Topics of Expertise: Bikes of all types, camping, hiking, paddling, climbing, outdoor gear
Years in This Expertise: 20+
Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 1000+ products, 10,000+ hours
Experience:
I’ve been getting after it outside my entire life. I’m always looking for another big trip or ways to combine my interests into one big adventure. I was Tech Editor for Dirt Rag and Bicycle Times magazines for 5 years, and continue to write about the outdoors when the mood strikes me
Career Highlights
Hanging out so much at a climbing gym they ended up giving me a job
Working as a mountain bike guide in Maine
Bike trips to Chile, New Zealand, France, and Chile and too many US states to recall
My first time riding at Whistler Bike Park
My first time taking my kids out in a canoe
Traveling to the Gunks for my first multi-pitch climbing expedition
Education & Certifications
Years of Writing: 18
Certifications: Mechanic certifications from United Bicycle Institute and Barnett Bicycle Institute
I didn’t start out wanting to be a writer. But in my late teens and early twenties, as I started to explore more outdoor opportunities, I educated myself with a massive consumption of books and magazines. After moving to Pittsburgh, I made it a mission to work at Dirt Rag, a cycling magazine that was never afraid to push the limits of what it meant to be an enthusiast publication. I discovered my voice there and realized I had things to say that people were interested in reading.
My time at Dirt Rag really helped me to tap into my creative side and made me realize my quest for novelty could be channeled into fresh approaches to content. I’ve written a lot of reviews, but my favorite content is approachable articles about complicated topics, helping the reader to understand their equipment better and leading to more fun outside.
Over the last few years, I pulled myself out of a self-imposed journalist (and COVID-induced) reclusiveness and now recreate outside with some really excellent folks who I’m lucky to call friends. This makes me tremendously happy.