BFC 2014 Women’s Champion: Rosanne Van Dorn
.from Lake Placid, NY

Time: 2:01:58 (Women’s Cyclocross, 40-99 age class)
Rosanne tied Ruth Sherman’s course record for the Inlet to Indian Lake direction.

Team: Farm Team Elite Women’s Cycling
A group of riders comprised of women, junior, and espoirs supported by Anthem Sports.

Age: 40 (as of BFC 2014 race day)

Occupation:  Physical Therapist/ Full Time Mom

Cycling & Athletic Experience:  A Category 2 Road/Cyclocross racer, Rosanne started racing bikes back in 2000 for 5 years and then took the next 5 years off while raising 2 little ones.  Have been having fun riding and getting back into some races the past couple of years.
Being a native Adirondack’r, my background is more outdoor adventure oriented w/ rock/ ice climbing, mountaineering, and skiing then transitioned to more aerobic sports like biathlon, marathons, Ironman…; settling with cycling as my favorite.

Cycling Experience over the past year:  I have enjoyed participating in a team that helps promote advocacy for women’s cycling of all ages and abilities, especially return to sport for women after kids.

Any Special Training:  My kids are getting bigger and faster so I like to think chasing after them keeps me in shape.  I continually have to evolve and be creative to carve time out and find time to ride.  I enjoy joining a training partner or jumping into a local group ride for some social rides.

Cycling Goals:   I have been very fortunate to have a supportive family that makes me feel like I am on the podium everyday so my goals are always met.  Returning to the BFC to repeat a win and ride in the opposite direction would be a highlight.

Why the BFC?  I remember hearing positive accolades about the race from a co-worker a decade and 1/2 ago, so the buzz was there.  I had never raced a MTB race before, but my interest had been peaked when I heard you could race on a cyclocross bike.

How is the BFC different?  I had never raced a gravel race before so was a little unsure of what to expect.  What I got was an 800-person mixed-gender mass start, point to point race, on every combination of 2 wheels w/ fast intense pace lining, rough rocky pot-holed dirt roads, sinking sand, muddy puddles, white-knuckled descents, and lung burning climbs.  My kind of FUN.  It was EPIC!

How can we improve the BFC?  I think your current model has proven success so the best improvement would be to make none.  Riders and racers will return because it is a great well-run race, in a beautiful locale, and an amazing experience.  I have seen other gravel races with a “winner takes all” approach and this would definitely elevate the level of elite attendees.  However, the current generous prize purse lends to the appeal of the masses.  Having only this years experience from Inlet to Indian Lake my only suggestion would be to allow an open road for a field sprint finish.

Etc.:  Looking forward to the 2015 race from Indian Lake to Inlet!