Dimitroff ready to tackle a mountain

It’s no secret that Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff believes in physical well-being and consuming natural, unprocessed food. It’s a philosophy he’s helped infuse into the overall athletic performance of the athletes on the Falcons’ roster.

Dimitroff’s public image is reinforced by his own committed lifestyle consisting of organic food choices and rigorous fitness activities. Care to witness first-hand the successful Falcons GM walk the talk ? Well, here’s your opportunity.

Dimitroff will take part in Pedal with a Purpose to benefit Georgia Cancer Foundation (GCF) on Sunday, July 25, at 7 a.m. Cyclists are encouraged to register and join Dimitroff and others as they traverse Burnt Mountain in Forsyth and Cherokee Counties.

“Because cancer was the cause of my Father’s untimely death in 1996 and because I truly believe in the merits and health benefits of good fitness, and specifically cycling in this case, I thought it was a great match,” Dimitroff said. “To get outside, ride our bikes, have fun and raise some money for those in need is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday.”

Pedal with a Purpose offers four options for a wide range of cyclists: a six mile family ride, 30-mile ride, 62-mile ride and a 100-mile ride. Dimitroff will be participating in the 100 mile ride, which begins and ends at Milton High School in Milton, GA.

Two-wheel transportation has been a staple throughout the 43-year-old general manager’s life. In fact, Dimitroff never owned an automobile until he graduated from the University of Guelph. The love of cycling evolved into mountain-biking, and in his 20s Dimitroff spent six years racing mountain bikes competitively on the amateur circuit.

“Since then I spend a lot more time on my road bike, but I still love the ‘dirt’ and riding’ ‘fat’ [biking slang for the wide, nubby tires on the more squat and durable mountain bikes].”

Dimitroff will need to draw on his vast experience for this weekend’s ride. The “Burnt Mountain Century,” as it’s known, isn’t for novice riders. In fact, the event flyer offers this terse disclaimer for those considering Sunday’s excursion:

“Participants are asked to use their best judgment in deciding whether or not to attempt this extremely challenging 100 mile distance!  PWAP volunteers reserve the right to pull a rider from the course if they appear too fatigued to continue. All riders who have not finished by 2:30 PM will be pulled from the course.”

Those who aren’t quite ready to conquer the mountain are encouraged to attend and cheer on riders and take part in the fare of some of the local restaurateurs. For more information, visit the Pedal With A Purpose event website.

The Georgia Cancer Foundation provides education, early detection and support for Georgians affected by all types of cancer. There are over 36,000 people in Georgia that are diagnosed with cancer each year, costing an estimated $4.6 billion for treatment. GCF believes that everyone deserves to be provided with treatment regardless of an inability to access and/or pay for care. All funds raised will go toward providing life-saving screenings for those who are uninsured, unemployed and generally medically under-served living in our community.

For a taste of what Dimitroff is facing this Sunday, check out this recap of a recent Burnt Mountain cycling trip:

EXTRA CREDIT:

Thomas Dimitroff On His Biking Gear:

Road Bike – “Right now my road bike is a Colnago C50, affectionately known as one of the workhorse bikes in the Tour de France. Its all decked out with Campy components (Campagnola) and is a very smooth ride that climbs very well thru the mountains in Colorado and Georgia.”

Mountain Bike - “My MTB is a DEAN Duke soft tail. Dean is a local Boulder, CO titanium bike company that keeps it real and produces fine product. It’s a little bit older and one I’d like to replace with a 29er in the near future. But it has sentimental value due to the race miles I have on it.”