1. Who founded the club and how did it come to life?
I founded my Team in 2010. I was scheduled to race the Texas Marathon Series. I had previously been a member to Team NRC/Pedalmasher. When Pedalmashers folded I decided,
I would brand myself, and raise money to help me race the series, while advertising for people who believed in me. Since then, I decided to invite friends that I have developed relationships with over the years, people, who really demonstrate the idea of Zoë fitness: Zoë meaning , life; so in essence people of are ambassadors to living life fitness and well being.
2. What is your cycling club’s mission?
Zoë fitness’ Mission is:
To combine scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to enhance performance, personal fitness, health and increase the overall quality of life to individuals.
The Mission of Team Zoë fitness is to Give Back to our:
– Sponsors: by representing them with great sportsmanship, and enthusiasm for their brand.
– Cycling Community: by finding Cash Sponsors so that Zoë fitness is able to pay it forward by sponsoring Local Cycling Events by providing cash and products to local Texas and New Mexico Races. Zoë fitness, also likes to pay it forward by hosting free Beginner Cycling Clinics and Skills Clinics every year.
– Athletes: By Providing Free Racing Gear for the Athletes who represent me, Zoë fitness, and our Sponsors.
3. How many members does your team/club have?
I like to keep my Team Members to 13, including myself. Club Members are welcome. I have a few people, family and friends that represent on the Club aspect. They pay for their kits and get discounts from our Product Sponsors, when applicable.
4. What is your favorite route in your area? Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides/routes in Texas?
My Favorite 3 Rides in Texas; that’s the most difficult, because any time I ride, it’s my favorite ride:
1. El Paso Puzzler
2. Isle de Bois
3. Comfort
5. What would be the 3 most valuable tips you can give to a beginning cyclist that would like to get to the next level?
A. Be able to Ride a Straight Line
B. Be able to Ride one handed
C. Know the Rules of the Road
6. What is the best someone ever gave you?
On my second epic ride in my life, I was riding The Boundary Trail in Taos and one of my riding buddies told me; “Never be Afraid to Walk”. I laughed out loud and responded, ‘I’m never afraid of walking!!’ I carry that with me today on every ride. I’m 43 and there’s a reason I am still able to do what I love and what I am passionate about and that is because I always practice ‘safety 1st’. If the mojo isn’t there when I approach a technical section and especially if I am riding alone, I either dab through it or just get off and walk. I don’t like hospitals, I have to pick my kids up at 3:00, and most importantly I want to be able to ride tomorrow.
7. How does the club make you a better rider?
Zoefitness makes me a better rider by supporting my passion in the sport and giving back, while keeping me motivated. I feel like I am living the dream. One of the things I bring into my own athletics is always challenging myself by choosing a harder event or trying something new. It is this passion that brought me to where I am today, in my athletics, my team, and my coaching. For example, this past summer I decided I was going to run 50 miles in Leadville, Colorado. I hope that I am an example to my teammates and the athletes I coach! I know they are good examples to me; they are consistently motivating me to improve my personal self, for me. I feel that my specialty is preparation for the “Big Daddy” whatever that may be. Sure coaching for a series, is fun and rewarding and the athletes I coach get great results, but it’s coaching and preparing for the “Big Daddy” that really thrills me.
8. What has been your most memorable experience involving your club?
The experiences and relationships that I am continuing to foster through Zoefitness.
9. How do you keep everyone motivated?
Motivation is intrinsic; it’s something that grows inside of each one of us. It’s a flame that needs to be fed, that grows through small accomplishments. We find motivation, in my opinion, by setting goals. It is within these goals that we can find the motivation to reach them. They can be big goals, and when they are big goals, there has to be small more attainable goals to help keep us motivated. That’s where it’s handy having a coach. On a daily basis, I help my athletes set the smaller more attainable goals that foster their bigger goals. Reaching goals, no matter how big or small, and having the desire to be a better person is where I feel motivation comes from.
Download Zoe Fitness Cycling Club highlights
Interviewed founder Zoe
Interview by Amber Barnett
