Member of the Month
The SCC Member of the Month series puts our great members in the spotlight. Members are selected by other members to highlight their distinguished commitment to SCC, the cycling community, and their own person growth. Please congratulate and celebrate these member's achievements, efforts, and contributions.
If you know someone who is deserving of the honor, please click the button below to go to the nomination form. You can also email the SCC webmaster at SCCwebdesigner@gmail.com
November 2019 - Carlos Mateu
How long have you been cycling? - I have been cycling since 2014.
Why did you start cycling? - At some point, I stopped exercising and I was not doing anything to stay active. My wife and kids were concerned about my health and they gifted me a beginner road bike for Christmas. How has cycling impacted your life or changed you? I am so happy that I got my first bike as a gift (I don’t think I would have gone out and bought a bicycle on my own). Cycling has given me a new way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I did not think that I would fall in love with cycling initially, but I have. It has helped me not only from a physical stand point, but it has also re-built my confidence. It has fulfilled the joy of being active in the outdoors again! |
Who or what motivates you? - My wife and my children, and my son-in-law and daughter-in-law!
What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)? - I do road cycling, and 2 years ago I started to gravel.
Which do you enjoy the most and why? - The two are so different, and I enjoy both for various reasons!
What is your favorite/most memorable cycling story/moment/experience? - They are many, but my first group ride, it humbled me. I realized then that I had a lot to learn and work on. I was hurting and cramping so bad that I could not bend my knees when I got off the bike. I was so stiff that I could hardly move and drive back home. I think it was a 30 mile group ride, but it will be the one that I always remember.
How long have you been an SCC member? - 3 years
What would you like the club to achieve? - I would like the club to continue to grow their membership, and to continue to have an impact on those who love cycling in Henry County. I would also like the club to continue to impart motorists’ awareness and safety around road cyclists.
What is your favorite thing about cycling?
The freedom you feel when riding… sometimes you plan the route, sometimes you make the route as you go. I love how your mind can drift away when you are just out fun riding. I love how you can compete against your own goals, as well as challenge or push yourself on solo or group rides. There is something about hearing the wind zoom through your helmet when you are on a fast downhill, or feel your heart pumping hard when climbing a challenging uphill!
What is your favorite thing about SCC? - The camaraderie for sure! Many of the riders that encouraged me when I first started riding, are members of SCC.
What are your plans for the year? - Continue to learn from stronger riders, and try to improve personal times and/or conquer specific personal segments.
What are your long terms cycling plans? - Every year, I would like to complete a century ride in different State of the US. I would like to climb some of the bigger mountains in the US. But, a big dream of mine would be to go and watch the TDF live, and perhaps get one or maybe two rides in while visiting!
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? - I do a bit of running, anything from 1 to 4 mile runs, and I enjoy walking with my wife. Also, once in a while when the opportunity presents itself, I go surfing which is what I used to do for many years growing up and into my thirties.
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? - Watching Formula 1, and watching my favorite teams – Liverpool, Borussia Monchengladbach and of course our own Atlanta United! An yes, I also like to give Peto a hard time about a particular Atlanta United player that he absolutely adores and I cannot stand!
What other organizations are you a part of? - The only organization that I am currently active in is the Dream Center of Henry County. I support many other organizations and their causes either financially or through volunteering.
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? - My personal mission is to be an encourager to others from a personal and professional stand point, as it brings me great fulfillment when I see others succeed and achieve their goals. So, if you are reading this and you are a cyclist (especially if you are beginner and you have already thought about not riding anymore), don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any other SCC rider. The reason I did not quit after my first group ride, was due to the amount of encouragement and support I received from fellow cyclists.
Anything else you want to share about yourself? - Go and ride, have fun and don’t take yourself too serious as a cyclist! Go back to that inner child of yours! But, don’t lose sight of what is most important in your life – loving and spending time with your spouse, your kids and those that you care about!
What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)? - I do road cycling, and 2 years ago I started to gravel.
Which do you enjoy the most and why? - The two are so different, and I enjoy both for various reasons!
What is your favorite/most memorable cycling story/moment/experience? - They are many, but my first group ride, it humbled me. I realized then that I had a lot to learn and work on. I was hurting and cramping so bad that I could not bend my knees when I got off the bike. I was so stiff that I could hardly move and drive back home. I think it was a 30 mile group ride, but it will be the one that I always remember.
How long have you been an SCC member? - 3 years
What would you like the club to achieve? - I would like the club to continue to grow their membership, and to continue to have an impact on those who love cycling in Henry County. I would also like the club to continue to impart motorists’ awareness and safety around road cyclists.
What is your favorite thing about cycling?
The freedom you feel when riding… sometimes you plan the route, sometimes you make the route as you go. I love how your mind can drift away when you are just out fun riding. I love how you can compete against your own goals, as well as challenge or push yourself on solo or group rides. There is something about hearing the wind zoom through your helmet when you are on a fast downhill, or feel your heart pumping hard when climbing a challenging uphill!
What is your favorite thing about SCC? - The camaraderie for sure! Many of the riders that encouraged me when I first started riding, are members of SCC.
What are your plans for the year? - Continue to learn from stronger riders, and try to improve personal times and/or conquer specific personal segments.
What are your long terms cycling plans? - Every year, I would like to complete a century ride in different State of the US. I would like to climb some of the bigger mountains in the US. But, a big dream of mine would be to go and watch the TDF live, and perhaps get one or maybe two rides in while visiting!
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? - I do a bit of running, anything from 1 to 4 mile runs, and I enjoy walking with my wife. Also, once in a while when the opportunity presents itself, I go surfing which is what I used to do for many years growing up and into my thirties.
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? - Watching Formula 1, and watching my favorite teams – Liverpool, Borussia Monchengladbach and of course our own Atlanta United! An yes, I also like to give Peto a hard time about a particular Atlanta United player that he absolutely adores and I cannot stand!
What other organizations are you a part of? - The only organization that I am currently active in is the Dream Center of Henry County. I support many other organizations and their causes either financially or through volunteering.
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? - My personal mission is to be an encourager to others from a personal and professional stand point, as it brings me great fulfillment when I see others succeed and achieve their goals. So, if you are reading this and you are a cyclist (especially if you are beginner and you have already thought about not riding anymore), don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any other SCC rider. The reason I did not quit after my first group ride, was due to the amount of encouragement and support I received from fellow cyclists.
Anything else you want to share about yourself? - Go and ride, have fun and don’t take yourself too serious as a cyclist! Go back to that inner child of yours! But, don’t lose sight of what is most important in your life – loving and spending time with your spouse, your kids and those that you care about!
october 2019 - Woody Morgan
How long have you been an SCC member? - 8 years
What are your plans for the year? - Plans for next year are to continue being positive and ride as much as possible with great friends. With road, gravel and mountain bikes, anything is possible!!! The Cheaha challenge is gonna be awesome again and is always a highlight for my cycling year!!!
What are your long terms cycling plans? - To keep riding like so many of my heroes as long as I can.
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? - I spend a lot of time in the gym to supplement my riding and because I just enjoy it.
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? - Music is big part of me. I have been playing the drums since I was 10 years old and guitar for over 10 years.
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? - To live every day.
September 2019 - Jorge Collado
How long have you been cycling? - 12 years
Why did you start cycling? - My Brother in-law was an ex-pro cyclist How has cycling impacted your life or changed you? - It has been a big impact in my life. This sport has opened up plenty of doors and I have met plenty of people doing this sport which has been great. Who or what motivates you? - My Wife, my mom and dad, my girls and my brother in-law What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)? - Road and a bit of mountain bike Which do you enjoy the most and why? - Road bike because it gets me to that edge of speed and knowing that not just anyone could hold these speed but you alone!!! |
What is your favorite/most memorable cycling story/moment/experience? - The most memorable moment was when I first started the sport of cycling.
How long have you been an SCC member? - I have been a member for a while now and as well a board member and team director.
What would you like the club to achieve? - I would like the club to achieve a full support of their race team.
What is your favorite thing about cycling? - Seeing people enjoying their bike rides and wanting to learn not just the race part about it but the health aspect that you gain by doing this support.
What is your favorite thing about SCC? - Family
What are your plans for the year? - Continue to race and train hard and as well I would like to teach the little that I know to others.
What are your long terms cycling plans? - I would like to get more businesses involved in supporting the sport and as well that would lead to have a continental race team which comes out of Henry County
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? - Baseball, swimming etc.…
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? - Played minor league baseball, love the ocean.
What other organizations are you a part of? - n/a
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? - To live life to the fullest a day at a time
Anything else you want to share about yourself? - I’m a cancer survivor and if God and I went thru this together then we should all stay strong and beat this animal
August 2019 - Vic Murray
How long have you been cycling? 20+ years on and off
Why did you start cycling? Knee injury prevented me from participating in other impact related sport that I was fond of. How has cycling impacted your life or changed you? Gave me an alternative way to stay healthy and has been the sole reason for losing unwanted weight. Who or what motivates you? Seeing cyclists my age and older maintain a passion for riding. What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)? Road and some graveling. Which do you enjoy the most and why? I love road cycling because it allows me to push myself with speed and/or distance while simultaneously enjoying the scenery of the road. |
What is your favorite/most memorable cycling story/moment/experience? Biking across Georgia during the summer of 2018 in the company of hundreds of cyclists of all ages, demographics and gender, all enjoying nothing but the ride.
How long have you been an SCC member? 9 or so years
What would you like the club to achieve? Grow and be accessible to as many riders as possible.
What is your favorite thing about cycling? It allowed me to meet likeminded individuals whom share the same passion of cycling.
What is your favorite thing about SCC? The club’s promotion of cycling being a safe and heathy lifestyle for its members and the community at large.
What are your plans for the year? 5K miles before the end of the year.
What are your long terms cycling plans? Maintain a cycling lifestyle.
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? Due to knee and ankle injuries, I’m limited to the sport of cycling which I’m happy to confess!
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? I’m a chess player, watch enthusiast, and a collector of rare and inexpensive BBQ junk!
What other organizations are you a part of? Too many to mention.
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? To become and help others be better cyclist.
Anything else you want to share about yourself? I cycle to eat!
How long have you been an SCC member? 9 or so years
What would you like the club to achieve? Grow and be accessible to as many riders as possible.
What is your favorite thing about cycling? It allowed me to meet likeminded individuals whom share the same passion of cycling.
What is your favorite thing about SCC? The club’s promotion of cycling being a safe and heathy lifestyle for its members and the community at large.
What are your plans for the year? 5K miles before the end of the year.
What are your long terms cycling plans? Maintain a cycling lifestyle.
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? Due to knee and ankle injuries, I’m limited to the sport of cycling which I’m happy to confess!
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? I’m a chess player, watch enthusiast, and a collector of rare and inexpensive BBQ junk!
What other organizations are you a part of? Too many to mention.
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? To become and help others be better cyclist.
Anything else you want to share about yourself? I cycle to eat!
July 2019 - Randy Hall
How long have you been cycling? 3 years
Why did you start cycling? To get some exercise How has cycling impacted your life or changed you? I feel better and it’s given me confidence to try anything Who or what motivates you? Everyone I ride with because they’re so good What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)? Gravel, mtb, and road Which do you enjoy the most and why? Gravel and mtb because of where you get to ride |
What is your favorite/most memorable cycling story/moment/experience? There are so many but the two that stand out are the first time Courtney rode gravel and rode 32 miles, he had the look on his face like he won the Tour de France and riding with Kimberly Rogers at Cheaha and seeing her finish it
How long have you been an SCC member? 2-1/2 years
What would you like the club to achieve? What it’s doing now
What is your favorite thing about cycling? The people you meet and the places you get to ride
What is your favorite thing about SCC? Definitely the people
What are your plans for the year? To finish TNGA
What are your long terms cycling plans? Dirty Kanza, Eastern Divide, and maybe one day Tour Divide
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in? Cycling is it
What are some other non-athletic hobbies? Don’t have any
What other organizations are you a part of? None
What is your biggest passion/dream/ life goal? To grow up one day
Anything else you want to share about yourself? Nope
june 2019 - Cheneda Nelson
How long have you been cycling?
I’ve been cycling since February 2018. Why did you start cycling? I started cycling for a couple of reasons. I was a spectator at IM FL 2017 and admire the grit and tenacity of the participants, especially the ones trying to meet the cut off time. I wanted something that I had to work that hard for. The second reason was I had a nagging injury from running and needed a way to cross train. How has cycling impacted your life or changed you? It has introduced me to a number of great people and showed me that I CAN do more. |
Who or what motivates you?
I’ve a few motivators. First, I love to eat and need a means to burn those calories. Second, I love being active and challenging myself. Last, I want to take care of myself as best that I can so my kids don’t have to later.
What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)?
I do road cycling.
How long have you been an SCC member?
Spring 2018
What is your favorite thing about cycling?
I love the speed.
What is your favorite thing about SCC?
My favorite thing about SCC is the camaraderie and how everyone shares to make you a better rider.
I’ve a few motivators. First, I love to eat and need a means to burn those calories. Second, I love being active and challenging myself. Last, I want to take care of myself as best that I can so my kids don’t have to later.
What type of cycling do you do (road, mountain, gravel, etc.)?
I do road cycling.
How long have you been an SCC member?
Spring 2018
What is your favorite thing about cycling?
I love the speed.
What is your favorite thing about SCC?
My favorite thing about SCC is the camaraderie and how everyone shares to make you a better rider.
What are your plans for the year?
Big Brag and Savannah Century
What are your long terms cycling plans?
To continue to improve and enjoy.
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in?
I am an avid runner and a beginner swimmer.
What other organizations are you a part of?
BASE Performance Team, Atlanta Southside Runners and Atlanta Southside Triathlon Club
Anything else you want to share about yourself?
I am the proud mom of twin college aged kids, Noel and Alexia. I am a originally from Maryland. I am an Army veteran.
Big Brag and Savannah Century
What are your long terms cycling plans?
To continue to improve and enjoy.
What other sports or physical activities do you participate in?
I am an avid runner and a beginner swimmer.
What other organizations are you a part of?
BASE Performance Team, Atlanta Southside Runners and Atlanta Southside Triathlon Club
Anything else you want to share about yourself?
I am the proud mom of twin college aged kids, Noel and Alexia. I am a originally from Maryland. I am an Army veteran.