1. When did you start racing and why?
Started training for triathlons after getting fat and blowing out my ACL playing indoor soccer. Finished my second ½ Iron Man (Steelhead in MI) and realized that the bike was by far the best part.
2. What makes you love cycling so much?
Physically and mentally demanding but in a way that I like. Doesn’t mean I am good at cycling, but I’m drawn to it in a way everyone’s drawn to the first smell of a fresh baked pizza.
3. What different cycling disciplines do you participate? Race or recreation?
My schedule doesn’t allow as many social rides as I would like so my training is often alone. Crits are my favorite, followed by cross and road events. I just got a new mountain bike so we’ll see if I line up for any events with that. And I think the gravel events are rather interesting, too.
4. What do you take in your jersey on long rides?
Pump, phone in a Ziploc bag, food if I ride longer than 90 minutes. I prefer liquid calories but the weather has to be very hot or otherwise a long ride as I don’t often get thirsty or hungry.
5. What piece of your cycling gear (clothing, wheels, anything) is your favorite?
The first time I rode up a hill on my Ridley, I knew that a carbon frame was life-changing. I could just feel the bike go forward and not flex – that was a cool feeling.
6. Which pro cyclist will you cheer for in the pro peloton?
Sagan is just sick and I always am on the lookout if Marianne Vos lines up.
7. Which pro cyclist do you think your style is most like?
Lanterns Rouge
8. What do you eat after a long ride or race?
If I do get hungry on the weekend, I enjoy making a big eggs and potatoes bruch for the family. My potatoes are the best!!
9. What is your favorite race memory, what race was it and why do you remember it?
The biggest lesson I had was Tour de Grandview, on the old course. I let a bike length gap open up on the quick right/left turn after the big hill. We bombed down the hill and couldn’t get the gap back. HUGE lesson there for me about staying on the wheel. And this year’s Indy Crit Master’s 4/5 race – first podium in a long time.
10. What advice do you give to your team member or a new team member?
I think there’s a great balance required in the discipline training for competition and the joy of getting to ride a bike. It’s silly but any day I get to ride the bike is a good day. As for races: in Cross, take the hand up. Nothing’s that serious. In Crits, don’t chop the corner, most of us have work the next day and no one wants to leave the event in an ambulance.
11. What are your 2019 goals?
Hyde Park and Indy Crit are two of my fav events – so those are on the calendar.
12. When you aren’t pedaling your bike what do you like to do?
I really enjoy traveling with my wife and finding new places to explore. I’m involved in coaching my sons soccer team, we play a lot of board games as a family, lose at Mario Kart with the family, and work my side hustle selling stuff on Ebay to feed my cycling habit. I really enjoy traveling with my wife and finding new places to explore.