DEVO Team
Samantha Johnson
From Louisville, KY. Based in Johnson City, TN. MTB roots, gravel convert, finishing her last semester of college before coaching full time.
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Bio
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Samantha now calls Johnson City, Tennessee home. She's finishing her last semester of college and plans to coach full time after graduation — following in the footsteps of two triathlete parents who made sports like cycling feel natural from the start.
Get to Know
Q&A
How did you get into cycling, and how did you get into gravel specifically? Was there a moment where you knew this was your thing?
My dad got me into cycling by taking my brothers and I mountain biking, and eventually we joined a cyclocross team. Both my parents were triathletes, so trying sports like running and cycling were easy for them to help us with.
I got into gravel because there was an event called Dustbowl 100 that wasn't too far from where we lived. After I raced it a few times, I decided it was challenging enough for me to love it.
What's the hardest thing about being a competitive athlete at the level you're at?
Staying in it mentally — mixed with eating enough carbs during the race. It's hard for me to be stuck in no man's land and just keep going. Going from shorter races that don't rely on nutrition to ultra-endurance races that heavily rely on it is a real adjustment.
Why Lunch Box? What does being part of this team mean to you specifically?
I love Lunch Box because it is very family oriented. Not only does the team feel like family, but bringing family to races and staying with the team is encouraged.
Going from college where my coach wasn't very respectful of my husband and I — and also chose favorites — to a team that is welcoming and inclusive makes a real difference. The team supports me in a way that allows me to perform at my best.
What's a goal you have — on the bike or off — that most people don't know about?
On the bike: I want to complete an Everesting sometime this year.
Off the bike: I want to make it a habit to read research papers each week — to keep learning even after graduation.
What do you do to decompress when you're not on the bike?
I love cooking and baking. If I need to decompress and can't ride, I'll be in the kitchen.
What's something about you that would surprise people who only know you as a cyclist?
I have a job where I help older and disabled people with daily tasks and cleaning their homes. I love helping them out and being a friend to them.
Lunch Box karaoke night — what are you singing?
Titanium by David Guetta and Sia. I won't make the mistake of doing All Too Well (10 Minute Version) again.
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