Tom Fucoloro '08

How did you come to found SeattleBikeBlog.com and write Biking Uphill in the Rain: The Story of Seattle from behind the Handlebars? 

After I graduated from Knox, I moved to Denver to work in journalism. However, one of the only newspapers in the city shut down due to the recession. I then moved to Seattle, and I sold my car to fund the move. With only a bike, I constantly found myself on the notorious bike lanes of the city. However, not too long into these endeavors, I realized that the bike lanes would end abruptly and cyclists would be pushed into the traffic with the other vehicles. That’s where the seed for my curiosity about the bike trails of Seattle was planted. I was curious if anyone was talking about it, and it turns out that no one was. I quickly decided to make this project my own and the Seattle Bike Blog was born. The blog focused on me biking around Seattle and noting my observations. The site grew rapidly, especially because it was created in the era of blogging, and we are still going strong today. 

Biking Uphill in the Rain was also born on a whim. Someone asked me if I had ever considered writing a book of my own, and I realized it might be a good idea to indulge in a different form of writing. My book focuses on the history of Seattle through the eyes of a biker and explores how a strong bike culture emerged in the city despite the various obstacles faced. I have to say, however, that the experiences of writing a blog and writing a book are extremely different but equally enriching. When I write a blog post, I receive instant feedback and the process lasts only a handful of days. Writing a book, however, requires a great deal more time and patience. I started writing the book in 2019, but then the pandemic hit, and the archives and libraries shut down and so the process slowed considerably. I am delighted to say that we are finally publishing this fall.

How do you think Knox has prepared you for life after college? 

Knox allowed me to participate in a number of different activities right from the moment that I stepped foot on the campus. Coming in, I didn’t think I would have studied journalism. But when I joined The Knox Student (TKS) newspaper, I realized I enjoyed it and I might want to pursue it in the future. Similarly, with theater, I learned a great deal about audio and sound production simply because I wanted to try something new. Going to a small school certainly helped because I don’t think I would have attained these skills in a bigger institution. Being able to explore and undertake activities that were nowhere near my major was certainly the biggest factor that helped me reach where I am today. 

What is some advice that you would give to students at Knox?

Fake it till you make it. I have gone by this philosophy for a large part of my life. As long as you do something with confidence and dedication, you can do whatever you put your mind to. Moreover, give Knox a chance. For a small campus, there is a lot to do. Don’t be fooled by the size of Galesburg, either. Explore and live your best college life because this time will never come back. 

It is also important to realize that you can ask people questions—in fact, almost everyone loves to talk and everyone has a fascinating story of their own to tell. If you talk to someone long enough, they might just become the most amazing person you’ve spoken to. Give them the chance. Everyone deserves it.