The Coaches
The team has coaches spanning from interested parents who have very little mountain biking experience to coaches who have a long experience with riding and racing.
With enrollments expected to remain close to 100 athletes, we are always looking for help with coaching. If you are a parent of a rider on the team or simply an adult human that loves to ride on dirt and wants to give back and help get more kids on bikes please drop us a line. None of our coaches are professional mountain bikers (in case you were wondering).
Learn more about NICA coaching certifications here. Coaches at each level are also eligible to receive special coach discounts. Learn more about coach benefits here.
Interested in helping coach? We would love to have your help! Please CONTACT US to get started.
ANTHONY JAMES
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Waffles, cuz i can eat for breakfast or make them into sweet and savory sandwiches
Favorite MTB trail?
As long as they are rideable I love them all.
Why do you coach?
To see kids break through barriers and to see them push through inner struggles.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Tiger, Because it is the largest cat, it swims up to 18 miles in a day while covering its territory of over 400 miles.
CHRISTIAN BILGO
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Gummy worms
Favorite MTB trail?
The next one
Why do you coach?
I love watching new rider learn skills, gain confidence and slay. It's great being able to give back to a sport that has given me so much.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Grizzly Bear, sometimes you eat him and well, sometimes he eats you
JENN HARRIS
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Fresh fruit
Favorite MTB trail?
New Fane, so far...
Why do you coach?
Learning to mountain bike has helped me build confidence and enjoy the outdoors while getting amazing exercise, but the best is becoming part of this amazing community. I want to share all of that with the student athletes I get to hang out with each summer.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Capybara
JASON SCHUELKE
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Granola bar or some sweet & spicy beef jerky.
Favorite MTB trail?
Some of the best in Wisconsin are the Winman Trails.
Why do you coach?
It's awesome to see atheletes challenge themselves, encourage other riders, and develop their skills for a life-long sport. Mountain biking is a great reason for anyone to get outside, stay active, and spend time with friends.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A black bear.
RICK EBBERS
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Cookies
Favorite MTB trail?
Marquette trails, but this summer we may find new favorites!
Why do you coach?
For the fun of riding. Riding with the group and helping the kids. Watching the kids race and camping!
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Peregrine falcon
JAMIE EURICH
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Haribo Goldbears/ Salted Watermelon Cubes
Favorite MTB trail?
Talledega' -Windrock Bike Park in TN
Why do you coach?
Because I never had opportunities to be in an organization like this when I was growing up and I want to see more kids on bikes. And coach them towards improving bike handling skills, gaining confidence and most of all having fun while riding.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A bird. Doesn’t everyone want to fly?!
RACHEL POMEROY
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Apples
Favorite MTB trail?
Zipline Trails near Rhinelander
Why do you coach?
Love seeing kids find the freedom and joy in riding bikes in the woods
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Sandhill Crane
SHAWN COTTER
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
The one you have in your pack
Favorite MTB trail?
Impossible to answer- there are too many good ones out there.
Why do you coach?
I hope to pass along the love I have for the sport
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Bald Eagle or Red Tailed Hawk
DAN KERKMAN
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Cookies
Favorite MTB trail?
Eagle Mountain, Utah
Why do you coach?
I enjoy watching young riders learn new skills
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Peregrine Falcon
SHANNON SHUSTER
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Popcorn
Favorite MTB trail?
Heritage
Why do you coach?
To get exercise, help the team, and hang out with my kids
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Dog
LEE ECONOM
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Dried mangos
Favorite MTB trail?
Copper harbor trails
Why do you coach?
To share what I’ve learned.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Wolf
MIKE HOGE
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Rx Bar
Favorite MTB trail?
Poison Spider - Moab
Why do you coach?
I enjoy watching the next generation of mountain bikers develop a love for the sport, and getting to join them out on the trails is a blast!
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Peregrine Falcon
JEFF LOPAS
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Haven’t found one yet.
Favorite MTB trail?
Heritage
Why do you coach?
To spend time with my kids and to be part of the local MTB community.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Human, because only humans can ride Mountain Bikes!
JEANNE KASZA
LEVEL II COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Luna bars
Favorite MTB trail?
Standing Rocks or John Muir
Why do you coach?
I love getting out on the trails and helping kids discover their own strength in the face of what can sometimes be difficult.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A capibara. I would live in the tropics, swim all day with my webbed feet and watch out for jaguars!
RYAN ORBERG
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Cliff bar
Favorite MTB trail?
Trek trails in Waterloo WI
Why do you coach?
I want to continue riding with the great group we have. It’ll also be interesting teaching others many skills that I have learned.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A dog because they get treated by humans so well.
CATHY DIAMOND
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Mountain mix with peanut M&Ms
Favorite MTB trail?
Copper Harbor Flow
Why do you coach?
Love to share my knowledge of and enthusiasm for the sport and the outdoors!
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Either a kitten or a lion
PETE CHANDLER
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Honey Stinger Waffles or
Swedish Fish
Favorite MTB trail?
Anywhere I can convince Gabe to go!
Why do you coach?
I enjoy watching the kids grow and overcome their fears on the trail.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A puppy? Happy, full of energy, and they get to nap whenever they want!
KATIE BUTLER
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Trail mix or rice crispy treat
Favorite MTB trail?
WinMan
Why do you coach?
So I have the opportunity to learn and ride alongside my three sons.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Buffalo
JEREMY DEITZEL
LEVEL III COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Cliff Bar
Favorite MTB trail?
Teocalli Ridge, Crested Butte
Why do you coach?
To help the next generation experience the joys of a bicycle
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Bear
MIKE MADDEN
LEVEL I COACH
Favorite trail snack?
Granola bars
Favorite MTB trail?
Heritage
Why do you coach?
Mountain biking is fun and rewarding for kids of all abilities and I want to do my part to help grow the sport.
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Eagle