Coach Trainers

The coaches on this page are certified Coach Supporters. If you’re in need of a class to acquire or update your credentials, these are the coaches that guide our courses. Questions? Email terry@norcalmtb.org.

Morgan Fletcher, Coach Mentor

“My name is Morgan Fletcher, and I have been a coach in the NorCal League since 2012. I’ve been a Head Coach, I have helped launch teams, and I am a Coach Mentor for the NorCal League, helping to recruit train coaches, and make sure they enjoy the role. I currently volunteer with Oakland Devo and the NorCal League. I’m a lifelong bicycle rider.”

Sean Robertson, Humboldt

“Born and raised in South Africa I started mountain biking in the early 1990’s before I moved to the US in 1996. I have a background of xc racing and really enjoy being outside and moving, appreciating the beauty of our surroundings. I live in Arcata California in the redwoods and have been a team director and coach since 2016.”

Brian Popplewell, Santa Rosa

“I was first introduced to mountain bikes while on a family vacation during high school, long before the Norcal League; Since then, I’ve been hooked. I worked on and off in the bicycle industry for most of my career, which is how I became involved with the league. For ten years, I worked as the Community Engagement Manager for Mike’s Bikes, a top-level sponsor of Norcal, attending each race as the neutral support mechanic. Over the years, I became increasingly involved with the league by coaching and ultimately managing Norcal League summer camps, joining the Race Crew, producing video content, and becoming a coach trainer. As someone who started mountain biking in high school without a league to participate in, I am motivated to help grow the sport and encourage our youth to join the community.”

John Cheetham, Marin County

Committed to giving back to the cycling community that sustains him, John volunteers as a Coach Supporter for the Oakland Composite High School Mountain Bike Team, Piedmont High Mountain Bike Team, and supplies a training plan and advice to several teams in the Norcal Interscholastic Cycling League. He has also served as director of the Junior Program at Hellyer Velodrome, a co-director of the Earlybird Training Series, and as a coach at USA Cycling Junior Talent ID camps.
Based in Marin County, John enjoys long trail rides and runs, as well as rock climbing and bike park sessions with his family.

Damon Chidester, Sonora
  • Single Father to a incredible 7 yr old daughter
  • Born in Folsom CA
  • Graduated High School in Homer Alaska, eventually ended up in Sonora CA.
  • Been riding MTB before there was MTB on a men’s touring 5 speed in Alaska on the trails.
  • Began racing xc in the mid 90’s as a way to meet other riders, and ride new trails as well.
  • When NorCal league formed, I knew I wanted to participate.
  • After retirement the opportunity happened to partner with a local rider who was a High School principal, and the Sonora MTB composite team was created.
  • We are now going into 4th season, and our team has grown to 37 riders, and life couldn’t be any better!
  • Living the dream!!!
Darin Jesberg, Modesto

Darin is an avid outdoor enthusiast who has been riding and racing mountain bikes for over thirty years. A passionate advocate for the sport, he is involved in a number of local trail advocacy and mountain biking organizations and initiatives.

Darin is currently a Level 3 coach and a team director.

Noah Juergenson, Modesto
Noah is an enthusiastic mountain biker with a passion for teaching and working with young adults. After finding out about the great work that NorCal has been doing over the years, it was a great fit. He has been mountain biking for most of his adult life and works as a Level 2 coach, director and administrator for the Modesto Composite Dust Devils.
Jessica Tseng, San Jose

Jessica Tseng has over 20 years of mountain biking experience, is Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP), Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Association (PMBIA), NICA Level 3, and CPR & Wilderness First Aid certified. She works for Ninja MTB, leads the Women’s MTB Program for CCCX/Repack Racing, and is the President of Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers. Jessica is a proud mom of a 14-year-old son, Xavier, and loves racing enduro and downhill with him. In addition, Jessica is a breast cancer warrior.

“There is a unique magic that happens on the trail—a mix of grit, confidence, and connection. I am constantly reminded of how bikes bring out the best in us. I’ve dedicated myself to fostering a love for the dirt and helping every rider discover their own strength on two wheels.” Visit https://epiphanytrails.my.canva.site/ for more information about her!