Meet The Unlikely Cyclist

 

Lisa Kanno feels very lucky to enjoy the solitude of an early morning bike ride, her local favorite – the Back Bay. Lisa a two-time cancer survivor was commuting from Orange County to LA working 60 hours a week in the film industry.  She taught spin classes for eight years at several health clubs took up road biking and launched a blog chronicling her bike adventures calling it – The Unlikely Cyclist.  Lisa created a cycling “Meet Up” group in Orange County known as Women on Wheels.  Laid off from her film industry job in 2011 she thought it time to contemplate her future.  Should she continue to trek to LA in a new job or seek an entirely new career?

When Lisa was diagnosed with cancer the first time, she made a New Year’s resolution to change her lifestyle make time for herself and lose weight – so she did.  October 12, 2012 she opened a women specific bike boutique naming it after her blog – The Unlikely Cyclist, only the second women specific bike shop to open in the nation.  Her “Meet-up” group formerly known as Women on Wheels became -Team Unlikely Cyclist to conform with her bike store name, currently more than 600 women strong.  No dues to pay, every ability welcome offering a no drop policy – which means you won’t be left alone on the side of the road wondering why you joined the group.

When The Unlikely Cyclist first opened its doors Lisa tapped into the frustration every woman felt when visiting their local bike shop.  Typically male-centric offering women a sparse product line, if you found something to try on you were instructed to go to the men’s room which had no mirror and had not been cleaned in the last century. Tall or plus sized women were forced to shop online.  Manufacturers response to women cycling was to, “pink it and shrink it” – make it small make it PINK and for good measure add something cute, typically flowers or butterflies.  Manufacturers are finally recognizing that women can be highly competitive too and want bikes that fit them and cycling apparel that fit their style.

Approximately 30% of The Unlikely Cyclists patrons are men who stop in to purchase support services for themselves or gift cards for wives or girlfriends.  The boutique conveniently offers e-gift cards online too.  Women discover group rides and clinics, popular cycling apparel brands  ranging in size from XS to XXXL, bike fitting, a saddle testing program, bike brands including Cannondale, Felt, Bianchi and Linus to name a few.   While the shop is small in size the Unlikely Cyclists patrons receive a big welcome and are made to feel comfortable – no dirty men’s room here!

In 2014 owner Lisa Kanno was honored at the Frostbike 2014 open house by Quality Bike Products (QBP) in Bloomington, Minnesota with the first annual Londonderry Award named for the first woman to bike around the world – Annie Londonderry.  The award recognizes women who foster cycling in their community.

The Unlikely Cyclist is located at 1661 Superior Ave. Unit C, Costa Mesa, CA  92627.  Open: Tues – Friday – 11:00 to 6:00, Sat 11:00 – 4:00,  Sunday 12:00 – 3:00  Boutique: (949) 566-5202.  Check it out and tell Lisa you read about The Unlikely Cyclist on WomenBicycling.com!