1980's - Growing up in spandex and thumb shifters

My first road race was on a 1979 Peugot with friction shifters and toe clips.  I was 9 years old.  Lucky for me the Red Zinger Mini Classic was based in my home town of Boulder, CO.  I've still got a giant box of medals, ribbons, and trophies from all those podium finishes.

Thankfully, my dad was cool enough to take us to Moab, UT year after year in the early days. Here is a picture of me on a sweet vintage Specialized Rockhopper (equipped with U-Brakes!).

All the early riding led to early Mt. Bike racing too.  I was featured on the cover of Mountain Bike Action in May 1992 while racing the Grundig NORBA Nationals at Park City, UT the year before. At the time I was on the Fat City Cycles "Grass Roots" team.

So, that early exposure has lead to a life of passion for two wheels.  Here is me in the high Sierra Nevada on a 2006 Specialized Stumpy.

And it will continue to the next generation.  This is my son Cooper riding his red Specialized Hot Rock with no training wheels at 3 years old!