Posts tagged Roadfixie

I rode the Tour de Kusatsu 3yrs ago as a challenge goal to myself. I had just gotten back on the bike and my goal was to ride at least one Hill TT on a fixed gear before I’d change to geared bike. I felt I needed to earn the privilege and just gain some self-cred and discipline. My friends and other riders thought I was crazy. And maybe, in some way, I am. But I did that TT and never felt as proud as any other race I’d done! Instead of making it easier, by virtue of gears, tech, whatever, my philosophy was to just ‘make it’. One Man, One Road, One Gear.

Here’s a shot of me ready to go! About 9mo only since I started riding again after more than 20yrs absence. My weight had gone up to nearly 88kg! In this shot, I think I’m still around 80kg!

I did the TT again in 2011. This time I was a bit lighter and rode my ‘dream fixie’ , a custom Titanium that I designed and built.

I finished with a respectable 7th place in my class! And on a fixed gear! Here I’m wearing the club jersey of the Half Fast Cycling Club, which has remained my constant source of camaraderie and support – even though I am just a little different than most the roadies.

This year again, I’ll ride the Tour de Kusatsu – Fixed gear – and will be campaigning for the Tyler Foundation Beads of Courage! If you’re so inclined, I heartily urge you to make a small donation and I’ll personally take your Beads of Courage to the top of Kusatsu!