Where did you find your start?

After working in corporate America for several years after college & tired of working for "the man", I found myself wanting to get back into competitive athletics. I missed team sports and I missed the pain and suffering that comes with pushing yourself to train and compete. I walked into a bike shop in Nashville, TN and the rest was history. I found a lifetime sport in cycling.

Biggest-littlest achievement- What did you win when you were younger that really got you hooked on racing?

My biggest win to date was def the 2011 National Road Race Championships. It has been a fantastic experience to be the current National Road Champion for my team, NOW and Novartis for MS and my personal business, Uptown Cycles. I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old, at that time there were no other girls playing soccer in the area. I basically played soccer with all boys for the first 5 years. I look back and think that is when i started to be tough and always wanting to beat boys whether it was on the soccer field or up a climb. I still find thrill when riding guys off my wheel in local training rides. It's just pure fun watching them get all frustrated that they got beat by a girl.

Favorite race?

Redlands Bicycle Classic is one of my favs b/c of the hosts we stay with are like family and getting to race in the warm sunshine in the early season. I'm also a big fan of Tulsa Tough. Great crowds and lots of fun on Cry Baby Hill.

Favorite ride?

In the Blue Ridge mountains in NC. I have a house in Blowing Rock, NC. Rolling out the driveway and climbing some of the best roads in the country is my favorite ride.

Favorite food to eat after a ride?

I would prefer a nice cold beer but it's hard when you are Gluten Free so I just take sips off my friend's beer!

Favorite food to eat at 2am on a Saturday night?

I am never up at 2am so I would say red wine on a sat night at 8pm with a seriously yummy dinner.

First bike?

2003 Gary Fisher 29'er Supercaliber Hardtail

Future goals?

2012 Olympics

What are you riding and why?

Riding my bike is very peaceful and liberating. I think about the places that the bike has taken me and where I am going in the future on my bike. It's been a way for me to share my passion through coaching, creating a business and staying physically healthy for the past 10 years and hopefully for the rest of my life! It's all about enjoying what I am doing NOW!

What I want to do when I grow up: Become and yoga instructor and own my own studio with my two sisters.

The one place i would like to go on a bike: The epic climbs of the Tour de France