I grew up in Gainesville Florida. My dad was a Sports Physiologist and swim coach – at the age of 4 I was a competitive swimmer racing the 6 year old and under age group. My swimming career lasted 18 years and got me through 2 years of collage. After I finished with swimming I did a few triathlons but decided to focus on bicycle racing. I continued with school and raced my bike mostly in Southeast of the United States. Two of the most memorable races were the Belize Road Race – 144 mile race in tropical hot conditions – and the Tour of Guatemala – a 14 day mountain stage race. 

 

I finished college in 1989 and was off to Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) in Pensacola Florida. I later earned my Navy Wings, spent time in several squadrons and retired from the Navy in 2012. All the while I was training and racing my bikes -  even aboard an aircraft carrier.