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
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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.
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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.”
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Lauren Alvarez
TREASURER
Lauren graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Law, Society, and Justice, then continued with her higher education by getting a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at Seattle University. Lauren worked for King and Snohomish counties as a Medicolegal Death Inspector for over a decade, helping families by. providing answers about their loved ones’ cases. After having her son Wyatt, Lauren resigned from being a forensic investigator to raise her son.
Lauren now works as a Realtor, as well as part time instructor for Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission teaching Death Investigations to new police recruits.
Lauren grew up in Maple Valley, Washington and has been active in sports since a very young age. She enjoys riding mountain bikes, trail running, marathons, as well as yoga.
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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.