Learn to go long and ride strong at the

2009 Summer Cycling Series for Women

presented by Title Nine Portland and Sorella Forte

This series of six sessions spanning three weeks in July is targeted to female cyclists fairly new to the sport who are ready to take cycling beyond a casual pastime and discover a new world of fitness and fun.

The Summer Cycling Series will include off-bike discussions and group rides led by the experienced riders of Sorella Forte. Discussion topics will include commuting by bike, equipment and safety, group-riding dynamics, training, bike-handling skills and touch on aspects of bike racing. This will be an all-women series and is open to women aged 14 and up (minors will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver).

Schedule

Thursday July 9th, Cycling Talk, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Title Nine in the Pearl District. After wrapping up registrations, we'll get right to it with discussions on cycling equipment, safety issues and group ride do's and don'ts. No bikes needed tonight. Q&A at the end. Munchies provided.

Sunday July 12th City Ride, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This group ride will start at T9 and traverse the city to Mt. Tabor and back. We’ll use bike “avenues” and other preferred bike routes for inner-city travel popular with commuters.

Thursday July 16th, Cycling Talk, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We meet again at T9, no bikes needed. We'll expand on group-ride dynamics, cover commuting issues, learn to change a tire and make mention of Portland's bike clubs. We'll also shed some light on the amateur bike racing scene for those of you seeking the thrill of competition. Q&A to follow.

Sunday July 19th, Country Ride, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Group ride from T9 out to Sauvie Island for a loop, and back. We'll put into practice our group riding skills (including pacelines) and the inevitable flat tire change.

Thursday July 22nd, Trainer Session, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Indoor Trainer Session at LO FITT in Lake Oswego. Participants can use the facility’s spin bikes or their own bikes with stationary trainers. Sorella Forte's Anne Linton will lead the group through a great workout while teaching pedalling techniques and covering training basics for going long and riding strong. Hammer Nutrition representative Jeff Tedder will also there to talk about on-bike fueling and post-ride recovery. Q&A to follow.

Sunday July 26th, Group Ride, 9 a.m to 11 a.m. Final group ride. Route and starting location TBA.

The following Sunday, August 2nd, is Portland's Hottest Day of the Year Ride. We hope each of you will accept the challenge to ride in this event (or one similar). It's organized rides like this (and racing!) that motivate us to train and reward us with amazing experiences by bike.

Cost

Just $95 for the 6-session series, but only if you pre-register by Monday, July 6th. We'll accept last minute registrations on Thursday July 9th if space allows, but a $10 late fee will apply.

Equipment

You will need your own bike to participate in the ride portions of this series, preferably a drop-bar style road bike. If you have a question about your bike, please ASK! Better to know now if your bike is not suitable. Send an email to kim@sorellaforte.com. If your bike has been collecting dust for many moons, please consider having it tuned up at your local bike shop first. Helmets are required on all rides. We'll discuss other equipment recommendations at our first meeting.

Registration

The Summer Cycling Series is limited to 20 participants — so sign up early! Call Title Nine at 503-243-2220 to enroll.

Title Nine is located at 1335 NW Kearney St, Portland, OR 97209-2712

Questions?

Contact Kim Reuter at kim@sorellaforte.com

We look forward to riding with you.

— Sorella Forte and T9