Cycling has always influenced the Spirit of CAN. story. With our first cycling kit, that part of the story finally has something you can wear.
Some of my earliest goal cards lived in my car and on my nightstand. I wrote down ambitions that felt almost impossibly big: become a Category 1 racer. Win Race Across America. I dreamed about what I might accomplish, even while wondering whether I had what it took.
2011 Race Across America four-person champions: Bob McCall, Tony Gebbia, Andy Bestwick, and Mauricio Prado. Together, we crossed the country in 5 days, 11 hours, and 17 minutes—the second-fastest four-person team time in the event’s more than 40-year history. A finish we’ll never forget.
I worked with sports psychologists who taught me to use cue words, visualization and written goals to challenge those doubts. Long before CAN. became a brand, I was learning how much a single word could shape my focus.
Cycling is still one of the places where I learn to believe in myself. I sometimes get on the bike carrying thoughts of CAN’T and get off with a mind full of CAN. The miles, my friends and the simple act of moving help clear my head and make room for new ideas.
I went on to race as a Category 1 cyclist out of Las Vegas and help direct the Allegiant Air Cycling Team. We trained hard, raced across the country and learned what a team can accomplish when its members support one another and keep going through the difficult miles.
My longtime teammate Jerry MacDonald and I were part of a four-person team that set a Race Across the West record. Another Allegiant team recorded the second-fastest four-person time in the history of Race Across America.
Those experiences helped shape who I am. They also shaped the details of this kit.
A kit with meaning in every mile
A reminder for the rider. “I Believe” appears inverted on the right sleeve so you can read it when your head is down and you need a reason to keep moving.
A message for the hard moments. On the arm warmers, DEFEAT CAN’T faces the rider. It’s a cue to quiet the negative thoughts, focus on the next pedal stroke and remember why you love being on the bike.
A connection to Kauaʻi. The mountains in the design take inspiration from Kōkeʻe, home to some of the most beautiful and challenging riding in Hawaiʻi.
A tribute to Pete. The back of the jersey recognizes Three Feet for Pete, the nonprofit we founded in memory of our teammate Pete Makowski. Pete’s story reminds us to look out for one another and give cyclists room on the road.
Our first cycling collection was created with DNA Cycling, and its initial preorder closed on September 25, 2026. I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life and everyone who chose to ride with us.
This is just the beginning. We want to create more gear for cycling, endurance running and the pursuits that challenge us, clear our minds and remind us what we’re capable of. I’ll share what comes next as those ideas take shape.
If you’d like to hear more about the friendships and experiences behind this collection, listen to my conversation with Jerry MacDonald on the Defeating CAN’T Podcast.
Believe in the Spirit of CAN.
Andy Bestwick
Founder, Spirit of CAN.
