Redbeard Racing: Kristin

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Bay City, MI, but grew up outside of Detroit, MI.

When and where did you first learn to ride a bike?
When we lived in Bay City, our house was on a very small street that ended in a cul-de-sac. One of my earliest memories is riding my red tricycle around the cul-de-sac when I was 3 or 4. I got my first two-wheel bike when I was about 5. My mom bought it from a yard sale and it was maroon and had a sparkly banana seat. I think it was a Schwinn.

How did you get into track racing?
I went to a couple of the clinics at Kissena and had fun.

Do you have a pre-race ritual?
I don’t think so.

How do you take your coffee?
Black.

Tell us about your track bike(s) and why you love it/them.
I’m currently riding a De Bernardi with a Mutant stem. I love the classic style and it’s comfortable for riding a track like Kissena.

What has been your most meaningful victory on the track to date?
I haven’t been racing for long but I won a scratch race at Kissena in August.

Favorite post-race meal?
I usually eat a snack quickly after a race like a fruit or a bar or some kind, usually a Lara bar or a Raw Rev Glo bar. Once I get home, I like to take a shower, then eat something somewhat balanced.

Favorite velodrome to race in, and why?
I’ve only race at Kissena so far but I’m excited to try some new velodromes. I like Kissena because it really is a community and everyone knows everyone else.

Favorite pro bike racer?
Mandy Marquardt. She races for the USA Cycling National Team and for Team Novo Nordisk.

What do you do to pay the bills?
I teach Geometry and Statistics at Manhattan Early College School for Advertising.

And the most important question: lock-ring or no lock-ring?
Whatever Ilya and Wilson say.