Sturdy Bitch Racing is about racing, about riding with the girls, and about being on our bikes.  But it's a bit bigger than that.  Not only do we want to enjoy our time on the bike, hang out, and get more fit, but we want to give back too. 

We raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund as out primary charity but we have a couple of other things we like to do too.  We love supporting Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and we love all the work they do to keep trails open, maintained, and their work in developing new trails such as Colonnade and Duthie Hill. 

But this weekend was about "The Next Generation".  In 2010, the Washington High School Cycling League was formed.  With the efforts of Lisa Miller and countless others, the league formed, gained some coaches and teams at high schools across Washington, and they put on two races in 2011.  The Washington High School Cycling League was formed to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12. 

We were pleased to have the opportunity to volunteer as course marshalls for race #2.  As course marshalls our job was to make sure the kids crossed the roads safely, to encourage them through the course, and to be there in the event of any injuries.  Other volunteer opportunities included sweeping, timing, registration and more.  Ady, Marie, Virginia, Jenn and I headed out on a beautiful Sunday morning to put in volunteer time as a team.

The race was out at joint base Fort Lewis / McCord south of Tacoma.  We had an opportunity to preride the course before the kids got out on it and it was  blast.  While mostly double track, it had alot of short steep climbs, descents, some good switchbacks too.  Was reminded of Seafair momentarily as a huge jet ramped up it's engines and took off down the runway and then sailed away through the trees above the trails we were riding on.

Shift one was during the girls race.  It was awesome to see the effort and enthusiasm the girls put into their 3 laps.  There was quite a mix - from the die hard XC, "in it to win it" girls, to the "work horse" working my way steadily up, to the "chatty, friendly girls just having fun".  My post was great because I could see them coming, encourage them through the short climb with some positive words, then watch them come around and gather some speed as they started to descend towards the road. 

The races are over for the year but there is lots of opportunity to help with next year.  There are fundraisers to plan, committees to help determine how scholarships will be allocated, and how donations of bikes and gear will be divvied up.  If you're interested in helping out or have something to donate, reach out to the folks running the league.  As the league grows and gets up and running they could certainly use the help and it's a great way to give back to the sport that gives you so much joy.  

So please consider helping with the league with the Washington High School Cycling League or helping build and maintain some of the trails you ride with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.  Both are great organizations keeping mountain biking healthy and growing in the Washington area.  Then, when some asks you, what have you done for the sport lately, you'll be able to proudly let them know that you contributed to the growth of our sport and helping us and local youth enjoy the amazing trails in Washington.

Oh and volunteer as a course marshall and you too will get to wear one of those awesome orange vests - one size fits all, I think not. 

Looking forward to seeing you on the trails soon Bitches!!