“The bike allows you to show your heart and challenge yourself, but it also gives you a chance for chasing fun with every pedal stroke.”
THIS PAST WEEK ALONE WE CAN GUARANTEE CHRISTOPHER TRAVELLED HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD TO RACE A CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP, WROTE A NEW SPOKEN WORD POEM, VOLUNTEERED AT A LOCAL YOUTH DETENTION CENTER AND HAD AT LEAST TWO MIDTERMS. YEAH, WHOA.
Home base: DURANGO, COLORADO
AGE: 22
Work off the bicycle?
Student, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Best Results:
2nd place U23 World Championships
2018 2nd place U23 World Cup Mont Sainte Anne 2018
1st place Pro XC Short Track Nationals 2018
1st place Stage 2 Tour of the Gila 2018
1st place U23 Cyclocross Nationals 2018
Favorite music?
Dylan Owen
Favorite race or ride?
My favorite ride is probably anything in the high country in the San Juans (in Southwest Colorado). It doesn't get much better than the descent down from Engineer on a perfect day. The coolest race I've done is probably Whiskey 50. It's such a cool atmosphere and full of epic single track.
My dream career outside of cycling is…
Spoken word poet / rapper! Check out my current work and listen at milemarkersproject.com
Or working with a non-profit organization that advocates for positive change
My favorite academic subject is…
Sociology
My earliest memory on a bike is…
Doing jumps off of a curb with my sister in our driveway
why do you ride?
There are so many different reasons I ride. The simple answer is because riding brings a sense of freedom and exploration. It's also introduced me to some of my best friends and taken me to places I never thought I would see. Riding and especially racing brings about a lot of emotions. The bike allows you to show your heart and challenge yourself, but it also gives you a chance for chasing fun with every pedal stroke. There's definitely not one specific reason for riding, it's just the whole experience that makes it so amazing.
Advice to UP-AND-COMING cyclists:
Just remember to appreciate the simplicity of riding. Don't get caught up in your performance and forget the feelings of why you love it. Surround yourself with friends that want to go adventure and before you know it you'll all wind up much faster that when you started.
Check out Christopher’s visit to Gilroy Ascension Solorsano!
Photos: Collin Chappelle