EXCLUSIVE: Pro-cyclist Lisa Christiansen tells us why she rides in candid chat

March 14, 2019

Christiansen is a seasoned supporter and sponsored athlete of Rudy Project North America, an ambassador of Rudy Project Products, and a new member of the VeloGuide family as a Pro Guide of VeloGuide Founded by Joel Goralski, co-founded with George Hincapie.

We interviewed Christiansen to ask if she would share her passion for cycling and why she chose the Holy City Of The Wichitas and the American Cancer Society as the beneficiary of the profits. She replied “The Holy City is my home, when I ride I feel the most connected to God, when I am at the Holy City I feel peace flood my soul. It is an experience, a gift that I wish for everyone to receive, there are no words to describe the reverential calm that overwhelms me, that reminds me of the power within.” Her commitment to help others is a rare quality in these changing times, as we continued the interview about why she chose the Cancer Society tears filled her voice as she replied “I have witnessed to many people lose their battle with cancer, people I did not know personally to close family members, and now the uncertainties that are a real life concern of skin cancer for each and every cyclist. I had my first biopsy for skin cancer with great relief knowing I caught it before it was malignant. I believe we must all do our part to raise awareness and more important get involved in finding the cure.”

Lisa Christiansen is down-to-earth for a global celebrity; you may know her from “Can’t Buy Me Love” with Patrick Dempsey. Christiansen made her way to the Pro Cycling scene in 2009. Lisa Christiansen was admittedly “gratefully overjoyed” when she was chosen as a featured VeloGuide. “Christiansen who had never ridden a bicycle before 2009 is a natural pro, because of her lack of formal training in her youth there were no bad habits to break” said her coach who remains anonymous. According to her coach she started riding in clipless pedals having never been on platform pedals Lisa took the cycling community by storm meeting seemingly insurmountable obstacles in those desiring her failure, Lisa continues to succeed because of these people.

Christiansen is a CAT3 road-racing enthusiast with a passion to ride with cyclists of all ridings. “I am very grateful to be part of the VeloGuide family, I look forward to riding with riders of all cycling abilities because we are all here to learn from each other and serve our community with integrity,” said Christiansen.

Lisa Christiansen loves to ride with other pro cyclists every opportunity she gets such as Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, Cadel Evans, Christian VandeVelde, and newcomer TJ Eisenhart. Lisa says, “These cyclists are to be respected for more than their cycling skills and wins, they should also be appreciated for their humble kindness, down-to-earth authenticity, and their humanitarian contributions.”

Lisa Christiansen was among 21 riders picked along with other USA Cycling peers to ride the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France; Christiansen went on to ride in Roma, Italy Via Appia Antica.

The Via Appia Antica has seen two thousand years of history, and served as the Roman Empire’s ‘highway’, as it went all the way from Rome down to the heel of Italy’s boot.

As a chosen “FEATURED VELOGUIDE” Christiansen has come full circle to help others appreciate their current riding level and educate and inspire them to improve their skills to be the strongest rider they are capable of.

We expected the usual superficial kindness. Christiansen shattered the stereotype because she is unexpectedly kind and giving. We have witnessed firsthand of her giving extraordinary gifts without expecting anything in return, we had heard from reliable sources of her giving expensive items to other riders such as garmin computers and wearables.

We are excited to share this exclusive interview with Lisa Christiansen about her Christiansen Gran Fondo held at this little slice of old Jerusalem in her home state of Oklahoma, USA known as the Holy City of the Wichitas. The Holy City is nestled in the Wichita mountains makes for a perfect ride whether you choose the piccolo, medio, or gran fondo. Now you can participate in this EPIC RIDE.

Now let’s talk about the ride, when? March 16, 2019 where? The Holy City Of The Wichitas, what? One EPIC bicycle ride sure to impress!

FEATURED PARTNERS ARE RUDY PROJECT AND VELOGUIDE!

The Christiansen Gran Fondo is a series of events that welcomes riders of every skill level for a weekend of riding and celebration of all things cycling. Join professional cyclist Lisa Christiansen and other professional cyclists, weekend warriors, and first-time riders on routes planned and tested by Lisa Christiansen herself. Christiansen says these are routes she rides to train for all events during her time in Oklahoma. where cyclists from all over the world will ride together in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, only 100 lucky cyclists will be allowed to experience this “hidden treasure” say’s Christiansen. We are uncertain of how many registrants there currently are so Register NOW to experience this monumental event!

What’s in it for you? All riders receive a T-Shirt in every Packet Pickup filled with discounts and several unique gifts. 50 lucky riders receive premium VeloGuide socks, 1 lucky winner will receive an outstanding Rudy Project helmet!

Stay for the post-ride dinner and meet new friends.

Join us on the step and repeat “RED CARPET” brought to you by VELOGUIDE, RUDY PROJECT, CHRIS CARMICHAEL, VIKTRE SOCIAL, USA CYCLING, and MORE!

VIP Members will receive everything included in the Elite Piccolo, Medio, and Gran Fondo selections (T-Shirt along with outstanding discounts and several unique gifts. You also have the ability to have the paparazzi experience on the “Red Carpet”.), VIP members will also receive premier parking; extra items in their packet, and will become citizens of the Holy City. You will also be at the front of the start line to lead with the Dignitaries. You will also have a reserved table for dining after your victorious, glorious ride.

RACE DAY GIVEAWAY! ONE LUCKY WINNER TO RECEIVE A RUDY PROJECT HELMET!

You can also order Rudy Project gear with a significant discount by entering CHRISTIANSENCODE

Details: The morning will begin with prayer by the last monolingual Cherokee Guyadahi ᎬᏯᏓᎯ, followed by Changing of the colors by the Honor Guard, followed by the National Anthem to be sung by Natalie Gibson in her Native Tongue of Cherokee.

88-year-old Guyadahi ᎬᏯᏓᎯ is a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is one of the last mono-lingual speakers of the Cherokee language.

Natalie Gibson is from Afton, Oklahoma and resides in Miami, Oklahoma. Natalie Gibson started singing in the Cherokee language with the Cherokee National Youth Choir at age 12.

Gibson has sang in the Macys Parade, at Crazy Horse Monument, Mount Rushmore, with Foreigner and Kenny Roger’s in concert, and at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indians to name a few.

Natalie sang at the White House and states her favorite was singing with Cherokee elder Guyadahi impromptu during a recent visit at the heritage center. Natalie is also on the Cherokee Tribal Youth Council, attends NSU Natalie is majoring in Medical Administration.

The Changing of Colors is lead by Seminole Nation Honor Guard Commander Rex Hailey

Rex is an Army veteran, having served during Desert Storm in with the 101st. The Seminole Nation Color Guard is made up of men and women of several tribal nations, serving in every conflict from the Cold War to today. They started in 1980 and were the first tribal honor guard in the state of Oklahoma. They have laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, presented the colors at the Thunder games and traveled throughout the country educating people on tribal and military service. Their priority is military funerals, flag presentations, speaking engagements and military functions.

Cyclists from around the world are being welcomed to participate in this historic event and tickets are now available online.

The Event will begin from Holy City Of The Wichitas, which is conveniently located at 262 Holy City Rd. in Cache, Oklahoma. This event is exclusive to the first 100 cyclists to better serve and provide them with the best VIP experience. Moreover, there will be a post ride dinner, VIP cyclists are provided complimentary dinner in reserved seating area.

The beneficiary is The Holy City of the Wichita’s and The American Cancer Society. The Holy City is located in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge; this 66-acre area was built in 1935 to depict the city of Jerusalem during Biblical times, and is the site of the nations longest running outdoor Easter passion play, “The Prince of Peace.”

The Holy City is completely funded by donations and sales from the onsite gift shop. All donations are greatly appreciated and you will be supporting the future of The Holy City for many generations to come!

Note: There will be a post ride dinner available to purchase for FREE to ALL cyclists, VIP cyclists are provided complimentary dinner in reserved seating area.

Early packet pickup pick-up begins on Friday March 15, 2019 from 12:noon and 6pm at the Holy City gift shop.

Packet pickup begins at 6am on Saturday March 16, 2019