Our FTGU yearbook.

Meet the Team

The From the Ground Up community is something special. Whether you have been riding bikes for years and have knowledge to share or are just getting into the sport and have questions, FTGU is here to help. Click the button to join our Facebook group or feel free to reach out to anyone below who as been a part of the project, they are all happy to help!

2025

Greta Shaffer

Age: 24
Residence: Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation: Partnerships Coordinator at USAT

Hello! I’m Greta, and I’m thrilled to be joining the From The Ground Up Team. Originally from Lafayette, Indiana, I now call Colorado Springs, Colorado home. I work in partnerships at USA Triathlon, and when I’m not focused on that, you’ll likely find me out on the trails—whether it's tackling the famous Manitou Incline or exploring new outdoor adventures. As a twin with two younger sisters, I’ve always appreciated the importance of building strong connections and nurturing meaningful relationships. My background as a collegiate athlete has instilled in me a deep love for movement, and I’m always seeking new challenges to push my limits. While I’m still a newbie to mountain biking (and biking in general!), I’m excited to not only grow stronger this year but also to meet new people, learn a new sport, forge meaningful connections, and share in the journey with others who love adventure and the great outdoors as much as I do.

Bike: Coming soon

Caleb DeRoin

Age: 32
Residence: Carl Junction, MO
Occupation: Program Director - Nonprofit for Teens

Caleb is a husband, a dad, and someone who goes 100 mph in one direction. Working in a faith based nonprofit and trying to be the best husband and father he can be, Caleb is someone who has overcome the depths of everything mental health can throw at him. Cycling saved his life-- Literally. Without the outlet of getting on two wheels, Caleb would be in a much different place than he is today. From the Ground Up presents a unique opportunity to excel at things Caleb is not good at, and that is exactly what he needs. Caleb is excited to tackle the ride of a lifetime, and make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Bike: COMING SOON

Kimberly Callton

Age: 41
Residence: Lansing, MI
Occupation: Radiologic Technologist/ Mom/ Adventurer

My life is rarely quiet—I tend to take on a lot, driven by a deep curiosity and a love for life itself. I grew up in a rural community where having a bike meant freedom and adventure. Cycling started with my dad, who raised my brother and me to explore the world with open minds and open hearts. That spirit of discovery and resilience still drives me and now, I’m working to pass it on to my children.

As a mom, every challenge I take on is bigger than just me. I want my kids to know that no matter what life throws at you—and it will throw things—you can rise, adapt, and keep moving forward. I want them to see that bravery isn’t about having no fear. It’s about choosing to grow through discomfort, to chase dreams even when they’re hard, and to lean into life fully.

My work as a Travel Radiologic Technologist gives me the chance to serve communities across the country, and in doing so, I’m learning the value of building connection wherever I go. I’ve spent most of my life being fiercely independent, but now I’m learning a new kind of strength—the kind that comes from showing up with others. I want my children to grow up knowing both: how to stand on their own and how to stand with others.

This ride is part of that lesson. It's about grit, joy, connection, and showing the next generation what it looks like to never stop growing. This project isn’t just about proving what I can do on my own; it’s about learning to trust, to be part of something bigger, and to discover what’s possible when we support each other in doing great things.

Bike: Coming Soon

2024

Kristen Myers

Age: 41
Residence: Denton, TX
Occupation: Super Mom

Kristen’s occupation is seriously her descriptor. After finding the bike, Kristen has taken the learning curve on head first in an effort to keep up with her kids! After our first weekend trip in Memphis, TN (which was extremely busy and somewhat overwhelming), it almost seemed as though she was enjoying her vacation time away! With that time management and desire to grow, SBT GRVL better watch out!

Bike: Felt Breed Carbon with Shimano GRX, I9 Solix Wheels and 47mm Teravail Rutland Tires

Louis Martinez

Age: 38
Residence: Layfette, CO
Occupation: Tax Accountant, Insurance, Entrepeneur (pick a day)

Louis or Lou is the charismatic family member who we don’t think you will ever see not smiling! His infectious desire to just dive in tied this team together in the best way possible! SBT GRVL is going to test Lou in different ways, but with a bike like that, is anything holding him back?

Bike: Pinarello Grevil Gravel Bike with Shimano GRX, I9 Solix Wheels and 42mm Teravail Rutland Tires

Brandilee Coon

Age: 36
Residence: Denver, CO
Occupation: Creative Storyteller/ Executive Producer

We met Brandilee last year as Amani’s boss and made the trip out to Leadville to see what all of the craziness was about. Since last year she has made a big move from NY to CO and her desire to create the community through bikes that she witnessed in 2023 is why we are so excited to see what she can do this season at SBT GRVL!

Bike: 3T Exploro RaceMax with Shimano GRX, I9 Solix Wheels and 38mm Teravail Rutland Tires

Richard Wright

Age: 60
Residence: Lincoln, NE
Occupation: Rehabber, fisherman, Explorer, life enjoyer, grumpy “get off my lawn” old man 😜 (oh and insurance guy)

Rich is our oldest competitor ever, but don’t let that fool you! After buying a bike a police auction Richard has found the love and feelings we all have on the bike: “When I ride, I can clear my head of work and other things, just concentrate on the ride, the road, my surroundings, the bike. It's freeing.”

Bike: Scott Addict Gravel with Shimano GRX, I9 Solix Wheels and 47mm Teravail Rutland Tires

2023

Megan Mouser

Age: 38
Residence: Lino Lakes, MN
Occupation: VP at IPP (Pet Grooming)

Megan has applied all three years of FTGU and resembles everything that this project is about! She has taken on events across the US and inspired everyone around her, including her son Connor who is her mini me! Megan works tirelessly as a mom, businesswomen and athlete and Leadville showed that!

Mohnish Chakravarti

Age: 24
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Founder and CEO of Rails

Mohnish founded and currently runs a technology start up in the supply chain industry. He started riding during 2020 and since then has started to accumulate the miles and the bikes! Mohnish is driven in everything he does on and off the bike and took Leadville by storm in 2023!

Brindley Faile

Age: 32
Residence: Phoenix, AZ
Occupation: Flight Instructor

Brindley works as a Flight Instructor as she collects her flight hours to become a commercial pilot! Brindley came into the project with very little riding experience, but with an infectious desire to learn. She is constantly smiling and did everything she possible to finish Leadville and (SHHHHH spoiler alert, she did!).

Kawika Mitchell

Age: 43
Residence: Maitland, FL
Occupation: HS Football coach and EX NFL player

Kawika Mitchell is a family man and former linebacker in the NFL. Kawika played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints before retiring in 2010. He took up road biking about 2 years ago and fell in love with sport all over again, the only thing better; Mountain biking. Kawika is not deterred by his size and will do just about anything to finish the Leadville 100 with his family watching!

Amani Toomer

Age: 48
Residence: Weehawken, NJ
Occupation: EX NFL Player and Talk Show Host

Amani Toomer is a former professional football player who spent his entire career as a wide receiver for the New York Giants. Amani currently works as a talk show host on Sports Talk on Amazon Prime while also working to help former players stay fit with bikes by creating Game Time Cycling! He took on Unbound 200 in June and finished in 20 hours even after his lights died!

2022

Rachel Crain

Age: 28
Residence: Boulder, CO
Occupation: Creative Director and Stylist

Former elite soccer and volleyball player who has always enjoyed commuting by bike. She had a knee injury last year which pushed her to get her more into cycling. She has done some longer adventure rides, but has never done an endurance race of any kind and is looking forward to getting back into the competitive spirit and seeing how fast she can go.

David Olague

Age: 34
Residence: San Fernando, CA
Occupation: Facility Technician at 24 Hour Fitness

David recently realized that he wants to get back to the adventurous athlete that he once was. Extremely dedicated and motivated - the person everyone wants on their team!

Johanna Appel

Age: 44
Residence: Weddington, NC
Occupation: Corporate Attorney

Mom of two young boys who she now rides with, applied for Season 1 and became a massive supporter of the project. A former D1 college soccer player who has not put herself first or challenged herself athletically since becoming a mother and is ready to take on any challenge thrown at her!

Enzo Moscarella

Age: 34
Residence: Queens, NY
Born: Barranquilla, Colombia
Occupation: Decorative Plaster Artist

Back for season 2, we wanted to give Enzo another crack at Leadville after being ‘oh so close’ in 2021. An artist by trade, Enzo Antonio Moscarella, 34, is originally from Colombia, and now a resident of Queens in New York City. Like most, 2020 brought massive changes to Enzo's life. The reduced traffic allowed him to rediscover cycling on his fixie—when he realized the magnitude of the challenge offered by Leadville, Enzo did not hesitate to apply.

2021

Roberta Nuñez

Age: 30
Residence: Botson, MA
Born: Dominican Republic
Occupation: ICU Nurse

Meet Roberta Nunez, 30, of Boston, Massachusetts. The Dominican-born ICU nurse has spent countless hours working in hospitals, aiding others. Energized with the scale of the challenge, she dove in to training head first.

Enzo Moscarella

Age: 34
Residence: Queens, NY
Born: Barranquilla, Colombia
Occupation: Decorative Plaster Artist

An artist by trade, Enzo Antonio Moscarella, 34, is originally from Colombia, and now a resident of Queens in New York City. Like most, 2020 brought massive changes to Enzo's life. The reduced traffic allowed him to rediscover cycling on his fixie—when he realized the magnitude of the challenge offered by Leadville, Enzo did not hesitate to apply.

Shawna Anderson

Age: 47
Residence: Superior, WI
Born: Toledo, OH
Occupation: High School Special Education Teacher

Shawna Anderson, 47, of Superior Wisconsin, just recently got into cycling by riding a fat tire mountain bike around the snowy backdrop of Wisconsin. A special education teacher, Shawna rides for her students, and is most excited to use her passion and determination to conquer the Leadville 100-mile race.