First year racing pro and finishing in the top 10 in a World Cup event. “For years after that I was considered the ‘Up and comer.’ Now, I am not sure what I am. But I believe if you love what you do, success will follow.” I grew up in a small apple orchard outside of Detroit. My parents started a cider mill when I was pretty young so I spent most of my childhood working on the farm. Chores would consist of picking apples and making caramel apples in fall time when the mill was open and then working in the fields during the spring and summer.

Since I enjoyed being outdoors doing things, I didn't really enjoy school that much. I got okay grades through most of my school career but didn't spend any extra time making sure I did well. During high school, I would say that I started down a rough road of partying and hanging out with friends. I never grew up playing sports and actually got kicked out of my weightlifting class for sitting on a bench and talking with boys and not working out. I pretty much avoided physical activity as much as possible. I also cheated on my

swimming test by walking on the bottom of the pool. I was cutting classes and smoking cigarettes behind the school. I don't think anyone from my high school would believe what I am doing now! It wasn't until I was 19 when my brother and Dad talked me into going for a mountain bike ride. My Dad was really trying to push me to stop smoking and live a healthier lifestyle. I had gained a bit of weight from drinking and wanted to lose some pounds so I thought I would give it a try. I was terrible and didn't enjoy it all that much but, they kept talking me into giving it another try. So, I went out again and had a much better time. I didn't ride that much for the next few years and during that time my brother and Dad got involved in racing locally. I never thought it was something that I could do until a guy from the local bike shop gave me a jersey and urged me to get out there and race. So, I went for it and loved it. Someone asked me what will I do with my life after I’m finished racing. Is there life after racing?