Our Coach Commitment
We, at Wheels Up, are committed to the up most excellence in mountain bike instruction. Collectively, as a team we represent 50 years of professional classroom experience combined with a staggering 70 years of riding experience among our 3 instructors. We also have 30 years of bicycle industry experience in bicycle mechanics. With certifications in CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Guide Instruction, Mountain bike techniques, Coaching, and Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP). We provide the safest events with the most up to date education for each and every rider. We have been helping riders get their Wheels Up since 2008. We have the background to provide clear, precise instruction to help riders of all abilities accomplish their personal goals.
Jeff Powell
Well if you really have to know. Jeff Powell Started all this fun way back in the day. Because he is old, LOL, But seriously still way FAST! The first mountain bike was invented in the late 70’s and Jeff Powell was hammering down trails only a few years later. After more than three decades of racing across the country and working as a bike mechanic in a few shops, Jeff still competes as a Cat 1/Marathon/Enduro racer. He can be found year-round traveling throughout Missouri, Northwest Arkansas, and Colorado seeking the latest and greatest trails. Jeff is a natural teacher with over 29 years as a Physical Education/Health teacher in the Rockwood and Parkway school districts. Jeff wanted to continue to share his passion for mountain biking and formed the first summer mountain bike camp at Fairway Elementary School in 2007. This camp after 14 years and 100’s of students later would eventually become Wheels Up as you know it today. Jeff is dedicated to inspiring children to find a life-long passion in physical health and an appreciation for the outdoors through the fun and exciting sport of mountain biking. In2003 Jeff would meet Cody Jones Manager of Ballwin Cycles a fellow racer and at the time college student. The two of them would ride, race, travel and create the friends ship that finally lead them to team up and work together.
Cody Jones
Cody Jones brings the Wheels Up to Wheels Up. While riding and racing all types of bikes throughout the years Cody’s journey would lead him to taking two passions a combining them into Wheels Up. Cody being a certified Art educator and avid cyclist would Jeff and Cody would work for many years primary focusing on only youth events. Starting out a Fairway Elementary and creating a small youth cycling club of riders. Throughout the years and further his education with the BICP (Bicycle Instructor Certification Program) to become a professional mountain bike instructor Cody would want to provide all things educational for mountain bikers in the Midwest. Creating Wheels Up’s dedication to the most current and up to date mountain bike education available! Meanwhile, Cody worked as a lead promoter in starting the Missouri NICA league which is a 6th-12th grade mountain bike league. Actively working to teach others how to work with youth student athletes throughout Missouri. After years of doing private training of adults in addition for the youth programing led Wheels Up to included Adult and then Women’s Only programing. In 2021 the creation of the Little Wheeler’s Program Started. Now taking Cycling education for riders from the beginning all the way to as far as a rider wants to go! Years of experience and working as a team Wheels Up is a community first program that works to not only provide cycling education and a place to enjoyment. Jeff continues to work with youth programming in St. Louis and our weekly rides. We hope to have you out to an event and see what the Wheels Up way is all about!
Tracy – A mom’s touch!
Sixteen years ago I got my first taste of mountain biking while trying to impress a boy and stay unharmed on my loaned mountain bike. While I got the boy, I wouldn’t say that I stayed unharmed for long. But like true adventurer, that thrill of new obstacles, challenges, and trails turned that weariness into a love for the sport. Nowadays, I spend most of my time teaching, and chasing after my boys while trying to fit exercise into whatever time I might get. So trail riding is a pure pleasure when given the chance. I have my Masters in Education in Library Media Science and have been teaching in an elementary classroom or library for the last 15 years. Three years ago, I started a Girls on the Run group at my school and have been the head coach for the last three years. This experience has taught me so much about being a coach and how it can be different from being a teacher. I am currently certified in CPR and Non-violent Crisis Intervention. I love sharing my passions of biking and running with others and hope to inspire others to find an enduring, deep-rooted passion as well. Tracy helps bring a strong women’s presence to the Wheels Up team. You will see her at our Multi Day Camps and our Monday Weekly Ride.
Final Words
Riding, educating, mentoring, volunteering, and most of all have a blast getting riders of all ages on bikes. Helping individuals to gain understanding on how to be safe and shred at the same time! Most importantly keeping your Wheels Up. If your are just starting out or sending big jumps, Lets us help you reach your goals!