RIDER PROFILE: Michelle Mace

Who is Michelle Mace?

I was born in Minnesota and grew up between Minnesota and parts of New Mexico.  A Seminole moment in my life was living on the Navajo reservation as a kid where I would ride my bike to search for the herds of wild horses.  I’d ride until I thought they might sense me and then I’d lay my bike in the dirt and crawl on my belly to see how close I could get to these sensitive and instinctive creatures. I know y’all want to know what kind of bike it was?! I had a Texas Ranger, a boy’s bike in Mountain Dew Green, that my Mom & Dad bought for me at The Green Stamp store.  It was the only bike in my size.  I loved my young life on the reservation, my Navajo friends shared their culture, and I was honored to be accepted.  To this day, I appreciate that the Navajo’s invited my family to live on the reservation and that I could begin my bike life on their lands.

What do you do when you’re not riding a bike?

Traveling, cooking, running, playing games, and having deep chats with my adult sons Andrew & Nick.  I also enjoy Pilates and taking classes at Ballet Austin.  I love practicing Yoga and some Babes have recently introduced me to Barton Springs! You can often find me hanging with my Dog Kipu (he’s a monk in a dog suit and knows who in the room needs the most comfort; often its me!)

Where is your favorite breakfast in Austin?

The Vacquero Taco Stand on 31st Street OR In my own kitchen on Groom’s street.  I love being Barista for any Breakfast Club Babes or friends that will join me for a Philz Coffee and whatever is in my pantry. Last weekend was Easy Tiger Toast topped with an Antonelli’s featured jam, vegan yogurt with fresh fruit and a plate of Quack’s vegan salted oat cookies.

Why do you ride with Breakfast Club?

The inclusive values of the club support and grow my passion for cycling. I am continuously learning more about the sport from members and organizations associated with this community. And honestly, I keep showing up for The Babes, every ride is an opportunity for me to hear their stories and support them in their journeys. Breakfast Club is a place for me to be my best self on and off the bike.  I simply love it and thank you for the opportunity to return to New Mexico on my Bike!! Can’t wait for El-Rey!

RIDER PROFILE: JAMIE PRATT

Who is Jamie Pratt?

Hopefully I’m someone you’ve already met and shared a few laughs with! I grew up in the Midwest and am the biggest Ohio State fan in Texas. I can’t pass up a challenge, make everything a competition, and never go anywhere without a snack. I lose my voice about once per week from talking too much so say hi - if you dare.

What do you do when you’re not riding a bike?

I run! Always getting in my Morning Miles™️. Otherwise, I’m probably giving kudos on strava, dog sitting, going to Pure Barre, skiing or planning a trip to the mountains, checking CoStar, scrimmaging with LoneStar Field Hockey, harassing everyone around me to drink more water, or working on my Garmin tan outside.

Where is your favorite breakfast in Austin?

Homemade oatmeal hits different when I’m scarfing it down in the car on the way to an early group run or ride. I make it with a honeycrisp apple + cinnamon + honey + vanilla extract. Also, I won’t say no to a cinnamon roll so send me some recs.

Why do you ride with Breakfast Club?

As part of this group, I feel inclined to always show up as the best version of myself, ready to push my limits and contribute to this fun, inclusive, challenging, supportive, goofy community in a meaningful way. I love how every detail is intentional and has genuine thought behind it. There’s something special about being part of a group that can make such a big impact. If I’m being honest though, it’s because there’s always someone around to help me change a flat. Kidding… kind of .

RIDER PROFILE: KIMMI WARD

Who is Kimmi Ward?

Kimmi Ward is… Happiest when outside on two wheels. California born, Colorado raised Facilitator of Fun at Specialized Austin. I appreciate spontaneity and senseless random acts of goodness. I am one of many interests and none of them include stupidity or selfishness. I spend too much time thinking about where my life is going, and if I look like I’m here, trust me I’m really not.

I over-analyze on a regular basis. Tuning into intense emotions and articulating them as best as I can. I find value in feelings. Especially empathy and compassion. I strongly dislike using "either/or" language and avoid speaking in absolutes. I've found that most things in life are affected by "both/and". If this confuses you, just ask. I would suggest that an ideal life lies somewhere between my own defiant indolence and the rest of the world’s endless frenetic hustle. I’m sure my soul's purpose on this planet is to make magic happen and be a bad influence on a select few.

My own resolute idleness has mostly been a luxury rather than a virtue, but I did make a conscious decision, a long time ago, to choose time over money, since I’ve always understood that the best investment of my limited time on earth was to spend it with people I love. It is possible that one day I’ll go to my grave regretting that I didn’t work a little harder, but I think what I’ll really be saying is “I wish I would have rode my bike just a few more miles that day, or had one more long winded discussion about life with my Dad, or hiked just a few more hours with my dog, shared one last good kiss with my lover.

“Life is too short to not be present to all that is calm and beautiful.”

I eat monsters in my sleep because they are yummy.

I frequently have one-night stands with myself, and then I don't even call. Other than that, I’m pretty normal.

What do you do when you’re not riding a bike?

When I’m not riding my bike…I’m most likely working. The moments when I peel myself away from work, you will find me hiking with the dog, spending time with people I love, playing pickle ball, climbing, camping, taking photos, paddling, sipping whiskey, listening to Willie on vinyl, sitting on a bench watching people walk by, and/or causing trouble somewhere.

Where is your favorite breakfast in Austin?

My favorite breakfast in Austin is a toss-up between Veracruz traditional tacos and Snooze pineapple upside down pancakes alongside a breakfast sammie on pretzel bun, washed down with a mimosa and oat milk latte. Perfection!

Why do you ride with Breakfast Club?

I ride with Breakfast Club because it’s the bike family I’ve always wanted and never knew I needed! I love the police escorts that make us feel extra safe and special. The routes are some of my favorites that Austin has to offer. But mostly it’s the people. I love the diversity of riders and that we have a place to call home in BFC. Oh, and the merch is on point! Did I mention the people and how much I love them!