Albeit, a somewhat hostile one at times judging from some replies in this thread.
I think you saw frustration more than anything. If I appeared hostile in any way, it was not my intention and I do apologize. My statement on revenge and bloodletting was strictly tongue in cheek and I hope that is apparent in the rest of the post.
So let me ask, what exactly would you expect to be involved in this? If I were to take on this challenge, and I'm speaking hypothetically here, what would you as a user expect to see? Fast riders? Men, women, or it doesn't matter? A closed course? Refreshments? Or is the essence of what you're looking for a basic A+ road ride which is geared for women riders in that they may not be out for blood that particular day? Or a closed course where some experienced road racers do some laps and give racing pointers?
If you were to take on that challenge you would do great things for a few and maybe for many, many women.
I'd want to see a clinic where strong riders can be taken from where they're at, be assessed for their strengths and weaknesses and get guidance and training in their lacking areas so that they can each reach their higher cycling potential.
I don't think it matters if it's just for women,
as long as it's open for women and that they don't get lost in the shuffle. If it's always survival of the fittest and the fastest in a group, women tend to get dropped pretty quickly.
Refreshments? I could care less.(Though nutritional guidance would be a plus.) Closed course? Unnecessary. Good, varied, lower traffic roads where it's possible to ride two abreast at times, would suffice. An A+ road ride for women isn't a clinic and doesn't leave room for those that are trying to get there. I would expect that most women are not out for blood but for pushing themselves into their highest and best personal potential.
All these things, I base on experience with a program I've been running for a year out of Oakland. It's been very successful and has been met with applause and gratitude from the women(and men) that have been a part of it. From beginner riders through B+ riders(on alternating days) we do weekly rides where we work on skills, technique and yes, sometimes just enjoying being together and riding. Men do ride with us but policy is 'Ladies Rule' and the men can't run away with it. Why is it successful? There's nothing else like it and it gives what group rides can't.
The shortfall? B+/A is where it ends because that's where I am. I simply can't give them what I don't have. I'm just at the cusp and fighting like hell to break through into being a solid A rider.
I was really, let's just say, desperate for this clinic(and an Arizona training camp I was hoping for a scholarship to-but got beat out). I pictured that either of these would give me the keys to breaking through and that I'd take those keys back to work on and to share with my groups. I've taken us this far on what I've learned or ascertained from reading, watching, common sense and pure determination. Now I need more and I don't think books alone are gonna cut it. Why do I care? Because
I want more. I want to be better than I have any hope of being and I want to do it now, 'cause chances are, I'm not going to be getting any younger.
We've touched on this idea before, Norm. You've been tossing it around. What can I do to convince you to just do it? You know you've got my support 150%. And from what I've seen in returns from my efforts, I promise you, you'll get back more than you put in... in karma alone.