What's Faster, Stronger, Better? Not Wonderwoman

The power of your parents believing in you is strong. If we are lucky, we also have the power of someone else believing in you. That works a different kind of magic. Last night at practice Ellie got a glimpse of that. Her coach, the wonderful, amazing and generous Coach Lawanna (Lou) see enough potential to help Ellie reach for a cycling goal that we cannot reach for on her own. Lou purchased a totally tricked out Orbea Dama Time Trial bike that weights in at all of about 12 pounds. Ellie's Fuji clocks in as 23 pounds.

Ellie is excited, pleased and a little afraid. The bike is beautiful in white and raspberry sherbet pink. She even had me buy her a few waterbottle so that it would look good. The aero handlebars will take some getting used to, but it should mean that Ellie can feel like Wonderwoman when she races.

Coach Lou also pulled out the TT bike that used by Karen Hornbostel, the woman who the TT series is named after. Karen was an amazing athlete who was diagnosed with cancer. She helped researchers understand the value of excercise theraphy at slowing down cancer. She eventually succumbed to the disease, but not until after she put up a good fight. Ellie is humbled and honored to have a chance to ride that bike, too. E

Regardless of the bike Ellie decides to borrow, she will be flying by just as soon as she gets used to her new wings.