Pep rallies.
Growing up in Texas meant numerous trips to the gym before “the big game” to get pumped up for our team, in my case, the Leander Lions. Bleachers would fill with rows of students sectioned off according to popularity levels, looking like crayons in a box. Some of us a little disheveled yet still colorful.

I always dreaded pep rallies, I didn’t fit into any particular group and most of my friends were home schooled. In my entire student career, I never went to a single dance or football game so the cheering was lost on me. Normally I would read a book or try to sneak out early and walk home. School spirit? Not me!

Until now. No, Vanderkitten isn’t a school per se, although I have learned more about myself in
the past year than I have in most of my life. I’ve had 2 amazing teachers in Dave and Mark and really learned some big lessons about myself and life. Things that will serve me well and I will carry with me for the rest of my time on earth.

So why am I feeling the team spirit now? Because of this-

My first contract with an Elite team.

It’s so much more than that though. Vanderkitten is a family to me, it’s tangible evidence of the hard work that Dave, Mark and I have put into this dream. I’ve been racing for two seasons now, without any teammates and have posted some pretty good results. The total belief in me that the guys have shown, enough that they decided to sponsor a pro team, is pretty overwhelming and I intend to repay them in kind.

In the past few months we’ve been extremely lucky to find two people who also believe in the dream of Vanderkitten as much as we do, my favorite girl on a bike, Leigh Valletti and Scott Gross, our new Director Sportif. Leigh and I met a year ago through our mutual friend Eric Murphy and immediately got on like a house on fire. She’s tough, strong, funny, smart and not to mention a hottie! I can’t wait to have her yelling at me during races, I know I’ll learn so much from her. Scott is a legend in his own right, he’s been involved with cycling for years, worked with 7-11 back in the day and will bring so much experience and knowledge to the team that I may have to start calling him “Yoda.” They have both been an integral part of putting this team together, pounding the proverbial pavement to pull in sponsors and search for the extraordinary talent that will make the team one of the best in the country.

Speaking of talent, we’ve signed some awesome women, but I’ll leave that announcement up to Scott and the team press releases. Let’s just say I’m thrilled to wear the Vanderkitten colors with these girls! Keep your eyes open for the 2008 roster along with some big time sponsor announcements in the next few weeks. Big things are happening!

Team spirit? Hell yes! This is a team I can be proud of.

See you at the races!

Lizzer