Ray has been biking for a long time: Road, mountain, touring, and commuting.

Name:
Ray Adams

Date of birth:
1/12/1978

Where you grew up and live now:
I grew up in Selinsgrove, PA. I lived in Lewisburg, PA, for about 5 years, Syracuse, New York, for 2 years, and now live in Harrisburg, PA.

College:
Bucknell University class of 2000

How long have you been riding / racing mountain bikes / road?
I've been riding road and mountain bikes since I was 13. Over the past five years I have gotten a little more serious about the racing. Also I have done a long bicycle touring trip almost every year since 1998.

Your biggest accomplishments in cycling:
I've had some good finishes I guess. Riding across the USA was a satisfying and enjoyable accomplishment. More than anything I'd say that the biggest thing that I've accomplished in cycling is meeting a lot of really cool people.

2008 Highlights:
2nd — Laurel Classic Race, Wellsboro, PA
1st — Highland Forest Classic, Fabius, NY
1st — Sunbury Road Race, Sunbury, PA
1st— 12 Hours of Roundtop (Duo w/ Kuhndog), Sayre, PA

2009 Highlights:
2st — 75 Miles of Montour, Danville, PA
1st — Hibernia Off Road Duathlon (solo male), Hibernia Park, PA
3rd — Tour De Tykes, Danville, PA
4th Pro— Greenbriar AMBC, Greenbriar State Park, MD

Other noteworthy results:
Former Mid-Atlantic Super Series Junior Expert Champion

Why you like to ride in PA: On the road, Pennsylvania offers scenic country roads, challenging climbs, and minimal traffic. Mountain biking here in Pennsylvania is even better: tons of trails in our state parks and plenty of private land that is open to riding as well. Some of my favorite trails are located in Bald Eagle State Forest near Mifflinburg. The Jim Thorpe area and Michaux State Forest are also worth mentioning.

Your connection to the visit PA.com team: I met Mike through cycling back in the mid 1990s and continued to see him at races over the years. During my hiatus, Mike became a top-notch semi-professional cyclist and has made quite a name for himself. When I mentioned putting a team together back in August of '04, Mike stepped up to the plate and shared the workload. Other team members are folks who Mike and I felt would be good ambassadors for our cause — visitPA. Of course, they are also great riders. I believe that our team has huge potential for performance in the region and will be a great way to spread the word that Pennsylvania is a cool place to take a vacation!

Bikes:
Cannodale 29er hardtail mountain bike
Cannondale 1FG single speed mountain bike
Cannondale SuperSix road bike
Ritchey Breakaway travel / cyclocross bike
1980’s Shogun road bike – set up as a single speed / fixed gear commuter
1970’s Schwinn cruiser I found in the trash – fun neighborhood cruiser
1960’s Hercules cruiser – a yardsale freebie. Also neighborhood cruiser.
Cannondale RT1000 tandem bicycle

Best Rides:
Once I rode my road bike from Lake Blanchard (near Lock Haven) down towards State College and met up with Ryan and Wes for a spell - pedaling along Penn's Creek. When I broke off from the two of them, I continued towards Lewisburg and ran into another cycling friend serendipitously. I pedaled with him for an hour or so, then cruised home – which was Lewisburg at that time. Between the awesome weather, incredible scenery on the back roads of central PA, and company of good friends, it was at the top of my list of best rides ever.

Another time, Nancy and I rode mountain bikes at R.B. Winter State Park. It was a sunny fall day and the leaves were amazing. There are so many great trails to hit at this park that we could have spent all day there. Pretty much as good as it gets.

Worst Crash(es):
Once upon a time I was trying to get huge air on my mountain bike. It worked. I landed on my front wheel and fell sideways, landing hard and breaking my collarbone. It was a hairline fracture – not too bad e.g. SSWES' broken collarbone.

Another time, when I was a racing mountain bikes as a junior (15 years ago – wow!), I was in the lead for my category and made a dumb mistake, shooting over the handlebars and landing on my hands. I broke the tip of my radius (wrist) unknowingly, and tried to keep on racing. The pain was pretty severe, though, and I bailed out. I was in a cast for four weeks until I got sick of it and cut it off using a dremel tool.

Here's a Kuhndog-esque story for you. I was in the Buggytown Criterium race in Mifflinburg, I think it was the first one of these I had ever done. I was rounding a corner and clipped my pedal on the inside – such a rookie mistake. Anyway, I fortunately only took myself out but I did get skinned up pretty badly. I hopped back on the bike and caught up to the pack, passing everyone and getting second place in the sprint finish.

Favorite races:

Road:
I was a big fan of the Columbia County 50 citizens road race. Maybe it'll be back someday? Millionaires row stage race in Williamsport was awesome. Too bad it's gone as well. The Iron Cross is an endurance / cyclocross race. It's really hard and epic, one of my favorites for sure.

Mountain:
The Marysville stage race has to be a winner due to the combination of the great farm setting, fun course, and good times all weekend. The Laurel Classic mountain bike race is my favorite course. It's totally fun and beautiful. And it has lots of climbing.

Training / Nutrition:
I am a firm believer in a big, balanced breakfast every day. I also like to go to bed early and try to sleep seven hours at a minimum. I eat a small meal every two to three hours and try to get in at least a little exercise every day. Bike commuting to work is fun and practical for me.

In the early spring, I do lots of base miles on the road and trails. This winter, I have been doing some lifting and plyometrics as well. Closer to the racing season, I do some hill reps and intervals for intensity. Group rides are great for this too, when I can make them.

Other interests:
I like hiking, it's fun and relaxing. It's a great way to get out, especially in the off-season.

Nutrition is interesting to me. It's cool to know how foods interact with your body.

Though I have not done it in a while, brewing beer is a good time. I got into this a few years back and have been successful, sometimes anyway

I'm becoming more interested in photography. Trying to capture the moment is a great challenge – especially in an action-packed sport like cycling.

Commuting to work has also been a big focus lately. I've found that if you dress properly, you can do it in almost ay weather.