Getting to Know You!

[rapid cycler]

Real name: Teresa

Where do you live? Los Angeles

Explanation of your handle: I have a bipolar (more popularly known as manic-depressive) mood disorder with rapid-cycling features (meaning that my extremes shift more often than is standard for the illness). Golly, how I wish my handle were in reference to a higher-than-average sustainable cadence! The reason I use it here is not just because it's a neat double entendre but because cycling helps me cope with my volatile gear ratio, lifting me when I'm down and sucking up all that excess energy when I'm pretty certain I can fly.

Explanation of your avatar: I was looking for an image of my first bike, a yellow Sears girls' bicycle with a flowered banana seat, and came across this pic. The joy on the kid's face says everything that needs be said about the heart of cycling.

Age (general or specific): 39 and holding

Occupation: Copy editor

Favorite bike: My new steed, an Orbea Onix TdF

What's in your stable? The aforementioned, plus a Gary Fisher Tassajara hardtail

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Does downhill count? In which case, 35, whilst descending Stony Peak in Chatsworth, Calif.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? How about both!

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Not sure, but it's undoubtedly something I told myself

Most memorable moment on my bike: Feeling absolutely bonked out on a rest stop on my local MUT when a woman on a Townie came noodling by singing "Here Comes the Sun." I got back on the bike, smiling, and my batteries felt totally recharged. It was a case of sheer emotional drafting.

Most fun ever had on a bike? My test ride of my current bike, when I finally discovered what it feels like to ride a road bike that fits. That's the day I grew wheels.