Savvy Cyclist Profile
Interested in becoming a Savvy Cyclist? Read on for inspiration from others who have taken this free class.
Melvin Rodriguez
Bronx, NY
Spring 2008
Mel Rodriguez wasn't always a bike nut. A few years ago, when he got the itch to go riding, he didn't even own a bike, so he rented one and started exploring. Then he got a basic bike for more park and greenway riding. A lifelong Bronx resident, he first rode the Tour de Bronx ride in 2005, and he's done that every year since.
And still, this self-described "fair weather cyclist," age 38, wants more. He rode to work once last year, from Co-op City in the northeastern Bronx to Midtown Manhattan, and is planning to do it more often this year. After riding his first MS Bike Tour last fall, he wanted more people to ride with him, so he talked his employer into supporting a club. And he's even planning to start riding in the colder weather.
Thus, in the early days of spring, he and a co-worker found themselves in a Savvy Cyclist class. He wanted to learn how to change a flat, properly use the gears, and to be more helpful to friends, family, and the Sirius Cycle Team. "The instructors knew their stuff but weren't boring and even cracked a few jokes. It was a very pleasant atmosphere, and I'm recommending the class to others."
True to form, he's still looking ahead. "I may be interested in pursuing the LCI training. If I eventually become certified, I may start a bike class and/or club in the Bronx. There's a definite need for something like this in my neighborhood."
First up, though, is his work team's debut event, the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Some 30 riders will be sporting custom jerseys for the occasion.
He's already got a blog and calendar going for the rest of the year with plans for other group outings to events such as the Tour de Brooklyn and Bike New York's new Long Island Harbors Ride. We look forward to seeing Team Sirius out in full force with Mel leading the charge.
Suzanne Kozloskie
Long Branch, NJ
Fall 2007
Suzanne Kozloskie, a mother and former nurse who lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey, rode a bike as a kid. And now that she's rediscovered riding at age 50, she feels like a kid again!
"Tricked out" with practical accessories like racks and baskets, Suzanne rides for a whole heap of reasons: to lose weight, save money, stay in shape, shop, and have fun--and, for the sake of her kids, to limit the pollution she contributes to the planet.
Through the League of American Bicyclists, she found her way to Bike New York's Savvy Cyclist class, which she attended in June 2007. "I wanted to be able to change a tire," she remembers, "but was so happy that the class had so much practical advice for riding in traffic. Oh, those scary left turns! The class gave me the confidence to ride on the roads anywhere, anytime, not just early, traffic-free Sunday mornings like I had been doing."
Despite a bit of apprehension, she fit right in with the instructors and her fellow classmates. "I was so afraid the instructors and the group would be jocks and gear heads, but they were such a diverse group--all ages, abilities. Totally non-competitive, supportive, and encouraging."
Looking ahead to the 2008 riding season, Suzanne plans to keep dropping pounds and pedaling faster. She'll be the Pamela Anderson look-alike on the spicy orange Raleigh hybrid at the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Thanks for riding with us, Suzanne!
Interested in becoming a Savvy Cyclist? Read on for inspiration from others who have taken this free class.
Melvin Rodriguez
Bronx, NY
Spring 2008
Mel Rodriguez wasn't always a bike nut. A few years ago, when he got the itch to go riding, he didn't even own a bike, so he rented one and started exploring. Then he got a basic bike for more park and greenway riding. A lifelong Bronx resident, he first rode the Tour de Bronx ride in 2005, and he's done that every year since.
And still, this self-described "fair weather cyclist," age 38, wants more. He rode to work once last year, from Co-op City in the northeastern Bronx to Midtown Manhattan, and is planning to do it more often this year. After riding his first MS Bike Tour last fall, he wanted more people to ride with him, so he talked his employer into supporting a club. And he's even planning to start riding in the colder weather.
Thus, in the early days of spring, he and a co-worker found themselves in a Savvy Cyclist class. He wanted to learn how to change a flat, properly use the gears, and to be more helpful to friends, family, and the Sirius Cycle Team. "The instructors knew their stuff but weren't boring and even cracked a few jokes. It was a very pleasant atmosphere, and I'm recommending the class to others."
True to form, he's still looking ahead. "I may be interested in pursuing the LCI training. If I eventually become certified, I may start a bike class and/or club in the Bronx. There's a definite need for something like this in my neighborhood."
First up, though, is his work team's debut event, the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Some 30 riders will be sporting custom jerseys for the occasion.
He's already got a blog and calendar going for the rest of the year with plans for other group outings to events such as the Tour de Brooklyn and Bike New York's new Long Island Harbors Ride. We look forward to seeing Team Sirius out in full force with Mel leading the charge.
Suzanne Kozloskie
Long Branch, NJ
Fall 2007
Suzanne Kozloskie, a mother and former nurse who lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey, rode a bike as a kid. And now that she's rediscovered riding at age 50, she feels like a kid again!
"Tricked out" with practical accessories like racks and baskets, Suzanne rides for a whole heap of reasons: to lose weight, save money, stay in shape, shop, and have fun--and, for the sake of her kids, to limit the pollution she contributes to the planet.
Through the League of American Bicyclists, she found her way to Bike New York's Savvy Cyclist class, which she attended in June 2007. "I wanted to be able to change a tire," she remembers, "but was so happy that the class had so much practical advice for riding in traffic. Oh, those scary left turns! The class gave me the confidence to ride on the roads anywhere, anytime, not just early, traffic-free Sunday mornings like I had been doing."
Despite a bit of apprehension, she fit right in with the instructors and her fellow classmates. "I was so afraid the instructors and the group would be jocks and gear heads, but they were such a diverse group--all ages, abilities. Totally non-competitive, supportive, and encouraging."
Looking ahead to the 2008 riding season, Suzanne plans to keep dropping pounds and pedaling faster. She'll be the Pamela Anderson look-alike on the spicy orange Raleigh hybrid at the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Thanks for riding with us, Suzanne!
