Jake was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah all of his life. He played soccer and football competitively and went on to play both at the college level for the University of Utah. He has a natural ability to excel in anything that he chooses, in high school an article was written in the local newspaper appointing him as “the natural” and that phrase has stuck with him his entire life, even though he blushes still to this day if it’s brought up. He gets laser focused, and is one of the most dedicated people I know. I don’t know of a person with more grit and determination (err stubbornness) to finish, even if he is bleeding, cut and bruised while doing it. He pushes himself harder each year and always gives his best, while taking on all of the stress and responsibility of being a husband and a dad. We joke with Jake that he always finds a hobby to throw all of his passion into and for him, biking is just that.

When we moved into our house in the Mi Duole area, he got invited to bike with a few of the guys. Nearly six years later he still rides with the Mi Duole team. His hobby that “just was a warm weather hobby” has turned into a 12 months out of the year that sneaks its way onto every family vacation. He has even made friends with groups of cyclist in other states and continues to grow his circle of friends. He is the neighborhood and family “go to” guy for gear and bike questions and loves to take time to “talk shop” with anyone and anything biking related. He sets continuous goals to bike harder, faster, longer and better each year and has definitely made it a part of his lifestyle. It’s been inspiring to see him support and challenge his group and friends of cyclist and to always look out for the person who may need a friend or an enthusiast along the way.

All joking aside about his ultimate hobby, he is the best dad to his four kids and a doting husband. He has 3 wild boys and one little girl who he is absolutely crazy for, who may wake up in the early hours of the morning to follow his beacon and wait patiently on the front porch for his morning return! ~ BROOKE COOK