WMBA of Colorado Springs

How Could Colorado Springs Rock?

How could Colorado Springs Rock? Really? Really!

I’m sure you’ve already answered this question hundreds of times. If only… if only the Springs had an ocean… if only the Springs had a real live music venue… if only C.Springs was more sustainable… if only there was more funding for schools… if only…

Well folks now you have a soap box to voice those wishes, dreams, and/or desires. In fact, it has been there for the past year. Check it out — icoloradosprings.

If you ask me WMBAofCOS adds a sense of community, educational opportunity, and personal growth for individuals. The WMBAofCOS provides Colorado Springs with what it needs to get a little closer to rockin’ status. However, we would all agree that The Springs needs a little more help. So here’s your chance to be part of the solution.

The purposes of the “How could Colorado Springs rock?” postcard campaign are to elevate the voices of the community, share great ideas, and inspire people to act. The postcards are intended to be catalysts for creativity, dialogue, passion, and leadership.

Here’s what you can do —

#1

Submit a postcard that describes your ideas on how to build a vibrant city center, one that elicits pride and passion. After you see the other postcards, make your or someone else’s idea a reality. Let them know what happens… (see web site for location of post cards)

#2

Join icoloradosprings at COPPeR (121 Tejon St. Suite 111 — Plaza of the Rockies) on Friday, February 5 from 6 to 9 pm.

See the postcards (including the postcards you’ve never seen!), make a postcard, have a drink, eat some food.

When: Friday, February 5, 6 – 9 pm
Where: COPPeR (Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region) 121 S Tejon St. Suite 111 (Plaza of the Rockies) the door to COPPeR is on the south west corner of the building, next to the Nosh patio
(For more info go to http://www.peakradar.com/event/detail/39395)

Why did I write this post?

I want you to love Colorado Springs as much as I do, but I also want you to reflect on what you want and need from the community you live in. I also believe the WMBAofCOS is a viable organization in this community with intelligent and engaged members who I want to see participate with those around them. Over the years I’ve started to realize our biking community is closely intertwined with our art community, so lets make that connection stronger. Finally, I look forward to seeing the faces of those I love to see in the summer at COPPeR this Friday!

Colorado Springs Young Professionals

Congratulations to CSYP for their 6th year anniversary. Considered the “Best Networking Group in Colorado Springs” in 2009 by the Colorado Springs Business Journal, CSYP provides an opportunity for young professionals to grow their roots both professionally and personally.

In an effort to reach professional women in our community who are interested in mountain biking we will help the CSYP celebrate their anniversary by joining them at Copperhead Road from 6-8 this Thursday. Come join us.

CSYP 6 Year Anniversary Celebration!
Thursday, January 28th
Copperhead Road
3330 N. Academy (Just south of Austin Bluffs Road)
6pm-8pm

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

The WMBA will host an evening event at Synergy to enlighten us on such issues as:

• Basic Anatomy explanation in reference to cyclists
• Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) with live demonstration on a volunteer
• $5 TDN treatment for those who attend the presentation
• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) will assess any weak areas of the body
• Cycling specific stretching techniques such as IT Band, shoulders and other areas
• Information about crashing and the effect on your body

There is no charge for this event and WMBA will provide light appetizers and beverages for the evening.  WMBA Members will receive $45 visits at Synergy, including initial evaluation!  So, remember to fill out a membership form for 2010 or renew your membership with us before or after the event.  You must R.S.V.P. with info@wmbacos.org.

Here’s the skinny…. (Don’t forget to RSVP)

Pain? Pain? Pain?

Why does something that fills our souls with joy, challenges us to reach for the edge, and simply completes us give some of us so much pain? Here to answer this and other questions are Kelly Haddock and Kelli Crosby, Physical Therapists at Synergy Manual Physical Therapy.

The WMBA will host an evening event at Synergy to enlighten us on such issues as:

• Basic Anatomy explanation in reference to cyclists
• Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) with live demonstration on a volunteer
• $5 TDN treatment for those who attend the presentation
• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) will assess any weak areas of the body
• Cycling specific stretching techniques such as IT Band, shoulders and other areas
• Information about crashing and the effect on your body

There is no charge for this event and WMBA will provide light appetizers and beverages for the evening.  WMBA Members will receive $45 visits at Synergy, including initial evaluation!  So, remember to fill out a membership form for 2010 or renew your membership with us before or after the event.  You must R.S.V.P. with info@wmbacos.org.

Here’s the skinny…. (Don’t forget to RSVP)

NEW YEAR!!!!! “Eat like a bird, poop like an elephant.”

As the holiday season comes to a close, many of us assess the past year and set intentions for the year to come. Some people are even bold enough to make resolutions; however, I can never narrow my focus, thus I am not one of those people. I do believe in revisiting my approach to life by exploring my strengths and weaknesses and identifying how I can improve my relationship with the world around me.

A couple of weeks ago, a few of us went to a presentation given by Sharon McDowell-Larson on nutrition and sustainability titled: Eating Low on the Food Chain: Why it is good for your health, the planet, and your waistline. Since then I’ve been a little more aware of what I am putting in my body for fuel.

Sharon focused on the health aspects and the impact diet has on the world around us,  mentioning that our world today has a weird dynamic in that we have access to a wide variety of food due to a little thing called globalization, but that we live in a toxic food environment. She stated that we should optimize our nutrient intake relative to the calories we consume focusing on nutrient dense foods (nutrients per calories) such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts. In fact we should be feeding our bodies 8 or 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One of the many shocking facts she shared was that 100 calories of romaine has more protein than 100 calories of steak. As a person who focuses on protein intake for recovery purposes, I was relieved that I don’t have to rely only on animal products or beans… there is a wide variety of options. Here is a chart to help you identify foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories:

http://www.eatrightamerica.com/home

You may notice that the typical American diet consists of those foods from the right hand column, while we should be choosing foods from the left. Needless to say we have a lot of work to do.

Get a load of this tidbit — we should be eating so much nutrient rich foods that we are pooping like elephants every day! I don’t know about you, but I have some eating to do.

To jump start setting your nutrition intentions for the next year, check out the Nutrition Program at Core Power Yoga. The program includes a 3 day intensive and follow up seminars to give you the tools to make better choices on your daily nutrition decisions including what, when and how much to eat, energy levels and overall emotional and physical health. It is amazing to talk to someone who went through the program or read the testimonies.

For those of us who need more information or more research-based proof Sharon also shared a couple of titles that will help:

Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective

The China Study

Skinny Bitch (for males: Skinny Bastard)

Eat to Live

Disease Proof Your Kids

Healthy at 100

The Cancer Survivors Handbook

The Food Revolution

Holiday Gift Ideas

I feel bombarded with advertisements for “great deals” and the “latest toy.” ‘Tis the season, right? All year long I know exactly what to get my friends and family for the holiday, but when time comes to perform I freeze. I wasn’t smart enough to write down my ideas and now I am left with… nothing. In the weeks leading up to the great gift exchange, I hastily ask my loved ones what they want or might be interested in. Unfortunately, my older family members don’t produce lists and express they “don’t need” anything or maybe they just feel selfish asking. I start to wish we could go back to the day of creating a list that sees at least eight revisions between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Oh, how easy it would be to simply look at a list, log on to the computer, make a couple of clicks, and pow! At least my nieces provide lengthily lists of requests that each family member works quickly to lay dibs on. However, I was somewhat late in “choosing” which item I wanted to be responsible for and now I am stuck with the toys on the costly side of the spectrum. Instead of lava lamps, stuffed animals that they can “play” with virtually online with a special code, or costume jewelry I am stuck with finding an affordable chemistry set or Molly the American Girl Doll.  I might have to take out a consumer loan this season.

With 10 days left I am still pondering what to get many people in my life. I have yet to reach the point of night sweats or heavy drinking, but I am feeling the pressure. As the stress builds over the next few days I will identify people on my list who I can’t think of anything material for and seek other options. Assuming they have a giving heart and value philanthropy I will consider the following options;

World Bicycle Relief Pledge Drive

This organization is having an end of the year pledge drive. An anonymous donor will match – dollar for dollar – any contribution received through December 31^st of this year. In the past, WBR supporters have helped rewrite the future for thousands of individuals. Just $134 will buy one bike that empowers a student’s future. Give a gift of a bike in honor of someone close to you.

Heifer.org: Bringing an End to World Hunger Through Unimaginable Blessings

Give a man a fist and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Chinese Proverb

Today, millions of people who were once hungry will be nourished by milk, eggs, and fresh vegetables as a result to Heifer.org’s solution to end global hunger. Heifer’s proven approach is helping people obtain a sustainable source of food and income through focusing on agroecology, animal well-being, gender equality, HIV-AIDS, microenterprise, urban agriculture, and a young people’s initiative.

Check out the charitable gift section to help Heifer provide animals and training to help families build a better future for themselves and their communities. It only takes $20 to buy a flock of chicks for a family to raise for food and money.

Gift giving isn’t about material objects a person needs or even wants. A new approach to an old problem is to give something the recipient doesn’t regularly spend their own money on and is somewhat of a luxury. Today, donating is even more of a luxury as wallets are tight and dollars are fewer and farther between. I encourage you to explore the links above, but watch out!!!! You might find new meaning to life.

Busy Weekend for Cyclists in COS

Considering it’s the holiday season and it’s cold as snot, I can’t believe there is so much to do if you’re a cyclist in Colorado Springs. Here is the fun down;

Friday December 11th

Synergy’s Grand Opening!

One of our 2010 team sponsors,Synergy Manual Physical Therapy, is having an open house event on Friday from 3 to 7. The facilities will be open for tours and questions. Not only is this a great opportunity to view the location, but it also benefits Kids on Bikes! For a donation of $10 there will be a free wine tasting, food, and beer. Join us in welcoming Synergy and supporting Kids on Bikes.

Synergy Manual Physical Therapy

600 South 21st Street, Suite 130 (old Van Briggle building)

Saturday December 12th

Wheels of Change

The local organization, Wheels Of Change, is sponsoring a Clothing Drive for the Homeless at Trinity Brewing Company on Saturday, December 12 starting at 7 pm. Please join us for food, brews and friends in this chilly winter weather. Bring

some warm gloves, hats, sweaters, jackets or even canned food to donate

for the homeless in Colorado Springs. After collecting donations,

Wheels of Change will distribute items to people in need in our own

community. Did you know that there are over 200 homeless tents in the

Springs now? Whole families, including children, are living along

Fountain Creek! Let’s show them we care. People are only invisible if

we make them so. Come hang out for a good cause.

Halloween Party and Costume Criterium at Trinity

WMBA will be hosting a Halloween Costume Criterium Race at Trinity Brewing Company on October 31st. Registration begins at 3:30pm and race starts at 4pm. Festivities include a just-for-fun criterium race featuring an obstacle course, costumes, and bikes of any kind. Participate as a solo racer or in a team, costumes mandatory. Teams can include up to 4 members but must compete using a bike relay at the start/finish line (each member has to race on the same bike). After the race, we’ll be moving inside the Brewery for the awards. Awards will be held for top three Costume Crit winners, best costume, scariest costume, and best couples costume. Prizes will include donations from SRAM/Rock Shox and other local businesses. Trinity will be donating a keg of their delicious Awaken Stout. All proceeds go directly to WMBA and Sunna Racing Team. Join us for an evening of spooky fun!

October Information

We’re still working on a Fall newsletter as we finalize events and news for October. Group rides for the winter have been put on hold while we work on getting sponsorships, race applications, and non-profit paperwork finished. Please contact us at info@wmbacos.org if you or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring the 2010 Racing Team.

There is some important information we’d like to pass onto you before the newsletter.

2010 Race Calendar

The 2010 About The Shot Photography Calendar is ready to order!  Follow this link to preview (click on the calendar to enlarge) and to order.  Order deadline is October 8th and calendars will be available for pick up at the October 17th race in Palmer Park.  For questions, mailing availability, and wholesale orders of five or more calendars, call About The Shot at 719-359-9545.
Using photographs from the 2009 races, this very limited edition calendar features our teams from Ascent Cycling, Pro Cycling, the Carmichael Training Systems riders, the new Sunna Women’s Team (September), Cruiser Eddie Miller and more!

Fall Classic MTB Race at Palmer Park

The final 2009 Colorado mountain bike race is almost here!  The October 17th Carmichael Training Systems Fall Classic to be held in Palmer Park has been receiving entries for weeks!  This Colorado Springs City Park has not been raced in for at least 15 years and Sand Creek Sports is bringing it back!   
The course is in the Northeast portion of the Park and will measure about 2.5 miles per lap.  Complete race and entry information is available on the Sand Creek Sports web site at www.sandcreeksports.com   Everyone rides in Palmer Park, so, now race it, too!  Get your bikes ready….again!!

Wednesday, Sept 30 Wine Tasting Event

Join us for a wine tasting fundraiser next Wednesday, September 30 at a great little winery called D’Vine Wine in Manitou Springs. Located in the historic spa building, D’Vine Wine imports the highest quality grapes and handcrafts, blends and ferments all wines on site. During the course of the evening, WMBA will be revealing our custom wine labels featuring the new WMBA artwork available on your selection of wine.

Tickets for the tasting will be sold in advance for $30 a person. Your purchase will send donation money directly to WMBA! This fun event is open to anyone, so share information with friends and co-workers.

From 6:30pm to 8:00, you will taste three whites and three reds paired with delectable chocolates, exotic cheeses, and spreads.

Tickets must be purchased or reserved by this Monday, Sept. 28 (we extended the deadline). Contact us through info@wmbacos.org where we can arrange ticket purchase.

Thank you for helping us fulfill our mission in our first season as the WMBA of COS. We’re looking forward to a tasty event and a great 2010!