Run with Jess: Back to Bike Mode

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Back to Bike Mode

I'm trying to get ahead of myself this week... and think beyond Sunday's marathon. I plan my year of training so that the hard work falls in winter, spring, and fall... leaving the bulk of summer to relax a bit. I stay active, but there's no serious training to stress me out. With the kids out of school, free time is limited. It's treasured time to spend lazy days by the pool and at the park with my family. As the kids have now grown into school age, I'm realizing more how precious each year can be... and how quickly they fly. So... no matter what happens at the Eugene finish line this Sunday, it will be my last full marathon of the year. Don't worry, I'll still be racing a lot of shorter races, but the marathon training just sucks me dry and swallows me whole. I'm done for awhile.

With spring slowly arriving, I'm anxious to get back on the bike. While training for my first triathlon last year, I absolutely fell in love with cycling. I bought a new road bike, and we've lived happily ever after. Well, except for those couple flat tires...

Me and the purple Royal Majesty at her first race!

I initially wanted to tackle a century ride (100 mile bike) this year... Door County Century to be exact. However, it falls on my hubby's work weekend, so those eager plans were quickly laid to rest. I was bumming and on the hunt for a bike event that fit my calling. So when the event coordinators at Venus de Miles contacted me, I was thrilled!! I had heard lengthy stories about this event from my friend Amanda, who rode the inaugural IL ride in 2012.

Venus de Miles is a women's only event, offering the option of a 25 or 61 mile ride. You can be a serious hardcore cyclist, or a recreational biker out for an enjoyable morning ride. The cycling event is hosted in Lake County, just north of Chicago, on Sunday, July 28, 2013. Check your calendar, dust off that bike, and join me for a special bike ride amongst amazing women. I'm going for 61 miles.... how about you?!

Besides a good time with the girls,
here's what's included in the Venus de Miles registration...
→ A Venus de Miles t-shirt (It's a women's race... the shirt is actually neat looking!)
→ A re-energizing, post-ride gourmet lunch
→ Complimentary spa services provided by Tricoci Beauty University (facials, manis, pedis, O-MY!)
→ Complimentary massage services provided by NuVie Skin and Wellness
→ Opportunity to test Trek Women bikes
→ Vendor’s expo with unique gear and treats
→ Beer provided by Goose Island Beer (Say YUM! You had me at beer...)
→ Wine provided by Terlato Wines (Did someone say WINE?!)
→ Cocktails provided by North Shore Distillery
→ Meet several of the Greenhouse Scholars, to whom the race benefits
→ Enjoy gourmet ice cream, provided by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (Hello?! My favorite treat!)
→ A fully supported ride experience complete with medical, mechanical, and over 100 volunteers

Check out this video montage from the 2012 event...