Wednesday Night Ride - A Special Surprise

September, 2nd Wednesday Night.

It was a beautiful day. Perfect weather. In the 70's. I was looking forward to putting in some good riding with the Flatlandia Team. I enjoy riding with this team very much. When I arrived at Spring Rock Park in Western Springs, everyone had there cycle cross bikes. They where headed out to practice. So, Brian, Doug, John, Alex and I headed out instead. As we rode along Frontage road past Harvester park, we saw the SRAM group behind us. We decided to hook up with them. As they approached, I heard John say "we might have a special rider coming our way." I had no idea what he meant. I was a little nervous, for I didn't know if I could keep up with all these guys. Me, being the only women, I could see in the group. Oh well ... that's how it always is anyways... more girl power to me I guess. I still didn't know who this special rider was yet.

As the SRAM group approached us, we took the back of the field. For a while, we stayed in back and took the draft. It was fun. I didn't know you could ride so freely back there. It's kind of rare for me... as many of you know me. I love to be out front. Then we approached big bluff road. I heard Brian and John mentioned that Christen Vandevelde was in front and asked if I knew that. I had this look of surprise on my face. I couldn't believe that we where riding with him. As we approached the 1st hill on big bluff .... everyone was slowing down. I couldn't believe it. So I went for it. I shot up the hill to the front of the field. I passed the boys and Christen Vandevelde. I saw him look at me and smile. I thought maybe he would follow. He didn't. I kept going and didn't look back. I felt a little embarrassed. I needed to show a little girl power out there. John decided to take some pictures of us riding with Christen Vandevelde ...It was funny watching John take pics on his i-phone as he was riding.. almost took us out a few times... but it was fun.

On the way back, on frontage road.. I practiced riding in the middle of field and enjoyed good conversation. Christen Vandevelde left the group in front of waterfall glenn. We all wished him luck at Tour of Missouri.