Ian Brown joined the Speedvagen Cyclocross team before the 2019 season and watching this young man develop into an absolute competitor in the mens Cat 1/2 here in OREGON has been fun to watch. Earlier this summer Ian, decided to take on Everlasting because of the lack of events currently being held due to Covid-19. We figured it was a good time to catch up.

1. How old are you and what made you decide to take on everesting?

I am 15 years old and I decided to take on Everesting to fulfill my need for accomplishment and a challenge with the lack of racing.

2. What was your final time and mileage? Was it easier or harder than you expected?

Total moving time was 13 hours and 32 minutes and 149 miles. In the end, Everesting was easier physically than I thought and just as hard mentally as I expected.

3. How much preparation went into this? Or was it a spur of the moment idea?

I made my decision to Everest about a week before my attempt. This was the perfect amount of time to put thought into it but also not enough time to obsess about it.

4. We commonly hear from riders after they complete an everesting that they will never do it again? Do you have any plans to ever do it again?

I think if the Everesting trend stays around I would like to go for a more time-oriented attempt, but for the moment I am content. 

5. Got any pro tips for others who plan to take on an Everesting Attempt? 

My tips for anyone wanting to Everest would be to bring food you like and will want to eat after 10+ hours of pedaling (and enough of it!). My second tip would be to find a hill or bike you have some sort of connection with to give you an edge when the going gets tough.

11 questions with Ian Brown

1. How did you get into racing cyclocross?

I got into racing Cyclocross watching my Dad race across Oregon.

2. What's your favorite cyclocross course on the Oregon schedule?

Can't beat a sloppy Alpenrose.

3. Cross racing or Mountainbike riding? 

At the moment CX racing but it's hard to top recklessly flying downhill on a mountain bike.

4. Tater tots or Fries?

Fries!

5. What is your ultimate goal for your cycling?

Making it over to race CX in Europe and experiencing their level of racing would be pretty rad. 

6. Last book you read?

Hmm… The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.

7. All time favorite athlete? 

Tom Pidcock

8. Go to after race/ride treat, snack, or food. 

San Pellegrino, Bread and Brie. Luxury.

9. What are your goals for the 2020 season?

For the 2020 season I would like to win CX nationals and snag a Cross Crusade win. But with the current pandemic, my goals will adjust accordingly.

10. Last year you started racing with the Oregon Mens pro 1/2. How was that experience as a fifteen year old, racing a majority of people who are about twice your age. Have any of the older racers given you any advice that stands out? 

Racing with the 1/2’s last year was really fun. I saw my racing strategy get better and better throughout the season as the competition is so fast. I had to learn how to use my technical abilities and pacing in order to try to keep up with the fast guys.

11. What keeps you motivated?

I get a lot of motivation from my competitive drive wanting to do better and better but also from riding with my teammates and friends and seeing their success. Ohh and food, good food always helps.