I grew up in the burbs riding BMX like every other kid and broke both arms on a rad dirt track. That’s where I picked up my unique elbows out riding style. I stuck with that bike for 15 years and had to have it pried out of my hands for my first road bike to get to work. . .a sweet 80’s Battaglin. I was hooked the first time I road that bike until, in my usual style, I turned it into an accordion. Since then, I’ve been addicted to buying, upgrading and selling bikes. . . not to mention riding 25 miles every day.
What started you racing? My utterly competitive nature eventually leads me to a competition in every aspect of my life. A fellow team member and co-worker turned me on to the Tour da Chicago and to fixed gear cycling, which seemed like the natural first step for me into racing. From there, I heard stories of a dazzling paved oval and that is where my true passion for riding lies. Every time my bike touches the sprinters lane at the Velodrome, my body releases a type of endorphin that can only be describes as sadistic.
What does the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew mean to you? A brotherhood (no offense to Molly). I have been approached to be on other teams but they never seemed to have any heart and I always felt like they were out for my hard earned dosh. A team seems like it should not only be about personal gain or benefit but often require sacrifice on many levels. The best thing for a team then, is to have personal connections with all of the members through training and competition in order to foster unity. I’m excited to know that the next time I crash, I might be helping someone.