Meet the Team

I have been riding a bike almost my whole life. Didn't have a car in high school, so I rode my bike everywhere but didn't start racing until I was 30 and have not stopped since. I have been on the team since 2012 and became President in 2024. My beautiful wife and I just purchased Einstein Cycles and we are glad to serve this wonderful cycling community!
"With great power comes great responsibility" - Uncle Ben

Larry Brownell is a dedicated member of the Hagerty Cycling Team, bringing years of experience and competitive spirit to the group. A Traverse City–area rider, Larry has competed in a variety of races and events, representing the team across Michigan and beyond with strong performances and steady consistency. Known for his commitment to training and team camaraderie, he embodies the Hagerty Cycling Team’s passion for endurance, community, and the joy of riding.

I did not start my true cycling adventure (addiction) until 2018. I grew up around bikes, riding to the nearest gas station for snacks, but nothing competitive or more serious than a leisurely ride. I now can't imagine my life without riding bikes, a lot. I joined the Hagerty Race Team in 2022 and have really enjoyed the experience and getting to know other local riders. I am looking forward to many more years on a bike, seeing where two wheels can take me, and sharing miles with great teammates. 

I began the thrills and spills of racing bikes as a student at Central Michigan University in the mid 1990s while I was obtaining my teaching degree. Soon thereafter, I was lured into joining my friends in the early days of The Iceman Cometh. We had snow nearly every race, most often on race day-eve. I deeply enjoy the solitude of cycling as well as Nordic skiing but I equally value belonging to an organized team like Hagerty. I look forward to serving as a dependable and positive teammate, helping others find success and lend support anyway I can in training, racing and celebrating other’s triumphs.

I’ve always loved riding my bike. From being a kid chasing my brothers around the block to now as an adult biking as the ultimate freedom. I ride to find my own limits and to build a sense of belonging within a community that values the journey as much as the destination. 

 I grew up riding bikes of all kinds. After years of watching my brother and dad race. I joined the team in 2024.

I love being part of a team that agrees a good time is one spent on a bike. While I’m riding fewer miles these days, I still thrive on the shared energy and synergy of an all-out bicycle race. My mountain-bike-riding husband (and new Hagerty teammate), Eric, and I are gearing up for a special season: our toddler Mia’s first summer on a balance bike.

1988!  I started riding mountain bikes.  Coming off the BMX bike as the mode of transportation around the neighborhood, mountain bikes opened up the spirit of adventure.  I grew up riding and skiing Vasaland and in fact, started riding the Vasa Singletrack before it was popular.  Personal life has me married to my wife, Lisa, for 30 years and counting.  We have raised three boys who are out of the house and onto their own careers in the TC area. Family is most important to me!    Over the years my style of riding has changed to that of endurance racing and riding.  I enjoy every year Polar Roll, Crusher and Marji Gesick along with some gravel races such as Barry-Roubaix and Dirty 30.  My favorite race, which is like Cycling Christmas is the annual Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Challenge.  So much my favorite I have completed all 36 races to date.  Ha!  Thank you for welcoming me to the Hagerty team.  I look forward to contributing to the Team!  

Growing up in Northern Michigan, I found mountain biking chasing older riders down dirt trails on my BMX. After upgrading to my first aluminum Cannondale, I was hooked on going faster and farther. Inspired by Tim Brick and local youth racing events, I began pushing my limits. Volunteering with the Michigan Mountain Biking Association introduced me to competitive racing, and I’ve been racing mountain and road bikes across Northern Michigan and the UP ever since.

I’m a mom, a four-season cyclist and a scientist (not always in that order). I love riding dirt, and occasionally ride pavement to get to the dirt. In 2026, my goal is to dig deeper and challenge myself with longer races. I am grateful to be part of Hagerty and enjoy sharing adventures with the team