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 back as our 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!
Alysa Amirault
Alysa started riding mountain bikes in the Spring of 2002, on a Trek hardtail and has been passionate about the sport ever since! Alysa began coaching for RMCC in the Spring of 2017, when her now 12 year old son, Hudson, first started with the club. Now it’s’ everything she can do to keep up to him!
Alysa holds certifications in mountain biking that include: Level 1 NCCP Mountain Bike Coaching (May 2017) and Level 1 Mountain Bike Coaching from the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA – May 2023) as well as a 40 hour Wilderness First Aid Certification (June 2024).
As a long time teacher in the Bow Valley, Alysa is passionate about providing top-notch coaching to riders seeking to begin their mountain biking journey. With a commitment towards making the sport supportive and inclusive, Alysa aims to inspire and encourage more women to embrace the thrill and joy of mountain biking.
Come join Alysa to conquer the trails, gain an understanding of the foundations of mountain biking and have a blast along the way!
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!