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Cycling name?
I’m just…Sam. (Ronin – Ed)
Why do you ride your bike?
Riding is a link to my childhood. I remember riding my bike everywhere, no matter the conditions. Cycling brings me joy. It provides a level of peace I’ve not found from any other sport. Cycling is so much more than turning over cranks – more than I would have ever imagined.
Favourite place to ride?
I adored riding in London last summer. Can’t wait to do it again in July.
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Up or down mountains?
Both!
Best moments?
Meeting new people, riding in new places.
How long does it take you to change a flat?
About 5 minutes. I have come a long way. Typically if something is broken, I can’t fix it.
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Advice to a new cyclist?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes the rides you dread the most are the most fulfilling.
Steel, Carbon or Ti?
Carbon.
Grand tours or Classics?
Both! I admire the sheer physical feat of having to perform on a day. I marvel at the immense conditions of the Classics – pave, weather, etc. and they always seem to end in an exciting manner. The Grand Tours are majestic – showcasing the sheer physical demands of the rider and the importance of team work. Oh and let’s not forget the beautiful French countryside. I love them both.
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Gels or potatoes?
Gels. Chips (lots) when I’m in London.
Fav pro, or retired pro?
These young riders are amazing to watch – particularly Mathieu van der Poel & Wout van Aert.
Headwind or rain?
Headwind.
Discs or rims?
Disc. The new-new is good.
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I wish I had been told that…
Tubeless is like riding on air. To be fair, someone probably did tell me but I was too new to have understood what they were talking about.
What is it like being a Baroudeur? (not a trick question)
It is a huge honor. As one of a few living in the US, I get asked about the club quite a bit. Wicked kit (I love kit) gives me the opportunity to talk about friends and heroes and zanshin. I smile with pride every time. I love putting LBCC down on race registrations in Texas.
Advice to someone wanting to join the Baroudeurs?
Be yourself. Smile. Laugh. Work.
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What does your cycling future hold?
More experiences (travel with my fam and bike!), new relationships, developing existing. Podiums here and there. See the world! Learn!
GC predictions
I’ve become a bit of a Team Education First fanboy. Lawson Craddock is from Texas. Taylor Phinney is a US rider with a strong family racing pedigree and, let’s face it, the pink Rapha kits are hot! Not sure who their #1 will be – Michael Woods? Team EF for me!
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