Know the Board: Branden
What do you do to pay the bills? I manage the accounting department at Better Business Financial Services.
What kind of riding do you do? How often? I commute to work daily (unless I’m bogged down with work or can’t get to sweaty before a meeting)…I also enjoy long distance touring for vacations, and I love training rides for competing in triathlons.
What do you think the most important thing the Coalition has done in SLO County? The Coalition has definitely transformed the cycling community, working behind the scenes in the best interest of our community. I don’t think the public realizes how much the Coalition does to make everyday alternative transportation easy. Anything having to do with cycling or walking, we are a part of.
What advice do you have to encourage others to get on their bicycles? Shut up and ride! 🙂 The first step is actually getting on your bicycle and being comfortable. That means riding around your neighborhood, taking baby-steps. I also inform people of our bicycle confidence workshop, giving students the tools necessary to be informed cyclists, breaking down the barriers.
What’s your favorite thing about bicycles? Self propelled freedom.
Describe your favorite bicycle memory… My favorite cycling memory is between riding up Alpe d’Huez during the 2011 Tour de France, or my journey down the coast from Canada to Mexico… People ask me what I thought about for two months? Nothing. Typically when I’m on my bike I don’t think about anything, I listen to the road beneath me, and concentrate on nothing.
If you had to name your favorite bicycle, what would you name it? Gwendolyn
Anything else you want to share? I want to thank our existing membership for everything they have done for the organization, without them the Coalition couldn’t be where it is today. My personal goal is to have every person who is cares about cycling, walking, the environment, and alternative transportation become a part of the Coalition.
