Coach Kathy Watts

I truly enjoy helping my athletes achieve their goals. Whether it's a simple request like "I want to get stronger and faster" or a more complex one like "I want to win or podium," it's exciting to watch your progress, both through data and tracking and also through careful listening and understanding each athlete. As Tim says, mixing the science with the art is what makes the magic.

 

Cycling has been in my blood since I was a little girl. My first two-wheeler was a used blue bike with fenders and fat tires (this was before mountain bikes!). Little did I know I would be a cat 1 mountain bike racer in my 30s and 40s! My first ten-speed bike in eighth grade was an orange Schwinn Varsity that my parents got me for Christmas. That bike took me everywhere and set the stage for my lifetime love of cycling, exploring, and adventure.

 

Before working with Velocious and BaseCamp as a coach, guide, and athlete coordinator, I owned an outdoor retail chain of stores for 23 years, selling clothing and gear, as well as guiding backpacking, canoe, and cross-country ski trips for my customers. I have always enjoyed my work; I love talking with people and helping them find what they need for success and happiness.

 

I am a jack of all trades. There is always something to do in my world! Besides cycling, I love to garden, paint, cook, walk the dog, swim, play, read, and create. I love to travel, too; being able to see different customs, cultures, and landscapes has been an amazing gift and a huge part of me. 

Personal victories and highlights:

• State time trial champion

• Elite mountain bike racer and state champion

• Multiple cyclocross podiums

• Nationals top 7 TT

• Summited Mt. Rainier

• Flat water canoe racer

• Led multiple backpacking, cross-country ski, and multi-day canoe trips

• Coached the 1-hour world record for 90-94 age category