“My bike is my freedom machine, I love traveling on two wheels. I've found that 15mph is the perfect speed to experience the world. I also have a deep commitment to preserving the beauty of our environment and staying involved with local and national bicycle advocacy groups.”
Q:When was your first cycle touring adventure? Was it love from the get-go with the sport?
A: My first big bike adventure was riding from Honduras to Boulder after two years serving in the Peace Corps. It's about 5,000 miles, and it took me 3 months. I learned that people everywhere want to help, I was taken in for food and shelter by multiple families along the route. And yes, it was pure love right from the start.
Q: Was cycling a big part of your life before that? What made you take the leap to cycle touring?
A: I’ve always been a fan of riding bikes. As a kid, I’d ride all over Boulder and go on mini-adventures. I loved the sense of freedom! I didn’t get a car when I was 16, I just kept riding everywhere...and to this day, I’ve never owned a car. I took the bike touring leap because I wanted to see more of the world, at a slow pace. I call it life at 15mph.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of cycle touring? I love meeting people and making friends.
A:There’s a lot of amazing people everywhere, and when you’re on a bike, you get to travel to places you’d never otherwise visit.
Q: What does your training regimen look like? How do you stay in shape?
A: I run more than I bike actually, that’s how I mainly stay in shape. Mountain biking is my favorite activity when I’m home in Boulder. I’d say that I get out and do something about 4-5 times a week.
Q: How did you become familiar with Elevenpine’s shorts?
A: The owner Jeff stalked me, and forced me to wear the shorts :) Good things he’s a nice guy.
Q: What about the style/design/fabric appeals to you/makes them one of your first choices for tackling whatever activity/adventure you have planned?
A: I like how lightweight they are, perfect for touring in the heat..and they last forever.
Q: How are they different from other shorts you’ve tried?
A:The zipper on the sides of the legs! I don't use the zipperthat often, I prefer it loose. But if I'm doing any technical mountain biking, and need to get behind my seat, then I zip up!
Q: Any favorite hobbies or sports besides cycling?
A: World champion burrito eating? I’m a big runner, love doing ultras, and yes, scarfing down burritos afterward.
Q:What was your favorite part of the Great Divide ride?
A: Montana was my favorite part. I loved being deep in the woods, and the people are really cool. The Grizzly bears were a little scary though, luckily they didn’t steal my burritos ;)
Q: Do you have a “favorite of all time” cycle touring adventure?
A: Tough question, they are all special in their own way. I guess I’d say that my first one, the Honduras to Boulder ride. That really inspired my love of traveling by bike...and MEXICO! I love Mexico.
Q: How do you choose which routes to tackle? What are the qualities you look for?
A: These days, I try to find routes that are a bit secluded, cars scare me.
Q:Do you have a cycle touring bucket list?
A:Yes, I wanna ride the length of Sweden someday, through the Himalayas, Colombia, around Australia...so many dream trips!
Q: What’s your advice for someone looking to get into touring? Gear, trail, length - where to start? Common misconceptions?
A: JUST DO IT! (I stole that from Nike) You don’t need the best gear, my first tour was barebones on an old mountain bike. I was fine. Start small, try an overnighter near your home, get the feel for your gear, and see how your body does with riding on a heavy bike...then from there, the sky is the limit. Warning--you will fall in love with it!
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