I started riding in the early 70's. A friend of mine took me to a bike shop and suggested I get a Centurion Pro. It was made of Columbus tubing, full Campagnolo Nuovo Record (except for brakes), and a bit too big for me. It was orange with chrome lugs, and came with what all racing bikes came with in that day, sew-ups.
And so, my trip began. Over the next ten years, I enjoyed riding my bike, over much of Orange County (CA). I eventually got onto the group ride and racing side of bicycles, and made into cat cat 2. If figured out that winning was no longer an option, and promptly quit. For me, "racing" implies winning, or at least trying to win. If I am no longer competitive, why bother?
I took a few years off and sort of restarted in the organized aspect of the sport, ten years ago. I saw many new riders who seemed to have trouble riding and racing their bikes, so I started to "give back.". This is when I started to learn and observe things at the Olympic Velodrome, which was under the direction of Kurt Markham, Jerry Corcoran, and later, Noel Hoffmann.
I have coached and taught many beginners. I am a firm believer in basics, such as basic pedaling, posture and bike handling. Judging from the number of riders who can't seem to stay out of ER, I think new riders need to focus on the road and traffic, and not on heart rate and iPods.
"SoundCycles" is a new venture for me, as I attempt to turn a hobby and passion into a business.
You can contact me at WesOishi@aol.com or call 323-857-5701.
