We’re excited to highlight another local rider in our community who inspires us here at Leucadia Cyclery. This month, we’re featuring Guy Gary, a recovering competitive amateur triathlete and marathon runner.
Let’s get into it!
Q&A with Guy Gary
How did you get into mountain bike riding/cycling, and what keeps you
motivated to ride? What do you love the most about it?
I began my bike riding / cycling journey as a young boy growing up in suburban Long Island, NY in the 1960’s. I quickly learned that my bike was my “freedom” as I would ride allover town with my friends to explore parks, and neighborhoods surrounding our towns and villages.
When I was about 10 or 11 years old, I had a paper route where I loaded up a big canvas bag with 30 to 40 papers folded up and held with rubber bands. I mounted these on my Schwinn Lemon Peeler Stingray with ape bars and a banana seat.
I would pedal the roads and sidewalks of my neighborhood and proceed to deliver the tightly folded newspapers. We called this “chucking” the papers. I did this with one hand on the bars while pedaling past the selected homes that would receive the morning or afternoon paper.
This was an art to make sure the paper would land on the doorstep and not take out some plants or fragile decorations. When I moved to California, I raced triathlons for 25 years and continue to bike, hike and swim to keep my physical and mental fitness. I have a poster of Albert Einstein on a bike in my office who said - “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
What’s your favorite local trail or road to ride, and why?
My favorite road ride is my simplest ride, which is to leave my house in Leucadia and pedal north on Coast Highway up to Oceanside Harbor. It still brings me joy and thanks to be able to live here and I always take time to stop and look at the ocean, either with a detour to Beacons Beach or just slow down and take in the views on the strand in Oceanside, CA or close to Ponto.
I’ve seen whales, dolphins and just this morning - flocks of pelican’s skimming the waves. For mountain bike / dirt rides, I like Lake Hodges and Los Peñasquitos Canyon.
Can you tell us about your bike setup? What’s so special about your bike?
My road bike is a Cervelo R5, this is my fifth one, as I usually ride one for 3 to 4 years and then sell it / trade in for a new one (I love that new bike smell ).The geometry and light strong frame fits me well and my style as I still like to climb some of the inland hills and mountains on occasion.
I did upgrade to Zipp Firecrest 400 carbon wheels with a tubeless Pirelli P Zero 28mm tire setup. This is my first time with tubeless tires, and I love the feel and handling. I also have only had one flat in three years and that was a nail that would have flatted anything.
I have a stock Niner mountain bike when I want to ride dirt, and a Trek Dual Sport Hybrid for jaunts around Leucadia and Encinitas to the beach or to grab a bite to eat.
Do you have a memorable cycling experience or accomplishment you’re
especially proud of? Any races you’ve done?
I moved to Leucadia, CA from the east coast and came here with a strong running background. Marathons, ½ marathons and 10Ks. I had just run a 2:38 marathon time at the Boston Marathon, and thought I could move here and perhaps qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
Once here, I quickly discovered the world of triathlons which were gaining popularity around the world after the infamous Hawaii Ironman telecast on ABC Wide World of Sports, and the epic finish by North County local Julie Moss.
San Diego, CA and especially North County, became the hotbed for training and athletes from all over the world came here to train year-round. My dream goal, like the Boston Marathon before, was to qualify and do the Ironman Hawaii race in Kona. This facilitated my rediscovery of my love of cycling and now the group training and long rides all over San Diego, CA.
I purchased a custom-built Dave Moulton steel Fuso frame and had it built up by Fred at Leucadia Cyclery in the original Vulcan location. It was quite heavy by today’s standards and certainly not very aero or a tri-bike. I was able to finish the Ironman respectfully in a little over 10 hours, but that was enough for me. I did a few century’s rides after that but no more full Ironman triathlon. One and done, thank you.
What was your best ride yet?
I would have to say that 112-mile Ironman Hawaii ride I did back in 1989. I had to overcome heat, strong winds as well as the isolation and the mind numbing seemingly endless lava fields along the Queen K highway from Kona out to Hawaii and back.
What’s your favorite post-ride snack/activity?
After a longer weekend road ride, I look forward to a nice local burrito from one of our fine Leucadian Mexican food establishments. A local pro tip is- some of the best burritos come from Mexican food restaurants located in adjoining gas stations. Agave and Cancun come to mind in Leucadia.
If I am feeling like something very healthy, I will get a Nautilus bowl from Haggo's that has fresh fish, rice veggies and beans. If it follows an especially tough or long ride, I love to take an afternoon nap to promote recovery.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in cycling? What kind
of bike would you suggest people start out with?
It is great to see how e-bikes have opened up the same joys and freedoms that I experienced early on as a kid. I see the local kids riding with their friends to the beach or to and from school with big smiles and laughter.
With that said, I would recommend kids and adults start by riding bikes and pedaling. It is very important to learn the bike handling skills and awareness of the traffic rules before they start going over 20 miles and hour on our local roads. The local kids here in previous generations who grew up riding BMX have some of the best bike handling skills I have ever observed, especially in the dirt.
How has cycling impacted your life beyond the bike?
I always start my day with some from of aerobic exercise, this begins with walking my dog, then either cycling, swimming at the Y or a local hike on weekends. This is what makes me feel good and whole, and it settles my mind like a meditation.
I am employed by a Carlsbad satellite / communications company as a quality director and work can be quite stressful at times. On days that I work, my pre-work morning ride is when I solve challenging problems or prepare for a Zoom call or day at the office. I like to ride early in the AM, usually right after sunrise when it is quiet and not a lot of cars or people out.
If I want to push it to the limit, I will jump on a Swamis group ride, which I joined a couple of years ago to “keep me young”. This will push me much harder than if I just pedaled by myself. They often ride routes and roads I never knew existed despite living here for over 40 years.
What do you like about us here at Leucadia Cyclery and how have we
supported you?
I have been going to Leucadia Cyclery since 1987 when it was in the original location on Vulcan. Jeff, Kanyama and team still provide the same great and personal service that you can trust.
The work is performed reliably and quickly, and the estimates are always provided before the job starts. You can trust that the bike will get only what it needs at a fair and honest cost. If they find something unexpected, they will call or text you. No surprises.
I also like to support local businesses which is what keeps Leucadia unique. Many bike shops have come and gone but Leucadia Cyclery keeps on going.
Can you give some advice to people wanting to get more involved with
cycling? Are there any community groups you’d suggest joining?
I know there are several groups and clubs in San Diego and North County. I joined Swamis because they have an established reputation, and I like the way they communicate and follow the laws and rules of the road during rides.
They have rides for “A-C” level rider as well as special ones for women and a regular “social ride”. These days I am a “C” level rider, and most rides are too fast for me.
I also joined the Eliel Factory Team as they are the best quality clothing manufacturer in my opinion and make the apparel here in California. The quality and fit is unmatched. The Eliel Team members get a great discount on a kit when joining along with a bunch of great free swag. If you ride in North County you are sure to see someone wearing an Eliel made cycling Jersey.
Lastly, what’s one thing you always bring on your rides?
For my road rides, I always have my Garmin Varia rear radar and flashing taillight on and activated. It gives me a heads up on cars coming up behind me as well as when it is clear to merge or make a left turn. It provides and visual as well as audible indicator of what is happening behind me, so I do not need to look back.
