it is spring, after all

Another winter is about to end, though with several feet of snow on the ground it may not feel that way. Maybe that's why I keep forgetting to update this site! But April is here and tomorrow (!) is our first Diva gathering of the season. That's right. It's the annual meeting and Meet & Greet.

Join us on Wednesday, April 4, at 7:15 p.m. at Paramount Cycles. The shop is at 1320 Huffman Park Drive, in South Anchorage. If you've been wondering what the Divas are all about, this is a fun way to found out.

We'll talk about the upcoming riding season, have a ride-leader sign-up sheet and have a little something for all members to take home. We will also have membership forms for those who haven't yet renewed or for new members.

Bring your bike helmet so we can check the fit. We'll also have a helmet-decorating station where you can add some flair to your lid. There are sure to be tea and cookies, and I've heard rumors of prizes.

And just in case you're wondering, our new ride schedule is complete, just look under the main heading of this site for the "Fabulous Pages." Then start marking your calendar. See you Wednesday!

Snow Divas

Snow Divas at the Ski for Women: Jo-Ann, Bev, Stacey, Karen, Maggi, Anne, Patti, and Linda

Patti and Stacey - sisters from different mothers?

Bev and Stacey - the first time they don't match?

Thanks to Stacey for the photos from the Ski for Women and the VaMoose!

who is that masked woman?

Gloria in Willow

VaMoose!

 20 BELOW in Willow didn't deter Susan, Stacey, Bonnie, Bev, Gloria, and Lori from riding the VaMoose tour at the Willow Winter Carnival.  Here is Bonnie's report:

"It was pretty cold!  Gloria, Bev and I drove out together and we saw minus 20 I think.  I don't think it got any warmer than minus 10 out there while riding!   When we finished around 4:00 they said it was minus 17!  We had fun though, but didn't ride as far as planned just because of the cold.  We were out riding for over 3 hours though.  Stacey, Lori, and Susan on the other hand rode the whole 20 mile course I think.  They're experienced winter bikers:) "

 

Lori looking warm and ready to take either fork








Stacey and Susan still smiling





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The sun was high enough to cast real shadows!

Susan and Lori cooling off
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They don't even look cold!



always time to ride

Some people have retreated to warmer climes and beaches ... but those of us left behind know that it's always time to ride. The warmer temperatures these last two days just make it even more enjoyable!

If your swimsuit is still buried in a drawer, I hope you're out enjoying all of this great snow on your bike, your skiis, or your feet!

breakin' in the New Year Diva-style

I checked email at 11:00 this morning, thinking that surely someone would call off the ride because it was 10 below at my house and within 5 degrees of that across town. All I saw were 'see you there' messages from last night. So I bundled up and headed to the Abbott Loop trailhead. Margaret, Susan, Lori, and Jo-Ann were there as promised at noon (only one person bailed and I'm not sure that was because of the weather). Later on, we saw several more Divas who were renting bikes as part of a 'meet-up' event. We rode all the usual fun stuff - Baseball Boogie, Speedway, Rover's, Blue Dot, Lynx, and Birch Meadow. I stayed plenty warm trying to keep up with Margaret, Lori, and Susan.

Jo-Ann, Margaret, Susan, and Lori on Speedway.

Rose's mukluk on Speedway. I hope it wasn't too disappointed in my wimpy legs.


Was my visor at that rakish angle during the entire ride? I'm calling it the new fashion statement for Divas in 2012.

Winter clinic scheduled

The cold & snow have finally arrived in Anchorage and with more Divas taking up winter biking it's high time for a winter clinic!

Bring your questions and share what you've learned:
Monday, November 14, at 7:00 pm at Paramount Cycles - 1320 Huffman Park Drive.

We'll talk about:
- studded tires, SnowCat rims and snow bikes
- lighting systems
- clothing - how to keep warm while not overheating
- where to ride
- food and hydration tips
- group ride tips

We'll also discuss organizing winter group rides in town
so that eventually we can experience adventures like this:

Knik Glacier on fatties.

Or this:

Placer River overflow on studs.

Winter opens up so many possibilities. See you there!