Eugene, OR Spring Break Training Camp

After racing in Eugene and Corvallis, OR last weekend, our team is enjoying some quality time together training in Eugene, OR. Big thanks to Julianna Nowlan and the Snow family for providing homestays for the week. The weather is in our favor this year, and Julianna is again helping us map out some of the most beautiful routes in the local area. Yesterday, our team split into two groups--both riding up climbs and spinning for several hours, with Julianna and John supporting our rides in follow-cars. Here are some photos from the top of the Wolf Creek climb.



The website should be updated soon with more details on last weekend's races, but I want to commend the Women's C racers on our team, in particular, for a great weekend. We had SEVEN women racing in the C field, many racing for the first time. All of the C women kept the rubber-side down this weekend, finished strong, and are excited to continue racing.


Also, we had some rain during the criterium races, and our team crafted a huge tarp fort in the parking lot.
By Emily Rodriguez

2010 Photo Shoot

Thanks Alex Riddenback!

Cycling Class = Tarmac Crushers

Over the past eight weeks I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of young people. With the help of Cross County running coach Malcolm Dunn, I have co-taught Whitman College's first accredited road cycling class. The class, officially "Conditioning for Cycling", has been an idea of mine for a long time and I'd like to thank Dean Snider (Whitman College Athletic Director) and Malcolm for supporting my vision.

Meeting twice a week (usually Tuesday chalktalks and Thursday fitness sessions) all the students, who are also racing team members (although any Whitman College student/staff with a modern road bike can signup) have pushed themselves not only in their fitness but also their bike handling abilities.

Every session these riders tackled our many challenges with vigor, no matter how intimidating. Heart rate max tests on the computrainer, bumping practice on the grass, cornering and agility skills on the asphalt, pacelining, climbing out of the saddle and sprinting have all been on the menu - but they are all still hungry.

Today we had a great ride out of town, tackling a challenging hill and then bringing it back in good time. Everyone is very comfortable now riding in the pack so I am very excited about this season's racing, which starts in just ten days.

Riders - Thank you all so much. You have shown so much heart this whole year and I wish you all fast legs come race day. If I have had a tough training ride and am little down, your energy and enthusiasm is easy to feed off of - working with you all keeps me excited to ride every day I can.

Be sure to keep checking in as this new 2010 fleet heads out for a little cropdusting.

Sincerely,

Ben Chaddock