Ashley Korenblat

CEO

HOMETOWN
Littlerock, Arkansas

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
My favorite thing is the times we get to hang out either around the campfire or at the end of the day at the office!

What inspires you to take people on bike vacations?
Everybody feels better when they get outside!

Most fun on two wheels?
So many things. I love the Bears Ears and the Foggy Dew ride on the Methow trip. Every Western Spirit trip — really.

Something most people don’t know?
I beat Missy Giove in a dual slalom and I saved the Slickrock Trail from oil and gas development.

Guilty pleasure comfort food
Popcorn!

Mark “Sevy” Sevenoff

Owner / Guide / Marketing Director

HOMETOWN
Windsor, Connecticut

Started at Western Spirit
1997

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
Meeting dirty but glowing guests after a week in Canyonlands is pretty special.

What inspires you to take people on bike vacations?
Everybody feels better when they get outside!

Most fun on two wheels?
#breauxdureaux (check the hashtag on IG for deets)

Something most people don’t know?
After my paper route, my first real job was picking tobacco in CT to pay for my first mountain bike.

Guilty pleasure comfort food
Wasabi Peas and a G&T on my deck

Stuart Brown

VP

HOMETOWN
Telluride, Colorado

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
Rides with the team, seeing customers’ smiles after a trip, and eating the guides’ cooking.

What inspires you to take people on bike vacations?
Riding iconic trails through stunning western scenery while completely off the grid unlocks a presence that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Most fun on two wheels?
A 2019 trip to Moab with my dad — the moment I fell in love with the sport.

Something most people don’t know?
I am an encyclopedia of college football knowledge.

Guilty pleasure comfort food
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brendon Cameron

General Manager

HOMETOWN
Northern Utah, by way of Fort Collins, CO

Started at Western Spirit
2022 season

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
The camaraderie with our whole staff. Western Spirit is the most fun place in town.

Most fun on two wheels?
Slickrock — best combo of cardio and challenging climbs. My daily lunch ride.

Something most people don’t know?
I married an actual hot shot — both in profession and bike riding ability!

Guilty pleasure comfort food
Party-size peanut butter M&M’s

Emily Smith

Bookkeeper

HOMETOWN
Vernal, Utah

Started at Western Spirit
2017

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?
Our crew finding a reason to party!

What inspires you to take people on bike vacations?
Everybody feels better when they get outside!

Most fun on two wheels?
Watching the sun rise on an early morning ride.

Something most people don’t know?
I have an engineering degree.

Guilty pleasure comfort food
Cookie dough

Sean Hayes

Sales Manager

HOMETOWN
Harleysville, Pennsylvania

What inspires you?
Because everyone needs a bike vacation… even if you don’t, you do.

Always in my pack
13mo old Clif bar, orange peels, and a first aid kit.

Most fun on two wheels?
Shreddin’ the Red!

Claim to fame
Time Magazine cover.

Matt Grady

Operations manager / guide

HOMETOWN
Athens, Georgia

What inspires you?
For the opportunities to share remote experiences with people.

Always in my pack
Sunscreen, tools, all the snacks.

Most fun on two wheels?
Colorado or Idaho trips

Mark Taylor

Permit Manager/ Guide

HOMETOWN
Detroit, Michigan

What inspires you?
I love bringing people out into the backcountry and exposing people to our beautiful public lands.

Always in my pack
Med kit, pump, multi tool, water and pocket bacon

Most fun on two wheels?
When I trade my wheels for 2 planks.

Claim to fame
People like my hair.

Christian Hartwig

MECHANIC

HOMETOWN
Mission Viejo, California

What inspires you?
I’ve always ridden bikes since I was around 7, I just love being outside & a bicycle is an excellent way to experience the outdoors.

Always in my pack
Mike & Ike’s, co2, multi tool, keys & a tube

Most fun on two wheels?
Cover shot on Mountain Bike Action (Aug, 1998) Added Pic

Britney Charme

HOMETOWN
Boise, Idaho (and Truckee, CA)

What inspires you?
My guests inspire me! I absolutely love sharing rich and meaningful experiences with the folks that go on our bike trips. Every single person who comes on a Western Spirit trip has something valuable to bring to the group and to the experience. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.

Always in my pack
Starbursts, my handy Buff, first aid kit, bike tools, more candy.

Most fun on two wheels?
Everything I’ve biked in Tahoe- always beautiful, always fun.

Claim to fame
Chess enthusiast. My travel set goes with me everywhere and I’m always down for a game!

Frankie Solares

HOMETOWN
Guatemala City, Guatemala

What inspires you?
Seeing people achieving their goals is a great joy.

Always in my pack
A Chicago deep dish pizza, two 9v batteries, a forgotten PB & J, three packets of mustard, and a random assortment of 8-track tapes.

Most fun on two wheels?
Riding around dirt and sketchy curvy paved roads in north Vietnam.

Claim to fame
My cooking.

Luke Eldred

HOMETOWN
Montpelier, Vermonts

What inspires you?
No matter your age or ability level, riding bikes makes you feel like a kid again. The nature of our job as bike guides is rewarding for many reasons, but exercising everyday in stunning backcountry settings says it all. I enjoy all sorts of outdoor sports such as fly fishing, skiing, climbing and I dabble in a few others, but mountain biking and camping are two that I have known since a young age. Sharing these skills with others and providing a safe backcountry experience is what inspires me to take people on bike vacations.

Always in my pack
Snacks (specifically hi-chews), sunscreen, tools, wind/rain layer, small notebook.

Most fun on two wheels?
Build & ride days on the hometown trail networks. Riding bikes is always a blast, but building trails gives you the full experience and ultimately makes you a better rider and trail steward!

Garrett Clark

HOMETOWN
Gainesville, FL

What inspires you?
I think bikes are the best way to see the world. I’m constantly amazed by how efficiently you can move through the world on these contraptions all while experiencing the landscape so much more intimately than from the inside of an automobile.

Always in my pack
3 different multi tools, some zip ties, a p38 military issue can opener, 2oz of KerryGold® salted butter, and a tattered copy of Karl Marx’s Das Capital vol. 1

Most fun on two wheels?
Hitting warp speed on the 3 mile smile, aka lower 8 mile, on the Mt. Hood Singletrack trip

Claim to fame
Averaging upwards of 2 dozen flat tires per year

Anna Rollins

HOMETOWN
Portland, OR

What inspires you?
Getting to build connections and community with all the things; people, places, the outdoors, bikes, hard work, laughter, food, discovery… I love being out here in the middle of somewhere, experiencing people surprising themselves day in and day out.

Always in my pack
Loads of water, my little silver pump, TP, chocolate that’s melted and resolidified, a small notebook.

Most fun on two wheels?
Ripping down Togwotee Pass as the sun set.

Will Conner

HOMETOWN
Forest, VA

What inspires you?
I’ve never had more fun than riding bikes and want to share that fun with others

Always in my pack
Fruit snacks, tools, water, rain gear, and a travel chess set

Most fun on two wheels?
Riding the McKenzie river trail

Shane O’Brein

HOMETOWN
Gull Lake, Michigan

What inspires you?
Getting to experience these beautiful places with people who may have never otherwise seen them is pretty sweet. Getting to do so on two wheels is just a plus!

Always in my pack
Snacks, snack wrappers, snack crumbs, half eaten snacks, and my inhaler

Most fun on two wheels?
Any time I get to bike in Marquette, MI with my friends is always gonna be a good time

Claim to fame
I got to play a game of chess with GZA once!

Claire Bredar

HOMETOWN
Anchorage, AK

What inspires you?
Traveling by bike takes you through the world at the optimal speed IMHO. I want to make that experience accessible for people from all different backgrounds!

Always in my pack
Gummi worms, chapstick, sunnies, bandaids, my iPhone with barely enough storage for more pictures

Most fun on two wheels?
Descending out from the redwoods and back to the ocean on Highway 101

Claim to fame
I was born on the last day of winter!

Avery Kowaleski

HOMETOWN
Grand Rapids, MI

What inspires you?
I love riding bikes and being outdoors and sharing that with new people makes it even better.

Always in my pack
Sunscreen, Aquaphor SPF chapstick, Nerds Gummy Clusters (Rainbow), Nerds Gummy Clusters (Very Berry), Nerds Gummy Clusters (Seasonal)

Most fun on two wheels?
Riding up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park at sunrise.

Claim to fame
I’ve biked across the country twice.

Chris Prackup

HOMETOWN
Weston, CT

What inspires you?
Getting people out of their comfort zones in beautiful remote places, and fear of working a corporate desk job.

Always in my pack
Sunscreen, (1) 8.4fl oz Redbull, Shane’s inhaler (borrowed), words of affirmation, and water

Most fun on two wheels?
Dodging lightning at 12k feet in the Colorado Rockies

Claim to fame
Accredited foot specialist

Chris Kane

HOMETOWN
Staten Island, NY

What inspires you?
Outside is the best place to be, on a bike is the best way to be there.

Always in my pack
Bottomless snack supply, sunblock, spare tube, old spare tube with hole in it, National Audubon Society Guide to North American Birds

Most fun on two wheels?
Cap and gown ride with friends through downtown Boston to graduation

Claim to fame
Starting a 200 person conga line at an Earth, Wind and Fire concert in Pittsfield, MA

Trey Tugwell

HOMETOWN
Reston, Virginia

What inspires you?
I’m inspired to take people on bike vacations because I love going on bike vacations! I enjoy being around a group of people having fun and helping them to make the most of their time. It’s always rewarding to provide a great experience.

Always in my pack
Sunscreen, gummy bears, extra spearmint sugar free gum, and more sunscreen

Most fun on two wheels?
When my tricycle broke down.

Claim to fame
Red hair. duh.

Spencer Otis

HOMETOWN
Seattle, WA

What inspires you?
I love being outside and showing other people around beautiful places!

Always in my pack
Tire sealant, co2, too many tubes, hi chews, needle nose pliers

Most fun on two wheels?
Riding in Brian Head with my good buddy Cullen last summer

KC Green

HOMETOWN
Walnut Creek, CA

What inspires you?
I get to have wonderful experiences in the wilderness with incredible people, all while being able to explore the endless beauty of the American West.

Always in my pack
A lot of water, multitool, my little bottle of sunscreen, FIG BARS, probably fig bar wrappers

Most fun on two wheels?
Descending White Mountain Peak at 14,000 feet

Claim to fame
I have been pulled onstage from the crowd at a concert to play cowbell with the band….. twice

Katie Conrad

HOMETOWN
South Dakota

What inspires you?
There is no better way to connect with new people and a new place than to turn on airplane mode, hop on some bikes, and challenge ourselves to explore the outdoors together. It’s a recipe for joy.

Always in my pack
Melted Larabars, a squished quest bar, a Cholula packet, and a blue bandana

CLAIM TO FAME
A sunset ride on “Pumps, Bumps and Rollers” in Fruita

Cullen O’Connor

HOMETOWN
Lakewood Colorado

What inspires you?
I had so many friends along the way show me how to bike vacation. The pedaling and downhill and laughter and food and drink all make such great memories. I would love nothing more than to pass that flame onto others.

Always in my pack
One blue bandana for good luck, hair tie, blistex for my lips, not enough water, and an obscene amount of snacks.

Most fun on two wheels?
There’s way too many memories to pick the most fun. Tour de Fat. The Golden Giddyup. Trestle parties. Winery hopping around Palisade. Special rainy laps on Chimney. Every time we shuttled Enchanted and Falcon. Dodging rattle snakes on moto#8. Wednesday night debauchery on the Front Range. Thursday night debauchery in the Sawatch. Pedaling the town with Lady and Lady. Taking Vitamin B with new friends. Mobbing Moab bike party with new new friends. Guide party shuttle week. Pooping my pants at Brian Head.

Claim to fame
I am the Moab beer mile champion.

Riley Missel

HOMETOWN
Grand Haven, Mi

What inspires you?
All the people I get to meet on each adventure! Only certain folks use their vacation days to go pedal around the desert and sit around a campfire—and those are my kind of people.

Always in my pack
Strawberry cheesecake, a stray cat, a gallon sized soy latte, tire plugs, and some snow

Most fun on two wheels?
Coaching a middle school girls MTB club in Tucson (Gro Girl Gro!). They make me laugh so hard I’ve nearly peed my Jorts.

Claim to fame
I used to race bikes on a velodrome. Also I write for Bicycling magazine, so I love a good story. Can’t wait to hear yours!

Lewis Jaynes

HOMETOWN
Atlanta, Georgia

What inspires you?
I love connecting with a group of people who love riding bikes! It is exciting to be able to see the natural beauty of the world on 2 wheels.

Always in my pack
Water, Too much water, a multi-tool, granola bars, sunglasses, and SPF 100!

Most fun on two wheels?
Riding Black Mountain in Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, North Carolina!

Taylor Rutt

HOMETOWN
Lancaster, PA

What inspires you?
Sharing my passion for adventuring on two wheels!

Always in my pack
Year old clif bar, Crank bros multi tool, water, crumbs, C02

Most fun on two wheels?
Descending Mount Elbert in Colorado

Claim to fame
I have a missing tooth and I’m committed to the look

Kira Culp

HOMETOWN
South Lake Tahoe, CA

What inspires you?
There is something special and freeing about feeling the wind in your hair and having pedals under your feet. Biking allows us to see the world through a different lens, and I love being able to share the experience of being in the back country on two wheels with other people!

Always in my pack
Candy, orange peels, first aid kit, coffee (if I’m lucky), and lots of wrappers

Most fun on two wheels?
Learning to mountain bike with my girlfriends in college. The hooting and hollering never stopped!

Claim to fame
Never missing out on a good time

Ashley Jenson

HOMETOWN
Rigby, Idaho

What inspires you?
Sharing the immersive experience of being outside and watching people open up, ground themselves in their surroundings and truly live in the moment.

Always in my pack
Face Glitter, first aid kit, water, multitool, extremely crushed old granola bar

Most fun on two wheels?
Hot bike park laps with my stoked friends!!!

Claim to fame
Stoke queen! I will be there to help you feel more stoked and encourage you!

Michaela Steefel

HOMETOWN
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

What inspires you?
I think we don’t unplug enough and look up at the world around us!

Always in my pack
Zip-ties, lipgloss, candy of some kind, fist aid supplies, rain jacket, and sunscreen

Most fun on two wheels?
Recently visiting my best friends in Reno/Tahoe area and shuttling the Sky Tavern riding and Ski area 🙂

Claim to fame
Using my down-tube storage in my bike exclusively for sparkly lip-gloss.

Carlin Reilly

HOMETOWN
Redmond, Washington

What inspires you?
I’m just a girl who loves being outside and genuinely loves people — a dangerous combination that basically made this job inevitable. Throw in a love of bikes and a desire for adventure, and here we are.

Always in my pack
Too few Snacks, Notebook, Unnecessary amount of colored pencils, A rock I picked up because it “spoke to me”, A jacket I’ll never wear but refuse to leave behind

Most fun on two wheels?
I rode the Seattle to Portland on a mtb bike because my dad said we’d have fun.