2023/2024 Squad Members
We are The Philly Bike Expo Squad. We are NOT just another racing team. We are a community of cyclists who are passionate about riding bikes, spreading our passion for cycling, and engaging with everyone and their mother to spread the PBE love far and wide. The Squad has done road, gravel, mountain bike, and triathlon races and events - so whatever you do, you'll fit right in. Randonneur? Mhmm. Cross junkie? Saddle up. Unicyclist? We want you. We really (really) want you. Born in 2018, we are looking for more riders who value community, just can't wait to get out on two wheels whenever possible, and want to be an ambassador for inclusivity in cycling. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, what you ride, how far you ride, even where you ride - the mission is the love of the ride and to spread that love to others.
Bina Bilenky
Bina is the Owner and Director of Operations for the Philly Bike Expo. Bina was always surrounded by bikes growing up, but started cycling after her father, Stephen Bilenky made her an S&S coupled touring bike. Bina took a leap into bike touring as the assistant tour director of the 4 month Tour d’Afrique. She lives in Lewisburg PA and has a deep love for Central PA gravel roads.
Mark Yanagisawa
Mark Yanagisawa rides out of Philly. At a young age, Mark could be found in his backyard, launching his bike off of anything that resembled a jump. After nearly two decades of swimming, Mark started cycling and racing triathlons to feed his competitiveness. Today, Mark can be found in his PBE kit, pink helmet and Goodr sunnies leading group rides, shredding trails, or racing gravel events.
Mark came on board in 2017 and is our fearless and inclusive Squad leader. Mark is a phenomenal athlete, hype man and go to guy for anything from graphics to marketing to logistics.
Miko Quisumbing
“I’m pumped to be back for 2022 and for the opportunity to continue to spread the PBE stoke! I love my family, Philly, riding my bike, and representing an awesome group of people. I am looking forward to tackling all roads on my new @prattframeworks frame, and riding with the PBE family. This crew and kit represents love, good vibes and unity.
I believe that everyone should feel comfortable and safe on a bike, and will do my best to always be a welcome and smiling face on the road. I can’t wait for what 2022 has in store for us!”
Ben Meyer
“I’m 36 years old from Sarasota, Florida. Most of my time I spend riding for fun while occasionally slipping a race in to keep things fresh. Whether on or off a bike, I love helping people. One of my friends dubbed me the “Ride Dad” since I’m often the most prepared. I spent the first 20 years of riding on a BMX bike at skateparks & dirt jumps. As I transitioned into riding big kids bikes, I quickly realized endurance cycling was my passion. I didn’t start by riding for hundreds of miles for days on end. It started with a 8 mile ride that left me feeling like I was king of the world. Since then I’ve wanted to share that feeling with others. In 2021 I helped a non-profit organization train an athlete with autism to ride at Gravel Worlds in Nebraska. When I’m not riding I enjoy are meeting new people, spearfishing and spending time with my wife and dog.”
Rachel Rubino
“Hi y’all! I’m Rachel (or RayRay to some). I have been a part of the PBE crew for 5 years now! I live and work in Philly – a bike mechanic by day, a partner, bike racer, musician, and creative dabbler by night…I’m always working on some kind of tech noodlings and hella stoked for every adventure that is to come!”
Trong Nguyen
“Greetings! I am a supply chain/logistics professional by day and full time cycling enthusiast by night. As someone who was not introduced to the bicycle world at a young age, I’m very grateful to have found the Philly local cycling community in 2020. It was not until last year when the Philly Bike Expo Squad welcomed me with opened arms. I am extremely happy to be part of such a wonderful group of people. The incredible positivity just flows so naturally amongst everyone especially my squad members. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be apart of it once again this year. There is much more joy and good vibes to be shared while I’m outside riding my bikes. I look forward to spreading those feelings with you all on the road as well as the gravel trails this incoming season. Be sure to wave if you catch me out there in my amazing PBE kit! Ride on!!”
Rachael Sage
“Hey-o! The name is Rachael. I currently reside in western Michigan, spend most of my time here in the winter and THEN the remainder of the year is spent out on the road trying to see as many new roads by bike (and sto-n-go minivan) as possible! You can usually find me singing whatever song I’m keeping pace to in some rad gravel event – stashing extra snacks from aid stations in soggy jacket pockets, Bikepacking with everything under the sun attached to my bike, out on long summer rides in moody weather, embracing the “party pace”on muddy roads and not taking myself TOO seriously!”
Jackie Mautner
“I’m a frame builder, cat lady, and love racing ‘cx and spending long days in the saddle. I’ve loved getting to know the welcoming community here in Philly, and want to help more people find their passion and place within cycling.
I started riding bikes as a kid – sometimes in my grandfather’s Wald basket, then later on his too-big-for-me coaster brake bike. Fast forward to today where I love riding bikes (that fit!) to commute, race, and go on silly long rides with friends.
I’ll bring the team spirit, positive encouragement and compassion for all cyclists, and a dash of bike nerdery. I also wear my heart on my sleeve, and try to spread awareness of struggles that are close to home for me, such as mental health and trans and queer liberation, as well as uplifting the struggles of other marginalized communities.”
Mike Bentz
“Bikes are fun. Bikes are art. Bikes are an extension of their rider. I’ve never competed but I enjoy rides that challenge my abilities and always look forward to the opportunities another ride presents. The community is one of a kind and I feel like I’ve found a place to celebrate my own growth as well as encourage, inspire and witness the growth of others. I’m a fan of gravel and loading the bike up for a nice bikepacking adventure from an overnight to a week long roll around. I’m an advocate for cycling professionally and it doesn’t stop when I’m off the clock. Being a black man who is recognized around this activity is also important to me as to inspire other POC to experience something I did not. Being a part of the squad would be an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge, my love and my involvement in the cycling community IN the community that I love.”
Dave Kerwood
“When I moved to the greater Philadelphia area, I bought a bicycle at the old Human Zoom bike shop in Ardmore, PA. I started riding around the area and quickly realized how much cycling culture there is in this area, and I felt the burning desire to get involved. I started to join local events and some distant ones, and fell in love with the many facets of cycling culture and industry. After joining the Philly Bike Expo squad last year I learned that there is so much more cultivation of the sport left to do in this area, and the squad is my means of doing so.”
Luly Kaye
“Hi, my name is Luly, I’m a High School Senior living in State College PA. I love mountain and gravel biking but really any day I get to be on a bike is a good day! I have had so many biking adventures in the forests of Pennsylvania and with my family I have also had the chance to live in and explore Spain by bike. Apart from cycling, some of my favorite things are reading(PBE book club?), backpacking, skiing, and science. I am also a part of the @nationalyouthbike. To me, the most rewarding thing is building and being apart of a diverse and welcoming cycling community.”
Ajoa Abrokwa
Ajoa is a “multisport mom,” from Philadelphia, Pa. She has been a lifelong athlete; however, about four years ago, Ajoa found herself re-visiting her love for running, and over the past two years, she has developed a love for cycling. After participating in several competitive cycling events this past Summer such as a triathlon relay with the D.I.S.K. Triathlon Organization, ToAD Crit Race Series as a recipient of the Abundance Mini Grant, and a few other individual and team multisport events, Ajoa immediately felt a connection to cycling and is in constant pursuit of both self-improvement and community impact. Moreover, Ajoa was featured in the “Gear of the Year” issue of Bicycling Magazine and had a documentary created about her life using cycling as a way to combat the mental challenges of the pandemic titled “From Quarantine to Q.R.T.” Produced by Love Now Media.
Ajoa is not only representing the PBE Squad, but she also supports and is a member of LEVEL UP Cycling Movement out of Miami, Florida, Bank City Bike Club out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Major Taylor Philadelphia. Holding true to her passion and the commitment she made after being featured by USA Cycling’s Women in Cycling Campaign, #LEADHERFORWARD, Ajoa is a youth cycling coach for Bicycling Coalition Youth Cycling, and is also launching a self-development health and wellness brand that focuses on women and girls. Her brand is focused on using the bike and other physical activities as tools to enhance overall wellbeing. Ajoa is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and enjoys spending time with her three children, traveling, and making an impact wherever she goes. 
@trevorraab
Carrie Greif
Giant hills, long chats, dirt roads, peanut butter snacks, the occasional QOM, and building meaningful connections are a few of the reasons why I am in love with cycling. I’ve lived in 4 countries and 8 cities and bikes have always felt like home. When I discovered gravel and mountain bikes it was like meeting my soul mate. Always excited to encourage others to ride their ride and find flow on and off the bike.
Photo Credit: Dan Powers
Candice Votava
“Hello, I’m so excited to join the PBE Squad. I am an engineer and I love to cook. I love to ride my bike. It makes me feel connected to nature and my community. I love going fast, so naturally I love racing. I started racing in 2019. I race Road, Track, and Cyclocross, but my favorite is Fixed Gear Crits. One of the things I love about racing is that my competitors have also become my friends and my mentors. If you see me at a race or a group ride, say hi!”
Dan Powers
“Ahoy! I am excited to join the PBE Squad this year and ride with old friends and new friends on adventures big and small. I use bikes for transportation, recreation, fitness, travel, and to get my mind right. My mission is to help make cycling a safe, convenient, and fun activity for all people.
I’m a navy veteran and a grad student advocating for sustainable transportation. Aside from bikes, my daily joys are my wife, a good cup of coffee, some groovy percussion, and cuddling with my cats.
Let’s shred!”
Katelyn Repash
“I joined the local cycling community in 2018 after participating in the Philly Road Devo program and have really enjoyed exploring routes and making bike pals over the years! I’m looking forward to another year of cyclocross and gravel and connecting with more riders through PBE! When I’m not exploring off-road, I am also a volunteer mentor the Philly Road Devo program for new riders.
Outside of bikes, I work in local/sustainable procurement and like to hang out with my two cats in South Philly. (my pronouns are they and she).”
Ello Shertzer
“Hello! My name is Ello and I’m a Philly area native. I ride road, gravel, mtb, and general rough stuff, and I absolutely love spending a full day in the saddle with my friends, going bike camping, and exploring new areas. My enthusiasm for long rides has led me to randonneuring in recent years, and I am excited to try the SR series for the first time in 2023. I am a proud card-carrying member of the Philadelphia Dynamo Headlight Society and I always choose to shred instead. In addition to riding bikes, I am a musician and play in a variety of ensembles. Also of note, I am vegan and have two bunnies. I am so excited to join the Squad this year and give back to a community that has given me so much!”
Benjamin Le
Ben grew up in California, riding his bike to school every day. After not bicycling for many years, in 2018, when in his mid-40’s, his doctor ordered him to start being more physically active so he reluctantly got an indoor trainer. Surprisingly, it stuck and his interest in cycling was reborn. In 2021 he moved to the Wissahickon neighborhood of Philadelphia and began riding the local trails, and in 2022 started doing group rides with the good folks at Paper Trail Bike Cafe and participated in his first organized event, unPAved. In addition to his new love for gravel cycling, he recently began commuting to work via ebike and is enjoying being less reliant on his car. In 2023, along with representing the PBE Squad, he’ll bikepacking the C&O/GAP trail from Washington DC to Pittsburgh.
Bobby Graham
“Hi everyone, I am super excited to join the PBE squad this year and looking forward to more time on two wheels with awesome people! I go by Bobby and have been riding a bike my whole life, spending the last 12-ish years on my road bike and breaking into the gravel scene recently. Currently riding out of Delaware, I’m an educator by day and carry a passion for learning and sharing knowledge into everything I do. I love big rides, coffee, dogs, and anything outdoors. Where are we going next?”
Ryan Singer
“Hi, I’m Ryan! I live in the woods of Northcentral PA and I’m an environmental engineer, but bikes are my passion. I grew up riding, spending all my free time on a BMX, building trails and riding through the night. In college, I purchased an 80’s Peugeot to commute to classes, which I eventually rode across Pennsylvania (Ohio to New Jersey) camping along the way. I was HOOKED! I’ve spent the last 8 years racing MTB, CX and gravel throughout the Northeast. I enjoy road riding with my local clubs but my favorite days are spent on singletrack or long hauls with friends. A bike can take you anywhere and I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the freedom a bike can give! If I’m not on my bike, I’m on an adventure with my crew (wife, toddler & dog) hiking, creek-hanging, or at a show!”
Nittany Mountain Works
Product Review by PBE Squad member, Benjamin Le
@facultyfrets here! I’ve been using the @nittanymountainworks Roll Down Pack as my everyday bag for the past few weeks and it’s been awesome. I work in higher education and bike to campus, and at ~25 liters, depending on how much you roll the top down, it’s the perfect size for what I bring with me each day. Other than a zippered pocket for a multitool, your wallet, or other bits and bobs, the bag is open, so I organize it with a padded laptop or tablet sleeve and then toss in a change of clothes and snack when I’m biking to work. But because it’s so flexible, it’s great for running around the city and picking up some groceries after work or hauling gear to a gravel event on the weekend.
One of my favorite things about the bag is that it’s sized perfectly to fit in a Wald 139 basket, so I can throw it on the bike if I want. And with two daisy chains, I can easily clip my keys, a carabiner, a reflector or blinky, my helmet, or whatever else I need to the bag. I have an AirTag attached to the key clip inside, because if my Roll Down Pack ever wandered away I’d want to be able to track it down.
There’s a grab handle at the top for quick getaways, and the top rolls down securely with a simple sliding metal hook to keep things tidy. With an adjustable sternum strap and comfortable backpack straps, the bag fits perfectly. Mine is a prototype made from X-Pac fabric, but the bag comes standard with a rugged-but-light 1050d ballistic nylon shell and is customizable in lots of different colors to express yourself. I chose a subtle gray and black with tan daisy chains, but if hot pink, lime green, or camouflage is your thing, don’t be shy. Your imagination is the only limit.
An added bonus is that their gear is all handmade in central Pennsylvania in a workshop that is solar-powered. How cool is that? I definitely recommend checking out Nittany Mountain Works gear, whether it’s a backpack, hip pack, or bag for your bike!
Pactimo
Product Review by PBE Squad member, Katelyn Repash
Katelyn here to talk about the great Pactimo kit that the Squad is riding in for 2023! Despite my closet full of kit, this was my first experience with Pactimo’s custom kit and it has quickly become my favorite line! I’ve taken the Ascent Vector Range Bibshort, Ascent Jersey, Trail Jersey, Breckenridge Vest, and Breckenridge Jacket out riding already (thank you, Spring weather) and have been really appreciating the consistent fit and detailed features of each item.
First up for a ride was the Ascent Jersey + Bibs, and it was a chilly morning ride so I grabbed my Breckenridge Jacket. These pieces are durable and the design Oluwafemi printed beautifully, and the kit features some incredible details that really seal the deal for me. The Ascent Jersey features small reflective accents, which I also noticed on the jacket and vest – great for a little extra visibility in low-light conditions on the road. The jerseys have three roomy back pockets and a zipper pocket, a comfortable tapered collar. The bibs feature a cargo pocket, comfortable wide elastic bands on the leg cuff, and a chamois that I can comfortably ride 5+ hours in. On the Breckenridge Jacket, I really appreciate the wicking mesh on the back for breathability – I look forward to making this a three-season jacket with the windproof front and breathable back. When I left for my ride it was about 50 degrees and once temperatures reached 60, I shed the jacket and stowed it in my jersey pocket easily.
The following weekend, I went out for a gravel ride with some friends and decided to test out the Trail Jersey, it was a little warmer in the morning (but can get chilly in the shade or by the river) so I opted for the Breckenridge Vest this time. The Trail Jersey maintains the same lightweight breathability of the road jersey but with a looser fit – perfect for a day on the trails. I think the vest is my absolute favorite from this order, it features the same breathable back as the Breckenridge Vest and is very packable. I can’t wait to bring it out for everything from Spring road training rides to Fall gravel races and Winter hill workouts.
Overall, one of the most impressive aspects of the entire line of custom kit has been the reliable sizing across different pieces. I struggle with kit fit from a lot of companies – often being one size in jerseys and another size in jackets/vests and a totally different size in trail jerseys, so it was great to order everything in the same size for my kit closet and have it all fit so well. I really appreciate being able to order kit with the confidence that it will fit well, and I’m planning out a few thermal Pactimo items to upgrade my Winter riding gear for the off season.
The Philly Bike Expo team store is open through Friday, May 26th at 12PM if you’d like to get your hands on this kit!
Dee Griffith
“I’m a lover of the outdoors. I volunteer sweep a bunch of the NJ gravel grinders and you can find me (if you’re lucky) on a few different MTB’s in the woods. Bike-packing for long distance adventures and fat biking in the winter are also in my quiver! This girl feels the need for speed – and DIRT!”
Schwalbe launches Cradle-to-Cradle tube recycling program in the US.
Schwalbe is proud to introduce the first Cradle-to-Cradle bicycle tube recycling program in the United States. Used tubes become new tubes. At Schwalbe, we believe that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility, which is why we are committed to reducing waste and promoting a full, closed-loop recycling system. Our program is designed to reduce the environmental impact of bicycle tubes by recycling them into new, high-quality tubes. This process decreases energy consumption by over 80% (including transport) compared to utilizing the same amount of virgin material.
The Cradle-to-Cradle design philosophy is a sustainable approach to product design that aims to create a closed-loop system where materials are continuously reused, and waste is eliminated. This process is the foundation of the tube recycling program, which seeks to minimize waste, conserve resources, and create a circular economy in which products are designed to be repurposed and reused indefinitely. For us at Schwabe, the Cradle-to-Cradle design philosophy has been the inspiration for many years.
The impact of discarded bicycle tubes on the environment is significant. Millions of tubes end up in landfills every year, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. The production of new tubes also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and consumes non-renewable resources. To date, our program, operating for over 8 years in the EU, has already recycled more than 9 million tubes from 5 different countries. Today, every Schwalbe standard bicycle tube consists of 20% recycled content, and we continue to work hard to increase the portion of recycled material without adversely affecting the quality of the new tube.
Our closed loop recycling process starts with collecting used bicycle tubes of any brand or manufacturer from bike shops and enthusiasts. Once a bike shop collects up to 45lbs of used tubes, they will schedule a shipment via custom UPS portal to be sent back to Schwalbe free of charge. This process is designed to be simple and eliminate any barriers to participate.
We then transport the used tubes in bundles back to our recycling plant in Indonesia adjacent to our production partner Hung A who has developed their own, proprietary, devulcanization process to recover butyl rubber from the used tubes and recycle the remaining materials. These materials are then used to create a range of new high-quality bicycle tubes.
Sean Cochran, from Schwalbe North America, commented…”Since 2015, Schwalbe has been leading the way in Europe in establishing the circular economy within the cycling industry because for us, taking responsibility is not an option, but a natural part of our business. In a world where natural resources are increasingly exploited and under pressure, it’s important to develop and support real recycling technologies, NOT a down cycling scheme that is an extension of the linear economy. It’s estimated that nearly 10 million used inner tubes are discarded into landfills each year in the US…rather than seeing old tubes as trash, we see them in as a valuable resource to produce new, high-quality tubes. We are proud to announce that we are now launching our tube recycling in the US.”
One of the key benefits of the program is the reduction of waste and the energy required to produce bicycle tubes. By recycling used tubes, we not only reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills but help to preserve the environment and conserves natural resources. Schwalbe is proud to be part of a solution that reduces waste and promotes sustainable practices.
We understand that the success of our program depends on the cooperation of bike shops and enthusiasts. That is why we work closely with bike shops to collect as many used tubes as possible. We also encourage individuals to bring their used tubes to participating bike shops for recycling.
Starting June 1st, 2023, Schwalbe will begin a pilot program accepting used tubes from select dealers throughout the United States, growing to hundreds of dealers by the end of the year.
Our program is an example of how innovative thinking and environmental responsibility can lead to sustainable solutions. By working together, we can reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and create a better future for everyone. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable world, one bicycle tube at a time.
Find more information about our tube recycling program here.
To find additional information on all Schwalbe’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, visit our sustainability page: https://www.schwalbetires.com/sustainability/
The Engine Inside – Philadelphia premiere screening
Hosted by Bicycle Film Festival & Philly Bike Expo
Thursday, June 29
7pm
Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium (Gershman Hall) at University of the Arts
401 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
The new documentary feature film, “The Engine Inside” tells the stories of six everyday people from all over the globe, who reveal the unique power of the bicycle to change lives and build a better world. Through each character’s story, the film uncovers the often-overlooked potential of this 200-year-old machine, exploring its impact on a wide-range of global issues such as physical and mental health, socio-economic inequality and climate change.
By shining a light on people who have embraced cycling as a way to overcome daunting personal and systemic challenges, The Engine Inside ultimately asks viewers to reconsider their own perspective. Is there a transformative power within us all that can be unlocked through the simple act of riding a bike?
Narrated by the “voice of cycling” Phil Liggett, Shimano, Pon.Bike and PeopleForBikes present an Anthill Films production. Starring: D-Blocks, Noran Salah, Megan Hottman, Jay Bearhead, Janice Tower, and Kwabena Danso with Danny Macaskill and Robert Gesink.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-engine-inside-philadelphia-premiere-screening-tickets-637363911617
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4odM4LMTuw
Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic
Recap by Squad member, Ryan Singer
Stage 1 – It was a fast day with lots of double track and shale trail. Lots of spinning out on the flats or false flats with the singlespeed. It was a dry and dusty day, the goal was push as hard as I could and see where I end up. I rode the first half in 3rd place and about midway was passed by another singlespeeder during the enduro segment. I end the day in 4th place. Off to a great start!
Stage 2 – Lots of rocks on tap today with long climbs and big descents. I knew this route well so I was excited for the stage. I tried to stay with the 3rd place rider, Dan but was unable to do so after mile 8. So I settled in and rode my pace for the remainder of the day. Highlights of this stage is Croyle Trail descent and Lonberger Trail. After some recent rework by NMBA, both trails now contain jumps and berms which is a nice break from the rock gardens. I rolled across the line in 4th again.
Stage 3 – The queen stage. I knew it would be the longest day, but it got longer only 3 miles in. I had a huge rip in my rear tire on a double track portion of the trail. I ended up putting 2 darts in the tire and 1 bacon strip (provided by Steve Mead) to finally get it to seal up, 15 minutes later. After that, I focused on just finishing the stage and riding the single track sections as fast as I could. I made a lot of passes this day. It was great to see and talk to a lot of racers out there I hadn’t ridden near before. I was able to pass a few of the racers in my category and limit the damage for the overall GC. I ended the day 5th and only lost a handful of minutes in the GC.
Stage 4 – Tussey Ridge – We hit the Colyer Lake trail system first which is a great flowy section of trails then onto John Wert which is one of the rockiest trails you’ll ride (I went over the bars in a rock garden, goodbye Garmin), right into Upper Lonberger (another rocky section), up Kettle and onto the iconic Tussey Ridge. I mostly kept my bike upright and end the stage in 4th again. Overall the GC was pretty much locked in.
Stage 5 – PARTY RIDE – Gordon @quadsworth led the party ride for stage 5. I’ll admit, his party pace was almost my race pace! But what a hoot to ride with the top 3 all day. Lots of laughs, smiles and singing! You can’t beat kicking summer off at #singletracksummercamp
Photos from Steve @iconmediaasheville and Bruce Buckley @bruce_buckley
