Cascade Cycling Classic Begins!

I'm here in Bend for the Cascade Cycling Classic, acting as super-soigneur (as I like to call it). Really that means I get to handle lots of logistics for the racers so that they don't have to. Things like driving in the caravan, providing (minimal) mechanical support, feeding them bottles from the car, and making sure we get where we need to be when we need to be there. The planner in me LOVES this kind of stuff. The part of me that wants everyone to be happy, and everything to go right, gets pretty dang stressed out. But it's good practice for...life.

The team is racing under Keller Rohrback, but the only true KR girls are the terrific Tricia and the amazing Amy. The remaining 4 racers making up this composite team are Jasmin Glaesser (Canadian/German junior extraordinaire), Jess Hannah (a true climber, and strong all around), Leah Kirchmann (current Canadian criterium national champion) and Tara Whitten (current world champion on the track in both the Omnium and the Points race). Can you say AWESOME??

Today was the first day, and it brought us a 2-mile prologue. The girls did great, with Leah taking 2nd in the Best Young Rider competition, and Tara taking 2nd in the overall. I think everyone is excited for what tomorrow will bring, and we have a fantastic team to defend our positions. The 74-mile hilly road race is sure to sort things out a bit. Bring it on!