Not an Athlete? Think Again

Craig J. Schmidt never set out to be a cyclist. In fact, his journey into the world of road cycling started not with a race or a resolution, but with a spin class and a borrowed bike which has changed his life. Ten years later, that borrowed Ridley X-Fire is still a fixture in his life. Learn how one gesture from a friend turned into a life-changing passion, what it’s like training for events like the Ride for Roswell and the Pan-Mass Challenge, and how he balances it all with family, triathlons, and strength training.

How Did You Get Into Cycling? 

It all started in a spin class at the Buffalo Athletic Club: better known as the BAC. I had been spinning for years, but it wasn’t until I met Dr. Carlos Li, a cardiovascular surgeon who also worked with me at the VA in Buffalo, that things changed. He was a cyclist and had a bunch of bikes in his garage. One day, he offered to let me try out his “winter bike” for a year. I said sure, and before long, I was hooked. That red Ridley X-Fire with spinergy wheels became my first road bike. After a year, I told him I couldn’t give it back: I had fallen in love with it. He eventually agreed to sell it to me for $1,500. I’ve been riding it ever since.

What Do You Love Most About Road Cycling Now, A Decade Later?

The endorphin rush and sense of accomplishment after a long ride are unmatched. But what’s changed over the years is that I now really prefer riding with others. There’s a sense of camaraderie and safety when you’re out there in a group. It’s not just about grinding out solo miles anymore.

You Split Time Between Buffalo And Florida. How Does That Affect Your Training?

It gives me the chance to ride year-round. We spend about eight months in Buffalo and four on the east coast of South Florida. Winters in Florida are great for long rides. This past winter I logged 20 rides and averaged 50 miles per ride: about 1,000 miles total. On my dad’s 96th birthday, I rode 102 miles in his honor. He passed away this past March, so that one really meant a lot.

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You’re Currently Training For The Ride For Roswell and The Pan-Mass Challenge. What’s The Draw To These Events?

They’re more than just rides, they’re fundraisers with purpose. The Ride for Roswell supports cancer research and care in Buffalo, and the Pan-Mass Challenge is the largest athletic fundraiser in the country. It raised $75 million last year for Dana Farber in Boston. It is the largest fundraiser sporting event in the country. This year, my training partner Peter Bloom and I are doing the 186-mile route from Sturbridge to Provincetown over two days. You can learn more and donate to my race here. 

What Does A Typical Training Week Look Like?

Usually two long bike rides, three weight training sessions, and something aerobic. That could be a stair climb: 125 flights, a 5K or 10K on the elliptical, or a mile swim. I’ve done 28 triathlons and duathlons over the past 10 years, so I still enjoy variety in training. And I love lifting weights with our son CJ, he keeps me challenged in the gym.

Do You Track All Of This?

Yes, through Strava since 2019. I average about 2,800 miles per year on the bike. I’ve logged 503 rides and rode over 16,000 miles since logging. I’ve also done 81 swims, about 87 miles, and 68 runs. Not bad for someone who didn’t consider himself an endurance athlete until later in life!

You’ve Done Several Century Rides. Do Any Stand Out?

The ones I’ve done on my dad’s birthday are special. I’ve done a total of 12 century rides, seven were for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, one was a solo on Grand Island, and three were for my dad. Each one has meaning. The Ride for Roswell was memorable, and I know the Pan-Mass Challenge will be unforgettable.

Any Advice For New Cyclists?

First, find someone you can ride with regularly, it makes a huge difference. Second, keep up with bike maintenance. Safety matters, and that includes your gear: bright jerseys, loud socks, strobe lights on the front and back, and flashing lights on your helmet. And finally, stay on top of nutrition. Hydration and electrolytes are key on long rides. Gatorade and Liquid IVs are my go-tos.

What Keeps You Motivated Year After Year?

The feeling I get after a long ride, that mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, is what keeps me coming back. And now, with a purpose behind many of my rides, it’s more than just exercise. It’s how I honor my dad, support good causes, and challenge myself. I’ve always been active, but as I age, I realize how important it is to keep moving. Cycling, weight training, swimming, they all help me stay strong and do the things I love, whether that’s yard work or keeping up with my son at the gym.

Conclusion

From a borrowed winter bike in a Buffalo garage to riding nearly 17,000 miles and completing dozens of triathlons and charity events, Craig J. Schmidt’s journey on two wheels is a testament to consistency, community, and purpose. Whether honoring his late father, supporting cancer research, or just chasing that next endorphin rush, Craig brings passion to every pedal stroke. As he gears up for the Ride for Roswell and the Pan-Mass Challenge, he’s not just training for the finish line, he’s riding for a bigger cause.

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