Mark Russell, Riding Member, Geared

Profile

Birth Date	October 11, 1984
Birth Place	Dallas, TX
Home Town	Rowlett, TX
List and describe your bicycles	Santa Cruz tallboy Trek Wahoo
List past racing accomplishments in any sport you’ve competed in	I competed in my first mountain bike race last year. I finished 5th in the Clydesdale group, but I had a blast overall. I have also been power lifting since high school. I hold numerous records in Texas and have received numerous invitations to national competitions.
What is your first memory of riding a bicycle?	Honestly, I remember learning the power of brakes. I was 11-years-old with no riding experience. I ended up doing an endo, busting my bike up, and walking it home. Luckily, I’ve gotten a tad better.
Why do you ride a bicycle?	I started for weight loss. At my heaviest, I weighed 464 pounds. Now, I’m hovering around 290-295 pounds. My end goal is to be in the 240s. I still ride to aid in my weight loss, but I also ride to spend time with family and friends.
What does Bearded Women mean to you?	A group of individuals that share a common interest, with the goal of promoting riding and a team atmosphere while giving back to the community.