Deano’s become a bit of a legend on tour – for his generosity in the peloton, his musical skills with guitar (and voice) and his decidedly risqué photo shoots (which we haven’t dared post here!) on mountain cols. He might not be a racing snake … but that’s because he’s having (and creating) too much fun further back in the pack. We’re all pretty gutted that he’s had to pull out of the tour this summer, but we’re looking forward to welcoming him back again in 2023. Vive Le Tour!
NAME: Deano (Mike Dean)
AGE: 50 (for a few more days!)
LOCATION: Currently in the USA (Ashland, Oregon) – but also joined from NL and Oman
EXPERIENCE: I’ve ridden with groups around the world including New Orleans, Brunei, the Netherlands, Oman, and currently Oregon. My first loop was in 2016 when I turned up completely untrained for 5 stages starting with the Tourmalet and ending at Ventoux (the base only for me!). One benefit of being the last rider and becoming well acquainted with the back van is that I got to connect with Yogi! I returned in 2017 to redeem myself by riding the full tour and did the same in 2018 and 19 before Covid slowed everything down.
Q: The last 2 years have been tough for everyone, and everyone has coped in different ways. In terms of your cycling, were you more ON the bike or OFF?
Both actually. I came to Ashland in February of 2020 to deal with a family situation, then Covid hit and I essentially got stuck. For the first 10 months I was still working remotely for a team in Oman which meant late nights and sluggish days. So.. I started off fit and active, tapered off a bit as the grind wore on me and then picked it back up.
Q: If ON, what was it that motivated you?
Preparing for Le Loop is a great motivator! No matter how fit you are, you will still wish you had done a little extra training! I’m also personally motivated to keep my fitness up and keep up with the locals here who seem to have been born to climb. I also know that when I’m cycling regularly I feel a lot better mentally.
Q: If OFF, how have you managed to turn that around?
I had some slower times, but still stayed active. One way I turned things around was to hire a coach about a year ago and really ramp up my focused training. I used Handsling Coaching Services who tailor the training to my schedule, goals and adapt as needed. Also, my work schedule has adjusted to have early starts which allows me to get out in the afternoons and enjoy the winter sun.
Q: How has cycling helped you over the past 2 years?
I enjoy both the social group rides as well as solo rides. Here in Ashland, I’ve had the opportunity to join all sorts of rides…..
- family rides that span the range from my young nephew, my son, my sister to my mom who’s in her 70’s
- Tuesday mountain bike rides that finish with outdoor beers (and where I’m the slowest up the hill and down the hill!)
- Road rides with my new partner Jennifer as well as local friends
- Group camping and mountain bikes with kids and adults all joining in
- Hosting visitors from Oman to ride the local roads including Crater Lake
- Riding for pizza with Jennifer’s daughter and other friends
- Cruising with fellow Looper Kelly Miller when he’s nearby visiting his son
All of this has helped me feel at home in the community despite the unintentional move after around 18 years overseas.
Q: Have your cycling goals changed over the last 2 years? If so, in what ways/what’s your new goal?
I’ve made some changes to my riding – more mountain biking (I keep crashing!), more focused training at times on the road, the tough decision to park le loop in 2022 and wait for 2023. But on the whole, my goal is always to have fun!
Q: What will you most miss by not riding this summer OR what are you most looking forward to/hoping to gain from riding Le Loop 2023?
The people! Both the staff and the riders are amazing each year. It’s great to see the support that each of the riders give to each other. Every day someone picks someone else up to help keep them going. I think the charity aspect attracts a generous group of people. And it definitely feels good to know that we are supporting a good cause the whole time.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
Cycling in general and Le Loop specifically have been really important in my life as I deal with various challenges. We lost my Dad here in the summer of 2020 to cancer and riding was part of my way to deal with it. In many ways I was lucky that Covid kept me here so I got to see more of him than I had in years.
I’ve also been lucky enough to partner in a new bike shop / café in town. Always happy to host any visitors – we’ve got great road, mountain and gravel biking year round! Come check us out at handlebarashland.com.
Thanks Deano! You take care this summer – you’ll be missed but we’ll still be here for your return in 2023.