Meet Karen: Cyclist, Coach, Co-Founder of Central Coast Bicycles

Team Central Coast Bicycles
2 days ago
3 min read

From the Ice Rink to the Trails

Karen’s journey into competitive sports began not on two wheels, but on two blades. While in college, she trained in short track speedskating and attended a talent id camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. There, she trained alongside future Olympians. It was a milestone that ignited her competitive drive. But it was a cycling tour- riding across the state of Maryland (from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean)- that sparked her love for cycling and endurance sports.

Karen’s Competitive Cycling Journey

While attending the University of Dayton, Karen joined the cycling team and served as its president during her senior year. She started on the road, but ended up trying all disciplines of cycling, including road racing, time trials, cross-country MTB, bmx, downhill mountain biking, and track cycling.

Karen’s first major cycling event was the NORBA National Downhill Mountain Biking Championships in Snowshoe, West Virginia, where she placed in the top ten. She later co-founded and raced with the semi-pro Honey Stinger–Spinergy Cycling Team. During that time, Tim & Karen organized and put on the first ever cyclocross race held in the city of Cleveland!

Karen brought her talents in swimming, kayaking, and cycling to multisport competition. As a team, Tim & Karen won an overall kayak-bike-run triathlon at Fairport Harbor in Ohio. She’s not only raced traditional triathlons (swim, bike, run) but also coached triathletes, serving as the head coach of the University of Dayton Triathlon Team.

One of her most favorite racing memories? Competing in a regional downhill MTB series where her dog, Snickers, would bark from the woods as she sped past—somehow recognizing her despite the helmet and speed. "How Snickers knew it was me is still a mystery," Karen laughs.

Coaching the Next Generation of Athletes

Inspired by her husband Tim and a desire to give back, Karen became a certified USA Cycling and USA Triathlon coach in 2012. Her coaching career spanned a wide range of athletes and programs, including:

University of Dayton Triathlon Team (Head Coach)
Ironman athletes and cyclists (Personal Coach)
North Coast Endurance Coaching Youth Tri Team (Coach) and Lifetime Fitness Masters Swim Team in Beachwood, Ohio (Head Coach)

She has held certifications from both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling, and has even contributed her insights to Triathlete Magazine.

A Coaching Philosophy That Encourages Growth and Fun

Karen’s coaching style is all about balance: helping athletes push themselves while still enjoying the process. Whether she’s training seasoned competitors or first-time triathletes, her approach fosters confidence, resilience, and self-discovery.

“I love seeing people grow stronger and more confident,” she says. “It’s especially rewarding to see kids discover what they’re capable of. Through sport, they learn about themselves and each other.”

Hands-On Experience in the Bike Industry

Karen developed her technical skills during graduate school while working at a local bike shop. There, she learned to assemble, repair, and fine-tune bikes under the guidance of industry pros.

Today, Karen is confident in everything from drivetrain adjustments to helping riders get the perfect fit. Her hands-on knowledge helps her connect with customers who want to feel comfortable and confident on their bike.

Co-Founding Central Coast Bicycles

A Vision for Personalized Performance

As co-owner of Central Coast Bicycles, Karen leads the company’s marketing efforts and shapes the visual identity of the brand. She’s especially passionate about the color and design aspects of their bikes and components, helping riders express themselves through every detail. In grad school, Karen earned a PhD in Art History, specializing in 16th century Italian art. Combined with her love of cycling history, one of her favorite Italian museums is the Gino Bartali Cycling Museum outside of Florence, Italy!

Why Central Coast Bicycles Stands Out

For Karen, Central Coast Bicycles is all about personality. “Why ride the manufacturer’s bike in their color,” she says, “when you can pick your own? Our bikes offer high-performance quality without the custom price tag.” At the heart of Central Coast Bicycles is a belief in being yourself. It’s not just about carbon fiber—it’s about connection, self-expression, and the ride ahead.

Whether you’re a new cyclist, seasoned racer, or looking to personalize your perfect bike, Central Coast Bicycles offers a ride that fits- not just your body, but your spirit.

Check out our new build options, meet our team, and follow us on Instagram here!