Epic Riders
Sean
Smith
Rider profile
Age: 33
Birthplace: Indianapolis, IN
Hometown: New York, USA
Nationality: American
Bike Size: XL
Bike: Alize Dura Ace - Red White Carbon
Online:
My Rides
How did you start cycling?
I rode bikes throughout my life, but didn't consistently ride until I bought a mountain bike in 2002. A friend convinced me to do so and the rest was history. I rode every weekend and went on road trips and eventually transitioned to endurance mtb racing, ultra-endurance road racing, and, finally to where I am now, road and cyclocross racing.
What is your special talent?
In road cycling, I'm considered an "all-rounder" and time trials, big climbs, and breaking away from the pack are what I do best.
Why are you an Epic Rider?
I love to ride a bike and write about it, and generally when I ride a bike I try to make it an epic experience with constant challenges and new adventures.
Who is your favorite cyclist?
My favorite cyclist is the person out front, all alone, grinding away on that epic climb, suffering immensely with a grim determination to cross the line first.
Does your family support your cycling addiction?
Fortunately, yes, they do, openly and completely. My parents have travelled to some of the stage races and offered bottle feeds, while my wife has gone with me to nearly every race this year (this means every weekend from March to September!) and offered her support whenever possible. My father recently joined the addiction club with his first bike purchase in a number of years last fall. He rides nearly every day now.
How would you persuade someone to do cycling?
I'd try to convince them that their quality of life would dramatically improve if they rode a bike consistently.
Wine or Beer?
I've become quite the beer snob, and gravitate towards beer over wine these days. A good rule of thumb for me is if it's less than 7% alcohol, with a few rare exceptions, it's probably not worth drinking!