Tour de ConnecticutThis week’s Tour de Connecticut spotlight features two professors shaping the next generation of business leaders right here in Connecticut. Greg Reilly, interim dean of the UConn School of Business, and Whitney “Trip” Sanders, instructor of entrepreneurship and strategy at Quinnipiac University, are bringing their passion for innovation and leadership to the road.
🐺 Greg Reilly
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Role: Interim Dean, UConn School of Business
Why He Rides:
“Riding gives me a chance to reconnect with the people and ideas moving Connecticut forward,” Greg says. “It’s easy to talk about collaboration and learning in a meeting. It’s different when you’re out on the road learning it together.” Greg considers this ride one of the best settings for leadership development.
Favorite Local Spot:
Greg recommends checking out The Bike Shop by One Love Outdoors in Willington. Shop owners Nate and Emily lead group rides every Saturday morning, building a strong community and welcoming riders of varying abilities.
How His Mission Aligns:
“At the UConn School of Business, we’re preparing builders, people who will lead, launch and grow the next generation of Connecticut companies. CI’s work, and this ride, embody that same spirit of growth and innovation.”
Fun Fact:
Greg is working toward riding in all 169 Connecticut towns, and he’s already past 120. “I’m continually impressed with the variety and beauty of our great state.”
🐱 Whitney “Trip” Sanders
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Role: Visiting Instructor of Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Quinnipiac University School of Business
Why He Rides:
Trip has heard many stories from past rides and is eager to participate this year. He loves cycling, enjoys the Farmington Canal Trail that winds throughout Connecticut, and is also a pedal commuter to Quinnipiac. Trip joins the Tour on day two, riding from New Haven to CI portfolio company P2 Science in Naugatuck. “I’m looking forward to seeing the sights of greater New Haven and the Naugatuck Valley, a great industrial corridor for our state,” says Trip.
Pump-up Playlist:
Trip’s riding soundtrack includes Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” and Lil Wayne’s “Right Above It.”
How He Prepares:
Recovering from knee surgery this summer, Trip is gradually stepping up his ride distances: 10, 15, 20 and then 25 miles, similar to triathlon or marathon training. Mentally, he focuses on appreciating each ride, often with great music or podcasts.