5ive Points: Erik Tonkin

This week’s 5ive Points kicks off the cyclocross season in fine fashion. Straight from the Portland, OR comes Erik Tonkin. Erik’s involvement in the bike industry is colorful – 5ive Points devotees will notice a trend… Erik is the owner of Sellwood Cycles in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood in Portland. He is the driving force behind Team S&M, leading and inspiring young racers to achieve impressive results, most notably in ‘cross. Erik is also, in his words, an “elite amateur” bike racer for the Kona USA team. The rest of us call him a pro. He’s a pro because of his results at the top levels of ‘cross and MTB racing. He’s a pro because he works 50-60 hours a week before getting on a plane , taking the redeye to KC, and dropping a top 10 finish on the Nation’s elite at the ‘cross National Championships. He’s a Pro because he’s got a bonafide Belgian fan club. He’s a pro because at every event he participates in, he’s friendly and approachable, he represents his sponsors well. Shop owner, pro racer, and all-around nice guy; sounds perfect for 5ive Points:

NYCV: What bike do you ride these days?

ET: I’m partial to my 2009 Kona One20 Supreme. I guess I’m trying to put off ‘cross for as long as possible!

NYCV: What’s your favorite ride?
ET: There’s a hidden network of trails close to the shop that are exceedingly technical but, this time of year, finally dry. I’m on them. If I’m getting in the car, then it’s off to the Tillamook State Forest west of town in the Coast Range.

NYCV: What’s you favorite post-ride food?
ET: If beer counts as food, then it’s Rogue’s Chocolate Stout, if I’m to be so lucky.

NYCV: What’s one thing you always carry with you on a ride?
ET: I guess I’m well known for always having a chaintool safety-pinned to the inside of my shorts.

NYCV: What’s next for you?
ET: The inevitable is cyclocross. First, we’ll take care of everybody else and their bikes. Then, we’ll worry about our ourselves and enjoy the racing. I’m looking forward to November!