Ford Basis ladies share experience

On Wednesday afternoon, two members of the team visited Hood River Middle School and talked to students about life as a pro racer.

Later that evening, the team joined the Disco Divas Dash and Dine— a group that meets once a month for a ride and dinner— for a short road clinic, a sunset ride on the Columbia Gorge Highway, and dinner at a downtown restaurant.

Students at HRMS peered up at the young racers with wonder. “How old are you?” one asked. "Too old for you," a teacher answered.

"We're both 24," said Durango, Colo. native Kristin Johnson and North Carolina native Alisha Lion.

'How much money do you make?' another asked. The ladies laughed, said it wasn't much, then explained the challenges and rewards of life on the road.

Johnson and Lion gave positive insight into not only their careers as racers but their experience with living healthy, active lives.

Later that evening an entourage of ladies with their bikes gathered outside Discover Bicycles for the monthly Disco Divas Dash and Dine.

Joining the 46 local riders in attendance were four racers from the Ford Basics team: Crissy Ruiter (Bend, Ore.), Kristin Danielson (Durango, Colo.), Molly Hummel (Boulder, Colo.), and Alisha Lion (N.C.).

The team gave a brief road clinic, with a short 15— mile ride on the scenic highway.

“It was a great way to learn some new road bike skills and meet some professional lady racers," said Disco Divas sponsor Jennifer Wilson. "We watched a beautiful sunset on our way to dinner, and we all have some more ladies to cheer for this weekend.

The Disco Divas Dash and Dine group meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month at Discover Bicycles for a group ride, followed by dinner somewhere in town. For information on how to join the ladies, contact Jennifer Wilson at: jenwilson@gorge.net.