Blog

Competition, Mud, and Speed on Two Wheels

Posted on January 18th, 2012 by The Firm

Congratulations to GHAR’s own Elizabeth Heller, who took second place in the UCI Master’s World Championships this past Sunday in Louisville, KY, and third place in the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, held in Verona, WI, earlier this month.

Cyclo-cross isn’t a typical bike race. It’s a fast course on pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstructions and remount. And since races are usually held during the Fall and Winter, rain, wind, snow – and mud – is common. Competitors often change bicycles mid-race so mud can continually be power-washed washed off in the pit area. Falls are common in cyclo-cross, and so are broken bones.

Elizabeth began competing in triathlons after graduating from Beloit College in 1980. A natural-born competitor, she decided to switch to cycling, and has continued to pursue it as a passion over the years.

“It’s no walk in the park. When you’re 54 you’re as old as your mother used to be. I think I’m crazy, but then I see others out here who are just as crazy as I am,” Elizabeth says. “I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”

Elizabeth Heller (L) takes 2nd place in the UCI Master's World Championships