Tell me about how you got involved in cycling.

Honestly I didn’t start off as a big cyclist — a gnarly crash during high school really turned me off for a few years. But then I got to college and fell back in love! It was so much faster, more efficient, and fun than walking to class… That commuter life stayed strong and eventually led to me to really getting into single track while living in North Carolina. I’ve done only a little bit of downhill up in the North East, but I was pretty immediately hooked.

What was it like growing up and cycling in Raleigh? How is the culture different from California?

The culture in Raleigh, it’s a southern city with a great charm but a low-key vibe, which made it a breeze to commute on most roads — or at least find some easy side roads.

Moving to what could easily be considered the most car-centric city in the US (Los Angeles) was a trip! Not an easy transition at first, but I have found there is a huge cycling culture here that is slowly but surely making it’s way to the forefront. We’re adding great infrastructure for cycling all throughout the city. Things will only get better. The two biggest differences are that LA is completely flat and most people drive like maniacs — but hey that adds a bit of excitement (and a good reason to light yourself up)!

Have you cycled outside the US?

I haven’t done much cycling outside of the states, except a short stint while I was in China. It was amazing how many people get around by bike! I loved assimilating into their culture as a cyclist. Cycling is one of those amazing connectors of people and places that make you feel like you really belong in that city. You can explore whatever you want on your own two wheels.

For me, commuter cycling is really my favorite way to ride still, especially here in Los Angeles where it’s a scene that involves me passing Ferraris and the rest of traffic while they’re stuck in gridlock.

You can definitely bond with people non-verbally as long as there is some mutual interest connecting you. Happened all the time when I was living in Japan. Any particular memories stick out?

I definitely agree! Cycling is an amazing way to connect with other people and cultures who seem inherently different from your own. That connection makes you realize how we’re all globally linked. I look forward to the days that I can tour new cities and countries on two wheels!

When I was in high school, I did foreign exchange in Germany. The first thing my German brother and I bonded over was cycling. It started out a bit awkward — living in a stranger’s house where I don’t speak the language or know anyone on the continent… One day we checked out these epic jumps he and his buddies would ride. I was blown away, now we had this common ground to start from. It built from there. After that initial start, you suddenly realize how much else you have in common with others.

That’s a great story.

I am just blown away by the importance of cycling in small towns throughout the world. You’ll be on a road and see entire families heading to school or the market on a bike. This May while traveling to our suppliers overseas, I witnessed a mother riding a bike with a baby strapped to her chest, one child sitting in a basket on the handlebars, and then two more young ones on the rear carrier rack! Her ability to do all that on a bike — paired with amazing patience and really great balance - made this amazing form of self-reliance possible.

The Founder Himself