Wow! This is exciting. I've been working on GearGrinder.com since 1994 and it continues to grow. It was born from my intense interests in mountain biking and the internet. It was a natural combination, especially considering the lack of results and stories about mountain biking on the www.

Now we're taking another big step.

In 1998 the site will be a personal-sized window on mountain bike racing. Several of my friends (and teammates) have agreed to share their seasons with you on the site. Each day we will have fresh updates from team members as they try to make their dreams come true in one of the most demanding sports on the planet.

I could tell you all about my teammates, all of whom I've known for several years, but I think I'll let them tell their own stories. They are talented riders and each has an intense desire to succeed. Most importantly, though, they are nice people to be around. It may take awhile for some of them to open up to you, but as the season progresses I'm certain they'll share their dreams, triumphs and disappointments.

My job is to manage the web site, which includes all the race results and point standings in addition to the first-hand journals of our team members. I'll post here once in awhile, but my main job will be to make sure everything gets on the web site on time and in order.

If you have any suggestions for the site, or just want to encourage me, just email me. We all want this to be the best site possible, so your ideas are appreciated!

So you'll get to see how our season progresses. There is always hope that this year will be the best (before the endos, bonks and butt-kickins' take place). Whatever happens, it is always exciting!

----Mark Tatum