Name: Hanny Elmessiry

Age: 47

Where are you from?: Originally, Alexandria, now Cairo, Egypt.

What do you do for a living? Partner and President MENA region for an Equity Investment and advisory firm

When and why did you start cycling? Always had a bike, but started MTB 2 years back

Road, off-road, or both? I do both, (20-80) but my heart lies with off-road (80%)

Tell us about your bike(s)!: started out with a Jeep bike, not knowing about weight/frame, size etc., went based on full suspension and looks. When introduced to the MTB Egypt and my friends Omar and Kareem, my eyes were opened to the world of specifications, which made me purchase a Trek Rumble Fish, 29’er full suspension, during my trip to California after extensive research and opting for this versus a Trek super fly, Carbon, where I got concerned about breaking the frame, plus fact is I could wait for a special order, wanted to roll in California before hitting our Wadi

Favorite ride(s) (road or off-road): The Sinai trip was out of this world, but locally, the North ridge was more challenging and different

Do you practice other sports?: Yes, daily swimmer, 5 days gym and three days a week running

Tell us about your cycling-related injuries/accidents: Most interesting was on the North Ridge with Neal only, ahead of the pack to quickly get my car for in injured friend, where I did not listen to Neal’s advice of not taking the slope, I did and started skidding body first, protection gear slid off my knee, then when settled saw my Trek coming at me, stopped by my body, then rolled on top of my head. That day I slightly dislocated my shoulder and appreciated the gear and helmet

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself? Glad to have know you all. Have actually given a new meaning to being in Egypt, and my way of life. Now looking forward to out of Egypt experience next.