TRIPLE Exclusive - An Interview with Kris Keim

Dancer on the Pedals
An organization is only as good as the depth and breath of it members. In that regard, the Women’s Professional peloton is an excellent organization comprised of talented, self-assured, and intelligent individuals. One of those dynamic individuals is Kristin Keim (Team Kenda Tires).

In just a little over 2 years of racing, the 27-year-old is already a member of Team Kenda’s NRC Elite team. That fact may seem a bit unremarkable on the surface, but in her childhood and throughout her formative years, Kris danced exclusively on the floor and not on the pedals.

Seemingly bopping and hopping before she could walk, the South Carolina native aspired to one day dance and write in New York City. She would study Journalism and Dance at the University of Georgia, and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Dance Performance from the same. But as Robert Burns once wrote, “the best-laid plans of mice and men go oft awry,” and life’s funny way of happening did just that as the years of dance had worn on Kris toward the tail end of her collegiate experience.

She would ultimately find herself on the bicycle. Relocating to one of cycling’s meccas, in Kris’s case that of Boulder, CO, her life would move onward and quite literally upward. To say that the cycling community has benefited from Kris's transition from dancing on the floor to on the pedals would be an understatement.

In addition to racing for Team Kenda Tires, Kris is an active member of the US Women's Cycling Development Program (USWCDP), assisting in the program’s marketing, and an instructor of Pilates through the Boulder based fitness studio Body Dynamics.

In my conversation with Kris Keim (K2) we discuss her dancing days, compare Pilates to Criterium racing, and tackle the question of what’s appropriate in marketing the women of the sport.

Granny’s 30 (G): With a minor in Dance Performance from UGA, it sounds as if you have an extensive dance background. When did you start dancing and what is your favorite discipline?

Kris Keim (K2): I started dancing at the tender age of 4 yrs old; if it was possible I would have started dancing at 2 years old. My parents to this day still talk about how I "danced" before I could even walk. I have studied all disciplines including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern, but danced ballet mostly. I attended the SC Governor's School for the Arts studying Ballet and Modern. My passion continued into my college years when I received a scholarship to dance and minor in Dance Performance at The University of Georgia. While receiving my Degree in Journalism, I also danced in the Pre-Professional UGA Ballet Ensemble.

G: Did you have any aspirations of dancing professionally? Any dance role models growing up? Were you or did you try out to be on the UGA Red Hotz?

K2: I wanted to dance professionally and do journalism on the side while living in New York. That was my dream…how things change.

In college, I thought about dancing for a small company and working on the side for a dance magazine, or something along those lines, since being a professional dancer is right up there with the pay of a professional cyclist. It wasn't until around my Junior year that I started to get burned out on dancing.

I had been dancing for nearly 18 years and my body and mind were tired. It was very difficult to manage a full time school schedule with the hours and hours of rehearsal for the Ballet Company. I was also going through a difficult time with a recent diagnosis of Crohn's Disease, and it was time for a change. I decided to try a new outlet and stopped dancing all together. I started working out in the gym and running a lot, getting more in touch with the "sporty" side of Kris Keim. In high school, I had balanced being a ballerina and a soccer player. Dancers are athletes but I have always had a competitive side too.

G: Did you just go all third person on me? How were your "jazz hands," and what do you think about when you hear Phil Liggett talk about climbers "dancing on the pedals"?

K2: I love the saying "dancing on the pedals!" My #1 fave bike term. I love Phil too [smiles]. Actually, when I first started riding I had many people say that I was a natural at climbing, and that I really did seem to "dance" on the pedals as I glided up the mountains. I might not be as fast as Mara Abbott (she drops me on training rides in the mountains and everyone is races) but I'm the happiest while standing up to climb listening to my music and shaking my booty while literally dancing on the bike! A sight to see.

G: What type of music do you like to listen to when you ride? Who are some of your favorite artists, bands, etc.?

K2: I like to listen to all styles of music, pretty much anything but country! Right now I'm not training with music because I washed my iPod in my jersey and [because of a crash] I can't ride yet. Music is my inspiration, it's what helps me clear my head or let out my frustrations. Right now I'm listening to Bloodhound Gang, Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, Counting Crows, REM, Jay Clifford, and Thomas Jonak, to name a few.

G: Have you participated in any of the climbing events like Mt. Washington Hill Climb, Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, etc.? If so, which is your favorite?

K2: No! I'm still pretty new to the sport and haven't had the time to hit up any of these big boy climbs but now I'm itching too. Maybe even go after TD's [Tom Danielson] time...though I might leave that one for Mara [Abbott] because they have an ongoing feud.

[Aside: Kris’ current coach, Michael Engleman held the Mt. Evans record for 12 years, until Tom Danielson beat the time in 2004].

G: How did you get into cycling?

K2: I got into teaching Pilates, doing personal training, and teaching spin after I decided not to be dancer and was not too interested in working in an advertising agency either. I was teaching spin classes and some cyclists talked me into getting a "real" bike to ride outside. I was hooked from day one. I learned how to ride (clip in and out) one afternoon with a friend and then the next day rode like an hour, which to me felt like 5hrs. The following weekend a group of avid cyclists were doing a group ride and invited me. This little group ride ended up actually being a century. So yes, my 3rd ride on my bike was 100 miles and I finished with all of them…the rest is history.

G: When did you get started in Pilates? Most trainers and coaches talk about building a strong core, could you explain to our readers why it’s important. How has Pilates helped to improve your cycling, life, etc.?

K2: I got into Pilates through my dance training; I've been studying Pilates for almost 13 years and teaching for the past 6.

I know without a doubt that having the Pilates training in my background has benefited my cycling career. Unless there is a bike fit issue, I never have any back issues even if I'm climbing for 6 hours straight. Pilates is one of the best exercise programs for a cyclist to follow throughout the season not just in the "off" season. It helps keep the body balanced, and in a sport like cycling imbalances can cause numerous problems throughout the body.

I recommend that every cyclist find a local gym or studio and take a class 2-3 times a week or at least learn the Basic 10 Pilates routines and do it on your own time. I can't stress how important core strength is for the body; it's the center from where all our natural energy radiates. Outside of cycling I would have to admit that Pilates is my second passion in life and I love teaching it.

G: What's harder, a tough Pilates workout or a hard fast crit?

K2: [Laughs] MY Pilates class might just be HARDER for some guy bike racers; they would probably say that a 90 minute Crit would be easier.

G: As in cycling, there is a lot of equipment in Pilates, what is your favorite piece of Pilates equipment?

K2: I'm old school, I think nothing can beat doing a hard Pilates class with just your body weight and a mat... something you can do wherever you are.


G: What is your favorite piece of cycling equipment, bike, etc.?

K2: Hmmm, this is a hard one. I badly need a new saddle! And now that my Blue bike is undergoing surgery, Michael insists that a NEW saddle be added when I'm healed and ready to ride again. I'm looking for a saddle sponsor.

G: What's your favorite thing about cycling? Least favorite?

K2: My favorite thing about cycling would have to be the amazing people that I get to meet. It's great to know there are others who share your love for suffering on a bike. My least favorite thing about cycling is how unpredictable it can be. You never truly know how you're going to feel no matter how much you've trained and there's always the risk of a mechanical or crash, though that's what makes it so exciting too. It's a love/hate thing I guess.

G: Road or Cross?

K2: Road! Though I train a lot with MTB racers... hope to dabble in some cross since I won't be seeing too much action this road season. I'm excited to try something new, watch-out!

G: Crits or Stage Races?

K2: Stage Races! Crits and Kris will never mix but I'll admit to having "fun" sometimes in them. Long road races that end on a gradual mountain top finish always make me happy. I'm an endurance racer so by the end of the week I've finally found my legs [laughs].

G: Do you have any cycling role models?

K2: There are so many amazing women in this sport. It's been great to get so much support from many of them. Dotsie Bausch, Katheryn Curi Mattis, and many others have emailed me and kept my spirits high! My good friend Megan Monroe, who races for The Spot mountain bike team has dealt with her fair share of setbacks and has been a great ear for me to express all the emotions I've been dealing with. That's why I'm so passionate about the US Women's Cycling Development Program and hope to one day make a difference in this sport so others can benefit from our hard work. The women's peloton is filled with such talented, smart, confident, independent, strong, and caring woman...who can probably beat a lot of men.

G: Any favorite races?

K2: Tour de Toona, I love that race and the suffering...I'm still so sad it was cut to a one day stage. There's no other race where we do the exact same miles as the men and I love that. This was my first NRC Stage Race and it's the race that made me realize I wanted to sacrifice some important things in my life in order to reach my goals and dreams as a women's professional cyclist.

G: Speaking of suffering, you were caught up in a pretty bad crash recently at Gila, could you give us an update on your condition. How much longer to you expect to be sidelined?

K2: It's strange to think that all your goals can't be altered in a split second. That's exactly what happened when I crashed at Gila and I went from wanting to finish in the top to just wanting to be able to walk and eventually ride again. It was a difficult time emotionally and physically for me and I'm still coping with the injuries and the fact that I can't race half of the 2008 season. I'm still on the crutches and it looks like I might be able to ride/race sometime again in July. This has been a time for self-reflection and I'm blessed to have all the loving support from my family, my coach Michael Engleman, fellow teammates, other racers, fans, and awesome friends.

G: What are your aspirations as a cyclist? Outside of cycling?

K2: My aspirations as a cyclist are to be a well rounded rider who can be a good domestic for teammates I respect because I'm willing to give my all for a team I believe in. I would like to become a stronger time trialist and my ultimate goal would be to win a crit, which would probably shock everyone who knows me!

I just want to continue to enjoy riding, training, and racing...that's why I do it. I get so much pleasure from riding and racing my bike, its part of my identity now. I am a perfectionist so I want to be my best at everything I do and the same goes for cycling. I thought this was going to be a ground-breaking season for me but now I'm faced with a major setback but I'm looking at it as more of a preparation for something bigger. They keep telling me that "I'll come back even stronger" so I'm banking on that. Outside of cycling I would like to continue promoting women's cycling and sports in general. I've also had this little idea the past few years of going back to school in Sports Psychology. Dr. Keim has a nice ring to it.

G: You also work with the USWCDP in Marketing. What does that entail? In your marketing strategy, do you market the program, the women, or both?

K2: The US Women's Cycling Development Program was the BEST thing to happen to me since I began racing. Meeting Michael and receiving all the wonderful advice, mentoring, support, and coaching has kept my dream alive. I have been helping the program with small marketing projects and we're still looking for sponsors to help support the exceptional athletes we work with on and off the bike.

We just joined up with Jet Tanner and his Junior Development Team JetCycling and we are focused on creating the first ever Women's Cycling Training Institute. Many of our riders and mentors are a big part of the program like Amber Rais and her company Elemental Action we are making a difference beyond the bike too. We are desperate for sponsors though so we've been super busy working on ways to get us the financial support we need to help all our athletes. The future is bright for the program and I think we will eventually reach all our goals, which will lead to many racers achieving their dreams.

G: Aside from the obvious, does K2 have any additional meaning, as in having a great love for mountain climbing [Earth's 2nd highest peak], or in mathematics?

K2: Actually Rick Crawford was the first to start calling me and writing emails to me as K2. I liked it and started signing my emails that way and it just stuck. It's for K squared (as in Kristin Keim) but I go by Kris Keim. I like the 2nd highest peak on earth reference though; you're the second person to point that out! Fitting I think.

Some of my Boulder cycling pals have been known to call me Krispy Kreme. Hope it doesn't stick.


G: What is appealing about women's cycling, objectively? What is appealing about women's cycling relative to men's cycling? Why do you think men's cycling still takes center stage over women's? What do you think should change in women's cycling to get people more interested and excited about it?

K2: Women's Competitive Cycling has really raised the bar even since I started just 2 1/2 years ago. It's very competitive and the US fields are stacked with a ton of talent. I heard someone say that it reminded of them of the teams and caliber of racers that was similar to the late 90's for the men's peloton. This is great but it's also making it harder for women racers who also have to work off the bike and aren't financially capable of racing full time. This is where the problem and difference between men and women racers falls. There's a very small amount of women who are actually paid and supported enough to only race their bikes for a living. Most of us have to juggle working full time and training the same hours as someone whose only job is to ride/train.

We still have a long way to go before there is more equality among the two fields. I think many of us would be willing to do the same miles as the men but it's not the same because half of us aren't able to train/rest enough to endure those miles. If more of us were given the opportunity to have the support on and off the bike to dedicate our livelihoods to racing for our sponsors then I think we would be able to handle similar races as the men. This would then lead to equal payouts, which is another subject in and of itself.

We need to do more promoting of how strong, smart, and beautiful women racers are. We are role models who are successful on and off the bike, spread the word and promote getting more women riding and racing. I think this would lead to an increase in support and fans of our sport.

G: On a recent episode of E:60 (ESPN’s version of 60 minutes) they featured the very attractive Gina Carano, who is attempting to break into her sport of mixed martial arts. Many of the existing female competitors felt that promoting the sport by using her beauty detracted from the legitimacy of their accomplishments. Should beauty have a role in promoting a sport? Is there a limit, or is it to each her own?

K2: This is something that we've been pondering over when thinking of positive ways to promote the USWCDP and our riders. I feel that's it's up to the individual but I would hope that anything that was done would be classy. I am not a fan of trying to promote the sport in a provocative way because that is an avenue I would never go down. But if another racer wants to do that then that's her choice. I think it's just hard for us to get the support and respect we deserve as professionals if we aren't representing ourselves in a professorial manner. I do think it would be great to see some of our peloton beauties do advertisements for Rolex, Pantene, Cover Girl, etc. This might grow the awareness of our sport and reach new markets, which is needed in order to get more girls interested in riding and maybe even racing!

G: In the time that you have been a professional cyclist, what, if anything, has surprised you about racing a bicycle?

K2: I learn something new every time I ride or race... this is what excites me every time I swing my leg over and sit on my saddle. Every ride is an adventure and nothing can beat that.

G: What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

K2: I think I come off as a confident, independent, and strong individual, but my family and close friends know I'm actually very sensitive too. I'm the pleasing type and I hate to let people down, no matter what. I'm also addicted to dark roast coffee, burritos, ice cream and Jane Austen novels.

G: Favorites – brand of coffee, type of burrito, ice cream flavor, and Jane Austen novel?

K2: Jittery Joe's Mocha Java or any Dark Roasts, Barberitos burritos are the BEST in GA and Illegal Pete's in Boulder, CO, Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, and Pride and Prejudice; I'm still looking for my Mr. Darcy.

G: What's your most memorable moment on a bicycle? Your most forgettable?

K2: My most memorable moment on a bike hasn't occurred. It will be my first ride back after breaking my pelvis in three places and being able to finally ride again. I think that will be etched into my memory forever. I don't have a forgettable moment because I've learned something from all my good and bad days, which I feel makes you a better rider.