Snowbirdin It

Once upon a time, a few kittens caught wind of rumors of a magical land, with warm February temps and hills that would put the beloved Pungo Ferry Bridge to shame. However, when they heard of a hot tub, in the shape of Mickey Mouse, it was decided that action needed to be taken.

So after 788 miles, 12 hours on the road, countless cans of red bull, ¾ bag of ‘muy delicioso’ homemade granola, and plenty of pretzels & hummus, Capn Cook, Ali, and Brittany arrived in the Promise Land. It’s Florida, Baby!

There were roughly 25 other cyclists from around different areas of Hampton Roads, all renting homes in the same neighborhood. We did a little riding with the large group, but found it more conducive to our training to split off with a smaller number so that we could set a comfortable pace and get more pulling time in.

Though the temps weren’t quite as Florida-like as one might expect, they most definitely allowed for less layers of spandex and more enjoyable riding then what we’ve all experienced over the unusually cold winter months here at home. The particularly sunny days allowed more pedaling/tan line-establishing time than others, but we still managed to crank out a respectable 65 miles per day on average.

With the Florida days beginning to run together, a vacation routine quickly set in: ‘bucks run, breakfast, ride, quality-time with Mickey, dinner, games, beauty rest, repeat. We ate in every night, in an effort to keep costs down, with a menu consisting of things like homemade pizzas, chicken fajitas, curried chicken, grilled fish & chicken tacos. For our last night in town, we treated ourselves to sushi and the like. Ali seemed to be ready to break her shrimp eating record with specialty rolls, but thankfully it was too expensive of a proposition (special funds set aside for next year).

Looking toward the Snowball Crit #2 as our first race of the season. With any luck, the balmy temps we've enjoyed lately will stick around. Stay tuned…

Baby It's COLD Outside!

This wacky weather is just making the cats on Vanderkitten restless. One day it’s nice, the next it’s not. One day the winds are howling and the next day you couldn’t fly a kite if you had to. We’ve now had some snow, some ice, schools have been cancelled, schools have had delayed openings all playing havoc on a cyclist training schedule.

Today we had a 90% chance of rain so Captain Cook took the bull by the horns and decided it was time that the Vanderkittens spent some quality time together doing a little spin class of our own. Although the group wasn’t large, we had fun and spent 2 hours plus doing what we do best! Thanks to our leader for getting a game going to break the boredom! I think we’re all getting to know each other really well and the game was a nice little ice breaker to say the least! Thanks to Laura, Ali, Claudia, Lisa, Jen and Brittany for being a part of the day.

Happy Holidays to all. Looks like it’s going to be White Christmas for many this year!

Podium Cat

Lisa - Her First Cross Race!

As many of the Vanderkitten followers know, our team is made up of racers, riders, runners, triathletes and as much talent off the bike as on it. We have seen in the last year mountain bikers become road racers, runners becoming triathletes, we have Cathi who organized the Bosom Buddies Ride for VA Beach and others on our team who have made sure all the riders are getting in their rides with safety in numbers. One of our newest members, Lisa, stood out this last weekend because she did her very first cross race and LOVED it!

Lisa has quite a running background and has been placing high in the results as one of the top in her age group. She did Project Athena in November and finished 3rd in her age group at that race. Soon after she ran the Turkey Trot and was 4th at that race. Her goal next year is to win her age group and bring home a coveted Turkey Trophy!

I happened to be at the Mt. Trashmore race to take photos of the racers last Sunday and Lisa’s smile stood out from the rest. Not only was she smiling at the beginning, but continued to smile up and down the hills and even at the finish. She rode her first cross race on a hybrid but hopes that Santa will bring her a lighter bike for future races. Lisa brings to our team an enthusiasm that is contagious. When she’s not running or biking, she’s happy at home with her husband and son. As for her profession, she owns a knitting shop where she keeps her hands very busy! Because of her job and hobby, Lisa is affectionally known as our "Knitten Kitten". Lisa, we’re proud of you and happy that you’re a part of Vanderkitten. We’re also proud of you for losing 50 pounds!

Podium Cat

Winter Training!

On Sunday, Captain Cook rounded up a large group of Vanderkittens for a long ride out to the country. Not only did everyone get in 50 plus miles or more, the group enjoyed riding in a double pace line which allowed everyone time to get to know members on the team a bit better. Hours later we were all back having a party at Barb’s where we were able to sample everyone’s culinary efforts. The team looks forward to more adventures south on the bike as well as more parties at Barb’s house.

Our team has also had some great results this fall. Brittany and Jen are landing on the podium at cross races, Lisa is winning running races and doing well at triathlons, Karen just finished running the NY Marathon and Theresa was seen at the Between the Waters Century having the time of her life.

I'm glad to be a part of this very accomplished group of women who really have their act together. WE ARE VANDERKITTEN!

A Bright Spot!

The weather for the Virginia Beach Bosom Buddies Bike Ride was the only bright spot between 4 days of rain before and 2 days afterward. We were fortunate to have a gorgeous sunny day to ride our bikes in support of the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Those of us who chose the longer routes had to contend with some major water hazards (due to the heavy rain 2 days before) but fortunately, knowing our way around, were able to detour and still get our miles in without following submarine routes! Our Cathi did a great job organizing the event with 125 riders. Vanderkitten was well represented with the largest team contingent of 8 of our finest riders. Thanks to everyone who came and thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen.

Bosom Buddies

The Virginia Beach Bosom Buddies Bike Ride to benefit the Komen Foundation is scheduled for October 2! Cathi, Vanderkitten's own "Chatty Cat", is a 16 year survivor of breast cancer and is a chairperson for this event.

Many of us have a loved one, friend or co-worker who has been struck down with this diagnosis. Please help us continue to work towards finding a cure for our children and grandchildren and generations to come. All proceeds will be going to the Komen Foundation!

It's a great day planned for the Virginia Beach Bosom Buddies Bike Ride! There will be a raffle for a road bike donated by East Coast Bikes and a hybrid bike donated by Fat Frogs. Bring CASH for raffle tickets, 12 chances to win for only $20.00!!!

Additionally, SAG will be provided by Conte's and mechanical support will be provided by Bike Beat. Rest stops are at VB fire stations with Fire Fighters volunteering. Massage therapists will be available at the after party at Seashore State Park on 64th Street. There will also be music provided by local schools and a scrumptious lunch included.

Tell your friends to go to: www.eteamz.com/virginiabeachbosombuddiesbikeride for registration and more information. Early bird registration for $35 ends on September 24th.

Meet The Teacher!

I took Gracen to soccer practice tonight and cut out a few minutes early because it was the night to MEET THE TEACHER at her school. Since it was a little crazy in the parking lot , I told Gracen I would walk her in to MEET THE TEACHER while her mom was trying hard to find a place to park at the midnight hour. Not liking that I wasn’t dressed to the 9’s, I figured I would fit in since Gracen was still wearing her soccer uniform and cleats and I was in workout wear. We made it just in time to meet her friends, their parents and meet her teachers. I didn’t realize until I got home that was I wearing this t-shirt. Nice way to get on the right side of the teacher. Thank goodness I’m only the grandma . I may not be invited back as a volunteer…..

Podium Cat aka Gracen's Grand Bee