Athlete of the Week: Howard Veit

Howard Veit has been an avid cyclist for most of his life and now has a love for recumbent cycling. Veit lives on Longboat Key part of the year, and he loves Longboat not only for its beauty but also because of its bike lanes and the vista views that are perfect for recumbent cycling.

How long have you been a cyclist?
I’ve been a cyclist for about 25 years, and over the last 10 years I’ve gravitated to recumbent cycling.

What do you like about recumbent cycling?
Recumbent cycling is very exciting, because a recumbent bicycle puts you in a more comfortable riding position so you don’t have the normal aches and pains that you get from an upright bike.

How often do you ride and for how long?
My typical training day is anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours. I typically train five to six days a week, and my typical annual mileage is anywhere between 7,500 to 8,000 miles per year.

Do you compete or do long rides?
I’ll do maybe 10 or 11 century rides a year — a century ride is 100 miles, and I’ve even done rides that are more than 100 miles. I’ve done 125- and 150-mile rides in a day.

What is your favorite part about your sport?
It helps me stay healthy into older age … my most important goal is to stay healthy and active as long as possible.

Contact Rachel S. O’Hara at [email protected].