THE ANIMA COLLECTIVE:
Tomás Parra-Gómez
A RIDER WITH AN UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE:
We met Tomás in 2022 riding bikes at our favorite trails here in Salt Lake and Park City. He’s the type of person you’re immediately drawn to with an outgoing, kind, and genuine personality … traits we deeply value. You’ll often find Tomás riding dirt jumps at I-Street and building trails in Park City during the heat of summer. He’s an easy guy to spot, usually the first one there and last one to leave. Oh, and don’t worry about introducing yourself, odds are Tomás we’ll beat you to it! What he doesn’t make up for in kindness he makes up for with his effortless style on the bike – usually met with a lot of “woahs” and “yooo!’s” from onlookers.
We interviewed Tomás to dig into who he is as a person, and how he uses the bike, and style to feel comfortable in his own skin. We hope you feel equally inspired from his words.
Interview below.
WHY IS SELF EXPRESSION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
"Riding bikes brings freedom, where I feel most expressive, can expand, and explore where I want to take my ideas, lines, or tricks. This usually bleeds into everyday life, where I could consider myself chronically awkward at times. A good session on bikes keeps me confident and uplifted while getting groceries after, talking to strangers, and any “non-bike” activity that may proceed. This dedicated space on my bike allows me to explore the self, bringing ideas as to how I want to be perceived in the world and on the bike. Dropping in, I’ll just think “be water” and try and look as relaxed and flowy as possible with the intention of it looking so relaxed and flowy to inspire others. I believe putting effort into being perceived as somewhat peaceful, so others feel less stress when I’m in their presence. It adds to your calm demeanor and when contrasted with energetic yet composed riding, creates the ultimate artist on the bike.
Riding bikes is when I feel most comfortable. I become happier and more social because that’s where I feel most expressive. Biking is where I feel most understood."
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION TO DEFINE YOU ON AND OFF THE BIKE?
“I like my fashion to be somewhat understated and multifunctional. I strive to look ‘aggressively casual’ by wearing cotton tees and bagged out.
I love the idea of looking incredibly unassuming, and then shocking onlookers with shiny bikes and bright kits. Growing up racing DH, I was convinced as a little grom that I needed to spend a few hundred dollars to have clothes to race in. Protection is important but looking like a 'mountain-biker' out of a magazine is kind of senseless to me. To dress however you want only adds to the depth of your personality as a rider, gives people something to be intrigued by, and does not falsely inspire new riders to spend big money on pants that won’t last.
I try and present myself as an approachable biker, it looks so much more attainable to be riding well in normal clothes and not a few hundred dollars of some motocross company’s money.”
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT JOINING ANIMA MERX AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR?
“That is what stokes me out on riding for ANIMA Merx. I’m not a racer and I’m not looking to support the industry giants and moto companies that are promoting clothes that aren’t stylish without the context of your bike. I go to work, wrench on bikes, eat some lunch, spill some coffee on me, then go to I-Street. I don’t want to change my routine; I want to ride when I’m off work in regular clothes because they’re just as functional and generally more affordable. There are more subtle ways of expressing yourself with regular clothes, presenting messages you support, brands you like and all while being functional enough to stay on when you’re done riding and moving onto everyday activities. ANIMA Merx aligns with the fact that I don’t just ride bikes, I turn wrenches for a living, love cooking, absolutely adore drinking some hot coffee. A neon yellow jersey could never represent those things, only artists can.”
WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE LINED UP IN 2023?
“This year I am planning on touring across the state of Washington and the province of British Columbia on my gravel bike. It’s something like 1,600+ miles of riding over the next few months. The first leg of it starts this Sunday … wish me luck!
With a wild winter here in Utah, we are waiting for our favorite skidders to melt out so we can go work on them. It is a waiting game for now, so we’ll be digging at I-Street when we’re not pedaling!”
"RIDING BIKES IS WHEN I FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE .. BIKING IS WHERE I FEEL MOST UNDERSTOOD."
