Kerry Werner

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

I am from Reading, PA. I went to college at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC, then lived in Winston Salem, NC for a bit. This past July, my wife Emily and I bought our first house in Roanoke, VA. It has been such a cool experience becoming a homeowner and that is mostly leveraged by the fact that the Roanoke area has such an incredible amount of outdoor access, biking and non-biking. I have only begun to scratch the surface in this place and don’t plan on moving for a while.

DO YOUR BIKES REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL SETUP TRICKS TO MAKE THEM “JUST RIGHT”?

My bikes don’t really require much to setup and I like it that way. It allows me the ability to feel good and not be too picky about setup, which means I can usually jump on any bike and feel pretty comfortable in a couple minutes.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SEASON?

I am looking forward getting back to racing! I’m not gonna lie, it has been nice to take a break this year—especially with buying a house. It’s been rad to get my feet planted in a spot for a while, but I am ready to get back between the tape. I have a few MTB stage races planned, some road racing, and then looking forward to hitting CX full steam ahead as this upcoming world’s will be in Fayetteville, AR.

WHO IS THE PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

I really look up to Geoff Kabush. The dude has been around “ever since I can remember” and he has always been motivated and having fun. He always finds ways to adapt and make cycling fit for him and his sponsors, which is crucial for longevity on both sides. It’s cool to see that because I want to ride my bike for the rest of my life, and the longer I can do that without working a nine-to-five, the better!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK OF 2020 AND WHY?

Favorite track of 2020 is tough because I only raced two local cx races and a few MTB races. I’d say the North Mountain Stage during the Roa-Stoked Strava Stage Race this summer. I love the backcountry feel to the trails in that area and the descending is full-on!

WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE?

I gave my wife a frame bag for her road bike that fits in her front triangle and now she doesn’t have to take off any bottles to make it work. i.e., we can go on bigger adventures together now and I don’t have to carry her stuff!

WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST AND WHY?

Probably Peter Pan solely for that fact that he never grows up and I don’t ever want to grow up. Plus, he gets into some cool adventures. If only I could fly!