Phillip Williams - 09/25/2007
Phillip Williams, Staff Process Engineer from Krotz Springs, is our first ever New Rider of the Week from a Valero refinery. Phillip is brand new to cycling; in fact, he only started riding in February to prepare for the Baton Rouge Tour de Cure. "I had done some spinning classes so that made the transition a little easier but I have learned that nothing helps with the 'seat issues' except time on the bike".
Regarding the Bike to the Beach, he says, "I developed an interest in doing the MS 150 after hearing Cap (Krotz Springs Team Captain, Monika Harper) talk about how great she felt after completing the ride. Danica Evans did it last year and said it was challenging but fun. They could be setting me up. ...On the serious side, this ride is to benefit a very special group of people. The little discomfort we may endure doing the ride could never compare with what the people suffering with Multiple Sclerosis have to go through on a daily basis."
Like many members of the team, Phillip prepares for the MS 150 by alternating long and short rides, in addition to the occasional spin class. "I train at least 4 times a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we try to do a short fast ride because of time constraints. On Saturdays we do our long ride and I try to slip in a spin class on one of the other week days."
According to Monika, "Phillip is definitely the push behind our team. He is one of the strongest riders but will hang back with the slower/newer riders to offer encouragement and support. He rode once with me and Danica last year when we were training for last years MS150 and has been hooked ever since. He rode in the Baton Rouge Tour de Cure in June and was one of the top 3 fundraisers from our team."
Phillip has one last comment for his team members in South Texas. "Just wanted to let all you Spurs fans know that I grew up in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, so that should explain some of the moves Tim Duncan makes on the basketball court. Need I say more."
Glad to have you on board, Phillip, and I look forward to riding with you to Corpus Christi this year!
Phillip with Monika Harper and Peter Ray during the 2007 Baton Rouge Tour de Cure