What started you racing? I’d heard of the Alley Cats and how dangerous and crazy they were. I’ve always been attracted to activities that could at any time cripple me. I have this friend Russell, that was trying scare me. He kept saying “don’t even try to keep up with these guys, they’re nuts” and “you’re gonna puke!” This just made me want to race more. I took 9th out of a field of 94 riders. I was hooked.

Are you a messenger? No. I used to deliver pizzas and fast food. Does that count? I’m not sure.

How do you fit in amongst a team primarily composed of messengers? I guess it comes across in our approach to how we live, work and incorporate cycling into our lives. The difference being while they make money on their bikes, mine takes me to the places where I make money. All we need is two wheels and ourselves to make anything happen. Despite wind, water, cold, social stigma, and the rampant laziness plaguing current society, we can live our lives healthy and simple. I also feel we have an amazing sense of community. We all know that we can rely on each other.

What does the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew mean to you? It definitely gives me a sense of pride and excitement. When I first started racing in Alley Cats, I’d hear all these stories of the Cuttin’ Crew. It was always a disappointment because I wasn’t around when it was all happening. When Andrew called and said a new Chicago team was being formed and we had the blessing to call ourselves the Cuttin’ Crew, I freaked out. For the past couple years I’ve been wanting to join a team, but I had such a hard time understanding being on a team of other people who pay to wear a jersey. It just didn’t make any sense. I think this is our opportunity to bring two diverse forms of riding together and re-institute a more traditional sense of a team and camaraderie.