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When asked how he became interested in cycling, Steve replies, “By never stopping, really. Every year I would scrounge up a "Complimentary Map" of Campbell and hash out with parents what streets marked the boundaries of my riding abilities. That circle grew increasingly wider and I became ever-more interested in the sport until one day, at perhaps 11, I read in the back of Cycle California that I could bring my own bike to the track to race it around on a Wednesday night. I did, and though It would be another three years before I really started riding at the track, it was the true beginning of my investment in the sport.”
Steve, what do you consider your greatest cycling achievment?
His answer, “This question is always a tough one. Phrased differently, “your favorite moment on the bike, ” I perhaps can tell of my glorious climb and descent of the Tourmalet in 2003 or finishing my first race at Sea Otter 2001. When I think of my greatest achievement, however, it's hard in that each of my last three seasons as a track rider has been successively better than the one before. I have improved to upgrade categories and begin scoring points, racing Friday nights and racing in more outside races. To this date, however, my greatest achievements have probably come this Spring on the collegiate circuit. As a D rider for Tufts University, I've felt stronger than ever, contesting sprints and primes and scoring points in nearly ever race. I have an eye on the Top 10 overall for the season, and plan on my "greatest achievement" being my first win, later on this season.”
What do you do when you're not riding a bike?
Unfortunately for my time on the bike, I do a lot. Having just graduated from Bellarmine in May of '04, I now spend half the year just north of Boston at Tufts University, studying Social Work. Here at Tufts, I'm a member of the "Traveling Treasure Trunk," a troupe of a dozen or so students who write, produce, and costume our own little children's plays that we then perform for preschool and daycare centers in the Boston area (usually in return for a donation to a charity of our choosing). I'm a University College of Citizenship and Public Service Scholar, a program that encourages civic engagement and helps driven Tufts students to create their own community projects and become “active citizens.” I also work at an independent coffee shop, the Diesel Cafe, in Davis Square, brewing coffee and spending time with some of the most progressive, like-minded people I've ever met. Finally, there is - of course - the Tufts cycling team. Another great gro!
up of peers who are quite inspirational in their dedication to the sport and who have been consistently impressive throughout this Collegiate season. I went into things thinking this would be my warm up for a summer spent at home in LGBRC colors, but the blue and yellow of the Tufts jersey have taken on a life of their own as the season has developed. It's a great - and very different - experience.
Back home, I've been a DJ at Santa Clara University's radio station, KSCU, for three years now and still continue that over the summers. I am still active in my youth group at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, and in my boy scout troop, from which I earned the rank of Eagle, Troop 325.
His/Her Additional comments: After several years on the team, I finally feel like I'm really earning my stripes this season, though I'm starting things off in the Tufts kit. I have high hopes for this track season: consistent enough performances on Wedneday and Friday nights to earn an upgrade to Cat. 3 and thus a trip to Collegiate Track National Championships in Illinois in September. I also plan to begin spending a lot more of my weekends out at road races, participating in enough to earn an upgrade to a Cat. 4 there, as well.
My track bike, a Rock Lobster Track Custom, is sparks blue and is named 'Madeleine.' My road bike, a Klein Q-Carbon Team, is named 'Winifred.' Much as I love Winifred, I'm (understandably) a bit more attached to Madeleine. This will be my first season with her and I think we have a bright future ahead of us.
Also, I would never be where I am: racing hard, racing smartly, and racing well, if it weren't first and foremost for the incredible coaching and friendship of Farid Abraham, who leads the Tuesday junior track sessions I've attended for three years now. Also, for my teammates Matt Mosby and Jim Ryan, and Lombardi Sports rider Dan Holloway, all of whom have shown me incredible examples of how to train and race and how to be a respected cyclist and good person. They are good friends and wonderful to race and train with, even if I'm always left hanging onto their wheels for dear life. For years now, they have brought the best cyclist out of me
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