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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
:: Meet more of the Baroudeurs
