Team OWL meets & races IRL!

Five years have passed since my last journey. In autumn 2019, I explored France and Spain, cycling in Mallorca, a cyclist’s paradise. Just before Christmas, I checked off a dream: experiencing New York City during the holidays. Both trips were incredible. 

Unknowingly, COVID was already circulating during my New York adventure. Thankfully unaffected, I felt oddly prepared for the pandemic’s arrival. Recent travels, home renovations, and a holiday splurge on a Tacx NEO trainer and Zwift subscription proved fortuitous.

Exploring Watopia’s underwater tunnel and cycling through volcanoes felt magical. In January, I tackled my first Zwift Academy – feeling utterly outclassed.

Months later, COVID raged, and my Zwift rides shifted into high gear. As a longtime cyclist, I had found a pandemic lifeline.

Through a Zwift Facebook group, I followed up on a post recruiting women to race in the newly formed WTRL TTT competitions. I jumped in, joined a team for motivation, and by March, launched my own: OWLs (Older Women in Lycra), evolving into eight grandmasters aged 65-80.

While other teams dissolved, OWLs thrived, united by community, empowerment, and fitness. Our Discord became a vibrant hub, fostering camaraderie. We championed global competitions for women cyclists 55+, setting challenges, building belonging and accountability – all through racing and riding virtually together on Zwift.

Zwift revolutionized our training, boosting fitness and skills. It sidestepped outdoor racing logistics and addressed safety concerns many older women cyclists face. Zwift ensures our competitive racing continues! #NeverTooOld

Annual Zoom holiday meetups strengthened our bonds, transcending cycling and distance. Camaraderie and shared passion fuel our flight!

Four and a half years on, Team OWL races weekly in WTRL TTT, often outperforming much younger teams. Though many of us haven’t met in person, we share a deep connection. Post-race Discord chats often turned to dreams of racing together in real life.

This dream is now a reality: Team OWL unites in Long Beach!

From New Zealand and the UK to both US coasts, Team OWL will meet face-to-face for the first time. And yes, we’ll race! Zwift is hosting us at their HQ for the WTRL TTT on November 7th. We’ll be taking on our favorite course: R.G.V. in France.

Our story showcases Zwift’s power, connecting athletes, promoting grandmasters women’s cycling, and forging friendships beyond the digital world. We celebrate our journey together in Long Beach, California creating memories that will strengthen our bond, on and off the bike.