Diva-tude

What would be the use of proclaiming Chicago as one of my favorite cycling venues without talking about the individuals that made it my home, and not just a place to live, for all these years?

I've always contended that people make the place. So I'd be completely remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to dote on my Chicagoland family. And although that family consist of varied groups and individuals, there is one group that stands out and above the others, The Angry Divas.

My recollection is a bit foggy as to the specifics of how the running group started, except to say that a couple of the girls were competing in a local running relay race with another all women's team, The Angry Beavers, who were short a couple of runners. From that point onward, a new group with a new name was born.

The women have since competed in almost every major long distance running relay race, like Reach The Beach and Hood to Coast, to date. If you've ever participated in a race in which they have been entered, you would remember as they [and their van] are usually primped in their Diva-ness.

Within this group of remarkable women are two of my closest friends, Stacie and Leanna (pictured below). Though each has a distinct way of doings things, both are integral parts to the whole. They are essentially the group's core. From each has spawned a bevy of friendships, as the group has expanded over the years [enough to generate a men's relay team].

Like most families we've seen each other through the good and the bad, helped each other navigate through life, had our disagreements [and even some falling outs], and watched people come into and drop out of the fold.

L to R: Me, Leanna, Bill, Stacie, Mike, and Jim

L to R: Caryn, Sarah, Vicki, Christine, and Leanna

The Machete (Michelle and Eddie, get it? - "Bombaye")

Rob - 'Nuff said

But through it all, we've respected and supported each other in our endeavors [inset, Leanna out on the lakefront in support of D'Arcy and Caryn during this year's Accenture Chicago Triathlon].

It always been said that you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. But for a select few, sometimes that line of distinction can blur or disappear altogether. I've been very fortunate in that I can honestly say I did have an opportunity to choose my family, they're my friends.

As the Divas prepare for yet another relay race this Fall, here's some Lip Gloss [click to play, and turn it up] girls to get you into a sassy mood.

Go get 'em! Show me some Diva-tude!

ASIDE: Caryn is currently raising funds [$1500.00] for Cystic Fibrosis as she prepares to compete in Ironman Hawaii. To read about the cause and to contribute, please CLICK HERE.