Tricia McBride
Six years ago, Tricia McBride dragged her old and dusty 1989 Trek bike out of the garage to begin riding again. She had no idea even how to shift but was determined to ride. Fast forward to 2020 and meet the new Tricia, an avid biker, breast cancer survivor, and major inspiration to us all. As she trains for her third bike vacation, Tricia imparts her wisdom and advice on how biking changes your life.
Describe that first year of going from thinking about biking to taking the plunge riding with groups.
I had to think about what kind of rider I wanted to be. I joined the Fox Point women’s group early that first season and just had no idea what I was doing. They were so patient with me. But to get better I needed a plan which included a new bike and some dedicated training. After one bike ride, I walked into Wheel and Sproket and brought a more appropriate Trek Road Bike
I sought out Bike Fit Specialist Phil Godkin to help train me. He is so approachable and knowledgeable of all types of riders/students from entry level to racer. Phil coached me one-on-one for four years, and I just keep getting better.
What’s it like to take a bike vacation especially with Trek Travel?
It is truly something you’ll remember all your life. You don’t feel like a tourist when you are riding a bike in a foreign country. Instead, you feel more connected to the country. I made new friends, saw beautiful places, and connected with local people that you seldom ever get on a cruise or by car.
My first bike trip was in 2018 on the beautiful Island of Mallorca, Spain. In 2019, I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, with surgery and radiation. I decided a Trek Travel trip to Norway would be my motivation for recovery and training. Trek Travel did a fabulous job exploring deep into the Fjords of Norway, which took us far into the fantastic fjord country where very few people venture. Trek Travel incorporates hiking and so much more. I made several new friends, and I am planning a trip in 2020 to ride with them.
I’m headed to Trek Travel’s Glacier National Park trip this year and already in training with another woman I met through Wheel and Sprocket Hub Training.
What’s your advice to someone considering a bike vacation?
I recommend two ideas to get prepared for the trip:
Train indoors during winter months. I love the Indoor Training Hub on my own bike rather than a spin class.
Get outdoors as soon as the weather breaks. And as my coach Phil Godkin says “keep on pedaling”.
How important is it to have guides help you start and improve your riding?
Thanks to Wheel & Sprocket's team for guiding me from the beginning. From a new bike fit to training, the team is so patient and knows what you need. You need that kind of support, no matter what type of rider you choose to be. Equipment beyond the bike and the friendly staff at Wheel and Sprocket have made this journey a pleasant one from day one.
I’m happy to report that I now have a beautiful Trek Project One bike, ride with two fabulous groups that honor all kinds of people riding their own pace, and am truly enjoying life.