Women on Wheels
Wheel Life column - 20 March, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Carol Tickner did not expect to finish first when she wheeled her oversized bike to the start line downtown at last year's Bastion Square Grand Prix.

Winning the novice women's race was not why Carol took the "Women on Wheels" (WOW) group cycling class that prepared her and 45 other women for the Grand Prix last May. The affable nutritionist said she took the class because she needed more motivation to cycle. "The coaches made it easy for us, and we were all at the same level. It was not high pressure. Racing was made to be fun."

A dedicated triathlete, she participated in at least four triathlon races in 1998, and plans to do the same this year. She trains with the triathlon club, Team West Coast, and cycles regularly with group training rides and on her own.

Over half the WOW graduates participated in the novice race last spring. The courses have expanded this year, based on last year's success. In addition to both beginner and advanced WOW courses, there are now classes for mountain bikers and male racers. The classes are a partnership between the Commonwealth Centre for Sport Development (CCSD), the Victoria International Bicycle Race Society, and the YM-YWCA of Victoria.

CCSD National Cycling Centre Assistant Coach, Steve Lund, developed the program lesson plans and supervises the seasoned cyclists and local racers who do the coaching. Maureen Kelly and Sarah Williams, experienced coaches from last years WOW class, will lead on- and off-road classes for women.

Sam Whittingham, who broke 7 Guinness Book of World Records for fastest non-motorized vehicle last summer, coaches men's road courses, as does road and track racer, Charles Durrant. More coaches will be added as needed to maintain a 6:1 rider to coach ratio.

WOW 2, which runs on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. from the downtown YM-YWCA, April 6 to May 25, offers supervised training for last year's WOW grads and other women with group road-riding skills. Graduates of this eight week class will be prepared for the category 4 women's race at Bastion Square on May 30. The $92 course fee includes a custom rain jacket.

Newcomers to road racing can register for WOW 1 (Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. or Sundays, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., April 4 to May 26. $92 fee includes a racing jersey) or Learn to Race for Men (Monday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 5 to May 24. $65). Both courses run from the downtown Y and offer ideal preparation for the novice category men's and women's races at Bastion Square.

The Cycling Talent ID and Information Session on Wednesday, March 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Y ($16) offers a chance to sample course content, ask questions, and test your mettle on the national cycling team's Computrainer. BYOB (bring your own bike).

There's no better way to see the Grand Prix May 30 than from the manager's seat. The Road Racing Officials Course teaches how to help senior road race officials, with practical experience at Bastion Square. The course runs Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 6 to May 25. The $90 fee includes a nifty official's polo shirt.

Those who prefer wilderness to roads can try Women on Wheels - Mountain Bike or Mountain Bike Skills for Men. Both are skills-based courses taught at the Hartland Mountain Bike Park, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mondays for women and Thursdays for men, April through May, for $65.

All road riding classroom sessions are held at the downtown YM-YWCA at 880 Broughton Street. Group road rides start and end at the downtown facility, which has lockers and showers. Call 386-7511 to register. For more information, call Program Coordinator, Sarah Williams, at 480-7272, or e-mail her sarahwil@islandnet.com.