Age: 20
Place of Birth: Sechelt, B.C.
Current Residence: Winter, Victoria, Summer, Sechelt
Favourite Food: Hamburgers, Salmon and Lasagna
Favorite Music: AC-DC, Metallica
Favorite Movie: Rocky IV
Who inspires you: Lance Armstrong, Roland Green, Wayne Gretzsky
Current Bike: Kona Explosive
Your bike's components: Full Shimano XTR, Race Face Head Set, Stem,
Bar and Seat Post, XTR Hubs with 517 Rims, Marzocchi Front Fork and Tioga Tires
Sponsor: Kona Bicycles
How long have you been riding, and what got you started?
Went to inter-school races between Gibsons, Roberts Creek and Sechelt
organized by Sprockids in 1994 when I was 12.
What do you enjoy the most about mountain biking?
I enjoy every aspect of mountain biking &Mac246; The pleasures of epic rides, hill
climbs, descents, bermed corners, and racing
What is your favorite race?
The Squamish Test of Metal. Sea Otter Classic is pretty cool too.
Where is your favorite area to ride? What makes it so special?
In the summertime you can't beat the single track on the Sunshine Coast. I
believe every town has it's own riding gems. Bryant Creek to
Mt.Assiniboine and the goat trail from Canmore to Banff are a couple of my
favorites.
Describe your most memorable mountain bike experience.
Bonking at the Cheakamus Challenge in 1995, when I was 13 years old and
falling asleep at the finish line.
How has mountain biking helped you with other aspects of your life?
It gets rid of stress and teaches you how to relax and focus. Mountain
Biking became my life. I cannot imagine life without mountain biking.
What are your future goals in regards to mountain biking?
Have Fun! Do more Norbas, World Cups and maybe 24 hrs of Adrenaline
How do you give back to the sport?
I have been involved in trail building &Mac246; but right now I'm going to focus on
becoming a winning cyclist &Mac246; that would be the best way to give back to the
sport.
Other interests or hobbies:
- Fishing
- Hockey
- The Vancouver Canucks
- Sports Cars and Le Mans racing
- 4 x 4ing
When did you know that you wanted to race professionally?
When I was 17/18
What is your training schedule like?
I go to the gym or cross train on the wet winter days ( I like using a Swiss
Ball) and take advantage of the sunnier days to ride. I try to eat well
all the time &Mac246; no crazy diet of just protein or carbs &Mac246; just a well balanced
diet.
Tell us about some of your high points and disappointments.
Highs: Winning the Junior National Championship and I had a good race at
the 2001 World Mtb Championships in Vail, Colorado.
Lows: 2002 World Cup
at Grouse Mountain, I wanted to do well in front of a home town crowd, but
it wasn't my day.
Do you do your own mechanics? How important is your equipment?
Yes. Making sure your equipment is in really good shape is important but
you have to remember that mountain biking is mountain biking and things
break and you do flat. When racing don't let it get you down or disrupt
your confidence. I made that mistake this year.
Words to younger riders about riding, racing...
Have fun! You'll do better if you're having fun. So enjoy yourself and
you'll ride longer and be more motivated.
What is it like to race at such a high level?
Norba, Canada Cup, World Cup etc.
Canada Cups are a really good stepping stone to make it to the next level.
Norbas and World Cups are very well organized, and it makes me more
determined to train harder.
What do you feel are your strong points? Secrets to success?
Hard work and a love of cycling.