Meet the Team: Dave Genest & Alie Kenzer
The other day I began sending out texts written by members of the
Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team. As a group, we have been together and
on the road for over a decade, and every so often the cast of characters
changes. You've read words from Justin Spinelli and Matt Kraus, both of
whom are Elite level racers who make an impression at every venue at which
they appear. As a team, we have always been fortunate that our members
can race at the front, get on the podiums, represent well for all the sponsors
and suppliers we have, and - most importantly, are true gems to be around
and travel with for these four months that make up the 'cross season. More
than anything, we are family.
Today I will paste in text written by Alie Kenzer and Dave Genest. Alie is
a new member with our group, though we have had the pleasure of her company and
smiling face during many of our road trips last season. No newcomer to 'cross, Alie will
certainly make her presence felt at every course this season and I'm pleased she'll be
doing it with us and now formally in RS Team kit. By constrast, and without question,
Dave is the team's founder and is my role model. When he decided to hand over the
reins of running it all about 3-4 years ago, my only goal was to be like Dave.
From Alie:
I was first introduced to the cyclocross scene on a crisp autumn day at Look Park
in Northampton. Sitting on one of the steep run-ups with a good friend, I watched as
the racers ascended the hill, bikes thrown over their shoulders and the fiercest look
of determination on their faces. Mud flew toward me, but I couldn't look away. Now THESE
were real athletes. I had been sidelined from my collegiate running teams due to multiple
tendonitis issues and recently discovered cycling as a means for maintaining fitness.
Although I didn't begin racing until the following spring, it was on that day that I decided
biking could be much more than a tool for recovery.
Unfortunately, at the end of my first season of road racing, I was involved in a major
crash and was unable to compete in what I had anticipated would be my first 'Cross
season in the fall of 2005. Although I couldn't race, I was able to attend almost every
New England cyclocross race as the official cheerleader (sans pom poms, due to a pair
of broken arms) and support for my closest friends. I happily lost my voice each weekend
and eagerly awaited the day when I could participate in the racing. Last spring, after a full
recovery from my accident, I was able to race again. Fall arrived and so did my first 'cross
bike. I was surrounded by the most encouraging community of cyclists and friends who
patiently(!) taught me the tricks of the trade.
I currently live in Boston and work as a nanny for two small boys who are 16 months and
4 years-old. I get to enjoy the trials and tribulations of raising boys, yet I get to say good
bye at the end of each day. I get to load my life and bike in a car for a long weekend, drive
to all parts of the east coast with my dearest friends, and for those few days, I get to be a
kid and play to my heart's content too.
And from Dave:
Even though I am old and decrepit, and carry an AARP card at all times, I
still race cyclocross and love the sport dearly. Maybe it's because I was
involved from pretty much the beginning of the sport...or maybe it's because
I would like to believe it's drug free (now that my hero Mario DeClerc got
busted) or maybe it's because I can wear red (and now black) skin suits and
make believe I still have the body to attract...or maybe it's because I can
hang with my long time best friend Sig. Sachs. I'm not really a joiner or a
team type...so his style of show up, chat, race, chat, nosh, spilt suits me
fine. We also share an absolute belief that it's ALL about just doing it
(and of course looking good while you're at it) and NOT about how well you
do that really matters. For us the results will come (much) later.
The best part is that even though we only see each other a hand full of time
from October to December...I expect to have this bond with him for many,
many more years of competition.
Ciao e tutti,
Davide
And you wonder why I so look forward to this season and my team.
It's a family thing, atmo.
Richard Sachs is a craftsman framebuilder who has been refining his skills for over a quarter-century. For more information, please contact:
Richard Sachs Cycles
No. 9, North Main Street
Chester, CT 06412
(860) 526-2059
[ — Back to top — ]
|
