Events:
Echo Red to Red, Bonecrusher, Washougal MTB, WA 24/12, and the Harvest Cyclocross Series (8-10 races a season).
What sport do/did you compete in? And why are you passionate about it?
I used to be on a road team. I fell out of love with that discipline but was saved by cyclocross and mountain bike racing. I’m most passionate about creating a pathway for junior development. WA, OR, and ID are in a USAC points paying desert in regards to mountain bike and cyclocross racing. My goal as a promoter is to re-write that script.
How long have you been Hammering:
I’m in my 40’s now but I remember using Hammer Gel when I was in my early 20’s!
How long have your events partnered with Hammer:
Relatively new to the promoter scene, but going on 4 years now!
Your go-to Hammer products:
FIZZ Endurolytes. No question! I sweat like it’s no one's business. If I’m racing XC I’ll have 2x Hammer GEL’s in my jersey pocket. If I’m racing short track or cyclocross I’m downing a gel during my warm up so when that whistle blows I’m ready to kick from the gun. Works for me. I recently started taking the Hammer Broad-Spectrum CBD Softgels as a recovery aid. One of my biggest weaknesses is getting enough sleep. There’s so much more in the Hammer product line I should start trying out. We all react differently to things we put in our body. It’s important you find what works for you.
Why do you continue to partner with Hammer to fuel your events?
I cheekily like to partner with companies that I personally use. And that I’m a big fan of. Hammer has been loyal and believes in our efforts. And that sentiment is a 100% reciprocal. On a side note, our family business is in the moto industry, specifically supercross and motocross. Hammer is heavily invested in that industry and it makes us so dang proud to be affiliated with a company that sponsors world class athletes and also invests in our local amateur racers.
Favorite memory as a Race Director?
Okay..I better grab a box of tissues. At our Harvest Cyclocross Series finale we end the day with the series overall podiums. It’s truly chaotic! The crowd is chattering. The PA system is turned up a little louder calling riders to the stage. There’s hooting and hollering. My crew and I are rushing around grabbing podium prizes and helping take photos. And in the middle of it all a young girl pulls at my shirt. She’s talking but it’s in a low whisper so I have to lean over. I go from seeing a blur of hundreds to focusing on this one little smiling face. She repeats herself, “Mr…thank you…this was the best day of my life!” Haha.
Look, I know, it wasn’t. But it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. One thing they don’t warn you about when becoming a race promoter is how emotionally straining it is, or can be. I snuck away from her teary eyed to tell my then pregnant partner. Fast forward and we have a healthy daughter. And bringing it full circle, from raising our own child to hosting a bicycle race, it’s all about helping create beautiful memories. That’s the goal.
