Nickname(s):
Mario - Massimo's big brother
City where I live:
Hamilton
Other Humans and/or Critters I live with:
Dawn (wife)
I originally hail from:
Ada
I have called myself a cyclist for:
Most people don't consider me a cyclist now, but me and my mom say I have been a cyclist for 8 years. My wife Dawn also rides.
These are the bikes that I own:
1. Seven Axiom Steel Custom (road)
2. 1991 Serotta Coors Light Team bike (vintage club racer road bike)
3. Ibis Hakkalugi (cyclocross)
4. Rivendell - made by Waterford (touring bike)
5. Cannondale Jekyll (mountain bike)
6. Jamis Aurora (converted single speed)
Favorite bike:
Whatever Doez is riding at the time.
Dream bike:
I have my dream bike (Seven Axiom Steel), but I wouldn't mind a Santa Cruz Blur MTB.
Average number of miles riden a year:
Around 4000
Favorite cycling memory/memories:
1. Winning the B series championship at Grattan my first year racing.
2. Being on my wife's (thanks Dan Ensing) and my step dad's first century rides.
3. "Racing" around Reeds Lake when I got my first road bike and after 15 miles thinking - wow, I am a real cyclist.
4. Anytime I have a chance to ride with Doez and Massimo.
Worst cycling memory:
1. My first trip to Maob - when I broke my seat clamp 15 minutes into the first day of the Kokapelli Trail and couldn't get a replacement for 3 days.
2. Three years ago when I crashed setting up for the sprint at the Tour of Cedar Creek race - ruptured my Achilles, had surgery, got married 2 days after surgery and was out from the first week of June and the rest of the season.
3. Two years ago when I crashed on the Colorburst ride, tore ligaments in and broke my wrist in 7 places. Had to ride back to the rest stop while I held my arm and Dan Nagelkirk rode next to me shifting my bike for me. My season ended again on the operating table - but luckily it was October and didn't miss much riding.
4. My first century attempt 8 years ago with Doez in 90+ degree heat. Thirty miles in, he blew out the sidewall of his tire in Ionia - fixed it with a GU wrapper, but we were not going to risk it blowing again, so we turned around and headed home. I decided that since we weren't going to do the entire 100 - there was no need for me to eat anymore or refill my water bottles….. with 10 miles to go, I bonked harder than I ever have since, was delirious and dehydrated and barely knew my name - oh and Doez rode away from me..
All time favorite ride/route:
Local - the Hutchins Lake Loop - but the Dan's have been coming up with some good ones too….. Otherwise it would be the downhill of the Porcupine Rim in Moab - minus the climbing
Cycling advice and tips:
1. Don't crash - it hurts a lot.
2. Other people shouldn't train in the off season so that I feel better about myself in the spring.
3. The Gillette Mach 3 is the best razor for leg shaving - no more ladies Gillette for this guy.
4. Talk more - ride less
Favorite cyclist and why:
Tyler Hamilton - broken collarbone, enough said. Massimo - he is so graceful, when he climbs, it's like he's dancing on the pedals.
Average number of flat tires per season:
Less than 2 - but it will be more now - knock on wood...
Favorite ice cream flavor:
Superman
Preferences:
- Shimano over Campagnolo
- Steel over aluminum, Titanium or carbon fiber
- Bibs over shorts
Riding fuel:
Orange Accelerade or watered down cranberry juice to ride and my own Reliv concoction or NHB Paleooza for post ride re-hydrating
Post ride snack:
It's tough to beat Chicken Parmesian and greasy bread at Pietros after Grattan, but the Shredded Chicken burrito at The Adobe comes close.
Favorite song to have stuck in my head during a ride:
Everlong - Foo Fighters or One Step Closer - Linkin Park
