FFFC Women Who Ride Series – Nicole Hairston

FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.

ND: My name is Nicole Hairston. I am a 40-year-old schoolteacher.

FFFC: How and why did you get started riding?

ND: My friend Beth Miller (my riding buddy) got me into riding. I used to take kickboxing classes with Beth but her doctor told her she was no longer able to take kickboxing due to knee issues. She was only cleared to do yoga and biking. So there you have it, we traded kickboxing for bikes.

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

ND: I don’t have a preference at this time for a certain type of bike. I’m just starting out so right now I ride a Next Power Climber. Nothing fancy, a simple mountain bike.

FFFC: What do you like most about riding?

ND: For me the best thing about riding is the escape. Teaching is so crazy now that I need an escape. When I ride I don’t have to worry about anything. I just take in the scenery and relax.

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

ND: The furthest distance I ever rode was 14 miles. I wanted to keep going but it was getting late!

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

ND: I don’t belong to a riding group. I prefer to do my own thing. I’m not a lock into exercise time kind of gal. When the moment hits I jump up and go.

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

ND: In order to stay in shape I exercise 5 to 6 times a week. I will do a mixture of cardio and strength training. I especially love Jeanette Jenkins DVDs. I also incorporate roller-skating into my routine. I love skating. I attend an adult skate night as often as I can. I also juice. My favorite is a beginning green juice. After I ride I come home and drink that and all is right with the world.

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

ND: My biggest challenge for riding is time. Riding takes a lot longer than an hour exercise class. You have to pack up, drive to the location, ride for an hour or so, pack back up, and drive back home. It takes a little longer than going to the gym (which is in my workout room!)

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

ND: I don’t have any upcoming races. I don’t ride for racing. I ride for personal pleasure and fitness. I try to ride every Sunday after church.

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

ND: If I had to pick out a person who helped me learn the ropes of riding, I would have to say my dad. He taught me to ride a bike way back when I won my first bike in the kindergarten candy sale back in 1970……..something! But the saying is true; you never forget how to ride a bike.

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

ND: Anyone can ride a bike. Don’t be afraid, it is a lot easier than you think. Just buy an extra padded seat!!!

FFFC: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

ND: My biggest accomplishment today is sticking to it with my crazy schedule. I often tell myself I must work out today. If I don’t I would not have done anything for myself today and that’s not fair to me.