October 14, 1979. That was the day that I conned my dear old dad into taking me to my first BMX race. Feldon Wicks, a local hotshot and mechanic at the Richmond Heights Touring Cyclist encouraged me to get out there and try it. The race was at the old Bonzai track, where the current intersection of Hwy 70 and 270 stands now. Who knew it would lead to a lifelong relationship with racing and riding bikes? I actually won my first moto that day, and I was as surprised as anyone!
Less than 10 years later (April 1988), I borrowed a mountain bike from the legendary Margo Carrol and raced for the first time on the old Dogwood trail at Greensfelder. It was the first time I had ever ridden a mountain bike, and despite the saddle falling off, I won that race in a sprint against none other than motorcycle legend Tim Surdyke. Again, no one was more surprised than I was.
A couple years after I started racing mountain bikes (February 1990), I was practically forced to race road bikes by my dear friend Neil Kopitsky. He was relentless in his quest to get me out on a road bike. I had no choice, since he was a very persuasive lawyer-to-be, and he had already beaten me at mountain bike racing. Not my best cycling sport, road racing (and Neil!) taught me a lot about cycling and life in general.
Throughout all of my years of racing, I have been most drawn to mountain biking. And not just racing. Riding in general. Being outside, being in the woods, pushing myself to be better, chasing off the demons that haunt my soul, and getting a really odd tan have kept life fresh for me.
I'll keep riding and racing as long as I can. Hell, I'll even throw in some running races, a gravel race now and then, and maybe even an adventure race if I can hold up. I have an amazing support system, the most amazing being my beautiful wife Deanna. They're always encouraging, never discouraging.
Never grow up. Never grow old. Onward and upward.
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