A lot of who I am today, I credit to cycling. It was my outlet when I was young; my chance to get away without going away. It was a common interest that I shared with my dad, and still do to this day. Afterward, it became my livelihood and has enabled me to see the world. It’s difficult to communicate just how important it has been in my life, and I want to share that enthusiasm with others. This is why I was excited to be a part of Bike Long Beach.
My involvement wasn’t deliberate. Leading up to the Amgen Tour in 2007, I was touring schools and speaking about the benefits of bike racing. During a few of those sessions I had encouraged students to meet me at El Dorado Park for a group ride. I thought a fair number would show - only one did. The boy who showed up wasn’t a diehard cyclist. In fact, he was riding a girl’s bike with his helmet on backward. But I saw that I had reached someone. And in my mind, reaching even one child validated everything I was doing. My efforts were appreciated by others as well, namely Pat West, The City Manager. He saw what I was doing and appreciated my contributions to the community. It probably didn’t hurt that I’ve had a fair amount of success as a professional. So he approached me to be the Bike Ambassador of Long Beach. I couldn’t have been happier.
Through my involvement with Bike Long Beach, I’m hoping to instill the benefits of cycling in the next generation. You read all the time about how children are becoming more and more inactive, spending endless hours with video games, on laptops and in the house. I think if kids, and adults as well, had an enjoyable, healthy outlet, they’d be more likely to spend the time staying healthy. But so much of our society is about convenience. And unfortunately, cycling isn’t entirely convenient without some minor instruction concerning the necessary equipment, safe riding routes, and all the other components that go along with it. So, that’s where I really think Bike Long Beach will help. Those are key areas where I’d like to see Bike Long Beach help the community, and hopefully set an example for other aspiring bike-friendly cities.
1.19.2011 at 11:58 PM
Tony, we can do this.
Call me.... 562-209-2289. I share your vision for children and biking. Seriously.