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Leadership Team

Meet the Highland Camps leadership team! Dave, Kevin, Sam and Ben work year-round to bring your camper the best possible experience at Summer Ride and Ayr Academy.

Dave Smutok

Dave Smutok

VP

Hometown: NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Fancy Feast

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Trying to keep up with th...Read More

Dave Smutok

Dave Smutok

VP

Hometown: NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Fancy Feast

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Trying to keep up with three young boys is both an ultimate joy and a challenge I look forward to every day. I’ve become quite the referee, haha. Spending time with them and watching them figure out life are my favorite things to do!

What you're most excited about this summer: All the staff and campers getting together to create lifelong memories.

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens

Riding Program Manager

Hometown: Bedford, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Jack Rabbit Run - Maiden Voyage

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain bikin...Read More

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens

Riding Program Manager

Hometown: Bedford, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Jack Rabbit Run - Maiden Voyage

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Freeride Skiing and Ski Coaching

What you're most excited about this summer: Seeing campers and staff make new friends, have new experiences and have fun!

Ben Tufford

Ben Tufford

Coach Training Manager

Hometown: Franklin, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: ODB/ODC, Lower Threshold

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Wee...Read More

Ben Tufford

Ben Tufford

Coach Training Manager

Hometown: Franklin, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: ODB/ODC, Lower Threshold

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Weekend escapes to fun places

What you're most excited about this summer: Watching young riders make huge progress on their bikes and connecting with new friends.

Sam Bellemore

Sam Bellemore

Camps Program Manager

Hometown: New Boston, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat Scratch Fever

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing
...Read More

Sam Bellemore

Sam Bellemore

Camps Program Manager

Hometown: New Boston, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat Scratch Fever

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're most excited about this summer: Seeing everyone enjoy their time together at Highland

Support Team

Meet the Highland Camps Support Staff! This group does it all, from keeping campers healthy, to sharing stories about camp.

Kaleigh Baker

Kaleigh Baker

Coordinator

Hometown: Concord, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat's Paw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Camping, skiing, go...Read More

Kaleigh Baker

Kaleigh Baker

Coordinator

Hometown: Concord, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat's Paw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Camping, skiing, going to the gym and visiting waterfalls

What you're most excited about this summer: to see the riders make new friends and memories

Grace Trefry

Grace Trefry

Daytime Support Staff

Hometown: Beverly, MA

Favorite Trail: Freedom Trail

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Read, teach my students and go to coffee sh...Read More

Grace Trefry

Grace Trefry

Daytime Support Staff

Hometown: Beverly, MA

Favorite Trail: Freedom Trail

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Read, teach my students and go to coffee shops with my friends

What you're most excited about this summer: To improve my mountain biking skills while being able to continue working with kids throughout the summer!

Nate McClelland

Nate McClelland

Camp Marketing

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Home Bike Park: Ray's Indoor Bike Park

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hi...Read More

Nate McClelland

Nate McClelland

Camp Marketing

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Home Bike Park: Ray's Indoor Bike Park

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hiking

What you're most excited about this summer: Capturing sick photos and videos of our campers!

Ayr Academy Coaches

Get to know some of our Ayr Academy coaches! Ayr Academy is a weeklong summer camp for riders ages 11 to 16. Lead Coaches are assigned their own riding group every week. Our Senior Coaches and Guest Pros will float from group to group throughout the session!

Kaidan Ingersoll

Kaidan Ingersoll

guest coach

Hometown: Scarborough ME

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: I like to work ou...Read More

Kaidan Ingersoll

Kaidan Ingersoll

guest coach

Hometown: Scarborough ME

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: I like to work out when I am not on the bike

What you're most excited about this summer: I'm excited to ride some laps with everyone this summer!

David Lieb

David Lieb

Guest Coach

Hometown: Ida, Michigan

Home Bike Park: I just drive the 13 hours to Highland and call it home

Favorite Trail: Secret trails in Sedona, AZ

Fa...Read More

David Lieb

David Lieb

Guest Coach

Hometown: Ida, Michigan

Home Bike Park: I just drive the 13 hours to Highland and call it home

Favorite Trail: Secret trails in Sedona, AZ

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Shoot photos, ride pitbikes, feed my ducks

What you're most excited about this summer: Bike park riding, of course!

Jordy Scott

Jordy Scott

Ayr Academy Lead Coach (Session 3)

Hometown: St. George, Utah

Home Bike Park: Rampage Site

Favorite Trail: Power Hour

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hanging o...Read More

Jordy Scott

Jordy Scott

Ayr Academy Lead Coach (Session 3)

Hometown: St. George, Utah

Home Bike Park: Rampage Site

Favorite Trail: Power Hour

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hanging out with my cat

What you're most excited about this summer: Traveling, riding, racing and hanging out with great people non-stop!!

Seth Stevens

Seth Stevens

guest coach

Hometown: Danbury

Home Bike Park: Windrock

Favorite Trail: Horseface

Favorite thing to do that's not MTB: Videography

What you're most exc...Read More

Seth Stevens

Seth Stevens

guest coach

Hometown: Danbury

Home Bike Park: Windrock

Favorite Trail: Horseface

Favorite thing to do that's not MTB: Videography

What you're most excited about this summer: I'm super excited to travel in my van and explore more riding spots this summer!

David Clyburn

David Clyburn

Ayr Academy Senior Coach

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Anything flowy

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Guitar, gym...Read More

David Clyburn

David Clyburn

Ayr Academy Senior Coach

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Anything flowy

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Guitar, gymnastics and reading

What you're most excited about this summer: Getting stoked!

Caroline Edwards

Caroline Edwards

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Boone, NC

Home Bike Park: Beech Mountain & Wind Rock

Favorite Trail: Fort Hill at Thunder Mountain

Favorite thing to do that's ...Read More

Caroline Edwards

Caroline Edwards

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Boone, NC

Home Bike Park: Beech Mountain & Wind Rock

Favorite Trail: Fort Hill at Thunder Mountain

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing & hanging out with my dog

What you're most excited about this summer: Hitting big jumps!

Josh Leonhardt

Josh Leonhardt

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown: Nottingham, England

Home Bike Park: Bike Park Wales

Favorite Trail: Secret Steep at LePlenney, Morzine

Favorite thing to do that's ...Read More

Josh Leonhardt

Josh Leonhardt

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown: Nottingham, England

Home Bike Park: Bike Park Wales

Favorite Trail: Secret Steep at LePlenney, Morzine

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Scuba Diving

What you're most excited about this summer: Going fast between trees and watching riders progress their bike skills!

Nicolas Lauzon

Nicolas Lauzon

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Home Bike Park: Empire47

Favorite Trail: King Kong, Sentirs Du Moulin

Favorite thing to do that's not m...Read More

Nicolas Lauzon

Nicolas Lauzon

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Home Bike Park: Empire47

Favorite Trail: King Kong, Sentirs Du Moulin

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Snowboarding on a powder day

What you're most excited about this summer: Sharing my passion for biking, and being on my bike all the time

Andrew Driscoll

Andrew Driscoll

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Bow, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Golf

What you're most...Read More

Andrew Driscoll

Andrew Driscoll

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Bow, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Golf

What you're most excited about this summer: I'm excited to share my love for the sport with the next generation of riders!

Camden Starrick

Camden Starrick

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: HTC / Meadow's End

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're most excited ...Read More

Camden Starrick

Camden Starrick

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: HTC / Meadow's End

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're most excited about this summer: HTC night sessions with everyone

Arlin Goss

Arlin Goss

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Henniker, NH

Home Bike Park: Keystone and Trestle in the past, now Highland

Favorite Trail: Hellion

Favorite thing to do that's not...Read More

Arlin Goss

Arlin Goss

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Henniker, NH

Home Bike Park: Keystone and Trestle in the past, now Highland

Favorite Trail: Hellion

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Snowboarding

What you're most excited about this summer: Trail rides with my son

Eli Gadbois

Eli Gadbois

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Bow, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're mo...Read More

Eli Gadbois

Eli Gadbois

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Bow, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're most excited about this summer: This will be my second summer of coaching with Highland so I;m super excited to spend a bunch of time on the bike and spread the passion for mountain biking with all the campers!

Burke Warren

Burke Warren

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Northampton, MA

Home Bike Park: Thunder Mountain Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Freeride at Burke Mountain

Favorite thing to do that's n...Read More

Burke Warren

Burke Warren

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Northampton, MA

Home Bike Park: Thunder Mountain Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Freeride at Burke Mountain

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing and Backcountry touring, tinkering with cars

What you're most excited about this summer: Meeting new riders and helping them reach their goals while having fun in the process!

Bode Tracy

Bode Tracy

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Newburyport, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Go out on the la...Read More

Bode Tracy

Bode Tracy

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown: Newburyport, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Go out on the lake with friends

What you're most excited about this summer: Coaching some great kids!!

Max Abrams

Max Abrams

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:...Read More

Max Abrams

Max Abrams

Ayr Academy Lead Coach

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:

Chris Boling

Chris Boling

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:...Read More

Chris Boling

Chris Boling

AYR ACADEMY LEAD COACH

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:

Summer Ride Coaches

Get to know some of our Summer Ride coaches! Summer Ride is a three-day summer camp program for riders ages 8 to 13. All riding groups will have their very own Lead Coach, and our Senior Coaches will float between groups throughout the session.

Justin Lagassey

Justin Lagassey

Summer Ride Senior Coach

Hometown: Plymouth, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Upper J-bar -> Wayne's World -> Black Forest

Favorite thing to do that'...Read More

Justin Lagassey

Justin Lagassey

Summer Ride Senior Coach

Hometown: Plymouth, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Upper J-bar -> Wayne's World -> Black Forest

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Carving wooden climbing holds

What you're most excited about this summer: I am stoked to reconnect with my Highland family. As a member of the Rad Dad Club I'd like to spend as much of the summer as possible in the pump track and dirt jumping with my son. My next big adventure goal is to ride an e-bike into the stratosphere in a day - although there's some work to do on that project.

Jacob Padula

Jacob Padula

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown: Pembroke, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland + Thunder

Favorite Trail: Easy Rider / Lower NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mounta...Read More

Jacob Padula

Jacob Padula

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown: Pembroke, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland + Thunder

Favorite Trail: Easy Rider / Lower NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hang out with my friends and meet new people!

What you're most excited about this summer: Riding my bike every day!

Aidan Mansmann

Aidan Mansmann

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you're most excited about this summer:...Read More

Aidan Mansmann

Aidan Mansmann

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you're most excited about this summer:

Matt Dermody

Matt Dermody

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: Hopkinton, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat's Paw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What yo...Read More

Matt Dermody

Matt Dermody

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: Hopkinton, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Cat's Paw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Skiing

What you're most excited about this summer: Getting better at mountain biking and helping campers do the same!

Charlie Lehner

Charlie Lehner

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: NYC, NY

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Hellion or Full NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Climbing...Read More

Charlie Lehner

Charlie Lehner

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: NYC, NY

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Hellion or Full NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Climbing

What you're most excited about this summer: I am very excited to ride bikes with the campers and other coaches this summer

Emmett Daley

Emmett Daley

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: Bedford, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bonesaw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Backcountry Split-boa...Read More

Emmett Daley

Emmett Daley

Summer Ride Lead Coach

Hometown: Bedford, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bonesaw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Backcountry Split-boarding!

Most excited for this summer: Getting the chance to ride with great people and be on the east coast for the summer!

Counselors

Meet the Counselors! This team works with our Overnight Campers to provide a safe environment to unwind, rest up and have fun between days on the hill.

Kellam Gowda

Kellam Gowda

Head Counselor

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:...Read More

Kellam Gowda

Kellam Gowda

Head Counselor

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you are most excited for this summer:

Jacob Padula

Jacob Padula

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown: Pembroke, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland + Thunder

Favorite Trail: Easy Rider / Lower NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mounta...Read More

Jacob Padula

Jacob Padula

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown: Pembroke, MA

Home Bike Park: Highland + Thunder

Favorite Trail: Easy Rider / Lower NE Style

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Hang out with my friends and meet new people!

What you're most excited about this summer: Riding my bike every day!

Ben Sant-Johnson

Ben Sant-Johnson

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Power Hour

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Snowboarding and ...Read More

Ben Sant-Johnson

Ben Sant-Johnson

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Power Hour

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Snowboarding and filming

What you're most excited about this summer: The HTC foam pit

Kyle Austin

Kyle Austin

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Peterborough, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Play my guitar ...Read More

Kyle Austin

Kyle Austin

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Peterborough, NH

Home Bike Park: Highland

Favorite Trail: Bone Saw

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Play my guitar or go swimming!

What you're most excited about this summer: Mountain biking at Highland

Ben Stunell

Ben Stunell

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

Home Bike Park: Woburn Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Transfer Line

Favorite thing to do that's not mou...Read More

Ben Stunell

Ben Stunell

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

Home Bike Park: Woburn Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Transfer Line

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Refereeing, gaming, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends!

What you're most excited about this summer: Everything from new trails and friends to travelling, making memories and best of all, riding my bike!

Aidan Mansmann

Aidan Mansmann

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you're most excited about this summer:...Read More

Aidan Mansmann

Aidan Mansmann

SUMMER RIDE COACH & COUNSELOR

Hometown:

Home Bike Park:

Favorite Trail:

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking:

What you're most excited about this summer:

Alex Ballot

Alex Ballot

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Barrington, IL

Home Bike Park: Andres Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Fancy Feast

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Explor...Read More

Alex Ballot

Alex Ballot

Ayr Academy Counselor

Hometown: Barrington, IL

Home Bike Park: Andres Bike Park

Favorite Trail: Fancy Feast

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Exploring new places and having a blast with friends and family

What you're most excited about this summer: I'm really stoked on seeing huge progression with all of the campers at Highland and getting to ride some sweet gravity trails!

Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Augusta, GA

Home Bike Park: Jarrod's Place

Favorite Trail: Lower Backwoods

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Backpac...Read More

Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Augusta, GA

Home Bike Park: Jarrod's Place

Favorite Trail: Lower Backwoods

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Backpacking

What you're most excited about this summer: Meeting new people and riding a new bike park

Max Bradder

Max Bradder

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Retford, UK

Home Bike Park: Bike Park Wales

Favorite Trail: Enter The Dragon

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Boxin...Read More

Max Bradder

Max Bradder

AYR ACADEMY COUNSELOR

Hometown: Retford, UK

Home Bike Park: Bike Park Wales

Favorite Trail: Enter The Dragon

Favorite thing to do that's not mountain biking: Boxing

What you're most excited about this summer: To meet lots of great people

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