**2023 WVC Awards**
Karen Malisa Award Janice Lotzkar
If you could possibly define Karen’s persona, the top characteristics would be caring, entertaining, fun loving, fortitude, and welcoming to all riders. Finding an honorable person who exemplifies these qualities was an obvious decision and our dear friend Karen will be so proud for Janice to be the recipient.
Janice isn't just a rider; she's a spark that ignites joy wherever she goes. Her infectious enthusiasm weaves friendships like a sunbeam through leaves, and her lens captures ride memories that warm hearts long after we finish our Happy Ride. Even when life throws shade her way, Janice's inner sunshine pierces through. She doesn't just face adversity, she powers through, a testament to her resilient spirit. Haven't followed her on Strava? Do yourself a favor – the titles of her rides alone are a love letter to two wheels and inspiration to why we ride as a group.
A-Group Award David Platon
From a WVC perspective, if you combine Tadej Pogačar, Wout Van Aert, and Keegan Swenson together for 2023, you get David Platon. David dedicated this year to improving his power and physique. The results across all cycling disciplines: Road, Crit, Gravel, and MTN bike was multiple 1st places and podium finishes in every cycling discipline. He is an inspiration for focus, commitment and achieving results! Plus, one of our strongest A-Group riders for the year. As we think about goals for 2024, I plan to use him as a role model to achieve higher performance and improved health.
B-Group Award Fredie Malapat
Fredie's positive spirit and unwavering effort have been part of WVC's B-Group for nearly a decade. He's the first to offer a helping hand, the last to complain, and always radiating enthusiasm. But this year, something was added. Fredie got stronger! He quietly commitment building a stronger base and his transformation was undeniable. On a mid-week "Shane train" charge, notorious for its brutal pace, I found myself off the back. Who comes to my rescue, Fredie! He immediately dropped back and steadily pulled me back into the peloton. Way to go Fredie and a pre thank you for more pulls in 2024!
C-Group Award Joe Linares
This is a hard one because I know we would all like to acknowledge Connie for her hard work and dedication to our remarkable C group, but we can’t give her the award every year, lol! We also have members in this group who step up to lead when Connie’s not available and who help all with their flats and mechanical issues, these people are invaluable and so appreciated! We chose Joe because he provides inspiration not only to C groupers but to all of us as we see his dedication to cycling has improved his performance so much that he is actually a B grouper, now, yet he chooses to stay with the C group and be their carrot. He, along with his wife Melissa who provides us SAG support and has been ever present since our February incidence embody the heart and soul of WVC selflessly giving of their time and support.
Delta Force Award Gigi Sings
I’m not sure if you can find a more positive, upbeat rider with an amazing sense of humor! Gigi stepped up to lead our newly formed Delta Force group when Jack wasn’t available. She is always encouraging and joyful and very funny, so she will probably make you laugh or smile, which is really what all of us want on a bike, at least some of the time. Thank you, Gigi, for always brining the fun along with you!
Most Improved Award Lisa Henry
Lisa is a first-year rider to WVC. Within her short time with our group, she has made such an amazing impact with her precious heart and her cycling fitness improvement. A few of her accomplishments this year that I’m sure were not on her radar a year ago. El Tour de Tuscon- 100 mile Century race. Platinum finish, sub 5 hours! Note. Her first recorded strava ride was April 20th 2023 for 16 miles. 7 months ago. Now that is improvement!!
Her A ride for the year was the corporate team 2023 Coast to Coast 4 Cancer Ride. I was told by a good source, the team captain was so impressed with her fitness that she was repurposed to the most difficult climbing portion of the cross country event. Contributing over 9,000 feet of climbing.
I will end with an excerpt she posted from her event ride that tells us what a gem and special spirit Lisa has become to our WVC family. “The hardest part of this EPIC journey was not starting….yet it was the end of my coast to coast journey yesterday. Such an amazing cause, filled with the most beautiful people, rallying together to defeat cancer. They promised this journey was more than miles, I just never understood how life changing it would be. I am forever grateful.”
Most Improved Award Kirk Winger
This unassuming rider is actually a force on two wheels! In the short 2-year time he’s been with us, he’s accomplished several fantastic feats including his first El Tour de Tucson in 2022 and his first Ironman December 2022. Then, went on to complete the 300k (187 miles) AZ Randonneurs, North Valley with 7,123 ft. of climbing. After that, he did the Iron Horse Classic – “Race the Train” from Durango to Silverton, CO, climbing two peaks, one 10,700 ft. and another 10,900 ft. and of course finishing strong as he bombed down to Silverton. Finally, his most recent accomplishment, El Tour 2023 averaging 23mph for 102 miles and 3,500 ft. of climbing in only 4h23m earning him platinum level performance! All of this comes with his dedication and commitment to training. Kirk is a man who goes big with gusto for anything he dreams to accomplish. If you know and have ridden with him, you are no doubt in awe and inspired by Kirk’s exceptional improvement and his grand achievements!
EPIC AWARD Brian McGuire
Brian may be the humblest of all riders, yet he has probably ridden more miles than any of the WVC group. He has been doing the Arizona Brevet & Randonnée long distance rides around the state all year as well as one in CA. Yes, at least one a month and many times after doing these long-distance rides, he will come out on the Sunday Recovery Ride, the Shane Train of Pain and the Happy Ride and ride as if his legs were fresh as a daisy. Throw in the following 2 super Epic challenges and you’ll see why we chose him for most Epic Rider. In June this year, Brian completed The Colorado Front Range 1200km Grand Randonnée. It’s a four day doozee that starts out with 244 mi. 10,000 ft. of climbing on the first day. The second is a little lighter with only 189 mi. and 7,471 ft. elevation. Followed by a third day of nearly 200 mi. and 7,187 ft. and finally, the last day of this leg buster, 123mi. 5,744 ft. As if that wasn’t enough, Brian went on to do the Paris-Brest-Paris in August. This beautiful ride in France starts out with a little jaunt of 272 mi. and 12,753 ft. of climbing. Second day, 217.5mi. with 13,212 ft. Third day 198.2mi. and 9,613 ft. and the final day, to give a break to all those weary riders, only 75 mi. 2,826 ft. Total miles 755 in 4 days! While Brian’s endurance and power are epic, I started out by calling him the humblest of riders because two of his most valued traits are encouraging others and lifting them up to believe they can accomplish their tough goals and he will always hang at the back of all group rides to make sure no one gets dropped or has to ride alone. He has done this for me and I bet many of you can say the same.
Camaraderie Award Josh White
This is a rider who we all know as he wears his heart on his sleeve, not just for himself, but for all of us. Yes, he is always there early to open the shop up before our rides, but he is also always encouraging us and keeping an eye out for us. Yes, his fitness and strength on the bike have vastly improved over the past 2 years he’s been with us; however, he is always humble and ready to help anyone in need. This is why to know this selfless soul, is to love him.
Most Valuable Rider Brian Dowling
Brian isn't just a rider; he exemplifies everything we hold dear. On the road, he's the picture of composure – always calm within the A-Group, cool under pressure, and stays collected even when pushing the limits. Yet, beneath that tranquil exterior lies a heart brimming with passion. We all know Brian's unwavering strength, the tireless engine that propels him and inspires us all. But for Brian, strength isn't just about raw power; it's about the invisible threads that bind him to his community. His balance within WVC and his unconditional support for his mother and family is true testament to his character.
But 2023 has been anything but ordinary for Brian. This year, he's pushed his limits further than ever on the race front. The scorching TDT Century conquered in sub-4 hours, the average speed a heart-pounding 25+ mph – plus his 2nd place podium finish in Duo D2D, a testament to his teamwork and tactical prowess and ever improving descending skills. Brian, thank you for being our 2023 MVR and for making our group rides all the more special!
Karen Malisa Award Janice Lotzkar
If you could possibly define Karen’s persona, the top characteristics would be caring, entertaining, fun loving, fortitude, and welcoming to all riders. Finding an honorable person who exemplifies these qualities was an obvious decision and our dear friend Karen will be so proud for Janice to be the recipient.
Janice isn't just a rider; she's a spark that ignites joy wherever she goes. Her infectious enthusiasm weaves friendships like a sunbeam through leaves, and her lens captures ride memories that warm hearts long after we finish our Happy Ride. Even when life throws shade her way, Janice's inner sunshine pierces through. She doesn't just face adversity, she powers through, a testament to her resilient spirit. Haven't followed her on Strava? Do yourself a favor – the titles of her rides alone are a love letter to two wheels and inspiration to why we ride as a group.
A-Group Award David Platon
From a WVC perspective, if you combine Tadej Pogačar, Wout Van Aert, and Keegan Swenson together for 2023, you get David Platon. David dedicated this year to improving his power and physique. The results across all cycling disciplines: Road, Crit, Gravel, and MTN bike was multiple 1st places and podium finishes in every cycling discipline. He is an inspiration for focus, commitment and achieving results! Plus, one of our strongest A-Group riders for the year. As we think about goals for 2024, I plan to use him as a role model to achieve higher performance and improved health.
B-Group Award Fredie Malapat
Fredie's positive spirit and unwavering effort have been part of WVC's B-Group for nearly a decade. He's the first to offer a helping hand, the last to complain, and always radiating enthusiasm. But this year, something was added. Fredie got stronger! He quietly commitment building a stronger base and his transformation was undeniable. On a mid-week "Shane train" charge, notorious for its brutal pace, I found myself off the back. Who comes to my rescue, Fredie! He immediately dropped back and steadily pulled me back into the peloton. Way to go Fredie and a pre thank you for more pulls in 2024!
C-Group Award Joe Linares
This is a hard one because I know we would all like to acknowledge Connie for her hard work and dedication to our remarkable C group, but we can’t give her the award every year, lol! We also have members in this group who step up to lead when Connie’s not available and who help all with their flats and mechanical issues, these people are invaluable and so appreciated! We chose Joe because he provides inspiration not only to C groupers but to all of us as we see his dedication to cycling has improved his performance so much that he is actually a B grouper, now, yet he chooses to stay with the C group and be their carrot. He, along with his wife Melissa who provides us SAG support and has been ever present since our February incidence embody the heart and soul of WVC selflessly giving of their time and support.
Delta Force Award Gigi Sings
I’m not sure if you can find a more positive, upbeat rider with an amazing sense of humor! Gigi stepped up to lead our newly formed Delta Force group when Jack wasn’t available. She is always encouraging and joyful and very funny, so she will probably make you laugh or smile, which is really what all of us want on a bike, at least some of the time. Thank you, Gigi, for always brining the fun along with you!
Most Improved Award Lisa Henry
Lisa is a first-year rider to WVC. Within her short time with our group, she has made such an amazing impact with her precious heart and her cycling fitness improvement. A few of her accomplishments this year that I’m sure were not on her radar a year ago. El Tour de Tuscon- 100 mile Century race. Platinum finish, sub 5 hours! Note. Her first recorded strava ride was April 20th 2023 for 16 miles. 7 months ago. Now that is improvement!!
Her A ride for the year was the corporate team 2023 Coast to Coast 4 Cancer Ride. I was told by a good source, the team captain was so impressed with her fitness that she was repurposed to the most difficult climbing portion of the cross country event. Contributing over 9,000 feet of climbing.
I will end with an excerpt she posted from her event ride that tells us what a gem and special spirit Lisa has become to our WVC family. “The hardest part of this EPIC journey was not starting….yet it was the end of my coast to coast journey yesterday. Such an amazing cause, filled with the most beautiful people, rallying together to defeat cancer. They promised this journey was more than miles, I just never understood how life changing it would be. I am forever grateful.”
Most Improved Award Kirk Winger
This unassuming rider is actually a force on two wheels! In the short 2-year time he’s been with us, he’s accomplished several fantastic feats including his first El Tour de Tucson in 2022 and his first Ironman December 2022. Then, went on to complete the 300k (187 miles) AZ Randonneurs, North Valley with 7,123 ft. of climbing. After that, he did the Iron Horse Classic – “Race the Train” from Durango to Silverton, CO, climbing two peaks, one 10,700 ft. and another 10,900 ft. and of course finishing strong as he bombed down to Silverton. Finally, his most recent accomplishment, El Tour 2023 averaging 23mph for 102 miles and 3,500 ft. of climbing in only 4h23m earning him platinum level performance! All of this comes with his dedication and commitment to training. Kirk is a man who goes big with gusto for anything he dreams to accomplish. If you know and have ridden with him, you are no doubt in awe and inspired by Kirk’s exceptional improvement and his grand achievements!
EPIC AWARD Brian McGuire
Brian may be the humblest of all riders, yet he has probably ridden more miles than any of the WVC group. He has been doing the Arizona Brevet & Randonnée long distance rides around the state all year as well as one in CA. Yes, at least one a month and many times after doing these long-distance rides, he will come out on the Sunday Recovery Ride, the Shane Train of Pain and the Happy Ride and ride as if his legs were fresh as a daisy. Throw in the following 2 super Epic challenges and you’ll see why we chose him for most Epic Rider. In June this year, Brian completed The Colorado Front Range 1200km Grand Randonnée. It’s a four day doozee that starts out with 244 mi. 10,000 ft. of climbing on the first day. The second is a little lighter with only 189 mi. and 7,471 ft. elevation. Followed by a third day of nearly 200 mi. and 7,187 ft. and finally, the last day of this leg buster, 123mi. 5,744 ft. As if that wasn’t enough, Brian went on to do the Paris-Brest-Paris in August. This beautiful ride in France starts out with a little jaunt of 272 mi. and 12,753 ft. of climbing. Second day, 217.5mi. with 13,212 ft. Third day 198.2mi. and 9,613 ft. and the final day, to give a break to all those weary riders, only 75 mi. 2,826 ft. Total miles 755 in 4 days! While Brian’s endurance and power are epic, I started out by calling him the humblest of riders because two of his most valued traits are encouraging others and lifting them up to believe they can accomplish their tough goals and he will always hang at the back of all group rides to make sure no one gets dropped or has to ride alone. He has done this for me and I bet many of you can say the same.
Camaraderie Award Josh White
This is a rider who we all know as he wears his heart on his sleeve, not just for himself, but for all of us. Yes, he is always there early to open the shop up before our rides, but he is also always encouraging us and keeping an eye out for us. Yes, his fitness and strength on the bike have vastly improved over the past 2 years he’s been with us; however, he is always humble and ready to help anyone in need. This is why to know this selfless soul, is to love him.
Most Valuable Rider Brian Dowling
Brian isn't just a rider; he exemplifies everything we hold dear. On the road, he's the picture of composure – always calm within the A-Group, cool under pressure, and stays collected even when pushing the limits. Yet, beneath that tranquil exterior lies a heart brimming with passion. We all know Brian's unwavering strength, the tireless engine that propels him and inspires us all. But for Brian, strength isn't just about raw power; it's about the invisible threads that bind him to his community. His balance within WVC and his unconditional support for his mother and family is true testament to his character.
But 2023 has been anything but ordinary for Brian. This year, he's pushed his limits further than ever on the race front. The scorching TDT Century conquered in sub-4 hours, the average speed a heart-pounding 25+ mph – plus his 2nd place podium finish in Duo D2D, a testament to his teamwork and tactical prowess and ever improving descending skills. Brian, thank you for being our 2023 MVR and for making our group rides all the more special!