Highland Park

Delfino Parra

I started riding at age 16 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and became so energized by the sport of cycling that I began racing just two years later. Within one year, I moved through the ranks up to Cat 1. In my early 20s, I had five solid years of racing, including stage races in the United States and Mexico and the national championships in Mexico. I continue to hold a USA Cycling, Cat 1 license and race several times a year. I train several times each week and can’t get on the bike enough. Cycling is a sport that keeps you young and healthy. I also love the competitive side of racing. When I am on my bike in a race, I forget about the world and race to win. Today I ride a Colnago CX-1 with SRAM Red components. What I enjoy most about cycling are the people. The friends I have made in cycling are lifelong for me.

Sheila Wilson

I fell in love with bikes as soon as my training wheels were off — before I was six years old. I still remember my first real bicycle, a Schwinn Breeze. It was orange and so cool! I also loved riding a unicycle as a kid and still ride one to work on occasion. I not only enjoy bicycling, but also just about any outdoor activity, including hiking, swimming, climbing mountains, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, and gardening. I also love working with people and kids. My husband and I have three boys, ages 16, 19, and 21. I’ve been working at Higher Gear since March 2006.

Brian Dehmer

A native of the Chicago area, I have always enjoyed the outdoors, cycling, and backpacking. I sold investments and advertising until my love of riding bikes turned into a career working with them. Since 1994, I have worked in small shops and national retailers. I most enjoy riding mountain bikes and locally ride Palos, Kettle Moraine, and Saw Wee Kee. When the trails are wet, it’s long rides on the cyclocross bike.

Catherine Watkins

Bio to come soon…