Chandra and Doug Almstedt
Meet Chandra and Doug! This power couple have been club members since nearly the beginning, and they are both very active with all things SPCC- from being club leaders, to racing, to participating in all the SPCC events, if you don’t know Chandra and Doug yet, you will soon! And Chandra works extra hard uploading photos, sharing race recaps and maintaining the SPCC socials!
1. Can you share how you first decided to become members or become involved with SPCC?
We joined SPCC in the early days after a neighbor and cycling friend mentioned it to us. We wanted more friends to ride with. At that time the club had 30-members. We've watched it grow to 500+members, plenty of club members to ride with!
2. How did you first get into cycling, and what do you love about it?
We both loved riding bikes as kids enjoying the freedom it offered. Doug started racing mountain bikes in the 90's (before it was cool, on the NORBA Circuit) , loving the speed and adventure. Chandra got more involved in road cycling in the 2000's when she was active in Tri-Utah's olympic length triathlons.
3. How do you enjoy spending your time when you are not cycling?
In the winter we enjoy alpine skiing, ski touring, XC skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking! There's never enough time in the winter for all of the sports we love. In the summer, beyond cycling which takes up the majority of free time, we hike and garden. We love to travel as well and try to plan trips during mud seasons to try to maximize our time in Park City during the summer and winter.
4. What advice do you have for new members wanting to join SPCC or how would you describe SPCC to potential members?
For those interested in joining the club, we'd recommend showing up a little early to one of the scheduled rides and talking to a ride leader to determine which group meets your preferred pace. We find club members to be welcoming, don't be shy.
5. What is a favorite SPCC memory or experience you would like to share?
It would be hard to choose just one memory. The spring mini camps in Southern Utah, end of year parties, post-race camaraderie and the NAC's Summit Challenge with members both riding and volunteering are highlights.
6. What do you love most about SPCC?
So many great friends made through the club, it feels like we're alway running into SPCC friends around town.
7. What are some of your favorite riding routes?
Each year Doug trains for LOTOJA and the Kamas Loop is a mainstay. He also enjoys routes such as Cascade Springs, Big Mountain and East Canyon gravel loop. Over the years, Chandra has gravitated to gravel riding and loves routes such as Little Wild Horse, Kane Creek, Deer Creek and Thousand Peaks.
8. What do you consider to be the best ride or race you have ever done?
Doug has had great results at LOTOJA over the years and will be racing it for the 14th time in 2025. His favorite win at that race was in 2020 when it came down to a 5-man sprint. It's hard to sprint after 200-miles of racing, that win stands out! Chandra loves riding new gravel routes and the Ride the Gap gravel route from 2023 was a proper gravel adventure in which she took the win.