DARC Members

RJ was born and lived in Wisconsin for the past 52 years. In 2025, he moved to the Asheville area to start the next chapter of his life. RJ currently sits on two boards in the area: Asheville On Bikes and Connect Buncombe, which advocate for greenways. New to cycling just seven years ago, RJ began biking at 45 and quickly fell in love with various styles, including gravel racing, cyclocross, mountain biking, and bikepacking. Although he has only raced cyclocross for a few years, he feels it offers the best atmosphere and has become his main focus during the fall months. Additionally, as a member of the local Asheville cycling club, he appreciates the camaraderie within the cycling community. One of his biggest adventures was a 600-mile bikepacking gravel race in the Westfjords of Iceland in 2022.

Michael has always loved cycling but didn’t pin on a number until age 37, beginning with gravel before expanding into road racing, cyclocross, and the Ring of Fire track series. Although he enjoys racing, Michael is less focused on results and more on the experience—especially long days riding in the mountains around Asheville. As part of his dedication to the cycling community, he is helping to lead Asheville Youth Cycling, where he is passionate about creating opportunities for junior riders to discover the sport and develop their skills. He aims to grow the Asheville cycling club and build a strong, supportive cycling community for the next generation of riders.

Chandler has been on two wheels for as long as he can remember—starting on a strider bike, then quickly moving to pedals, gears, and anything else he could ride. These days, he enjoys all kinds of cycling, including road, mountain biking, gravel, and dirt jumping at the bike park. As a member of the Asheville cycling club, he races with Asheville Youth Cycling, focusing primarily on the North Carolina Cyclocross (NCCX) series, where he placed 4th overall in the Junior 9–10 category in 2025. He also competes in the Ring of Fire and Southeast Gravel series. Whether racing or just riding with friends and family, Chandler brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the cycling community. When he’s not racing, Chandler especially enjoys attending Kolo Bike Camp, where he continues to build skills, confidence, and a love for being on the bike.

Natalie started racing mountain bikes in 2013 in Ohio and quickly added cyclocross to her yearly race calendar in 2014 at the behest of her overzealous teammates. In 2019, she moved to Black Mountain for better cycling weather and more exciting terrain. As a member of the Asheville cycling club, she continues to ride mountain bikes in the Spring/Summer by attending several of the US MTB series races and competes in the NCCX series for cyclocross in the Fall, with an orienteering race thrown in the mix. Though she considers herself a 'CX Cat 3 Lifer,' she enjoys pursuing her yearly process goals and cherishing the camaraderie of the cycling community in the Carolinas.

Rob started riding late in life's journey, but honestly, he fell in love with it. My cycling adventure began with mountain biking at Bent Creek and has evolved from there. While road riding is my primary means of cycling, I also enjoy racing on gravel. I cherish riding with fellow members of the Asheville cycling club and exploring new and exciting places. Of course, I’ve never revealed to my wife the actual price of any of my bikes, so as far as she knows, I’ve only invested a couple of hundred dollars!

Randy, a USA Cycling level 1 coach, has been coaching cyclists and cycling teams since 1987. As a multiple Masters National Champion, Randy has raced in the Masters World Championships in Italy (placing 16th in 2022) and in Russia (winning one race and placing 4th overall in 1994). Since 2003, he has been leading cycling camps, helping cyclists in the Asheville cycling club and the wider cycling community to experience great riding, training, and racing all over America, as well as in Italy and Spain.

Late to cycling as a passion, Tom only began riding regularly in the early 2000s, commuting pretty much year ‘round in the Chicago suburbs and gradually building his mileage from hundreds to thousands of miles annually. His racing began in the mid-2000s, focusing on time trials, mostly on the tandem with his wife Robyn, achieving 2 USA Cycling Mixed Tandem age group podiums along the way. After retiring from his employer of 33 years, they moved to Asheville in 2010 and were immediately impressed by the area’s great terrain, roads, and vibrant cycling community. Through the support of generous mentors in the Asheville cycling club, Tom developed both the physical and mental discipline required for mass start racing, which he pursued wholeheartedly with some age-group success. Though 'exciting' crashes and the realities of receding youth have somewhat tempered Tom's racing aspirations, he continues to maintain his fitness and form while taking on the occasional competitive challenge.

‘The Queen of Elk Mountain’: That’s the name by which Robyn became known after she completed her 500th lap up and over Elk Mountain (a 5-mile, 1400’ climb). Her best years were 2015 and 2020 when she accomplished 72 & 78 “Elks” respectively. Family responsibilities (aging parent and growing grandkids) have limited her “Elks” in recent years. Additionally, Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation of the leafy corridor that was the Elk she's always loved has made it challenging for her to visit too often. However, Robyn continues to ride every day that she can, whether inside or outside, to stay as youthful as possible. She relies on her Market Bike for errands, helping her keep the car parked most of the time. Robyn’s impressive racing palmares came on the tandem, where she and husband Tom found success in the Mid America Time Trial series from 2007 to 2009 and competed at the USA Cycling Nationals from 2008 to 2010, securing 2 podiums in the Mixed Tandem 110+ age group. Recently, a friend has ignited her interest in exploring new rail trail conversions throughout various states, including NC, SC, VA, GA, and LA, contributing to the vibrant Asheville cycling club and the broader cycling community. Previously, she had ridden in states like AR, AZ, FL, KY, IL, MI, MN, NM, NY, OH, TN, UT, VT, WI, MN, OH, NY, and VT.

Rick began cycling in 1971 and participated in his first race in 1973 as an Intermediate, a level below Juniors at that time. During the summer of 1976, he rode 4,250 miles across the US. He graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College, where he was a member and the Director of the bicycle team. His racing experience includes road races, criteriums, and time trials. Having worked in the industry for several years, including 11 years at Shimano and four years at Schwinn, Rick contributed to some of Shimano's major growth and innovations. After moving to Asheville in 1998, Rick temporarily stopped riding, but in 2001, he reignited his passion for cycling and joined the local Asheville cycling club, immersing himself in the vibrant cycling community. A lot has changed in cycling since Rick first began; back then, gear selection was typically 2 x 5, kits were made from wool, cleats were nailed onto leather-soled shoes, and some jerseys had five pockets (two in the front), with water bottle cages occasionally mounted on handlebars. You will often find Rick enjoying the scenic roads around Asheville, where he lives in downtown, is self-employed, and has one son living in Vail, CO.