Hobbies: I'll pretty much do anything that gets me outdoors.  Cycling wise I've been doing more road riding since moving from the Quantocks to Manchester 4 years ago and earlier this year I did Lands End to John O'Groats which was great fun, but I'll still take any opportunity to get out into the hills.  I've also started riding bmx, but I'm rubbish...  Outside of cycling I've been getting into climbing and have always enjoyed surfing when I get a chance to get back to the South-West (there's not much surf in Manchester).

Training: Since finishing the end-to-end in March 08 I decided to start taking my training a little more seriously and to see if I could get some decent race results in 2008.  My training during the race season was an afternoon gym session switching between weights and cardio then in the evenings I'd alternate between a road ride, some climbing or a train up to the Peak District and riding back home to Manchester via Jacobs Ladder (perfect after a day in the office).  I goes without saying the weekends are there for mountain biking.  This winter I'm getting much more time in on the Turbo-Trainer before and after work and looking to build up with real riding and some gym sessions towards the start of the season.

Diet: Lots of oats is a winner when I'm training.

How I got started: I grew up (well probably didn't grow up, but just got older) living at the foot of the Quantock hills so I've been mountain biking since I can remember.  Racing was always just an excuse to go riding with some mates somewhere we wouldn't usually go and to party afterwards (sometimes during).  I didn't really take my racing too seriously until last year when I made the decision to see if I could be any good before I was too old.  I love a bit of competition though so I've enjoyed being able to compete properly, rather than just on the DH sections.

Why I like my bikes: The e-120 is Fast.  That's all that needs to be said.  Ok, maybe Bloody Fast.

Type of riding: Having only recently made the step from pootling around, and racing for a laugh, to some serious racing my best results were during last year.  Being part of the Whyte team that won Dusk til Dawn was great and my first senior podium in a big race.  Personally I was pleased to get close to the times of Billy and Andy.  Another memorable one was finishing my first 24hr solo race at Mountain Mayhem in 2007 without taking a knap, result!!

For 2009 I'm hoping to transfer the training into some solo results at some of the 12 and 24 hour races and to be part of some more winning Whyte teams.  I've always enjoyed the Bristol and Cheddar Bikefest as there's some nice challenging sections on those courses so a result at those would be great.

Idols: My idol is the bloke with the really muddy face, glazed over eyes (the sign of a soloist) and clogged up bike that you always see pushing his bike round the course at Mountain Mayhem.  Good work fella!