Real name: Catherine ("Katie") Schutz

Where do you live? Newbury, Massachusetts

Explanation of your handle: It's really pretty unoriginal, but self-explanatory... (I hope)

Explanation of your avatar: I don't have one yet, but I can almost guarantee you that it will be Fairuza, my little grey Arab mare

Age (general or specific): 23 - DOB 9/14/1983

Occupation: Medical Assistant (and aspiring pre-med student)

Favorite bike: Mine! Sparkly purple Specialized Dolce... but I have been drooling over the Ruby, and the Orbea Diva since becoming a (more) avid cyclist!

What's in your stable? Specialized Dolce, Trek 4500 WSD HT MTB... and literally in the stable is Fairuza, a 14.2 Arabian mare

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? I wish I had an exact number... so let's just say fast enough to find bugs imbedded in my forehead upon returning home.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Not at the moment, but hopefully soon!


What is the biggest lie you've ever told: I've never lied... not even a little bit!

Most memorable moment on my bike: Well, I bought my Trek MTB in early 2005, to replace a 10+ year old Diamondback Sorrento that I had been riding around the surrounding towns for the past couple of years. My distances increased - as did my physical discomfort, and desire to ride on trails a bit more (which, despite being a MTB, this bike was not suited for) then I discovered that they made bikes with suspension (gasp!)... so, of course I wanted one. I checked out the 2005 Trek 4500 WSD online, instantly fell in love with the *color* (which is turquoise - coincidentally it was the bike that ended up being just right for me), and went down to my bike shop to inquire within. They had one that fit me like a glove, but it was on hold. It would be a few weeks before they had another one in and built, and I started to second guess my decision to buy a new bike. They took my name, and within an hour of leaving the shop, they called and said the person who had it on hold called to let them know they changed their mind - so, I walked back to the shop and rode home on my lovely new turquoise bike

Most fun ever had on a bike? Hmmm... I feel like my answer will always be "the last time I went out!" (which is usually 'yesterday', or 'an hour ago'). Though, the first time I went out with a large (35+) group of cyclists from my LBS - less than 2 weeks ago - was definitely a new and very fun experience for me. This is my first year road biking, and I am completely absorbed in the wonderful sense of community when I'm with the other local cyclists!


I have been visiting the TE forums for a few weeks now, and find it to be the single most reliable and informative place that I have found so far. I'm so glad to found the site, and joined the forums... can't wait to get to know everyone!

Katie