We're constantly inspired by those around us who are following their guts in one way or another. Professional cyclist, Brian Lopes, is a perfect example of someone who believes in the health it takes to be happy and has used his passions to get him to where he is today.

We caught up with Lopes and had the pleasure of asking him a few questions to learn what his fuels his fire, how he got his start, and what's on his bucket list. Read on for the next installment in our Follow Your Gut series, featuring pro-cyclist Brian Lopes!

EXPLAIN WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!

I’m a professional cyclist who grew up racing BMX from the age of 4 1/2 & transitioned to mountain bikes around the age of 20.  I’m a 4x world champion, 6x overall UCI World Cup Champion & 9x National champion who has been inducted into both the BMX & MTB hall of fame.  I’m a husband of 18 years & a father to our 5 year old son Maverick.  At 47 years young I continue to race at a pro level, mixing it up with the youth, while inspiring those, that think they’re getting old, that age is merely a number.  I manage a domestic MTB race team & teach MTB skills clinics for those looking to improve on the bike & ride safer.

HOW DID YOU GET HERE? DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW THIS WAS YOUR LIFE’S MISSION?

I got here with the support of my parents, the love for riding bikes, a lot of hard work, & a little luck.  I never had dreams of making a living racing/riding a bike, the progression organically happened & quickly turned into a way to make a living.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Waking up around 7am, getting my son ready for school, dropping him off at 8am, then I’m either coming home to a few hours on the computer which involves communication with sponsors, social media obligations, scheduling of clinics & travel to events, or I’m heading to the gym or out on my bike for 2-3 hours.  Two days a week I’m picking my son up from school at 3pm and spending the rest of the day with him, the other 3 days I have my parents and in-laws grabbing him which allows my schedule to be open for anything that comes up.


WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by all different kinds of people.  People who are doing good things for the world, for those in need, for those less fortunate, people who push the limits and succeed at the unthinkable, people who are a lot smarter than I am.  I love surrounding myself with those who I can learn from & who’s vision is way bigger than mine, but I also love sharing my knowledge and teaching my craft which often results in people on bikes having more fun & achieving levels they didn’t expect.


DESCRIBE THE “HAPPIEST AND HEALTHIEST” VERSION OF YOURSELF.

No aches or pains for myself, family is healthy, sharing a good outdoor adventure with friends and family especially when it involves time on two wheels, awesome food, plenty of laughs & smiles with no time restraints.


BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Enjoy the journey, don’t only look to the destination.


ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Drive or ride moto from California to the southern tip of Argentina!


WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU? ANY EXCITING COMPETITIONS, PROJECTS, TRIPS WE CAN LOOK OUT FOR?

This month I’m planning a road trip to northwest Arkansas to teach some MTB Skills camps.


ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO PROFESSIONAL CYCLING WORLD?

Surround yourself with good people. Coaches, riders, mechanics, teams that have been successful and around for a long time.  They will have the most knowledge and advice to help you achieve your goals.


WHAT DOES “FOLLOW YOUR GUT” MEAN TO YOU?

It means making choices based on a good feeling, a sixth sense that can’t be explained, only felt by you.

Today's blog is written by our very own Daina Trout, MS, MPH

Daina is not just our Co-Founder, she is also a nutritionist that has spent her adult life dedicated to finding and sharing health and wellness through food. With 2 masters' degrees in nutritional biochemistry and public health, Daina has called upon her education often while leading the way at Health-Ade - from how we make every batch of kombucha, to how we talk about gut health to consumers, to even how healthy our employee workplace is! She even writes a few blogs here and there. Happy reading! :)