Name: Mario Cristiani

Employer: Varian Medical Systems (I am a contractor, but we keep talking about long term employment so I am hopeful)

Job Position: Change Management Lead for IT Programs

Hometown: San Jose

Where do you commute from? San Jose, from Curtner and Leigh Avenues

We hear you’re on a pretty exciting cross country bike trip! Tell us about it.

I am currently riding my home built electric bike from the Pacific to the Atlantic to talk to people about replacing consumerism, strengthening society and stopping carbon pollution. You can find out how the trip is going by visiting my blog at https://the-ethos-project.com.

Why did you decide to do it?

I came up with this idea through working at Varian. Luckily, I met some great people there who who are part of a weekly philosophy group run by Ross Hannibal. It was in one of those meetings that the idea was hatched.

What's the most surprising thing you've encountered so far?

I think that I have been pleasantly surprised by all of the generosity from people I don’t even know. It can be scary on the road by yourself.

How many years have you been commuting by bike commute and how often?

This stint, going on two years, but I can remember biking to work when I was 18 while working in warehouses in San Jose.

Why do you bike?

Because it is the best part of my day. And, I can get to work in almost the same amount of time as my car. And I get exercise. And I don’t ruin the environment.

Are you willing to help new cyclists in any way?

Of course. I could ride with new riders to give them the tricks I use. I’m happy to talk about or demonstrate bike repairs, or just be a commute buddy. I know that first time’s are always the hardest. Editor’s note: Contact Mario at Mario.Cristiani@varian.com.

What’s something unrelated to biking that most people don’t know about you?

I love to garden and have been working on a tech driven vertical garden solution – I just need some free time.