Fresno's Gina Echeverria is an experienced cyclist who is getting herself ready for this month's Eye-Q California Classic.
A vicious accident last year left Echeverria with an injured knee and hip. But she didn't let that stop her from doing what she loves. "I love exercising. I love the cycling community. And the many purposes that we ride for."
Echeverria's rehab routine is constantly being monitored by AM Live Fitness Expert Rhonda Murphy who says people in her situation need to worry about over-training.
"The big thing is that she's intense," Murphy said. "I mean she was going to get on the bike no matter what. Injuries or not. So what we had to do is we really had to pay attention and kind of actually pull her back and say let's get you healthy first before you start riding out there on the road."
And Rhonda has some advice for people who simply interested in cycling but have never gotten on a bike before. "Just come out there check it out. Even if you're not a cyclist or runner. Come take a look at it and maybe next year you'll want to do it."
Some of Gina's teammates with her cycling crew will be participating in the classic for the very first time. She had also passed along a tip for new riders or those coming back from major injury. "Don't be afraid. Get back on the bike. That's it. That's all you have to do and you'll do fine."
The Eye-Q California Classic weekend starts Saturday May 19th with a century, metric, or mini-metric ride. And Highway 168 will be closed to provide a rare landscape usually designated for cars with four wheels. Not bikes with two.
