In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

This installment features Kris Tiles. She’s not afraid of mud and will ride just about anything with two wheels, but does draw the line somewhere:

Name: Kris Tiles

Home: Central Wisconsin

Occupation: Educator

Disciplines: If it has two wheels, I ride it. Except fat bikes. I don’t ride fat bikes

Tiles getting dirty at the 2015 Wisc. State Cyclocross Championships.

Years racing/riding: Started riding in 2002

2015 highlights: Finishing the Mt. Borah Epic and (mostly) surviving Wausau24.

Why you ride/race: To hang out with fun people.

Most dreaded bike repair: Anything that gets my hands dirty.

Movie or song that best summarizes your life: Real Genius, but only because I love that movie and “Everybody Wants to Rule The World“. “It’s a moral imperative”

Misc.: We are all human beings, whether on a bike or in a car, and we need to respect each other and be safe.

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

This installment features Matt Lemorande. Matt’s working his way into being a roadie, though his racing has thus far been focused on trails. Look for to get talked into doing some super-long MTB events in 2016.

Home: Suamico, WI

Occupation: Director of North American Sales for Virgin Cellulose Fiber

Disciplines: Mountain, road (training) and I just started gravel riding.

M. Lemorande (center)

Years racing/riding: Very new to racing, only in my third full year of racing.

2015 highlights: Riding my first Chequamegon Fat Tire and watching my 12-year-old  progression as a competitive cyclist. Ah, to be young again.

Why do you ride/race: I find riding is the best exercise to keep you in shape without pounding your joints or bones. Cycling is also a great family sport and I enjoy the competitive aspect of racing.

Most dreaded bike repair: Bleeding hydraulic brakes.

My “dream” ride destination is: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada (Been there. Done that. Want to go again).

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

Here’s the next installment in a series of GVR team rider profiles featuring Brian Trybula. Brian has been known to seek team advice about styling his facial hair. Do you have a suggestion for him? Let us know, it might just happen.

Name: Brian Trybula

Home: Wausau, WI

Occupation: Ski and bike retail

Disciplines: Mountain bike and ‘cross.

Always enthuastic

Years racing/riding: Three

2015 highlights: Getting up on the podium at WORS Cup riding on a bent front rim. And then starting cyclocross racing and absolutely loving it!!

Why do you ride/race: It’s an awesome experience racing with others and then hanging out after races to share some laughs with friends. It’s all truly a communal thing and it’s awesome to be a part of.

Most dreaded bike repair: I hate fixing front derailleurs! That’s why most of the bikes I own are 1X. I also have a problem with bending and/or breaking rims. 🙂

My “dream” ride destination is: the down hill trails at Whistler Blackcomb.

Song that best summarizes your life: Young Blood by The Naked and Famous.

In an effort to give readers/followers a look inside the team and its partners, we’re launching the occasional question and answer feature called “The Last 200 Meters.”

The idea is to take a two minute interview, or emailed Q&A, and see what happens.

We’re debuting the first in a series of GVR team rider profiles today featuring Steve Tramp. He contemplated writing a profile on par with The Iliad, but opted for this instead:

Name: Steve Tramp
Home: Green Bay
Occupation: Banking (don’t hate)
Racing/riding discipline(s): Road rider. Everything else I seem to get injured.

Tramp at the finish of Race The Lake in August 2015.

Years Racing: About 10 years seriously. That means when I started spending a lot of money.

2015 highlights: Finished Race the Lake under 4 hours 6 days after breaking my collar bone at the Ore to Shore. Broke 5,000 outdoor miles again.

Why do you ride/race?: I love the camaraderie of a good group to ride with. It’s also some of the best stress relief I know.

Most dreaded bike repair: My shifting gets messed up every year because I’m a grinder. Gonna have to bite the bullet next year and go automatic.

Your “dream ride”: Kaanapali mountain on Maui. 30 miles up 10,000 ft of climbing.

Song that best defines your life: Dare You to Move by Switchfoot.