I feel the obligation to boast about our rare and unique Filipino cyclists we have around the world. Hopefully over time and persuasion, I will be able to ask and share their stories. To get me started, please meet Michael Ramirez, also known as Mikey. He was born in San Mateo, Rizal in the mid-80’s, migrated to United Kingdom in 1992, and now lives in South London. He’s been happily married to Goldie for 3 years, spends a lot of precious time with their lovely daughter Madison, and expecting a second child soon! Besides fixed-gear riding, he occasionally does aggressive skating.
He started bike riding in London 4 years ago because he didn't prefer spending his money on public transportation fares. He also wanted to avoid traffic delays where ever he wanted to go, and he really hates the smell of someone’s dirty morning breath. Because of those reasons, he bought a flip-flop single-speed bike which was enough for his urban cycling. His mate introduced him to fixed-gear riding and he eventually flipped his rear wheel. Since then he just loves the control, the energy, and the think-ahead mindset which makes him feel great! He has not changed back to freewheel since then. In addition to his Koga and Brooklyn Machine Works bicycles, he just received his 3rd bike, a new 14R Low Pro in Florua Yellow last month from 14 Bike Company. In my years of cycling, I thought that sponsorship only relates to elite road, track, mtb, and bmx cyclists…. I never thought it extends to the fixed-gear world! Anyway, he loves his long rides around Central London with cars and big vehicles in the way. He also loves his countryside rides for all the good sceneries they can offer... rides like London to Boxhill, Lakeside, or south to Brighton. He attempted to ride from London to Paris but forgot to bring his passport to cross the English Channel. He will attempt it again this coming July, so keep checking him out. This is also the year for the centennial anniversary of Tour de France.
Mikey has been sponsored by 14 Bike Company for the past year. In addition, he’s been riding with Fixed Gear London just over 7 months now and loves every minute of it! I asked him how his sponsorship got started. He mentioned, “Because I was true to myself. I didn't buy a fixed bike to look cool, I got it because I wanted to do it, it didn't matter what the weather was. I kept riding to and from work and even on my days off.” For the second year in a row, he’s been a part of UK Handmade Bicycle Show called Bespoked Bristol. A lot of people came down this past April to experience this show. His nice bike received a lot of attention especially for the color and the Royce dropout! This was also the time we were emailing each other for this short biography. He also took part in the recent Urban Bicycle Show called Spin London earlier this month.
Some other topics I asked, how about riding in the Philippines? Do you still speak Tagalog? Here’s his reply…. “To be honest I haven't rode in the Philippines before but I would love too. I just need to know the streets first. As far as my Tagalog, I know just broken parts of it. I also asked him… How about trying track cycling? And how about racing? I don’t know if I would ride in the track, I love my streets, and that’s my track! I don’t race because I don’t need to show any one that I can ride fast or show what I got, I just believe and keep challenging myself… self progress. One thing I wanted say, mind over distance and you be fine to go anywhere. Don’t think about it, just do it!”
He is an interesting individual! Catch him on Tweeter: https://twitter.com/ramirez_247
by: Arden Arindaeng
by: Arden Arindaeng
