How I got started

I raced cross country mountain bikes while in college with local race promoter Jim Belknap, a man known for evil climbs and winter water crossings. Many practice miles got me to the sport class where despite two years off the bike during Peace Corps I returned to NY and won the 2000 NY State Championship Series. 2001 was my first XC expert season with an 8th place finish in the 24 Hours of the Old Pueblo XC, and a solo 9th place effort racing 12 hours at the Summit. My top 5 results racing Downhill in 2003 encouraged me to switch to expert Downhill and Super-D in 2004. After a short, painful learning curve I contested for the podium in every 2005 race.

Goals 

Some Personal Information About Me:

I am a mix of adrenaline junkie, reliable friend, hard worker, and environmental advocate. I need to satisfy each portion of myself in order to be whole. I like to leap off cliffs, ride roller coasters, hug the curves, and go very fast in all modes of transport.  My day job is Land Surveying with Aguirre & Associates.  We perform boundary, topographic, construction, easement, and right of way surveys using GPS and AutoCAD. During the off season I attend SDMBA events, and work with fellow riders to improve the trails for next season. I am happy to announce that I will be very active in the new SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League (www.socaldirt.org).

Do you train? What does your schedule look like?

My 2009 season will consist of 15-25 races in different disciplines. I will contest the podium in Downhill, Super-D, Endurance, and Cyclocross for MTB along with 4-5 running events.  I am  now running, weight training, seeing a Dr. Bauer (www.adjustedforlife.com) for realignment and following the advice of my personal trainer, Angie Kies(www.kiesholistictherapies.com).  Early season events include training rides in Sedona, Phoenix, and Big Bear along with many group training rides in southern California.  The first races will be in Cyclocross followed by the Southridge Winter Series at Fontana.

Why do you compete?

I enjoy the challenge of competing against equal or better racers. I strive to beat the course obstacles, the time allotment, and the conditions primarily. I also like to make all those who support me happy by enjoying myself and getting on the podium to highlight thier products and services. When I achieve a goal I inspire myself and those who believe in me as well as build my confidence. I have never been content to remain in a particular category because I want to keep finding a harder goal.  

2007 Raced three half marathons and finished first marathon.

2008 Rode Vision Quest, competed at the Vet-Pro level in DH, returned to endurance racing and began Cyclocross racing!