By Trace Demarest
Contributing Writer
When Mira Costa chemistry teacher Randy Brissey tirelessly cycles, he is immediately transferred into a world of tranquility.
Brissey’s best friend, Ralph Therril, received a gold medal on the United States Olympic team in the 1951 Pan American games. Therril’s success in the summer and winter sports competition inspired Brissey to take up competitive cylcing.
“I fell in love with bicycling as soon as I rode for the first time,” Brissey said. “I couldn’t wait to start competing.”
Brissey rigorously trained for his competitions by cycling on extremely steep inclines, as well as on winding paths in order to better prepare himself for competitions.
“I would spend six days a week riding for [a total of] nearly 500 miles,” Brissey said. “It really kept me in shape.”
Two of his most memorable competitions were the National Championships in Newport Beach in 1979 and the Death Valley to Mt. Whitney race in 1985, which is known for its long paths and steep inclines. Brissey won third place in both of these races.
“It is very impressive that Mr. Brissey competed in the National Championships,” junior Jenny Meenahan said. “I love hearing his dynamic stories about the competitions he cycled in.”
According to Brissey, the most challenging ride he has ever particpated in is the White Mountain cycle in Bishop, California. With a path of 65 miles and an incline of 13,000 feet, the hardest aspect of the race for Brissey was the high altitude.
“White Mountain has an extremely rigorous incline of about 30%” Brissey said. “Hawthorne Boulevard’s incline, in comparison, is only 6%.”
Brissey’s competitve cycling career came to an end 30 years ago. While cycling, he was hit by a car, causing him to skid across the ground with his arm under him, ultimately ripping off the skin on his arm.
“It took me two years to recover,” Brissey said. “I haven’t competed since. Now I just ride for pleasure.”
After riding the roads of the Tour de France, he developed a love for the passes in Europe and strives to cycle in foreign locations again. Brissey currently cycles in residential streets.
“Because Mr. Brissey has been able to pursue a hobby outside of class, it gives him character,” sophomore Kyra Barker said. “I really hope that he will some day competitively ride again.”
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