NeilPryde Epic Rider
Nick
Schaffner
Schaffner
My Profile
Age: 28
Birthplace: Minnesota, USA
Hometown: Truckee, California, USA
Nationality: American
Bike size:
Online:
My Rides
Coming soon.
My Schedule
December 2010: Annual Iowa Hill Ride in the Snow, Date (TBD)
January 2011: Team Training Camp 21st - 23rd. San Francisco South Bay Area
February 2011: Superbowl Sunday, Paskenta Century (Chico, CA). Calville Bay Classic, Southern Nevada Stage Race. 24th - 27th
March 2011: Madera Stage Race, March 11 - 13th
April 2011: Sea Otter Classic
May 2011: TBC
June 2011: Mount Hood Cycling Classic, Tour de Nez
July 2011: Cascade Cycling Classic
August 2011: TBC
September 2011: Breaking the record (again) at the Race Around Lake Tahoe
October 2011: TBC
November 2011: TBC
Rides are subject to change.
How did you start cycling?
My car died during my first year at college, and I was given a ten-speed bicycle as a means of transportation. Short rides to the grocery store turned into epic rides outside the city. I was hooked.
Why are you an Epic Rider?
I am an Epic Rider because I take that left turn onto the unexplored dirt road while everyone else keeps riding straight ahead on the pre-planned route. There's always an alternative way to get "there," and "that way" is my favorite course. I believe that any training ride can be turned into an Epic Ride with a little creative exploration...along with plenty of extra food and water.
Why are you interested in documenting rides?
People love to read about adventures, and that's what a bike can be, a grand adventure. If a ride or race report I have written can inspire a person to get off their ass and out there on a bike, then my mission has been accomplished.
Who is your favorite cyclist?
The Badger, Bernard Hinault. He won everything from Grand Tours to Spring Classics with a fierce independent spirit.
What was your first bike?
My very first bike was Knight Rider themed Big Wheel, David Hassellhoff would be proud. My first real bike was a harsh riding lugged aluminum Trek, that I still use the saddle off of to this day.
Why do you prefer cycling over other sports activities?
Cycling satisfies on so many levels. All of the shiny new gear and lightweight carbon parts feed my technolust. The challenging science of training holds my interest as I constantly strive for improvement. The chess-like strategy that happens within a bike race will keep me turning my pedals in anger for life.
Have you ever been seriously injured from cycling?
Several severe concussions suffered during crashes in races have insured that I wear a helmet at all times when riding. When you can't walk for several months after a head injury, suddenly wearing a helmet even in the hottest condition doesn't seem so bad.
What is your biggest vice?
My strict work ethic. I can't quit until the job is done. This often leads to lack of time on the bike, or too much time on the bike when I am available to train.
What is your favorite quote?
Seriously, if you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it'll spread over into the rest of your life. It'll spread into your work, into your morality, into your entire being. There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level. - Bruce Lee