Staff
Rachel Olzer (she/they) is an activist, organizer, writer, and speaker, currently based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Rachel has dedicated the last 10 years to working on issues related to equity, inclusion, and intersectionality. In 2019, she co-founded Pedal 2 the People (@pedal2thepeople), an organization that prioritizes narrative representation by telling stories from Black, Indigenous, and people of color within cycling. In 2020, during the uprising in response to the unjust murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police, Rachel took to social media to organize in the cycling community. She has written for a handful of cycling publications including: BIKE Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, and Cyclista Zine; and has been featured in many more publications including Freehub Magazine, Patagonia's The Cleanest Line, The Bikepacking Journal, and Mountain Flyer Magazine. She has shared her story in many public settings including conferences and college campuses across the US. Rachel has also appeared on podcasts like We Got to Hangout with Christopher Strickland and The Adventure Stache with Payson McElveen. Currently, Rachel serves as the Executive Director of All Bikes Welcome and Grit MTB Festival. She is also the Director of Inclusion Programs for The Roam Collective and the Inclusion Coordinator for Roam Events, two organizations that focus on bringing together women, femme, and nonbinary folks in cycling. In 2020, Rachel was named one of Bikepackings Bikepackers-of-the-Year and in 2023 she was named one of Bicyclings Riders-of-the-Year.
Rachel Olzer (she/they)
Executive Director
Hey there! I’m Beckie Irvin (she/her). My journey to founding Beckie Irvin Consulting and Research, LLC began in January 2022 when I offered grant writing services to some of the nonprofit pros in my network. Realizing that many grassroots professionals faced challenges similar to mine when I started Grit MTB Festival and All Bikes Welcome in 2019, I expanded my services to a full-fledged consultancy. In those early days, I was overworked, underpaid, and constantly chasing funding, until I learned that sustainability and wellness are not only possible but essential for those in the social sector.
Since starting my consultancy in January 2023, I have helped 20 nonprofits move towards more sustainable funding models by applying for and securing private funding. Over the course of the last five years working in the social sector, I won $825,000 worth of grants, and I hope to surpass the $1M mark this year. I believe wholeheartedly in the value that nonprofits bring to their communities and see it as my mission to provide them with the training and support they need to find success in the early to mid-stages of growth.
I hold a master’s degree in Recreation and Sport Management from the University of Arkansas, and I get really excited to discuss social issues in outdoor and action sports.
When I’m not working, I love to play with my dog, swim in any body of water I can find, try gluten-free recipes, and read about dinosaurs.
Beckie Irvin (she/her)
Development Coordinator
Paola Gehrmann (she/her) was born in Puerto Rico and relocated to Dallas at the age of 16. Swiftly immersing herself in the cycling industry, she discovered her passion for the sport. Now based in Bentonville, Arkansas, she is the proud owner of the digital marketing business, The Geared Collective. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Paola seamlessly navigates not only the winding trails but also the intricate digital landscape, leading the charge in marketing efforts for All Bikes Welcome and Grit MTB Festival. Paola draws inspiration from the outdoors, whether exploring with her partner and dogs or chasing thrilling adventures on bikes.
Paola Gehrmann (she/her)
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Residing deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I am wholeheartedly drawn to and inspired by natural spaces contained within our Great Outdoors - to recreate, heal, nourish, and enrich the body, mind, and soul. I incorporate a deep desire to learn, grow, and move beyond limitation while remaining curious and cultivating a playful interaction with the environment around me. I strive to create intentional events that are inclusive, safe, and inspire a similar connection to nature with a resounding vibrancy to align deeper with our authentic selves. I believe that the elements of nature remain our greatest teacher, healer, and that access to these outdoor spaces is for all humans to enjoy.
Rachel Kelleher (she/her)
Event Coordinator
I've been working in finance for 7 years with experience in nonprofit and private sectors. When I’m not staring at excel sheets I’m on my bike or hanging out with my dog. I've been a cyclist for 11 years after my spouse convinced me getting a bike would be good for my mental health (he was right).
Lynsay Hayek (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Elysia is an artist and educator with over 15 years experience working in classrooms from early childhood through adult education. She currently works with Northwest Arkansas Community College as a National Science Foundation Grant Director for the Integrated Design Lab. Elysia is the founder of ReggioBaby and Sensee Toys, and co-founder of Gnargo Bike Co. both start up companies based in Bentonville, AR.
Elysia Contreras Springer (she/her)
President, Co-chair
KC is a Licensed Professional Counselor & has spent majority of career working with Queer & Black/Brown individuals as well as elite-level athletes. KC joined the board in 2021 after realizing how closely their values aligned with All Bikes Welcome.
KC Cross (they/them)
Vice President
Eleanor (she/her) wants everyone to have a safe and welcoming space to ride. While working in journalism and nonprofits in the midwest, Eleanor led volunteer efforts with Big Marsh Bike Park, co-founded the Chicago Women’s CX Fund and worked with city youth programs to get more kids on bikes. Now in Colorado, Eleanor leads communications at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to support communities across the country developing trails close to home. She is more graceful on two wheels than on two feet.
Eleanor Blick (she/her)
Secretary / Treasurer
Health equity champion. LGBTQ+ activist. Adventure sports enthusiast. Fundraising and development professional. Future firefighter/EMT.
Celia “Seal” Mueller (she/they)
Chair of the Fundraising Committee
Board Members
Professionally, Chanel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing mental health services to marginalized communities and adjunct professor. On the bike, she rides to encourage others to find their freedom and joy. Chanel has also proven that cycling is for everyone, no matter your race, gender identity, or body style.
Dr. Chanel Mitchell (she/her)
Member of the Grit Fest Planning Committee
Gabriela is an indigenous Mayan Guatemalan woman. She started riding 3 years ago and her life was transformed. This transformation did not stop with mountain biking as the things she had learned have inspired her in other areas of her life, this year, she is learning to ski. Overall, these amazing people and wonderful programs have helped and empowered her and now she wants to inspire and support Spanish speaking community, BIPOC and children by sharing her story and being a community builder, advocator and connector.
Gabriela Hydle (she/her/ella)
Member of the Fundraising Committee
Kate Sparacio (she/they)
Member of the Fundraising Committee
Kat is originally from Indiana but has lived in Ohio, California, and Connecticut before moving to Fayetteville, AR in 2016. She is the Director of Production at TheatreSquared and a member of the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists. In additional to mountain biking, Kat enjoys rock hounding and tumbling, visiting National Parks, and gardening.
Kat Wepler (she/her)
Member of the Grit Fest Planning Committee
In a decision based mostly on my love for bikes and trail running, I moved from Austin to Bentonville with my family in 2021. Seeing all people on bikes brings me joy and I whole-heartedly support diversity in the cycling community. Instantly captivated by the camaraderie and authenticity of the incredible humans at Grit Fest, I knew I wanted to be a part of making the magic happen.
Ruthie Parker (she/they)
Member of the Grit Fest Planning Committee