Our latest Every Day Ride features cyclist Ashley Correa, who attended our angle grinder demonstration earlier this year in New York City.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ashley Correa, and I’m a 22 year old Bronx native. I’ve lived in NYC my whole life, with my passion centered around using my art to highlight the injustices I and others have faced. I’ve always been very active and outspoken!
How and when did you get into riding?
I started riding a bike a little over two years ago, my first bike being a very beat up giant mountain bike. The gears would slip often, which made my experience more difficult than enjoyable. My husband introduced me to fixed gear riding one day when I was skateboarding alongside him for an errand run. When I started pedalling around and felt that control of the bike, there was no stopping me from that moment forward. The state of flow I was able to achieve when I was strapped in made me feel weightless and free.
What are the best and worst things about riding?
The best part about riding has to be the fact that I can transport myself and my belongings from point A to point B without the hassle of gas and tolls. Another benefit, is the ability to exercise and stay active, while also maintaining the mental discipline necessary to be vigilant on the road.
Based on my experience, the only negatives I’ve found to be present in bike riding have been from the drivers on the road who lack the awareness and care for cyclists who share the road with them. I’ve had drivers cut me off multiple times, tapped and rear ended by drivers who feel I shouldn’t have a place on the with them often broadcast their displeasure with vehicular assault. This can be very daunting for new cyclist and I hope more is done to improve our relationship with drivers to ensure all of our safety is protected.
Tell us about your most memorable ride to date?
My most memorable ride to date has to be riding to orchard beach with my husband. It was a random summer night and it was his idea of a cute date! We were a couple of miles away and the ride was really challenging because we went from bike trail to highway on fixed gear bikes. All of that went out of the window when we saw the view of the sun setting by the water, the smell of the grass cutting through our noses and just being able to lay on a bed of sand after a really rough ride made it feel so worth it. I’d do it again!
What's the best piece of riding advice you've ever been given?
The best piece of riding advice that I’ve received came from Mr. O’Neil, South Bronx Job Corps driving instructor. He once said, “Never trust another driver”. He would ensure each of his students had this discipline developed before sitting in the drivers seat. Nobody is perfect and things happen, that’s why it’s best to anticipate the unexpected.
How do you keep your bikes secure at home and on the go?
We always take our bikes inside our home and secure them on a Bike Nook stand (it helps conserve space in small apartments). The way we keep our bikes safe on the sticky streets of NYC is by utilizing the LITELOK X1. The best lock to date!
Share your best tips to help others keep their bikes safe.
Firstly, consider buying a LITELOK! Especially if you’re planning on leaving your bike unattended for more than 30 mins. Next tip, try to lock your bike in an area that has high foot traffic in the event that someone tries to cut your lock they’d have to do it in the face of the public. Last but not least, customize your bike frames not only does it deter thieves and reduce the overall value of the bike but it’s also just a fun way to connect yourself with your bike.
When someone asks what kit you recommend, you say?
I recommend a kit tailored to your specific needs. As I don’t use a branded commercial brand bike kit, I built my own kit by buying tools from different brands that work very well for me such as the Pedro tool which can be mounted on your frame for easy access. I will mention that in my kit I carry the following essentials: inner tubes, flat fix kit (a very basic set of tools to help you repair a flat tire on the road), air pump and a wrench to take off my wheels. If your wheels are quick release, a wrench is not needed.
What's on your riding bucket list?
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