Let's Talk about Bikes, Bike Prep, & Where to Get a Bike These Days with Karl Borne of True Cyclery in New Haven, CT
I completed my first century ride (that's 100 miles) five years ago. Before I began training, my previous bike was a mom cruiser with a big comfy seat. It was the perfect bike for escorting my kids to and from school (.09 miles away). I have since completed three century rides and no longer consider myself a newbie.
I did not turn into a cyclist overnight, however. It took a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events that led to the creation of my love for cycling and my cycling family/community.
In 2016, my dear friend Teresa's husband passed away from cancer, and in 2017 we decided to form a team and complete our first century ride together. It would be a great way to support her through her grieving process and a healthy and enjoyable way to get our middle-aged butts in shape. Little did we know that by creating our cycling team, "Breathe & Push" we would, in turn, make our cycling family. We agreed on the Closer to Free ride because the proceeds from that ride go to support research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.
Now, I love new adventures and flying by the seat of my pants most of the time, but I knew that if we wanted to complete the whole ride without being picked up by the medical van, we needed some serious help.
That's where Karl comes into the picture. After being told that a real-life Bike Expert lived down the street from me, I just rolled on up to his doorstep and knocked on his front door. What can I say? I'm scrappy (we even re-tell the story in the interview). Karl ended up meeting me and a bunch of my teammates at the local coffee shop (shout out to Legal Grounds in Hamden, CT). He told us about cycling do's and don'ts. What to wear, what not to wear, what to eat, when to drink. You name it, he told us about it.
The best part about his talk was that he was so darn nice! So welcoming and kind and patient! And funny. Dang, Karl is funny! We were total beginners, but no question was ever too silly or obvious.
So, it is my pleasure to share with you my interview with Karl Borne of True Cyclery.
If you enjoy cycling, like bikes, and enjoy getting to know passionate, intelligent, and kind people, you might enjoy this interview!
Karl's contact info is listed at the end of the interview, so you can reach out to him with questions.
BONUS MATERIAL: Stick around to the end of the interview to learn more about Karl and what inspired him to create True Cyclery.
In the interview we talk about how to prep your bike for the spring cycling season, knowing when you need to purchase a new bike, and where the heck to get a new bike for yourself these days.
Enjoy!
Julie