June 10-12, 2016
Zabeth’s Training Weekend Report:
Nine Team Envision women traveled to University of New England, Biddeford Maine this year for a delightful Training Weekend from June 10 to 12.
After arriving and settling into our suites in Sokokis Hall on Friday afternoon, we headed out for an easy 20-mile ride through Saco and Ocean Park enjoying the stately beach cottages, winding shady lanes, and ocean breezes. We rode at a social pace, stretching our legs on the mostly flat course until the short but eye-opening climb up Clifford Rd.
We returned to welcome smells of baking vegetable and meat lasagnas courtesy of Z, which we enjoyed with garlic bread, mixed salad, and apple and strawberry rhubarb pie. Returning and new members got to know each other, shared laughs and relaxed with foam rollers before heading to bed.
Early Saturday we met for coffee then headed to the beautiful UNE pool, which we had to ourselves for a challenging workout by Coach Becky Paige. We then retired to the hot tub for a short soak before showers and breakfast including homemade croissants from M.H., fruit, hardboiled eggs, yogurt, and bagels.
We had lovely cool weather for our 30 mile Saturday ride heading inland through woods and farms south to Kennebunkport. We enjoyed refreshments overlooking the rocky shoreline before making our way along the coastline north. At a stop at Goose Rocks Beach, Ruth assessed the swimming possibilities while Sandra and Z experimented with riding along the firm sand listening to the waves.
After a spin around beautiful Biddeford Poole, we headed back up to UNE and members chose between a run on the recreational track behind Sokokis, an ocean swim – Ruth would never miss this – or downtime.
Saturday dinner choices included grilled marinated chicken, Greek orzo pasta salad, a variety of grilled vegetables, beer, wine, and ice cream for dessert. Participants thanked Melissa for organizing this great weekend, and Z for guiding and cooking with much-appreciated gift certificates to Amazon. We topped off the evening with our traditional raffle, giving away items including bike shoes, goggles, a wind jacket, body glide, and an illuminated helmet cover for safer night riding.
Sunday morning broke with another great swim workout, hot tub time, and pre-ride breakfast. Our farewell ride was a challengingly windy 14-mile loop. But after cycling together and gaining trust all weekend, we were able to ride comfortably in a double line taking turns pulling and drafting. Subsequently, in spite of the wind, we rode at our fastest pace of the weekend!
Made hungry by the wind, we made short work of a tasty lunch of hummus, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and leftover lasagna before packing, saying farewells, and heading home. We all had a wonderful time, deepened friendships, and found new motivation to train and race together. Thanks to everyone who participated! See you soon at a training event or race!
Team EnVision would like to extend special thanks to our friends at Ride Studio Café in Lexington, MA for providing each woman at training weekend with Cliff Shot Blocks, an inner tube, and a CO2 cartridge.
Back in Massachusetts, Team EnVision members got together for a “Training Weekend South” group ride.
Team Envision 
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