Second interview
March 30, 2010My second interview is with Nick Hortovanyi, an Australian cyclist who’s fairly new to the sport. His Twitter profile picture – helmet and active wear adorn – screamed “serious cyclist” and worth following to ask a few questions. His dedication to self-improvement and new challenges is evident, but you’d never know he just started four years ago without asking! Nick’s been open and very helpful, offering the names of a couple other cyclists I may also want to question.
The interview (e-mail):
(Q)Why cycling? I know you had said once before that you were looking for a way to become more active. Why cycling and not running, tennis, swimming, etc? Did the region affect your choice?
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(A) I enjoyed cycling a lot when I was a younger, as well as swimming. Running didn’t really interest me and I had never really been any good at tennis etc. I just decided to do cycling, as there was a combined pedestrian/cycling track nearby to home that followed the river all the way to the beach and back. I could go whenever I wanted to, and wasn’t reliant on organising a time to do so with others. Cycling is also something that can be done here all year round. Most open air public pools close for winter.
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(Q) I looked up your new bike purchase online. Very nice – and also very expensive! How long did it take you to become serious enough about cycling to consider an investment in a better performing bike? Did it take you very long to become comfortable with long-distance rides?
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(A) Was riding for about three years before I purchased the Felt AR4 2010. It was either I spend a bit on my old bike to replace the groupset, (wheels etc) or invest in a new one. Who doesn’t want a Carbon Bike to compete against others (as well as to beat previous PBs [Personal Best])? So, if you think of the life of the bicycle as three years and work out a weekly price, it’s not that much. I’m probably spending more per week on energy bars, gels, tires etc. The cost of cycling starts to add up if you put in a lot of KMs per week.
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(Q) Just from reading a “tweet” here and there, I can see that you are not only dedicated to the sport, but also using your performance to help others. Charity races and marathons are HUGE right now in the U.S., specifically the east coast. Do you see these races and marathons simply as new ways to continue challenging yourself, or is there something more you’d like to share?
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(A) There is a lot of cycling happening in Australia, as well as marathons etc. In Adelaide, I think we attract a little more attention around cycling than the other cities with the Tour Down Under being held here. Over the last while that you have been following me on twitter, I’ve crossed off a number of items on my list. Including doing my first >200 KM cycle in one day.
I am always looking for a new challenge and look every now and then to beat my previous PBs (better to be competing against myself than others).
An important part though, outside of those challenges, is that cycling has become the new golf. Sunday group rides [are] a great way to get to know persons and to build friendships that you might not otherwise have…
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(Q) Muscle development and apparent fat loss aside, do you feel that you are a healthier person? Do you maintain a balanced diet? Do you limit consumption of saturated fats and empty carbs? Do you sleep enough hours to feel well-rested and refreshed in the morning? Do you think cycling has helped to regulate your lifestyle and daily routines?
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(A) I eat healthier now and do enjoy some carbs (that maybe I shouldn’t be eating) after a nice long ride. In general, [I] have a preference for low fat foods. The lighter you are as a cyclist, the quicker you climb hills.
We are coming out of summer here, with DST [Daylight Savings Time] just about to finish. Over summer, I was leaving home between 6 am to 7 am to go cycling, so [I] was going to bed at a reasonable hour to get plenty of rest. As it’s now starting to get cooler in the morning, I’m certain I’ll sleep in a bit more and ride more in the afternoons. Sunburn isn’t as big an issue here in winter. All the riding I’ve done over the last four or so months has made me a lot fitter, dropped my blood pressure and given me a new set of clothes (burnt heaps of weight off)!!
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(Q) Do you have any advice for beginners and previously unathletic people that are newly motivated? How about someone like me? I try to do some form of cardio (running, swimming), as well as strength training with weights and a pilates ball three times/week, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve been on a bike. Is the advice different for me? As I mentioned in a blog post, I hope to get back on a bike this weekend. What should I expect?
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(A) If you’re finding it difficult to get on the bike, find someone else to go riding with. If you know you need to be at a certain place at a certain time, you’ll make it there. It’s even more enjoyable if you are riding with someone who you enjoy talking to that is of the same fitness level… You can challenge each other a little, then discuss how [it] went over coffee at the end of the ride.
We are a little spoiled here with the Adelaide Hills right next door. Within 40 minutes, I’m in the countryside, or if I head the other direction, at the beach. So, find nice places to ride. It’s always a good incentive to get outdoors!
Follow Nick Hortovanyi on Twitter: Hortovanyi
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