An Amazing Evening
Thursday September 8 was an amazing evening in Roanoke where community leaders, business owners, tourism officials and others gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge over the past couple of years, and most notably to celebrate cycling in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Quick Positive Impact
In just a few short months, the positive impact of Team Twenty24’s arrival in Roanoke has been extensive and amazing. The Team, the most decorated women’s cycling team in America has elevated cycling in the area, contributed to the arrival of the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships in the Roanoke region – in which the Team won several awards, and helped spur the establishment of a new cycling team on the campus of Roanoke College!
An Evening of Amazing Women Athletes
The evening included a moving presentation by Kristin Armstrong, the most-decorated U.S. Women’s cyclist of all time with three Olympic Gold medals. Ms. Armstrong shared her story, passion for cycling and for strong and successful women and how a strong and supportive community is essential to success in anything one undertakes. She highlighted how Roanoke has been just that as Team Twenty24 has started their training here in Roanoke.
Kristin Armstrong’s presentation was preceded by Dr. Frank Shushok, Jr., President of Roanoke College who announced that Shelley Olds, Roanoke College Alumna and Olympic medalist will be coaching the newly established cycling team at Roanoke College. Shelley shared an inspiring and humorous story of how she has already experienced the community that Kristin Armstrong spoke of, as she scrambled to prepare her new team for competition this weekend.
The evening concluded with a special presentation where Team Twenty24 General Manager, Nicola Cranmer welcomed two local Roanoke youth to the team – on the way to their own greatness!
Virginia’s Blue Ridge – A Cycling Destination
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is indeed the Mountain Biking Capital of the East Coast and thanks to the great work of Landon Howard and his team at VBR and the amazing women associated with Team Twenty24, the region is headed toward firmly establishing a cycling reputation that is among the best in the entire Nation.
Meet an Olympian
Residents have one more opportunity this week to celebrate cycling in Roanoke and to meet an Olympian! Kristin Armstrong will be meeting community members Saturday September 10 from 10:00 am to Noon at Smith Park in Roanoke. Please take a few moments and come meet this inspiring and accomplished athlete and help celebrate cycling in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!
- Bob Cowell