Name a certain style of cycling, and there’s a good chance that Ren has tried it (and loves it!). While his cycling adventures started off on a BMX dirt bike when he was five, you can now find Ren riding around town on his commuter bike, dropping in on the weekly fast group rides, or racing with the Goosetown Racing Team at cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bike races.
“I love the diverse and friendly community of cyclists here. There is an endless number of gravel routes to explore, we have a growing set of mountain biking trails nearby, and there are a lot of beautiful country roads for road riding within minutes of town. Plus, I enjoy racing and we have a good bike racing scene as well.”
In addition to riding and racing, Ren is a talented photographer and can be seen taking photos at bike events. He also gives back to the community by volunteering at the Iowa City Bike Library. “I love their mission and believe everyone should be able to enjoy bikes.”
Follow along with Ren’s adventures this season, as he’s working to train one of his kittens to ride with him. There may be some cat-gravel content coming soon.
Why did you first start biking?
I rediscovered my love for biking in Iowa City a decade ago as an adult after a friend of mine invited me on a group ride. I didn’t own a bike, so I rode an old steel road bike my cousin found in a dumpster. I bonked on that first group ride. I remember laying on my kitchen floor after the ride thinking, “I can’t wait to do that again.”
Favorite place to ride in Bike Iowa City
Sugar Bottom Trails. I love being in the woods on a mountain bike. It calms my soul.
Favorite cycling event in Bike Iowa City
Core4 was amazing this past year. I really enjoyed that it brought so many different types of bike riders out to the same race and party. There were pro gravel racers there, amateur cycling enthusiasts like myself, kids, local commuters, etc.
You're ready for some grub after a ride. Where will we find you?
In my bathtub at home sipping on a blueberry banana and peanut butter smoothie. I really like taking hot baths. It’s part of my Japanese heritage.
Bike organizations you're involved with
I ride for the Goosetown Racing team. I also volunteer at the Iowa City Bike Library.
