Cannonsburg

Jill Martindale

The tangible progress of learning how to ride a technical trail, the learning curve of bike-packing in the snow, and the community you get to know while spending time on the bike — these are all reasons why Jill can't pick just one favorite style of riding. Being able to experience the outdoors on a bicycle every season has brought so much joy to her life. Her perfect bike ride includes petting a dog, Type 2 fun, correctly identifying a bird or plant, and plenty of snacks. Jill has been racing for over 10 years, and the ski area is one of her favorite places to play.

Zoe Zeerip

Zoe is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for environmental advocacy. Embracing the meaning of her name, Zoe is full of life, loves to be involved with her community, and cares deeply about our earth. Zoe enjoys all types of biking, but has a soft spot for mountain biking and city riding. She founded Grand Rapids Bike Prom and has previously volunteered with the Chill Foundation and Little Bellas. You can often find her grabbing a lemon twist from Frosty Boy or playing fetch with her chocolate lab, Filo. Zoe looks forward to continuing to mentor local youth and being outside in the woods.

Jessica VanderPloeg

Jessica is a passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves sharing adventures with her two daughters. Whether it's hiking, biking, skiing, or exploring new trails, she believes in the power of the outdoors to inspire and connect. A strong advocate for getting kids outside and fostering a lifelong love of nature, Jessica is especially excited to share in their joy of mountain biking at Cannonsburg!

Amanda Westra

Amanda is a mountain bike coach who believes riding should be equal parts joy, challenge, and just the right amount of dirt. With a background in experiential learning and a love for community, they’re all about helping riders build confidence, have fun, and find their flow—whether it's your first ride or your fiftieth. Expect encouragement, a few laughs, and maybe a new favorite trail snack.

Joel Boersma

Joel loves snowboarding, coaching as a mentor, dirt jumping, mountain bike rides with friends and a longtime volunteer trail builder around Grand Rapids. Most specifically right here at Cannonsburg!

Bri Nance

Bri grew up sailing competitively on Lake Ontario. After moving to MI for undergrad, she fell in love with all things outdoors! She especially loves climbing and route setting, and has experience working as a climbing instructor, running youth climbing camps, and leading backpacking, climbing, and mountain biking trips. Bri is incredibly passionate about cultivating community through outdoor experience and loves getting to play outside!

Olivia Rook

Olivia loves anything outside, her favorites are mountain biking, hiking, camping, snowboarding, running, and backpacking. Cannonsburg. She also loves to take pictures in nature of anything that looks cool. This is Olivia’s third year coaching mountain biking here at Cannonsburg. She has been mountain biking for a couple of years now and looks forward to her next day on the trail. She has found it to be a great way to build community, push herself out of her comfort zone, and experience beautiful places. Her favorite form of mountain biking is downhill or freeride because she likes to go fast and do tricks.

Mariah Drake

My passion for cycling started while working at a local bike shop during college. After moving to Michigan, I fell in love with mountain biking (thanks Cannonsburg!! 😊) When I’m not riding around the area, I’m either crafting or reading, but always with a coffee in hand!

Justin Stitt

Justin enjoys skiing in the winter, and exploring the wilderness on mountain bike rides or foot all summer long! Justin Has been a mountain bike coach the last few years here at Cannonsburg and is excited to foster growth and exploration in the next generation of mountain bikers out on the trails this summer!

Jestin Simon

Jestin enjoys getting outside for camping, hiking, and mountain biking. He started mountain biking in 2019 and has grown to love the sport for the physical and mental challenges it provides, the camaraderie, and the FUN. Jestin attended a skills clinic a few years ago to broaden his skillset and has enjoyed putting them to work on the trails both locally and up north. This is his second year coaching for the Cannonsburg mountain bike team and he looks forward to sharing his love for mountain biking with the next generation of shredders.

Brodie Chase

Assistant Coach

Brodie Chase is an avid gymbro and nerd all in one. When he’s not slamming barbells or studying up for his high school classes, you will likely find him out on his bike. He enjoys getting out in the open air and spreading his love of ripping up dirt on the trail. Brodie’s most notable accomplishment when it comes to biking is his completion of the Ore to Shore race which he does annually. Brodie looks forward to helping young riders improve and enjoying the long summer days with riders who are ready to rip.

Henry Wert

Assistant Coach

Henry is a passionate and well-rounded individual with a love for both the arts and athletics. As an avid mountain biker who has been riding for as long as he could walk, he enjoys exploring rugged trails and pushing his limits outdoors. He also competes in cross country and track, where his dedication and endurance shine. Outside of sports, Henry is a talented violinist with a deep appreciation for music, and he brings his energy and creativity to the stage through his involvement in musical theatre. This is Henry’s second year coaching for the Cannonsburg mountain bike team. He looks forward to teaching the kids how to shred on the trails and learn some new skills along the way.

Madison Willemstein

Bike Patrol

Hey there! I'm stoked to share my passion for mountain biking with you! I've been shredding trails for over 12 years and coaching young riders for the past 5, and there's nothing I love more than seeing someone catch the biking bug.
Two years ago, I officially started the West Michigan Bike Patrol, based right here at Cannonsburg. We're all about providing on-the-spot medical first aid and ensuring a safe and fun environment, especially for the amazing kids in our mountain bike programs. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors, Cannonsburg Ski Area and the Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs, for helping us make it all possible! I'm dedicated to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to every ride and helping you become the best mountain biker you can be! Let's hit the trails!

Nathan Willemstein

Bike Patrol

Hey everyone! I've been a part of the mountain bike community since way back in 2007, and I'm still just as excited about it today. For the last five summers, I've had the awesome opportunity to coach mountain biking, and I truly love sharing the skills and techniques that help riders have the most fun on the trail. When I'm not coaching, you can usually find me out on the trails – it's where I spend most of my free time!

I'm also a founding member of the West Michigan Bike Patrol, and I'm proud to be a part of a group dedicated to keeping our local trails safe and accessible. I've even put my skills to the test by finishing the Marji Gesick 50 mile race multiple times. I have a deep passion for mountain biking and helping others discover its joys. Let's ride!

Kendra Townsend

Kendra is a lifelong endurance athlete with over 20 years of experience in running and multisport. She began her journey with triathlons and has since completed a couple of marathons, countless half marathons, ten 25K Riverbanks, a 50K ultra, and numerous mountain bike races. She recently relocated to Rockford to embrace the local trail community and spend more time doing what she loves—being outdoors. Coaching with the Trail Tigers combines her passion for trail running with her pursuit of giving back, especially when it comes to encouraging and empowering young kids. She’s excited to share her love of the sport and help foster a lifelong appreciation for movement, nature, and fun on the trails.