You only get one life. Make it Epic.
I’m just a guy trying to create a life worth living. Join me on the journey.
A new beginning.
On May 16, 2019 I was hit by an SUV while cycling. It was a near-death experience and a reminder that we only get one shot at this life - we’d better make the most of it.
I was banged up. My right elbow was destroyed and required surgery and 9 weeks of rest, but I was ALIVE! What a gift. A second chance. I didn’t want to waste any more time. I vowed to start tackling the goals on my “wouldn’t it be cool, someday” list. Because someday never comes. We have to make it happen. In this 2nd chance at life I’m determined to accomplish at least one thing each month that I’m really proud of. 4 months after my car crash, I got started with 2 World Records in 4 days. The first-ever swim to North Manitou Island (7.4 miles in 2:50) followed by a World Ultra Cycling Record across the state of Michigan (205 miles in 8:17; 24.7mph avg). A month later, I recruited a ragtag team of runners to complete a Sub-2 hour marathon relay (1:49:32). The next month I started a band with my wife (Lady & Gentleman).
2020 brought new challenges and new opportunities! As the world shut down, I dug in to cross a few more items off my bucket list!
✅ Lady & Gentleman released our first 3 songs and videos!
✅ I SWAM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN!
✅ I set another World Ultra Cycling Record (Southern border of Michigan to the Northern border in the UP - 369 miles in 15:56)
✅ I tackled my first ever Guinness World Record! Fastest 100 miles by bike (while drafting). 100 miles at 🤯
✅ I dove into Real Estate Full Time - using my diverse background and marketing skills to do things VERY different!😀
In this 2nd chance at life, I’m also trying to be intentional about finding my Tribe. Like-minded people who are the same kind of different as me. If that’s you, then follow along and/or reach out. Join me on the journey virtually, or perhaps we can partner on an adventure in real life.
Important Note: This isn’t all about me. I’m simply trying my best to be true to myself so that I can be the best husband, father, friend and human that I can be. And I encourage you to do the same. Don’t be like me. Be like you! What is stirring inside you? What makes you weird and wonderful? Pay attention and live into it. Pursue your curiosity. You only get one life. Make it epic.
Recent Adventures
That Time I Rode 100 miles @ 42.6mph on a racetrack!
On October 5, 2020 I attempted to set a new World Record for Fastest 100 miles By Bicycle (while drafting) at the Michigan International Speedway. My Dad drove the the lead vehicle (a minivan) and I rode my bike behind him. I got it done in 2:20:46 for an average speed of 42.6mph! It was a ton of fun. You can read more about it HERE.
That Time My Friends and I Set A World Ultra Cycling Record (369 miles @ 23.2mph).
On September 20, 2020 I teamed up with 7 friends to attempt to break the World Ultra Cycling Record Up Michigan. We covered the 369-mile journey from Sturgis (south border) to Sault Ste. Marie (north border) in 15 hours and 56 minutes for an average of 23.2mph! Awesome Team, Awesome Crew, Epic Ride!
That Time I Started EPIC Adventure Academy with friends!
2020 has been an odd year, eh? I’m already not a huge fan of the inefficient, indoor nature of traditional school, so when a “remote learning” option and curriculum were presented by our school district due to Covid-19, we decided to partner with 3 other families for a 6-kid homeschool co-op. So… I’m a homeschool teacher one day a week. Our kids are learning a ton, spending lots of time outside and having a blast. Learning is everywhere. Life’s an adventure!
That Time I Swam Across Lake Michigan!
On August 11, 2020 I teamed up with 5 friends to attempt the first-ever continuous relay across the middle of Lake Michigan and fastest-ever mid-lake crossing. We covered the 54.5 miles in 20 hours and 50 minutes with an average pace of 1:18/100yds. Super grateful for our amazing crew and for Mother Nature who granted us the gift of a perfect day.
That Time I ‘Everested’ (on a whim)
Many of my significant athletic adventures are well thought out and take months to plan. But sometimes it’s fun to just do something crazy without overthinking it. Like driving 12 hours to climb 30,000 ft of elevation in one day (more than the height of Mt. Everest). It. Was. Hard. And fun! I was underprepared but learned a lot about myself when the going got tough.
‘Heavy’: New Music Video!
Lady & Gentleman just released our third music video of 2020. It's message is both timeless and timely. These past few months have been a unique, challenging journey for all of us. As we’ve navigated unprecedented circumstances, we’ve experienced some highs and lots of lows. “Heavy” is the best way to describe what we’ve felt personally and collectively at times. Uncertainty. Fear. Overwhelm.
That Time I Rode 100 miles @ 34mph.
For the one year anniversary of the car/bike crash that nearly took my life, but instead gave me a 2nd chance, I wanted to do something special. Why not partner with a vehicle and bury the hatchet between car and bike. With my Dad driving the lead vehicle, I rode 100 miles in 2:57 with an average speed of 34mph. It was a a great training day for a record attempt coming later this Summer.
‘Days Like This’: New Music Video!
Lady & Gentleman (My wife Necia and I) just released our second song and video of 2020. A perfect song and message for this unusual moment in our collective human experience. Watch the music video and read the backstory here.
2020 Goals. 😳
It’s that exciting, slightly awkward time when you share your ambitious goals with the world in hopes of finding support and partnerships while also ensuring accountability. I’ve got lots of goals for 2020, but the 3 biggies are:
1) Swim 60 miles across Lake Michigan (from Wisconsin to Michigan with friends).
2) Break the World Record for Everesting (fastest time climbing 29,029 ft on foot).
3) Set a 100 mile cycling speed record (Goal is 2:42/37mph).
Our First Song and Video!
Super excited to announce the release of our first song and video! The video tells the story of the creation of our husband & wife band ‘Lady & Gentleman’ and shares the story behind the song. Watch it here!
That Time I Ran A Sub-2 Hour Marathon* 😜
2 weeks after Eliud Kipchoge’s historic Sub-2 hour marathon, I rounded up 45 local runners and we met at a local track to see if we could collectively match Kipchoge’s time. It was blast. I ran 26 legs of the relay, but had tons of help from a co-ed team that ranged in age from 8 to 55! We finished the marathon relay in 1:49:32 and ended up being featured in Runner’s World and Men’s Health. Check out the video and story HERE.
Introducing: Lady & Gentleman
We’re starting a band! After talking for years about how cool it would be to make music together “someday”, we’re finally making it happen! Necia has sung on AG Silver songs in the past and even starred in one of our music videos, but now… we’re forming a new music duo. And we’re searching for Our Tribe. Join Us!
That Time My Friends and I Set A World Ultra Cycling Record (205 miles @ 24.8mph).
3 Days after my swim to North Manitou Island, I partnered with 4 cycling buddies to set a new World Ultra Cycling Record across the State of Michigan. 205 miles in 8:16 (24.8mph). Perfect day. Tons of fun. Read the Article.
That Time I Completed The First-Ever Swim To North Manitou Island.
4 months after being hit by an SUV while cycling I completed my first act of redemption - the First Ever Swim To North Manitou Island (7.4 miles in 2:50). My left arm was doing a majority of the work as my right arm was still healing from surgery, but I got it done. A perfect day. Read the Article.
That Time I got hit by an SUV while cycling.
It was a near-death experience that knocked me down and shook me awake. I’m alive! I have a 2nd chance at life! What a gift! Read my day after account HERE.
Join My Tribe.
I’m searching for people who are the same kind of different as me. Want to connect for an adventure? Collaborate on music? Help support an upcoming event? Or just say hi? I’d love to hear from you.