Aaron Long
Background
A California native, I began racing in the mid 1980s on an XC mountain bike in the birthplace of mountain biking: the San Francisco Bay area. During the off seasons I competed extensively in cyclocross and observed trials disciplines, mastering the expert modified class and performing in a number of bicycle expo shows. After a few years spent on furthering my studies and exploring other interests, I returned to cycling on the road in 1996, inspired by LeMond and others making their mark in the Tour de France. Today I continue to compete at the highest level of masters road and mountain bike racing worldwide. In 2004 I founded the ThirstyBear Cycling Team, which won a U.S. National Championship (Chris Phipps) in 2013 and regularly competes successfully all over the western regional U.S.
After graduating from Moreau Catholic High School, I earned an A.A. degree from Diablo Valley College and a B.A. degree in Economics and Accountancy from the University of California - Santa Barbara. I currently split my time between residences in San Francisco, California and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I've enjoyed the last two seasons working with my personal coach and mentor Hunter Allen, who was my inspiration to join the PCG team.
Coaching philosophy
As a husband, father, competitor, and coach, I know the importance of maintaining a balance between the aforementioned and enjoyment. Over the years many have come and gone in our sport due to an unintended "all or nothing" mantra and forgotten to keep it fun. I've used power meters since 2008 and offer a data-driven approach to address your personal goals. With decades of training and racing experience across a number of disciplines, I will develop your plan to continue enjoying cycling while reaching your full potential.
Notable achievements and specialties
- 2000 NORBA National MTB XC Finals Mammoth Mountain, California: Silver medal 30+
- 2010 State Time Trial Champion of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: M40+
- 2010 Norway's Jotunheimen Rundt 430km Road Race: 17th out of 700
- 2011 Brazil XTerra MTB XC Race: 1st M40+
- 2012 UCI World Cycling Tour South America: Gold medal M45-49
- 2013 Mt Hamilton Road Race, California: 1st M45+
- 2013 Berkeley Hills Road Race, California: 3rd M45+
- 2013 RJ State Champion: Time Trial
- 2014 Bike Biker MTB Brazil Pro XCM: Silver M45+
- 2014 UCI Volta Master 4-Day Stage Race, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Bronze M45+
- STRAVA ambassador to Brazil
- 2019 3rd overall The Lost and Found Gravel Grinder
Athlete testimonials
So far I couldn't be happier. My power increased over 20%, only after two months. I achieved short term goals that I was struggling to do over a year. Simply fantastic. Aaron is a great coach and a great athlete. That helps a lot. We are training like I never trained before. I like to understand the numbers and the reason behind the exercises and he provides me that. Congratulations to all of you, very professional level of training. I am today more motivated than ever. - Rafael, Rio de Janeiro
Thanks Aaron, I still don't believe I won!! Thanks again for your support and partnership in training!!!! We are the champions...rsrs. - Alexandre Zerlottini, 2014 Brazilian National TT Champion 40+
Aaron not only teaches us how to read numbers and make the best of us, but also to understand and respect our limits. It is always a great immersion to talk to him about strategies. a great friend!
Gilberto, Rio de Janeiro
