Where are you from, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Colorado Springs, but I grew up in Tennessee. Part of my childhood in the Nashville area and the other half in Memphis.
Were you an active or athletic family growing up?
I have three siblings, an older brother, a younger brother, and a younger sister and we were definitely an active family. My dad raced bikes when he was younger, and that’s how I got into cycling. My younger brother also raced bikes. I played pretty much every sport growing up—soccer, basketball, and baseball.
What made you focus on cycling?
I really started focusing on cycling around age 14. I went to nationals and finished 2nd in my age group, and that’s when I realized I might actually be pretty good at it.
What was your first bike, or the first bike you really remember?
The first bike I really remember was an old red Schwinn mountain bike. I loved that thing. I rode it into the ground.
What’s an ideal ride these days?
Haha, that depends. These days, my ideal ride is a nice 1–1.5 hour spin—just hammering it out and finishing with a coffee stop. Back when I was racing, I loved a long endurance ride in the mountains.
What was your racing journey?
I started racing when I was 9 and made the national team at 17. After juniors, I spent four years with Trek Livestrong, then moved on to the Garmin pro team, where I raced for six years. That team eventually became Cannondale and then EF. I wrapped up my career with my final years on Rally Pro Cycling Team.
Has your relationship with cycling evolved over time?
Honestly, my relationship with cycling hasn’t changed much—it’s always been so much fun to ride and race. I always told myself that the moment it stopped being fun, I’d step away. I’m in my 30s now, and I’m still loving it. I don’t do the 4–5 hour rides anymore, but I still love getting out there and letting it rip.
How did you get into the bike business?
A friend and former teammate, Caleb reached out one day and asked me to do a 24-hour MTB race with him in Palo Duro Canyon. I figured, why not? I hadn’t been to Amarillo since he retired. I came down to race, and they had just bought a bike shop in town. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was bringing my family to Amarillo and started managing Hills Sport Shop. It was actually my first go at retail. It hooked me naturally. I get to be around what I’ve loved my whole life—bikes. It’s my passion. I love being around them, talking about them, and sharing that passion with other people.
What’s your favorite kind of customer to help—and why?
I love helping people who are new to cycling and excited to get into it. Everything is so fresh and new to them, and it’s awesome to share in that excitement.
How do you approach someone who feels intimidated or unsure?
That’s what I love about cycling it’s for everyone. There’s a bike and a community for every type of rider, so you don’t have to be a seasoned pro to get involved. I try to make people feel comfortable by focusing on what excites them, helping them find the right gear, and showing them that riding can be fun at any level. It’s all about building confidence and making sure their first experiences are positive.
Post-ride meal go-to?
Mexican food—give me chips and queso all day after a big ride!