Albert Einstein may have known a thing or two about physics. But he also had a solid grasp on how life and cycling relate. So at the risk of sounding cliché, I quote, “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving”. I have always tried to keep moving and expanding my horizons -both on the bike, and beyond.
My career in cycling itself has been a balancing act between different disciplines for many years. I began racing BMX when I was five. And by the time I turned double digits, I had begun racing mountain bikes, later picking up road and cyclocross as well. By age 16, I had phased out of the BMX world, which was definitely the most unique discipline of the bunch.
I am currently racing in my second year as a professional for Hagens Berman Axeon on the road, and Specialized Racing on the dirt. I am constantly, and understandably so, asked what discipline I will ultimately pursue. Yet, most days, I see myself as more of just a bike racer, rather than a specific kind of bike racer. This question has, therefore, been a tough one for me to answer; and so far, I haven’t needed to.
Photo Credit: Thomas Maheux
The most difficult part of juggling multiple disciplines is managing the schedule. With all the races of both the MTB and road circuits during the season, there are bound to be conflicts. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be a part of Hagens Berman Axeon, and for all of the support Axel Merckx has given me in pursuing my mountain bike dreams alongside road racing. With our jump up to pro conti status, things have gotten more serious; but, the team has been receptive to my goals and communicated theirs well. It’s a special team to be a part of – with its legacy of developing talent, and the positive environment cultivated by the staff and riders.
When it comes to the knobbier side, I’ll always be able to smile when the tires touch a perfect singletrack. I can attribute this to my hometown of Durango. I had amazing role models such as Todd Wells, Ned Overend, and my sister to follow while growing up; as well as the chance to be involved in a youth cycling program, Durango DEVO, that is second to none. Mountain biking is ingrained in both the community and the geography of our town, and this love for it has certainly rubbed off on me.
My parents and Durango have not only both raised me to enjoy cycling for everything it is, but also to appreciate things outside of the cycling world. Having interests that expand beyond two wheels is one of the most important things I strive for. As a kid, I freestyle skied and played both basketball and soccer. In high school, I found a passion equivalent to that of cycling in spoken word poetry and rap music. During my first year of college at Cal Poly, I created my first album called Mile Markers, which you can find at milemarkersproject.com.
Writing a poem or rapping a line is truly nothing like riding bikes. But it provides a side of expression that sports don’t allow for, and thus has become my outlet in many ways. This past semester, I got involved with volunteering at a local Juvenile Detention center teaching creative writing. Throughout this experience, I’ve learned how different people’s worlds can be from yours, and how important it is to recognize all corners of life instead of drawing further into your own. It has been a great opportunity, and has broadened my perspective to all the things worth putting my heart into in a similar way I do with bike racing.
A couple weeks ago while racing the Redlands Classic, I picked up a guitar at the host house and downloaded an app to learn. I spent every minute that we weren’t on the bike stringing out bad chords and slightly annoying my roommate. But I loved it, and when I returned to my house in San Luis Obispo I bought one for myself to continue learning.
I want life to often go like buying a first guitar or teaching at a juvenile hall. I want to discover new things and be able to impact the world in ways greater than riding a bicycle. That outlook has helped me continue to love my bike as much as I did when I first hopped on one. So like Einstein’s sage advice on life and bicycle riding, you must keep moving to remain centered. I hope to continue to find the balance between all the things I do as I move through life one pedal stroke at a time.
Photo credit: Davey Wilson
