Amber Drew

July 23, 2018

Community Champions

Community Champion - Adrian Flores

Amber Drew

July 23, 2018

Community Champions

Adrian Flores, the first cyclist to wear ruffles to victory, was a household name before he crossed the finish line in purple and white. With continued success, Flores (and his fully customized Scott Addict bicycle ) became synonymous with showing up daily as your fullest self. Harnessing the ability to channel what he desires in life, Adrian lives each day submerged in the outlets he enjoys the most - creative expressions, adventure, and the inner peace of fulfillment.

LifeCycle Biking had an opportunity to connect with Adrian and learn more about his biking lifecycle.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Adrian! Let's get right to it- What brought you to the sport of cycling?

My cycling life has had a few different chapters. I rode a BMX bike around when I was young around the neighborhood. I re-discovered the bike during the summers in college when I was a collegiate swimmer and that’s where it really took hold of me and brought me to where I am today. Cycling provided me a sense of adventure and exploration I simply couldn’t do staring at lanes in the pool.

You’re from Austin, TX and moved to Barcelona for some time. How have your home and travels influenced the way you ride?

Austin is where I found my legs and spent my formative years on the bicycle. I grew up in the competition and hill-country rides of that area of Texas, where brutal heat and open rolling hills slowly eat away at you over long rides. Whenever I come across a place like that in another part of the world it reminds me of home, it kind of makes me feel alive. I’m stronger in that sort of terrain and climate. Barcelona is not too dissimilar, but it was the first place I lived with climbs that lasted longer than 10-15 minutes. Moving to BCN was intended to be a growing experience and it definitely helped me learn to appreciate cycling on a deeper level than competition. I learned to ride just because I loved riding.

Speaking of the love of riding, what has been your favorite moment on the bike so far?

I’ve had so many life-changing moments on the bicycle but at the moment the one that sticks out to me is a 7-day long ride from Portland to San Francisco with 3 friends of mine. The fourth day of the journey I had suffered some sort of knee injury and my only option was to tough it out 129 miles of insane hills or rent a car the rest of the trip. I toughed it out and it was one of the most beautiful rides I could have hoped to do.

We admire your willingness to push your limitations. Tell us about your brand, Prince Cycling.

Where did the inspiration come from? How has His Purple Highness contributed to your cycling life?

I got a few nicknames over the years and I think Prince stuck after I dyed a cycling skin suit purple and sewed ruffles into it. For me, it represents a sort of confidence in yourself, your abilities that I like to pull from the Prince Persona. I still can’t really fathom the reach this character of mine has had. I still have people walk up to me to either tell me that I look like prince or ask if I am prince cycling.

Creativity is very present in various areas in your life. How did you discover your love of creative writing and cooking? Are these interests/passions intertwined with cycling at all?

Writing was my first outlet as a young kid to express myself and it never faded. Somewhere through college I decided I should pursue that deeper and I graduated with a degree in English, creative writing. As for cooking, I’ve always been around it but it wasn’t until I was much older that the nature of my cooking has gotten more precise. As an athlete, it’s important to put good fuel (food) in your engine. As I’ve eased from such a strict training regimen food has become less a utility and more a passion. I feel that in all my pursuits I find a tranquil space of creativity and peace. They’re all connected in that way.

As a cyclist of color in a field dominated by the majority, how would you describe your ability to ascend into pro racing and establish a presence for yourself (and subsequently other riders of color)?

I’ve had a very fortunate child-hood. My father is Honduran and my mom is Irish and I learned from both of them all I needed as a child to make me a natural athlete. Driven role-models and plenty of athletic outlets shepherded me through the cycling ranks quickly. The key here is that they enlisted me in every type of sport that helped me build all sorts of coordination. So now when I jump into something new it’s typically just mastery that’s required. I usually catch onto basic skills and aspects of a sport really easily.

Is there anything you would change in the landscape of today’s cycling scene?

I personally find more joy in a lack of social pressure and a more inclusive environment. Cycling, much like society, tends to segment itself off to those who participate in the sport in different capacities. I enjoy bike races that take time to include recreational cyclists.

Are there any notable cyclists that inspire you? Or any other people that are doing inspiring things in the cycling world that you think we should highlight?

I can be inspired by all sorts of cyclists. No feat is too small. The type of people that I engage with the most are those that use cycling to find a balance in their life. I have plenty of friends the world over that do so many other cool and interesting things. From professional photographers, small-business owners to rocket scientists. People with a story to tell. Here are a few people that I enjoy:

Patrick Newell and Benedict - have not so quietly influenced personality and style onto cycling in a way thats had a big impression on not only my own life, but hundreds of thousands of cyclists the world over. Together and separate they are a force to be reckoned with.

Tyler Hamilton - is known for an epic saga which is his pro-tour life but his after pro-tour life is much more fascinating and inspiring. He’s a kind and gentle human with a passion for retribution of the self and others. He continues to hold a warm spot in my heart.

Anna Schwinn - is one of those unabashedly opinionated and objective cyclists that I look upon for the real. She’s got a ton of life experience and a ton of personality. Any time I get to see her at a cycling event or tradeshow is a blessing and I hope she continues to be 100% authentically herself forever.

Kym Perfetto - She really is nonstop. And she’s great. Fun to watch, fun to be around and an inspiration if I ever feel like I’m overwhelmed. I just remember, Kym is doing more.

Last but not least Adrian, please finish this statement-

In my life cycle, cycling has been . . .

A space for friends, an escape, a sanctuary, a place to reset, to thrive, to explore.

Cycling has been my rock.

Check out Adrian and his custom purple chariots at Prince Cycling.

Amber Drew

November 1, 2016

Community Champions, Two Cents for Cycling

Community Champions - Taliah Lempert

Amber Drew

November 1, 2016

Community Champions, Two Cents for Cycling

Commuting by bicycle in New York City twenty years ago opened Taliah Lempert to the joys of urban cycling. She quickly turned that joy into art and began painting to commemorate the cycling community. Exploring how the bicycle relates to the human figure and examining each bicycle's beauty and specific positivity, Taliah's work continues to excite the art and cycling worlds alike.

LifeCycle Biking had an opportunity to connect with Taliah and learn more about her biking lifecycle.

Velox Ace Blur Sketch10

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Taliah! Let’s get right to it- who or what brought you to the sport of cycling?

Cycling was always around. My dad was way into it and he would sometimes take my sister and I along in a trailer when he went for road rides. When we got older we rode on the ten speed tandem and when we turned 13 he got us each a nice bike. I didn’t get into the sport of it until I was much older and had bought a track bike because it was beautiful. Once I had it and went to watch my friends race, I decided to race too.

Where are you from? Has your place of origin influenced how much you bike?

I grew up in Ithaca, NY, went to college in Boston and moved to NYC in 1990. I don’t know if living upstate influenced how much I bike as I took a long break from cycling and only started riding for transportation in 1996. Living in NYC has been a good reason to cycle, it’s the best way to get around and escape!

We could not agree more- urban cycling is one of the best ways to see a city! In your current life cycle, what’s been your best moment on the bike so far?

There are so many best moments that one doesn’t stick out. I have been lucky to have time to do some road riding this summer with one of my best friends. I raced on the track from 1999 until 2007 even though that’s suddenly a long time ago, it was incredible and shaped the adult me! I love riding through the city pretty much daily and riding my loaded cargo bike to sell at street markets on the weekends. The bike makes me able to do more, go faster, & carry lots of stuff like some kind of super hero.

As an artist who uses bicycles as muses, how would you describe your art?

I paint pictures of bicycles. My work celebrates cycling and my community by recording the bikes around me. In the specific, is the universal.

Amy's Bike Brush Print

What cycling and/or artistic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud that my artwork is my living. Like a bicycle, I am self-propelled!

Are there any notable cyclists that inspire you? Or any other people that are doing inspiring things in the cycling world that you think we should highlight?

Local {bicycle} builders, the CRCA Women’s clinic and the Star Track program at Kissena.

Last, but not least Taliah- Can you finish this statement? In my life-cycle, biking has been . . .

Transformative.

Michael's Schwinn

Check out Taliah's gallery and support her original cycling imagery.

If you would like to be highlighted as a community champion, or would like to recommend someone, reach out to us!

Featured

Amber Drew

Amber is the founder of LifeCycle Biking. She is a mental health counselor and advocate for mental & medical wellness equality. As an avid cyclist, Amber created LifeCycle to highlight the positive mental health effects of cycling as well as build community for those typically left out of the sport. She looks forward to meeting new riders in and around Brooklyn. Check us out on IG @lifecyclebiking.

Amber Drew

August 26, 2016

Rides for a Cause, Community Champions

Community Champions- Blake Strasser

Amber Drew

August 26, 2016

Rides for a Cause, Community Champions

For the past twenty years, Blake Strasser has focused her efforts on one main goal- relentless advocacy for ending the transmission of HIV/AIDS. As a tri-athlete, ride coach, and event producer, she fights for social justice awareness with a quick tongue & strong will; never taking "no" as an answer.

LifeCycle Biking had an opportunity to connect with Blake and learn more about her biking lifecycle.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Blake! Let's get right to it- What brought you to the sport of cycling?

I learned how to ride a bike as a child but only did it casually. I moved from San Francisco to NYC in the late 80’s after losing a lot of friends to the {HIV/AIDS} epidemic. I was very scared and angry and felt really helpless. I was on a really bad date and excused myself from the table and back by the restrooms I saw a postcard for the original Boston to New York AIDS Ride. I called and signed up to ride right then. That was twenty years ago. What started as a physical challenge turned into so much more than I ever expected. It was how I grieved my friends, made a difference in the fight against AIDS and became an athlete and eventually a coach. Now producing charitable sporting events (including BRAKING AIDS® Ride) is my full time job.

Your dedication to the cause is so inspiring and admirable. In your current life cycle, what’s been your best moment on the bike so far?

There are too many to count! I am a firm believer that there are only good and great days on the bike. One day that stands out though was on day three of the SF to LA AIDS ride. There is a hill they call QuadBuster. It’s really not that bad – about a mile long, steep, but doable. They make such a huge deal out of it though that people get all nervous before hand. I was getting close to the hill and I could feel someone behind me. There was a guy on my wheel looking super nervous. I asked if it was his first year and he said “yes”. I asked if he was freaking out about the hill and he said “yes”. I asked him if he had a good song in his head and he got even more nervous and said “no”. I told him to get some angry Whitney Houston in his head and he’d be fine. We climbed the hill together singing “It’s not right, but it’s ok.” At the top of the climb he thanked me, we stopped and hugged and didn’t see each other again. A couple years later I was approaching the hill and called out to pass a couple riders and as I did I heard this man saying “Get some angry Whitney Houston in your head” and it was him helping another new rider! We all climbed it together with even more hugs at the top.

It seems like you were made to be a ride coach! You're also a triathlete; how did you get into the field? Are there any tips you can give to anyone interested in exploring the tri-arena?

Do it! Work your weakness, and unless you are coming from a serious swimming background get some swim coaching. I’m not a fast swimmer, but I am confident and efficient which saves my energy for the bike and run. Also, unless you have money to burn, don’t buy into they hype. I’ve done Ironman three times on my road bike, have had the same $100 wetsuit for 10 years and a basic $25 bike computer. Upgrade yourself through training and experience, not your equipment.

We could not agree more. Not only are training and experience important, so is nutrition. Any tips on wellness while cycling?

EAT!!! Seriously – you have to feed your body. If you are going out for more than an hour eat before you ride, while you ride and after you ride. Trial and error will lead you to what works for you but you need food to get going, keep going and to recover. And eat food (actual food – not processed junk) – just like with equipment you can blow a lot of money on bars, gels, etc. I use gels when I’m racing and electrolyte replacement on long rides/runs, but otherwise just food will do everything you need.

What cycling accomplishment are you most proud of?

This is my 20th year riding to fight AIDS and I am committed to raising $20,000 for Housing Works! When I hit that it will be my biggest accomplishment! HELP!

That's awesome! Tell us about your team No Fucking Filter. Where did the inspiration for the team come from?

Heeheehee- it is an unofficial team. I was riding in CA and out of nowhere there were 45 mile an hour headwinds. Seriously up on the pedals, cranking to go 6mph. I dropped my chain and when I was fixing it the constricted nerve in my neck started spasming. After a few miles of tears, snot and screaming non-stop profanities the wind died down enough that I could relax my grip and stretch my neck. It was only then that I remembered that I had been taped into my red dress, (red dress day is an old AIDS ride tradition) so I somehow managed to calmly pull over and lay my bike down but then I ripped my dress off Incredible Hulk style. It was just then that my buddy Ramon came around the corner and called out “Are you ok? What’s going on?” I replied “I’m starting Team Mother Fucking Tourette’s!” and that was that. When it came time to make the jerseys (ask me! They are awesome looking and funds raised are going to Housing Works!) I started looking into Tourette’s and realized it is a lot more common and serious than it is portrayed to be, so I switched it to Team No Fucking Filter. Anyone who cycles, particularly in NYC, has had that day. I am a strong advocate of cursing. It lowers your blood pressure ;-)

Fuck yea! How do you think you influence your immediate circle of cyclists and the cycling community?

I always try to get people to do more. Ride more, raise more, and get more friends involved. I’m sure I drive people crazy, but we actually have the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, we just need the funding and political will.

Is there anything you would change in the landscape of today’s cycling scene?

I love the way the sport is growing, but I fear our respect of each other and other people on the road is not growing at the same rate. It’s frustrating when the bridge you used to have to yourself is full of people on CitiBikes going for brunch, but nobody has ever died from slowing down and making way for people. I am working on being more respectful…but I am the captain of Team No Fucking Filter, so you know it is a work in progress.

Absolutely. What advice do you give to women who are new to riding a bike?

Same advice I would give a man – buy a bike that fits you from a store you feel comfortable in. If you are on the wrong bike and intimidated to go to your shop you won’t ride. That, and don’t be afraid to ride alone. There are great groups to join, but there is nothing like taking off on your own for an adventure!

Are there any notable cyclists that inspire you? Or any other people that are doing inspiring things in the cycling world that you think we should highlight?

I am very lucky to be surrounded by people who inspire me every day. We have a woman how did her first AIDS Ride shortly after a double knee replacement, people who have been living with HIV/AIDS for 30 years and are riding, people who have never been on a bike, but learn to ride so they can take part in the Ride and support Housing Works. Professional athletes have nothing on these people!

Last but not least Blake, can you finish this statement? In my life cycle, biking has been . . .

My therapy, my weapon and my pleasure.

Support Blake's mission, explore her work, or just reach out and say hey!

Amber Drew

April 19, 2016

Community Champions

Community Champions- Ayesha McGowan

Amber Drew

April 19, 2016

Community Champions

On a mission to add color and numbers to women's cycling, Ayesha McGowan is pushing and pulling to become the first female African-American professional road cyclist. From organizing tandem bike rides for differently-abled persons to bike discussions with pre-school aged tots, Ayesha is changing her community and achieving milestones- one pedal rotation at a time.

LifeCycle Biking had an opportunity to connect with Ayesha and learn more about her biking lifecycle.

Photo Courtesy of Jesse Lash

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Ayesha! Let’s get right to it- who or what brought you to the sport of cycling?

Some of my friends were getting into it, so we all started together!

Where are you from? Has your place of origin influenced how much you bike?

I was born in Atlanta, GA, but I grew up in Piscataway, NJ. I would bike around with my friends as a kid and even commuted to high school my senior year until someone stole my bike. Luckily, I got my license shortly after. I think, in a way, I love feeling the same way I did riding around Piscataway when I as 12.

That’s a prime example of our community motto- in every aspect of your life, there can (and should!) be biking! In your life cycle, what’s been your best moment on the bike so far?

If I had to pick just one, it would be riding with my mom, sister and nephew over the Queensboro Bridge for 2013 Cyclofemme in NYC. The ability to share my greatest joy with my closest family was incredible. Neither of them had been on a bike in years and they rode about forty miles that day. I was so proud of them, and they were beyond proud of themselves!

Photo Courtesy of Ayesha McGowan

You are a huge proponent of women in cycling; particularly women of color. What advice would you give to women who are new to riding a bike? What has been the biggest improvement you’ve seen regarding women and cycling?

I would tell them to find a group of women to ride with. I grew leaps and bounds after I started riding with the women of WE BIKE NYC! It helped my confidence level tremendously, and I made several lifetime friends! I think the largest improvement is that people are talking about it more. There are also a number of groups being started all over the country geared specifically towards getting more women on bikes!

We couldn’t agree more! LifeCycle Biking hosts monthly rides throughout the five boroughs and internationally. We encourage any and everyone to join our inclusive, no-drop rides!

What do you do for a living? Has your occupation contributed to your cycling life?

I'm a Pre-school Music Teacher! Working with kids is a constant reminder of all the little things that make life great. It keeps me grounded and still helps me stay open to listening to my imagination. It also makes a great conversation piece when kids come to class wearing helmets! They make me feel really cool when they get excited talking about bikes with me!

What cycling accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my work in helping to develop the InTandem Bike program in NYC. It is a non-profit that provides tandem biking opportunities to people with disabilities. I was the Director of Programs until my recent move to California!

We love the InTandem Bikes mission!!! It’s so awesome you helped to develop that program. InTandem rides are prominently featured on our Community Calendar- check them out to be a ride leader.

While we serve and support others, we must also prioritize self-care. Keeping yourself going both on and off the bike is important, what tips do you have on nutrition?

Prepare ahead of time so you're not hangry trying to find food! Eat things that make you feel good and also make you happy. Last, healthy food doesn't have to be gross, there are lots of great options that also taste great!

Absolutely! Our favorite local, women-run catering company, Harvest & Revel, supplied us with some tasty nutrition tips that are super healthy and flavorful- check them out!

Photo Courtesy of Kristen Blush

Tell us, is there anything you would change in the landscape of today’s cycling scene?

I really wish there were more women of color in the racing scene! I can still count the number of black women I've seen at road races on one hand. It makes me very sad.

Are there any notable cyclists that inspire you? Or any other people that are doing inspiring things in the cycling world that you think we should highlight?

Coryn Rivera is really representing women of color well in the pro peloton. She made her name as a crit racer, but has really shown herself as an amazing all arounder! I've enjoyed following her come up, and I have a feeling she's only just begun!

Last, but not least Ayesha- Can you finish this statement? In my life-cycle, biking has been . . .

The best thing that ever happened to me.

Photo Courtesy of Jesse Lash

Follow Ayesha's progress and personal blog: A Quick Brown Fox and cheer her on at @ayesuppose

For nutritious food recipes and event catering inquiries contact Harvest & Revel.

Amber Drew

March 7, 2016

Community Champions

Community Champions- Brigid Siegel

Amber Drew

March 7, 2016

Community Champions

From Nebraska to Germany, Brigid Siegel has led an active cycling life and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Her experience braving the triathlon scene and leading European tours has afforded her a wealth of knowledge in the sport. Nowadays, Brigid uses her knowledge to raise awareness for social justice matters, such as HIV/AIDS and homelessness.

LifeCycle Biking connected with Brigid recently to get a more in depth look at her biking life cycle.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Brigid! Let's get right to it. Who or what has inspired you to start cycling?

In 1977 at the age of fifteen, I spent the summer living with my grandmother in Linz am Rhein, Germany. I was an early athlete playing team sports like basketball and softball, but I never considered the sport of cycling for myself until that summer. I spent a lot of time with my cousins, one of whom was already an avid cyclist. He had a racing bike he would ride in the hills along the Rhein river valley. I loved everything about this: the racing bike with the drop handlebars, the gear he was wearing, his leather cleats in cages on the peddles, the fact that he shaved his legs- to me the sport was thrilling.

In your life cycle, what’s been your best moment on the bike so far?

I find I have a lot of “best” moments but I would say some of my favorite moments are when it is one of those perfect cycling weather mornings- cool, clear, sun is shining and I am on my touring bike on easy rolling hills where I can keep the bike in the same gear and travel for miles feeling the bike beneath me, the smooth road I am on and the wind against my face, while I am taking in the nature all around me. This happens almost every year during the Braking AIDS ride during the morning on day two.

As a tour leader in Europe, your terrain experience has been very diverse. How did you get into leading tours? Do you have a favorite story from your journeys?

I grew up in Nebraska and worked my way through college. One of the many jobs I had was as a server in an upscale restaurant in downtown Lincoln. As a college town, the clientele during lunch was mainly professors, government officials and the moneyed folk visiting the capital. At this point in my life I had already done a number of sprint triathlons with my first Cannondale and fancied myself an avid biker. During one of my lunch shifts, I overheard a visiting professor from Cambridge University discussing the tours he sponsored through his work with Bythe and Company, a touring company from Toronto Canada. This professor was looking for tour guides for the following season’s tours. I simply told him I was interested in applying and shared my qualifications. I was chosen due to a number of skills and competencies: Fluent German speaker, cyclist, natural curiosity, leadership and simply I had ten weeks of time to devote to the company.

Looking back on the two tours I led, there are many stories which I can highlight as a favorite. The first tour consisted of a total of twenty-five students, two tour leaders and one student leader. In an age of analog everything- simple logistics, communications and directions were a daily challenge. We were in France on the Tour de France Sunday and the weather was rainy and cold, we had many flats and spokes were popping from hubs left and right. At some point, one of the students simply could not ride on his wheel any further as it was shaped like an S. Finding an open bike shop was not even possible, but through a cycling miracle, we met an older man who happened to have a bike shop in his garage. This smoking, beret wearing man muttered under his breath his disdain for the throw-away society had become and began to rebuild the entire wheel, spoke by spoke. Needless to say, this took hours. We entertained ourselves watching the Tour on his small black and white television and marveled at his handy work. When the wheel was finished, we were able to get back on the road.

Is there anything you would like to change in today’s cycling scene?

The cycling scene has a variety of realities. The competitive NY/NJ scene is very male dominated and is looked upon as a group of weekend warriors who break traffic laws, cause congestion on roads, and are a menace. In many ways, this is not wholly an inaccurate description. I think we need to ensure that cyclist obey traffic rules in our urban areas, and that vehicular traffic give more respect to the cyclists. One fatality is one too many.

More recently, appreciation for women cyclists has grown- what has been the biggest improvement you’ve seen regarding women and cycling?

I now see whole lines of bikes and gear specifically made for women. We can now buy a bike which we do not need to retrofit to female dimensions. This ensures less injuries and better biking overall.

Totally! Speaking of biking accessories made for women- one of our most popular items is our Rosie the Riviter short sleeve jersey in our Provisions shop! What advice do you have to women who are new to riding a bike?

There are a few things a new cyclist should do- determine the kind of riding they want to do and buy a bike which fits that goal. The bike needs to be fitted well along with a great helmet. Understand how the bike works and practice in a safe environment which is traffic free. Find a buddy who has more experience. Ride a lot. Learn how to change a tube. Don’t worry about getting dirty!

We have our own "LifeCycle Rides" cycling team that focuses on inclusion and community. You are a part of a cycling team as well- "The Honey Badgers." What does your team focus on and where did the inspiration for the group/team come from?

Our team captain, Courtney Meier, was looking for a way to increase her ability to contribute more to Housing Works through our participation in Braking AIDS. She, along with fellow team mate Mason Scherzer, brainstormed the team name as they were inspired by a YouTube video. The subsequent team was formed on a number of fierce principles from this rough and tough animal: Honey Badgers don’t give a S#&t, are nastya#$ and are fiercely devoted to eliminating AIDS as an epidemic by 2020, working through Housing Works and the governor’s office.

What do you see as your biggest influence in the cycling community?

At fifty-four, I show my cycling friends that age is just a number and that by staying fit, participating in Braking AIDS and contributing to our cycling community and the community at large, cycling is something which can continue to be part of your life for many years to come. Most people around me do not have the same length of experience as I do and many seek my advice on a variety of things cycling related. I experience a real sense of contribution to my community through cycling.

Are there any notable cyclists that inspire you? Or any other people that are doing inspiring things in the cycling world that you think we should highlight?

I met a woman on the Braking AIDS ride last year- Sharon Kliegman- in her mid sixties who recently road her bike across the United States. This has been a dream of mine for a long time and I was inspired to keep the dream alive!

Here in New Jersey, of particular note is a bike shop, Breille Cyclery, which has been owned since 1970 by Katherine Penna with locations in Asbury Park and Brielle. This full service shop really supports women, their needs and cycling goals. I highly recommend stopping by, saying hi to Kathy and checking out all of their great bikes and gear- a cyclist can never have enough!

On that note, I'm going to have to throw in a shameless plug for our LifeCycleBiking Provisions Shop that just launched! We are definitely in agreement that a cyclist can never have enough gear that is right for them and will enhance their ride.

But thanks, Brigid! Can you finish this sentence? "In my life cycle, biking has been . . ."

Biking has been part of my DNA. I really never see a day which I will retire from it.

Want to learn more about Brigid or pick her brain for cycling tips? Contact her on Instagram: @sciencechic29 and Twitter: @sciencechic.

Know anyone who you would love to see featured as a Community Champion? Contact us with your recommendation!

Our mission is to utilize emotional & physical health programming to support and uplift communities by lessening health disparities, teaching mind-body knowledge and highlighting the unity in community.