Babysitters at Bike Races

Posted Mar 2, 2008
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Interesting concept... The Punk Rock Cycling Women’s Race Team recently announced that they’ll be providing babysitters at all of their races in 2008.

Many of us know the feeling; you got your bike cleaned and tuned, everything is dialed in, shorts on, jersey packed with goodies, water bottles full, shoes are laced up- you are ready to ride. Then you feel a small tug at your hips and you look down to see your child. The beautiful look in their face may say a million words but the only words you’re hearing are, “Cancel the bike ride, there’s parenting to be done”. The Punk Rock Cycling Women’s Race Team recently announced that they’ll be providing babysitters at all of their races in 2008, and the amount of positive response has been huge. Like a collective weight was lifted from cycling parents everywhere. Moms and dads looking for a race series to do no longer have to worry about finding a sitter. They can bring the kids along and the entire family can enjoy a day at the races. We caught up with Maria Ruhtenberg of PRC and asked her a few questions about the program. Bike Iowa: How did the idea come about to have babysitters at bike races? Maria: My teammates and I were riding our trainers one Sunday afternoon and were discussing the summer schedule of rides and races. I always have the problem of "mommy guilt" when I am away from my kids too much. We talked about having kid races to encourage people to bring their children to the races to make them more family friendly. And, on that note, we came up with the idea of having on site child care so the parents can race and know the kids are safe. Bike Iowa: You're a mom, has having mom-duties ever stopped you from racing your bike? Maria: Yes, there have been times when I have not been able to race due to having my children and no babysitter. Bike Iowa: How will the babysitter-at-the-race program work? Maria: Parents must sign up in advance (through the website: www.punkrockcycling.com) to ensure a spot and so that we can have enough sitters. Parents may be able to sign the kids up at the time of the race, but there is no guarantee that there will be a spot. There will be a minimum age of 4 years old, as we will not be set up for small children. There will be a certain area within the parks where the kids will be restricted to when they are not with a parent. We will have activities for them. We hope to allow them to watch the adults race as long as it is at a safe distance from the course. We will have a minimum of two babysitters at each race. Bike Iowa: Which events will you have babysitters at? Maria: We will have babysitters at all the races sponsored by the Punk Rock Cycling Team:

Duathlon races on April 3, May 11, and May 29 at Waterworks park
Race Like a Girl Series at Union Park on April 24, May 22, June 26, July 31, and August 28
Cycle Cross races on September 27 and 28 in Pleasant Hill

Bike Iowa: This is such a great idea, why didn't I think of it? Maria: Because you're not a mom The Punk Rock Cycling Women’s Team is an amazing group of women racing and riding their bikes, promoting their sport, leading clinics, hosting races, writing zines, teaching others, setting the example, getting involved, and just basically giving a damn. Team members include: Jennifer Greenberg, Kelli Mente, Ana Nelson, Jane Riessen, Maria Ruhtenberg, and Emily Schaapveld. PRC is sponsored by the Elder Corporation, Wexford & James, Rasmussen Bike Shop, Specialized, Shimano, Visionary Services, RBS Training Systems, and Oakley. Learn more about PRC at www.punkrockcycling.com