When life gets busy, sometimes all it takes is two wheels and an open trail to reset everything. For Justin, biking isn’t just a sport or a way to stay in shape—it’s a lifeline, a memory, and a mindset. From childhood rides with his dad to night rides through the city and 100-mile challenges that pushed him to the edge, cycling has shaped his life in ways most of us only dream about.
In this interview, Justin shares how biking helped him through tough seasons, what keeps him coming back to the road (and the trail), and why every ride is its own kind of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or thinking of hopping on a bike for the first time in years, his story is full of inspiration, wisdom, and the kind of grit that’ll make you want to go a little further.
Getting Started with Biking
1. When did you first get into biking, and what drew you to it?
I grew up riding bicycles but lost interest as a teenager when buying a car became the priority. About a year after high school a friend of mine talked me into buying a hybrid bike and I’ve been riding ever since.
2. Has biking always been a passion, or did it become more important at a certain point in your life?
Cycling has always been enjoyable to me. I have several memories of riding with my dad through neighborhood parks and feeding geese. During a particular part of my early adult life when I struggled with my spiritual, mental and emotional health, cycling became a healthy outlet that calmed me.
3. What does biking mean to you beyond just exercise—freedom, challenge, stress relief?
Today cycling still offers me that mental calm. In addition to therapy and other healthy outlets to manage stress, cycling gives me that childlike sense of freedom that I discovered with my dad years ago.
4. Do you prefer road cycling, mountain biking, or a mix of both?
I’ve spent more time on the road but recently I’ve hopped back into mountain biking. I love the variety that cycling offers. I never get bored.
The Role of Biking in Life & Health
5. How does biking complement or balance out your career and daily life?
When the weather permits, I commute to work as much as possible. That short ride helps to energize me for the day and the preparation that commuting requires helps keep me organized and punctual.
6. What are some of the biggest mental or physical benefits you’ve gained from cycling?
When my legs are tired and my body starts to shut down on me, the only thing that gets me home after a long ride is will power. Of course, I could call for a ride share to come save me, but I take pleasure in learning how far I can push past the pain and that largely mental. Physically, I’ve just grown to be much stronger, especially my heart.
7. Do you use biking as a way to unwind, challenge yourself, or connect with others?
All of the above. If I’ve had a tough week at work or just in general, cycling solo or with friends becomes a stress relief and a way to unwind. But, I do like to challenge myself in some way on every ride. Sometimes, it may be a goal of a faster average for a certain road or hill, and other times it could be to just complete the ride without thinking about anything negative and just to focus on enjoying the ride.
8. Has biking influenced your mindset or approach to other areas of life?
In some ways yes. Realizing what I can accomplish on my bike has in part given me the confidence to doubt myself a lot less. For example, if I’m preparing for a tough task, thinking back to the feeling of completing the 100-mile rides I’ve done gives me a little boost.
Challenges & Memorable Rides
9. Do you have a favorite ride, trail, or biking memory that stands out?
I have several, but 11 or 12 years ago a group of riders would meet at the Coffee Cartel in the Central West End and ride all over the city on various routes into the night. It was called the Wolfpack Hustle. One of my favorites was one ride to St. Charles and back. It was a warm summer night, and I can still remember the feeling of riding with my buddies on long, dark, and empty roads guided by handlebar lights and the occasional headlight from passing cars.
10. Have you ever had a particularly tough ride that tested your limits? What did you learn from it?
A LOT of rides have tested me. One year I made it a goal to eliminate sugar from my diet. About a month into my new eating regiment, I joined a long group ride that totaled about 70 miles in the middle of summer. After about 40 miles in I felt fine, but the trail mix and 0 sugar drinks I had did nothing for me. So the last 30 miles or so were rough. Fortunately, another rider offered me some energy chews that helped a little. But once I got home, I was sick for about 6 hours because I was so depleted. By the end of the night I was back to normal. Again, all willpower and mindset because my body wanted to stop.
11. What’s your ideal biking adventure—whether it’s a specific trail, destination, or type of ride?
I want to ride the entire Katy Trail from start to finish, a total of 240 miles. It should take about 3 or 4 days.
12. How do you push yourself to keep improving and taking on new challenges in cycling?
Cycling is something that I genuinely love to do so staying motivated isn’t that difficult for me. I switch up between road and mountain biking which also helps to keep things fresh.
Gear, Training & Advice
13. What’s your go-to gear setup for a great ride?
I ride with a Shimano 105 groupset. My cassette on the rear is 11×34 and the chainrings in the front are 36/52.
14. How do you train or prepare for long rides?
In addition to ensuring my bike is maintained, I eat heavier starting a couple days before the ride (carbs are your friend) and I get some good sleep the night before.
15. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to start biking seriously?
Just enjoy the ride. Not everything has to be a race. And stay consistent.
16. Are there any common mistakes new cyclists make that you wish more people knew about?
Don’t buy a bike that you aren’t ready for because it looks cool. Start off with something that is easier to ride and move up from there. I’ve seen people buy really expensive bikes that end up just sitting in their garages.
Looking Ahead
17. Do you have any future biking goals—long-distance rides, races, or personal challenges?
I want to do a few centuries (100-mile rides) this year. Now that I’m out of school and have some time during the week I’m ready to get out there.
18. Have you ever thought about doing a bikepacking trip or multi-day adventure?
Absolutely! That would be the ideal vacation for me actually. Maybe the Katy trail trip I’ve been wanting to do.
19. What role do you see biking playing in your life long-term?
I’ve met several cyclists in their 70s that are still going strong and having fun. I want to be that.
20. What does adventure mean to you when it comes to cycling?
Every ride I have is an adventure. That’s the awesome part about cycling. You don’t have to go far to experience your surroundings in a new way on a bike.
Justin’s story is a reminder that the things we come back to—especially when life feels heavy—often have more to teach us than we realize. For him, biking isn’t just about staying fit. It’s about showing up, finding calm, and remembering what really matters.
If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. At Handcrafted Adventure, we’re all about exploring what it means to reset, rebuild, and keep moving—whatever that looks like for you.
Want to Learn More?
If Justin’s story has you thinking about hopping on a bike—or just moving your body in a way that feels good—here are a few great resources on how cycling and outdoor movement can support your mental and physical health:
- Cycling for Health and Fitness – Harvard Health
- 10 Ways Cycling Can Boost Your Mental Health – Cycling UK
- The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise – Psychology Today
- How Exercise Improves Mental Health – Verywell Mind
- Health Benefits of Outdoor Recreation – National Park Service
Whether you’re riding for stress relief, strength, or just to feel a little more like yourself again—every mile counts.
I love hearing how others are finding adventure and meaning in their own way—if you do too, check out the latest guest posts on the blog, and stay tuned for more! Click here
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