Phillip Goheen
Location: Calgary, AB
Bike: Brodie Romax Steel G, Brodie Bigshot, Commencal FRS & Norco Range VLT
Occupation: Commercial Insurance Broker
Started Commuting: 2022
Commute Distance (one way): 12 Kms
Meet Phillip, a 2WG ambassador commuting in Calgary, AB since 2022. Phillip's advice for new commuters, "Plan your routes ! In a Calgary we have two seasons- winter and construction. So guaranteed no matter where I ride , pavement, gravel or trail I am hit with construction somewhere."
Is your city commuter-friendly?
Yes.
Why did you decide to start commuting?
I am looking into commuting as it opens the door to a healthier way of getting around and saving on the gas hills for my truck ….
What is your most important piece of gear?
Helmet. Hands down. A helmet is never a place I cheap out. MIPS and a solid fit. My coconut is how I support my family- cannot jeopardize that!
What is your favourite aspect of daily riding?
The feeling of accomplishment and fresh air.
What is the worst part of commuting?
Hills ….. I’m a gravity guy not fighting gravity guy ….
What is the coolest thing you've ever seen while on your bike?
I was finishing an enduro recently and because we started late we finished when it was getting dark. Apparently I was so beat up by the final stage that I rode right past a mama grizzly and her two cubs about 10 feet off the trail. They made no effort to run after me so I would like to think I had my own cheer section ….
Do you have any commuting hacks to share?
Like any ride - power up before you go. A good meal of protein rich foods that won’t sit like a rock in your gut !
"Bike riding is all about fun. Be it riding around the block with your kid, competing in enduro or dh events or even commuting. Riding bikes gives you a feeling of accomplishment and at the same time helps keep you healthy (mentally and physically). Just get out and ride and enjoy it."
Have you ever been in an accident while riding? What happened?
Not while commuting but rather on a dh tech trail I was riding across a skinny that was about ) feet off the ground (so when you add the bike it was a good 9 foot fall) and proceeded to look at my front tire rather than ahead. Corrected too much and fell ride off the skinny. Banged myself up pretty badly ….
What is your stance on wearing a helmet? What are the laws like in your area?
Helmets are essential. Being a dh and enduro rider a helmet is your main protection from serious injury. There is helmet bylaws but they are rarely enforced…. Sadly.
If you could create any kind of gadget or gear for your bike, what would it be?
Why think it when Two Wheel Gear has done it ? - efficient storage bags for my gravel and fat bike!
Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your ride?
It made it so I could actually focus on riding again. Pre pandemic I was all about work. I was not able to stop and think more about my health. The pandemic allowed me to put important things more into perspective. My family and friends are the most important things to me and sharing my love of riding bikes with them has been fantastic.
Follow Phillip at @phillip.goheen
