I fell in love with these two-wheeled machines on the single-track in Western PA as I grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh. I took a cycling hiatus through most of high school and college as I focused on hockey, but I reinvigorated my relationship with bicycles after college in an attempt to stay active and to find a sport that could be as enjoyable solo as it is in a group. I now have three road bikes in addition to my old mountain bike, and I am fortunate to say that I earn my living playing with, talking about and writing about bicycles everyday.
What are your favorite bike parts/products?
Continental Grand Prix 4000s are my favorite piece of cycling equipment. They are durable without compromising comfort or speed. Sidi shoes and anything made by Gore are very close runner-ups.
What do you enjoy doing outside of cycling?
Outside of cycling, I enjoying reading (anything I can get my hands on- fiction, non-fiction, humorous, informative…), writing, hockey (Penguins), football (Steelers, Michigan Wolverines), and visiting my family in the ‘Burgh as often as possible.
What do you love about riding in the DC/Metro area?
I love riding on the roads in and around DC on quiet Sunday mornings because it is a spectacular way to see some of the less traveled neighborhoods in the area, such as the rolling picturesque residential roads in Potomac, Maryland. However, I think that the most impressive view in the area is from the Mount Vernon trail, where you can cruise along next to the Potomac on the Virginia side and see the line-up of DC monuments across the river.
What's your favorite post-ride meal?
My favorite post-ride meal depends on the time of day that I ride. If it’s an early morning ride, nothing is more satisfying than a gigantic omelet stuffed with all kinds of vegetables with a generous side of well-done potatoes (and maybe a waffle or two if the ride was a long one). Afternoon and evening rides require a post-ride burrito and a microbrew. Sometimes I mix it up, but I usually start thinking about my post-ride meal about a quarter of the way into the ride, so this answer may also be applicable to the ‘what got you into cycling’ (eating), as well as ‘what do you enjoy outside of cycling’ (eating).
