Collin, 15, with El Grupo since 2012
If I had a superpower, it would be: To Fly
Hidden Talent: Track Standing
Favorite Style of Riding: Road
Favorite Trip: Durango Trip 2 years ago
Favorite Bike Ride in Tucson: Shoot-Out and Saguaro East
Quotable Quote by Ignacio: Do the little things, which add up to the bigger things and the bigger thing is what you want to accomplish.
Favorite Dessert: Flan
Why do you like to ride your bike?
I like the environment it’s in: the people I’ve met and get to ride with, it’s a nice rider experience, you know- Getting to ride with your friends and do what you love is really nice. I did the summer bike camp with Ignacio, and then I’d ridden my bike before, and then after that is what really started it.
Tell me about when you first started a few years ago, and where you are now.
When you first start, you don’t know what to expect- you’re a newbie. Over these two and a half years, your bike skills get better and also your personality. You change so much as a person because you have the responsibility to do what you do with practice and training that will help you. It’s helped me change as a person with eating healthier, and not staying out too late because I know I’ll have to get up early the next day and ride.
How does El Grupo challenge you?
El Grupo challenges me fitness-wise. The stuff we do, like the Shoot-Outs and the training rides and the races, it’s really nice competitively and for your body. Mentally, sometimes I’m challenged when I have to balance school and life and training. On a hard ride, I try to block everything out, and focus on one single thing and make small goals. If I think about a bunch of stuff, I can’t focus and ride well.
What are your goals with El Grupo?
This season, I do want to do well. I want to focus more on my crit and road racing and for the future, l’Abitibi sounds cool just for the experience. That’s my long-term goal.
What are three things you’ve gained from your experience with El Grupo?
Fitness, Responsibility (El Grupo and my personal life), and Maturity. Cycling does help you mature, everything you do Ignacio holds you to high expectations, which rolls over to personal life.
What is your biggest highlight with El Grupo?
Probably the first El Tour I ever did. We were a rag tag team of kids and we finished the 60-mile in 3 hours exactly- that was a big accomplishment.
