How and when did you first get involved with NWTA?
In 2014/15, I was working on Gateway Green for my job at Portland Parks & Recreation. The next year, I took my family to NWTA’s Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day event at Cascade Locks. I’ve been involved at Gateway Green almost every working day since for the next 10 years.
What made you decide to join the NWTA board?
Simply to provide support for the organization that was providing so much to the community. The work NWTA does to make Gateway Green happen and function is inspiring.
What part of NWTA’s mission resonates with you?
That is a hard question, as I think the mission statement is so complete. It was written by people that really know the value and complexity of outdoor recreation and the what’s involved in the management of it all.
When did you first start mountain biking and what was your first bike?
1988/89 (ish)… I went on rides here and there (Skibowl, before they had trails). Shortly after that, I bought a Giant Sedona, my first mountain bike on the second day I went to college. It became my primary transportation and source of outdoor fun in Eugene. My first bike ever was a Schwinn BMX Scrambler 36/36 in 1978. Blue.
What do you love about mountain biking?
Biking is a great speed to see the world. Add in mountains and it just gets better. I am actually not a very great rider, but the access to the outdoors on a bike is too great to resist.
Favorite place to ride?
Hmm… too hard of a question. As I get older, the trail rides in Central Oregon are my best speed. But, I am a creature of habit, so Sandy Ridge is almost always a good time. Of course I feel obligated to mention Gateway Green here. I do need to ride at Klootchy Creek more – I had a great day out there about a year ago. Which is a surprising statement for me – the coast range feels all uphill.
My favorite ride I ever did was in the Sawtooths in the mid 90’s (I think it was called the Fisher Creek trail?). I was on a hardtail and my seat broke half way in. Luckily it broke the apex of the loop and it was all downhill from there and just a great day.
What do you do during the day that pays the bills?
I am one of the Capital Program Managers for Portland Parks & Recreation; licensed as a Landscape Architect. I manage a team of people that design and build parks. It’s a great job.
What song or type of music do you listen to to get pumped up for a ride or for a dig day?
Hah! Let me start by saying that if a bystander were watching me ride, they would assume I am listening to elevator music. But in my headphones, I often have a selection of Public Enemy and Talking Heads for the downhill. Although earlier this summer, the algorithms served up ‘Summer Breeze’ on Lower Hide and Seek and it was strangely perfect. I so appreciated the moment. That may be me getting older.
Tell us something not mountain bike related about yourself.
I have a fantastic family with two young adult children (that went fast); they and my wife would be probably rolling their eyes at these answers and I love that.