Sam Lee is a born-and-raised New Yorker who recently learned to ride with Bike New York. Sam rode in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour as a Bike New York Ambassador, and wants people to know that it’s never too late to learn how to ride a bike or get back in the saddle after a hiatus. Meet Bike New Yorker #33: Sam Lee!

 

Did you grow up in New York City?

I was born and raised in the Lower East Side and still live there today.

 

Did you ride a bike as a kid?

No, I didn’t know how to ride a bike when I was a kid. My father would often share stories about the day trips he took with his bike when he was growing up in Guangdong Province of mainland China. I’ve always had an interest to learn, but the fear of falling, bruising, and possibly hurting myself prevented me from attempting to learn.     

 

 

Why did you first get involved with Bike New York?

There are many health benefits involved in bike riding and it can also improve quality of life, too. I believe in the organizations’s mission in providing free bike education to all, which is why I continue to be involved as a volunteer.

 

What was your first Bike New York class like?

It exceeded my expectations. The instructor, Robert Kurilla, was very supportive, friendly, and patient. Taking the class pushed me further to learn how to ride.

 

  

How has learning to ride a bike impacted you?

It has benefited me both physically and mentally. My latest biometric readings passed with flying colors and bike riding on weekends help reduce stress from the workplace.

 

What was it like riding in the Tour as a Bike New York Ambassador?

It was an honor to have been selected as an Ambassador, and really nice to have ridden the Tour along with other Ambassadors together as a group.

 

 

How did it feel to complete 40 miles?

It was a great feeling! I had some doubts prior to the Tour about conquering the BQE and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. I was focused and mentally ready to face those challenges and to not give in and walk the bike. I’m proud to disclose that I walked the bike “ZERO” times during the Tour! I enjoyed being able to ride traffic free through the five boroughs and experience some incredible views that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

 

 

Are you ready for next year’s Tour?

Most definitely!!!

 

Any advice for other new riders thinking about riding in the Tour?

Sleep well, be mentally ready to do the 40 miles, carb up, and “Just Do It!”. It’s never too late to learn how to ride a bike!