Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Collins.
Hi Chase, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a 31-year-old elite cyclist based just south of Houston, Texas. My entrance into competitive cycling was cultivated while I attended the University of Houston and worked at a bike shop which connected me to the local cycling community. Once I graduated from college and starting working professionally in the Oil and Gas industry, I had additional free time, which I heavily devoted to training. Eventually, I felt confident to enter my first race just west of town back in 2016 and was immediately hooked. Over the last several years, I’ve had success while racing on the local and regional competitive scene; however, I still enjoy the local social side as well. If there was one positive to come out of the Covid era, it was definitely the explosion of interest in cycling locally. The local infrastructure has also substantially improved to make cycling more accessible and safer for all ability levels. In my option, Houston cycling is primed for continued growth, and the local businesses both directly and indirectly involved seem to be flourishing as well. I am very excited to continue to be a part of this ever-growing community!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a full-time working professional, I’ve faced challenges with finding the time to adequately train to compete at the elite level. My focus is on the discipline of gravel racing, in which the distances can range from 60 miles all the way up to 200-mile single-day races. Due to the recent growth of this side of the sport, there is substantial interest from sponsors, and some of the races I attend attract full-time professional athletes due to the level of exposure. These athletes train on average 18-20 hours a week annually, which is nearly impossible with a traditional 8-5 schedule. Due to this, I strategically plan my evenings and weekends, which usually results in around 14-16 hours of training weekly. At the end of the day, I remember that I do this for fun and have minimal sponsor commitments who are very understanding in supporting my journey,
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
2021 Castell Grind – 1st
2022 Castell Grind – 1st
2023 Castell Grind – 1st
2021 Jailbreak 100 – 1st
2022 Jailbreak 100 – 1st
2023 Jailbreak 100 – 1st
2023 Come and Grind It – 1st
2022 – Belvelo Gravel – 1st
2019 – State Road Championship – 1st
2021 – R3 Express – 1st
2020 – R3 Express – 1st
2019 – R3 Express – 3rd
2019- El Camino 105 – 3rd
2023 – Wire Donkey 3rd
2022 – Zimmerhanzel – 3rd
2023 – Zimmerhanzel – 5th
2021 – Gravel Locos 150 – 9th
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to quite a few cycling-specific podcasts while I am out on training rides or driving to races. I’d highly encourage anyone with a hobby or passion to tap into the growing podcast world for your specific interest. The knowledge that I’ve gained from podcasts alone has enabled me to coach myself, whereas 10+ years ago, I would have had to hire a coach to make additional progress.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: chasecollins91
Image Credits
Fudgelump
Pamela LeBlanc
