Could You Finish Grinduro on a 1991 Schwinn Hybrid?
Finishing your first long-distance bike ride can be tough to do. But to complete the 70-mile Grinduro! PA course after only getting into cycling two months prior—with your previous longest ride being the 18-mile prologue the day before the event—that’s something special. Oh, and to do it on a bike more than twice your age—that’s superhuman.
Bicycling's editors presented the Lanterne Rouge Award to the last rider to finish the 70-mile course. Traditionally, in road cycling, this title is given to the last-placed rider in the race. Though not officially recognized, the Lanterne Rouge has been handed out at the Tour de France since 1903. The name comes from the red lanterns that used to hang from the back of railway cars, and while it signifies the last-placed rider, for many, it is a symbol of success and not failure.
Bicycling sat down with Grinduro! PA Lanterne Rouge Award winner, Kyle Mizenko. This 15-year-old rider from Madison Township, PA, so far enjoys riding trails the most. Since picking up cycling only two months ago, Kyle has been frequenting the secondary roads and rail trails of Lackawanna County near Scranton, PA, on his Schwinn hybrid.
After watching Kyle finish Grinduro, he is our new favorite rider. And he might just be yours too. In this Q&A, we discuss Mizenko’s Grinduro experience, learn what motivates him, and find out where he got his bike.
Name: Kyle Mizenko
Age:15
Hometown: Madison Township, PA
Bicycling: We heard that your longest ride before Grinduro PA was 15 miles. How did it feel to ride more than four times that distance?
Kyle Mizenko: We did do the 18-mile Prologue on Friday, but prior to that, 15 miles was my longest ride. 70 miles was very intimidating and super tough. It took a lot of physical and mental strength to finish.
B: So, tell us about your bike. It seems to be older than you. How did you get this bike?
KM: My bike is a 1991 Schwinn CrissCross that we found on the side of the road. It is 31 years old. I love that it didn’t fall apart during the ride.
B: Was there a moment when you were on the Grinduro PA route that you thought about quitting?
KM: Yes, a few. I didn’t quit because even though it was hard, I knew I could finish.
B: What made you continue?
KM: My dad helped me to continue.
B: Finishing DFL (Dead F’in Last) in bike races has a long and respected history. It is associated with tough riders and people with lots of determination. Do you understand the significance and honor behind being the Lanterne Rouge?
KM: Now, yes.
B: How does it make you feel to be that rider at Grinduro?
KM: I feel very honored.
B: Where are you planning to display your award?
KM: On our fireplace mantel in our house is where it will be when we are not using it when we go camping.
B: Tell us some about your Grinduro experience. What was your favorite part of the ride?
KM: The beautiful views of nature throughout the ride.
B: What was the worst?
KM: The incredibly steep and infinite hills.
B: Is there any part you want to do again?
KM: Yes, the fast downhills and the pancake aid station. Next time we will not miss the fries and ice cream!
B: Any part you never want to ride again in your life?
KM: No, but there was a point, near the state forest entrance, where a tree fell while we were stopped, and seconds later, we saw a baby bear climb up a tree about 10 yards away, we moved out, and luckily did not encounter its mother.
B: Which was your favorite pit stop and why?
KM: High Knob Overlook, it was breathtaking.
B: You rode Grinduro with your father. What was that like?
KM: He encouraged me all throughout the ride. I wouldn’t have finished without him. (Editor’s note: Kyle’s dad, Mike, added; “Little does he know, but that sentiment is mutual.”)
B: Did you let him finish in front of you so you could get the award?
KM: No, he is faster than me.
B: Do you plan to ride Grinduro PA in 2023? What will you do differently than in 2022?
KM: Yes. I will definitely get a different, hopefully, newer bike. I will take less breaks and push through the long hills.
B: Any shoutouts you want to give to family, friends, or sponsors?
KM: My dad, for taking me on the ride with him and helping me finish. My mom, Christine, and sister, Anna, for supporting me at the end. Easton (course volunteer) and his coach (we didn’t catch his name, he drove the blue Toyota) for helping us through the final stretch and providing some much-needed diversionary conversation. My dad’s Army friend, Tim Gronski, and his dad, John, for letting us know about Grinduro in the first place, camping with us, and grilling brats and burgers. Everyone at all the checkpoints and along the route.
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