Christian C.

Christian Cotterman – Germany

I’ve been riding as long as I can remember. I used to ride from my house to the mall on my Target-bought BMX bike. This was in Texas, usually in summer, and I’d be sunburned and dehydrated 2 hours later when I arrived. It would take just as long to get home; usually after dark when I had to get in for dinner. There were trails behind our suburb, and we all rode them like we were some kinds of motocross pros. We sucked. But I loved every second of it.

In 1998 my father died, and I was living in San Francisco. Everyone had bikes; some had fixies, some had mountain bikes, some had road bikes. I had a Specialized Allez and rode it all over. To class, to work… you name it. In the fall of 1999, I read in some bike magazine about the American Lung Association’s BIGRIDE. A supported road ride from Seattle to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness for lung issues and research. I spoke with my Uncle about it and he said I should do it. “It’s a great opportunity, and it’s something only you will be able to talk about with your friends. You really should go for it” he said. I got as many sponsors as I could, and paid the rest myself. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

40 days of riding with 8 days of rest spread out across the northern half of the states. 2500 miles more or less. The most fun I’ve had ever. Period.

I still chat with one or two of the riders from back then and now with my 29’er Karate Monkey, I’m more on dirt than asphalt. With my new Guerciotti CX, Im getting a bit of both and loving every kilometer.

Munich is close to some great mountain riding and beer is cheaper than water. I like that.

Cotterman.

(I’ll get a pic when I get a good one of me riding…)