I would describe Cristy Robinson as one of Richmond's up and coming young professionals. In addition to serving on the Sports Backers board of directors, she is the president of the Sports Backers President's Council, a group of young professionals who share their leadership skills to assist the Sports Backers in promoting events that create communal fun and fitness, as well as sports tourism opportunities.
What is your educational/business background; what are your current duties at Bank of America; how long have you worked for them; and how long have you lived in Richmond?
I have worked at Bank of America (Richmond office) for the last eight years. I graduated from Mary Washington College with a BA in Business Administration in May 2000 and began working at Bank of America two weeks later. I'm a vice president and client manager with our Global Wealth & Investment Management group. On a daily basis I work in a team to provide banking and investment solutions to affluent clients whose assets with Bank of America range from approximately $500,000 to $3,000,000. I have lived in the Richmond region for about seven years, currently residing in Ashland.
Did you have a non-mountain biking sports background? What is it?
I've always enjoyed sports and played softball in grade school and tennis during high school. However, I didn't have any background in endurance related events.
How long have you been mountain biking? How and why did you get into what some consider an off-beat, rather rugged sport?
My husband, Tim, raced mountain bikes all through college and beyond and we would travel to the coolest locations. For years I volunteered in the timing booth or supported his team, but never thought I could take on the same terrain. Then about three years ago I discovered "Ride Like a Girl," a group supported through Richmond Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (M.O.R.E.) and realized there are tons of women just like me taking to the trails. I started riding a lot, and just like anything in life if you keep at it you will start seeing success. Cycling is hugely rewarding.
What is it about mountain biking in this area that most appeals to you? How competitive is it? How many people compete in the women's class, how many in the men's class?
Richmond is a cycling Mecca with multiple trail systems in all directions. The downtown trail system is simply first rate, and the volunteers through M.O.R.E. should be commended for their countless hours of hard work so everyone, not just cyclists, get to enjoy such an amazing trail system in the heart of our city. Great trails attract large numbers of riders, which means Richmond is full of cyclists, so there is always someone to ride or train with. Our best friends in life stem from the cycling community.
Races vary in size from 3-5 in a category to 30 plus. The women's fields are usually smaller than the men's, but the number of women that are riding and racing today has definitely increased over the last several years - making the competition even tougher.
What kind of bike do you ride, how long have you had it, what do you like best about it?
I ride a carbon Trek Fuel 9.8. I have had it less than a year and I love the fact that it is full suspension. My last bike was a hard tail and making the switch was the smartest thing I have done.
What is your interest in racing, do you race for a club, which one, and why?
I love to race simply because I never thought I could do it. Getting faster and seeing better and better results is really motivating to me - especially when I pass the guys. I think cycling is totally addicting and maintaining race bikes is a lot of fun. My husband has a shop in our garage and we are constantly wrenching our bikes and playing with adjustments and settings. It's kind of like NASCAR, there are countless ways to try and make your bike faster depending on the course and conditions.
My brother-in-law manages the Bike Stop in Culpeper and he has always supported our efforts, so I race for the Bike Stop.
Can you say a few words about your experiences racing in the Urban Assault which will once again be the featured mountain bike race of the James River Adventure Games June 14-15?
The Urban Assault is a great way to experience the Richmond trails and the Xterra race course. Sports Backers does a tremendous job the entire weekend of events surrounding the James River Adventure Games. There is truly something for everyone.
Where is your favorite place to ride in Richmond? Have you ever traveled to an exotic mountain bike locale?
We have traveled a lot with the sport, and West Virginia has some of the most fun mountain biking I have ever done. In the mountains is where the trails are the most untamed and where you really feel like you're on an adventure. Locally, I ride mostly downtown and at Poor Farm Park in Ashland.
Is camaraderie a big part of mountain bike racing? If so why? What are the social aspects of the sport?
Absolutely. The best part of mountain biking is the friends and people you meet. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, even the pro riders. Two years ago Melanie McQuaid (three times pro Xterra World Champion) hosted a girls ride on the Richmond course and she taught me how to navigate a steep hill that had been giving me some problems. It made a huge difference in my race that weekend. It was like having Dale Earnhardt Jr. teach you how to parallel park your car faster. The best cyclists in America are just everyday folks.
What lessons from your mountain biking experiences have served you in your well in your career?
The obvious answer is to never give up, but the best lesson has really been around preparation. You win races because you were training hard and eating right months before the event. Natural ability and dumb luck will only get you so far in life.
Do you think mountain biking could ever approach golf as a business connection activity?
Nothing will ever replace golf, but active lifestyles are certainly starting to define the executive community. My husband has taken clients mountain biking to talk business, and he fixes all his and my colleagues bikes, so it is a way to get to know people outside of traditional business avenues. Plus it is an instant common bond when two people find out they are both cyclists.
Do you see yourself as a lifelong mountain biker?
Definitely, the more years you have on your legs the faster you can ride.
Mike McCormick, the communications director for the Sports Backers, moved to Richmond in 2007 from Washington, D.C., where he spent four years working for the White House Press Office. He is a former national champion whitewater kayaker and father of two.
