5ive Points: Sandy Chapman
We’ve had some industry heavy hitters participate in our humble interview series, and this week is no exception.
To say that Sandy Chapman knows the bicycle industry would be a gross understatement. In addition to being the regional sales representative for all things Zipp, SRAM, and Look, just to name a few, he’s also been racing throughout the Tri-State region for decades. His racing career spans across all of the major disciplines, and his highlights include racing in the Pro category in the early days of NORBA (National Off-Road Biking Association) as well as earning the title of New Jersey Masters Time Trial State Champion. Sandy was kind enough to lay some knowledge on us in this week’s 5ive points. Thanks Sandy!
NYC Velo: What bike do you ride?
Sandy Chapman: My bikes haven’t seem much ride time over the past 13 months so I’m working hard to be as equitable to my stable as possible. Right now my three favorites are my Pegoretti Marcello Pista. Dario built it for me during his cancer recovery. It’s an amazing bike – he’s got a magic touch in crafting absolutely sublime machines. This one is a keeper! I’ve also been riding a SRAM Black Red equipped Look 695SR. Look continues to push the technological envelope with all the integration – stem, crank and seatpost – and this machine really feels good. My fitness level hasn’t yet unlocked all this bikes potential. The other one in the mix right now is an XX equipped Yeti AS R 5 Carbon. I got the bike just before I had back surgery last summer – I kept wondering how it would ride and spent to many days just waiting to get on the trail with it. It rides just as anticipated – smooth and stable.
NYCV: What’s your favorite ride?
SC: There are a few locally – on the road, it’d be a ride out of Ringwood Manor. It heads out Long Meadow Road and into Harriman State Park through Route 106. From there is down 7 Lakes to Lake Welsh Drive – onto one of my favorite climbs – Tiorati Brook Road. Once you get to the circle it’s back south on 7 Lakes Drive and back out to Ringwood on 106. When there’s time – I’ll add a second loop around the Bear Mountain Course. Off road – it’s Ringwood. I’ve been riding in there since ’81 and just never seem to tire of all the different combinations you can put together depending on the day and fitness. The trails have been so well developed thanks to the tireless hard work by a few key people like Art and Ellen White.
NYCV: What’s your favorite post-ride food?
SC: Fruit smoothie and a chicken burrito topped with Speedy’s #44 Hot Sauce. The hot sauce was the concoction of a mechanic who worked out of a shop in Virginia Beach – it laced with habaneros, roasted red peppers, peaches, cilantro and lime juice. It’s got an awesome kick.
NYCV: What’s one thing you always carry on a ride?
SC: I was thinking it would be my phone – but there are times when I really appreciate disconnecting with my world and just floating along in peaceful bliss – spinning away while letting my mind wander. I guess my answer would probably then have to be my beat up old Vittoria CX spare tubular under the seat.
NYCV: What’s Next?
SC: It’s shaping up to be an incredibly busy late spring and summer. Lots of SRAM 2×10 Experience events, Zipp Dealer Demo’s, the Windham World Cup event, Ironman Lake Placid as well as two weeks in Salt Lake City for sales meeting and the Outdoor Retailer Show.
