Dawn Cooper
It was only 2 weeks from the time Dawn first threw a leg over a mountain bike to when she entered her first race and discovered the addicting rush of riding fast, technical, consequential lines. Dawn’s love for learning allowed her to quickly progress in the sport, consistently finishing on the podium at national events in Downhill, 4x, and Dual Slalom. These days, Dawn focuses her energy on empowering and inspiring people from diverse backgrounds on mountain bikes. She is an instructor, avid trail rider, occasional racer, and tireless supporter of the progression of the sport.
Always smiling, she is a highly talented and sensitive teacher with an uncanny ability to connect with every unique individual she coaches. She has a diverse and extensive instructional background; on the bike, in the backcountry, and in the classroom. In addition to being a PMBIA Level 1 instructor, she is a full time teacher and Leave No Trace Instructor. Additionally, Dawn has experience as an EMT on a rural fire department and holds a Swiftwater Rescue certification and a Wilderness First Responder certification.
When not coaching, she is usually found in the classroom prepping for her next lesson, cooking up something extra tasty in the kitchen, riding with her friends, or traveling the world.
Dustin Giesenhagen
Dustin has always loved the outdoors, being active and trying new things. He discovered his love for mountain biking in 2004 while descending Porcupine Rim on a rigid, steel, GT Outpost Trail mountain bike with bent handlebars. Dustin and his wife recently moved to the beautiful Grand Valley primarily for its access to the outdoors and endless biking opportunities. He finds great enjoyment in many disciplines of mountain biking; whether he is on technical gravity or flow trails, long endurance rides or multi-day off road touring, Dustin loves to ride his bikes!
In addition to being an avid mountain biker, Dustin is a natural and seasoned teacher and coach. His enthusiasm for everything from riding to trailside ecology and geology is evident on every ride. Dustin is also a high school biology teacher and has coached or guided a multitude of sports and outdoor activities including whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, caving, rock climbing, backpacking, high school track and field, cross country, football, basketball and volleyball. He has recently earned his Level 1 Professional Mountain Bike Instructor certification through PMBI.
Dustin is an excellent communicator and creates a comfortable learning environment no matter if he is on the trail, the river, or in the classroom.
