Olympics Inspires People To Get Moving

Every two years, the Olympics showcases some of the world’s top athletes.
 
As we watch world class Olympians dominate the pool, track or gym many people are getting inspired to get going themselves.

With the men and women’s road races happening now, cyclists from all over are hitting the streets.
 
 
For the next two weeks, Olympic chatter is all around.
 
 
“Whether it’s cycling, or running or rowing I think everybody is thinking a little more athletically now that the Olympics are going on,” says Great Northern Bicycle Company Owner, Tom Smith
 
It’s a help in business for Smith, who is now seeing a more customers come through his doors.
 
“A lot of that ends up being cycling so we see a little bit of an uptick in the Olympic years,” says Smith.
 
Among those customers are Ian Whitney and his wife.

They’re spending the summer traveling across the country on bikes.
 
“We flew out to Seattle, we started in Washington and we’ve ridden about 3,000 miles so far,” says Ian Whitney of Boston, Mass.
 
And even with 2,000 more miles to go, Ian says there is no way he’s missing the Olympics.
 
“We just got done watching the women’s road race at Wurst Bier hall,” says Whitney.
 
“I think it definitely serves as an inspiration to us all of athletes doing incredible things, on the track in the pool and in the gym,” says Levi Bachmeier of Fargo.

And while Smith is usually focused on cycling, this Olympic season he’s rooting for a more familiar face, Gwen Jorgensen.
 
“She’s a defending world champion; she’s got a really good chance of doing well in the Olympics,” says Smith.
 
Jogensen’s husband Patrick Lemieux is a Fargo native.

But whether you’re a world champ or just riding for fun, the reasons behind getting on that bike aren’t all too different.
 
“You’re not thinking about the problems in your life you basically just have to ride a bike,” says Whitney.
 
Another interesting note, Gwen’s husband Patrick who is a North Dakota native, is also a former employee at Great Northern Bicycle Company.

Smith says he worked there for around six years.