Team Revolution Blog + Events

The elite race team (minus Julie) gathered in Chattanooga, TN this weekend to seize an early-season opportunity to train together. I’ve been sitting here, on the couch, curled up with the computer in attempts to describe the experience for you but am having trouble doing it justice.

Throwing together the weekend turned a bit hectic the week prior. There were agendas to be made. Cabins to be reserved. Food to buy. Lots of back and forth via email to ensure the details were down. Cars packed. And repacked. Things forgotten and turned back for. And finally hitting the road. In the whirlwind of it all, I never had a chance to consider what the weekend would mean to the team. Collectively and as individuals.

Driving the follow-car afforded me the opportunity to witness some incredible moments. But I was only the spectator. An active spectator who followed closely, cheered loudly, handed out bottles and shot a bunch of photos but a spectator none the less. And as the spectator, I feel inadequately qualified to be the reporter here.

Chris completed her first century ride on Saturday. Correction, Chris did not complete the century ride. She conquered it. Post-ride, as we headed back to the cabin, I caught a glimpse of her in the rearview mirror – her eyes filled with tears. I can only assume she was overwhelmed with her accomplishment. And that’s not mine to assume. She should share her experience with you herself.

Bri came down to Tennessee last weekend to do the 3-state, 3-mountain challenge on Saturday and followed it up with a 75-mile out-and-back on Sunday. 6 days later, she was back to do both rides again. AGAIN. This time with her teammates. I passed her in my car as she ascended Lookout Mountain, the final significant climb of the first day, and made it to the top just in time to see her crest over the summit. Head down and teeth gritted, she displayed a quiet strength that humbled me. Later she told me, “There’s nothing I have to ride during the season that’s as hard as this. It’s such a confidence builder.” I want her to tell you.

Katie’s climbing and descending skills were on full display during Sunday’s ride. She made rollers look effortless and chose the best line for each twisty, turny descent. My car couldn’t quite keep up with her around particularly tight bends. And there was never any fanfare about it. She simply got it done. Climb. Descend. Repeat. She should tell you how that felt.

Carrie had around 90 miles in her legs when she went for her first city limits sign sprint on Sunday. Around 95 miles in her legs when she went for the second sign. There was a third sign before Sunday’s first big climb. She jumped and handily held off the group. I stopped counting after she sprinted a fifth time during Sunday’s first 25 miles. She likely kept count – and knows which sprints she won and which sprints where close. Which sprints she’ll draw from when she barrels down the final straightaway towards the finish line this race season. She can tell you all about them.

Louise, like the rest of the crew, tackled the five mountains this weekend. On Saturday, she rode up Suck Creek, Sand and then Lookout. On Sunday, an out-and-back had everyone riding up both sides of Suck Creek. After the final climb (and final descent), we all regrouped before heading back into town. Louise had a huge grin on her face as she rode up to us. “What’s up?” I asked her. “That,” she said. “That was my favorite climb. I loved it.” I thought perhaps her British accent masked her sarcasm. “Seriously?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “Seriously.” Still grinning. And I couldn’t help but grin back. I want her to spread this joy to you.

This is what I observed but this is what THEY experienced. And I want them to tell you all about it. So, ladies, blog away….the internet is anxiously awaiting your stories.

And while I can’t tell you what Chris, Carrie, Bri, Louise and Katie took away from their 10+ hours spent riding in the mountains this weekend, I can tell you my take-away with absolute confidence. Your elite race team is on fire – and this is going to be one hell of a season.

Rev on.