What inspires you to compete?
The reason why I compete is because I love the feel of it. To me, little beats the feel of riding a super buff trail and being able to just pin everything. The ability to nail the braking sections, tech sections, sprinting sections and making it to the finish line in one piece and knowing I did the best I could make it worthwhile for me.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment was at the Eastern Collegiate Conference DH finals at Bolton Valley in 2004. My bike had gotten stuck on the lift so I jumped in to try to help the tech guys get it off the lift. Unfortunately they never turned the lift off so the bike swung right into me, knocking me off the unloading dock. As I get to my feet, I see my bike dangling by the shifter cable, going around the top of the lift. As it circles back around one of the tech guys yanks it off the lift and rolls it down to me, and tells me to watch myself next time. I got the last laugh, however. I won the race.
Describe your style...
Unique...at least I think so. I will ride off anything, jump over anything and do anything to simply ride my bike. I just try to go out and have fun. I may do some crazy things on a bike at times, but I'm always having fun. Most people's reaction to my riding style no matter where I am is, "He didn't just do that . . . did he?? My motto in life: Live free, Ride hard, Die happy.
Do you like to travel? What's your best (clean) road trip story?
I love to travel. It's just that I don't have the money to travel because I am in college.
Employment / Experience Summary
I am currently a full-time student at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. So, employment is limited to summer, winter & spring break. I have worked as a wrench at my local bike shop for the past 10 years doing everything from simple tune-ups to building high-end bikes. I have even turned my truck into a rolling bike shop. I'm not just a racer and a wrench. I am an advocate and a doer. I lead shop rides, introducing new riders to the sport. I participate in trail building and maintenance, both through IMBA, NEMBA and in co-operation with the local park agencies. I volunteer to help the Scouts refurbish used bikes as gifts for the less fortunate. I most willingly lend a hand, and often a tool, to anybody at a race or on the trail who needs it. I regularly contribute to cycling bulletin boards offering advice and writing reviews of products that i have ridden.