Growing up in Marin County in the 70’s I was fortunate to be exposed to this triving cycling community, considered one of the birthplaces of mountain biking. Starting out road racing with a local club, I realized a strong interest in competitive cycling. Yet, it was not until his discovery of off road riding, later to become known as mountain biking, did I realize my true interest. My first race at the age of 15 was the “Zero’s Notch Race”, a gathering of locals, minimal organization, riders wearing Levi’s and no helmets, yet the avant-guarde of the time. I was riding a Schwinn cruiser modified with with drum brakes and derailleurs, a typical ride at the time, and finished 1st “novice”. Such was the early scene, since the only other class was expert. These experts were the likes of Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher, local heavies about to realize the beginnings of a cycling revolution.
It was in ’83 racing in the largest and most popular mountain bike race, the Rockhopper, I finished 4th. Relatively unknown and was soon noticed as someone to reckon with. Sure enough, next year I established myself as the one to beat. In 1984 I had 8 straight victories, 15 victories for the year and finishing it off as NORBA National Champion. The next year, continuing my success with 12 straight victories (unmatched by any male in mountain bike racing) and a second National Championship. During these two years time I established himself as almost unbeatable and the first star of the newly emerging sport of mountain biking. My interests did not stop at racing. Not only a two time National champion for Fisher Mountainbikes, but as test rider and work in product development. I continued his career as bicycle designer for Marin Mountain Bikes, Merlin, Kona and VooDoo. I currently work for Shimano in product development.