Ojai

After Redlands and Hollywood, we had a decision to make: were we still going to do the Garrett Lemire Memorial race in Ojai, CA? The race promoter sent out word while we were in Redlands that sponsorship had not been secured to guarantee the NRC status on the women's side and many teams were upset as arrangements had already been made to be there; flights, etc. After final reflection, we decided to race as we were already here, we wanted to race, and it was after all, a memorial race. It is upsetting when things get pulled last minute like that, but there are a few things to consider also: if the promoter has a record of this type of behaviour, then obviously, he or she should not be supported. The reality is that times are tougher economically.

Roster: Shontelle, Nikki, Tiff, Iona and Dotsie joining us in her first race.

So, the race was pretty active right from the first lap thanks to an attack from Rebecca Much (Webcor). After this, Tibco riders attacked seemingly one after the other. All of us covered these moves and it was in covering one such move that I got away, and then immediately Tiffany bridged up and passed me with Morgan Kapp (Southbay Wheelmen) in tow. This was about 6 laps into the race. It was such a hot day. We worked well together, but as we had the numerical advantage, it was pretty clear the moves would be coming from us. Tiff pulled away uncontested by Morgan on the hill with about 7 laps to go and I sat on Morgan for another 2 laps. I then had to go because it was getting near to pack sprinting time (inside of 5 laps to go) and we were in danger of being caught. So we got the win and second and met the mother of Garrett Lemire. Her reaction made it worthwhile, and we were very happy we came out to support the race. This is a pic of her posing with us riders.


Next stop: Monterey......