Raise The Road

Category 4

"I had a great experience racing at the WMRRC. I had never raced in a road race that was not collegiate and I was kind of nervous to be competing in such a large field, but once I began the race I realized there really wasn't anything to be nervous about. Everyone was friendly and supportive, and it was awesome to be a part of an event that encourages women cyclists to go out there and race."

Category 3

"Driving through the cornfields on the way to the race, I was a little intimidated by the talented women from all over the Midwest I was about to ride with. But once we started rolling, I had so much fun, even when I was sprinting through gravel trying to stay with the pack!"

Category 3

Category 2

"The WMRRC was the longest road race I have done and with combined 20 miles of gravel, it definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. At one point when we were pushing a fast paceline IN THE GRAVEL, I was like "I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE PACELINING IN THE GRAVEL!!!!" It was awesome."

Category 1 and creator of WMRRC

"I was so ecstatic to see over 100 women out racing together at the 2nd annual #wmrrc. Long live #womenscycling and the #wmrrc!"

Category 4

If someone told you they were curious about racing but weren't sure if they could do it, what would you say?

"Do it! But make sure you know a person or two doing it, they'll help you get through."

What were you thinking as you crossed the finish line?

"How the heck do I stop? Where am I going? Thank god I made it."

Category 4

"Today we made history. Illinois hosted the 2nd ever Women's Midwest Road Race Championship. 50 women showed up to race in my category. We handled the start and high speeds in beautiful form. It was my first road race ever. While I race CX and gravel I wasn't afraid of a little gravel on the course but the rest was a huge unknown. I met my goal of racing in a pack, not crashing or flatting. The organics of the the race happened and I ended in a glorified time trial. I'm very proud that I was part of this day."

Midwest Road Race Champion—Masters 35-39

Category 4

Category 3

"Thanks to CWEC and volunteers for allowing me to jump back in road cycling in a safe, well executed, woman-friendly environment! Calling it now: Snack Pack Handlebar Bags are going to be the next big thing. You saw it here first."

Category 4

Category 2

Midwest Road Race Champion 60+

"I have been competing in cycling, duathlons, triathlons, running and cyclocross races since the late 70's and I find it hard to remember more delightful races. I found out about the race a week before and was hesitant to compete since the only had a 60+ category for "older" women. Maria understood my concerns and agree to offer a place for 75+ women. The race was incredibly well planned and organized, from registration to awards. The rolling course was challenging due to the wind and gravel sections but I was able to enjoy every minute (well almost all) of the day of racing. It was great to see the men manning the water and feeding stations, and the race course. To cape it all, the podium ceremony included medals and champagne, a champion jersey for the winners, and professional photos not just for the pros. Everything started on time. Maria and her staff run every step of the race efficiently and in the most pleasant and cheerful manner. In summary, it wastruly wonderful day of women's racing."

Category 4

Category 4

Category 2

Midwest Road Race Champion— Masters 50-59

"The overall event was awesome - from the 4th of July Leland Parade/course recon ride to the podium, with the so-many generous volunteers, supportive officials, and fellow racers of all ages!  And I love the portrait photos - especially the one with all my PSIMET teammates.

I was fortunate to have been at the inaugural WMRRC event in Ohio - as a spectator and CWEC supporter. With the championship coming to IL, I knew I wanted to race instead of watch. And when I saw the jersey design, with it's CWEC blue, Chicago Flag, and other details, I knew I wanted to put it a solid effort to get one.

It was fantastic to line up with so many competitors in and around my age group. I was anxious not knowing their abilities - or mine for that matter. My pre-race plan was to be patient until the last lap. Well, that was the plan, but reality is that on the 1st lap heading into the 1st gravel stretch, I went to the front and tried to go hard. Coming out of the 2nd gravel section, four of us had a gap, so we quickly started working together to make it stick. Great teamwork! On the 2nd lap, we lost one of our "team" to a flat in the 2nd gravel section. The three of us remaining continued on to take the win for each of our respective age groups. Great - but oh-so-painful fun.

A couple highlights were cheering for Kristen Hosey's youngest daughter as we passed her on the road and listening to Kristen ask her other daughter, who was standing on the sidewalk as we came through to begin our final lap of the race, how her race was. Those young ladies each won their respective races, too!

I am looking forward to next year - wherever it may be - and hoping to race with these ladies again and have a few more join us."

Midwest Road Race Champion— Juniors 9-10

Category 4

Category 2

Midwest Road Race Champion— Category 4

Category 1

Category 1/2 Midwest Road Race Champion

Category 4— First Road Race Ever!

Category 3

Category 4

"The moments of learning and teamwork leading up to and during the race were really memorable for me. As this was my first race, more experienced racers provided tips, suggestions and encouragement. I really took away some good, supportive vibes from the whole experience!"

Category 2

17-18 Midwest Road Race Champion

"I had a fantastic day at the WMRRC, despite how challenging it was. It was definitely the longest race I'd ever done, and the only one with gravel. Racing with the masters with a nice change of pace from junior only races, since they were all so experienced and great racers. I'm glad I got to come away from the day with a commemorative corn bouquet- it wouldn't have been nearly as fulfilling with out it."

Category 4

Category 4

Category 4

Category 3

Midwest Road Race Champion— Juniors (15-16)

Category 2

Category 2

Category 4

Category 4

Category 2

"Racing my bike on a beautiful day surrounded by wonderful people at a perfectly executed event—heavenly!"

Category 4

Midwest Road Race Champion Masters 40-49

"Was inspired by the speed and steadiness of all the riders on the gravel sections.  Felt amazing to be out there racing with 40+ women!"

Category 4

"I ultimately signed up not because I wanted to compete, but because as a women only race, this was important to my community. While I may not be a competitive cyclist, a number of my friends are and I had no valid reasons not to support them."

Race Report: http://tinyfixbikegang.com/racing-against-myself/

Category 4

Midwest Road Race Champion Masters 30-39

"[WMRRC] was very special to me and Bernie. Thank you to all who helped this girl get to and through the line—Aubrey (racing age 10) never thought of herself as an athlete. She never thought she could be like her older sister and she worried about it a lot. By providing all those categories and support, she was able to win a jersey and have a title. How many people can say that for their first race?"

Midwest Road Race Champion— Juniors 11-14

"Although I've been a cyclist of one sort or another since age 5, and have raced and done different types of bike events, this was my first road race. I really appreciated this race having a women's master's field, and I wish other races did too. The course was beautiful and challenging, and the camaraderie on the bike and off made it a wonderful experience. I look forward to this race again in 2017!"

2016 Race Director

"This race was part of a movement to celebrate women—women who have raced hundreds of times, women who are pinning on numbers for the first time, and women who share the common goal of better standards and expectations for what it means to race."