April Rider of the Month: James Perren
April Rider of the Month
James Perren
1. What’s your go-to song to pump you up before a race?
My first go-to song is “Long Way to the Top” by AC/DC. I can also get inspired by any good Steve Miller or CCR song.
2. Do you have any goofy rituals you do before/during/after riding?
One ritual that has become a favorite of mine is to dedicate my ride to a person who has an influence on my thoughts and feelings of that particular day or week. It’s basically a ‘ride dedication’ ritual that I have integrated into my life. The actual dedication can be to a friend, family member, co-worker, team member, etc. Other targets of my dedications might be directed towards random people I hear about in the media that are general recognized for doing something positive for the common good. These might be ‘Person of the Week’ on ABC Evening News for instance.
A second ritual is that I now find it as a necessity to stretch before and after each ride and race. The minimum time is 100-120 seconds. The MacKensie stretch for my lower back with this ritual allows me to continue riding and racing with minimal back pain.
3. What’s your favorite meal to eat after a long ride?
Traditional Italian spaghetti certainly takes care of calorie needs after a good and long ride.
4. What’s your favorite race and why?
One of my favorite races is the Races at the Lake (RATL) in Akron, Ohio. I lived in that part of the country for a few years and this race impacted me greatly. I really like the quality of the course pavement and the combination of the short hill and downhill with a few slightly technical sections. I would drive from Ann Arbor, Michigan to get to this race in the early season, but I very much enjoyed the drive and the race environment. I never did very well there, but I certainly like that area and that particular race.
5. How did you find out about SDBC?
I found out about SDBC by checking on the USAC website to search for clubs in the area. I reviewed a number of the clubs in San Diego County and then opted to try the Saturday ride. After giving that ride a shot, I spoke with a few people on the ride and at the shop and made my decision partly based on the potential for socially engaged riding and racing in Southern California. I have been pressed and very pleased with the choice I made. It’s sincerely great to be part of something!
6. What’s your favorite flavor of Fluid?
Orange is the flavor I like the best.
7. Anything else you would like to share?
Riding and racing bicycles are important parts of our lives as SDBC members. I can see that it is part of our identities. It is for me. The bicycle has allowed me to become a better person. But I also see a tremendous amount of responsibility that come with the freedom. I know this brief statement does not clarify what I mean by that to all of people. Hopefully someday we can chat about it and I will be happy to explain myself. See you on the road or at the races.