Santa Cruz Training Camp Highly Successful for Team Vera Bradley Foundation
By Lisa Hunt
La Selva Beach, CA - Santa Cruz county was the perfect setting for a successful training camp for Team Vera Bradley Foundation. A beach house just outside of Aptos was the base camp for riders and staff for the first eight days of March. "Having everyone staying in one house makes for a great bonding experience," stated team director, Lisa Hunt. The riders broke up into teams each night to cook dinner for everyone, including hosting sponsors. "It's all about teamwork," said Hunt. "These girls really know how to work together -- in the kitchen and on the bike. The meals were incredible!"
Specialized Amiras, equipped with SRAM Force components, Rolf Prima wheels and LOOK pedals greeted the riders when they arrived on Monday, along with new team kits from Champion System. The ladies couldn't wait to get out on the roads with their new equipment.
On Tuesday, the team traveled to Specialized in Morgan Hill to work with the professors from Specialized Bicycle Components University (SBCU) for a comprehensive BG FIT (Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology). "It was an incredible experience!" commented Alison Powers. "They made a lot of changes, but all good ones!" After all the fits were completed, the team took to the roads for a photo shoot, making their way back to the team house. The rain held off for their ride up and over Mt. Madonna, and the riders welcomed the beautiful scenery on the hard packed dirt climb. Back at the house, the team prepared a gourmet Mexican meal for the SBCU professors, Donny Perry and Aaron Post. "We wanted to thank them for all of their hard work today," said Powers.
Wednesday's heavy downpours didn't stop the team from training together. While a few of the riders spent the morning at Specialized for additional BG FITs, the rest of the team hit the roads. "We got a bit of a break in the rain at the start of the ride, but then it came down even harder as the ride progressed," commented Alexis Rhodes, who hails from Adelaide, Australia. "We got a bit wet; but it was fun. And we wanted to make the photos look good!"
Another gourmet meal was served on Wednesday evening as the team welcomed Austin Britts and Kevin Fuller from Personal Best, LLC, makers of Betwixt and Zealios products. They shared their insights about the products and their commitment to using all natural ingredients and ingredients made in the USA. "When you have this kind of interaction with your sponsors, you really learn a lot about their products," commented Alison Testroete.
On Thursday, clear blue skies and warm temperatures greeted the team for the photo shoot and their 5 hour ride up and over Eureka Canyon and back down to the coast for a cruise along Highway 1. "It's great to have the whole team riding together," commented team captain, Robin Farina. "This is the time when you get to know everyone -- their riding styles and their strengths and weaknesses. It's so important."
After a long day in the saddle, the team headed to San Jose to have dinner with Heidi Floyd, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer's Development Ambassador. Heidi is a breast cancer survivor and travels all over the country to raise awareness about the Foundation and its commitment to the research it funds. "She is truly an inspiration to us all," said Carrie Cash. "Her story is incredible and her enthusiasm and excitement about the progress that has been made in research is amazing. We are so excited to be supporting such a great cause."
On Friday, the women rode over to Specialized to join the employees for their lunch ride -- a 1 hour "race simulation" ride. The Friday ride is known as the "World Championships" ride, and the winner is awarded a jersey. "I told the girls to have some fun and mix it up," said Hunt. "THAT was a hard ride!" said Powers. "It was like a race!" Friday evening, the team prepared another gourmet meal for Specialized women's bikes and equipment product manager, Rachael Lambert. "It was a great opportunity for us to ask Rachael questions and provide her with some feedback on the equipment," said Farina. "The Amira is an incredible racing machine!"
After a full weekend of long rides, camp came to an end on Monday morning. "This was an incredible week of riding, team bonding and learning a lot from our sponsors," stated Hunt. "I am so excited for the racing season to begin. These women are on a mission this year -- not only because of their commitment to racing hard and wanting to win; but their commitment to raising awareness of and funds for breast cancer research. It is going to be a great year."
Photos: Brian Hodes, VeloImages
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