Want others to know who you are and what inspired you to start cycling? Send us a picture and a paragraph and it will be posted here. Contact Elaine at elainecardwell@cox.net
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| Liz Bradford - Our UK connection |
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| I am Liz Bradford. I began biking mainly so I can wear tight fitting lycra compression shorts with paddling in the bum - they are so flattering! But the jerseys are cool!
Actually I began cycling after being side lined from a running injury. I found I actually quite enjoyed it. Of course I still run and now bike so I am a jack of all trades and a master of none. I represent the UK portion of the Killer Bees - I think I may be the founding and only member of that sect. But I do get to eat sticky toffee pudding!
When not running, biking, or working I may be found paddling in my kayak down a river somewhere, listening for banjo music....
So, there’s me!
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| Vincent D'Elia |
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| My name is Vince D’Elia, and I got into cycling due to problems while trying to run. I got my first adult bicycle, a Schwinn World Sport, in 1985. While stationed in the DC area in 1994, my wife and I bought two Trek 700 hybrid bikes, to ride along the Mt. Vernon and W&OD trails. In 2010, after riding our hybrids in the Park 2 Park ride the previous year, we bought our road bikes and started training for the 2011 MS Bike ride on the Eastern Shore. I have participated in several Killer Bee group rides, along with the Cyclist Against Cancer Ride in preparation for the MS ride. As you can see from my picture I like my hi-tech toys.
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| Diana Farrell |
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| I’m Diana Farrell. Am I the youngest Killer Bee now that I have a Team Killer Bee jersey? I mostly ride my BMX bike, with occasional rides on my dad’s tandem. I want Dad to get me a bicycle with gears. Until then, the tandem is my only option for riding fast with the Killer Bees… except for in the hills (KOA=PAIN).
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| Scott Farrell |
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| I had been an avid cyclist for most of my life. But somehow I found myself on a 10 year hiatus from the saddle (and gained 50-lbs). I came back in 2010 to address health concerns and made some good friends in the process. However, I found myself unable to get comfortable on anything other than my full suspension mountain bike for the first 1300 miles. Some of you may remember me riding A/B rides and a century on that thing. I finally got onto a road bike in 2011. It just wasn’t what most expected: My trusty 1987 Cannondale crit bike. I had saved my paper paychecks and blew an entire month’s E-2 pay to buy it when I was 19! I also ride a tandem with my daughter. I’m currently planning to purchase a 2012 Trek Madone 4.5. We’ll see if that happens! ;-)
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| John Bright |
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| I'm on my third road bike since graduating college, Trek, Cannondale, Cannondale, and I bribed my way into the Killer Bees by contributing money to MS on behalf of a couple of its members. I didn't know you could do that and never thought about joining because I don't like to ask for money. Group rides are loads of fun and I have also enjoyed many week-long biking/camping trips in Virginia, Tennessee, Vermont, Germany, Austria, and Holland. Before the Trek I had a Sears Free Spirit, a Schwinn spider bike, and a custom-made tall bike with banana seat five feet off the ground and butterfly handlebars. Then there's the Yamaha; it has 145 HP whereas I might make somewhat over 1% of that.
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| Sharon Bochman in the lead! |
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| I started riding three years ago when gas prices rose to around $4.00 a gallon as a way to save money by riding my bike to run errands and quickly got hooked. In 2009, I bought my first road bike and completed my first century three months later. Since then, I have enjoyed discovering new roads and scenery all around Virginia and North Carolina. I joined the Team Killer Bees in 2010 when I rode the MS150 with them and plan to ride again June 2011. Even though I am a "new bee", they have always made me feel welcome and one of their own. This is a great group of people and I am happy to call myself a "Killer Bee".
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| Glenn Young - Triathlete and Killer Bee... I ride to live! "Life is like a wave, you cannot control how it breaks, only how you ride it" I run, swim and bike with the author of this quote always on my mind. I run, swim and bike for my daughter Ryan Alea young - 7/6/87 - 2/28/09 |
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Birds of Charity Refreshing as a gentle breeze morning comes to life Coffee with Ryan, friends circling and hovering A trek is on the immediate horizon, our passion all the same Preparation begins for what lies ahead, for the mind and the soul
A glimpse above, a day beautiful shall set the stage Future holds and miles to adjust, as the past gently fades Memories return, tears too, will limbs recall Nerves, anticipation, waiting to climb, waiting to draft
We always start the day together, finishing separate is the norm Conversations begin, the brisk pace lively, holding back waiting to pounce Like our friends above, a formation lightens the load, eases the pain It is understood the games will begin, the split inevitable
This rupture is expected, understood carries with it no concern The hills and burn always seems to pass as nature drugs The formation rarely returns to its original plan, but in the end The goal always the same as charity abounds
Glenn A. Young
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| My name is Alex Ramirez. I began riding last year here in Virginia with some of my coworkers and have been riding ever since. My goal is to become a SUPER strong rider so I can ride away from Mike Cobb, Bob Ornelaz and especially Big Ron Skinner. I joined the Killer Bees this year and I’m looking forward to the MS 150 in June along with all future charity rides. I’m having a blast riding with the Bees and look forward to doing it until I can’t ride anymore. I ride to get in shape so I can keep up with my four boys, but most of all I’m enjoying making new friends and the time with my fellow Bees.
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| My name is Erik Warme. I began riding six years ago in Heidelberg Germany with some of my Army coworkers and have been riding ever since. Being "raised" in the mountains of Germany, I have become a strong climber and can often be seen riding away from Mike Cobb and Bob Ornelaz. I joined the Killer Bees team this year and rode my first Cap to Cap Century and MS 150. I had a blast raising money for cancer this year with the Bees and look forward to doing it again nexr year. I ride to keep in shape, raise money for various charities and to enjoy time with my fellow Bees. Much like Mike Cobb - I CAN RIDE AWAY FROM YOU ANYTIME I WANT!!!! - as long as we are in the hills!
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| Anthony Tricycle Baby |
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| My name is Anthony Woodard and you can see from my childhood phot that I was born to bike.
And here I am on my new Stead. I finally fee like I have a bike worthy to be shown with the other Killer Bees. I have been getting slower the past couple of years and maybe this will help me a little. I took delivery of my new Madone on May 16, 2009 and I can't wait to try it out at the MS ride later in the month. The bike and I made our debut at at a cookout at the Queen Bee's house and, of course, I had to wear a matching jersey. All I have to say about the new Trek Madone is that it is sweet, smooth, comfortable and fast. To quote Marty (Keeper of the Queen) - "the Madone is proof the F-22 Raptor is still in production"
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| Anthony Grown-up Biker |
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| Tom and Christopher Hall |
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| Tom and Christopher proudly show off their new wheels.
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| Randy Howell |
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Gee, I guess I decided to ride to be able to vent, tell stupid jokes, and just as a way to get the hell out of the house. As you can see from my updated photo, I actually do own a whole bunch of "killer bee" paraphernalia. Hope to see many of you on the MS 150 and don't forget to WEAR YOUR KILLER BEE JERSEY!!
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| Jim Mack |
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OUCH my back is giving me an attack. My name is Jim Mack. I've been riding for many a year, usually as an excuse to later drink some beer. And as some of you have heard, I've decided to sport a beard. As a ride leader extraordinaire, you'll be put under my care. I'm a ride mentor you'll see, one of a dozen or so they'll be. We'll make sure you're pedaling safely, so that each day you can end with a cheer and join me for a beer!! When you pack for the ride, don't be in a hurry, be sure to include your KILLER BEE JERSEY!
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| Mike Bikowski |
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| Just let me say that I love cycling with the Killer Bees. No finer group around and no finer friends. I started cycling in 1990 with the Tarrant County Cycling Club in Texas and it just caught on with me that this is what I wanted and needed to do for the future. Coming to Virginia in 1994 and finding the Killer Bee group made cycling a lot easier for me and my transition to a new state for riding a whole lot safer. I would say how good I am but everyone knows that already. So I will conclude for now.
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| Nan Mack |
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HIYA. My name is Nan Mack, but you can call me Nano. I'm the better half of the Mack's and will also be a ride mentor form the MS 150. If you don't behave, you'll be the object of my wrath and don't think this retired Air Force colonel can't beat the crap outta ya! What can I say, I'm a New York city girl to boot, SO DON"T MESS WITH ME! I love to ride with all my killer bees friends and have been a staunch supporter of the team for many years. When I'm not in Hawaii, Japan, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Korea, Mongolia, Turkey, you can find me in Poquoson. My house is a freakin' bee museum and I hope I will be able to meet all the newbies on the team. I have lots of bee paraphernalia and will be proud to once again WEAR MY KILLER BEE JERSEY
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| Mike "the tool man" Toole |
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| Mike Toole will be greatly missed by the Bees. He passed away October 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.
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| "Judy, Judy, Judy" Hurley |
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Hello everybody. My name is Judy "the whistle blower" Hurley. No, I dont' work work for the IRS, the CIA, etc. I just like to blow my whistle when YOU do something stupid on YOUR bike. I hope someday to join some of you killer bees on the MS 150. Hope to see many of you on the Waller Mill rides on Sunday morning where you can really get some great hill training while being de-moralized by my husband Pat and his JRVS racing friends! Gotta love those KILLER BEE JERSEYS!
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| Marty Cardwell, The Keeper of the Queen |
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Marty joined the Killer Bees in late 2001 after an extensive 9 mo long interview process. Once the interview process was complete (and a proper bike purchased), approval was subsequently obtained from senior members of the Killer Bees for Marty to be the new "Keeper of the Queen".
During a wedding ceremony on the banks of the James River, Marty was officially sworn in as the Keeper of the Queen on 2/24/2002. Since that time, many Bees have been able to spend less time worrying about the needs of the Queen and more time riding.
Marty has also become the official "short cut" route provider to many Killer Bees in distress on the 2nd day of the MS150.
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| Keith Hatchett and Cathy |
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| A Killer Bee since year 2002, Keith Hatchett, fifty-one years old, got hooked riding in 2002. "I've ridden the MS 150 for six years. I am getting married to 'my QUEEN BEE', Cathy, on June 14th, 2008. I have two wonderful kids: Kara, age 17,and Sean, age 11. Cycling is an activity I'll do for the rest of my life. It has helped me get back in touch with my desire to be outdoors in a different way. I encourage people of all ages to try this sport! You will also get hooked."
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| Paul Krieschen |
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I started cycling in 1995 while I was in the Air Force and needed something to help pass my fitness test and cycling fit the bill. I met Jim and Nan Mack who sold me a PBA jersey and introduced me to the many great club members. Back then riding 40 miles at 15 MPH was a big accomplishment for me. Now I am retired and continue to ride for my health and to bee among good friends who challenge my abilities every time I'm in the saddle. My best times are riding my first century with Art and Mike B in Salisbury MD and Bike New York with the Macks.
See you on the road.
Paul Krieschen
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| Bob Ornelaz |
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I began cycling in May of 2006. I thought I was in decent shape and signed up for my 1st ride, the Virginia Capital to Capital Century. Boy was I naïve! I showed up on a 36 pound hybrid, wearing tennis shoes, cut-off jeans, an old T-Shirt and an old helmet from the 70s. Everyone around me had these fancy road bikes and riding apparel. I barely finished 50 miles, but had lots of fun and joined the Peninsula Bicycling Association (PBA) soon after. Under the tutelage of PBA veterans John Parker and Roy Skeen, I learned some group riding basics and courtesies. On club rides, I noticed several folks wearing cool-looking, bee-like jerseys. They were members of the Killer Bees. I kept “bugging” them about how I could join. They all said, to be a real Bee, I had to ride the MS150. After being towed in by the Queen Bee herself – Elaine Cardwell, on a Yorktown ride, I bought a Trek touring bike, and built my endurance with PBA, bike shop and Fort Eustis rides. I became a Killer Bee and rode the 2007 MS150. I’ve learned much from my fellow riders and truly enjoy the blessings of good health and great riding companions/new friends. I co-lead a Waller Mill Park ride on Sundays, and continue to enjoy the fitness and just-plain-fun benefits of riding. Come join us!
Cheers,
Bob Ornelaz
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| Mike Cobb |
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It all started when I was riding my mountain bike from Ft. Monroe to Buckroe Beach and this guy on a road bike passed me like I was standing still. When I finally caught him, (not really, but it fits the tale), he was sitting on a bench at the beach eating a banana. I asked him: "was I that slow or are you that fast?" He politely and judiciously replied: "it's all in the equipment." Well, that's all it took for me to catch the cycling bug, and to this day I thoroughly enjoy riding for riding's sake and being a Killer Bee. Three bikes later and many, many miles, I have ridden on many types of roads, in many conditions, and in almost any type of weather at anytime. I have been so-named by the Bee's as "Iron Mike". I've been overheard stating that it is ok to go on ahead and break away, because, "I CAN CATCH YOU ANYTIME I WANT!"
I co-lead the Sunday Waller Mill ride with Bob Ornelaz and Judy Hurley. It's a great ride with some of the best scenery and terrain around this area. Come out and join us, you'll have a great time! By the way, my buddy Bob Ornelaz (a frequent victim of my legendary closing speed) often falls victim to my assertion as long as we are not climbing. So rest assured, my desire to catch you is unrelenting, even if my ability is lacking. Nevertheless, that first guy who dropped me like a bad habit many years ago still drives my desires, so blame him if it makes me sound too boisterous! Hope to catch you on the road. Naw, no hope required, I WILL CATCH YOU!!
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| Luke Wainwright |
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Hello everybody. I am currently the youngest member of the Killer Bees and really look forward to riding the MS 150 with my father (who is my best friend and mentor) and getting to know all the team members. I have been riding a lot and getting very strong. So you better watch out for me as I will only get stronger and stronger as the years go by!! Who knows, I might even be the next Lance Armstrong. If I had a KILLER BEE JERSEY I would certainly wear it.
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| Walter Wainwright |
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Jeez oh Pete, I think I'll finally be able to join the team this year for the MS 150!! And I'm proud to be riding with my son Luke who is really enjoying the bike riding. I am a workhorse and love to pull, so if you're tired and you need someone to pull, just ask me!! Be sure to shout at me because when I pull, I don't look at a speedometer. So, if the group wants to go slower, let me know or better yet, do what I do. Put a big whistle around your neck and blow the @$%& out of it to get my attention. Anyway, I'm looking forward to riding with the team and some day, if we can recruit enough new riders, I may own a KILLER BEE JERSEY!
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| Jeffrey Watson |
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Jeff Watson is may name. I won't be joining you for the MS 150 this year but have enjoyed a rare ride with the group this Spring. Good luck with the MS 150!! Be sure to wear your KILLER BEE JERSEY on the MS 150!! Keep an ear out for Walt Wainwight on the ride and if you hear a large whistle blast, it's probably Walt trying to get your attention!!
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| Mel Moss |
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Howdy folks. My name is Mel Moss and I have been a Killer Bee for about 3 1/2 years now. When I'm not driving a Ford or trying to sell one, I'm out on the bike adding thousands of miles to my bike. My wife thinks I'm addicted to cycling. Actually I'm more addicted to radiospeak and almost every fr&%#in waking moment I've got an earpiece stuck in my ear. It's my secret with respect to what radio stations I like to listen to. But, I always have one ear available to hear you, just make sure you're on the opposite side of the bike from the earpiece! It's not my fault if I can't hear you! I am looking foward to a strong MS 150 performance and don't look for me in any of the cottages or in a tent Saturday night. I'll be hangin' with my wife in a cozy hotel. I'll be sure to sport my KILLER BEE JERSEY Saturday for day one of the MS 150. See you on the road!! Mel
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| Norman Katzenberg |
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My name is Norm. My wife Bonnie keeps me up to date on all the e-mails and stuff regarding the Killer Bees. I'm too busy to deal with the computer and so if I seem out of touch just blame my wife!! I have been riding with the Killer Bees for many years and look forward to riding this year as I had to miss last year due to ...................oh just guess, Okay, I admit it. I had another crash. Anyway, I'm back to full strength and on my new Lynskey I'll be faster than ever and I'm pretty fast for a 55 year old guy. I just LOOK older. Okay, I feel like I'm 55. Well, I have a lot of fun with the Bees and always look forward to another MS 150. I'll be sporting my KILLER BEE JERSEY, (even though it looks like the size of a tent on my manly frame). See Ya, Norm
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| Joe Svetina |
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Most of you Killer Bees may not know me. I have ridden with the team in the past. It's easy to forget someone with the first name of Joe. Although my job entails innovation and business development, I can't think of anything to say that's exciting or innovative about myself. Pretty sad huh?? Well, I enjoy cycling with the Killer Bees and I am excited to WEAR MY KILLER BEE JERSEY THE SATURDAY OF THE RIDE!
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| Larry and Mona Passwaters |
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Hello everybody, please don't fret when you look at our picture. We decided to have surgery soon after we got married and now we are permanently joined together. Thankfully, Larry is right-handed and Mona is left-handed, so we're able to enjoy meals at home and at restaurants without making a mess out of each other. Did you know Larry was one of the original piglets?? His reputation as a piglet was known far and wide and how Mona was able to save his soul only G-d knows!! We go bike riding when we get a chance but it is quite cumbersome taking turns deciding who gets to sit on the saddle while the other stands up. When were not cycling, Mona waits patiently by Larry's side, passing shovels, hoes, rakes, and all the other tools a master gardener requires to convert our home's landscape into a bizarre array of wonderful flowers, plants, herbs, vegetables, and plants that even a well-educated horticulurist has no "frickin" clue what they are. Really, Larry must get some these plants from another planet!! Larry has been an original Killer Bee from the early days and he was Art Wolfson's roommate for many years when the ride was at Chowan College. Mona got hooked right away and we look forward to riding with the Killer Bees for years to come as long as our tailor can continue to modify our KILLER BEE JERSEY so it appears we are wearing separate jerseys while we enjoy our life truly "joined at the hip".
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| Natalie Bare |
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| I'm waiting for Sarah to write something nice about me!!
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| Sarah Darling |
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| I started riding in 2002 as a celebration of a 5-year survival from cancer. I thought I needed a challenge and the MS 150 was it. That ride started me off on a path of riding the MS 150 for 8 years, riding over 2000 miles for a few years and has now morphed into a strange desire to compete in Triathalons. I enjoy riding and am always looking for a new challenge.
Sarah
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