NBG Home > Events > Mayors Ride > Bios > William Gum
Mayors' Ride Bios - William R Gum
1. Which Relay link do you want to ride?
Miami to TAMPA
2. How you found us
I learned about the NBG program through word of mouth at various cycling competitions/expo's. I've long been a proponent of cycle touring and am very interested in seeing the dream of a national bicycle greenway realized.
3. Why you want to do this ride
As an avid touring cyclist, I understand the many benefits of cycling. Health, fun, adventure, economy, sustainable transportation, challenge, community: These words describe how cycling has impacted me over my years of involvement in the sport. I desire to spread this love of cycling through being active and involved with organizations who wish to forward the greatness of cycling and all its benefits.
4. Tell us about your touring experience- if little or none, indicate
many miles have you ridden over the last year:
I've toured mainly shorter distances to date. Long day trips (80-100 miles) and some short weekend tours in the Central Florida area have been my main regimen. However, I am currently planning two extended tours. The first will be during the week of March 20th. I will be touring the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. This trip is a litmus for a more grueling excursion coming this summer. A friend and I will be touring through France during the months of June and July 2005. We will be fully self sufficient, camping along the way. I am in excellent physical shape, and have no doubt about my ability to complete a NBG ride.
5. Tell us about your bike
My touring setup is a 2001 Lemond Poprad frame with Matrix Aurora 32h wheelset, Shimano XT f/r deraileurs, dual water bottles, Blackburn rear rack, full Cannondale bag set (overland panniers, caboose trunk bag, quick release handlebar bag), Cateye opticube headlight, Blackburn rear flasher, etc. I use SPD pedals and shoes to allow me ease of movement off the bike.
6. Describe your training regimen
Daily, I ride 10+ miles each way to work (that's 20 mi/day X 5 days/wk = 100 mi/wk just commuting). This commuting is done rain or shine (and today was RAIN!). I've driven to work only once in the past 3 months. In addition, the weekends are replete with riding. My riding partner and I usually do 25-30 miles each Saturday afternoon at an 18-22 mph pace. In addition, I swim 2000 yds 3 days per week (MWF) and do strength training the other two week days (T/Th). I am in great physical condition, even for a 22 year old.
7. How are you making time for this
As a high school teacher, I have plenty of vacation time to utilize. In addition, the school administration is excited about this opportunity and will fully support my involvement.
8. What are your fears about doing this ride
My single fear is loneliness. I usually ride and tour with at least one companion. This would be a new experience; touring for a number of days all alone (although, depending on riders, I may not be alone). However, the unknown is not something worth truly fearing, therefore, I'm confident that this will be a great new experience. .
9. Do you have any special skills that you feel would benefit the Mayors' Ride?
Any skills that may come along with being a high school mathematics teacher! In addition, I am a great mechanic. Bicycles are very familiar to me as I've worked with them for years. I am also a good leader. Being a teacher has helped me understand that different people have different skills and needs. I've learned to utilize my own skills with those varying skills of others.
10. Do you have any personal contacts that you feel could help the National Bicycle Greenway or the Mayors' Ride? If so, please list them here:
Being new to the Central Florida area, I do not have any contacts that would be potentially benificial to the NBG. I do know a number of great cycle mechanics in the Virginia area.
11. Anything else you'd like to share with us?
Cycling is my passion. I feel alive when I'm riding. Shrek (my bike) and I travel everywhere together - work, errands, etc. - and as a result, I've nearly disowned my car. I believe that I drive once every few weeks. My 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students can tell you that my cycle is an integral part of my life. I desire to forward the cycling movement and help bring this healthy, clean and fun sport/lifestyle to the forefront of our nation. I cannot say enough positive words about cycling, and I wish to be involved with the NBG program.
E-mail: gum.william@gmail.com
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