Kerry Werner

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

I am from Birdsboro, PA and live in Roanoke, VA now.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KONA OF ALL TIME AND WHY? (YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO HAVE OWNED IT)

The Hei Hei is my all-time favorite Kona rig. It’s such a light and nimble machine but can take more than its fair share of punishment from roots and rocks. It suits my riding style really well and is good for quick XC style races and all-day epics.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SEASON?

I am most looking forward to throwing my hat in the gravel ring. I have raced gravel but this year it’s going to be more of a focus of mine. It’s a new challenge. In years past, I have focused on shorter MTB and CX races, 1-2 hours. This year the gravel races will be 130 miles! 4-7 hours! Bring on some discomfort.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK/RACE OF 2021 (DOESN’T HAVE TO BE IN A RACE) AND WHY?

I did a four-day bikepack trip on the Rockstar Trail route. A 280 mile route that connects all the sick single track between Rock Town (Harrisonburg, VA) and Star City (Roanoke, VA). It just blew me away how many rad trails we have scattered around the Roanoke Valley.

WHO HAS MOST INFLUENCED YOU?

Geoff Kabush continues to impress me with how much fun he has on a bike after such a long career. It’s cool how adaptable he has become at changing with the tides of what’s hot in cycling and how he continues to push himself to keep up with the younger generations, while still maintaining his self-belief. I hope to keep bikes as my career into my late 30’s and he is showing me how to keep that dream alive.

WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED?

Wool underwear. Haha! I don’t like synthetic fibers anymore. If there is one thing long travel days and bikepack trips have taught me, it’s that wool is the superior fiber for areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

IF YOU WERE A CEREAL, WHICH WOULD YOU BE & WHY?

Easy. Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Because not only is it the best tasting but it makes the most bomb cereal milk.