Hall of Fame – Tara Whitten!
On October 29, former Velocity Cycling Club member Tara Whitten will be inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame!
Long time members will remember that Tara began her cycling journey as a member of Velocity. Tara was a good competitive cross-country skier for 13 years. But she found true athletic greatness when switching to road and track cycling. Tara became World Champion in both the track Omnium (2010 and 2011) and Points Race (2010). I remember racing against Tara in a Points Race here at Argyll, before she upgraded to the national and international levels. The two of us were battling it out for mostly 3rd and 4th place points, forcing us both to learn how to safely “throw” a track bike across the line – it ain’t easy on a fixed gear!
Along with her World Championships, Tara won four medals (one gold and three bronze) at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where she was named Canada’s flag bearer for the Closing Ceremonies. In the 2012 London Olympics, Tara won bronze with her teammates in the Team Pursuit.
As we look forward to our new indoor velodrome, looking on-schedule to open in 2025, Edmonton could become home to more track cycling world champions and hall-of-famers in the not too distant future!
Saturday ReconciliACTION Ride
I’m keeping an eye on the weather forecast this Saturday. As the daytime temperature is expected to be only 7-8°, I’ve pushed the start time to 10am now. If it becomes both cold and wet (rain and snow is in the forecast too) then the ride will either be shortened or become a Walk for Wenjack in the downtown St. Albert to Mission Hill area.
I’ll be using the sign-up list of emails to communicate any last-minute changes with everyone planning to ride. Visit the event page for all the route details and to sign-up yourself:
Outdoor Season-Ending Social
The club will hold an outdoor event on Saturday, October 29, at 12:30pm in a suitable area of Hawrelak Park. Watch for more details this coming week including a sign-up form. You’ll need to order your lunch with us: $5/person and $10/family.
Annual General Meeting
The 2022 Velocity Cycling Club AGM will be a virtual meeting on November 28 at 7:00 pm. More details to follow including agenda and positions to be filled.
Sunday Rule V Ride
Depending how the weather pans out, there may or may not be anyone out for the Rule V ride on Sunday. But remember, Rule V = HTFU
The Rule V Ride meets 10am at The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert.
2023 Penticton Riding Camp
Start blocking your time off work to join us next April and get a proper start to your riding season! We’ll be planning to ride the week of April 22 to the 30th. More details will be coming, but get your work holiday requests in now!