ItB Day 5 – Ruth Gustafson

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Today’s ItB is for the one and only Ruth Gustafson! Ruth is proudly representing a “General Board Member” position, not specifically designated to a position, but just generally an all-around awesome volunteer. Most notably is her desire to lead out the women rider development and contribute to develop the fields. Read on for more about Ruth.

 
Cory: I’ve heard you’re not a “local”. Tell me how you arrived in Washington State?
 
Ruth: I grew up on the East Coast and spent my early years as a figure skater, then took up gymnastics in high school.  I moved to Washington after college and haven’t looked back!  I was easily drawn to the region’s many outdoor activities (hiking, XC skiing, climbing, etc.) but didn’t find cycling until I retired after a long career as a school psychologist in the Edmonds School District.  
 
C: You worked for a School District? Who would ever be crazy enough to do that!? (Me and my wife of course…). So cycling became a part of your life up in the PNW?
 
R: Fortunately, yes! I started taking group cycling classes at the Mukilteo YMCA where I was encouraged and inspired by some wonderful instructors.  I bought a road bike, enjoyed a variety of CBC group rides and events, and eventually decided to give racing a try.  I also started working part-time at REI – you can’t support a cycling habit on Social Security!  
 
C: Oh I know all about that (at age 26 that is a bluff among bluffs). How did your racing interest develop from there?
 
R: As a new member of Team Group Health, I sat out the 2013 road season recovering from shoulder surgery but was back in the saddle just in time to take a track class…and I was hooked!  This year I raced nearly all season and loved it – can’t wait for 2015!

C: I suppose there are others in your life. Tell me about your family!

R: My husband, Lee, enjoys many of the same outdoor activities (and more!), and we both lead some CBC rides, but he’s happy to leave the racing to me.  Our daughter, Leni, lives in North Bend with her husband, Randy, and our two wonderful grandkids, Ryo (13) and Simone (10).  Leni and Randy have a consulting business, both play soccer and Leni has taken up ultra-running.  The kids enjoy lots of activities, inside and out, and we love having them all close enough for us to do things together and share in their very active lives.

C: Awesome. What kind of closing comments would you like to make for the MVA fan-base?

R: I volunteered for the Board because the MVA has given me many great opportunities to learn and grow as a racer and become a part of this incredible track community, and I’d like to give something back.  I’m particularly interested in encouraging more women to give track a try and supporting all new racers in developing their skills and continuing in this great sport. If you haven’t tried out the track yet, come on out and give it a try!!

C: Great! Thanks Ruth! Ladies, Ruth wants you out to the track next season. We expect you in huge numbers… OR ELSE!!

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