for this class..but hurry up it fills up fast and I'm already getting ahead of you on that rope::)))

a few pics above....details to the class below
Until the sun shines again,
RaeLynn



$25 for 1 class or $249 for 12 (must be used within five weeks)
No contracts or memberships.
Classes are 1 hour long.
This is indoors and fully air conditioned.
Drop in anytime as classes are held Mon-Wed-Fri at 12:15. Twenty people to a class/first come basis.
Classes are held at Victory-Gymnastics Academy
2330 Teller Road
Newbury Park, Ca 91320
805-558-7791

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Put Some Coin in your Love Bank

Cyclists are notoriously dedicated to the sport; slaves to schedules, obsessed with eating right, training hard and getting proper rest. This makes for great athletes, but what does it do for family and friends? We all know that there are times when we are adding to our “love bank” and times (like race season) when we are seriously on the brink of bankruptcy.

Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to put some coin in your “love bank” so take advantage of this time with these direct deposit activities:

• Buy flowers: yes guys, as corny as it may be, few women can resist a surprise bouquet –and make it special not a premixed grocery store bouquet!

• “Kid” nap your own kids…take them out of school early one day…go to a museum, the beach in the rain, indoor car racing, the mall, skiing, snowboard…whatever THEY want to do—get to know what they enjoy. A few hours can create a lifetime memory.

• We all have a support person; someone who takes care of things while we are off to the races or pedaling out base miles…maybe it’s your mother-in-law, wife, husband, lover, sibling or neighbor. Whoever it is, give them the ultimate gift by asking,”What can I help you with?”…be prepared to fix light bulbs, take down an aging tree, or buy a massage.

• Have coffee with a friend that doesn’t ride a bike. Order a dessert, don’t wear cycling clothes and genuinely ask, “How are you?”

They say; Time is Money, so spend some time with those who love and support you. Guaranteed it won’t be expensive. I’m sure your friends and family just want time to spend time being with you. It’s an investment that will pay off and it’s raining today---so start filling your love bank today:)