Home Team Camp
Writing to you from heaven, Alabama. Oxford actually, but wow, this sunshine and warmth is a welcome change from the cold and snow of Southern Ontario. Going back in time a little bit, I promise I will update on our current trip soon...but first, a little bit about our inaugural team camp last weekend.
The final weekend in March, myself and the rest of my Rise Racing teammates held a team planning and training camp, with home base at the Dickson-West house in Dundas. Friday night started out with an exciting and successful fundraiser held at Detour Coffee Roastery in Burlington. For those who don't know, our team is partnering with Detour Coffee Company, a local roastery and cafe in Southern Ontario. Detour generously donated their roastery space to host our event, and even provided complementary caffeinated (and decaffeinated) beverages.
The night consisted of wine, provided by Konzelmann Estate Wineries (huge thank you to Norm Curran!), and LagerShed beer, tons of great food and baking, including the ultimate brownies made by Detour owner, Crystal. We also had a large silent auction with amazing items donated by tons of local friends, businesses, former and current cyclists!
From a vitamix, to Garmin, to homemade cake by Carrie Cartmill, there was definitely something for everyone. 
The evening continued with a presentation of the team; Carrie Cartmill, Ashley Barson, Joyce Spruyt, Jamie Gilgen, Karlee Gendron and our junior riders Ruby West and Kassandra Kriarakis. Sadly Kassandra couldn't make it, but she had a legitimate excuse, crushing at junior track nationals! Huge thank you to everyone who helped us out with this fundraiser, there are way too many to even begin to mention names. We are so grateful for the huge amount of support we received from the Burlington, Dundas and Hamilton community! Excited to be able to share our training and racing stories with all of you this year!
Day 2 of camp started with a fun morning with Andrew MacMillan, learning all about Smith products, followed by a coffee brewing and tasting back at the Detour Roastery. Detour set the team up with a travel brewing kit and monthly shipments of beans to keep us caffeinated throughout the season!
Team ride and dinner rounded out day two!
Sunday, we all rode to the Milton velodrome to watch Ruby and Kassandra race the Madison. If you have never watched a Madison event, youtube it NOW. This has got to be the most technical track race there is, but don't these Jakroo skin suits look sharp?!
Next up the Sunny King Crit, and Fort MacLellan Road Race in Anniston Alabama. Stay tuned!!