Kazzy Saito is a mountain bike racer, a trail builder and bike mechanic based out of Carbondale, Colorado. We met at Interbike and I was immediately swept up by his knowledge, his passion and his commitment to all things cycling. We chatted recently about riding, racing and his love for his hometown.

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You came to America from Japan at the age of twelve, what were your first impressions of this country?

It felt huge. I came here by myself without my family. I went to a Japanese high school inTennessee, then lived in South Carolina until 2005 before moving to Colorado. Wow! I’ve been here over 20 years. Still living my dream as a cyclist!

When did you start getting into Cycling?

Well, I’ve been riding bikes since I was little. I was also a soccer player, but I seriously started as a XC mountain biker in 1998, then started racing downhill in 2000. I’m still racing DH, 4X, DS and XC. I just love to ride and meet new people. I love to share my passion as a cyclist.

What else are you up to these days?

I work for Singletrack Trails at the moment. We build mountain bike trails, bike parks and pump tracks. Basically we travel and build trails. And I’m a bike mechanic as well.

What’s the latest trail project?

Right now I’m in Glendo, WY building XC mountain biking trials. It’s in Glendo State Park.

What’s the most memorable trail you’ve created and where is it?

Last summer I went to Nashville, TN and built an awesome mountain bike trail at Warner Mountain bike trails. Each trail is from a different trail builder and each one has a different taste. You have to go there and ride!

What’s you favorite placed to ride?

I would say my home town, Carbondale, CO. It’s a great biking community for sure. You find all kinds of cyclists: mountain bikers, road bikers, townies… It’s all about cycling. If you want to know about the cycling scene in Carbondale the place to go is Aloha Mountain Cyclery. They are great people. Come on out, I’ll show you around and take you for great ride. It doesn’t matter what kind of bike, because I ride all kinds!!