About Coaching...

For me, cycling is a lifetime sport, something that will always be part of me. I coach because I love riding bikes and I want others to enjoy it as much as I do. Coaching is the logical next step in my cycling journey and a natural progression from my 25+ year racing career. My mission in all of this is to bring more women into the sport of mountain biking -  and keep them here!

When I started racing bikes 30 years ago, I was told that it takes five years to become a bike rider. That's because there is so much to learn to become a successful athlete. You need to learn how to train, how to eat and how to race. There wasn't nearly as much information available then as there is now, and I had so many questions:

• What is the best prep for the races I want to do?  
• How often, how far, and how long should I ride each day? 
• What do I eat for training and for competition? 
• What supplements can I take to support and enhance my training? 
• What do I do in the off season? 
• And where do I learn all this?  

It takes time to understand how to train to achieve peak performance. I had many informal coaches over the years but know I could have progressed faster with a dedicated coach. Working with a coach can help speed up the learning curve. Why not learn from others who have already been through this! 

Finding the right coach, whether you are riding for pleasure or for competition, can take some time. You need to determine if your styles "mesh.”  

• Do you want a drill sergeant or a nurturer? What style will work best for you?
• Is your coach passionate about your sport?  While passion can’t replace knowledge and experience, its a major factor to consider when looking for a coach. 
• Is your coach able to answer your questions and know where to go for answers if she can’t?
• Can your coach help you strategize for your events?  Can she help you create a training plan that focuses on your goals and works with your schedule?
• Can you openly communicate with your coach?
• Does your coach provide you with constructive feedback on your performance?
• Does your coach treat you in a professional manner?

Here are some questions to ask when looking for a coach:

• How long have you been coaching mountain bikers, and cyclists in general?
• How long have you been involved in the sport?
• Have you ever coached anyone in my discipline?
• What certifications do you hold?
• What athletes have you coached?
• What type of monthly coaching plans do you offer and will you give me with a detailed training plan?
• Do I need a heart rate or power monitor to work with you?
• How often and how will we communicate with each other?

"Coach" shouldn't be a title given away cheaply.  It is earned over time. While I received my instructor certification three years ago, I have coached recreational and competitive cyclists for over 25 years. Receiving a certification to instruct skills didn't make me a coach. It helped me learn how to teach skills using methods that work. 

I bring to coaching everything I've learned in my 30+ years racing and riding bikes. I have years of experience and knowledge in many different areas of cycling -- road, track, cyclocross, cross country, and my specialty, downhill. I can use my knowledge to help take you from beginner to world champ if that's what you want. Or I can teach you the skills to make that recreational ride you’ve been planning on way more fun. But of course, the work is up to you.

Whether you just bought your first mountain bike or are a competitive rider, I can help you have more fun and success riding your bike.  So if you are looking for someone to teach you the basics, or you need someone to help you move to the next level in your mountain biking journey, give me a call. I'm sure I can help you out.   

Kathi