Athlete of the Week: Brian J. Boyd

Brian J. Boyd is a local cosmetologist who works at Running with Scissors on Hillview. Boyd is originally from Chicago and moved eight years ago to Sarasota. Boyd always enjoyed riding his bike along with his brother, Kevin, but has gotten more serious about his riding in the last few years and has become more competitive.

How and why did you get into cycling? 
I got into cycling as a boy, with my brother, Kevin. I started riding before it was a choice. I just remember always riding bikes. 

How long have you been cycling?
I’ve been cycling for 38 years, or so. 
 
What kind of bike do you use?
My No. 1 is my Felt F1 Team Issue with Fulcrum Racing Zeros, but my commuter bike is a 1985 Miyata that belonged to my brother when we were young.  
  
Do you compete?
I do compete. I’ve raced for a few years, maybe 50 races. But, the medal of honor comes from winning the weekend world champions.
 
What is one of your best cycling memories?
Racing with my friends/teammates at a five-day stage race in Gwinnett, Ga.  

Is there a place you’d like to cycle that you haven’t?
I hope to make it to Colorado sometime soon. I have friends who have been inviting me for years. 

Do you like to watch the Tour de France and other famous cycling races?
I watch every day, and almost every minute of the tour. I began watching the tour in the 1980s when Greg Lemond was competing. I also love the spring classics, Paris Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tour of Flanders.

What is your biggest cycling accomplishment?
Taking eighth overall at Gwinnett. 

How often do you practice and how far do you ride?
I ride four to six days a week. Sundays are the long rides, up to 125 miles. 
 
Is there someone you look up to in the cycling world? 
I look up to the same men who we all look up to — Jens Voigt and Eddy Merckx.  But, locally, I look up to the men whom I ride with every weekend. A great bunch of fellows.