Rene Baker
Photo taken at the Saucelito Criterium

Rene Baker is a category 4 road racer who joined LGBRC in 2005.

When asked what attracted her to cycling, Rene says, " I wanted to take up a sport that wasn't so high impact.  After years and years as a runner, my body was starting to suffer the consequences.  I had a few freinds at work who rode and after searching for a good deal, I bought my first road bike.  This was November 2004.  In October 2005 I bought a 'real' bike, my Trek 5.2 Madone SL !!    Love it". 

So far, Rene considers her greatest cycling achievement to be winning the Early Bird Criterium for Catagory 4.  She continues, " But for unbeleiveable acheivement.....that would be finishing the Tour of the Unknown Coast Century (10,000 feet, 108 miles) after getting a kidney stone attack at mile 88 on "The Wall", May 2005 !   Im not sure I would classify that as an acheivement or just plain insanity and stubborness.

        
When asked about her "Day Job" she replies, " I work full time as an Analytical Development Chemist at a start up pharmaceutical company in Palo Alto. 
I have two incredible kids, Jared, 8 and Megan, 6 who are truley my greatest acheivement in life.  As for past sports, I ran track as a sprinter since 9th grade and continued to run well into college and beyond.  I used train and compete in Three Day Eventing (jumping horses for years until I decided that was just a tad too dangerous to do as a mother.
I also did a few Olympic Distance Triathlons in 2005  but I really am burnt out on running, so thats why I am on the bike now!  
   
"I joined LGBRC after doing the Memorial Day Ride in 2005 and meeting some of the LGBRC racers.  I am hoping that my competative nature combined with my athletic ability will help me become a seasoned racer over time.  I hope to contribute to the success of the club, make new friends and win a few races along the way :)"