Cycling name?
Kingmaker
Why do you ride your bike?
I love the feeling of flying you get when the group is really getting after it. I love the feeling of accomplishment after a hard ride. I love being able to eat all the cakes. Most of all, I love the friendships you find on two wheels.
Favourite place to ride?
The Willamette Valley in the Pacific Northwest of the US in the summer.
Up or down mountains?
These days, up. Age has brought the constant reminder that gravity and traction can be cruel when going downhill.
Best moments?
Two come to mind. 1) Riding with friends in the French Alps after the Le Tour had gone by. 2) Eating ice cream at a random petrol station on a summertime ride years ago.
How long does it take you to change a flat?
In the summer, 5 minutes. In the winter, it depends on just how frost bitten my fingers are. I finally went tubeless this year, so I hope to never find out again.
Advice to a new cyclist?
Invest in quality kit and it will take care of you. There’s nothing like a saddle sore to ruin a ride.
Steel, Carbon, Alu, Magnesium, or Ti?
Carbon.
Grand Tours or Classics?
You can’t beat the Classics. When there’s not another stage tomorrow, riders fight with much more heart and panache.
Gels or potatoes?
Snickers bars.
Fav pro, or retired pro?
Peter Sagan.
Headwind or rain?
Headwind
Disc or rims?
Discs
I wish I had been told that…
If you over toque a bolt on a carbon frame, by even a little, bad things can happen.
What is it like being a Baroudeur? (not a trick question 😉
There is an amazing sense of community on the team. It makes every ride better. You can’t beat a ride with this crew.
What advice would you give someone wanting to join the Bs?
Be prepared to meet some great folks and come to love-hate your alarm. 6am rides come early.
What does your cycling future hold?
A return to road and track racing, where I’ll carry the lantern rouge with pride.
GC prediction for le Tour?
Geraint Thomas
:: Meet more of the Baroudeurs
