Continuing the theme of women’s cycling, a few weeks ago (or was it more like a month??) I had a chance to pot luck with members of the newly-forming Seattle Tailwind. The Seattle Tailwind is a women’s-only team/club with an emphasis on cycling skill development, cross training, social networking, and community volunteerism. Many of the current members are focused on training for and riding the Group Health Bike MS Ride (happening on September 12 & 13).
The Tailwind is led by Sarah Jensen and Rosanna Snyder, both of whom had raced a bit with Starbucks, but are now establishing a club with a women-only focus, and intending to fill what they see as an open niche in the Seattle area cycling scene.
Members of the Seattle Tailwind show off the new jersey.
To give you an idea of Tailwind’s membership, here are some brief profiles:
Brenna Johnson–Tacoma, WA
Brenna enjoys doing triathlons in the summer and skiing in the winter. She is self-employed and works with her mother who is also a member of Seattle Tailwind. Brenna also dedicates a lot of her free time to volunteering.
Brenna enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because she likes meeting like-minded women who have a passion for cycling.
Jessica Emerson–Seattle, WA
Jessica moved to Seattle by way of Wisconsin four years ago and quickly fell in love with the landscape and culture of Seattle. She had always spent time outdoors, but really committed to spending her weekends hiking and backpacking in the Olympics and Cascades. When she is in the city she enjoys reading, entertaining, cycling, running, swimming and spending time with her friends. When Jessica is not playing she raises money for City Year.
Jessica enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because the diversity of skill levels means everyone has an opportunity to learn from one other. She likes the culture of having women riding and meeting their fitness goals together.
Mikal Kelly–Seattle, WA
Mikal enjoys getting outside anytime her schedule permits. She loves pushing her limits in running, biking, and swimming. Being with her French bulldog makes her happy. Mikal also loves pickles, black licorice, and oatmeal cookies.
Mikal enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because everyone has the same expectations and they all understand that they have busy lives. However, each woman is athletic and interested in bettering their abilities. Mikal loves the support, friendship, and passion for a healthy lifestyle.
Jo Morken–Snohomish, WA
Jo has been a passionate cyclist for twenty years. She’s really enjoyed road riding with her husband Rob and friends. She also enjoys hiking and snowshoeing in the Barlow Pass area. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, cooking and bible study. She has been married for 29 years and has 3 grown sons–all single. For the past 10 years Jo has been a wedding coordinator in Everett, she enjoys meeting people.
Jo enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because she gets to ride with her friend Ann (a friend she’s had since they were 13–39 years!). Second, she has two good friends with MS.
Ann Jensen–Snohomish, WA
Ann is a wife and mother of 3 grown children. She rides a lot with her husband on a tandem. Ann thought it would be a good idea and fun to ride with the girls, especially her daughter, Sarah and friend, Jo. Ann’s ride resume includes STP, RSVP, RAMROD, the Wenatchee Century, and is a Randonneur who completed the Paris-Brest-Paris with her husband on their tandem.
Ann enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because she gets to ride with her daughter and club leader Sarah, and good friend, Jo. She is especially interested in riding with women who share the same passion for cycling.
Laurie Matthews–Kirkland, WA
Laurie is a young professional who finds herself working too much, and not finding enough time to train for all the races she’s signed up for.
Laurie enjoys riding with Seattle Tailwind because she enjoys meeting women who enjoy athletic hobbies. Seattle Tailwind motivates her to get involved with the cycling community and stay active.
