Written by: Shannon Boffeli
Kathy Sherwin racing close to home in Heber, Utah
For mountain biker Kathy Sherwin, 2009 presented challenges beyond imagination. The season started off with her husband and number one supporter, Chris, breaking his ankle and tearing 4 ligaments on the first day of her annual California training camp. Next her elderly parents became ill leaving them in and out of the hospital all year. Ultimately their collective struggle ended as both of Kathy’s parents passed away less than two month apart. Finally, Sherwin’s spirit and career seemingly all came crashing down as she was let go by her former team Kenda/Tomac/Hayes.
Certainly Sherwin’s 2009 was more than any one person should have to suffer through. As the season ended Kathy was left pondering her future as a bike racer. “It was a very hard time and I was very down. I told Chris I was ready to cash it all in.” recalls an emotional Sherwin. “But I knew I shouldn’t make any decisions in such an emotional state.”
That was when one race turned it all around. Despite having had very little time on the bike and just weeks after her father’s funeral Sherwin made the trip up to Portland for the Cyclocross National Championship. Being back in the racing atmosphere felt comfortable but Sherwin still had no idea what to expect during the race.
Remembering her feelings on the start line that day Sherwin said, “I hadn’t raced all season so I started like 60th in the group. As soon as the race started I just felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt great even though I knew I shouldn’t. I just kept passing other girls the whole race and when I saw the sign saying one lap to go I was actually sad because I didn’t want the race to end.“
Sherwin taking the barriers at a local cross race
Now anyone who has raced a cyclocross event knows no one is ever sad to see one lap to go. Clearly Sherwin had experienced something special. “I saw so happy during that race.” Sherwin recollects. “So happy to realize that racing was still my passion.”
Thanks to the folks at Mafia Racing Sherwin will be able to pursue her passion in 2010. Sherwin recently signed a contract to ride for Mafia in the ’10 season. An ecstatic Kathy Sherwin said of her team, “Mafia is a very open team. They didn’t put a lot of restrictions on me. They just want me to race and have fun doing it. I am so lucky to have found them.”
Sherwin will be racing a Felt 29er in 2010. She’s very excited about her first opportunity to ride and race a big-wheeled bike. Sherwin will be competing at the US Cup Triple Crown events as well as several legs of the Pro XCT, the TEVA Mountain Games, and is considering taking her first crack at the marathon distance tackling the Firecracker 50 in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Look for Sherwin to be sporting a big smile along with her new Mafia Racing kit at mountain bike races all across the country. For Sherwin, it’s almost guaranteed this year will be better than the last.