Meet the Riders – Brian Joder
Mar 26, 2015 11:30AM ● By Style
Brian Joder – photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
Style of riding you do and what that means to you: Mountain biking and road biking. I enjoy both recreational riding and racing, but prefer mountain biking a bit more, especially when the conditions are nice (no dust, tacky trails). When the weather gets hotter and dryer, I move toward the road bike. Mountain biking to me is more relaxing and more of an “outdoor” experience. You can also make it as exhilarating as you want. Road biking to me is speed, precision, tactics and working with your teammates/buddies while in a great pace line or fast ride. They are both great disciplines for different reasons, and it keeps me from ever getting bored throughout the year.
How long you’ve been riding: About 50 years. I’ve been riding since I was a kid and remember riding my bike to school every day and the freedom to roam after school. My “serious” cycling started when I was 14 years old and I worked in a bike shop.
Why you enjoy riding: I think it’s freedom and an escape for me—it really clears my head when the daily grind gets to me. It’s great for fitness, too, and is a great way to spend time with friends and socialize afterwards.
Involvement with local groups/clubs: I’ve actually been a race promoter for cycling for 18 years now. I run the Prairie City Mountain Bike Races and Race Behind Bars in the spring. I used to be involved with Folsom Cyclebration when that was going and until last year I ran the Sacramento Cyclocross Series. For recreation, I ride MTB with the Hammerin’ Wheels and Folsom Breakouts. In regards to road biking, I frequent the “Tuesday/Thursday” training rides.
Biggest safety tip: Ride with a buddy, and ride within your ability. If you must go solo, tell someone where you are going and for how long.
Gear you can’t live without: Helmet, cycling shoes and eyewear are first on my list, then of course a great bike!
Favorite local ride/route/trail: Browns Ravine and Salmon Falls (mountain biking); any number of great low-traffic roads in the foothills or the American River Bike Trail (road biking).
Favorite mid- or post-ride fuel: If I’m bringing food, a good ol’ PB&J sandwich or dates/raisins and nuts. If I’m grabbing something along the way, then it’s tacos or a burrito. I always carry a Clif Bar or SHOT blocks in my pocket for quick energy. For a drink, I use mainly water and Hammer Nutrition HEED. Post ride, I make a home brew smoothie: banana, strawberries, blueberries, fresh spinach, half a beet and celery. Add a bit of chocolate soy or almond milk and blend.
Advice to someone who wants to start riding: Start out slow and don’t expect too much of yourself for a few weeks of riding. Get used to the bike, feel and fit, and like any sport, build up gradually. Get the proper equipment and consult your local bike shop! Avoid the bikes at the big-box stores. Most of all: Have fun!
Embrace the Biking Buzz - April 2015
How long you’ve been riding: About 50 years. I’ve been riding since I was a kid and remember riding my bike to school every day and the freedom to roam after school. My “serious” cycling started when I was 14 years old and I worked in a bike shop.
Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group
Type of bike you ride: Mountain bike (Ibis Ripley Full Suspension); road bike (Specialized SL4)
Why you enjoy riding: I think it’s freedom and an escape for me—it really clears my head when the daily grind gets to me. It’s great for fitness, too, and is a great way to spend time with friends and socialize afterwards.
Involvement with local groups/clubs: I’ve actually been a race promoter for cycling for 18 years now. I run the Prairie City Mountain Bike Races and Race Behind Bars in the spring. I used to be involved with Folsom Cyclebration when that was going and until last year I ran the Sacramento Cyclocross Series. For recreation, I ride MTB with the Hammerin’ Wheels and Folsom Breakouts. In regards to road biking, I frequent the “Tuesday/Thursday” training rides.
Biggest safety tip: Ride with a buddy, and ride within your ability. If you must go solo, tell someone where you are going and for how long.
Gear you can’t live without: Helmet, cycling shoes and eyewear are first on my list, then of course a great bike!
Favorite local ride/route/trail: Browns Ravine and Salmon Falls (mountain biking); any number of great low-traffic roads in the foothills or the American River Bike Trail (road biking).
Favorite mid- or post-ride fuel: If I’m bringing food, a good ol’ PB&J sandwich or dates/raisins and nuts. If I’m grabbing something along the way, then it’s tacos or a burrito. I always carry a Clif Bar or SHOT blocks in my pocket for quick energy. For a drink, I use mainly water and Hammer Nutrition HEED. Post ride, I make a home brew smoothie: banana, strawberries, blueberries, fresh spinach, half a beet and celery. Add a bit of chocolate soy or almond milk and blend.
Advice to someone who wants to start riding: Start out slow and don’t expect too much of yourself for a few weeks of riding. Get used to the bike, feel and fit, and like any sport, build up gradually. Get the proper equipment and consult your local bike shop! Avoid the bikes at the big-box stores. Most of all: Have fun!
For more rider insights visit:
Embrace the Biking Buzz - April 2015
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