He’s one of the fastest gravel bike racers in America, but also known as the “gentle giant.” Brennan Wertz has much to brag about as it relates to athletic performances as a former elite rower and Stanford grad, but you’ll never hear this Mill District ambassador praising his own abilities. If you get the opportunity to meet Brennan on one of our rides or out on the race course, you’ll meet someone curious to know more about you. We’re excited to watch Brennan’s racing in 2023 as he takes on the Lifetime Grand Prix Series (a series of races intermixing gravel and mountain bike). Brennan took on his first mountain bike race at Lake Sonoma this past weekend and won–boding well for next week’s Grand Prix kickoff at Laguna Seca raceway. Amidst a busy race schedule, you’ll catch Brennan at many of our Mill District rides and a couple that he will host later in 2023, keep an eye on the calendar.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Brennan Wertz
Favorite shred sled?
Currently I’ve been absolutely loving my Mosaic MT-2 hardtail. It’s such a fun bike to ride, it’s constantly bringing me to many new places, and keeps pushing me far out of my drop bar comfort zone.
Favorite glass of wine you’d reach for?
A glass of Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley, which also happens to be one of my favorite places to ride when I’m in Healdsburg.
Favorite food?
Matt Accarrino’s mushroom risotto. Well really anything from Matt, but his mushroom risotto always hits the spot, especially after a proper long day of riding hard with good friends.
Favorite training fuel?
Pastries, especially those from Quail and Condor. If I’m on a long solo mission, with only a supply of self supported snacks for the day, I always love a good Amy’s frozen burrito after a couple hours on the bike.
Preferred vacation spot without a bike?
Winter in the Swiss/Austrian Alps
Preferred vacation spot with a bike?
The Dolomites in Northern Italy
What race are you looking most forward to this season? Why?
I’m really looking forward to the Leadville 100 mountain bike race this summer. At this point, I have never done an xc mountain bike race and am quite nervous about the idea of racing a mountain bike for 100 miles. But for me, cycling is all about pushing myself and my personal boundaries, and I cannot think of a better way to do just that than racing Leadville.
What race are you looking the least forward to and why?
I love the Unbound 200, but it is a race I also dread a bit due to how long it is and the extremely high likelihood of mechanical problems. It’s a race that suits me well, but my last two attempts have been riddled with crashes and mechanical issues. I’m really hoping I’ll have a little more luck on my side this year!
What’s your favorite Healdsburg ride?
My favorite ride from Healdsburg would probably be King Ridge and Skaggs Springs Road. The route is challenging, the terrain exceptionally beautiful, and with the green grass this time of year, I can’t think of a better place to ride.
What kind of professional athlete would you be if you weren’t a cyclist (or rower)?
I’ve always dreamt of being either a long distance speed skater or a nordic skier. I love how physically demanding both of those sports are and I think my long legs would be quite helpful for both of these sports.
