Karen’s Lynaugh has been Director of Women’s Programs for the Bicycle Trails Council for several years now, and under her leadership the women’s mountain bike community has grown and thrived in the East Bay. Sadly, this Saturday was her last Ride Like a Girl ride with us. Karen and her husband Randy have retired and are moving to Nevada City. After 3 ½ years of leading and organizing the RLaG rides, we wanted to do something special for her— she has done a phenomenal job and deserved a special farewell.
After I consulted with her on where she wanted to ride, she chose Oakland’s gem, Joaquin Miller Park. She hasn’t ridden there since the BTCEB finished the Sunset re-reroute and work began on the Cinderella reroute. She also mentioned that she had never ridden Chaparral. (one of the more technical downhill trails) Seeing how I am a frequent user of the park, it was a no-brainer for me to lead the Intermediate group and take them on a route that would include every trail Karen mentioned, and more.
By 9:00am 20 women arrived at the MHA parking lot. I was thrilled with the turnout and the new faces in the crowd. After I snapped a group photo and finished the intro speech we split off into two groups; Beginners and Intermediate+. Jane Moorhead took the beginner women and off I went with 13 Intermediate+ women. My goal was to have fun, challenge the women and make sure we finish the 11 mile route in 2 hours.
After the ride, more than half of the women drove to Deb Tharp and Emma Bulter’s home (two of our more frequent RLaG attendees). They were very generous to host Karen’s farewell BBQ. Deb had stayed behind that morning to prepare for the arrival of the RLaG women. Once we arrived, all that was required was to grill and have fun. It was a warm sunny day; you couldn’t have asked for a better day for a BBQ! After we enjoyed a feast of organic chicken skewers and veggies, a spring mix salad, and veggie and cheese platter, we surprised Karen with a Thank You cake.
The entire day was a lot of fun. Socializing after the ride at the BBQ allowed me the opportunity to get to know the women even more.
Thanks again Karen!
For more information on the BTCEB Ride Like a Girl group ride, click here
