Amy Shreve

Hometown
Mandan, North Dakota

Relationship with Bikes
Cycling has grown from a competitive outlet to a necessity for my sanity. It gives me a much needed sense of freedom, allowing my mind to wander wherever it may. Cycling is the unlikely combination of exhilaration and tranquility.

Favorite Ride
Maah Daah Hey Trail in western North Dakota and the Chequamegon 40 race route.

Funniest Story On The Road
Thursday Night Thunder. Let me tell you about Thursday Night Thunder aka TNT. TNT consists of 20-30 hardcore singlespeed enthusiasts in balmy Bismarck, ND. The goal of TNT is not to better our community, it is not political activism, the goal of TNT is to put as big a dent as possible in various local bar's inventory of Hamm's Genuine Draft.

TNT is serious business. It doesn't stop because of weather. Rain; it's on. Winter; who cares. In fact, the night in question was mid-January, temperature low-20's. Ice everywhere. Yes, it's that kind of ride.

I wish I could blame what happened on said Hamm's, but no, the night had just started. In fact, not one can had been cracked. A friend and I were riding to the Corral Bar, the first of many stops planned for the evening. We were passing our arch rival shop, the local Giant dealer. I have to admit, I was making a gesture to "improve relations." Sometimes karma is instant, this was one of those cases. While making my friendly gesture, my front wheel hit a patch of black ice. As a result, both my bike and I suddenly found ourselves headed towards a perfectly located light pole. A choice had to be made; it was either me or the bike. If you are reading this bio, then you fully understand my choice. I chose to save my bike.

At the last second, I threw my bike into the relative safety of the middle of the street. I ended up giving that lovely light pole a huge 15mph bear hug. Thankfully, I walked away with minor bruises to my knee and chin, a huge blow to my ego and a new found level of self awareness. Given the choice between damaging my much beloved bike and possible serious bodily harm. I chose to save my bike. Yes, it's that kind of ride.

Words To Live By. This is Life. "Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield."