ABOUT CYCLE THERAPY

Who is CYCLE THERAPY?

It was 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic when we discovered BMX racing was still an active sport in our community. All other traditional sports were on pause and the bicycle market was at a stand still. Local bike shops couldn’t order a thing and every used bicycle was overpriced. August 29th, three dads and our six kids stopped at Peninsula Indoor BMX for a local single point race, and our kids were immediately hooked! Out of support for our local shop, Cycle Therapy Bike Shop in Kent, Washington, we decided to design a plain black jersey with black and white sleeves and slapped on the shop logo to the front…at that moment Cycle Therapy Racing became a thing!

We began in December 2020 with an idea of forming a BMX racing team supported by shop owner Ric Hutchins which quickly grew from six to 23 riders nearly overnight. After our first full year of racing, gaining team sponsors, and growing into a tight knit family, has now grown into what we know today as Cycle Therapy Racing, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Cycle Therapy Racing is built with the goal of bringing cycling of all forms to the attention of our youth. With a name like Cycle “Therapy” we couldn’t help but focus heavily on our communities youth who struggle with mental health. We devote our time and energy into providing an alternate outlet by introducing cycling to all. Each Cycle Therapy board member, team rider, and volunteer support the cause as we all live by handling the stresses of life through cycling. We strive to help our community and stand by the vision of forming a successful nonprofit organization on a volunteer basis. What’s your cycle therapy?

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors volunteer to handle all behind the scenes planning and organizing of Cycle Therapy Racing, as well as leading the hands on work with local youth.

Board of Directors

  • A bald man with a beard wearing a dark gray polo shirt with a logo on the chest, standing outdoors with a blurred background of trees, a bicycle, and a trash can.

    Brent Azus

    PRESIDENT

    Brent is a Railroader by trade. His passion for helping others includes being the elected union rep for the past 12 years and counting, as well as the unions local insurance rep. Brent has a passion for collecting watches and assists the top watch subscription company as a Moderator of their 35,000 member forum.

    Brent grew up in Kent, Washington riding bicycles. He followed along with the BMX race scene through BMX Action and BMX Plus magazines, but never realized it was a sport that any child with a bike could join. It wasn’t until 38 years old during the Pandemic that he brought his three children to the local race track for their first race. He and his three kids were instantly hooked. Helping others has always been an important role in his life, and the driving force behind starting Cycle Therapy Racing as a nonprofit.

  • A man with light skin, short light brown hair, and a light beard, smiling and wearing a blue polo shirt with a logo on it, standing against a plain beige wall.

    Kyle Coen

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Kyle has been in the rail business the past 11 years. Eight years as a Locomotive Engineer and the last three as Safety Manager. He’s raced bicycles and motorcycles on and off his entire life.

    “I have been very blessed to receive amazing help throughout my racing career from awesome sponsors and friends. I now want to help out kids/families get these opportunities and experience that I have had in my life. No matter your age, profession, or talent…it gives you the biggest smile to just go out and pedal.”

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling, outdoors during sunset.

    Chris Jewell

    BIKE MECHANIC

    Chris has had a lifelong passion for two wheels and pedals, dating back to a child and 20 years as a Bike Messenger in both Seattle and Philadelphia. These days Chris is an Engineer for a Class 1 Railroad and spends his free time tinkering with bicycles, spending time with his wife Katie, and their four pugs. His love for working on bikes, helping kids find an outlet, and helping spread our mission speaks for itself and Chris’ cycle therapy.

  • Close-up of a smiling man with a bald head, beard, and blue eyes, outdoors in front of a house and some trees.

    Anthony Grasher

    LEGAL COUNSEL

    Anthony grew up in South King County. He is a 2001 graduate of the University of Washington where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Society and Justice. Anthony worked as a land Surveyor for two years before attending law school in New York at Syracuse University College of Law. After graduation from law school in 2006 Anthony moved back to Seattle and opened The Law Office of Anthony Grasher. Anthony practiced criminal law for the next 15 years.

    In 2021 Anthony Anthony joined the newly formed Drivers Union where he represents Uber and Lyft drivers. Anthony enjoys exercising and cycling affords him that opportunity. When he is not riding his bike or working, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, cooking, and catching up on sleep.

  • Dr. Edward Hernandez

    LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

    Dr. Edward Hernandez is a licensed clinical psychologist who has had a wide ranging career that has focused on helping his patients reach their goals in the most fulfilling and healthy manner. He has extensive experience in the areas of crisis management, the management of chronic pain, assessment, and personal development. Dr. Hernandez was the director of the intake department at a psychiatric hospital and a therapist at The Winston School working with adolescents and families in San Diego prior to moving to Seattle in 2007. He was also the Lead Psychologist at a prominent work related injury and pain rehabilitation program, as well as the Clinic Director of several psychological practices in Washington. His clinical experience has allowed him to create a specialty where he can swiftly help his patients identify significant challenges in their lives and formulate clear and practical plans to reach their personal goals. 

    Dr. Edward Hernandez’s graduate education was at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in San Diego where he earned the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). His dissertation was focused on understanding spirituality as a coping resource for people living with HIV. His undergraduate education was at the University of California, Irvine. His family is originally from Chile and he still has family there, as well as in Canada. Dr. Hernandez believes that having a healthy life includes balancing mind, body, and spirit. He and his wife are also avid mountain bikers and genuinely love the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest.

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