Doing Hard Things On Purpose: Reflections on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
2024 has been a year of growth, challenge, and finding joy in the process. One thing I’ve truly come to believe is that regularly doing hard things makes you more resilient—not just on the bike, but in life. That mindset has shaped my year in so many ways.
Highlights of 2024
Without a doubt, the highlight of my year was riding from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Orem, Utah. Nearly 500 miles over three days, through mountains and unpredictable weather, it was one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The months of training leading up to that ride were when I truly fell in love with structured, intentional training. It was tough, but it was also deeply fulfilling.
Consistency—the grind of showing up day after day—is often the hardest part, but it’s also where the most growth happens. This year, I learned that the process itself is where the real magic lies.
When the process becomes the reward, sticking to the plan no longer feels like a chore—it feels like a gift.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife, Brynne. She’s always been my biggest cheerleader, constantly making it possible for me to chase these crazy goals while we balance everything else in life. I couldn’t do it without her.
And it’s not just about the bike. This year, I’ve felt incredibly content and fulfilled—not only in pursuing performance but also in raising my family and striving to be the best version of myself.
The Numbers
For anyone who loves the stats (and let’s be honest, I do), here’s a quick snapshot of the year:
624 hours of training over 307 days
10,685 miles ridden (a lot of which were indoor)
286 FTP at 148 LBS.
But it’s not just about what happened on the bike. This year, I made a huge breakthrough in mastering my sleep, which has always been a challenge for me. It’s amazing how much better everything feels when you’re deeply rested.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 was about training and building a solid foundation, 2025 is going to be more about racing. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining Sonic Boom Racing (SBR) out of Boulder. This will be my first real focus on racing in over 20 years, and I’m equal parts excited and nervous to see how much I can grow.
My goals for the year include:
Honing my racing skills: Learning pack dynamics and racecraft will be a big focus for me.
Chasing a USAC category upgrade: I’m looking forward to putting in the work and seeing where I can take things.
Family and cycling will remain a focus of my life this year. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a supportive family and the flexibility that comes from running my businesses. Balancing work, family, and cycling is no small task, but it’s a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that staying focused on what matters most brings purpose and fulfillment to everything I do.
The Bigger Picture
Cycling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was 10 years old, in the middle of my parents’ divorce, I saved every dollar I could to put a bike on layaway. That bike wasn’t just transportation—it was freedom. It gave me the chance to escape, to explore, and to feel like I had control over something in a time when so much felt uncertain. The day I brought it home was one of the proudest moments of my childhood.
Today, cycling is my way of carving out space in a busy life. It’s about the open road, the adventure of new challenges, and the clarity that comes with being fully present in the moment. Whether it’s chasing a goal, clearing my head, or simply enjoying the ride, cycling reminds me of the joy that comes from moving forward, one mile at a time.
This year, I’ve learned again that we’re all capable of doing hard things, no matter our age or circumstances. The key is to find what makes you feel alive and free—and to pursue it with everything you’ve got.
Here’s to more hard things, more open roads, and more freedom in 2025.
