Cyclist: Nice Samret
Cycling team: Cyclones Cycling Club San Antonio
L’Étape San Antonio distance: 100 miles
One broken finger and whole lot of friends. That's what cycling has brought to Nice!
"It all started when my best friend got into cycling in 2018. After talking with him, I bought my first road bike— a Giant Contend 1. But, I only rode it a few times due to being severely overweight and it being too hot so it collected dust for a few years. Summer of 2020, I decided to ride again, but this time I started on Zwift, doing a few minutes a day. After a few short months, I dropped 50 lbs!
Come October of 2020, this Wisconsin native felt it was cool enough to ride outside, and started venturing on the Leon Creek Greenway. I started posting selfies and mileage distance from Strava on Facebook in the San Antonio Cycling Community group and was getting noticed. After a short while, I was approached by other local cyclists to ride with them. I attempted the Scenic Loop route in November of 2020 and it was my toughest ride to date. I averaged about 10 mph for that ride. December of 2020, I attempted my first century ride which ended with me breaking a finger so I did not complete it.
I let my finger heal and during that time I was approached by members of Cyclones Cycling Club to come and ride with them, but I didn’t feel ready. After more attempts from different members, I decided to just take the plunge and joined my first ride with them around the beginning of March 2021. I started with the C-level group, then B-level and, eventually, I got faster and I wanted to ride with the A-team. I tried a few times, but always got dropped. I didn’t let that stop me so I kept trying to hang with them until, in May 2021, I was able to stay with A-level and did my first 20 mph average ride! Eventually, I hit milestones of 21, 22, and 23 mph rides. It was an awesome feeling to get faster.
I knew I wanted to expand my network of cyclists and I set a goal for 2021 to ride and meet as many folks as possible. I was invited to do a San Antonio Lady Riders co-ed ride and made some friends there. I was also introduced to Los Chivos Krew and Major Taylor Cycling Club of San Antonio. From there, I have met so many different cyclists, from solo riders to groups to clubs. (Chain Reaction, Blitz, Zombies, SA Babes on Bikes, Colvavita, 210 Cycle Riderz, Team HEB, Team Taco). I have also volunteered to be a ride marshal and volunteer at many other local events.
Due to my welcoming personality and my “network of cyclists”, I was voted the new Vice President of Cyclones. I just love meeting and riding with different cyclists from all over. After completing five century rides in 2021, this century coming up for L’Étape San Antonio will be the toughest to date due to the elevation. I am looking forward to the challenge!"
Join Nice on April 10th!
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