Pat Tuley

Nickname:
Pat, Tooles

Favorite bike:
My Quintana Roo Tiphoon, which is built for speed.  I especially love the hum of the carbon wheels when I am attacking on the hills.

Dream bike:
Like the Colnagos and other Italian bikes, but I still love the Trek Carbon Frames. May update my road bike at some time in the future.

Number of bikes:
I have four bikes currently, including the QR, my USPS Trek, my old Giant road bike (which stays on the trainer), and a Haro mountain bike.

Why/how I started cycling:
Other than riding as a kid, I started cycling in 1987 (a day after I quit smoking) when I was drafted into cycling as a replacement for a Multiple Sclerosis 2-day 150-mile bike ride.  I picked up the bike Friday night from a friend of mine and rode with them on Saturday and Sunday.  I learned during the course of the first day how important it is to re-fuel your body while cycling.  I also learned about the benefits of cycling shorts as I rode most of the second day out of the saddle.

Cycling Goals:
Previously my goal was to hang with the "A" team.  Now, I attempt to fill Jay Albert's shoes after his move to Cleveland, as a dispenser of punishment on the rides.  I would like to continue to better my cycling fitness and speed, but time (age) is working against me.  I hope to complete my first marathon and compete in an Ironman in the next twelve months.

Another cycling goal for me (I was planning on doing this before I turned 40, but that milestone is fast approaching) is to ride my bike across the US.  I have several other FCP's that have a similar goal, so I look forward to this undertaking in the not-too-distant future.

Cycling History:
My first bike (borrowed and then purchased for the ride above) was a Nishiki.  I later replaced that with a Giant, which is now on my trainer at home.

My most memorable cycling experiences include my first ride in the MS-150 in 1987.  Of more recent note, our FCP team competed in a 12-hour cycling marathon in Sebring, FL in February 2005, establishing a new mileage record for the race, and setting an FCP speed record for a century.

Favorite Ride:

Gary's Thursday Nite 23-miler, and Gary's 50-miler (I guess I like to have dogs chasing me!)

Athletic Accomplishments:
Sebring Race in 2005 - 255 miles in 12 hours; 2 RAGBRAI's, including 663 miles in 7 days in July 2005 (five consecutive centuries); completing the Assault on Mt. Mitchell.

Important Interests:
I have two sets of twins (one girl, three boys).  The older two are fast approaching cycling age, and I look forward to them joining in with the FCP Kids group.  We are very fortunate that they are quite enthusiastic physical fitness, and look forward to them joining me on some rides as they get older.

In addition to cycling, I enjoy tennis, golf, soccer.