I am a 51 year old male who retired from the US Army as a Combat Engineer after 26 years as an enlisted man. I immediately went to Iraq, Germany and now Afghanistan to train foreign and US soldiers on all aspects of Counter IED and route clearance.

I live in Germany, but an only there 4-5 weeks a year. The rest of the time I am in Afghanistan training Afghan Commandos and Special Forces.

I picked up riding in 2005 in Germany and quickly fell in love with trekking around the trails and paths that run all over Germany.

I then bought my first MTB, which was a Kona Unit and started riding at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. I graduated to a Salsa Ti hardtail with a Rohloff, and then on to my new enduro rig, a Ti Kingdom Hex with Di2 and lots of other sexy parts and pieces.

I am not a highly skilled rider, but am trying to learn the fine art of all mountain riding here at Camp Commando when I get a chance.

I now take an MTB with me on all vacations and ride when and where I can in Europe.