Kelleigh Dulany- clinic participant 2003.

I participated in the clinic a few years back. After some not-so-gentle prodding from my racing friends, I decided that it was time to check out what all the talk was about. For the previous 3 years, I had been adding various triathlon accomplishments to my ‘resume’ and well, had seen more than a few of my friends ‘cross over’ to the world of bike racing. I had a lot of preconceived notions about myself that kept me from the sport…”I’m just not that competitive”…or “I’m really scared to just ride so close to so many others…” and that list goes on. But the sport really does offer a great deal more than the chance to show of your competitive side- and yes, I bet you have one:)- its a chance to make friends and become a stronger cyclist, just to name a few.

Fortunately for me, I not only have some really pushy friends, but the Womens’ Clinic presented a great opportunity for me to check out the racing scene without fully committing to a real competition. The clinic would help de-mystify the experience, by having a pre-race talk, a ‘coach’ and a fleet of very supportive racers intent on giving encouragement and helpful advice.

Now, mind you, I said without ‘real competition.’ HA! My fellow clinic participants showed up with their A-game. Clearly the PR for the event worked. We had a field of close to 40 women at the line. All with varying degrees of experience, equipment and sheer horsepower. The race unfolded like I suspect this year’s will….with a group taking the lead, pushing the pace, and various chase groups accompanied by a fleet of women bestowing tips on riding, building fitness and in some cases, changing flats. Fortunately for me, I spent the spring riding with some of those racer girls, so had the fitness to keep pace, but the pack riding was a new experience. So for 3 laps, I worked to stay in the group, ride confidently and as Nina (our coach) commented…spent too much time on the front! So with a supportive, Midori in my ear, counseling me to be number 3 or 4 on the final “turn”….i got into position and successfully sprinted for 2nd! yeah.

@##=#<1,r>@##=#I don’t think my experience is all that unique. The clinic has been supporting women, much like myself, for years. It’s set up to provide a forum for questions, coaching, and for the chance to race with the comfort in knowing that everyone that day is just as nervous as you are. I hope someone will read this and think…”what the hell…” and try it out for themselves. Yes, it’s early. But I promise, the high that you will feel crossing that line…in first, fifth or forty-fifth place, will be worth it. You will have tackled a new experience and won.

If you’d like to chat further about my experience or ask more in-depth questions, about the clinic, I invite you to contact me directly @ 212.932.0171

I hope to see and meet you on Saturday, June 18th!

Warmest regards,

Kelleigh

Read more about the clinic at the CRCA site, download the flyer here.

Hannah Long encourages the 2004 clinic winner.