So that you can get to know us a little better we will be sharing our cycling profiles over the coming weeks. Here we will share some of our cycling thoughts and stories. We hope you enjoy them.

The first one is myself.

Why do you ride?

Ernest FreelandI love the feeling of freedom and the ability to explore while being outdoors.

  • Most memorable riding experience? / Favorite riding moment.

As a kid growing up we lived at the bottom of a hill. So I worked on riding to the top without stopping. Setting a goal to get to a certain driveway or further than the last time. I’ll never forget the day that I finally made it all the way to the top without stopping.

  • Least memorable riding experience?

I don’t really have one. I’ve had days that you would think would be bad days, like riding in the rain. It’s funny in many ways they have turned out to be great days! You know the type of day were you really feel that you have accomplished something.

  • Favorite place to ride?

St. Michael s and Oxford area as well as the C&O Canal.

Rides you dream about doing?

I’ve always wanted to ride across country and regret not doing that right after graduating from college. I want to ride from Pittsburgh home on the Great Alleghany Passage and C & O Canal. There is also a route along the St. Lawrence River that is interesting. Here is a blog on my cycling bucket list.

How has riding affected your life?

Positively. I’ve been lucky enough to ride with a lot of great people and create great memories. A summer camp I was doing as a kid got me interested in the sport and then from there it grew.

Who is your favorite person to ride with?

My wife Amanda

What one thing can you not ride without?

A bike? I have to have a cycle computer on the bike when I ride. It really bugs me not to know how far I went that day, yet on the same token I am not one to log or track my annual mileage.

Funniest thing that has happened while you are riding?

I was riding the C&O Canal with my Uncles when we came across a trail closed sign. Did we honor it, of course not. My Uncle said he thought we could get through. We reached a point where the trail was really no longer there and were passing bikes across the next thing I know I am in the water up to my waist along with my bike. We had just purchased a dozen eggs and they were strapped on the back of my bike. The amazing thing was that my bike was leaning up against the river embankment and the eggs were unbroken. My uncles said my bike had done a full flip falling off the side before coming to a rest.

Do you remember your first bike? If so what was it?

A red and white Schwinn.