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Pedaling Minds

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.

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.

Josie Page

Director of Development

Josie leads the development team through fundraising strategies, grant writing, and donor relations. When she’s not working, you can find her at a concert, reading, hiking, or working on her business, My Pocket of Sunshine!

Noemi Leick, PhD

Volunteer Director of Operations

Noemi is deeply passionate about positively impacting communities. She is a research scientist at the National Lab of the Rockies and volunteers at Pedaling Minds to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Board of Directors

AJ Boglioli

AJ is the Owner and Principal of Solidarity Partners, a full-service nonprofit consulting firm in Denver, CO.  AJ is also a long-time mutual aid organizer, local political activist, and an executive member of the Civic Consulting Collaborative co-op. AJ’s favorite local ride is the Cherry Creek Trail, and they have cycled on 4 continents!

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.

Katherine Struthers

Katherine is an attorney for the Town of Parker and has experience advising corporate and nonprofit clients on governance best practices, regulatory compliance, and complex transactions. In her free time she loves to explore Colorado by road and mountain bike and is excited to help Pedaling Minds get more kids on bikes.

Jayson Jacobs

Jayson Jacobs is the founder of MissionSquad and a lifelong cyclist who brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit and deep passion for cycling to the Pedaling Minds board. He is excited to help expand opportunities for young people to experience the confidence, independence, and joy that come from riding a bike.

Coaches

Wesley Leffingwell

Head Coach

Wesley is from Littleton and is finishing his doctorate in music at CU, Boulder. He is a professional musician who directs a choir and plays concerts around the country and locally. Wesley has been teaching piano to a wide range of students for 15 years. He enjoys searching out hot springs and riding his bike around Denver.

Kennett Peterson

Head Coach

Kennett was a professional cyclist and triathlete for sixteen years before changing course in 2024 to pursue fiction writing. He still loves the thrill, freedom, self-reliance, and exhaustion of riding bikes. He’s a firm believer that bikes can change the world, and a person.

Tim De Herrera

Head Coach
Tim is an avid cyclist and skier and has been coaching youth sports for over 25 years. He is a proud Founder of the Children’s Hospital Courage Classic Bicycle tour which is the hospital’s largest fundraiser.

Rosa Allanna Fountain

Assistant Coach

Rosa is a high school student who loves baking and riding bikes, skateboard, and roller skates because it helps clear her mind. She enjoys volunteering at many different places like homeless shelters, kids in care, and senior living institutions because she finds it very fun to work with different people.

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