Brian Mansfield is one of the original Jersey Shore Triathlon Club members. With season number two now in the books, we caught up with Brian just as the first frost summoned up his mountain bike for the start of a little off season fun and gun.
JSTC: Brian, tell our audience where you originate from and where is home these days?
BM: I was born and raised in Neptune, New Jersey. For 4 years of college I found myself in the cornfields of Kutztown, Pa. Then I found myself all the way…back in Neptune. I know what you’re thinking…what a world traveler!
JSTC: Ah yes…K.U. Far enough away from home to learn about life, but close enough to get a good meal when you’re flat broke halfway through the semester. We’re bonding already Brian.
JSTC: Tell us about your family.
BM: My family is my biggest support team and cheerleaders. Lisa and the boys help me pack the van, wake up at obscenely early hours, nap in the van, and proudly ring their cowbells as I pass by. They get to see me for a total of 8 seconds over the course of a 3 hour Oly course…if that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is!
JSTC: Got a job?
BM: I’ve carried a gun and a badge for 12 years. That means I’m ˝ way to retirement. Unless the IRS makes me work until I’m 50!
JSTC: That’s a real job all right. Very cool. Honest opinion….Do you like the new Wall cop car colors?
BM: Actually, I do like the colors. And it’s not just because one of my bosses was instrumental in the change. Change is good. Hey, that should be a campaign slogan!
JSTC: Right (wink wink), I’ll be sure to copy the Captain.
JSTC: What do you ride when it’s two wheeled?
BM: I ride a road bike, a Specialized Allez with clip-on aerobars. With shoes and pedals, $1000. Can’t be beat!
JSTC: You must like your running shoes…there are more pics of you smiling on the Long Branch boardwalk than any other member. What ‘cha wearing?
BM: I’ve always been an Asics guy. I started wearing them to run to get in shape for soccer in grammar school. I’ve even wrestled in them and played volleyball in them.
JSTC: What style skin in the water?
BM: As a man with a family and a shoe-string budget, I laid down a cool $99 for a sleeveless Neosport.
JSTC: Holy thrift! Dude…With those last three answers…please submit your resume to Obama…then fix our nation’s budget woes, take your bonus and treat yourself to a Cervelo.
JSTC: How was the season in 2008?
BM: 2008 was great. I returned to all my race sites from 2007. Philly, NJ State, NorthEast MD, and War at the Shore. I beat my times on 3 out of 4 courses. After all, it was a bit hot at NJ State this year, wasn’t it?
JSTC: I’m having another flashback…this time to the Dragnet series because you keep asking a question to throw me off my game. I will not break…I’m telling you now.
JSTC: As mentioned in the intro, you are one of the original JSTC members. What do you think so far?
BM: Well, at the first meeting in March of 2007, I got coffee, a sandwich, beer and a t-shirt, and I had only paid $5. Need I say more?
JSTC: There you go again. Just the facts Brian…just the facts.
JSTC: What’s the fastest you ever clocked a cyclist with radar?
BM: Funny thing is, whenever I see a bike coming I flip the switch and yell out their speed. Catches them by surprise every time.
JSTC: Nice touch. Let’s see if you answer this question…
JSTC: Those radar things really accurate? I mean…if you want to get something off your chest….Do it here. No one reads this stuff.
BM: Nice try. There are plenty of attorneys in the club. Maybe one of them will help you get out of your ticket…for a price!
JSTC: I can’t imagine that scenario. Wait…Tim Horn….Yes, you’re right. Damn it Brian, you might have opened my eyes. Horn once told me the most expensive vehicle has the right of way. He was speaking in metaphors!
JSTC: Ever use the laser gun to get rid of that unwanted hair?
BM: Sometimes, the razor just isn’t enough.
JSTC: Moving on…
JSTC: You know I’m a little jealous you got a mountain bike hill at Allaire named after you. How did you pull that off?
BM: Let’s just say that practice makes perfect. Remember that shoe-string budget mentioned earlier? Well, I’ve been riding the same mountain bike since 1996, and I’ve been riding in Allaire even longer. So let’s just say, me and that hill have an understanding.
JSTC: What’s your favorite donut?
BM: Finally a serious question… Dunkin Donuts Blueberry Cake.
JSTC: Breakfast of champions. Well done.
JSTC: Be honest…ever spill CytoMax on the laptop in the squad car and have the key pad jam?
BM: Seeing as I spend every extra penny on Cliff Bars (A.J. understands my addiction, do they put crack in them?) I can only afford to drink tap water and Gatorade. And the classic Green, Red and Orange. None of this sissy Blue stuff!
JSTC: Insert Gatorade and that’s a yes. I think I have finally decoded the Mansfield Matrix.
JSTC: You are a real believer in Cross Fit. What’s that all about?
BM: As much pain as you can inflict upon yourself in 20 minutes or less, and being better off for it.
JSTC: I once was in a relationship very similar.
JSTC: Where would you like the JSTC to go from here?
BM: On a bus…to D.C….for the Nation’s Triathlon…and kick DC Tri Club’s A$$ !
JSTC: Leave the driving to me…I like that idea.
JSTC: Got a best moment in racing?
BM: Finishing. And more specifically, finishing at NJ State, knowing there is hot food, cold beer and good friends and family waiting.
JSTC: What is your fastest transition from writing one ticket, and pulling over the next guy to write him up too?
BM: Well, ever since I finally installed speed laces on my ticket book, my T times have plummeted!
JSTC: Who are you more likely to give a break to…a girl with a Trek 1500 stashed in the back of her hybrid Saturn going 77 in a 40, or a guy with a brand new Cervelo P4 mounted on the top of his Porsche 911 turbo going 51 in a 40?
BM: This is a trick question. I don’t have all of the information. I need to know two things: 1) is the girl wearing one of those silly one-piece tri suits or is she in a Desiree Ficker two piece job? and B) does the guy let me test ride the P4?
JSTC: They are all trick questions.
JSTC: Our club picnic is this August, and a couple members are determined to beat Slavinski at kick ball, hoop, man hunt…something. Can we borrow your cuffs, pepper spray, and club on that day?
BM: I don’t even think a Nancy-Kerrigan-baton-to-the-kneecap will slow that guy down! Maybe we can cut his hair like Samson?
JSTC: Yes on the pepper spray. Got it.
JSTC: You are captain of a triathlon relay team in a race where style counts, not time. Who is on your team from the club?
BM: A.J. for the hair, Jim Walsh for the direction (he wears a GPS under his swim cap for cryin’ out loud!) and a combo of Smarks and Sheila for the after party! And they count as one pick. After all, they did dress the same at last year’s end of year party!
JSTC: Thanks for answering some and avoiding most of my questions!
You are a class act sir. You give off a great vibe in transition with your cool collectiveness and good nature, and I know you’ve helped many a club member get it together when it seems a bit overwhelming.
You get the last word. And thank you being a part of The Jersey Shore Triathlon Club.
BM: I find it amazing that I had trouble in high school writing a 500 word essay, but I can pen a novel for a race report. I truly want to thank the JSTC for a great two years. From river swims and a BBQ on the river in Brielle, to group rides in Howell, club meetings at great locations, a great end of 2007 party, support, advice, the list goes on. I’m looking forward to 2009 and the JSTC helping me cross the finish line of Eagleman, my first 70.3. And of course, thanks to the club for introducing me to JoeD!
Mansfield OUT!