
Velo.IAN – Rider with Nomads
Where’d you grow up? Whats your story? If you weren’t born in the city – how’d you get here?
I was lucky to have been born and raised in Toronto. Grew up near the St. Lawrence Market where my parents still reside. Spent most of my spare time playing volleyball, indoor and on beach. Until 2020 and none of that was available. So cycling was indeed the next best thing.
Who or what got you into the scene?
In 2020, I was inspired by my pick up volleyball brother Jaeson Geronimo. He posted a ride he did to Niagara with his family and I thought to myself if he can do it… So can I. I had no idea how hard it actually was but he helped me get started on my first (metric) Century and I never looked back. Started riding with the MandemCC in 2020, Nomads in 2021 & Pedals and Provisions in 2023.
What inspires/motivates you?
My father was affected by a stroke 20yrs ago and has never fully recovered. Before that happened I remembered his own cycling journey, I recall the odd tan lines, his red steel bike and his smile when he came back from a ride. Beyond that, I rediscovered my love for all things cycling late in life and I am doing everything to make up for lost time. Seeing and now meeting some of my local cycling heroes is also fuel to get out there and get stronger on and off the bike.
What do you represent, why are you doing the things you’re doing?
I feel like I represent a lot of people who didn’t know about the benefits of cycling or haven’t been on the bike or connected to the community for while. I want to meet and ride along with everyone in the cycling community. Go explore this city and all the best riding this country has to offer. My hope is that I will be able share this passion of mine with anyone and everyone who can benefit from what I and many others have discovered.
What are your goals?
What are my goals? That’s a great question! I think they are varied… I want to ride over 10,000km in one year Ride around Lake Simcoe from home (300+km) Participate in as many events as possible (sanctioned or not) Join an alleycat race Try bike packing Ride the G2G and other gravel trails like the Durham Destroyer
What are you proud of? Whats one of your biggest accomplishments
Last year, I set a goal of riding to Niagara and back in one day. One day in the summer I was invited with a group and we made it there and back at an avg speed of 28kph, making this my fastest, hardest and longest ride ever at 315kms. Joining the Nomads podcast with my riding brothers.
Do you have a quote or proverb that you live by? And maybe if you want, explain what it means to you and how resonates with you.
Still looking for my own actually, currently taking submissions. Right now…
Ride a bike, it’ll change your life
…seems to be appropriate. The moment I got to start riding regularly my whole life changed. Revolving around cycling and the community at large, I wish I had started sooner.
If you had the option to restart your life, what would you do different the next time around?
For one, I would have started riding after college. Spent more time riding different disciplines and have one of every kind of bike. And ventured out on more bike adventure trips in different countries and places where cycling is the preferred option.
If you could give any advice to your younger self what you would tell them?
Ride a bike, it’ll change your life. Don’t be afraid of what people think of you, just do what makes you genuinely happy. Spend time making your circle stronger not making a bigger circle.
Any wild stories you want to share?
What happens on the ride, stays on the ride. Unless there’s photo evidence then damn.
Give yourself a plug (Events, Merch, etc. Promote yourself)
We are growing the Nomads family, with the Steeltown Nomads based in Hamilton. We have shirts available via @nomads.cc on IG for more info. @pedalsandprovisionscc is another really cool initiative for foodies who ride. Cool local art ‘crawls’ and Graffiti rides. My personal favorite was the Burger Crawl – 4 diff burgers one ride, yummy. Merch also available.
Anything else you want to add? Feedback? Shoutout? Recommendations?
Where to start? Thanks to @skribbs and all the people and groups that I’ve ridden with over the past few years: @mandemcc @gyaldemcyclingcollective @saddlesisterscycling @6fixed @nomads.cc @pedalsandprovisionscc @cycletoronto @cyclesimcoe @thedriveside
And the best bike shops: @dornellasbikeshop @bikesonwheels @bikedepot @cyclepath_danforth @sweetpetesbikeshops @urbanecyclist @dismount_to @blacksmithcycle @labicitoronto