NEBRA Board of Directors Candidate Statement

I started riding bicycles and racing competitively back in the early 1990’s. It literally changed my life, shaped and has come to define me. As somewhat of a steady fixture on the New England race scene for the past fifteen years I have met so many wonderful people that I call friends. I’ve benefited greatly from the tireless work of  promoters, officials, fellow racers and the folks right here at NEBRA.

There are so many memories, wonderful memories of the amazing family that is New England cycling, a family that I feel fortunate to be part of. Over the past decade and a half I’ve competed in countless events across most of the primary disciplines together with my wife and team mate Cathy. I’ve had the privilege of starting and running a successful junior development program for the NorthEast Bicycle Club (NEBC). This program introduced teenage kids to multiple disciplines of cycling and bicycle racing and fostered a simple passion for the sport. I still look back on this as one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done. I’ve captained and managed MTB and cyclocross teams for the same club as well as provided numerous skills clinics for club members over the years when I was active with the club.

I’ve been very fortunate and have been able to compete at many levels of the sport over the years. As a late comer to competitive cycling I was that overweight twenty something newcomer who struggled to finish their first beginner MTB race, finishing nearly dead last. From there it was a long journey and learning process but the sport and the people were always welcoming, encouraging and respectful. This encouragement kept me going and instilled in me the desire to not only encourage others but to respect them, their efforts and their races.

After years of being on the receiving end it is time to lend a hand and get involved; to help out. Anyone that knows me knows that I am passionate about cycling. I ride my bike every single day of the year not because I have to but because I want to. Love to. The only thing that I love more than riding my bike is convincing others to come out and ride bikes with me. Ask anyone that participates in the long standing weekly CX practice sessions I host throughout the season or the stream of folks who have participated in various group rides that have gone continually from our house for the past couple of decades.

As such, I ask for your vote so that I may add my voice to the NEBRA board of directors. To continue and expand my passion as an ambassador to the sport.

Michael Rowell