Apr 22, 2015 at 10:09 PM
Neil, I'm going to miss you, you were one of the nicest guy in this club. I'll see you on the road somewhere.
Farewell, Au Revior, Ciao Baby!
Apr 23, 2015 at 03:13 PM
Neil you will be missed, because it's true... nobody else likes Yaks' posts... ZING.
But for realz, don't be a stranger and keep the rubber side up.
But for realz, don't be a stranger and keep the rubber side up.
Apr 23, 2015 at 03:14 PM
A parting bit of context... a profile we can all tip our hats to...
#chapeau
#chapeau
Apr 23, 2015 at 04:09 PM
Rubber side up?! Savage.
Apr 23, 2015 at 05:52 PM
Will do. Thanks Jules.Jules said:Neil you will be missed, because it's true... nobody else likes Yaks' posts... ZING.
But for realz, don't be a stranger and keep the rubber side up.
Apr 23, 2015 at 06:53 PM
Neil, please do keep trolling the forum at your leisure — we have officially upgraded your user status to Saint Neil of GAP. Sorry to see you leave the fold, you are and always will be the Kissena...
Apr 23, 2015 at 09:06 PM
Actually that was the wrong gif...
Apr 23, 2015 at 10:26 PM
@JohnMalcolmson- You're not gonna try to raise that son of yours on the soft Upper West Side, are you? Bring him out Park Slope, where kids learn self reliance on the hard scrabble streets. Er well...they're around streets anyway.
Apr 24, 2015 at 03:00 AM
@neilx Oh God no Neil, we'll be swimming over to Jersey every morning for Pre-K. Didn't you know it's all the rage?
http://bit.ly/1DFRnuR
http://bit.ly/1DFRnuR
May 04, 2015 at 04:12 PM
I've shared the news with several Kissenas over the past few months, but as my departure from NYC approaches, I thought it timely to make it "official" by posting here. In July, I will be moving to the greener fields of Portland, OR.
Some of you may know I mostly grew up in Portland, so in some ways it's moving back home. But Portland has changed in the last years--it's grown into a larger city often (and rightfully) parodied in Portlandia. And through cycling I've come to appreciate nature-- open roads, dirt trails, and the ability of pedaling for hours, alone or with amigos. In other words, Portland and I have met halfway. I'm very excited, though of course it's bittersweet. It's the good people of NYC I'll miss the most, especially those I've met on Kissena.
I'll tell anyone who'll listen that joining Kissena was the best decision I ever made while living here. The community and friendships I've developed over the last two years still astound me. Thinking of the encouragement and happiness I've experienced while riding with Kissena gets me teary-eyed. I owe so much of my development as a cyclist and, hell, as a well-adjusted human being to Kissena. The lessons I've learned on the road with Kissenas have made me smarter on the bike, which have translated to my daily life off the bike.
These, and more, are all the things I was pondering last week while riding on pristine trails in the rainforest 12 miles from downtown Portland (photos below).
I'll sport the Kissena kit as long as I can, so you're not rid of me yet. In fact, I hope you'll humor postings from my trip across the country this summer: the plan is to drive across, hitting as many national parks as possible, over the course of 3-4 weeks. Yes, I'm totally living the life. And my life has been so greatly enriched by Kissena and all the doors the team has opened for me. I can't thank you enough.
On the trail in Powell Butte National Park, a short ride from downtown PDX on a separated biked. Glorious. And yes, I love my fancy new helmet.
Top of Powell Butte. On a clear day, one can see Mounts St Helens, Rainier, Hood, and Jefferson.
Some of you may know I mostly grew up in Portland, so in some ways it's moving back home. But Portland has changed in the last years--it's grown into a larger city often (and rightfully) parodied in Portlandia. And through cycling I've come to appreciate nature-- open roads, dirt trails, and the ability of pedaling for hours, alone or with amigos. In other words, Portland and I have met halfway. I'm very excited, though of course it's bittersweet. It's the good people of NYC I'll miss the most, especially those I've met on Kissena.
I'll tell anyone who'll listen that joining Kissena was the best decision I ever made while living here. The community and friendships I've developed over the last two years still astound me. Thinking of the encouragement and happiness I've experienced while riding with Kissena gets me teary-eyed. I owe so much of my development as a cyclist and, hell, as a well-adjusted human being to Kissena. The lessons I've learned on the road with Kissenas have made me smarter on the bike, which have translated to my daily life off the bike.
These, and more, are all the things I was pondering last week while riding on pristine trails in the rainforest 12 miles from downtown Portland (photos below).
I'll sport the Kissena kit as long as I can, so you're not rid of me yet. In fact, I hope you'll humor postings from my trip across the country this summer: the plan is to drive across, hitting as many national parks as possible, over the course of 3-4 weeks. Yes, I'm totally living the life. And my life has been so greatly enriched by Kissena and all the doors the team has opened for me. I can't thank you enough.
On the trail in Powell Butte National Park, a short ride from downtown PDX on a separated biked. Glorious. And yes, I love my fancy new helmet.
Top of Powell Butte. On a clear day, one can see Mounts St Helens, Rainier, Hood, and Jefferson. 
May 04, 2015 at 04:48 PM
Take me with you...
But seriously, great to have met and ridden with you Kayt. Good luck and don't be a stranger!
But seriously, great to have met and ridden with you Kayt. Good luck and don't be a stranger!
May 04, 2015 at 05:01 PM
a pleasure riding with you , enjoy
May 04, 2015 at 05:29 PM
Kayt, you are one best Kissena and cycling ambassadors I've ever meet. Also that picture is amazing. Look forward to your trip's posts.
Keep pedaling.
Keep pedaling.
May 04, 2015 at 05:55 PM
Kayt - If I had only not lent you the bike bag you wouldn't have been able to get out there.
I'm thinking we start a Portland chapter of Kissena. Between you and Norm we'd have a great nucleus.
Sad to see you go, but I don't think you and Kissena are done yet. At the very least we'll have to get the trip reports and hopefully hear about the PDX racing scene again.
I'm thinking we start a Portland chapter of Kissena. Between you and Norm we'd have a great nucleus.
Sad to see you go, but I don't think you and Kissena are done yet. At the very least we'll have to get the trip reports and hopefully hear about the PDX racing scene again.
May 04, 2015 at 07:51 PM
Thank you so much guys, and thanks to @eloy for almost making me cry at my desk 
@Craig, I'm definitely not done with Kissena. I started working on Norm and the idea of a Kissena West a bit last week (he's pictured/circled below), but he seems convinced there's no replacement for the legacy and community of the club here. He has a point, but I'm not one to give up easily!
@Craig, I'm definitely not done with Kissena. I started working on Norm and the idea of a Kissena West a bit last week (he's pictured/circled below), but he seems convinced there's no replacement for the legacy and community of the club here. He has a point, but I'm not one to give up easily!
May 04, 2015 at 08:03 PM
Kayt, it's a bummer to see you go:( It has been a privilege to see you evolve into such a kickass rider in all disciplines of the sport. You're going to be missed a great deal from all of us and I wish you the very best.
Bonnes chances!!!
May 04, 2015 at 08:37 PM
Good bye, Kayt. You will be missed.
Some might miss the FB postings from professional photographers showing the final women's sprints in races I've never heard of, and there you are with that warrior braid swinging like mad behind your helmet! Every damned time.
Some might miss your kind heart that kept you smiling on every ride, and got you off your bike when another racer went down, just to check and make sure she was ok.
Some might miss your early morning GAP 6am meetups and training sessions where you infused the group with a little more morning energy.
Or the efforts you selflessly put into the club, helping to organize events and gatherings.
Or the people you brought onto the team.
Jersey, shorts, a great design with retro colors, sponors, yes, but Kissena is a state of mind, it's who we train with, it's who we work for in a race, what we do in our spare time so that we have no spare time. It's who we fight with when the weather is crappy. And who we drink with when we're feeling crappy.
You're taking a part of that with you to the other side of the world, and leaving an empty space back here where 9W rolls on into its own vanishing point.
Some people might miss that.
Good bye, Kayt.
May 04, 2015 at 08:52 PM
@Bruce, you are a poet and gentleman. Thank you--really means the world to me.
May 05, 2015 at 12:23 AM
What can you say, but orange and blue Pom-Poms at a road race.
Big love to you Kate and bon voyage.
Go Kissena West!
Big love to you Kate and bon voyage.
Go Kissena West!
May 05, 2015 at 01:17 AM
Oh wow! The passing of an era - you will be sorely missed Kate!
You've embodied so much of what we all want Kissena to be; a fearless, indomitable will to improve yourself and your team, laughing through rain, snow, mechanicals and at the end - raising a donut in salute.
Travel well - Portland and Normanzo are lucky to have you... now excuse me while I get this sand out of my eye...
You've embodied so much of what we all want Kissena to be; a fearless, indomitable will to improve yourself and your team, laughing through rain, snow, mechanicals and at the end - raising a donut in salute.
Travel well - Portland and Normanzo are lucky to have you... now excuse me while I get this sand out of my eye...
May 05, 2015 at 01:50 PM
oh man. Safe travels Kayt & Neil!!!
May 05, 2015 at 02:10 PM
Thank you @Jules! That last one makes me laugh every. single. time. 
May 05, 2015 at 03:42 PM
Good luck Kayt. I'll be mountain biking in the Central Cascades (near Eugene) in mid-August, Come visit and ride!
May 05, 2015 at 09:13 PM
Um. YES. @neilx, let's talk about that!
May 06, 2015 at 07:17 PM
6may15
ms.Kayt,
i am speachless...have not been on the Kissena Forum in some time/months and just reading through somerset rb club departures - movingUp, movingOn...then this "tragedy" that dear Kayt is leaving NYC &Kissena the linchpin in a resurgence of gender equality @kcc; genuine toughness, 'grit' with an epic charm&smile that set the greeks to sail against Troy; Kayt Mathers you are the epitome of friend&team...
enJOY your GREAT NORTH-WEST &i am with you re: "Kisssena-west" different but from the same, hope you can make it happen.
...from our maiden week-end ride from GWB to PiermontNY it was evident that you 'now our' Kayt have the HEART and WILL to achieve and prevail, i've the pleasure to witness you from struggling to climb a 120m berg (ParkRd&TweedBlvd) to dogging Johnny 'WrongWay' Malcolmson the Kiwi Monster's wheel up RiverRd, prevail in NY's austere mid-winter CX snow&ice, and ,finally, to sport the Leader's Jesery&Champion at a NYC Park Race!
Kayt, you are awesome!!!
L. ya.
-harryB ;-) &kcc crew
ms.Kayt,
i am speachless...have not been on the Kissena Forum in some time/months and just reading through somerset rb club departures - movingUp, movingOn...then this "tragedy" that dear Kayt is leaving NYC &Kissena the linchpin in a resurgence of gender equality @kcc; genuine toughness, 'grit' with an epic charm&smile that set the greeks to sail against Troy; Kayt Mathers you are the epitome of friend&team...
enJOY your GREAT NORTH-WEST &i am with you re: "Kisssena-west" different but from the same, hope you can make it happen.
...from our maiden week-end ride from GWB to PiermontNY it was evident that you 'now our' Kayt have the HEART and WILL to achieve and prevail, i've the pleasure to witness you from struggling to climb a 120m berg (ParkRd&TweedBlvd) to dogging Johnny 'WrongWay' Malcolmson the Kiwi Monster's wheel up RiverRd, prevail in NY's austere mid-winter CX snow&ice, and ,finally, to sport the Leader's Jesery&Champion at a NYC Park Race!
Kayt, you are awesome!!!
L. ya.
-harryB ;-) &kcc crew
May 07, 2015 at 04:11 PM
@harry , I am now the one who is speechless. Thank you for all your kind words. I'll never forget your cheering at CX races and your unwavering encouragement during group rides--I really treasure those moments. Let's ride before I Manifest Destiny out of here!
May 07, 2015 at 05:57 PM
Oh Kayt Kayt Kayt, not much else to say that hasnt been said, but I'd like to reiterate that you will be sorely missed
May 07, 2015 at 10:27 PM
Kayt….you're too cool for New York…..too cool for Portland too probably, but I'm sure you're gonna have a great time out there because as all of us know who are from there(we discussed this post asylum race), the West Coast is the best coast. Maybe I'll see you out there in a couple of years. Cheers
May 13, 2015 at 06:30 PM
For all those who might be out in NorCal or thereabouts (cross-posted from the Sandbox):
Team-
I was racing with Kissena until this year, when I moved to North California. I was looking at joining a team for which I had a list of criteria. Then I realised, if I want it, I should build it. Resultantly I am trying to put together a new entity here in CA. I have certain values that I wish to embody with this new team/club so I will see how far I get. Basically, looking for limited support to get things moving for next season. Let's see how far I can get. I have started looking out for sponsorships and partners, as well as a few like-minded individuals with which to race and train.
Here's the new site: http://kensingtoncycling.club/
Got a kind of Rapha feel about it for now; I know, I know... Will hopefully have more content soon when I have things to add. If anyone works with a company or people who are in North California and might be interested in partnering, please feel free to get them to contact me, pass on their details to allow me to contact them or other. Additionally, if any Kissena peeps are out West and need a local group to ride/race with, feel free to reach out to your West Coast sister club (we share the same initials don't you know). Furthermore, if anyone knows people out here looking to be part of a close-knit racing unit, send them to the site and tell them to get in contact.
Also, follow my Twitter!
Team-
I was racing with Kissena until this year, when I moved to North California. I was looking at joining a team for which I had a list of criteria. Then I realised, if I want it, I should build it. Resultantly I am trying to put together a new entity here in CA. I have certain values that I wish to embody with this new team/club so I will see how far I get. Basically, looking for limited support to get things moving for next season. Let's see how far I can get. I have started looking out for sponsorships and partners, as well as a few like-minded individuals with which to race and train.
Here's the new site: http://kensingtoncycling.club/
Got a kind of Rapha feel about it for now; I know, I know... Will hopefully have more content soon when I have things to add. If anyone works with a company or people who are in North California and might be interested in partnering, please feel free to get them to contact me, pass on their details to allow me to contact them or other. Additionally, if any Kissena peeps are out West and need a local group to ride/race with, feel free to reach out to your West Coast sister club (we share the same initials don't you know). Furthermore, if anyone knows people out here looking to be part of a close-knit racing unit, send them to the site and tell them to get in contact.
Also, follow my Twitter!
May 13, 2015 at 07:55 PM
Adam, I really love your gallery section. Extremely emotional stuff.