Date: June 10-11, 2000
Event: Toyota 24 Hours of Snowshoe 2000
Class: Pro/Am Team
Category: Pro
Length: 24 Hours
Time: 0:32:38 - 18 Laps
Bike: Trek FUEL Full-Suspension 2001 (Due out in October)
Tires: Bontrager

Pictures from Fairmount AMBC 2000
Philadelphia, Pa

Why do you enjoy endurance events?

I like to ride my bike for a long time, the only thing that is hard is the waiting process between laps, I get keyed up and excited so it is hard for me to fall asleep between laps. It's fun to ride at night, and it is beautiful to ride when the sun starts it's power at around 5 am. Endurance events are about consistency and having fun.

What is the longest distance or number of hours you have ever ridden in one day?

Longest ride in one day was 178 miles (I was trying to get to Vancouver B.C. to meet friends--I was riding a Trek 830 loaded with gear, the whole trip was from Alaska to Mexico, the knobbies provided extra training resistance on the road).

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

I took Monday off, and got my car inspected. On Tuesday night I found that I was going to be on the Trek/VW East Coast factory 24 hour team because David Duvall was in a lot of pain, due to back problems. He has big shoes to fill, one of the fastest riders I have ever seen. I was a last minute addition to the Trek/VW Snowshoe team. When I found out I was going to be on the team I woke up on Wednesday sweating.

How many laps did you complete yourself?

Five, the last lap was a parade lap with Chris Eatough riding behind me in case I had a mechanical. It was fun riding with him again, we raced Canaan together as a 4 man expert team in 1997. He has a great future ahead.

How much actual riding time did you get in during the race?

I believe around 6 and half hours.

In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?

A friend of mine, Jeremy (the Worm) Wimpey substitutes the word training with the word playing, it sounds better, it sounds like more fun. I play on my bike 15-20 hours a week.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I was fired up the whole day. First three laps I felt super strong, around 5 in the morning I got a little tired, but when I got on my bike for the sunrise lap, I felt blessed to be on one the craziest courses I have been luckily enough to see.

Did you have a good support crew?

We had the best support crew with the best bikes. Roger Bird was the team manager, and he made the whole race work like clock work. Sean was the mechanic, he dialed in the new Trek Fuel bikes for each lap, he also happens to be one of the nicest guys you can work with, he always will offer a hand no matter what. Dr. Bill was the team doctor, he helped with our beaten bodies, he made my legs feel fresh and ready to ride. Chris Eatough's parents were a joy to be around, his mom cooked and did laundry between each lap, his Dad washed the bikes and helped out Sean. Dana, my roommate, did incredible work, she was in charge of me, she feed me, guided me and was always there for me. She was an integral part to a well guided ship.

Did your Team work well together?

We had the best team riding the best bikes. Sue Haywood and Katie Compton are not just fast women they are fast riders--they are the big reason why we won like we did. The other big reason was of course Chris--one of the most professional people out there.

What did you eat during the race?

Everything that smelled good. Dana and Chris's Mom made sure I ate well. I had pasta, bagels, cereal (Kellogg's low-fat granola without raisins ), Power Bars (protein plus), Power Bar perform energy drink and a lot of fresh fruit.

Did you change clothes, shower, or nap during the race?

At the end of each lap I would shower, eat, brush my teeth, do laundry and try to chill out.

Did you have any unusual problems with the race?

I had stomach problems from eating at weird times. The weirdest thing I saw was, after the quick prologue loop during my night lap six or seven girls flashed me--that gave me some quick energy that carried me into the twisty single track.

How would you rate the course?

100 percent pure fun. My upper body definitely got a good workout.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

The race went so smooth and people were so friendly. Everybody was supportive and enthusiastic. I felt blessed to be riding with everybody.

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

No, I had a lot fun.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to thank Trek for allowing me to ride their new Fuel dual suspension bikes, best bike I've ever ridden. I would also like to thank Niterider for letting me use their powerful lights.

Thank you Paul Buschi for the interview!!