Davis Composite Mountain Biking Team

Meet Our Coaches

Mountain biking is a family passion for many of our riders and their families. In addition to the coaches below, we also rely on several volunteers who serve as ride leaders, allowing us to provide a level-appropriate experience for developing riders. Guest coaches and ride leaders also include team alumni and others from the local biking community. If you like to get out and ride, there is a volunteer experience waiting for you.

Russ Kahan

Head Coach
Level 3 certified NICA coach

As inspiration to new riders that "You can do it too!", I want share that I first began riding mountain bikes seriously only upon joining DCMTB in 2022 alongside my son, Liam – and I am loving it!

As a former NCAA DIII and 4 yr. HS varsity athlete in other sports (HS wrestling in WI, volleyball at MIT), I'd ridden BMX bikes growing up and had mountain biked recreationally at Mammoth and Wente Scout Reservation (home of the Boggs 8-hour Race by BikeMonkey). I've been a scout leader and Eagle Scout, and have safely taken kids adventuring in places ranging from New Mexico to Alaska to Canada over the past 10 years.

What I like most about mountain biking is its ability to be a lifetime sport. My first downhill race was at the Sea Otter Classic after surviving a black diamond ride at Whistler in summer 2023. Cooler heads prevailed at Sea Otter this year, where I rode their Fuego (XC) race, my longest race to date. Along with the epic rides, NICA's emphasis on mentoring and developing youth through outdoor activities really resonates with my beliefs and experience.

Joel Bauman

Coach
Level 2 certified NICA coach

My son Jack and I discovered mountain biking in the summer of 2023 and joined DCMTB that fall. I loved how the DCMTB welcomed us as new teammates and beginning riders. We quickly picked up skills and fitness. We both raced for the first time last year and it was more fun, more rewarding, and less scary than I anticipated. The MTB community is very encouraging and supportive, even during competition.

Now in my 3rd year on the DCMTB team, I'm glad to have the opportunity to give back through coaching. I love seeing our riders build confidence and reach new achievements on the trail. My favorite places to ride are in the Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz areas. Great workout + awesome scenery!

Amy Zuber

Coach
Level 1 certified NICA coach

I have been riding bikes for transportation for a long time, but it wasn't until 2020 that I started mountain biking and riding for fun and fitness.

I first started riding with DCMTB when my son joined the team and raced during high school. I like how the sport has many opportunities for parents to be involved. Right away I started entering local mountain bike and cyclocross races with my son, and really enjoyed the opportunities to get better on the bike.

The mountain biking community is really supportive, which made my introduction to riding and racing on dirt a lot of fun. I also enjoy bike touring and plan to complete a cross-country tour in the next few years.

John Shinstock

Coach
Level 2 certified NICA coach

I've biked all my life but really got into mountain biking when I moved to Davis in 2008. I'm a very social rider and love getting out with friends and family. I love exploring places that you could not experience if you were not on a bike. This past summer I was fortunate enough to ride a variety of trails in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

I recently started road riding and have done some great touring rides with friends. I enjoy riding Napa Skyline and Auburn but my favorite local place to ride is Lake Tahoe as there are so many trails to explore and it's always beautiful. My daughter Amelia currently rides on the team.

Cort Anastasio

Coach
Level 1 certified NICA coach

Eli Makus

Past Head Coach
Level 3 certified NICA coach

I earned my first mountain bike at age 11 after a long summer picking blackberries in State College, PA, when the sport was new. My happiest place is still on two wheels. I like riding any bike, but am partial to knobby tires on dirt and rocks.

My favorite rides on dirt include Culvert/Confluence (Auburn), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Tahoe), Demo Forest (Santa Cruz), and Cannel Plunge (Kernville). Living in Davis for over 20 years, I can appreciate a good road ride too. My daughter Eva currently rides when she can fit it in alongside her other sports.

Nick Watterson

Past Head Coach
Level 3 certified NICA coach

I grew up in Davis spending much of my time playing soccer, but also riding bikes around town, on the road, and on dirt. I did my first Davis Double Century when I was 13 years old and raced road bikes at an elite level in Colorado for eight years. I started doing more mountain biking during college and graduate school in Colorado and Oregon.

I love the freedom of the bike and the shared experiences riding with friends and family. My favorite part of riding is exploring good hard trails in the mountains. I have two kids currently riding on the team, June and Reese.