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Anna Davenport
Photo by Garrett Lau

In lieu of a bio, we actually have a great article from the Marin Independent Journal on Anna, the text of which is below:

http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_12126292

About 10 years ago, Anna Davenport of Mill Valley was a wiped-out working mother of four. Following a friend's advice to try a spinning class, Davenport found her passion for competitive cycling. These days, Davenport, 43, balances duties as kindergarten teacher at Park Elementary School and mothering of her own brood ranging in age from 11 to 20 with a daunting year-round training schedule and road races against pros up and down the West Coast. The busy mom was rated a Cat 2 road racer (racing categories, which begin at Cat 4 for women, descend in number as racers upgrade) in races including the recent Tour of California Criterium and the Cascade Classic State Race in Bend, Ore. She even serves as "roadie" for the Tamalpais High School mountain bike racing team.

Q: How did you get into cycling?
A: I was in school getting my teaching credential, and I was really struggling with fatigue as many working mothers do. I realized I needed some outlet and some way to find some energy. Someone said she knew of this amazing spin teacher who had a ton of energy. It was then that I was introduced to Sara Ellis down at Ultimate Fitness in Mill Valley and my whole life changed. Sara has been an incredible inspiration from the very first day when I could barely hold myself up on the bike to 10 years later as we race side by side.

Q: Were you always athletic?
A: I have always been into sports growing up, but never really found one I was passionate about. It was an amazing feeling when I took my first demo ride. It was like, wow, what have I been missing? I haven't missed a weekend of riding since.

Q: How do you balance your home life with the cycling routine?
A: Racing at the Cat 2 level is a huge commitment. You have to be willing to spend a lot of time alone on your bike. Every season, I check in with my family to see what they think about my continuing to race. Every year so far, it's the same response "Of course, Mom. You gotta do it!" I think my kids are proud of what I do. They see me working really hard at something I love.

Q: What qualities as a mom do you bring into the classroom?
A: As a mom of four kids, I have really seen it all when it comes to kids and I have the experience to handle anything that comes my way. I also have had the time to see that all children need love and encouragement to learn and grow.

Q: Do you ever find it difficult to keep up the hectic schedule?
A: I do admit there are some rainy, winter evenings when I am peddling home in the dark (with my light) and I can smell warm soup wafting out from the cozy, fire-lit homes that I question what my motivation is. But then I have the honor and privilege in the spring to line up at races with the strongest women in Northern California and I know I have done my homework.

Q: Where do you like to ride in Marin?
A: Marin is one of the best places in the country for a beautiful bike ride. Two of my favorite rides are the Marshall loop with a mandatory stop at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes for a hot cup of chai tea and morning bun. I also love to ride out to Tomales if I need to put in some extra miles on my bike.

Q: What has the cycling experience taught you about yourself?
A: Racing with pros at my ripe age has shown me that if you love something and are willing to put time in to learning, studying and working hard to become an expert at it, you can do anything you want in this life.