Coaches
Head coaches
Darin Thureen, Middle School
Coach Darin brings his passion for mountain biking and a resume of over 25+ years of coaching experience to the team. Darin or to keep it simple, Coach “D”, has been involved with the 196 team for over seven years, starting as a parent ride leader, an Assistant Coach, and now Head Coach of the Middle School team.
Coach Darin thrives on helping athletes improve their skills by creating a fun environment for learning and performance.
Coach Darin is an avid rider (Road and MTB) and actively involved with the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure where he captains “Team DADDEO” and leads fundraisers for the Knights of Columbus.
Emily Strong, High School
I joined the team in 2023 to spend more time riding with my son and quickly realized my love of the sport and that our student athletes and their families were “my people". The mix of physical challenge, interpersonal connection, and time in nature keeps me grounded and happy—it’s the sport that pushes me and resets me at the same time.
I’m a full-on bike nerd. From diagnosing rough shifting to upgrading components, I love working on bikes and helping riders understand how to keep their bikes running strong.
I began coaching in college and have experience training athletes in swimming, volleyball, cross-country, and baseball. I know when to push, when to back off, and how to create a fun, high-energy environment where riders can progress—whether we’re sessioning tech, grinding climbs, or rolling at party pace.
Off the trail, I’m usually working on bikes, weight lifting, grinding out some gravel rides, gardening, or getting absolutely humbled by my kids at board games.
Assistant coaches
Alesia Smith, Middle School
With over two decades of experience as a figure skating coach and 15 years on the trails, I have cultivated a deep love and understanding of athletic development and outdoor adventure. I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the sport of mountain biking.
Drawing from my extensive background in figure skating and outdoor pursuits, I bring a unique blend of expertise to coaching. I believe in embracing falls and failures as opportunities for growth that not only build individual riders but also foster a culture of perseverance and determination within the team. By instilling these values alongside technical skills, discipline, and teamwork, you are not just shaping athletes, you are shaping individuals who are resilient both on and off the trail.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or new to the sport, I am here to support and inspire you on your mountain biking journey. Together, we will conquer trails, overcome obstacles, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Jeff Gartner, Middle School
Fifteen years ago a friend invited me to Lebanon Hills and I immediately fell in love with mountain biking. Several years afterward, I fancied myself the Pied Piper of Lebanon, inviting friends and getting them hooked too. When my kids were born, we started them on bikes early and, to my great fortune, they both took to the sport. Getting to spend countless hours riding with them and seeing them develop the skills and grit necessary to be a mountain biker has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my life.
For the last three years, I have supported the 196MTB team as a parent and ride leader, in addition to coaching basketball and football for VAA. While I personally love and appreciate technical riding, my coaching philosophy emphasizes character and fun more than deep technical detail. I try to make the environment as welcoming and engaging as possible for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
Off the bike, I’m usually tackling home projects, planning the next family outdoor adventure, or tinkering with a bike in my garage. I’m thrilled and honored to be part of a team thats primary focus is getting more kids on bikes, having fun outside, and creating lasting memories, a cause which I am deeply passionate about!
Brian Plantz, High School
I have been involved with the 196MTB since 2015, serving as a Ride Leader, Assistant Coach, and former Head Coach of the team. Now that my daughter has joined the team, I’m excited to be back in the role of assistant coach.
I love seeing our riders improve their skills, strength, and endurance throughout the season. This team is a great opportunity to get kids out riding their bikes, being active, making new friends and exploring the local trails. Our team helps to set a foundation of skills and knowledge for the lifelong activity of mountain biking, and I’m excited to be a part of that development.
My focus as a coach will be safety, security, skill development and sportsmanship. I want kids riding within their skillset first, developing their technique and then pushing to improve their physical conditioning. I have a strong background in first aid and wilderness search and rescue, and rider safety is a top priority in our league.
For both the adventure riders and the future racers, welcome to the team and I can’t wait to see you on the trails!
Zach Walker, High School
I have over five years of youth coaching experience with baseball, basketball, and mountain biking. As a Coach, I have always enjoyed helping athletes increase their skills through fun, challenging activities. My focus is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where riders of all skill levels can improve fitness, technique and trail awareness. Watching youth athletes grow not only as riders but as teammates and leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Coach.
Since joining the team as a Ride Leader in 2024, I have always felt like I belonged. There is a sense of community engrained into the culture of mountain biking that is alive and thriving in our club. It starts with the Coaches and volunteers that support the youth riders, and I plan to continue building that legacy of camaraderie on and off the bike. From beginning riders to aspiring racers, I’m here to help foster skill development and build relationships that can last a lifetime.
When I’m not cleaning bikes or practicing my bunny hops you can find me gardening, camping and spending time with my family. See you all out on the trail!