My earliest memory of riding was of my Mom and Dad teaching me to ride my “Knight Rider” bike without training wheels. There are other photos of me on tricycles and stuff, but that’s what I remember. Later on, I won a BMX bike in a national contest from Aqua-Fresh toothpaste called, “What Makes Me Smile.” I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was extremely sappy and was meant to win the contest, not to be extremely sincere.
From that point on, I was hooked. I have loved bikes for as long as I can remember. I have ended dating relationships over group rides. I have raced a little bit, had some good finishes, and won a few races in a few different cycling disciplines. No matter how much I dream about racing on the cobbles of northern France, or in the slop of Belgium in the early spring, I’ve never been anywhere near becoming a pro. I know my place. My forte is working on bikes, but more importantly, working with people.
After working in two local bike shops, I got my USA Cycling Mechanics’ License (Class of 2005) and started making my way into working at professional road races. I volunteered at the right time and made the right connections and have had the opportunity to work at some pretty big races throughout the years.

Tour de Beauce 2005, Quebec City – Jittery Joe’s/Kalahari Pro Cycling Team
Some may see the life of a professional race mechanic as a cool job, but it is truly one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had, even comparing it to my time in the US Marine Corps. The hours are crazy, the work is demanding, the riders can be picky… but it’s a blast! The first time you do a repair out of the window of a team car, your heart is beating so fast… the adrenaline is pumping… but you can’t screw it up. You get the job done and get ready for the next thing you encounter.
I enjoy being married to my wonderful wife, Jessica. I’m the proud father of two daughters, Sadie (14) and Maggie (12), stepdad to Payton (14) and Leah (5), and we just welcomed our son, Andrew (born Jan 2021). We reside in Greer, SC, where I work as retail store manager for Trek Bicycle Store of Greenville.
I’m still riding and racing my bike on occasion. I try to get in as many hours of training as I can squeeze in, which means I’m out before the sun comes up on a lot of occasions. Cycling is a bug I can’t kick, and don’t want to. I stay pretty healthy when I ride, it makes me smile. I love it. I love selling fun.
It’s a good life. I definitely can’t complain. Maybe one day, I’ll get to France and Belgium for a few rides… and maybe a little pro wrenching during the Classics. For right now, I’ll just do what I’m doing.
PROBIKEWRENCH 
