Hello Mermaid Athletes!

As temperatures heat up we've got the perfect excuse to get your bike and head to the coast. Our Mermaid Ride #2 might not be the Tour de France, but it is our "tour" de Santa Cruz! Pack up the car, bring the beach towel and make it a mini vacation. Riders of all level are welcome as we help build your confidence on the road in a group setting. Our July Newsletter also contains information about upcoming events, PLUS read below to find out how you could win a weekend retreat in Tahoe, compliments of Giant for Women.

-Mermaid Ride #2 - July 18th
-Win a trip to the Giant for Women's Ride and Retreat
-My First Bike - Tips from Coach Heidi
-Santa Cruz Open Water Swim Clinic
-Six Week Santa Cruz Team Mermaid Training Program
-Mermaid San Francisco Run - 10k/5k
Featured Affiliate Events:
-- July 9th Splash and Dash - Cupertino, CA
-- July 26th Catfish Open Water Swim - Cupertino, CA
-- August 2nd Sandman Triathlon - Santa Cruz, CA

Mermaid Ride #2 - July 18th
The second Mermaid Ride takes you on a 40 mile tour through Santa Cruz. Working with the Bicycle Trip we'll cover bike safety, changing a flat tire, road etiquette and answer any questions you have before we get on the road. This is a RIDE not a RACE, there is no timing involved and it is centered around having fun. All levels are welcome!!! <more>

Win a trip to the Giant for Women’s Ride and Retreat!
Two lucky Mermaids will win a women’s weekend away in Lake Tahoe, courtesy of Giant for Women. You’ll start the morning with yoga, then spend the days learning and riding. There will be plenty of time to see the sights and relax. Join Giant and first class athletes including mountain biking champion Tara Llanes for skills sessions, great riding, friendship, and relaxation. To enter, send your name, address and phone number to hello@giantforwomen.com with ‘Mermaids Retreat’ in the subject line. Names will be drawn on July 17! The prize is valued at $500 and includes two night’s hotel, meals, skills sessions, yoga classes, and demo bikes. **Winners must: arrange their own travel to and from the resort, have essential cycling gear, and be comfortable with clipless pedals. <more>

My First Bike - Tips from Coach Heidi
So often we let a million reasons get in the way of becoming the strong, confident woman that we long to be. Trust yourself and the confidence you'll gain from new experiences, it can be life changing. I vividly remember the bike I first road as I set out to train for my first triathlon. <more>

Santa Cruz Open Water Swim Clinic
If you've ever felt nervous about swimming in the ocean or open water than our clinics are the perfect opportunity to calm your nerves and practice swimming in a safe and controlled environment. <more>

Six Week Santa Cruz Team Mermaid Training Program
A special 6 week training program in Santa Cruz designed to get you ready for the September Triathlon. Training with a group is the best way to stay motivated, meet new Mermaids and accomplish your goals. The training group is led by Coach Heidi. <more>

Mermaid San Francisco Run - 5K / 10K
Keep yourself training throughout the summer and fall with our November San Francisco run. Starting at Crissy Field, the run takes you to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and back. The inaugural run is already creating quite the Mermaid buzz. <more>

Featured Affiliate Events:
July 9th - Splash and Dash, Cupertino, CA
Part of a summer (weekday) evening series, the Splash and Dash features a 1.5 km open water swim followed by a challenging 5K run. The event brings out many local groups and athletes for an evening of fun and racing at Stevens Creek Reservoir. <more>

July 26th - Catfish Crawl South Bay, Cupertino, CA
The Catfish Crawl gives everyone a chance to get out for an open water swim. If you're training for an upcoming triathlon, or just looking to get out of the pool and the monotony of lap swimming than the Catfish Crawl is for you. Located in the clean, open water at Stevens Creek Reservoir you'll enjoy a beach party atmosphere and a fun event. Use the following coupon code and get a discount for the upcoming swim: 2009usaevents <more>

August 2nd - Sandman Triathlon
In its 24th year, the Sandman Triathlon at Seacliff State Beach is a popular race due to its scenic routes, easy going atmosphere and small size-maximum of 500 participants. The course is a 1/2 mile swim around the historic cement ship, a 15 mile bike ride through the Aptos hills and a 4.2 mile beach run. Beautiful hand made awards for top finishers and a raffle add to the fun! Space is limited so sign up today! <more>

Keep Training!
The Mermaid