Ryan Loften is the founder, owner and head coach of Mt Tam Bikes Camp.

But that title doesn't even begin to describe Ryan!

Since 2006, he has taught over 2000 kids mountain bike skills, trail etiquette, bike mechanics and local ecology in his home of Mill Valley, CA where he grew up BMX racing, dirt jumping and mountain biking all over Marin County.

Ryan has been mentoring and coaching kids for the past 19 years because of the positive force mountain biking has been in his own life from the moment he pedaled on his own.

Beyond coaching mountain biking year-round both with kids and privately for riders of all ages and abilities, Ryan spends time helping grow Cleary Bikes out of Sausalito, CA.

What we admire most about Ryan is his truly calming yet infectious personality that always reminds you to be patient, present and light-hearted. We can't wait for our son to be in one of his camps!

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. This interview was recorded live at the 2018 Sea Otter Classic.

We built this interview series from the title of our newest children's picture book Taking The Lead that follows our animal characters along a journey to open a local bike shop and inspire their town to ride. We hope you enjoy these personal stories from bike industry executives, non-profit leaders, pro athletes, and families just like yours who are celebrating kids on bikes and inspiring families to get off the couch... and out for a ride.

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Purchase our books, and download the World of Buddy Pegs podcast so you can share the love of bicycling with the kids in your life. Visit your local bike shop, or visit us at BuddyPegs.com. Remember it's the little moments that create big memories.