Each of us has a story beyond our speed and endurance. Watch this space to learn more about the riders you are drafting behind or pulling. You might have more in common than you originally realized.
Chris Higgins - a self-proclaimed W.H.O.R.E.*
Chris Higgins gets around.
In the 3 years he's been riding in this area has been actively riding with the Slow Spokes, LifeTime, MeetUp groups, Thorns and Roses, TeamCBC, neighbors, on various pick up rides, and on the AT&T with his sons.
* Will Haul Our Ride Everywhere.
How did you get involved with cycling ?
I started cycling my sophomore year in High School as a way of getting to and from Basketball and Baseball practices. I rode for many years, but gave it up when I moved from Southern California to San Jose CA. I found San Jose just too crowded. I picked it back up after I was laid off in 2009.
After moving to this area, I met several members of a Meetup group that started riding. Soon I was riding several times a week, and meeting lots of fun and interesting people. The 3Ring Chatham Habitat ride in 2010 was my first benefit ride. After riding the 30 mile route, my first thought was: "I should have done the 62!!".
How long have you been riding with TeamCBC ?
I had just finished the 3Ring ride when a friend from the Meetup group told me about the CBC rides and suggested I come out. I was really intimidated that first 28 mile ride. I was unsure that I would learn all the correct etiquette, I hoped I wouldn’t cause any accidents, and so on ... you know, the usual stuff new riders think about. The second week with TeamCBC I rode the 48 mile route. Next thing you know, I’m doing riding back to back 75 routes during Bike MS!!
What do you find most challenging about cycling ?
You mean besides trying to keep up with the riders that defy gravity and go up the hill like it’s not even there??
... yeah
The biggest challenge for me was learning the different techniques and etiquette. I learn by watching and doing. I’m amazed at how certain riders can make it look so easy. For example, watching somebody shift off their big sprocket and down their cassette at the same time, all while gaining speed up a hill!! The first time I tried it, I threw the chain. I've perfected that technique for the most part. So when I need a break on a big hill, I throw it off the big sprocket and down the cassette simultaneously, no glitches... well, …… most of the time.
What do you do off the bike ?
I play softball twice a week and am very active with my 2 teenage boys and their sports/activities. I serve as a Swim Meet official or the scoreboard/clock operator (talk about pressure) for Apex Middle School football team. I also like to hike, mountain bike, and occasionally golf and paintball with my boys.
Anything else you want to share ?
I used to be very competitive. I grew up playing any sport the neighborhood kids wanted to play. I had win and play well. I was lucky enough to play baseball at a very high level until I was 25. That's when it finally hit me that I was not going to be pitching for Dodgers in this lifetime. When I switched to softball, I realized my competitiveness was getting in the way of having fun. I’d rather do my best and have fun. I’m still competitive, but only with my performance. With cycling, I love it when I ride farther, or faster than I did the week before. I always want to improve.
