Eric Hockman - Golden, Colorado
You know that feeling when you were a kid and you first took flight in a straight line over two wheels? I remember the day when my pops gently pushed me forward to get me rolling. Eventually, my own pedaling power and balance outpaced his push and guidance. In that very moment where I first set out completely free on two wheels is a feeling I still get when I jump on my bike to this day. Riding bikes is my ticket to freedom, my place of personal challenge, my excitement for the day, and my mode of transportation whenever possible. But most of all, riding bikes is and will forever be how I maintain balance in my life. Life without bikes would just be a lot of walking… and let’s face it, walking down hill is not so fun.
I started riding bikes back in college as a means of getting around town. Then, it was a customized vintage steel fixie with no brakes, narrow riser bars, and bright gold wheels. Now, it’s just about anything with two wheels, as long as it coasts freely. If it can coast on two wheels, there’s a good time to be had. Stemming from my love for the ride, I’ve managed to revolve my life around bicycles from work to play and everything in between. I’ve toured North America as a professional race mechanic, hosted charity events to send bikes to Africa, thru-biked the entire Colorado Trail with my lovely lady (on a Hayduke mind you), and ridden countless miles of singletrack that only make me crave more. As long as I’m alive and kickin’, I’ll be riding bikes!
