Racing age:
36
Marital status:
Married
Job:
Teacher/Nursing Student
Hobbies:
Playing with my kids, cycling, computer gaming, reading, dancing.
Category:
Road 3, Track 5, MTB beginner.
Preferred type of racing:
Road Races and Time Trials.
Race resume:
I started riding in 1983 and began racing in 1985 at the Berkley Hills Road Race. I entered the public race and finished second (out of a field of two). I was 15 years old and in way over my head, but I managed to finish. My first serious attempts at racing began in 1987 when I started riding with members of Fremont Freewheelers. By the fall of that year I joined the "new" FFBC race team which was being started by John Tarbert and was sponsored by Michael Genthner and his F&M Cyclery bicycle shop. John developed a program for the team that had us doing team training rides five days a week and then racing on the weekends.
The FFBC/F&M Cyclery race team made our official debut at the very first Early Bird Criterium being put on by Velo Promo. I was able to string together several top 5 finishes that season in various events. By seasons’ end, I had logged over 12,000 miles and earned enough points to upgrade to a Cat 3. As I concentrated more on work and school, I spent less time racing and training but my passion for the sport remained. By 1995, I had landed a spot on Frank Scioscia’s Team Shaklee’s support staff thanks to a kind referral from Dave Lettieri from the Chevrolet/L.A. Sheriffs cycling team. Working for the team allowed me to travel the country and work many of America’s most notable events. My evolvement with Team Shaklee inspired me to begin my own company, Pneuma Cycling, which developed cycling sponsorship programs for large corporations.
Memorable Milestones:
Finishing my first race. Looking down at my cyclometer and seeing 60 MPH staring back at me the first time. Collecting my first Powerbar T-shirt and hat prime. Being invited to test a new product called "GU". Sitting in on the first FFBC/F&M Cyclery team meeting and being named to the "A" team later that year. Working with all the riders and staff of Team Shaklee. Eating Chicken Marsala with Derek Bouchard-Hall and J-Me Carney at an Indianapolis Olive Garden and then trying to hold the Marsala down as J-Me tried to get us to the Major Taylor Velodrome before it closed for the night. (Rental cars weren’t meant to move like that) Working with riders like Mari Holden, Louisa Jenkins, Linda Brenneman, Jacqui Nelson and Stephanie Owens. The first time Alexi called my house to talk about cycling and God.
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Who is your cycling icon and why:
I admire several different people for many different reasons. Jeannie Longo for her competitive longevity- so good for so long, Bernard Hinault for his competitive spirit- attack hard, attack often and give NO GIFTS, Erik Zabel for his work ethic- omnipresent star, Alexi Grewal for his inner strength- latching back onto Bauer’s wheel after bonking on the climb up Vista Del Lago in the ‘84 Olympic RR.
Why I started cycling:
"Breaking Away" was on cable in the summer of 1983. I watched it over and over and over again. That movie introduced me to the passion of cycling and all that makes it the greatest sport in the world- the thrill of racing and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming personal struggles to achieve your goals.
Why I am still riding:
Because I love it and riding is an undeniable part of who I am. It took losing it to learn that.
Why I still Race:
I race because creating new memories is better than reliving old ones. Plus, nothing is cooler than crossing a little white line one centimeter ahead of someone else while traveling at 40 mph.
Favorite Ride:
There are several. Palomares/Calavares, Berkley Hills Road Race course, Mt. Diablo (all the way up).
Nemesis Ride:
Old LaHonda and any ride that ends with a BONK.
My Race Bikes:
- TVT Carbon with Dura Ace group. The bike La Vie Claire/Toshiba rode back in the day.
- Serotta Nova Special X equipped with Shimano Ultegra and Campy wheels.
- 1985 Colnago Master. Stolen, but not forgotten.
My worst bike:
A Sears Suteki with old Shimano 600 components salvaged from a wreck of a bike. My dad used a hacksaw to cut off the suicide brake levers to give it a more "race" bike look and drilled holes in the frame for water bottle mounts. It was a hulk of a bike, but it got me to the finish line once.
Training Philosophy:
Have a plan, stay organized and listen to your body.
Style:
Not sure yet. It used to be big gears and daring descents. We’ll have to see what it is now.
Short Term Goals:
Regain race fitness and on bike skills.
Long Term Goals:
As my favorite road sign reads: "No Stopping At Any Time" and crossing the finish line in first place once again.
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