Back in 2011, Derek gave the Cellcom Marathon a shot. He finished the race—but not without losing three toenails and realizing the marathon scene just wasn’t for him. Derek’s always been more of a lone wolf, and cycling quickly became his outlet. It’s his escape, his freedom. With five bikes in his collection, he can hop on whichever one fits his mood and just ride.
Over the years, Derek has racked up some impressive achievements. He’s stood on the podium at the Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD), earned state championship titles in multiple disciplines, and even qualified for the Senior Olympics. But for Derek, every ride is more than just a race—it’s a step toward his next challenge, a way to keep moving forward.
Life hasn’t always been smooth for Derek. He’s a recovering drug and alcohol addict. He used to smoke a pack a day and struggled with his weight. His past led him down some difficult paths that caused pain for both himself and others. But cycling has helped turn things around. It gives him something that addiction never could—positivity, purpose, and a clear sense of direction.
While he enjoys the solitude of cycling, Derek knows he’s not in this journey alone. He counts on Bart and the crew at Fond du Lac Cyclery to keep his bikes in top shape. He might not be a bike mechanic, but he knows when something’s off—and he trusts the team to get him back on the road, ready for whatever comes next.
