Sept 15, 2025, Irvine, CA – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is pleased to announce the results of its recent board elections, welcoming three new members to its Board of Directors while reelecting three dedicated current board members. These industry leaders will help oversee the organization's financial resources, decision-making, and governance practices to ensure a sustainable future for specialty bicycle retailers nationwide.
The Board of Directors is composed of NBDA member retailers who have been elected based on their personal commitment to advancing the industry and leveraging their expertise in service of the association's members. As current and former specialty bicycle retailers, they guide the NBDA in fulfilling its mission while providing oversight of the executive director and organizational operations.
Newly Elected Board Members
Cat Strain, CEO of Propel Bikes (Brooklyn, NY)- Cat Strain leads Propel Bikes, a premium electric bike retailer with a flagship storefront in Brooklyn and global digital reach. Building on the foundation created by the company's founder and her brother, Chris Nolte, Cat has expanded Propel's reputation for quality e-bikes and accessories, particularly cargo and utility models, while advancing advocacy for battery safety, industry standards, and dealer collaboration. On the NBDA Board, Cat focuses on helping independent retailers thrive by advancing safety, sustainability, and business models that strengthen the dealer network nationwide.
Daryl Catching, Founder and Owner of Pearland Bicycles (Pearland, TX)- Since opening Pearland Bicycles in 2018, Daryl has built his business around community, customer relationships, and cycling passion. As a strong NBDA advocate, he understands firsthand the impact the association's programs can have on retailers who utilize available tools and resources. As an engaged member of the P2 Profitability Project, Daryl is committed to supporting and shaping these programs, assisting new participants, and working to grow the NBDA's reach to new retailers.
Kourtney Denne, Owner of Ron's Bike Shop (Mitchell, SD)- Kourtney operates a third- generation bike shop in South Dakota with her husband, bringing over a decade of bicycle industry experience to the NBDA Board. Her expertise encompasses all aspects of retail ownership, from daily operations and marketing to youth programs and community engagement. As a small-town retailer, she understands the unique challenges facing independent bike shops and actively advocates for increasing youth and women's participation in cycling through community programs and rides.
Newly elected board member Kourtney Denne shared her enthusiasm for the role: "Cycling and the bike industry are an integral part of our family as owners of Ron's Bike Shop in Mitchell, SD which has created a passion to better serve our community. To bring that passion and experience to shops across the country through the NBDA board of directors is truly an honor. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of the specialty retailer and strengthen the role bike shops play at the heart of every community and across the cycling industry."
Reelected Board Members
Gillian Forsyth, NBDA Treasurer — BFF BIKES (Chicago, IL)- Gillian focuses on education and helping new cyclists get started. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 30, she found cycling to be a great escape from daily stresses and has made fundraising and charity work central to her mission. With an athlete coaching background, she uses the shop to raise money and volunteers her coaching efforts to various organizations.
Jake Capistrant, NBDA Secretary — Jake's Bikes (Alexandria, MN) Jake's cycling journey began at age 13 while working at a local bike shop and participating in the MS Ride Across Minnesota. After realizing his dream of shop ownership, he has grown the local cycling community through bike trail construction, NICA team initiation, and the establishment of three bike clubs.
John Robinson, Board Member — Johnny Velo Bikes (Columbus, OH) In 2018, John left his corporate banking career to follow his passion and opened Johnny Velo Bikes. As a two-time cancer survivor, he leads a team for Pelotonia, a central Ohio cancer fundraising ride drawing over 8,000 riders. Within a year of opening, John earned recognition as Businessperson of the Year by the Clintonville Chamber of Commerce and received the NBDA's America's Best Bike Shop award.
"We are thrilled to welcome these diverse and motivated individuals to our Board of Directors," said Heather Mason, NBDA Executive Director. "Their combined expertise, passion for the industry, and commitment to supporting Speciality Bicycle Retailers will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and serve our growing membership community."
About the NBDA
The National Bicycle Dealers Association is the premier trade association for specialty bicycle retailers, dedicated to supporting independent dealers through advocacy, education, and industry partnerships. The NBDA provides comprehensive resources, including retailer education programs, profitability initiatives, advocacy efforts, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the specialty bicycle retail sector across North America. The NBDA is a non-profit organization that strives to elevate the bicycle retail industry and empower dealers for long-term success. NBDA membership is open to retailers, individuals, suppliers and providers, mobile units, and other non-profits. The NBDA community is the most active in the industry, providing real-time solutions and support to help businesses succeed and strengthen cycling communities nationwide. For more information about the NBDA and its initiatives, please visit www.nbda.com.
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Cat Strain. -
Daryl Catching.
