12th Annual team awards banquet

March 4, 2017 marked the 12th annual banquet for the Riptide-Cawes cycling team. The fact that a women’s team has been around for 12 years is a true testament to team owner Teresa and the long time support of sponsors (notably Toni Musorrafiti –EPS/CSS & Brielle Cyclery). The atmosphere was buzzing as team members, new and old, came together with sponsors at Teresa and Jeff’s house Saturday night. The combination of great food (holy cake pops), drinks, teammates and sponsors was the perfect way to celebrate last season while kicking off the 2017 season (season 13 for Riptide-Cawes).


Once everyone arrived, Teresa kicked off the awards. Our team would not be possible without our amazing sponsors and Teresa and Jeff who pour their heart and soul into making the team run successfully each year. Teresa paid gratitude to our sponsors and then moved into the yearly awards for the team. As a team, Riptide-Cawes took home the honor of the NJBA and PA BAR team awards and individually of awardees took home a slew of honors.


The first award went to Director Sportif Sarah Rieder Iepson for team MVP. Though Sarah could not join us in person she was present via Skype! Sarah’s MVP award was well deserved; not only did she walk away with a handful of 1st place and podium finishes but she is the 2016 New Jersey criterium state champion and she finished 5th at Masters Nationals in the criterium (35-39 age category).


Our second award went to Alli McCabe for the Most Improved Rider award. If you know Alli you are aware of her dedication not only to this team but also to cycling and improving herself. Alli was all over the podium this season on the road (those poor other Cat 4 riders), earning herself an upgrade to a Cat 3 rider!


The last team award went to Deborah Leedale-Brown who won the Riptide Barb Statton award (she was conveniently sitting next to Barb during the awards). This award is a significant honor on our team as it is given to someone who is always there to help the team and support where needed. Deb does so much in the development of other riders while also kicking butt on the road herself. Secretly (sort of), I’ve been trying to get Deb to race more on the dirt (she rocks on a mtn bike if you didn’t know) but when you have someone who wins the PA state championships for the criterium, road race and masters criterium; it’s hard to pull them away!


I would be remiss not mention the special first appearance of team mascot “the goat.” The goat (who is yet unnamed), if you are not aware, is the mascot for team member Meg Moore who acts as a sponsor for the team as well. Next time you see Meg, ask to hear her goat calling skills and you will understand why she got a goat for her mascot. Our current goat will be travelling to Meg in Louisiana BUT another team goat is on the way. If you have suggestions for names feel free to comment!!