How I got started

It all started for me on a dry, dusty BMX track in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in the spring of 2003 at a Tuesday night race practice for the 20" dudes. The gate dropped and ten of us shot out of the hole into the straight-away, screaming toward the first table top that would take us directly into a step up. It was in the air, just over that step up, that I realized I was smiling. Not only smiling, but truly, for the first time in a year, really enjoying myself!

I didn't win any of the practice runs that night, but it didn't matter to me. I'd found something I truly, honestly, enjoyed-racing!

That was 2003. It's 2009 now and I've put four good seasons under my belt, but the smile that I found that night, the pure delight in racing, hasn't left my face.

Goals for the Future

2008 was awesome! I finished in the number 5 spot in the US national series (I could have finished higher, but with gas prices so high last summer-I just couldn‘t find the cash!), I finished in 1st place in several summer BMX races in Las Vegas, and, best of all, I had the backing of the USAF which allowed me to hit all the races I set out to compete in!

2009 will be spent chasing the US national title for the Cat 1 racers (30-39). This will be my 2nd season racing in the good ol’ USA and I’ve got a lot planned for the season, from BMX to DH to Dual Slalom to 4X-it’s going to be a very exciting year!

Describe your style...

I like to keep it as smooth and fast. Gates are, by far, my strength.

Do you train? What does your schedule look like?

I do train. I get on the bike at least once a day for a least an hour and practice gate starts, balance drills, and a new thing I learned called 20/40 sprints. I'm at the gym three days a week and since getting MTB Strength Training Systems as a sponsor, I`ve implemented a whole new work out. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays are spent on the MTB STS program and doing wind sprints. Tuedays and Thursdays are reserved for 5k runs, and Sunday is 4x track day. Currently, my 4x track days are spent working on my jumping abilities.

Music?

When it comes to music, my taste depends on the mood of the moment. I`ve got everything from Romantic Era Classical to Underground London Techno to modern Opera to West Coast Gangsta rap to East Coast Punk on my MP3 player. Currently, I'm on a Cut Chemist and Sum 41 kick.

How's Life Treating You?

Honestly, after being away from home for years and years, I'm just glad to be home! It's been 5 years since I've been able to spend time with my family and friends so I couldn't be happier.

Employment / Experience Summary

2002 to Present (June 2008 end of enlistment): Special Operations Helicopter Crew Chief - United States Air Force

I joined the United States Air Force so I could pay for my BS degree, my wife`s BS degree, both of my son`s college, and secure home loan for a house. I`m sure I could have taken an easier road. I could have secured a college loan or applied for some grants, but I wanted to earn the rewards. I wanted to make sure I wouldn`t take my education or home for granted.

My first race ever is at the top of the list. I didn't win at all. I came in at a close fourth out of five riders, but I learned so much from that event.

2003: Several first place finishes at local events around the Fort Walton Beach, Florida area. Series Champion in the seniors catagory.
2004: First time in a cross country race- Finished 57th out of approximately 300+ racers
2005: Competed in several local mountain cross events through out England. Several top ten finishes.
2006: First year competing for the mountain cross National Points Series title. Made it to the finals in every race in the national points series! Several number one and two finishes.