I grew up on a family farm outside of Asheville, North Carolina, where I spent my childhood running around the woods and exploring. Growing up, I quickly realized that competitive team sports were not my thing, so I gravitated more towards activities that allowed me to get outside and soak it in. In high school, that meant hiking with my Dad most days after school or backpacking on the weekends, and later in college, that transformed into road biking, climbing, and trail running.
My passion for getting outside and bringing others along took me first to Prescott College, where I got a degree in Adventure Education, and has taken me all over the Southwest, California, Maine, and North Carolina teaching and instructing for various outdoor education companies. Now, after completing my second cross-country bike trip and relocating to Missoula, MT I’ve decided to focus on bringing the joys and challenges of bike travel to people professionally through working at The Cycling House. It’s been a wonderful adventure!
What is the best thing about working at The Cycling House?
I love the combination of working your body hard, and then refueling with delicious food and great company throughout the day. The team of passionate, talented, and inspiring folks I get to work with is also a huge plus.
Do you have a favorite ride?
My all time favorite ride is the one that first got me stoked on biking. Leaving from my family's front door in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and climbing up to the highest peak east of the Mississippi on the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway instills such a deep appreciation for my home in these mountains every time.
What is the most memorable day you’ve ever had on the bike?
Definitely the most memorable day on a bike was on my last tour. It was a 115 mile day through Southern Idaho where I was hailed on, rode through a dust storm, got lost on a bumpy gravel road for 40 miles, and got two flats, but all to make it to my destination in time for a cold beer, a giant pot of rice and beans, and a clear night sky to camp out under.
