Evomo Rider Profile: Sgt. Brett Miller
by Bryan on July 19th, 2007
Brett Miller is definitely a unique individual with the strength to recover from injuries more serious than you can imagine. Recently, Brett was awarded the Purple Heart for being injured in combat while serving for the US Army in Iraq. Despite the extent of his injuries, he has recovered enough to be able to race downhill mountain bikes!
His sense of humor and entertaining way of story telling creates an atmosphere of friendship and fun at all the races he attends. Thats definitely one of the things we at Evomo definitely have in common with Brett. It’s to just go to races and enjoy the event, the people and have a great time. Sure, wining is awesome - but priority number one is to have fun. If anyone is loyal as friend or as a sponsored rider you bet Brett is that person.
Here is an interview with Brett…
EVOMO: When did you first get into mountain biking and how did it come about?
BRETT: I first got into biking in 1990 during a ride with a group of friends. at the time he was more into dirt bikes and really had not been on mountain bikes. After a few rides we ended up riding a pretty long trail that was a pretty long and fast downhill. from that moment on i was hooked.
EVOMO: What is your favorite trail to ride and what features do you like about it?
BRETT: My favorite trail right now has to be the Pacifica Mile/Crack/Boyscout combo. It has all the elements of a good race combined into one smooth trail. Rock gardens, high speed straights, swoopy berms, drops, hips, jumps and techy turns.
EVOMO: What has been your best finish in racing and what do you think contributed to that finish?
BRETT: I haven’t had a great finish yet. I have been racing every weekend since January and have been testing my limits post Iraq injury. I feel I have had alot of improvements, enough to be able to know I can beat some of the field I am competing against. I would rather go to the race and have a good time rather than beat myself up over who beat me.
EVOMO: So you served in the US Army in Iraq. What was that like?
BRETT: While in Iraq I was with a the US Army Cavalry Unit in northern Iraq. I was a gun truck commander as a seargent and would conduct combat missions as security escorts, tactical missions, route clearance and other humanitarian support to the Iraqi people.
I got hit by a roadside bomb in August 2005. Since then I have been literally an inpatient receiving treatment for my injuries. I have not been out of the hospital other than to train or race but right back into the hospital when the race is over. I spent hospital time in Balad, Iraq, Landstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed, Fort Lewis, Stanford, Palo Alto and Melo Park Veterans Hospitals. I will never be 100 percent but I have found ways to compensate for the many injuries I have received. I used to spend a lot of time climbing and alpine mountaineering but my injuries hinder that now so I am doing more reasonable activities like indoor climbing gyms, photography and filming.
[CLICK above image to view a video clip and read the article about Brett Miller at the San Jose Mercury News]
EVOMO: So, Whats this about you going to the Olympics?
BRETT: Currently I am training for the Winter Paralympics Olympics in 2010. The team has been very fun to train with and the experience is only one in a lifetime for most so I am pretty much dedicating myself to that right now. I am also training for the Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008 with the cycling team as well.
EVOMO: What is your favorite part of your bike and why?
BRETT: By far it is my custom one of 15 in the world Gamut guide. Gamut only made 15 of them for the American World Cup riders and gave one to me after hearing about my history in the military. It is a American Flag graphic guide.
EVOMO: If you weren’t an amature mountain biker, what would you be?
BRETT: I would probably be racing motorcycles either street or dirt.
EVOMO: How did you get hooked up with Evomo?
BRETT: I applied on sponsorhouse after seeing some of the clothes online and thought it would be cool to be able to have a sponsor that really rode and knew the community it supports. At first i thought they were a big corporate entity, but after getting to know the brand I realized they are guys just like me who ride but like what they wear.
EVOMO: What is your favorite Evomo shirt design and why?
BRETT: The Hurl tee, by far. Been there done that, but now i have the t shirt
EVOMO: Do you think you will make a career out of mountain bike racing?
BRETT: I already have! I am purchasing a diesel pickup and a 40 foot toy hauler RV and spending my retirement on the road bouncing from race to race and trail to trail all over the US.
Typically you will find Brett hitting local trails up in Northern California and the CHDH series of races. This week, though, you will find Miller and his 40 foot RV at the USA Cycling National Championships at Mount Snow, Vermont, July 17-22. After that, keep an eye out for him as he makes his way back to California for more riding and racing - Evomo style!
July 19th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Hoorah for Bret and Evomo!
July 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I second that Mike, except it’s: Hip Hip Hoorah for Mr. Miller! He’s very SOLID!
July 20th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Hooah! Great story Sgt.
July 22nd, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I’m so proud of you! Congrats! love you!
October 5th, 2007 at 10:12 am
I’ve had the great pleasure of being Brett’s friend. Even though you are Army and I’m a Marine I still love you bro!! Thanks for all the sacrifice and all that you have done for this great country….
June 13th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Brett is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
August 25th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
[…] together and have fun cruising and bombing down the mountain in our local training spot. Too bad Brett Miller decided to go to a bachelor party instead, so he could get free Rum and Cokes! Turns out Three of […]
August 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
where are you at for beginning of sept.
hope you are well. Did you go to Stowe?
Skip