We kicked off the off season* this past weekend with a team meeting, enjoying vegan chili from our team chef, Sam, and lots of other yummy treats.  It was great to celebrate all of the fantastic activities that we’ve done this past season and plan for 2019.

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team meeting last night! planning some fun for 2019! #teamlasercats #grlpwr #squadgoals #womenscycling #snacksonsnacks

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Dec 10, 2018 at 5:34am PST

A few (of the many) 2018 highlights include—

Racing the Philly Phlyer TTT in March

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Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect TTT! Rotations were spot on, pulls were super well distributed, potholes avoided, gaps were non-existent, pace was steady, communication was perfect, Mary stayed safe despite losing her contact lens halfway through, and we flew up the climb all together, finishing 2 riders about 3 second ahead of the other 2. What a great way to start the season! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #ttt

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Mar 17, 2018 at 12:20pm PDT

Elisabeth winning the MASS series for Elite women

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HUGS WITH EXCELLENT MTB FRANDS. #serieswinners #sorryforpartying #teamlasercats

A post shared by elisabeth (@egrindcore) on Aug 25, 2018 at 4:45pm PDT

Eve and Mary on the podium at the Media Hometown Cycling Classic

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Cats & Math after the 3/4 race at the Media Hometown Cycling Classic, where Mary and Eve finished 6th and 9th after going 2-3 in the 4/5 race earlier in the day. 💖💚💖💚#roadcats

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Jul 10, 2018 at 4:43am PDT

WTFisCX clinics

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Start line vibes at #wtfiscyclocross Week 2!

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Aug 21, 2018 at 7:01pm PDT

Helping coordinate the WTF Cycling Mixer

Caitlin winning the Bicycle Coalition’s Youth Cycling Award

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We’re so proud of Caitlin, 2018 recipient of the @bicyclecoalition Youth Cycling Award for bringing @littlebellasmtb to Philadelphia. Also, NBD, @jpows did a pretty great job introducing her. 😻 #littlebellasmtb

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Oct 4, 2018 at 6:06pm PDT

Emma and Elisabeth on the podium at one of their favorite technical cyclocross races: Sly Fox

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Great day for Team Laser Cats at #slyfoxcx today!! Elisabeth went hard from the whistle, opening up a sizable gap on the first lap. Emma chased her down, and the two rode together until Emma opened up some distance. Eventually, Katrina caught Elisabeth, then closed the gap to Emma, who stuck with her to the finish. An hour later, Elisabeth lined up again for a return of the Singlespeed Snow Leopard (#sscxwc13philly forever), where she picked up 9th place overall and first for the women. (The key to doubling up: slamming Matcha Lime drink and shoving a pack of @skratchlabs chews in your face right before the second race.) A gnarly course with mud, plenty of big logs for these two mountain bikers to boost over (thanks, @takeaimcycling & #michauxmtbschool & @belmont_trails), and the absolute best atmosphere of any event. Both racers were so thankful for our deep teammate cheer squad, too!! Thanks, @slyfoxcx & @tophervalenti 😻😘😻 📷: @wongova & @surlyrider

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Nov 11, 2018 at 6:54pm PST

Volunteering and working with Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling, Neighborhood Bikeworks, Little Bellas, and Women’s BikePHL Devo squads

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From @belmont_trails our @littlebellasmtb enjoy to the @bicyclecoalitionyouthcycling programs some go on to join, there’s many a noble cause dear to us on this #givingtuesday. Whether it’s with a monetary gift you make or the invaluable gift of your time and care, we hope that if you’re like us, you’ve found a way that this sport that brings us such joy can be made all the better when shared with others, too.

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Nov 27, 2018 at 11:35am PST

And finally, welcoming a whole crew of new members including:

• Stacey Hamblin
• Abby Keller
• Em Lowing
• Lauren McNeil
• Sarah Mussoline
• Kate Sparacio
• Denise Wong

Many of the above new folks participated in Women’s BikePHL Devo this past year and will be volunteering in the spring.  Applications for the 2019 cohorts will be opening soon.

In 2019, there are rumors of rosey challenges, a return of No Scrubs CX, more cx clinics, and a lot more cats on bikes.  We can’t wait to #sendit into the new year.

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Send it into the week like Lindsay… ・・・ I managed to get past some of my drop fears at Blue Mountain today. Thanks for the photos and sessioning, @thats_my_line, @frank_doktor, and @bontrager1!

A post shared by Team Laser Cats (@teamlasercats) on Jun 4, 2018 at 8:48am PDT

*Emma and Elisabeth are racing twice each this week at cyclocross nationals while the rest of us will be cheering from home.