Some Personal Information About Me:
Simply put, bicycling is my life. I know, without a doubt in my mind, that no matter what happens with my career in competitive cycling, I will be in the bicycling industry in one way or another for the rest of my life. I believe that people should find something that they love, and then help work to make that thing better and help expose other people to it too. For me, that love is biking, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing a new rider become hooked on biking, or helping another rider learn a new skill or trick. I want to help as many people as I can experience the joys of cycling in a fun and inviting way while pedaling through life myself. I`d like to thank my sponsors, Deity Components, Utopia Optics, T.H.E. ,Cycle Sport for hooking me up with all the bikes I need to get the job done (and for giving me a job finally!) and the Ashland Bean Scene for always giving me the fuel to keep going.
Do you train? What does your schedule look like?
My training schedule is constantly changing, since I do not have just one sole discipline that I dedicate myself too. I usually wake up early in the morning before work to go on a nice long road or xc ride, and within these rides, I usually try to follow a routiene that one of my fellow mechanics (who races Cat 2 road) laid out for me. Then generally after I get off work I either go down to the local skate park or DJ park and do some jumping, or I go ride urban around town. So I try to cover both my fitness and cardio as well as keep my jumping and jibbing up to par. Generally during the winter I throw in weight lifting for good measure.
Why do you compete?
I compete because I am a competative person naturally, and I like to push myself to be the best I can be.
How's Life Treating You?
Life has been pretty nice to me lately. I made the decision to not return to college this year, and to use the time off to work at the local shop and dedicate myself to riding daily. I do plan on returning to school next year, at least part time, to study photography and video production, since both are subjects that I want to incorporate into my future with bicycling.
Employment / Experience Summary
I got my first "real" job after the sophmore year of highschool, at a local A and W burger joint. I quickly decided that the fast food industry was not for me, although I did enjoy cooking and working with food. I was lucky to get hired at a terriyaki grill almost right after I quit A and W, and I have been employed there for the past three and a half years. I began that job as a prep cook/dish washer and over the course of those three years I have graduated up to being the head cook. While sometimes stressful and hectic, I enjoy cooking and serving food for people as it is a way for me to create a good experience for others. The summer after highschool I got employed at the best bike shop in town, Cycle Sport, and I currently hold down both jobs to pay the bills and to pay for all my bikes. I did attend the United Bicycle Institute (UBI) in town and while working at the shop I have come to know bicycles inside and out. So I figure that I`ll always have something to fall back upon if need be, to help support my racing and competing or to help make ends meet.