2016 Hammer #2 Race News

Pre-race dinner and meeting

Since we like to race our bikes we signed up for another bike race to race our bikes! With bike racing comes one of our favorite activities: eating! The Digestive Health Clinic Boise VeloWomen (BVW) kicked off another race weekend with food, friends and fun. We hosted a potato bar (yes to carb-loading!) and got the opportunity to talk about one of our awesome sponsors, Kali Protectives. Our local Kali Representative, Justin, joined us via Skype to talk to us about the Kali company, how our helmets work, the physiology of head injuries and how our helmet not only looks cool, but keeps our heads and brains safe. These helmets are top of the line and are proven to reduce both concussions and rotational force in a crash, while boasting a much lighter and smaller fit. They also have more ventilation, which will come in handy when those 100+ degree days begin (only about 4 months away!). We love our sponsors... our helmets... and racing our bikes... and food. 

Race day

The BVW got another stab at the Hammer Course on Saturday, March 19th. Same course, but totally different day. AKA - Who turned on the wind? We awoke to 30 degree temps and a wicked headwind. So what did the BVW do? We raced anyway. For a description of this fast, fun and challenging course, see our Hammer #1 post. The Women's Category 4  race started at 9:00 am with 14 women and 11 of those were BVW (78% domination of the field!). We left the start line under a bluebird sky with the wind at our backs. The wind changed a mere 0.8 miles into the race, right in the face, making sure we were paying attention. The BVW were not going to let a little wind get the best of us. Again, the BVW team worked together with a common goal of a 100% Purple Podium Sweep. Again, we were successful with Trisha Wineman in 1st, Erin Shelton, 2nd and Nadine Carter, 3rd. The additional BVW worked hard to lead the pack, play domestique, boost morale in the wind, and gain experience racing. It was a successful Cat 4 race for us and we were happy for the chance to ride this challenging course. 

The wind didn't quit for the Women's Open. It warmed up (only slightly - no complaints!) and the 3 ladies who raced previously in the Cat 4 race were able to refuel, defrost, and rest before the Women's Open race. There were 11 women who raced and 4 were BVW.  Again, the BVW worked exceptionally hard to battle the elements and send one of our own off the front. Once again, the BVW did not disappoint! Lisa Kolesar (Cat 3) came in 4th in this very competitive race. We worked together to keep her protected, out of the wind and rested when it mattered most. Today was all about teamwork and being there for each other. We have this series wrapped up in a neat bow and we are even a better team. We are looking forward to a busy April! See pics below. 

Thanks to Mike Cooley, G Corsa Events and George’s Cycles for putting on our favorite spring starting race, providing prizes for top 3 finishes, testing our winter training, and promoting cycling in the Treasure Valley. Thanks to the officials and volunteers who braved the wind and the cold so we could race safely. Thank you also to the ladies on Team George's Cycles/Twenty16 and Monster Media for being amazing competitors and bringing numbers to the races - we love racing beside you!
Finally, we are eternally grateful to our SPONSORS for making it all possible. Can't wait to meet our friendly hill and ferocious wind again in the Hammer Series next year!

Stay tuned - Chicken Dinner Road Race coming up in April!

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Photo credits: Lisa Kolesar, Theresa Steger, Fairlee Frey