Grace Batres - 09/25/2007
Our New Rider of the Week for 09/25 is Grace Batres, aka "Toots". Grace works at Valero HQ as an Associate Accountant with Domestic Crude and Feedstock Accounting, and handles Supply Intermediate sales and purchases and works closely with schedulers and traders. Previously, Grace has worked in the Exchange Accounting and Wholesale Billing departments. Grace has been with Valero for over 5 years.
Actually, Grace is not new rider per sa, she's just been off the bike for a few years. "I completed the MS 150 in 2002 B.C. (Before Cassie). Then, I had my first and only child, Cassie. Now that Cassie is older I have more time to spend on hobbies and interests of mine, such as cycling."
Grace has a personal connection to MS that motivates her to particpate in the Bike ot the Beach. "The decision to ride the MS 150 was easy. My good neighbor friend, Patty Reynolds, was struck with MS about 10 years ago. Patty enjoys watching me cycle from my house on weekends. Patty stays outside on her tamale red scooter until I return from my ride. I enjoy knowing the fact that I am riding for a great cause that can help people like Patty."
Grace is training really hard for the MS 150 this year. She's a member of one of the Tour de Valero teams, and is spinning and cycling 150-200+ miles a week. Last week she accumulated 414 points for her TDV team! She also spends plenty of time on her bike. "I enjoy the camaraderie on the group training rides. I have formed some wonderful friendships out of this experience."
After the MS 150, Grace looks forward to future cycling rides/events and will begin training for a mini-triathlon. Grace also cannot wait until the day that she and Cassie can ride together in the MS 150!!
Glad to have you on the team, Grace - see you on the road to Corpus Christi!
Grace at the Elemendorf Park and Ride during one of our recent training rides