Rider Profile: Kayla Arnold

Kayla Arnold and her husband, David Arnold, joined the Rollfast Cycling Club this year. She is currently a Community Relations Specialist at City of Carmel. Kayla serves on the Bicycle Indiana INc. board as well as the Rollfast Foundation board. She graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a degree in mass communications, public relations and marketing.

Learn about Kayla’s 2018 cycling goals and her experience as part of the club so far.

When did you become interested in cycling?
I started taking spin classes in 2009 at my local gym and was hooked! I eventually thought it was silly to ride inside on beautiful days and bought my first “hybrid” bike in 2015. That quickly escalated to a road bike that same summer. I’ve upgraded bikes over the last couple of years and have since taken up multi-sport events.

What’s your favorite race or riding route?
I loved the 60-ish mile route of the Apple Cider Century in Michigan. It’s a beautiful and quiet route especially with all of the trees changing color throughout the back country roads. I’m guessing the Rollfast Gran Fondo will be my new favorite race in 2018!

What’s your favorite post-cycling meal?
Breakfast – specifically waffles and bacon. I don’t even care what time of the day it is!

What are your 2018 fitness goals? How do you balance them with the rest of your life?
My goal this year to ride my first century and run my first full marathon. Training doesn’t officially start until June, so check back with me then about balance! 🙂 My husband and I stay pretty active throughout the year and it’s something we both enjoy doing together so that definitely makes balancing it with life easier.

How would you describe your experience as part of the Rollfast club?
I’m still pretty new but so far, so good! It’s great to be surrounded by people who are like-minded and enjoy doing the same thing! Plus, it gives you a whole new group of people to razz on!

What advice do you give to female cyclists?
Don’t be scared to ride with the guys! Also, always wear padded bike shorts.

If you could ride with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tough question… I met Gary Fisher last year and he’s pretty crazy – so that’d probably be my top pick. Fisher is considered one of the inventors of the modern mountain bike.Fisher started competing in road and track races at age 12. He was suspended in 1968 because race organizers cited a rule that his hair was too long

What’s your favorite Hamilton County spot?
I love riding up to the farmer’s market in the summer. The bike valet they offer makes it super easy to bike to store your bike safely while strolling through and shopping in the market! I also can’t beat riding up to Main Street in the Carmel Arts and Design District and grabbing a pint from Scotty’s and some pizza from Bazbeaux. I also enjoy a delicious waffle from Bub’s Cafe (see answer #3).

What other partner products do you use and why do you love it?
I absolutely cannot get enough of the Normatec Recovery Boots. After a tough workout, a long run or ride, you can find me in my boots – usually with coffee on hand. They make me feel like a new woman!