The Community Says:
Kenny Mack is not only an accomplished athlete, but an ambassador of goodwill for all cyclists in the DC area. His infectious enthusiasm and cheer shines like a 40 watt HiD headlight everywhere he goes.
Kenny is a really unique individual in the cycling community. He is a professional floor installer and works long hours at a number of different locations around DC. Kenny doesn't own a car and commutes by bike everyday from PG county. While there are a lot of commuters coming into DC from Virginia and Montgomery Co., I'm willing to bet that he is one of the few handful of dedicated bike commuters from east of the river. In my shop, I often hear Kenny explaining his morning routine to people from Anacostia/Southeast. When Kenny talks, people listen. I can see them start to imagine what it would be like to use a bike as something more than a toy for kids.
Kids look to Kenny as a role model and really seek his approval when they tell him about their cycling adventures. Most kids from the east side have seen him around town, riding in his work clothes or decked out in his team kit. Instead of looking like a freak or a hippie, Kenny makes his daily riding habits seem normal. I've heard kids bragging to Kenny about how many times a week they've ridden to school. Kenny is both admired and inspiring to kids, particularly from the east side and to the cycling community as a whole.
Kenny Mack is a true fan of the sport. He is known by many of the local DC shops and his friendly smile is always welcome, but his Dallas Cowboys hat must come off. He loves to talk about bike racing and keeps up on the news, both international racing and local, such as the Greenbelt training race. While in the shop he loves to speak with clients and recommends his favorite bike, rides and component choices. As Kenny does not have a car he is always seen on his Specialized single speed, Specialized road bike, or Cannondale mountain bike riding around the streets of DC. Kenny is always happy to be on a bike and brightens everyone's day with his enthusiasm!
Kenny never misses an opportunity to advise and encourage other cyclists, young and old, from casual riders to area pros. If you're fast and lucky you can find him out on a group ride. Otherwise, he'll be at a local bike shop, teaching a group of kids to patch tubes or explaining to new riders everything from choosing comfortable socks to eating right. As a representative of cyclists in the greater DC area, Kenny Mack spreads more kindness and cheer than an entire diplomatic envoy of cyclists ever could.
Judge's comment: "First of all, Kenny has figured out a bike route out of Prince George's County, which should at the very least earn him a Presidential Medal of Freedom! But it's his bike evangelism, especially toward kids, that makes Kenny special."
Judge's comment: "This guy ALWAYS brings a smile to my face when I see him, and I know the same is true of anyone who has ever met him. My lone pick of candidates who aren't neccesarily 'active' in promoting bicycling, and it is WELL deserved. His use of bicycling to get through some rather trying personal issues is inspirational. If nothing else Kenny should be the 'area cyclist most likely to make you smile'."
Judge's comment: "He has an infectious way of sharing his cycling. In addition, using his bicycles to commute to his job in another county is an inspiration. Further, since his job is in teh construction trade he is a tremendous example to others workers."
