Author Spotlight: Jess

Author Spotlight: Jess – NYC

February 25th, 2011 · No Comments

Name: Jess Versus

Nickname: Jentle Jess

Birthday: 11/19/85

Current city: Brooklyn, NY

What’s the bike scene like in New York for females?

Women outnumber men three-to-one in New York City, so it stands to reason that ladies are a big part of the cycling community here (especially in Brooklyn). I know ladies that own their own bike shops, delivery companies, and by-female-for-female high-end cycling wear designers (like http://www.nonavarnado.com). Classes are opening up all the time for female-only bike maintenance (run by women) to encourage more ladies to take charge of their bikes. There are bad-ass chicks that race, as well as female messengers and tons of rad girls that commute all year, rain, snow or shine! All of my best friends ride, in varying capacities–and the numbers are growing all the time.

What’s your favourite ride right now?

My Gran Royale Lurker is above and beyond my favorite; it’s the first brand-new bike I’ve ever owned, it’s the bike I’ve travelled with the most, and the first bike on which I’ve commuted through every kind of weather.

Where’s your favourite place to ride?

Riding in Brooklyn can’t be beat, especially in the summer down by the water–it’s such a beautiful, breezy, sunny ride! My daily commute to the tattoo shop is a pretty great ride; I travel through a few different neighborhoods and always see friends I know out riding along the way.

Favourite riding outfit:

When it’s warm: my d’emploi tank top, leggings, Chuck Taylors–and my helmet, of course.

When it’s cold: whatever layers work…. I usually end up looking like an overweight, poofed-up ninja, but it keeps me warm and dry!

Favourite food: Anything brunch-related, arepas, burritos, and ‘falizza’–a falafel sandwich on a pizza!

Favourite movie: Happiness, Donnie Darko, Amelie, Battle Royale, Memento, The Proposition, Boondock Saints, Old Boy.

Favourite book: The Great Gatsby and Moby Dick.

What makes you laugh? Most of Comedy Central’s line-up, especially South Park. I not-so-secretly have a 12-year-old’s sense of humor.

What makes you angry? Road rage, narrow-minded people, watching the nightly political news.

What are you listening to on your I-pod?

It changes all the time, but lately it’s been a lot of stoner and black metal.

Do you have any pets?

For the first time in my life, no–but I want to adopt a dog really badly!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Riding started for me out of convenience/commuting necessity, but has since developed into a full-blown love affair. I love being able to take my bike to different cities and explore new places, I love the community of cyclists I’ve met who #BikeNYC, and I love the feel of perfect summer sunsets in Brooklyn riding hands-free with the wind whooshing through my hair.