Coaches

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

I first became passionate about Mountain Biking around 1997 when I purchased my first Full Suspension bike, which was a Jamis Dakar Expert.

Day Job?

I'm an Information Security Administrator for Denver Public Schools. 

Favorite thing about East MTB?

My favorite thing about East MTB is the family atmosphere, and strong Team attitude.  I love how the students place the Team before themselves. 

When I’m not biking? 

When I'm not biking I am skiing, cooking, brewing beer, antagonizing my wife Becky, and playing with Chama.  He is Healer, Alien mix adopted from Roswell, New Mexico. 

What was I like in HS? 

I was a quiet, geeky guy in High School that ran Cross-Country and Track, and worked in retail. 

Favorite Movie? 

I like Dark Humor movies most of the time.  Many of the Coen Brothers movies fall high on that list. 

Why someone should join East MTB? 

Joining East MTB is great because you have the opportunity to learn a sport you can do for the rest of your life.  Even better is meeting many bright, enthusiastic student-athletes, and adults where camaraderie and fun are the central focus. 

Favorite Trail? 

My current Favorite trail is Evergreen Mountain Loop at Aldefer/3 Sisters Park. 

Anyone for a day?

I'd like to be Anthony Fauci for a day minus the political interactions.  He cares for the American Public, and is a Science Geek! 

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

I started riding bikes as a kid but it all changed when I did my first BMX race at the age of 12. Since then, I have been riding and racing any kind of bike that I could get my hands on (BMX, mountain, road, and cyclocross) 

Day Job?

I work in the Department of Technology for Denver Public Schools, where my team manages a lot of the data and reporting for the District. 

Favorite thing about East MTB?

The people...without question. It starts with the coaches who are so generous with their time and experience. Then the parents who are so supportive of the team and the riders. And finally the riders, who are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. In short, I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by such good people on a daily basis. 

When I’m not biking? 

If I am not biking, I am usually working on bikes...or planning trips with bikes. Other than that, I love movies, music (anything but country), and good food. 

What was I like in HS? 

As a BMX racer in the 80's in Tennessee, I was a bit of an outsider. BMX racing is a fairly solitary endeavor to begin with. Factor in the fact that we didn't have high school teams or a high school racing league and you can imagine the level of "uncool" that I was. Having other like-minded classmates to ride and race with would have been amazing. 

Favorite Movie? 

I love big movies that require the consumption of mass amounts of popcorn. Other than that, I'm a sucker for most Tim Burton movies.

Why someone should join East MTB? 

Because they are going to ride their bike...in the woods...with awesome people. Will some of the rides be hard...yes. Will you be grinning ear to ear when you finish...yes. Will we have snacks in the parking lot after practice and laugh about all of the fun we just had...ABSOLUTELY!!! What could be more fun? 

Favorite Trail? 

For pedaling near Denver: I really like Three Sisters because the weather is usually cooler and the trails have a little bit of everything. For less pedaling near Denver: Erie Bike Park...it's sooooo flowy and jumpy! Western Slope: anything at 18 Road in Fruita, specifically Joe's or PBR.

Anyone for a day?

I'd like to go back in time and be 12 year old me catching air on my bike for the first time.

First became passionate about riding?

When I was around 7 or 8 there were a few older kids in my neighborhood who would build dirt jumps at an abandoned lot near my house. I thought they looked so cool jumping on their bikes. I eventually started giving it a shot myself. Soon after that, those same kids introduced me to some local BMX racing. That's all it took. Hooked on bikes for life! I don't discriminate in terms of bike disciplines now. MTB, road, gravel, BMX, penny farthing. If it pedals then I'm all about it.

Day Job?

Senior Industrial Designer for Feedback Sports. We design maintenance, storage and training products for cyclists.

Favorite thing about East MTB?

I love the sense of community. Everyone really shows up to support their teammates both on and off the bike. 

What was I like in HS?

High school was not my most favorite time, which is a huge reason I love that we support high schoolers with MTB teams. I came from a really small school that didn't have a lot to offer in terms of sports or extracurriculars. Snowboarding and skateboarding were my go to sports.  Needless to say I was the coolest kid in my whole school and I continue to be the coolest kid everywhere I go. Someones gotta do it.

Favorite Movie?

RAD. If you like bikes, and have not seen RAD then consider it an East MTB team homework assignment.

Why should someone join East MTB?

Riding and racing mountain bikes is something you can do for your whole life. Joining the EAST team provides a super supportive atmosphere to build both the technical riding skills and try your hand at racing. 

Favorite Trail?

The White RIM in Canyonlands, UT. Not really a technical ride but absolutely beautiful and I'm always with a really great group.

Anyone for a day?

Coach Kit. He's the most optimistic guy I know. Love that attitude. No wait....Coach Leslie. She skis more powder than anyone I know. Kit or Leslie. Win,win.

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

When I finally got sick of driving my son to the MTB practices and sitting in the car ;)

Day Job?

Anesthesiologist 

Favorite thing about East MTB?

The fun friendly crew.

When I’m not biking? 

If I am not biking, I am usually working on bikes...or planning trips with bikes. Other than that, I love movies, music (anything but country), and good food. 

What was I like in HS? 

The premier Bad Boy Nerd.

Favorite Movie? 

Aliens...hands down.

Why someone should join East MTB? 

1)The Community, 2)The Fun, 3)The personal growth and life skills learned.

Favorite Trail? 

In the Front Range?  Staunton State Park. The full clockwise loop…some breath taking climbs and views along with ripping descents.

Anyone for a day?

Albert Einstein. Just to see how his brain worked.

First became passionate about riding?

In college. I got serious about taking better care of myself...Mostly because I went to the gym with pretty women from my dorm. I did triathlons for two years, then realized I could race bikes and bikes only - so I ditched triathlon and have ridden bikes ever since.

Day Job?

I teach high school Social Studies.

Favorite thing about East MTB?

I love the hard efforts...when the suffering is real. If I slow down and listen, if I slow down and look, I see teammates and I remember, I'm not alone. That's my favorite feeling in the world.

When I’m not biking?

I'm likely building cabinets/furniture, working as a photographer, or reading a book.

What was I like in HS?

I was a band nerd...I don't like putting that in writing.

Favorite Movie?

Princess Bride if I'm in a light mood, Lord of the Rings (The Two Towers) if I am in for an adventure.

Why someone should join East MTB?

I think joining East MTB is a great choice for someone looking for a group of humans. Riding bikes may be what we do, but each person is so much more than that. Getting to know our family is perhaps the best part about the team. Having 50 bike related friends is the best.

Favorite Trail?

Mt. Falcon to Lair o' The Bear. Especially mid summer, starting about 12 o'clock, when the sun is high and heat is hot. That's the perfect time.

Anyone for a day?

I would like to be Tom Pidcock on a World Cup day. To be his size, have his vision, and fitness? That would be a hoot.

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

I started mountain biking when I moved to Colorado in 1992. There were only hard tails. I bought a Marin Eldridge grade which I still own. I thought it was so cool as it had climbing bars and a Rock Shock. I took a hiatus raising kids, but tried to do short bikes whenever I could. My son has resparked my passion and love of going downhill. 

Day job? 

I’m a Vascular Nurse Practitioner 

Favorite thing about East MTB?

The kids and the coaches!! I also love how my hiker husband has embraced cooking for the team. 

When I'm not working or biking?

I am the President Elect for the Society for Vascular Nursing and volunteer for the East High School Angelbotics Team. I really like to play tennis and just hang out with friends/family/dogs at our cabin in Grand Lake.

What was I like in HS?

Hmm. High school, if this tells you everything about me- I won most spirited award. 

Favorite Movie? 

LOTR. If you know, you know. 

Why someone should join East MTB?

This team is SOOOO fun. Everyone is accepted and encouraged no matter what level a rider they are. And if you have never been part of the biking community, you’re missing out!

Favorite trail?

The upper lupine trail in Crested Butte. Flowy and beautiful in the fall rolling through Aspens. So Fun!

Anyone for a day? 

Coach Leslie! She has my dream life….

When did you first become passionate about riding?

Bikes were transportation when I was a kid. When I got to college in Gunnison the 1st mountain bikes came to market. We laughed at our friend who spent SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS on a Trek 940. Then we tried it. That was the beginning of my love of riding bikes in the dirt!!

Day Job? 

Summer: Realtor  Winter: Ski Bum

Favorite thing about East MTB?

EVERYTHING!!! The team transcended into  "family of choice!"

When I’m not biking? 

I am skiing!

What was I like in HS?  

Stoner/jock 😜

Favorite Movie? 

Any Monty Python flick

Why someone should join East MTB? 

Find a passion, get fit, make new friends, find out how integral being part of a supportive team can be (and the grilled cheese sandwiches!)

Favorite Trail? 

Doctor Park and Teocalli in Crested Butte are tied for 1st place

Anyone for a day? 

Anyone? 

When did you first become passionate about riding?

I got my first mountain bike at 12 but didn't really fall in love with it until the Minnesota High School League started my junior year of high school. Then I moved to Durango to race and it fully took over my life.

Day Job? 

Civil Engineer, P.E.

Favorite thing about East MTB?

All the riders, families, and coaches and the community we all built.

When I’m not biking? 

When I'm not biking I'm doing anything else outdoors. Rock climbing, running, skiing, nordic skiing, backpacking.

What was I like in HS?  

I was a try hard in High School in four sports and spent all my free time working at my family's restaurant.

Favorite Movie? 

Talladega Nights

Why someone should join East MTB? 

Everyone should join the team for the lifestyle and the people. Our goal is to create lifelong riders and I'd say all our riders are already hooked.

Favorite Trail? 

Captain Ahab in Moab

Anyone for a day? 

Jimmy Chin - his life seems wild and he grew up near me and has been my idol for years

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

When I was in middle school my parents bought me a shiny silver Schwinn 10 speed road bike and quit giving me rides to school or my friends house. I guess I got passionate about riding bikes when I had no other way to get around.

Day Job? 

I’m a real estate agent

Favorite thing about East MTB? 

The community

When I’m not biking? 

If I’m not shuttling my girls around or watching their soccer games or gymnastics meets I’m an avid sportsman and also play a little guitar.

What was I like in HS? 

That was a long time ago and it’s hard for me to remember but I’d like to think I was nice to everybody, I just tried to keep a low profile and get to graduation.

Favorite Movie? 

Either There Will Be Blood or Shawshank Redemption.

Why someone should join East MTB? 

To learn that if you work hard and apply yourself, overtime you will get better no matter where your starting point is.

Favorite Trail? 

My son and I really love anything at Trestle but my favorite front Range ride is probably Centennial Cone.

Anyone for a day? 

Pat Martino

When did you first become passionate about riding? 

I’ve been passionate about riding a bike since I was a kid.  I got my first mountain bike in the 1980s.  It was a ridged frame with semi knobby tires.  Riding the bike on rural Wisconsin trails and roads meant freedom.  

Day Job? 

I work for AT&T designing phone and data infrastructure for large companies.

Favorite thing about East MTB? 

My favorite thing about the East MTB team is the how the entire teams is a family. It doesn’t matter how long or how well the kids are riding. Everyone on the team is part of the family and supported by everyone.

When I’m not biking? 

When I’m not biking in the winter I’m skiing.  I also enjoy working on and riding 1970s Vespa scooters.

What was I like in HS? 

In high school I was the kid that loved math and science. 

Favorite Movie? 

My favorite Movie is The Princess Bride.

Why someone should join East MTB? 

Someone that should join East MTB if they are curious about mountain biking, a seasoned youth racer or anywhere in between.  All level of riders are supported and we welcomed with open arms.

Favorite Trail? 

My favorite trail in Joe’s Ridge / MoJoe’s at 18 Road in Fruita, CO.

Anyone for a day?

Obviously, Coach Doug...PS - Coach Doug added this ;)