Episode three takes us across the ocean to “The Mother Land”. This short story starts out some years ago in England….I am not sure where in England it started, but I am sure it all started in England. Fast forward some 40 odd years, move from England to the thriving suburb of Westminster and you are now up to speed with my latest blog subject, Jon Pulley.
I met Jon about 8 years ago. At the time, he was working in an alternative school in Aurora, teaching math and mountain biking or climbing every weekend. He would rush off to the mountains Friday, and return home totally “knackered” every Sunday night. Not much has changed, really. He still rocks a mountain bike, he still rushes off each weekend and he is still a good “mate”.
1. With what team do you ride and why? Boulder Cycle Sport. Brandon and the crew got me racing ‘cross a couple of years ago as tried a few road races and didn’t really enjoy them that much. Saw that BCS had a ‘cross team so decided to give it a try. Got hooked that first season and raced nearly every w/e. Cut back last season as injured my back and this year I’ve been XC racing.
2. How long have you been racing? First race was 15 years ago – Polaris Challenge in the UK. A two day self sufficient orienteering bike race. Then moved to Mexico and did only a couple of races over a four year period. I moved to Colorado and have only really raced for the last couple of years- mainly ‘cross and XC short track through endurance.
3. What is your all-time favorite race? Tried the Breck Epic this year. Enjoyed the multi day format, the camaraderie and racing sweet trails around Breckenridge
4. What is your strongest discipline? Climbing
5. What part of bike racing do you absolutely loathe? Sandbaggers, pisses me that someone has the balls to win a race by so much time and be proud of their achievement. Grow up!
6. Tell me a little about your bikes and gear. Cross bike is a Scott- nothing special there, ulterga stuff. XC is a Superlight that’s been around for a while. Love it, although I bought a Yeti 575 (love too) last fall which I now ride more. Both great machines. My road bike is a Lapierre X lite- nice ‘cos not too many here. Rode it in France 2 years ago and got loads of comments.
7. Do you have any superstitions about racing or any pre-race rituals? What are they and how did they start? Try and drop the kids at the pool before any race.
8. If money was absolutely no object, what bike would you ride and how would it be painted? Bike, bikes! Carbon Blur or ASR, spec’ed in the region of 21lbs. Custom Ti single speed and a sweet AM bike. Would have to get brother in-law to paint them as he does custom artwork.
9. If you could race with any pro, from any time in history who would it be? Have to be Sean Kelly. Grew up following all his races in cycling weekly- even had full KAS and PDM team kits when I was 15!
10. You are granted a riding session with one current pro team. This session includes as many hours of riding as you would like, lunch at any location you choose and the ability to ride any place in the world. Would like to hang out in Girona for a spring with all the pro roadies. Would be a great place to ride, live and ride some more
11. Who would you absolutely love to beat by the end of this year, and why? I think that I’ve beaten myself up this season, also crashed at the Dakota five O last w/e. So think that I’m just about done. May squeeze a couple of ‘cross races, but that’s all for the 2009 season