Photos and initiative by Sean Armenta
KATIE COUTURE
IG: @funwithhk
Liv: What motivates you to ride?
Katie: This is almost impossible to answer. I’ve been riding a bike in some form or the other for as long as I can remember. Recently, what keeps me going, is to be able to keep up with my friends! I don’t have any big athletic goals on the horizon, but my buddies do, and I love being a part of their journeys. Keeping my bike volume up allows me to jump into their big days and support them.
Liv: How long have you had this bike? Was it purchased new or used?
Katie: I purchased a lightly used 2017 Avail in June 2020 - the first summer of Covid! I call her "Joules" - because she was also my first experience with a power meter!
Liv: What does this bicycle mean to you?
Katie: This bike is…freedom. It takes me anywhere I want to go, and is far more capable than most people give a road bike credit for. Gravel? No problem. Popping curbs and tackling some stairs? We got it! Prior to this purchase, my only bike was a triathlon bike, and my only reason for riding was for training/racing. I really learned to love riding for the sake of riding with the purchase of "Joules".
Liv: How long have you been riding on a consistent basis?
Katie: I’ve put more bike mileage on in the last few years then ever before in my life…since purchasing my Liv in 2020! I’ve always been a triathlete, but since purchasing my Avail, I started to identify as a cyclist. In fact, I’m mid way through my biggest mileage month ever!
Liv: At what age did you learn how to ride a bike?
Katie: I’d have to ask my dad to confirm, but probably 5ish or younger?
Liv: What do you do for work/school/etc?
Katie: I’m a Movement Coach at Restore Human. I specialize in helping people build sustainable fitness, and develop/discover just how strong, graceful, and resilient they can be.
Liv: What's your favourite place(s) to ride?
Katie: In Vancouver, Seymour Conservation Road. Being 100% confident there’s no car coming is amazing. Ever? Well, I took my bike to Mexico this past Christmas, and the riding blew my mind. The roads were great; challenging climbs and beach views. The roadside cantinas with fresh coconut water. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Liv: What's your favourite style/kind of riding?
Katie: Other than triathlon, I’ve only dabbled in the crit scene! It’s wildly different than the long, solo, time trial efforts that is triathlon. Crit is a crazy beast, and I learn a little bit more every time I go out. Always looking forward to the next opportunity to mix it up with the badass women in the Vancouver scene!