Osmond Bakker

Osmond is a former professional cyclist, competing in various disciplines at a high performance level. As a coach he is PMBIA, NCCP, HopON, and NICA coaching certified. He currently runs a Massage Therapy Clinic in Kanata, Ontario, alongside running his business Bakkers Trailblazers. BT is an ecosystem of cycling events and activities, encompassing a kids summer camp, development team, and community-based events like the Twilight Series. BT operates under Osmond’s philosophy of prioritizing community development within the sport of mountain biking, working to mitigate barriers to entry, such as financial and gender-based assumptions. Outside of his own program, Osmond is currently collaborating with the U.S. based group NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) to bring their fun and safety based mountain bike model to Canada, beginning in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. 

Greg Boileau

Masters National Champion, lifelong racer, author of Smart Training for Cyclists and owner of Smart Cycling Lab to help riders of all ages cut through the noise, train with purpose, and perform with precision. Over the years, I’ve raced across disciplines, worked with world-class coaches, and developed a system that blends physiology, durability, and racecraft into practical training riders can actually use. I’m not self-made; I’m system-made. My training philosophy comes from decades of learning from some of the best minds in endurance sport. Numbers matter — but numbers alone don’t win races. Smarter training does.

Sylvie Lachance

I’m PMBIA Level 1 certified, with a coaching style that’s supportive, safety-focused, and rooted in strong fundamental skills. My primary focus is cross-country riding, though I participate in a variety of disciplines to help develop well-rounded, confident riders. Above all, my main focus is having fun on the bike while building confidence and steady progression at every level. You’ll often find me riding local favourites like South March Highlands, the Carp Barrens, Gatineau, and Mont Ste-Marie. My desire to mitigate barriers to mountain biking as a male-dominated sport led me to develop our Diva Jam program, a safe and supportive space for girls to come together, learn the sport of mountain biking and create a community of support. 

Ashlee Pallotta

As a PMBIA Level 1 instructor, I specialize in breaking down fundamental skills to help riders ride smoother, safer, and faster—whether they're tackling a long XC loop or a technical Enduro descent. I help riders build the technical foundation they need to navigate diverse terrain with total confidence. 

I am particularly dedicated to growing female participation in mountain biking and creating an empowering environment for girls on the trails. You’ll find me coaching and riding across our local gems, including Gatineau Park, the Carp Barrens, and Mont Ste-Marie.

Kris Vande sompel

My name is Kris Vande Sompel. Riding bikes in the forest is my happy place—it's where my passion lives, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to share that passion with the next generation of cyclists.

I discovered cycling in my mid‑teens through a group of high‑school cross‑country running friends who transitioned into mountain biking. From that moment on, cycling became a constant in my life; I’ve ridden every year since (with the possible exception of one). Cycling has also shaped my professional path. It sparked my appreciation for the outdoors and deepened my commitment to caring for natural environments.

Over the years, I’ve competed as an enthusiastic amateur in a variety of mountain bike race series, including the Ontario Cup (O‑Cup), the Ontario University Mountain Bike Series, the Summer Solstice, and several Twilight Series races.

Beyond riding, I enjoy working on bikes just as much as riding them. I’ve been involved in the cycling industry since my teens and continue to stay active in it today.

Ian Kaye

My name is Ian Kaye. I've been riding bikes for as long as I have been walking. I started out with mountain biking when I was in high school through the Bakkers Trailblazers summer camps. I then went on to volunteer and work at the camps throughout the rest of high-school. Eventually, I transitioned to leading the Devo Jam group rides as I have been for the past few years. I officially obtained my level 1 PMBIA certification in 2025. I love teaching and spreading the knowledge of mountain biking to everyone around me. Seeing people with the same interest and passion in the sport is truly what drives me. Within mountain biking, my favourite discipline is downhill, as I find the balance of speed and precision to be thrilling.

John Macdonald

John has been recreationally riding mountain bikes for almost 35 years! He enjoys any bikes, anywhere, with anyone. In another life he has been a lifelong learner, teacher and coach.

A few years ago he decided to give back to biking and found the crew from Bakkers Trailblazers. Watching the experiences his children had at the BT summer camps, he got involved with the devo and devo jam mountain bike teams. John loved the BT approach - children were supported and 'gently nudged' in the direction of mountain bike mastery. He saw that first a love was developed for the activity and this was then supported with skill, confidence building and conditioning guidance.

In his own words "a mountain bike team organically formed from a group of children that developed a shared a love of biking."

He is happy to be helping support this and spreading the love of mountain biking. The only problem is the kids are all getting faster than he is!

Ed Bowling

I’ve been riding bikes for…. well… as long as I can remember! As most kids raised in the 80’s I started by riding BMX bikes. As I got a bit older I found mountain biking and haven’t stopped peddling since. As a long time Kanata resident I cut my MTB teeth riding at SMH and continue to call SMH my backyard trails.
Fast forward to my 40’s and with three active boys at home, I have tried to share the sport with them. 
My boys have all spent time at the BT summer camps, raced the Twilight series and now volunteer with the camps. They have become passionate riders who have sharpened their skills and advanced their riding capabilities with Osmond and his crew. 

I’m excited to be part of the crew for another season; see you on the trails!