Otso Ambassadors
Otso Cycles makes versatile, purpose-built bikes for adventure and racing alike. Our ambassadors have a genuine love for all things cycling and seeing each other succeed. These are folks who help you get through the last 40 miles of a 100-mile race, will gladly move their gear to fit another tent at the campsite, and leave you inspired to ride more. Podiums are not as important as storytelling, building community, and being good, good folks on and off the bike.
Sarah Swallow
Arizona and Colorado, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Fenrir Ti , Waheela C , and Voytek .
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Red Vines.
2023 riding goal?
To explore the possibilities and opportunities of community over competition.
Dream cycling trip?
Any trip where I can combine my love for beautiful environments, the sea, and delicious food. Italy, Albania, more of Greece, and Turkey are all on the list!
Matthew “Mateo” Ryan Pio Paez
Oregon, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
No guilt, no shame! I am a human garbage disposal but I typically listen to what my body needs. Salty over sweet!
2023 riding goal?
I am fortunate enough to race in Europe this summer and my 2023 goal is to come home with a desire to push further into the unknowns of this sport.
Dream cycling trip?
Circumnavigation of our planet earth! GBDuro. SRMR. Tour Divide. The list goes on…
Jackie Neve
Texas, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
So many Cheez-Its.
2023 riding goal?
More races like Rule of 3. Ripping singletrack on my Waheela is such a good time!
Dream cycling trip?
Italy or Greece. Bike touring + eating incredible food every day.
Blake Bockius
California, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Waheela C , Fenrir Ti, and Voytek .
Why do you ride an Otso?
I like the fact that each bike is versatile. Each bike can fit into many different types and styles of riding. I connect with Otso because I love to adventure on the bike, and I feel like that's what Otso Cycles represents. I have a big passion for bikepacking, and I've had all types of long-distance trips and races on my Otsos, including gravel, techy single track, and snow.
Best riding snack?
For substance you can't beat a Payday candy bar. I also love to have an Ice cold Coke when I'm out on a long ride or trip.
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
The dropper post has been a game-changer for me. I run a dropper on all of my bikes. The Wolf Tooth Resolve has been an upgrade over the previous droppers that I've owned. I like the fact that I can run a fully loaded seat bag, and the dropper still functions well with the added weight. Another nice feature is that the Resolve is easy to service, and I can perform all of the maintenance myself.
2025 riding goal?
My goal this year is to return to Colorado and finish the Colorado Trail Race. So far I have not completed the route.
Andrew Mohama
Illinois, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Loading up my feedbag with Swedish fish or stopping at a McDonald's for a large fries.
2023 riding goal?
I am in the final stages of planning a cross-country "bike listening tour" where I will be carrying out a narrative-based research study, centered around conversations about community, social isolation, and loneliness. San Fransisco to Chicago is the plan. Goal is to be as present as possible, enjoy the solitude of a solo journey, and learn something formative about myself and others.
Dream cycling trip?
I've heard amazing things about New Zealand and would love to traverse the country.
Maggie Livelsberger
Pennsylvania, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Single Speed Fenrir Stainless .
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Uncrustables. No guilt here, though. I love 'em.
Why do you ride an Otso?
I love everything about the bike and company. The Fenrir just thrives loaded up for multi-day trips, and rips when rigid with drop bars. It really is the Swiss Army Knife on two wheels.
What bike gear, component, or accessory has been a game changer for you?
Adding a suspension fork has made ripping the downhills and chunky terrain even more fun that I imagined, especially fully loaded up.
2025 riding goal?
Race Tour Divide and take on a few more East Coast races and explore PA even more.
Amanda Harvey
Minnesota, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Bacon, sour gummy worms, Starburst (all are a pleasure and none are guilty!)
2023 riding goal?
Gravel Worlds Long Voyage 300 (but really it's prep for ITI 2023).
Dream cycling trip?
I would love to tour Europe and ride the local velodromes (but not tour on a track bike).
Hana Black
New Zealand
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Voytek and Fenrir Stainless.
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Caramel popcorn.
2023 riding goal?
The Death Road, Bolivia (if I get to ride that this year it means we're back on the road in South America!)
Dream cycling trip?
I have a long list of places I dream about exploring by bike. These include Everest Base Camp, Iceland, Japan and Madagascar.
Mark Watson
New Zealand
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Voytek and Fenrir Stainless.
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Fry's Turkish Delight (Chocolate coated and full of sugar!)
Why do you ride an Otso?
I love the versatility of my Otsos and that they are so well engineered for the type of riding I do.
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
Seat dropper. Lowering your centre of gravity and being more aero is a bonus on any kind of bike. It makes riding more fun all round.
2025 riding goal?
Complete the Great Southern Brevet bikepacking event & get back to some overseas bikepacking exploration.
Justin McKinley
Colorado, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Sunflower seed connoisseur... Fisher > David > Bigs... classic salted flavor only.
2023 riding goal?
Finish every event I start.
Dream cycling trip?
I've been dreaming about racing the Tour Divide for a few years, but I also want to do the Colorado Trail Race.
Lauren Cantwell
Nevada, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Salt and vinegar potato chips (aka how you know I'm cracked at a gas station!)
2023 riding goal?
More stage races! Both gravel and mountain bike! Also goal to ride the Toiyabe Crest Trail in Nevada!
Dream cycling trip?
Bikepacking in Nepal.
Jolene Holland
Texas, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Rice Krispie Treats / Coca-Cola Gummies.
2023 riding goal?
More weekends spent bike camping.
Dream cycling trip?
Spending a month touring Japan.
Alyssa Gonzalez
Colorado, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Why do you ride an Otso?
I love how fun and versatile the bikes are, they're perfect for the style of riding I like to do. The people behind the brand are amazing too!
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
I don't feel guilty about it -- but my favorite ride snack is Beefaroni when I'm bike packing or some peach rings
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
Swift Industries Zeitgeist and Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
2025 riding goal:
Tour the Colorado Trail and complete the North South Colorado Bikepacking Race
Sam Lewandowski
Colorado, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Voytek & Voytek 2
Why do you ride an Otso?
I ride an Otso because of the freedom and joy I experience when riding my Voytek. I love the attention to detail and the thoughtful design that goes into every Otso bike. I've ridden other fat bikes and they were fun (what's not fun about floating through the snow on massive tires) but as I expanded my riding into bikepacking, other fat bikes felt limiting. In contrast, my Otso Voytek just continues to open my eyes to new possibilities by bike.
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Cheez-Its (Original Flavor) and Sour Skittle Gummies. I alternate bites instead of mixing them together but the combo satisfies my sweet, salty, and sour cravings. And the different textures of the Cheez-Its and the Gummies keep me happy.
2025 riding goal?
To tackle a different take on (a slightly adjusted version of) the Vegan Cyclist's Impossible Route "Telluride Hellride". But instead of trying to tackle most of the San Juan 4x4 passes in a single day, I want to take a couple days to soak in the beauty of the San Juan mountains. Over the past three summers I've been exploring all the passes, so in 2025 I want to link them all in one single bikepacking trip. And instead of being an Impossible Route, I'm calling it a "Funpossible Route" because my main goal is to enjoy my time on my bike.
Noah Middlestaedt
Maine, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Swedish Fish.
2023 riding goal?
My 2023 riding goal is to help further grow the cycling community in the New England area through local rides, races, and events. Helping to foster new growth in the sport by those who love bikes for any reason.
Dream cycling trip?
Clara and I are dreaming of a bike packing trip through Norway. Someday!
Clara Brown
Maine, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Why do you ride an Otso?
Supporting a Minnesotan brand, narrow Q factor on the fat bike, all of the mounts on the Waheela!
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
Brake splitter to allow me to operate both brakes with my left hand (adaptive tech is so cool!)
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Any and all candy, sour patch watermelon is a favorite though :)
2025 riding goal?
More gravel racing!
Joey Bowens
New Mexico, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Almond Snickers with a Coke (real sugar!)
2023 riding goal?
Explore state and national parks in NM via bicycle.
Dream cycling trip?
Ride down Highway 1.
Beija Flor
Washington, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Why do you ride an Otso?
My buddy at Goodweather introduced me 4 years ago. He was ripping around on single track on a Waheela C. After getting connected with Otso and riding them now for nearly 3 years, I’ve realized they’re the perfect marriage of fun and function. I get to do burly rides and little commutes too with complete trust that my bikes will get me where I’m going and look good doing so.
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Typically I don’t consider most of my pleasures to induce guilt, BUT my favorite and most necessary ride snack often is just large quantities of preserved meat - though lately it’s just been chicken tenders from Safeway AKA any meat snack.
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
There are two things that make my bikes perfect. One being the Zeitgeist bag from Swift Industries. There is no bag better than this bag I cannot emphasize this enough. It is perfectly spacious, can mount on your bars or on your saddle. I have it now in 3 colors. I will never stop loving this bag. My other favorite component is my Wolftooth Waveform Pedals. They are WILDLY grippy. So much so that I recommend not slipping and taking a chunk of your shin flesh out. I’ve rocked other flats that just are not at all safe to ride in the wet Seattle weather (not to mention the insane hills here). These pedals are also just literally stunning and will make your bike a bonafide baddie with these on.
2025 riding goal?
I’d like to get to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia on bike this year.
Stephanie Hall
Vermont, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Why do you ride an Otso?
The simplicity, yet thoughtful design, and ability to take a gravel bike just about anywhere. Since throwing on 2.1” mezcals on for Doom, I haven’t taken them off. The best bike I can think of for Vermont's class 4 roads, as well as speed on the buttery smooth stuff
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
oh there’s no guilt, kimchi. A farm fresh tomato or Vermont cheese. Creemes when the season calls for it obviously.
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
In this past year, 12spd!
2025 riding goal?
Hellenic. (???) , Bright Midnight (?)
Becca Book
Washington, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Why do you ride an Otso?
The versatility! The Waheela has taken me from elite cyclocross podiums to remote bikepacking races with just the flip of a chip (and many hours fretting about tire choice).
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Double scoop of Chocolate Shoppe Ultimate Oreo Ice Cream in a waffle cone.
What gear, component, or bike accessory has been a game changer for you?
A bolt on top tube bag to keep all of my snacks safely attached and close at hand.
2025 riding goal?
Highland Trail 550 bikepacking race
Hai & Khanh Truong
Minnesota, USA
Q&A
Which Otso bike(s) you own?
Guilty pleasure riding snack?
Pearson’s Nut Roll.
2023 riding goal?
Ride Croatia, Moab, Crested Butte and more bike rafting.
Dream cycling trip?
Bike tour of Basque Country and Pyrenees.