Look Who’s Loving the Bike: October 2011

Stacey Hanna – USA

“I have been fighting alongside my husband in a custody battle since we got married two years ago in June 2009. I have three daughters even though I only birthed two. I was repeatedly told I was not her mother, and we were accused of all sorts of drama and trauma. This fight is over and we have our daughters all together again. I have been diagnosed with diabetes, had kidney stones busted up, and spent time recovering during February 2011. My doctor told me to exercise. My heart said get on a bike.  My mother is now quadriplegic after a medical coma induced on Valentine’s Day. I adopted a dog destined for me while she was sick, and almost gave him away. He is the doggy love of my life.  I turned 40 in April, and I felt my life spinning out of control this winter and spring. I moved into my parents’ home in April in order to take care of my mom full-time, and was able to talk my dad into letting me keep my dog. The only peace I get from all of this is the time I spend on my bike.

I was able to ride my bike pulling a trailer with my 87 pound ten-year old daughter riding in the trailer and her bike strapped to the outside of the trailer. I feel like the world is manageable if I remember to take it slow. On a cruiser, there is no other way.”

Francois Coene – Belgium

“When I was a kid Eddy Merckx won everything. In 1976 it was Lucien Van Impe who won the Tour de France. I was eleven years old en it was the hottest summer so far. Since then cycling impressed me. I did competition at my 15th for 4 years and even now I still like my “iron horse”.  In Belgium cycling is overwhelming, it is like as a hobby. For me it is like a drug.”

Steve Ross – Orange County, CA

“In the mid-west farm area where I grew up, a bicycle was a kids first mode of transportation from A to B… no romance to speak of. However, that all changed for me, back in my mid-twenties when I moved to The Strand in Manhattan Beach, CA. Riding hard all day turned into a romance with not only my road bike, but how I felt after 80 mile ride.”

Ian Redmond – Ireland

“When I was about 10 I tried every sport.  Soccer, (hurling football <- two Irish sports), swimming, handball, racquetball, tennis, karate, I could go on for days, But then when I was in school one day I was talking to my friends and they said there was a cycling club in Ireland.So when the bell rang I went home and told my parents about it.  So one Friday night I went to the local park and they supplied me with a bike for a lend for a few weeks.  Straight away I thought it was very good.  Then I stopped it for a while to go back playing soccer.  But i got sick of the soccer.  It was always Cycling or Soccer.  So I decided to give up the soccer and it was the best choice I have ever made.  I never won a race until I was in the junior ranks and that was last year. I got 2nd on the track in the nationals in 2006 and that was my best achievement up until last year a few 2nds 3rds and 4ths. I got to know so many people through the sport like I got to know Darryl (@lovingthebike) on twitter and he is such a sound person.  Cycling isn’t just about winning its all about taking part, and enjoying your self.  If I didn’t win a race I wouldn’t be upset I’d just go out the next time when there’s a race and  keep trying.”

Tags: Look Who's Loving the Bike