Cycling.
Riding a bike.
Wow!
Who would’ve known?
This journey has literally taken me for a ride. Starting about 2 1/2 years ago my only plan was to ride a little bit and use cycling as cardio in addition to lifting weights. I had no idea I’d be spending hours on a bicycle.
Fast forward to today, it’s a true passion of mine and I keep discovering more and more reasons to love the sport. Cycling feeds my competitive nature both inwardly and outwardly.
On the outside, there are a lot of really fast riders who I try to keep up with and there’s my internal need to push myself to new levels and new disciplines. In a sick way, I find joy in the suffering and I actively work to find new ways to push harder. I had no idea cycling could and would provide these things. I had no idea I’d meet the people I’ve met and i had no idea I would be doing things I’ve done and the things I plan to do. But I’m glad I’m on this adventure and it’s just getting started.
A part of this young journey I’ve embarked on involves my introduction to Eliel. Prior to finding Eliel my cycling gear was pieced together and seriously slacking. I didn’t realize there were different levels to the cycling fashion game. Fortunately and unfortunately, now I know and there’s no going back.
I recently took on Unbound Gravel 100 in a custom Game Time Cycling Diablo kit. I had no issues over the 7 hours and 100 miles of rough gravel. I plan on continuing to test the limits, both with the Eliel kits and with myself, as the next challenge will be the Leadville 100 MTB race. Yes… I said Unbound and Leadville… and yes… these are lofty goals but I’m kind of built like that. Attack the challenge first, ask questions later.
As of right now, Unbound and Leadville will fulfill my personal racing needs for the year but I have a feeling more races are in the near future. Preparing for these two events has completely opened up a new world for me. After being strictly on a road bike for 2 years, I’ve found a love for mountain biking and gravel riding.
I’ve had the opportunity to ride in Boulder, CO, Leadville, CO, Bentonville, AK, Austin, TX, and Elijay, GA. I never even planned to ride outside of my county. Now I’d like to ride in as many different places I possibly can.
I’m actively trying to recruit former NFL brothers to Game Time Cycling, other friends and all my family so I have no shortage of company and a lot of options, as far as locations.
For now I’ll keep working and building while I ride with all my cycling fam in Central Florida.
Kawika's Favorite kits:
As far as style, I’m a big fan of cargo bibs. Easy access is key when I’m trying to maintain my nutrition during rides which mostly consist of me trying to go as fast as I can for as long as I can. Easy access also allows me to stay in control of my bike. When I consider overall comfort, all the kits I’ve worn have met my needs but, if I had to pick one, I’d have to say my favorite kits are the Diablo kits.
The breathability of the fabric is a huge benefit in the Florida heat. The diablo kits are made of lighter materials but durability isn’t an issue.
