Hops and Handlebars, November Edition

This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down at local craft brew taproom Ole Shed with my friend and mentor, George Powell. This guy encourages me on bad days, cheers me on on my best days, and has helped me learn to safely navigate even the sketchiest of paceline and race situations. He's one of those people I always hope to be able to someday really keep up with. So it seemed fitting to sit down and chat with him about life in general and his experiences on the bike.

 

Life on the Big Chainring: Would you say that riding has changed your outlook on life?

 

George Powell: I think riding has certainly changed my outlook on life in the fact that we tend to get caught in the "loop" where you go to work, come home, fix dinner, laundry, kids, beds, shower, shave, wash, rinse, repeat... and you forget that you are a being of this earth; a blue marble in the blackness of infinity, and you only have a short time to appreciate it. I love the fact that I see all four seasons up closely and intimately, ride in the cold, grey, warm, breezy and see all this cool stuff! Bobcats, deer, hawks, turkey, snakes, and everything in between! We can actually revel in the beautiful world we live and become a part of it, not just a user of it. 

 

LBC: How has your life outlook informed your time on the bike? Training methodology, etc....

 

GP: I am rather results oriented and I tend to not believe my genetic shortcomings :) I have a fair bit of attention to details and this has helped my life on two wheels immensely.

 

LBC: What is your most epic ride to date? How did it help you grow as a rider?

 

GP: My most epic ride was one way back in 2003, when I rode the six gap century. it was my first "super" century and I suffered like a dog :) It helped me grow as a rider because I saw what true grit looked like. I saw older, heaver, slower riders finish ahead of me and It reminded me that perseverance is a mental strength that needs to be strengthened just like leg muscles. 

 

LBC: How long have you been riding?

 

GP: I've been riding nearly 18 years! 

 

LBC: What's your favorite bike snack?

 

GP: I really like stinger waffles! 

 

LBC: What is your favorite beer?

 

GP: My favorite beer is New Belgium "sunshine" 

 

LBC: Who is a local rider you admire?

 

GP: The local rider that I most admire is Seyed Emadian. For those who know him he doesn't go into things halfway! I have such an appreciation for his attitude in adversity. Cramps, tired, hard route, faster cyclists, cars, dogs, etc.. nothing fazes him. he always remains upbeat and determined. 

 

LBC: How about a professional rider? Why?

 

GP: The professional rider I most admire is also a local guy, Matthew Russell. I admire him for his work ethic and his humility. I watch him win big races and ride with unbelievable power and yet kindly slow down and ride with me at my pace. Just a real class act!