Meet the Coaches

“I love watching athletes grow in their skills and confidence, learning that they can do what they didn’t think they could! And of course I love having fun riding bikes together outside on dirt!”

Favorite local trail: Bottoms Up, Quarry Ridge

David Schram, Assistant Head Coach, High School, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“Seeing the looks of pride on the athletes’ faces when they conquer a challenge is one of my favorite parts of coaching…oh, and singing about how much we love climbing while climbing.”

Favorite trail: Pleasant View, Blackhawk

Matt Ginder-Vogel, Assistant Head Coach, High School, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“I love watching middle schoolers build their skills and grow as riders at every single practice, and I love the mountain bike community in Madison.”

Favorite trail: Howlin’ Wolff, Blackhawk

Jason Valerius, Assistant Head Coach, Middle School, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“I’m a lifelong biker, but my mountain biking journey has been about keeping up with my son. I love our team’s commitment to individual growth and mutual support, and riding dirt with middle schoolers as they tackle new challenges together.”

Favorite trail: Northwoods, Quarry Ridge

Amy Payne, Team Director, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“I started mountain biking as a way to spend time with my son and quickly fell in love with the sport and our amazing MTB community. I love seeing our team ‘gel’ as the season progresses. Shoutouts and power claps build a culture of connection and an identity that athletes carry with them on the trails and beyond.”

Favorite local trail: Twist and Shout, Blackhawk 

Jennifer LaMontagne, Team Director, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“I’ve been mountain biking for only a few years, but the journey has been incredible. I enjoy motivating our young athletes as they make new friends, support each other through challenges and victories, have fun outdoors, build confidence, and strengthen their skills — in that order! They inspire me!”

Favorite local trail: Prairie-Dise, The Farm

Nikki Schram, Team Director, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“Mountain biking has been my lifelong sport, and I’m so pleased to help new generations of RAD riders discover the true and fundamental joy of getting lost in the trees on a bike.”

Favorite local trail: Howling Wolff, Blackhawk

Melissa Hornung, Team Director, Madison West Mountain Bike Team

“I love to see how supportive and encouraging our athletes are to each other. Everyone’s progress is celebrated. Power clap!!”

Favorite local trail: Northwoods, Quarry Ridge

Josh Gormley, Head Coach, Verona/Westside Composite Mountain Bike Teams

“I have been part of the team since 2017 as a parent spectator/volunteer, and coaching since 2018.  There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others grow and develop skills that empower them to overcome obstacles both now and in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great community.”  

Favorite trail: Eh Line, Marquette, MI

Michelle Veeneman, Team Director, Verona/Westside Composite Mountain Bike Teams

“Nature, mountain biking, AMAZING HUMANS, power clapping, shout-outs–there are so many things I love about this team!! Then there’s adventure rides, racing, costumes, cow bells, pizza, and ice cream! I love welcoming new athletes and families and introducing them to all the amazing things that make up NICA Mountain Biking and this awesome community of people!

Favorite local trail: Northwoods, Quarry Ridge

Paul Towne, Head Coach, Madison Memorial Mountain Bike Team

“I love having fun on a mountain bike and teaching others that biking can be lots of fun.”

Favorite local trail: Holy Schist, Blue Mounds

Heidi Magill, Team Director, Madison Memorial Mountain Bike Team

“My favorite part of coaching is seeing the continuous improvement in our student athletes. There is nothing better than celebrating with them when they clear a rocky climb or feature on the trail for the first time!”

Favorite local trail: Twist and Shout, Blackhawk

Mike McGarry, Founder, Madison West Mountain Bike Team