Rider’s Digest – Ian

Hi my name is Ian and I ride with the Nomads. I guess you could consider me a Pandemic cyclist, it’s something that I started in light of not being able to play volleyball, which is my first love. I’m really glad I made the switch, I havent looked back since and now I have been riding for three years at least.

What Does Biking Mean To You?

Cycling means a lot of things to me at first it was just for my own mental health and as soon as I started riding with more people it started becoming more about the people that I was riding with I think that becomes more of a thing that connects us cyclists together and it’s what draws me to cycling more and more
every day

What is Your Favourite Place To Ride?

It’s really hard to explain becuase there are so many varying types of riding in the area. I think if you are in the city you have to try the belt line from Keele all the way down to Evergreen Brickworks. It has a bunch of treeline shade and varried terrain. It’s mixed terrain paths so watch out but its beautiful. If you’re ever on the east end you have to go to Thommy Thompson Park. The views of the city are beautiful and there’s a lot of walking trails that you can take in.

Tell us about your bike!

I picked it up at D’Ornellas Bike Shop – shout out Lori and team of D’Ornellas they helped me find a bike that allowed me to do more than just ride on the road I’ve switched wheel sets I’ve taken it to Niagara put on proper wheels gone on the Simcoe County Loop so really capable bike that allows me to do all sorts of riding it’s really comfortable fits most importantly and it’s just really easy and fun to ride.

What has been your all time favourite cycling adventure?

So I’ve had many on this bike actually – one most recently to Hamilton and around the surrounding area. My actual favourite adventure with this bike was the first time we did a century ride around the city, taking in Finch Corridor the Humber Trail Martin Goodman and some part of the East Side. I didn’t know that was possible, going around the entire city. I’ve never seen it all before in my life and I got to do it in a in a way that I’ve never experienced. Everyone should do it if you live in the city, I highly recommend it.

How do you think bikes and biking adventures can be more accessible for everyone?

I think the biggest hurdle that is impacting a lot of people is not having inter-connected lanes that connect people from where they live to these really amazing trails like the Finch Corridor and The Martin Goodman Trail. I think that without that hurdle people don’t have to worry about trafficand getting around and obviously when safety is not the first concern they can enjoy the ride and ride longer for that matter.

What’s your favourite detail on your bike?

I think my favourite feature of the bike is the clutch. It basically prevents the chain from becoming loose and making noise. It allows for a much cleaner bike and a much quieter ride. It really makes me enjoy a more peaceful ride.