Inside the peloton: Greg Looman

Greg Looman’s four trips to GFNY NYC have been very memorable. Combining family weekend getaways with racing the GFNY NYC Championship, are something Greg describes as a “spectacular experience.”

For each trip, Greg would spend some family time in Manhattan enjoying tourism activities, and complementing the enjoyment of New York City with time spent at the GFNY Expo. As with so many GFNY riders, meeting new people and making new friends, and seeing friends from previous years were highlight experiences brought to each race weekend. Best of all for Greg, was seeing others from the Ottawa cycling community.

One of the big highlights: Meeting Nelson Vails. While Greg doesn’t follow pro cycling very much he remembered watching Nelson in the 1984 Olympics as a teenager, and Nelson became Greg’s cycling hero, making meeting Nelson extra special.

Greg attributes the success of GFNY to the preparation of the course, the dramatic start on the bridge, and being with all of the riders together in such an iconic location. “Everything’s well marked, the volunteers are great, and having closed roads is great. I ride on my own and there are lots of groups I can join in with, the ride itself, is challenging and fun”.

Greg is really looking forward to GFNY coming to Ottawa in September of 2026. “I think it’s going to be great.  Plus, since I live here, I can try out the course ahead of time – what a treat.”