FIVE THINGS WITH CYCLIST AND GEARHEAD IZZY CASH

FIVE THINGS is a  weekly feature on the Banjo Brothers Blog. FIVE THINGS is a short interview about life and bicycles with a notable person. This week’s FIVE THINGS is with Izzy Cash. The statuesque Ms. Cash, she’s 6’ tall and proud of it, is a SoCal cyclists and self-described gearhead. She likes muscle cars, a good tattoo and rides classic steel bikes around greater Los Angeles. Her passions are gas tungsten arc welding, healthy living and volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. We hope you enjoy this week’s FIVE THINGS.

BANJO BROS: WHAT ARE YOU RIDING?

IC: I'm currently riding a classic Italian steel road frame converted into a single speed. My “Tom” is painted ford blue cuz I'm a still a gearhead at heart.  I had a seizure while riding (R.I.P. Amy, my french Peugeot classic steel frame). A few weeks later in the hospital after a few grand mals, I was diagnosed with epilepsy.  It was the same week I lost my grandfather. The only reason I decided to get back on my bike is because I know he's looking over me keeping me safe.

 I love getting lost in a city that doesn't try to cover up its flaws along with its beauty. When we actually have cold foggie nights it reminds me of Gotham City and I when I’m riding, I can be a kid again ripping through the streets.

BANJO BROS: WHERE ARE YOU RIDING?

IC: I ride around the San Fernando Valley. I cycle to run errands, go swim laps, grab a bite to eat, to school, to help with stress relief and for getting to work. I enjoy cycling to Santa Monica or Venice when I have a free day and time to enjoy. My favorite, though, would still be downtown Los Angeles. I love getting lost in a city that doesn't try to cover up its flaws along with its beauty. When we actually have cold foggie nights it reminds me of Gotham City and I when I’m riding, I can be a kid again ripping through the streets. I'm no racer. I just like putting the fun between my legs. Cuz if your blessed to have your legs work, MOVE.

 

BANJO BROS: WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING, READING, LISTENING TO?

IC: I like watching: classic Seinfeld & Simpsons episodes. I binge watched Netflix's Frontier. (I know shut up) and Punisher. l’m finally finishing Who Says You Can't You Do, a book I  received two years ago when I was diagnosed with epilepsy and kept putting off due to personal struggles and  Metals and How to Weld Them. I love welding so anything that helps me get those baby steps towards my goal. I finished A Hologram for the King, an amazing novel.  At times I read National Geographic: Brain the Complete Mind. As for music, it’s:  Buttertones, Tijuana Panthers, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, The Troggs, and Alton Ellis to name a few in my current playlist that are usually  blasting from the speaker hanging off my Banjo Brothers Commuter Bag that’s been through hell and back and is still going strong.

BANJO BROS: WHAT ARE YOU COOKING/EATING/DRINKING?

IC: Holidays aside I’ve been eating healthier. I’ve always enjoyed eating healthy but I'm more motivated now.  Healthy eating is the key to keeping my seizures on check.  I’ve amazed close-minded doctors with my theory that people don't always need a half dozen medications. In my opinion, the best medicine is plenty of exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of healthy fats for brain food (fish oils, avocado, almond butter, lean meats, etc.) along with lots and lots of greens and water.  I remind people I know:  if you don't eat veggies often, blend them.  Smoothies can be a cheater way of  adding more veggies (than fruit) to your diet. I'm blessed after a year of fighting with health insurance I finally have an amazing neurologist Dr. Kalayjian of USC who specializes in treating women with epilepsy and supports my healthy take on winning  the fight with my condition. As for adult beverages: Breweries, they let me be a kid in a candy store.

BANJO BROS: WHAT’S STUCK IN YOUR CRAW?

IC:  What grinds my gears?  I'm convinced anyone who drives a Prius is douche. Add to that, people who drive while texting, playing games, or any other distractions on their phones and those who cut you off or don't use their turn signals. Jerks. Cyclists, you know what I'm talking about. I have little patience for people who complain about their health but who put no effort into changing it.  But I especially don’t like how many people know little to nothing about epilepsy.  Every time I mention Epilepsy to help raise awareness it makes people feel uncomfortable and it makes them act or treat me differently.

This past semester I was headed to school and saw an older women fall to the ground and have a seizure. No one helped her.  I threw my bike aside (sorry Tom) and rushed  to help. I was the only one who knew what to do.

1) Lay the person on their side

2) Provide something soft under their head (don't place anything in their mouth)

3) Wait and be reassuring not freaked out when they come to.

4.) And if it lasts longer than 4 minutes call the ambulance.

It scared the hell out of me because people really aren't aware or even know what to do. I've never witnessed one myself but I was glad I was there to help a fellow epileptic.

To end with a positive note. I'll be continuing my studies / earning my stripes in GTAW welding and fabrication. It's all my loves rolled into one. For me welding is an artistic expression that is the sewing of metal. I love the skill and patience it takes, and ladies make the best welders. (Pull at my shirt twice). I’m also looking forward to getting more involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Los Angeles. This past annual awareness walk I convinced them to have more healthy food stands and promote the importance of nutrition. My eyes watered at that milestone. Next year I'm hoping to convince them to do more. Nutrition is key to a healthy life and to helping win the battle of any condition. Don't let doctor's tell you medications are the only option. And CBD is your friend !!!

BIG ERIC'S BARGAIN BIN IS THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF FIVE THINGS INTERVIEWS. CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

MORE ABOUT THE FIVE THINGS INTERVIEWS FROM BANJO BROTHERS

A big Banjo Bros. thank you to Izzy Cash for participating in this week's edition of Banjo Brothers' Five Things. These short interviews about life and bicycles will appear every Friday on the Banjo Brothers Blog.

Would you like to be interviewed for Five Things?

Use the contact form on our website to send us a note. See you next Friday.