Can you describe the moment you first fell in love with mountain biking and enduro racing?
"My first mountain bike adventure was on a clunky Kmart bike. By the end of the ride, multiple parts had broken off, and the brakes barely worked—but I was hooked! There’s just something about flying down a trail, weaving through trees, and leaving all your worries behind that got me instantly addicted.
My first enduro race was actually a bit unexpected! I was in West Virginia supporting my wife at her race, but everyone there kept encouraging me to give it a shot. I’d never ridden that much in one day, and the course was definitely above my skill level, but I had a blast pushing myself and riding alongside the other racers. What I love most about racing is that I’ve never really considered myself an athletic person. But when I do well in a race, it reminds me that I am strong, I am capable, and I can take on challenges that once seemed out of reach."
What has been your most memorable race so far, and why?
"My most unforgettable race has to be the 2023 Tiger Mountain event. We camped out the night before, totally unaware that it was going to pour rain all night long—and, as it turns out, our tent was no longer waterproof. I woke up in a soaked sleeping bag, just in time to gear up and climb 5,400 feet while surviving the slick roots and the infamous Predator trail.
The year before, I actually dropped down to the Sport category because Predator straight-up terrified me. During practice, I walked multiple sections, too scared even to attempt them. So, last year, when I finally cleared Predator during practice, it felt like a massive victory. And then racing it wet? That was on another level! It was such a huge accomplishment to tackle a trail I once thought I’d never be able to ride. Now, I’m stoked to give it another go this year."
How do you handle the mental and physical stress that comes with racing? Any particular strategies you use?
"Mental toughness is huge for me. I know it sounds a little crazy, but telling yourself you can do something really can trick your mind into believing it. My go-to mantra is, 'You can do hard things.' When a section looks intimidating, repeating that to myself helps me push through. I also rely on visualization. If there's a section I’m nervous about, I picture myself nailing it. And if I catch myself imagining a crash, I flip the script and focus on clearing it instead.
Physically, I stay consistent with working out almost every day. Weightlifting has made me way stronger on the bike and given me better control. Running boosts my endurance, and yoga is a game-changer for balance and flexibility. I usually take it easy a few days before a race to let my muscles fully recover. Staying active is key, but knowing when to rest is just as important."
Have you had any major setbacks or injuries? How did you overcome them?
"One of the scariest moments I’ve had was cutting an artery during a ride. It forced me to take time off the bike, and all I could think about was getting back out there. But when I finally did, I realized I was riding more cautiously and taking fewer risks. It took a while to feel comfortable again and trust that I could ride without getting hurt.
For me, any section where I’ve wrecked becomes a sort of villain. It sticks in my mind until I go back and defeat it. I truly believe the best way to get past setbacks is to face them head-on. Once you clear that section, you prove to yourself that you can do it, and it makes you that much stronger the next time."
Is there a particular obstacle or challenge you’re currently working to overcome in your racing career or personal life?
"My biggest challenge on the bike is definitely speed. Once I hit a certain pace, the fear kicks in, and I instinctively grab the brakes. I know that if I can learn to embrace the speed instead of fearing it, I’ll become a faster rider. And cornering—especially on berms—is something I’m always working on. I need to get more comfortable hitting them fast and smooth.
Off the bike, my biggest challenge is teaching. As a high school English teacher, it’s tough to teach students with such a wide range of reading and writing skills. Some are far behind grade level, while others are way ahead. My goal is to be a good teacher for all of them and create a classroom environment that’s both enjoyable and effective for everyone."
When you’re not racing or training, what are your favorite ways to spend your time?
"When I’m not on the bike, you’ll likely find me by the Columbia River, swimming with my wife and our dogs. I’m also really into creating art, reading, and writing. I love staying active with hiking, kayaking, and playing soccer. And when I get the chance, I’m always down for catching a live concert."
Can you share a fun fact or something surprising about yourself that your fans might not know?
"I once challenged myself to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days for National Novel Writing Month. The story had a bit of a The Green Mile vibe, blending elements of mystery and the supernatural. It was an intense, but incredibly rewarding experience!"
Who has been your biggest supporter or inspiration in your mountain biking journey?
"My biggest inspiration and supporter is my wife, Kelly. She’s the one who got me into mountain biking in the first place. From the start, she took me down black and double black diamond trails, pushing me to challenge myself in ways I never imagined. She introduced me to bike parks and even taught me how to work on bikes. Through every tough section, she’s right there encouraging me, and she’s always beaming with pride when I clear a tricky feature. Plus, she’s an absolute badass on the bike—fast, fearless, and a master of technical terrain. She inspires me every single ride."
What goals do you have for the future, both in mountain biking and in other areas of your life?
"My main goal on the bike is to get faster and aim for the podium at every race throughout an entire season. I feel like I’m improving each year, and I love the blend of athleticism and competition that racing brings.
Beyond racing, my ultimate life goal is to publish a novel. I’ve been writing since I was in sixth grade—everything from newspaper articles to poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. Now, I’m eager to take the next step and share my work with the world."
What’s your go-to pre-race meal or snack?
“My wife is an awesome chef. Recently, our pre-race dinner has been ribeye steaks and garlic mashed potatoes.”
What’s one piece of gear or equipment you couldn’t live without?
“As crazy as this sounds, I recently discovered the power of goggles. I wear contacts and struggle with them drying out while I am riding. I didn’t realize that wearing goggles could help keep my eyes from drying out. Smith goggles are my favorite!”
How do you unwind or relax after a tough race or training session?
"After a race, there’s nothing better than a beach day to unwind. After climbing thousands of feet, nothing beats relaxing on the sand with the sun on your face, the waves crashing, and a cold beer in hand. It’s the perfect way to soak up the rewards of a hard-fought race."
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