Ok, let’s get the tough questions out of the way first: What’s your name?
I’ve been called a lot of things and I like that people poke fun, like Diesel, Watts, Jens, Jan, Spartacus but it is still Darren Lee Joy but you can call me Fabian.

What part of Charlotte, do you call home?
Morehead Tavern Adjacent

Tell us about your background in cycling, and and what got you into the sport?
When I was a kid in Seattle way back in the 60′s I rode my bike everywhere, it was my freedom. When I was about 7 I remember riding way off too far away from home then I ever should have. But those times were different. My Dad was a local sheriff and his buddies would see me and stop and say, what the heck are you doing here so far away from home? I kind of figured out that I could venture far away and get a ride home in a police car, pretty cool! It still happens today occasionally, but it’s just not cool now.

Anyway, when I was a teenager my buddy and I were pretty fast on a bike and I used to beat this one kid who raced crits so he said I should come out and try it. I did and finished 3rd in my first race for my age group, then won the next race, and the one after that, and again and again…. That lasted for a couple years until I started to grow, Then I started losing? So I got into basketball and football and pretty much stopped riding (regularly for about 32 years). So got back into it in 2006 because running was taking it’s toll on my knees, hips. And as it turned out it became REALLY good therapy for a tough breakup, that involved my ex and her two boys that I raised and now don’t see any more. I mean I went through some really tough times and the only thing that got me through the week was knowing that come Saturday morning I could go burst my lungs, work out any frustration or anger and leave it all on the road and be with a good group of guys afterwards for a cup of coffee. Seriously, that was the highlight of my week for a couple years. Missing my boys is with me every day now.

What’s your favorite kind of riding to do today?
Road, strictly road. Been thinking about mountain biking, but haven’t done anything yet. Perhaps one day.

What do you take on a ride with you no matter what (besides the bike of course)?
Cell Phone, wallet, spare tube, CO2 cartridges, patches

What are you riding right now?
East coast: My now getting old ’05 Litespeed Vortex – Just got new Reynolds DV46 Carbon clinchers and it is an amazing ride now!

West Coast: Giant T-Mobile TCR Advanced and yes I have the full Magenta T_Mobile kit, Jersey, Bibs, Gloves, socks, water bottle, right down to the european only issued T-Mobile Uvex FP-1 helmet. I actually have about 25 full kits including helmets back in Calfiornia, (It’s way more common out there to where Pro Kits) Yes, I’m just a big kid and huge fan of the sport of cycling. Was and still am a big fan of Jan Ullrich. (Locating the helmet is a story in itself – but for another time…actually came from the T-Mobile Team when they were liquidating all the T-Mobile stuff, just before they were turned into HighRoad…)

Where is your favorite place to ride?
Off the front of course! Oh, I see what you mean…Well Becky showed me Ashe county last year and the Blueridge Parkway and I have to say that you could look long and hard and not find better riding. But I do like San Francisco and heading north out of the city over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, some great areas up there, Tiburon, Sausilito, etc. The San Gabriel Mountains just above Pasadena where I used to live are great too (Lance would train there and many of the locals have run into him when riding up there on weekdays). and they are literally right behind us, I could leave my front door and within 20 minutes (On my bike) be starting up to the 7000′, 8000′ mountains. So for convenience they are hard to beat. Not anywhere as beautiful as the Blueridge or Smoky mountains though, not even close.

How often do you ride?
Depends on the weather, winter in Charlotte couple times a week (not good), summer, 5 times a week, but more so I look at the hours on the bike. Over 15 hours a week I start to feel pretty snappy! Watch out you thin climbers, I’m coming!

If you hadn’t jumped into the cycling, what do you think you would be doing now?
Can’t play hoops anymore so probably golf, I love the game. Got my first “Hole in One” this year (Par 3, 141 yds. 8 iron, spun it back right in the cup). Or a Professional Single Malt Scotch Drinker, but that would be a short lived hobby. I think I have a wee bit of OCD…

Anything else you would like to add?
Though I lived in the UK for a couple years and travelled around Europe, I haven’t ridden in Europe yet, but plan to do some of the great climbs over there, in France and Italy. Jealous of anyone who’s done that. Becky…

Favorite post ride beer?
OK, I’m gonna sound like a wuss and normally I cannot stand lite beer but when it’s hot and we do the Monday night Uptown Ride, Bud Light is mightly tasty and you can swig a couple down like water! Otherwise, I’m a Sam Adams guy…

*Time Bonus: Ride Most looking forward to this year?
Brasstown Bald Buster – 100 miles of the Six Gaps in Dahlonega and then up Hogpen and you finish at the top of Brasstown Bald! Killer!!! Can’t wait! Oh and every 36th Street Racing Sunday Ride of course! Good group of folks, Kudos to Shawn and Matt for getting it going!

Be safe out there!