nathaniel

Cyclist: Nathaniel Watson

Hometown: Boston, MA, but lived in Montreal for 14 years

Location spotted: Jeanne Mance park

Destination and distance: Going home after flatting on Mont-Royal, 1K

Cycling months: As long as there’s no snow, salt or grit on the road.

First bike: Of my life?…His name was Clyde. I painted him gold and he had big fat tires. I was 10 years old. My first 10-speed was by an English company named Dawes. I think I got it from my brother. But my brother being my brother didn’t give it to me, he sold it to me even though I was only 12.

Current ride: An amber ale Seven. I bought this bike because I wanted to conquer the Pyrenees.
Number bikes: I had six until recently.

Number bikes stolen: I had a bike stolen this summer in Vancouver. I haven’t lost a bike in 30 years.

Interesting bike stories: Somebody shot at me in Oregon and missed- a real bike-by shooting. You have to watch out for the old pick-up trucks. I’ve ridden across the U.S. twice, and anytime you see an old pick-up truck, you gotta assume they don’t like you, they’re angry, you have more leisure time than they do so they resent that and have a gun inside, at least one.

When not cycling: I’m a professional classical singer

Favourite Ride: I love the Northwestern States it’s really gorgeous.

Thoughts on biking and fashion: I have no sense about fashion. I never think about it. I ignore it.

Dream bike: A Serotta

Why do you bike: It makes me happy.

Biking pet peeve: Rollerbladers. They’re skating really wide and oblivious to anything that’s going on around them. But I like skating too.

Bike tips: One thing I use for touring is that I carry extra spokes and I hide them inside the seat post and you keep them in with a cork from a wine bottle.