Age: 18
Hometown:
Bothell, Washington
Education:
I’m am a recent graduate of the Class of 2008 from Inglemoor High School. Since I took Running Start in high school I’ll be entering college as, more or less, a Sophomore. I’ll be attending the UW-Bothell campus this fall with ambitions to transfer to the main campus shortly thereafter.
One of the many hills in the 2007 Washington State Road Race Championship
Family:
1 Sibling
Employment/Work/Career:
Gregg’s Greenlake Cycles, Bicycle Sales
Currently racing with:
First Rate Mortgage Racing Team
Racing Category:
Men’s Category 3
Years racing: 6
What bike(s) are you currently riding?:
Raleigh “Team” (team bike)
Chris at the 2008 Mid-South Regional Training Camp
Year started cycling?:
1992 (as soon as I was big enough to reach the pedals on my tricycle!)
How did you get into cycling?:
My Dad is an avid cyclist who, naturally, got me into the sport.
What were your athletic experience before cycling?:
I was 2 when I first pedaled a tricycle, so I guess it would have to be eating if it were before cycling.
What does your yearly cycling schedule look like? How many miles per week and per year?:
Normally my racing season starts the first of March and ends right around the first of September. It’s long and draining, but in the end it’s worth it. During the season I typically ride between 200 and 250 miles per week. The off-season varies. Yearly totals are in the range of 10,000-12,000 miles.
Exiting the cave (far right) during Stage 4 of the 2008 Tour de L’Abitibi in Val D’Or, Canada.
Tell us about some of your cycling career highlights:
This year has been jam packed with exciting new experiences for me. I am the current Junior (17-18 year olds) State Criterium Champion. I was also selected to race the Tour de L’Abitibi in Quebec, Canada. The Tour de L’Abitibi is the world’s biggest junior stage (multi-day) race so it was an honor to be invited to go up there and fight it out with some big guns. I’ve also been to Nationals the past three years, which is always an exciting event.
As the 2008 road season winds down, what’s on your radar for 2009?
The plan right now is to branch out a little more and try some of the bigger regional/national events. I’d like to go back and race the Mount Hood Cycling Classic as well as the Cascade Cycling Classic again. I may give the Tour of the Gila a try too. We’ll see, a lot of it comes down to funding.
Tell us about your most memorable race:
There have been a lot of memorable ones but I have to say the last stage of the Tour de L’Abitibi was pretty epic. That day we only averaged 44km/h but the last 15km, or so, we never went below 50-51km/h. It was definitely quite the ride. Then there’s always the time when I went for a 6 hour training ride in 33 degree weather with freezing rain. I’ve never been so cold in my life. I really don’t recommend that!
What’s your favorite Seattle-area ride?
I live in Northern Seattle, so my favorite ride starts out from Bothell, heads down the Sammamish trail to Redmond, and then I climb out of Redmond into Kirkland, then up and over Juanita Drive finally ending in Bothell again. It’s a nice 30 mile ride that has a bit of everything in it (flats, hills, descents, Russian roulette with cars, etc.). If it’s an organized ride, STP is always a fun one.
What other sports do you do? Do you cross train or mix things up during the year?
Cycling is my primary sport, but I like to cross-country ski in the winter because it helps work on muscles similar to cycling and it get’s me up in the mountains. During the season I am solely on my road bike. I don’t really have much time for anything else!
Taking an easy spin before the Prologue at the 2008 Tour de L’Abitibi.
Do you have any advice for folks getting into cycling or for cyclists thinking about racing?:
I get asked this all the time when I’m working at Gregg’s Greenlake Cycles, my answer usually entails the need for proper cycling wear. Invest in a good pair of cycling shorts; get some proper cycling shoes and clipless pedals and find a seat that you like. The next step is to find some buddies to ride with, then ride, ride, ride.
If you’re just getting into racing, try a road race first. It’s going to be a lot more mellow (usually) from the get-go than a criterium.
Also, always come prepared. If its 80 degree’s out and sunny, still bring your rain and cold weather gear. You don’t want to show up to a race in a jersey and shorts when it’s pouring rain out. Don’t give yourself a disadvantage before the race even starts!
Lastly, and most importantly, keep the rubber side down. It’s not the World Championships you’re competing for so don’t jeopardize your health to win a Category 5 race. Stay safe.
What keeps you excited about cycling?
The thought of, possibly, someday making a living out of cycling keeps me going.
What obstacles get in the way of cycling?
School primarily, as well as work. However, I still seem to be able to get enough ride time in.
If you want to keep up with Chris’ racing/cycling/life adventures, check out his website.
The Velocity Blog’s “Rider Profiles” highlight the accomplishments of some of our amazing local cycling athletes, and provides insight into their lives that may inspire us all.
