When Trail user Mary Arnold, age 69, decided to get serious about bicycle racing, not even an injured knee or black widow could make her brake.
Mary is a member of the Sweet Spot Women's Race Team - a group of amazing women! - Bike Route 1
In 2016, Mary, an avid runner, blew out her knee but that didn’t stop her. Not one to sit around, she knew she needed to find a new passion. It had been over 25 years since she had sat on a bicycle, but Mary dusted off her 43-year-old bicycle and hit the Capital Trail. As her endurance grew and her rides became longer, she discovered it was a great way to explore her community, get energized (lots of endorphins), and feel the wind on her face. Mary enjoyed it so much, that she decided to compete in the upcoming Virginia Senior Games. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Mary was the only person to race in her age category. Not only did she walk away with her first gold, but she also qualified for the National Senior Games in Albuquerque. One race and she was hooked. She had found her sweet spot in the women’s racing realm.
On the podium at the Blood Sweat and Bacon time trial in Smithfield, 2019
With Albuquerque in her sights, Mary started riding in earnest, bought a new bicycle and started training with a coach. On her new set of wheels, Mary hit the Trail and her neighborhood section of Bike Route 1 with renewed dedication racking up almost 1,000 miles on the Capital Trail alone. Unfortunately, fate interceded one morning when Mary awoke with abdomen pains and nausea. What she thought was appendicitis turned out to be the venomous bite from a black widow spider. The bite left Mary feeling drained for several weeks, but she refused to let it derail her. In 2019, at age 69, Mary completed her training and rode an all-time personal high of 4,018 miles.
Standing on the podium after the 5K in Albuquerque, earning eighth place in the top 10 all-time women record holders over the age of 65, Mary knew that this was only the beginning. Since then, she’s competed in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Time Trial Series. What’s next for this hard charger? Almost 70, Mary is tackling her first triathlon!
Mary’s vintage 1973 Nishiki Competition
When asked about her favorite ride Mary shares, “My last ride was my favorite. Starting at Charles City Courthouse, riding to Jamestown and around Jamestown Island, then riding back to eat at Cul’s Courthouse Grille. I love crossing over the Chickahominy River; I love arriving at historic Jamestown and the landscape opening up to the island and the water. And I love finishing my ride at Cul’s with good food and craft beer. The family is so supportive of the bicycling community, that I like to support them as well.”
Mary racked up 948 miles on the Capital Trail in 2019. Why does she enjoy riding on the Trail? That’s easy…
“I love the Trail. You can ride with little stopping and there is no vehicle traffic. It’s one of the biggest features for cyclists in Virginia.”
Do you know a Trail user with a remarkable story to share? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at info@virginiacapitaltrail.org.
