Mercer Island is known to be the most bike friendly city in Western Washington. Known for considerate drivers and naturally contoured roads, Mercer Island sees countless solo and group riders take in the greenery and environment while being able to enjoy their ride in the most unique and natural setting near Seattle.
Alden Gwinn, a young man with a passion for cycling, had always felt a strong connection to Mercer Island. Born in Issaquah and having spent a significant part of his youth in the Netherlands, it was only natural that he would gravitate towards this island that seemed to share his love for the two-wheeled sport.
Upon graduating from Gonzaga University, Alden knew there was only one place he wanted to call home: the scenic and welcoming Mercer Island. His father's advice echoed in his mind as he settled into his new life. "Three business avenues you'll use later in life: tennis, golf, and cycling." And although he enjoyed tennis and golf, it was cycling that truly captured his heart.
Alden's passion for cycling began during his time in the Netherlands, where bikes were as common as cars on the streets, and children learned to cycle from a very young age. The Dutch culture embraced cycling as a way of life, and Alden quickly became enamored with the sport. He would ride 10 to 15 miles a day, exploring the picturesque countryside and the bustling streets of the cities.
It wasn't long before Alden began participating in professional races. He competed in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, honing his skills on the bike and fostering a deep love for the sport. Upon returning to the United States, Alden continued to race, taking part in competitions in Florida and Texas.
After graduating from college, Alden stepped away from racing competitively, but his love for cycling never waned. Instead, he shifted his focus to leisurely rides and networking through the sport, often remarking, "Not many sports where you can talk for two hours."
Living on Mercer Island provided Alden with the perfect backdrop for his cycling adventures. The island was like a cycling paradise, with a continuous road that offered a 10-14 mile loop, complete with hills, turns, and stunning views. It reminded Alden of the slower pace and cycling-friendly atmosphere he had experienced in Europe.
But it wasn't just the cycling opportunities that made Mercer Island special for Alden; it was the strong sense of community that permeated the island. Residents were friendly and welcoming, and he felt a genuine connection to his neighbors.
Alden Gwinn's love for cycling had taken him on a journey across continents, from the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands to the sun-soaked streets of Florida. But it was on Mercer Island, surrounded by the people he cared about and the sport he loved, that he had found his true home.
And as he pedaled through the winding roads of the island, Alden couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the life he had built - a life filled with the joy of cycling and the warmth of a close-knit community.
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Alden Gwinn is a Client Service Associate with Tschetter Group where his role is to act as a client liaison between Service, Operations, and Planning/Advisory. You can contact him at alden@tschettergroup.com and for information about the Tschetter Group contact info@tschettergroup.com.