Posted on: Friday, June 17, 2005
For some athletes, life evolves through cycling
| • | Neighborhood Athletes: Trampolinist, 5, off to nationals |
| • | Polo club honors fathers, military |
| • | Catch of the Day: Big Island trip reaps big one |
| • | Sports notices |
By Oscar A. Hernandez
Special to The Advertiser
Atomman Kimm rides his bicycle to pedal away the stress of his job as a major account manager for a telecommunications company.
And Kimm, 49, of Makiki finds a sense of harmony in cycling.
Oscar A. Hernandez • Special to The Advertiser Atomman Kimm recommends learning to change a flat tire, and always carry an inflation device (pump or Co2 cartridge); at least one spare tube, and tire levers to pry off the tire from the rim. "Walking home really isn't much fun," Kimm said. Michael Fujita suggests, "clean your bike often and inspect it when you clean it ... it will help you notice when something is not right."Information provided by Atomman Kimm and The Bike Shop Kimm is a seven-year member of the Tradewind Cycling Team, and is also the club's ride organizer.
"The main reason I ride is for mental and physical health ... my job is very stressful, and riding allows me to unwind ... it also helps me with my continual battle with weight," Kimm said.
Kimm's introduction to cycling came during his high school years.
"I was tired of catching the bus, so I started riding an old Schwinn 10-speed bike that my older brother left when he went off to college in the Mainland," Kimm said.
In the early 1970s, Kimm regularly rode from his home in Liliha to McKinley High School.
After high school, Kimm took up swimming until 1996, and after a one-year absence from swimming and more than a 20-year hiatus from cycling, Kimm unwillingly returned to the saddle in 1997.
"My good buddies, Dean Sensui and Audy Kimura, dragged me kicking and screaming back on to the bike," Kimm said. "I was so out of cycling shape and so heavy ... that when riding up a hill, I'd have to catch my breath by riding in little circles every 50 yards."
Since Kimm's return to cycling, he has shed 30 pounds and now rides between 100 to 200 miles a week.
"I can't run due to busted up knees from running, but I can and do ride as much as I want," Kimm said.
Work and play Cycling is part of Kate Johnson's everyday life.
"I ride because I love the bike, and I am passionate about fitness," she said. "(When) I rode with (Race Across America) during their training ... that got me hooked."
Johnson increased her riding in 2002, and joined the Tradewind Cycling Team in 2004.
Cycling also became a part of Johnson's work, as she is a part-time Bike Ed safety instructor for the Hawai'i Bicycling League in Kaimuki. As an instructor, Johnson travels around most of O'ahu, teaching chi
ldren bicycle safety; and in off time, she puts in between 100 to 200 miles on her bike.
Johnson said she loves "the freedom ... (and) the rush of barrelling down the Pali (highway) at 45-plus miles per hour ... the challenge of climbing Kunia or Tantalus, or any other hill faster than I did the last time."
She not only took to the sport for fitness, but to set an example of fitness for her daughters, Amy, 11, and Kathryn, 5.
Despite her busy schedule, Johnson is able to find time to train, thanks to her husband who watches their daughters during weekend rides, as well as friends who offer their help. "I usually do my training when the girls are in school," she said.
On occasions, when her husband is unable to sit with the girls, Johnson hires a babysitter.
"It's tough to find someone available at 6 in the morning on a weekend, but I have a great babysitter," Johnson said.
Control of his health Michael Fujita, 41, of Royal Kunia, has been a cyclist since his formative years.
But Fujita's motivation went beyond his mere love of riding. He also needed to do something for his health.
"In July 2003 ... (at 5 feet, 9 inches tall) I weighed 240 pounds ... I had borderline high blood pressure and my cholesterol was through the roof," Fujita said. "My doctor told me I was a prime candidate for a heart attack or stroke."
In January 2003, Fujita discovered his path to good health through the Tradewind Cycling Team, where he met Kimm and received support from fellow club members.
"It was difficult keeping up at first, but someone always came back to ride with me," Fujita said. Since joining, Fujita regained control of his health, and averages 200 miles a week.
"I love the melding of machine and man," Kimm said. "There's something very special about propelling yourself unassisted by a downhill or (tailwind) at 27-plus miles per hour."
Atomman Kimm of the Tradewind Cycling Team puts in between 100 and 200 miles of training a week to stay in shape.
Mmaintenance tips
Johnson, a 41-year-old 'Aiea resident, was a sporadic cyclist since the mid 1980s, when she was introduced to the more-committed nature of cycling through an acquaintance who participated in the Race Across America.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I loved riding my bike," Fujita said. "However, I have been a serious cyclist for the last year and a half," the Hilo native said.
• • •
| Tradewind cycling team
Mission: To promote cycling as a fun, safe, social activity. To field a competitive team that supports one another in all aspects of cycling, i.e. racing, moral and fitness support, no matter one's fitness abilities. The Tradewind Cycling Team is a United States Cycling Federation sanctioned club that is sponsored by The Bike Shop. The team sponsors a wide array of events and activities for competitive road cyclists on O'ahu that are open to club members and other interested riders. Contact: Membership information can be obtained at The Bike Shop, 1149 S. King Street, phone 596-0588; or via e-mail by contacting Atomman Kimm at atommank@aol.com or Faye Saiki at faye@lava.net. For a Web link on club info, go to www.bikeshophawaii.com Fees: Dues are $20 a year. Members get a discount at The Bike Shop (membership is limited to those who are active with the club, i.e. riding, racing, or helping at events). The club sponsors training rides on most Saturday and Sunday mornings. Routes on the island alternate between starting points in town, leeward and windward locations. Most Saturday rides start at 7 a.m. and are about four hours long, covering about 60 miles, and most Sunday rides are about three hours long and cover about 40 miles. All riders need to be competent and capable of riding these routes alone although the club does its best to not leave anyone behind. The rides are announced weekly via the club's e-mail group. To get on the e-mail: Tradewindcyclingteam-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or atommank@aol.com. Information provided by Atomman Kimm and The Bike Shop |
