Hi Charlie, how’s 2018 kicking off for you?

2018 has been great so far! I got onto a new bike this offseason, the Intense Cycles M29, which I have been loving. Straight away, I felt more comfortable and faster on the bike. I’ve been working really hard with the team in regards to testing and trying to get the bike to the best set up possible. Everyone from the team has been working their butts off for the upcoming season, and I am really looking forward to getting to racing.

What do you have planned for this upcoming year?

For the upcoming season, I will be doing a few Pro GRT events, National Champs, all Crankworx races, and all the World Cups.

Do you have a trip planned for this season that you’re most excited about?

Mont Saint Anne is always my favorite track/ venue. I always enjoy riding the track, and usually do pretty well. Last year, the team and myself won “Team of the Day” from our cumulative points throughout the day, so I think we all are excited to go back and see what we can accomplish again.

What has been your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Geneva, Switzerland has been my favorite city that I have been too. I am not a city person by any means, but Geneva in the summer is amazing, seems as if everyone that lives in the city is out and active, which creates a great atmosphere. The lake there is beautiful as well. As far as favorite riding spots, Morzine, France is my favorite place to ride. It works out well, because the best airport to fly into when going to Morzine is Geneva, so I get to experience both spots at the same time.

Any weird customs or experiences you got to have while traveling?

There’s not really anything that pops into my head. Fortunately, I’ve been pretty lucky with traveling and haven’t had really any catastrophic travel incidents in terms of being stuck in airports or things like that. I suppose the worse it’s been has been delayed or cancelled flights, but I’ve always been lucky and been given hotel rooms by the airlines.

You just got moved up to General this year, the highest ranking in the Monster Army, what does that mean to you?

It means a lot! Monster Army has been a huge part of my program for the last four years, so I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to continue to represent the brand. It is also very cool that Monster continues to give me more support as the relationship grows.

What advice would you give to younger athletes out there, just getting started in our ranks?

Work hard, chase your dreams, and enjoy the process. Anything is there for the taking, if you really want it. It’s up to you to decide if you’re willing to put in the work to accomplish your goals/ dreams. Sometimes, this world will get you down and make it seem as if your goals are not tangible, which isn’t true at all. I nearly gave up on my dreams after many defeats, but I am very glad I didn’t.

Any last thank you or shout outs?

First of all, thank you to Monster Army for the gracious support and allowing me to do this interview. Thank you to my amazing team, Intense Factory Racing, and all of our awesome sponsors for always believing in me and working hard to help me accomplish my goals. Thank you to my parents for getting me to where I am today, my girlfriend for always having my back, and the man up above for letting everything fall into place.