Women On Wheels - Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Recap |
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The day we had anticipated and planned and planned for finally arrived. As predicted it was a toasty Sonoma County fall day. A multitude of dedicated volunteers were fanning out across many locations, some starting as early as 4:00am brewing coffee, to set the stage for the second edition of Women on Wheels bicycle ride. Meanwhile at The Venue at the Barlow riders who had not picked up their registration packets and merchandise on Friday evening were lining up. While discussing the routes and their day ahead riders enjoyed fruit, fresh baked coffee cakes, hot coffee, and juice. Yoga stretching provide by Nora of Revolution Yoga was popular and helped to loosen up those joints before jumping on the bikes. It was fun to interact with the riders and hear their stories. Several were repeats from two years prior. 230 riders took to the roads following one of three different routes, 10, 34 or 56 miles. Little did any of them know what was waiting ahead. As riders rolled into Freestone they were greeted by Jan & Don Billing's rest stop team who provided yummy fruit-granola-yogurt parfaits. Later in Graton, Steve and Jessie Kroeck’s rest stop crew had fresh baked cookies, always a treat! Not to be out done, Cindy and Mike Dawson’s rest stop team were serving fruit smoothies. Certainly popular on a hot day! All of the above, along with the standard rest stop fare of, fresh fruit, peanut butter sandwiches seasoned roasted potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and an assortment of packaged goodies, were available. Everyone found something to their liking. Along the way there was also a hydration stop staffed by Brad Valentine, a welcome respite on a warm day. Bike Buddies: Adie & Anne guided a family along the short route. Meanwhile back at the venue, a not so small army of dedicated volunteers were busy preparing lunch for the riders. What’s for lunch you ask? Well, club member Matt Parks and Cints Simon had assembled an assortment of dishes. Riders enjoyed grilled dry-rub chicken, stir-fry veggies and tofu, rice, chilled pasta and green salads, fresh sourdough rolls and an assortment of cold drinks. All of it delicious and no one went home hungry! But wait, there’s more! Jen Benedetti and her team of cheerful volunteers were serving ice cream sundaes and root beer floats. What a way to wrap up a ride! Mingling with the riders, it was apparent all had a wonderful day of cycling in the wine country. They had fun stories to share and compliments all around to the volunteers they encountered throughout the day. Some folks knew of our reputation having participated in the WCC many times and others were quite literally WOWED! (Sorry, pun intended!) Many indicated that they were already looking forward to next year. The months and weeks leading up to the ride were busy ones for several folks. Angela and David Levinger designed our beautiful jersey and t-shirt. Bridgette Martinez supplied the routes. Lynn Valentine wrangled volunteers. Karl Karchigan took on the task of rider registration. Loie Sauer took on merchandise sales and organized Velo Meds. Steve Saxe provided advertisement and communication skills. Jeff Simpson marked the course. Al Clark assembled course hosts. Don and Doug kept the warehouse crew running smoothly. Of course, none of these were a one-person show. Well over 100 volunteers have come out to lend a hand before, during and after the event. This event would not have been possible without their support! Revel Cycles in Sebastopol were a huge help throughout the process supporting riders and SRCC. If you haven’t been to their shop, stop in sometime and say hello to Dan and Dominic. (They are across from Sarmentine Bakery in the Barlow) Mechanic services were provided by Revel Cycle, Breakaway Bikes and Ben Coelho-Kostolny. Jay Tomas’s fleet of wonderful SAG’s provided the on road support. On road communication was provided by Mark Bradley and his crew from Sonoma County Radio Amateurs. It was reported that there were no accidents or incidents and only a couple of minor mechanicals. Rest/hydration stop locations were donated by Gold Ridge Fire District, Piner Olivet School District, Graton Community Services and Erica Weston. This Recap Report provided by: Ramona |
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Your 2026 All-Star Women on Wheels Volunteers!
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