FFFC Women Who Ride Series – Lisa Williams

FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.

LW: My name is Lisa Williams, I have been an avid cyclist for over 25 years. I started competing in triathlons about 5 years ago and realized after about 3 years into it triathlon training that the only aspect of training that I really loved was the cycling component. So a couple of years ago I decided to focus my attention on racing bikes and fell in love with competing in criteriums (16-30 mile loops), typically around a massive commercial office complexes).

FFFC: How and why did you get started riding?

LW: I have always cycled. I learned to ride a bike without training wheels when I was 3 years old and never seemed to give it up. When I was a teenager and secured my drivers license and a car, I still never lost my desire to cycle.

FFFC: Which type of bike(s) do you prefer to ride?

LW: I really love all bikes as long as they are expensive and have great color schemes. I currently own a couple of road bikes, a triathlon bike and a mountain bike. Depending on my mood and the weather, I alternate between the varying bikes.

FFFC: What do you like most about riding?

LW: There is so much I love about cycling, so here is the top 3: 1) Sense of accomplishment I feel after a challenging, painful group ride, 2) The great people I have met who share my passion for riding, 3) It really is the best way I have found to be able to eat almost anything I want and still keep the weight off.

FFFC: What is the furthest distance or longest time you have ridden?

LW: A century

FFFC: Do you belong to a riding group? Shout’em out right here.

LW: I belong to a group called Artemis (artemisracing.org). It’s probably the most diverse cycling team that exist. It was a group that was created to get more women into cycling – it has morphed into a fantastic, group of men and women racers of all ages and backgrounds.

FFFC: What do you do to stay in riding shape (exercise, nutrition, etc.)?

LW: I am fairly conscious of what I put into my body. I am a pescatarian. I make a concerted effort to try to eat healthy servings of vegetables for lunch and dinner every day. I usually eat either Tuna, Salmon, or Cod in the evenings. I have found that if you are eating healthy foods your body tends to be able to digest the fairly quickly and burn calories faster. Most importantly you have the fuel you need to perform at a higher level both mentally and physically.

FFFC: What was the biggest challenge when you started riding or still is even now?

LW: I own a couple of businesses, so the biggest challenge I have is getting an adequate amount of miles into really perform at a competitive level.

FFFC: Do you have any upcoming races or rides planned? Share the event details here.

LW: My season is over with…I will start racing again in April. This winter I just do group rides on weekends.

FFFC: Who helped you as you learned the ropes of riding?

LW: Pretty self taught. I have gotten some really good tips over the past few years from my training partners and teammates.

FFFC: Any advice for someone interested in starting to ride?

LW: Get a good bike and most importantly find a good bike dealer who understands your needs and can assist you with choosing the right bike. I use a guy name Eric and Bicycle Pro Shop in VA.

FFFC: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

LW: I upgraded to a Cat 3 this year. Goal is to become a Cat 2 next year. The top level in amateur racing is a category 1. Women start as Cat 4’s.

FFFC: Who are some of your riding idols (Male or female we don’t discriminate)? It changes from month to month.

LW: Right now, I would have to say that I am extremely impressed by the accomplishments of Chris Horner. He just won one of the biggest grand tours (The Vuelta) at age 41. Simply stated, an amazing feet. He was always underrated and overshadowed by Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie, but absent of drugs – which he never tested positive for – he was probably best American rider we have ever had. Unfortunately, he raced during an era of incredible drugging, so his accomplishments are overshadowed by cheaters.