For most of my life, I grew up playing basketball and was fortunate enough to play through university on a scholarship. After graduating, I realized that it played a bigger role in my life. Of course, basketball was something that I enjoyed, but it was also an outlet that I used to work through the challenges that I was facing in my life.

Unfortunately, after university, I did not play as often as I was used to. Hindered by bad knees and a rebellious attitude towards any structured workout regimen that I and many other collegiate athletes have become accustomed to throughout the years.

The combination of these two things led to the slow progression of a lifestyle that was detrimental to my overall health. Four years after graduating, with bad nutrition habits and a lack of physical activity, I realized I was on track to becoming obese. I also realized how important sport and physical activity are for my life and overall mood.

Luckily, I re-discovered cycling through a spin class and developed an affinity for it. Since my adoption of the sport, I have lost over 50 pounds and gotten into the best mental and physical shape of my life.

Cycling has become my weapon of choice to combat diseases that run in my family, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.

My experience has developed a passion within me to share my story to inspire and encourage others who may be feeling helpless, depressed, and defeated because an unhealthy lifestyle has overtaken them.

In recent years I have collaborated with different brands and foundations such as Stages, See the Future or #10for10 to bring the world of cycling closer but especially to help the most underserved communities.

I’ve raced bicycles on an amateur level before, but now I simply enjoy using my gravel bike or road bike to get outside, explore, and connect with nature around me. After moving to Spain from America, my bicycle has allowed me to travel through the country and see things I never thought I’d be able to see. It’s also been a great way to spend time with friends and make new ones.

Ultimately, I hope that my journey motivates people to become active, get a bike, and do what they want with it. Whether that is to explore, race, or simply run errands around the neighbourhood.

 

I am excited for the year to come and look forward to working with MMR to get people happy, healthy and exploring.