About Pedaling Minds
The History and Philosophy
Pedaling Minds first started in 2014 as Mike Friedman’s part-time passion project and was converted to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2017. To date, over 1,500 children have learned how to ride a bike and have improved bicycling skills and safety through the Pedaling Minds method. Over time, Pedaling Minds has grown to offer experiential learning programs in various layouts, from weeklong summer programs to one-day clinics. Skill lessons and drills are tailored to the level of the student. Mike has also recruited other prominent coaches to the programs, both professional cyclists and alumni parents who share his passion.
The Pedaling Minds Approach
The Pedaling Minds approach is centered around each individual rider’s physical experience and mental state. We know that a lifetime of riding starts with learning how to be comfortable having control over your bike and your riding environment. As experience and control grow, riders have more fun, build confidence, and are set on a path to enjoy riding for their lifetime. This sounds simple but meeting riders where they are and then motivating them to ride without fear takes a lot of attention, care, empathy, and energy. Our coaches are the secret to Pedaling Minds success. We care deeply about what our riders do after they leave us and our entire approach is tailored to set riders up for a lifetime of riding fun.
Meet the Team
Mike Friedman
Founder and Director of Programming
Mike is a 2008 Olympian and raced bicycles professionally for 10 years. After retiring from professional racing in 2014, Mike turned his efforts towards a new pursuit: helping kids discover their love of bicycles. Through Pedaling Minds, Mike instills emotional values and mindsets he found on the bike while also using science in teaching kids learning how to ride.
Noemi Leick, PhD
Volunteer Director of Operations
Noemi is deeply passionate about renewable energy. She works at NREL and volunteers at Pedaling Minds to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Walter the Dog
Co-Founder and Director of Head Pats
Wally kept Coach Mike in check by taking him on long motorcycle rides. He’s been the real brain behind the operation and we miss giving him head scratches and pats. He passed in March 2024 and is deeply missed.
AJ Boglioli
Development Lead
AJ Boglioli leads many projects for Pedaling Minds, including grant programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, project management, and DEI programming. An avid cyclist, AJ’s favorite places to ride include the Netherlands, around their home in Denver, and the scenic roads surrounding Mt. Rainier.
Josie Page
Development and Operations Coordinator
Josie graduated in May 2023 with a degree in “Advocating for Social Change” with a passion for helping others through the nonprofit sector. At Pedaling Minds she assists the development and operations team through fundraising, grant writing and research, and various projects to support our employees and riders!
Lauren Stella
Finance Lead
Lauren has 20+ years of operations, finance, and merchandise experience which she leverages to support mission-driven organizations like Pedaling Minds. With a heart for supporting youth programs, Lauren loves working with Pedaling Minds as children not only learn to ride but also develop confidence that will serve them for a lifetime!
Board of Directors
Chris Grealish
Chris has spent his adult life surrounding himself with all things bicycle, including a bicycle courier service and, since 1988, the creation of some of the most memorable amateur cyclocross and road bike races along the front range of Colorado. Whenever we need it, he lends his strong logistics expertise and passion for bikes.
Allen Lim, PhD
Allen received his PhD from the Applied Exercise Science Lab at CU Boulder, where he focused on the development of portable power meters to quantify the demands of professional cycling. After graduating, he worked on the Pro Cycling Tour as a sport scientist, then founded Skratch Labs with Ian MacGregor and Aaron Foster, while co-writing the Feed Zone Cookbook Series with Biju Thomas. He continues to guide athletes, including the LUX Junior Cycling Team, USA Cycling, and the late Moriah Wilson – the winningest gravel racer of her time.
Jamie Vandenberge
Jamie has 20+ years of demonstrated results in global consultative sales and business strategy, focused on enterprise-level technology and financial product solutions. In addition to her expertise as a Pedaling Minds parent, Jamie helps Pedaling Minds grow and develop our digital strategy and local presence.
Meredith Lawrence
Meredith has over 15 years of operations, finance and investment experience that she brings enthusiastically to the Pedaling Minds board. After graduating from business school she bought her first road bike and fell in love with riding. She is passionate about the Pedaling Minds mission and lends her expertise as we grow and expand our organization.
Nguyen Vo
Nguyen has been in the world of Early Childhood, Arts and Physical Education for 8+ years providing opportunities for children in the Denver area. He understands how important it is for children to be physically active, especially riding bikes which can correlate to better self esteem, academics, and social/emotional growth. He is focused and proud to support Pedaling Minds mission to offer youths a foundation of learning especially to those who are underserved.
Coaches
Adam Webber
Head Coach
Adam joined Pedaling Minds in December of 2023. He is an avid cyclist and runner and a reluctant swimmer. His favorite ride is up Golden Gate Canyon, across Peak to Peak highway, and down Boulder Canyon.
Biba Schwendt
Head Coach
Recently graduated from CU Boulder with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Data Science, Biba brings her patience and creativity to the Pedaling Minds team. When she is not working, she can usually be found playing in the mountains and goofing off.
CJ Sperle
Head Coach
CJ loves helping others learn how to overcome challenges in their lives and has found biking to be an excellent tool for personal development in his own life. Because of that, he is filled with excitement to provide others with their own opportunities for growth and progress through biking at Pedaling Minds. Beyond riding, CJ can be found practicing his bass, skiing in the trees, or seeing live music.
Anand
Assistant Coach
After moving to Colorado, Anand, a high school student, rides with BJC and his school team. He is always enthusiastic to share his passion for the art of cycling.
Brian
Assistant Coach
Brian has biked for his whole life, on competitive teams and just for fun. He’s never had more fun than he does on a bike and he hope to share that joy for biking with others.
Dario
Assistant Coach
Dario is a local high schooler who works as an assistant coach at Pedaling Minds.
Gareth
Assistant Coach
After three years of experience, Gareth is a joyful and reliable coach. On his days off, Gareth can be found riding his bike in the mountains.
Jameson
Assistant Coach
Jameson is an assistant coach of Pedaling Minds and has been biking his entire life. He started out in his neighborhood cul-de-sac and gained experience and skills to move up in the world of biking through mountain biking, trials riding, and unicycling. He’s here to share his love of biking with the kids of Pedaling Minds!