This is an email we just received from West Valley Cycle group ride organizer David Herzog. As many of you know, we do our best to support David’s efforts and post his weekly group ride emails to this site. The email below is a wrap-up of the 2009 season. Thanks.
—————
All,
For the last 6 years, West Valley Cycle had a goal to bring weekly rides to the West side of Phoenix and build camaraderie among our cycling community. I’m happy to say that 2009 was successful beyond our dreams. We exceeded 60 riders a few times, increased our average Saturday ridership numbers by 300%, and established one of the best routes in the valley which included 65 mile of open roads, good hills, sprint points, and multiple riding levels.
So why was 2009 our break out year? Three reasons:
· New Riders make us stronger: several new riders moved into the area and our East side friends, including Colavita and Swiss America, made the difference. Not only did they bring good peloton conversation, but they improved all of our fitness with a whole new level of effort and group riding synergy.
· Attitude is everything. I’ve received hundreds of complimentary emails saying how cool it is to show up for the first time to our group ride and feel so welcomed. While we’ve had our moments, I’d have to rank our A group at the top in supporting each other and working as an overall team. Some of those rotating pace lines with 25+ riders were epic. For the B group, we always have a good attitude, but it’s the “can do” persona of our B group that made this a special year. There are several riders that got dropped for weeks in a row, but kept coming back and would not give up and now, they are pushing me over for a long pull. Hanging with this group has been my personal highlight for the year.
· Dedication to improving fitness. Our group’s level of improved fitness and podium finishes was off the charts this year. Our A group increased their average speed on our ride by over 15% (GPS showed a few 23+ mph averages for the full route). Overall, our group ride helped riders lose weight, achieve all time best performances in tri races, ironman races, crits, road races, mountain bike races, and road tours. Heck, we even helped a guy finish strong in his first 100 mile ultra marathon running race. Watching your fellow rider excel in their goals is addicting and very motivational. Look out 2010!
With that said, there are always the stars that should be recognized for their outstanding achievement. This year’s 10 winner of the covenanted Starbuck’s gift card are as follows:
· Best New Rider(s):
· Jason and John Copeland. While all the East side riders made a big difference this year, these two rode the hardest and most often with our group.
· Most Improved Rider:
· John Cox: I have a mental memory of John’s first ride with us in 2009 and his most recent. Big difference! Let’s just say his last ride was mostly upfront with the A group. Combine that with his first Platinum finish in 2009 at the Tour De Tucson and John deservingly wins this award.
· Best Group Rider(s):
· Joe, Amy, Jeremy: we rarely see repeat winners, but our group ride seems to always be happier and faster when Amy and Joe show up. Amy’s hoopla cheers during those painful hard paced efforts and Joe’s willingness to keep the A group focused and working together is why these two are repeat winners. As for Jeremy, he brought a never know what to expect dynamic to the group. Whether it was his unique bikes, funky hats, or cycling outfits, there always is a sense of anticipation for Jeremy to show up and contribute to our group.
· Sprinter(s) of the Year:
· Ken Ferguson., Shaun Ingram. While Shaun finished his third year as king of the sprints and is the fastest when you are 25 yards from the finish line, we have to also include Ken, who dominated the first half of the season, and was our only rider to win all 5 sprints in one day.
· Most Inspirational Rider:
· Jared Williams. I thought this vote, but was confirmed by several email votes. A great guy who improves every year. Always willing to take a big pull and won some sprints for the first time. Just last week he powered by three of our top riders to win the Verrado sprint. When you are looking around the A group for someone to draw energy from, Jared is our man.
· Most Valuable Rider:
· Vicki Young. Qualifications for this award: show up the most, be an ambassador for the group, greet all new riders, max effort during the ride, make people laugh, and have a positive attitude. Vicki delivered on all points and had a strong impact on our groups growth.
There are some exciting things to come in 2010. Some new roads opening to expand our route, new sprint points, a West Valley Cycle blog is available to post weekday rides and give feedback, PCCC expanding with a new jersey and sponsors, and there are many new friends to be made out on the road.
For the 200+ riders on this distribution list, I thank you for a great year and look forward to the next.
Keep spreading the word and Happy New Years to all!
Saturday, 7:30am at LifeTime.
David
Web Site (site under repair): http://members.cox.net/westvalleycycle/
Blog: http://westvalleycycle.blogspot.com/
Email: david.herzog@aspect.com
Mobile: 949 212 4000
