Meet The Board

Growing up in Iowa I watched RAGBRAI go by my Grandparents farm at a very young age. Something clicked, I had to ride a bike. Years of growing up riding a Schwinnn LeTour road bike on gravel to see friends and for recreation provided for good memories and fitness. A few bikes and years later I found myself off the bike with a family, a busy job, and heavier. I made the decision to get back on the bike after years away from it and after a time I found Chilkoot Velo which I joined. Soon the camaraderie of the club rides and some races had me hooked again.

These days I log many miles and good times with the club, friends, and solo, as well as with Whiskey the trail dog. I enjoy gravel, road, mountain, and fatbiking, having competed in nearly every discipline of each at one time or other.  My favorite experience thus far on the bike is riding every foot of every road in St Croix County. It was a rather unique experience spread out over 2023 and one I will always treasure. The bike is a place to not only stay fit, but to relax the mind and reset the soul. I look forward to seeing all of you on the road/path/trail.

As a lifelong enthusiast of all things wheeled, I've found my passion in cycling, following in my father's footsteps as a member of Chilkoot Velo. Embracing the thrill of the ride, I'm committed to organizing fun and spirited outings on scenic routes, cherishing the camaraderie with friends old and new. With a special focus on women's riding, I'm dedicated to expanding our club's membership, welcoming those seeking similar exhilarating opportunities on two wheels.

I’ve been actively involved in cycling for several years and have been part of the Chilkoot Velo Cycling Club since 2015. For seven years, I competed as a triathlete, drawing on my collegiate NCAA All-American swimming background. After spending 20 years breeding, raising, and training barrel racing horses, I returned to cycling in 2014. I enjoy group rides and races on my road, mountain, and gravel bikes, and I also help coach the Stillwater High School mountain bike team. You’ll occasionally spot me adding some excitement to the Thursday evening group rides, especially on the way back to the barn.

I have enjoyed cycling all my life. It is in my blood as Belgian, born in Holland.  Growing up in Hoogerheide, my buddies and I played with our bikes in the woods that host the cyclocross world cup.  I biked to school every day, and it rains a lot in Holland (rule #9).  I moved to Minnesota in '81.  We rode around Lake Minnetonka on Saturday mornings with my Dad and brother.  My first century was the Minnesota Ironman.  When my girls were born, I loved strapping them into the burley to discover new playgrounds.  But it wasn't until I blew out a tire in Stillwater and Chilkoot Cyclery came to the rescue that my cycling really kicked into gear.  I joined the club a dozen years ago and easily tripled my miles in that first year.  Club rides are awesome, only trumped by epic bike adventures with your friends.  I ride year-round, and enjoy road, gravel, cross, mountain and fat biking (n+1 is my best friend!)  I'm building out trails on my property in Scandia, and groom them for fat biking in Winter.  Last year joined the coaching ranks of the Stillwater HS MTB team.  My other passions are downhill skiing/snowboarding and an occasional Belgian Tripel.

I’ve been passionate about cycling for many years and spent a good portion of my time racing competitively. While living in California, I competed in various road races and criteriums, representing SquadraSF and earning top placements in events like the Chico Stage Race and Wente Vineyards Classic. My experience spans road, gravel, and mountain biking, and I actively race today.

Though not originally from Minnesota, my wife is, guiding our family's move back here, where I joined the Chilkoot Velo Cycling Club. Now, as a board member, I enjoy participating in local cycling events and club rides. Cycling remains a big part of my life, and I’m excited to contribute to the cycling community here in Minnesota.

I have been a lifelong athlete playing tennis, kayaking, marathons, triathlons, Nordic skiing, duathlons, but my passion for the past 40 years has been cycling. I enjoyed years of road racing, time trials, crits, gravel and fatbike competitions at the local, state and national levels. Having lived in the St. Croix Valley for over 26 years, I’m committed to spread the love of cycling in our beautiful Valley. My joy is sharing my love of cycling with others. Serving on Chilkoot’s Board will enable me to do so.

I’m passionate about cycling and community engagement, combining my love of the sport with opportunities to give back. As Co-Executive Director of ALS Bike Trek MN, I’ve enjoyed raising funds for ALS research through cycling events. I’m also involved in supporting the local outdoor community through various leadership and volunteer roles, including work with the Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association.

Cycling has always been a way for me to connect with others, stay active, and explore new challenges. I’m excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the Chilkoot Velo Cycling Club, helping to grow a strong, supportive, and inclusive cycling community.

I’ve been a ‘bike-a-holic’ since I was about 8 years old. I started road and velodrome track racing at 14 in England, took up cyclocross at 40, triathlon at 47, fat biking at 64, started “smelling the roses” at 66, but then regressed to mountain biking at 67. I served as president of the Minnesota Cycling Federation for four years in the early ‘90s, and since 2009, I’ve been a part of both The Bikery and Chilkoot Velo cycling clubs. I’ve promoted several bike events and races, and I currently coach with the Stillwater High School MTB and Nordic Ski Team.