Your Votes:
Southeast
Name: Stephen Janes
Where ya from? Asheville, North Carolina
A Little Bit About You:? I am passionate about bikes, and even more passionate about getting people on bikes. Bikes are not simply something that I hang on the wall to look at (although I do often stand and look at my bikes). Bikes are a tool that can be used for so many different purposes. (from the essay I wrote to enter this contest). I ride mountain, road, and cyclocross. You can also find out more about me on my Facebook page.
We've got some questions for you:
Foundry: Other than getting a free bike, what does winning a Foundry do for you, for your life?
Stephen: Winning a bike from Foundry will, get me on a new bike, an occurrence that likely will not happen for a very long time. Having just started Trips For Kids WNC a little over a year ago, and my wife in nursing school, money has been tight. I have a Bianchi Giro that I ride and love, but with new geometry, components, technology etc, a new bike will help me progress as a cyclist. Having a new bike will take my training and riding to a new level. Having a new bike as a sponsorship will enable me to repay the company that has been so generous to me.
Foundry: If you are chosen, what will you do with the bike?
Stephen: If chosen, I plan to request the Ratchet. While I race endurance mtn bike events, I spend the majority of my time on my road bike, training in all kinds of weather and distances. I typically participate in local group rides as well as a lot of area metric centuries and centuries. My road bike also enables me to ride out of my front door, when I don’t have enough time to drive to the trails. The bike will be a major training tool.
Foundry: In what ways will you promote Foundry?
Stephen: I will promote Foundry with posts on Facebook, Twitter, my blog, word of mouth etc.
Foundry: How did you get into cycling?
Stephen: Cycling has been a part of my life since I was 8 yrs old and taught myself how to ride. It became a way for me to get out of the house, and gradually, I took on bigger and longer challenges.
Foundry: Why do you ride? Why is cycling significant in your life?
Stephen: I ride because it is fun. It is challenging and sometimes seems impossible, but it’s fun. It is great exercise and a great way to meet people, while seeing sights new and old. It is also a great way to instill self esteem in the youth of my community. It is amazing to see the kids increase their knowledge and skills while learning about cycling. I might never know the full positive results of what happens as these kids get older, but I know that they will never forget riding bikes.
Foundry: What’s the best ride you’ve ever done?
Stephen: My best ride….hard to say. The one that I rode my bike. I guess all time best would be my ride across America in 2001. Although some of my more recent trips are among the top 3, like my self-supported ride from Asheville to Roanoke on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and “The Pisgah Traverse”.
Foundry: What’s the hardest or worst ride you’ve had?
Stephen: My first Cohutta 100, made it 92 miles and laid down on the side of the trail, depleted, 2 hrs later, I got rescued and taken to the hospital for dehydration/heat exhaustion. That was terrible, humbling, but I also learned a lot!