Personal Info

Q.	How long have you been racing BMX?
A.	23 years
Q.	At what age did you start riding (and racing) a bike?
A.	4 years old
Q.	How did you get started in racing and who was responsible?
A.	I think my father recognized my ability to ride a bike at a very young age. I would just ride my bike all the time and just jump anything at age 4. I went to his job one day and was dropped of by my mother. He had a full face helmet behind his desk. He took it out and showed it to me and asked me if I wanted to go race my bike! Of course I said yes!
Q.	What was your first real race bike?
A.	The first bike I raced was a 16” Ross. I still have it! I will restore it one day. When I turned expert, my father bought a Redline mini, which I also still have.
Q.	What was your best moment in racing?
A.	My best moment in racing was placing third at the ABA Grands. This was the biggest race I had ever been in. We had 61 riders. I was so happy to be on the podium at the biggest race on earth.
Q.	What was your worst moment in racing?
A.	My worst moment was when I hurt my knee practicing last year. I tore my patellar, chipped my knee cap and received 30 stitches. I could not ride my bike for 3 months. After 3 months riding hurt so bad. It was the worst feeling in the world not to being able to do the one thing you wanted to the most. 9 months later I still have pain on and off, but I am able to ride frequently again.
Q.	Who was your first sponsor, who have been your sponsors in the past, and who is your current sponsor?
A.	My very first sponsor was my Mom and Dad. My first "sponsor" would have been Bicycles East in Charlotte in '96. 15% Discount! That was big time then. Others have been Spokes and Pedals. They gave me my first bike. Then Cycling and Fitness in Gastonia. Then I turned Pro. So, I had to take on co-sponsors here and there at first. Cane Creek was the first to give me product. I then received a factory ride from BREW bikes.This was a good relationship but one that fizzled out. I am currently ponsored by multiple companies that help me out and that I try to represent to the best of my ability. Formula, Fly, Maxxis, CaneCreek, HRPDesigns, and Kovachi.
Q.	What are your racing strengths?
A.	First straight pull! I think I have a good gate snap which helps me get an elbow out first.
Q.	What are your racing weaknesses (what do you feel you have to practice on the most)?
A.	I try practicing on my endurance the most. On long tracks like some big national tracks, I get tired towards the end and know I am not pedaling my hardest.
Q.	How many hours a week do you put into training? What type of training do you do other than riding on the track?
A.	Actually only about 10 hours a week. I go to the gym 5 days a week and ride my bike 3 days a week. When I was Inter and Expert all I did was ride my bike everyday for HOURS! I rode my bike wayyyyyyyy more then than I do now. I didn’t start lifting weights till I was 21. Another thing I think helps is playing basketball in the church league.
Q.	Do you have another job outside of BMX racing? If so, what is it?
A.	I work for Wachovia Securities. I have my series 7 brokers license and look forward to moving up the corporate ladder!
Q.	What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people know?
A.	I won the slam dunk contest in October 04’ at UNCC Midnight Madness. I eat cheese and mustard sandwiches for a snack.
Q.	What do you like most about BMX racing?
A.	It is such a natural rush! The speed, jumps, and competition just fuel me every week. It is so great to have something you can do that relieves stress and is so much fun too!
Q.	What do you like least about BMX racing?
A.	All the politics and gossip.
Q.	What do you think about the Hornet’s Nest BMX facilities and it’s Track Operator?
A.	I have seen the Nest through so many changes in the past 23 years and right now I think it is being run better than ever! Most people at the track have no idea how lucky they have it right now! We have a great track operator that puts so much back into the program. Instead of taking from it he is giving back, and it is so great.
Q.	Who do you have the most fun racing against?
A.	My good friend Jason Sherrill.  We have been racing each other since we were 6 or 7.   Talking trash for 20 years!
Q.	Who’s the toughest competition to beat?
A.	Everyone in single A is tough on any given day.
Q.	What are your goals in BMX racing and when do you plan to reach them?
A.	I am 28 now, so my goal is to stay healthy and injury free so that I can continue to race BMX for many years. Whether it is A pro, Vet Pro, or even amateur again down the road
Q.	Do you have any goals in life outside of BMX racing? If so, what are they?
A.	I want to progress in my career at the bank. I look forward to the day when I can look back and know that I have been blessed with a great hobby, profession, and family. The family part I haven’t started yet!
Q.	Which current rider do you admire most?
A.	I admire the rider that works 40 hours a week and has a family. That rides their bike for the love of riding and has so much fun doing it.
Q.	Did you have any racing (or other) heroes growing up?
A.	I never had a hero growing up. I liked Michael Jordan quite a bit if that counts.
Q.	What’s your best racing tip for amateur riders?
A.	Stay focused at a race. Sometimes YOU can be your biggest competition. Before a race visualize what you want to do on the track during a race. Oh yeah, practice, practice, practice! AND JUST HAVE FUN RIDING YOUR BIKE!
Q.	Any other parting words for the young riders out there?
A.	Never get down on yourself at a race or while you're riding. Never push yourself too hard. When you are at the track have fun.
Q.	Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
A.	If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me at ncbmxpro@aol.com or see me at the track, don't be shy to talk to me, I won't bite!