We wear spandex in public, so we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
But for those important occasions when I need help, I surround myself with these folks who make me better!
- - Coach Will
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"Coach Will" Mather - founder, velohana
Raised on Oahu, Coach Will originally started Velohana as a performance Training & Bike Fitting entity in 2017 after his career as a two sport missionary-athlete in both squash and cycling.
Upon returning home after the Brexit decision radically changed their trajectory, he immediately began working with athletes in Honolulu until the next chapter could be sorted.
With one athlete after another showing dramatic improvement and success on both the local and national stage, Velohana soon would build its first shop in 2019 before moving to the current Nuuanu Square location in 2021.
This was a community effort and its important to stress how Melissa, Andrew, Steve, Chris, RIck and so many jumped in at such a crucial time. Each of the men and women involved contributed immensely their gifts and talents to the building of Velohana and to this day I am immensely indebted to them!
We - Velohana - are a community driven shop with a heart to serve all.
Coach Will at a glance:
- Former National Head Coach, Bangladesh (bronze medal at South Asian Games. Commonwealth Games)
- USA Cycling Coach
- British Cycling Coach
- England Institute of Sport Elite Coaching Award (L3)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Sport Performance Specialist
- Former Head Coach, University of Warwick
- Fomer World Tour Pro Squash Player, US#3
- Former Conti Level Time Trialist
- Resident Pro, Knowle Squash Club
- Resident Pro, Kenilworth Squash Club
- Fitter/Consultant to various cycling brands.
- Guinness World Record (longest cycling paceline)
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Andrew Stiegmann
On a shop floor years ago, I met Andrew and his pup, Hanz. Andrew is an intelligent, savvy tech guy who has been been part of start up companies doing some fun projects! Now at Tesla, he is doing more market leading projects while tolerating my jabs at his keyboard prowess when I beg for help. He and his wife An, recently had their first baby and we are STOKED!
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Rick Cramer
This man. I can’t express to you how gifted and talented this guy is. He could build just about anything and we instantly hit it off on a bike shop floor years ago. Since then, we’ve built Velohana together, in two different locations. He is healing up from his bad crash and we are so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers. He and his wife, Elise, have been part of what we are doing at Velohana since day one.
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Melissa Ludwig
Nurse by training and passion, Melissa is also an accomplished athlete! Shepherding newer cyclists and triathletes alike, she helps to build the confidence of all riders and is often found supporting all communities out here! Not sure how many events she has to her name, but we guess she and her husband Josh have competed in over 100 races of all types! She also was instrumental in the founding of Velohana, jumping in and helping to build it!
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Bjorn Marsen
A physicist by day, this father/husband/athlete/activist has a huge heart and mind. Yes, he posts about politics on Strava, and I love him for it. He is way more than this to me. He’s the ultimate teammate. He’s a huge support to me personally and professionally. His valuable contributions to business and community are widespread and genuine. And he is only getting faster!
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Chris Houghtling
My favorite cycling trip of all time was with Chris. We’ve ridden Mauna Loa, Haleakala, East Maui Loop, West Maui Loop and more together. You’ll find us kickin’ it in a backyard, beer in hand listening to country and bbqing. My brother fulfilled a career in the Army and is now an integral part to what we are doing here at Velohana.
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John Daly
If ever you want a draft, following a 6’8” weightlifter is the wheel for you! But this Navy SeaBee is more than just a wheel to follow, his lust for outdoor kicks is bettered by his heart of gold. He and his family have since PCS’d, but we are forever connected and entrust the future of Velohana to his thoughtful contributions and friendship!
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Gabe Foreman
Brainiac. He and his wife Rhea both - and he is THE guy who will not take himself too seriously. A marine engineer by trade doing some incredible stuff, he also loves the gravel adventure!
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Cang Wong
Avionics and Electronics engineer by trade, Cang is a chill, laid back and saavy automotive guy who enjoys trips to the Tokyo auto show.
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Ron Hendricks
My buddy. We ride. We drink. We laugh. We love bikes. His legacy in my heart is forever cemented in our love for adventure on bikes!
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TYLER MCNAMEE
Showing up on a random group ride, Tyler went from hunter to hunted within a year. He would begin riding the legs off everyone in a group ride before picking up his first victories in his first season of racing!
This pic is from his first ascent of Haleakala after we began training him. He did it in 3 hours and 49 minutes!
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Jesus Navarro Pabon
Proving the athlete within him is capable of doing more than he thinks! This former bodybuilder is a fast runner. He’s becoming - in his first season - a quick rider, too! He and his beautiful family are only here for a bit longer, but he is forever my brother and part of what we are doing at Velohana!
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Javier Santiago
Meme King and automotive engineer, my brother, and here vomiting at Peacock Flats… and we won’t take this down for a while.
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Roland Lewis
He may credit me with the worst ride he’s endured, but Roland will have to admit it: it was his biggest accomplishment when he rode to the top of Mauna Loa! He just needed a few minutes not to talk to me about it.
He also heads up the military riding community on Schofield with the 25th Infantry Division. He’s an organizer, but also about the nicest guy on the road and can help plug you in. Reach out to him on his Strava club page!