March 2004: On a cold, damp Sunday, at the first CRCA race of the year,
Alex Gulla emerged from the cool mist miintes in front of the A field
on the final hill. But he didn’t win or even place; he started the race
in the B field. He rolled out about four or five minutes after the A’s,
and two laps later, caught and passed the A field, and then the A
break, effectively winning both races—all without drafting once the
entire race. “It was like he was riding his own race, totally
indifferent to the other riders on the course. He needed his own field
that day,” one of the A racers said.

This remarkable debut set the course for rest of Alex’s year. He
won quite a few races all alone, often with enough time to compose a
quick poem while he waited for second place to roll in. In the New York
State championships, he rolled off the front, followed by a group of
about five. Realizing his enormous strength, the other riders tried to
put it to their advantage: we’ll make a deal with you, you take the
flats and downhills, we’ll take turns on the uphills. Without giving
it much thought, Alex agreed then dropped the group on the next hill—no
acceleration, just kept riding till they disappeared—then crashed, got
up dusted himself off, and won the race by two minutes. Guess he had so
much fun there that he thought he’d try it again at the Massachusetts
State Championships. Different state, same result.

Alex’s Axe

Alex rides a “Cat 5” Bianchi with a triple chain ring; rumor is he
fashioned the big one out of an old Frisbee and the two smaller ones
are there solely for decoration. As for powertaps, heart rate monitors,
carbon fiber laminate dimpled wheels—please.

Race Tactics

There isn’t much chess involved in a typical Alex Gulla
performance: His sprint is difficult to identify as it’s about 4%
faster than his normal speed. “I don’t know much about sprinting; but
so far it hasn’t been too much of a problem,” he explains. Okay, fair
enough, but why don’t you sit in more? Alex: “I always thought the idea
was to be first across the line, so being in front always seems like a
good way to start. And I like riding alone.”

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NYVC Tell us about how you began riding.

AG I grew up in the city and learned to ride a bike later
than most people do, so it always seemed like a special treat. In 2001,
I rode around the city streets on a borrowed bike to make copies for a
theatrical production I was involved in. It reminded me how much I
liked riding as a kid. A week later, I started working as a bike
messenger. I did all my riding in the city; I didn’t know about the
park or 9W. I just rode aggressively every day, all day long. It was
all I wanted to do.

NYVC How did riding change your life?

AG Before cycling, my health was terrible; I smoked, stayed
out late playing chess and pool. I felt unproductive in college, I was
disinterested in my studies. Cycling was both a refuge and a form of
self-flagellation. It gave my anger and energy an outlet, a direction.

Now, I feel like I know the experience: I’ve crashed, I’ve lost,
I’ve won. I learned to love the test of self. Discovering the threshold
of pain was fascinating to me, a new frontier to be explored. Now that
I’ve been there, however, I’m more likely to back off.

NYVC Have you ever considered going pro?

AG I can’t say that it didn’t tempt me; the Spartan
existence and the single-minded dedication seemed similar to how I was
living as a messenger. But then I imagined retiring, in five years or
so, and not having accomplished anything outside of cycling. It is an
existence that rules out any other serious pursuits.

NYVC So what are going to do this year? So far you missed
Grant’s Tomb and you are not signed up for the Bear Mountain race.
(Alex was 5 points shy of upgrading to a Cat 2 last year.)

AG I still love riding my bike. But I’m not as enthusiastic
to race this season. After deciding that I can live without taking it
to the next level, I’m trying to channel more energy into other areas.

NYVC In other words, you have accomplished everything you want to in the park or as a Cat 3 racer?

AG:Yes

NYVC People have criticized you for just showing up to races
and winning without any respect for cycling culture or proper training.
Is that a fair criticism?
AG I have spent a lot of time riding. Contrary to what
some people might think, I don’t just roll out of bed and ride away
from everyone. I rode hard every day for two years before I entered my
first race. I realize I’m not the savviest or most experienced racer,
but I have paid my dues.

NYVC Why don’t you work on your bike handling or seek
professional coaching? Or what about trying a scientific approach to
maximize your potential?

AG It appealed to me for a while. I’m certainly not against
the idea, as I’m sure it could help any athlete looking to maximize his
or her potential. But I’m not disciplined, it’s true, and I don’t
target my weaknesses. I’m sure I could get better, but in truth the
competition is not my primary motivation. The laws of diminishing
returns have started to effect my decision making,: Do I want to spend
the afternoon practicing my cornering, or just go for a bike ride—or
for that matter, write a song?

NYVC So what are your other interests?

AG Singing Karaoke with a live band is fun, and I’ve started to write my own songs as well. Creating alter egos—ohh and finding a job I love.