We have an amazing crew of riders on our women’s program coaching team!
They are passionate about helping you become a better rider … and have a lot of fun along the way!
Women’s Mountain Bike Program information.
Sonya Pollock
We are pleased to have Sonya Pollock as our new Adult Programs Head Coach. Sonya found her passion for mountain biking when she moved to Canmore in 2013. She got the biking bug after taking part in several of RMCC’s own women’s programs. It’s Sonya‘s ambition to inspire the same stoke in her students that she first felt from her coaches. Sonya likes all types of riding, from cross-country to downhill, and having fun in the bike park. She is certified with Wilderness First Aid, National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), and the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA). Off the bike, Sonya likes to snowboard and surf, and above all, loves spending time with her 2-year-old daughter (who she can’t wait to bike with!). Sonya is a wildlife ecologist with a special passion for bears – so bring your bear spray!
Tracey Gage Tracey is a dedicated all mountain and downhill MTB rider and veteran coach with RMCC. Tracey is a certified instructor by the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Association (PMBIA) and National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) as well as an ACMG, OCC and Interpretive Guides Association certified guide and trainer. She teaches and coaches guides and outdoor leaders throughout the mountain west, is an experienced educator and runs a not-for-profit association in Canmore. She has a Bachelor of Education and Wildlife Biology degree so will be sharing her nature expertise with all the ladies she will be riding with out on the trails! Tracey has an amazing skill of helping ladies feel safe and comfortable to try new skills … and have a lot of fun with them in the process!
Jenny Burrows
Jenny is an avid mountain sports gal, spending her winters skiing and summers riding, and being mom to her two girls all four seasons! She began coaching while in college in the UK with the regional rock climbing team and later the beginner kayakers. Jenny has been a ski instructor for over 10 years, most of these at the Lake Louise Ski Area. Jenny is passionate about women’s involvement in (and enjoyment of!) outdoor sports, and was named to the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance’s (CSIA) committee for women in skiing. Jenny is the Head Coach for RMCC’s Youth Revolution Program, inspiring the next generation of mountain bikers in the Bow Valley. She is certified with the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Alliance, National Coaching Certification Program, and Interpretive Guide’s Association. Her favourite Bow Valley trails are the Lake Louise Highline (for the views!) and Topp Notch for a fast technical loop right out of her front door.
Catherine Vipond
RMCC is very excited to have Catherine Vipond join our coaching roster again this season! Catherine’s cross-country mountain bike racing highlights include representing Canada at four World Championships, winning the 2011 Canada Cup Series and earning the title internationally as 4th ranked Canadian in the same year. Catherine eagerly shares her expertise and love of mountain biking with all levels of riders coaching in both RMCC’s women’s and youth programs. She is certified with the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Association and the Community Cycling Initiative and the Ready to Race! programs of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
Kris Michiels
Kris has been riding and loving the MTB trails in the Bow Valley for over 10 years and is one of the most dedicated mountain biking gals you will ever meet. Kris is a trained cycling coach through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Alliance (PMBIA). She works in GIS (geographic information system) in Calgary, so you will never need to worry about getting turned around on a trail when you ride with her! Kris has raced at sport level in various cross-country races in Alberta, BC and New Zealand, including the 24-Hours of Adrenaline, Salty Dog, and Rainbow Rage. She is in her fourth season of coaching with RMCC, and is looking forward to getting more women hooked on riding!