2017 Chainlink Ambassador: Anna Affias

Anna Affias is a creative and strategic problem solver who works as a Creative Consultant at Slalom. Anna began commuting by bike in 2010, but quickly found her passion for group riding in 2015 while triathlon training. In April of 2016, Anna competed in her first criterium race and was hooked. Shortly after finding her love for racing bikes, she joined the Spidermonkey Cycling team and started racing bikes almost every weekend. While her love for crit and road racing is strong, she recently bought a cross bike and raced her first Chicago Cross Cup season. Aside from racing bikes, Anna enjoys the camaraderie of the Chicago cycling community and is a strong advocate for encouraging women to bike (and race). Where there's a bike, there's a way.   

Types of Cycling: Commuting, racing, centuries, bike camping, etc..

First bike?

My very first kid bike was a red Radio Flyer Tricycle (that counts, right?!). However, my first adult bike was a vintage trek that my best friends boyfriend gave me when they first started dating. They are now happily married and I still own the bike. I now lend it to friends who want to give cycling a try or to friends who are visiting.

Photo by SnowyMountain Photography

What inspires you to ride?

Everything about riding bikes inspires me. What most inspires me is seeing how far I can push myself and how much faster/stronger I'm able to become both physically and mentally through my training. It's a very magical and therapeutic sport for me on many levels.

Any advice for people who are just getting started commuting and/or riding?

Be confident. The worst thing you can do on a bike is be timid or scared. You've gotta go with the flow and trust your bike and yourself. After training and time, you'll become faster, stronger and more confident. One other piece of solid advice for people just getting started biking would be to go on more group rides. The more you go, the more you'll learn!

Do you have a cycling bucket list? What’s on the list? 

I want to do RAGBRAI (again) and go on a solo bike camping trip this year. I also have plans in the works to visit bike friends (and bike pen pals) in Italy and Ireland next year. Last but not least, I want to podium at a road race, preferably #1, but any podium would be great! Stay tuned!

Favorite places to bike to for a snack, drinks, coffee, or food (please include location)

Everywhere and anywhere. Mostly to places where I can eat and drink loads of donuts/beer/cider.

How many bikes do you own?

1. Trek – single speed commuter
2. Felt – cross bike (hoping to get a second fixed Felt for track this year)
3. Specialized – daily commuter / long rides
4. BH – race bike #1
5. Fuji – race bike #2