when did you first start riding road bikes?

I started riding mountain bikes casually with friends in my first year of high school (2014). I became interested in competition and I started a mountain bike team with the owner of my local bike shop shortly after that. I began riding road bikes in 2016 as a form of cross-training. 

when did you get “serious” about riding road bikes?

I got a job at the above-mentioned bike shop in my senior year of high school and bought a nice road bike with my employee discount. I joined a weekly race-simulation ride around one of our local parks where some LA cycling legends would push the pace to the extremes (notably  Justin and Cory Williams, Ama Nsek, and a few other Cat-3 then, now turned pros). I got dropped almost every week but kept showing up until I could hang with the pack. 

what does “serious” mean to you?

Serious means top of mind. With every action or decision that you make, you tend to weigh the tradeoffs and measure the impact of that action on your “serious” thing.

in what ways does road biking impact your life?

When I was younger, I lived a pretty sedentary lifestyle. I spent a lot of time playing video games and watching TV. I tried sports like baseball, tennis, and swimming, but none of them really stuck. Cycling changed that for me. It turned me into an athlete, gave me a sense of community, and provided something positive to look forward to and prioritize in my life. I hope everyone can find something that brings them the same fulfillment that cycling brings me.

have you ever felt like it is negatively impacting your life?

I’ve had a few crashes that were pretty scary, and I’m lucky I was able to walk away from them. I know that cycling comes with a higher chance of serious injury compared to many other sports, and that’s something I’ve come to accept. Even with the risks, it’s a tradeoff I’m willing to make because cycling brings me so much joy.

Also my grocery bill is really high.

net-net, do you think road biking is positive or negative?

Positive.

do you have any goals for yourself in regards to road biking?

My goals around cycling are mostly centered around health and longevity. I ride to become physically and mentally fit. I ride with the intention of being a good member of the cycling community and a good road user. I aim to get stronger and get more people on bikes.

what are some things you absolutely love about cycling?

I love the freedom that it gives me to explore places. I love the motivation that it has given me to stay in shape. I love the feeling of summiting a mountain. I love the sound that my wheels make when riding through a corner.

if you had zero constraints on your time, how many hours a week do you think you’d ride?

Probably 20 to 30. The biggest week I’ve ever done was for a virtual challenge during the pandemic, I rode 31 hours.

how many hours a week do you ride now?

Typically 10-15.

what is something you wish a non-cyclist could experience about cycling?

I wish for everyone to find something that they’re deeply passionate about that gives them purpose. It is really nice to have a healthy addiction.

have you ever taken a total break from cycling? if so, why?

I have not taken a break longer than a month since I started cycling in 2014. Any time that I have stopped riding for more than a week has been due to travel, illness, injury, or weather (I refuse to ride on a trainer).