Staff Spotlight: The Lunchtime Mountain Biker
As a busy dad of two, finding time for yourself can be challenging. That’s where mountain biking comes in. Meet Evan, Construction Project Manager at BHFCU.
If you’re ever near our Plaza Drive location around lunchtime, you’ve likely seen Evan suiting up for a ride. But mountain biking wasn’t a big part of his story until recently. Rewinding the clock about six years, Evan was on the precipice of a new adventure. He was going to become a dad.
“I’m not sure if this is a phenomenon or just me, but after finding out I was going to be a parent, something clicked that I should find a way to be healthier, so I landed on trying biking,” explained Evan.
After a stint with a commuter bike and a first trail ride at Hansen Larsen Memorial Park, known to locals simply as M Hill, Evan landed on his first proper mountain bike and never looked back. When asked about his favorite aspect of biking, it ticks too many boxes to choose. Between the combination of adventure, adrenaline, and being a great workout, Evan’s found his perfect sport. But it goes deeper than that.
“It requires a lot of focus and concentration on the singular task at hand, which can be uncommon in today’s fast-paced world and life with two little kids at home,” he shared. “When I jump on the bike, it’s like the rest of the world melts away, and I’m left with just me and the trail, which allows me a space to let my inner voice quiet and just do the thing.”
Time spent on his bike over the lunch hour gives his mind a break away from work and allows him the chance to fit something he loves and does for his kids into his daily routine without having to sacrifice time with them. And biking has become something of a family affair. Evan’s interest in biking rubbed off on his wife (a fellow BHFCU employee!), convincing her to ride in several races with him. And his two boys weren’t far behind.
“It’s cool to show them they can do hard things, persevere, and figure out how to learn a new skill or ride a new feature,” Evan shared with a smile. “Of course, we always work in things like riding to get ice cream or “find” fruit snacks along the way!”
Recently, Evan competed in an 11-mile race with his youngest riding on his bike, chirping and chatting away the whole time. This fall, he plans to ride his favorite, the Dakota Five-O, for a fifth time. Evan’s ultimate dream is to bike-pack the 550-mile Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango through the Rockies before he turns 40. And while we’re not in the business of gambling, we’re betting he makes that dream a reality.
