MTB Instructor
Cher Cleveland

Hi, My name is Cher and I'm a certified mountain bike instructor at Alafia River State Park. 

​

My goal is to teach you in just sessions, skills that took me years to develop and have you feeling proud and confident about your new skills.

​

My Fist MTB Experience Story:

I have been mountain biking Alafia River State Park regularly for over 5 years. I started as a complete newbie looking for a place to ride off the road and in the shade. I didn't know what the rating system meant exactly when I showed up to Alafia. I had rode over a couple roots before and I had snowboarded double black diamonds so I felt a blue trail with optional black diamond trails I could ride was a reasonable place to start. I headed into Rollercoaster (a blue trail) with my $70 Walmart bike, an upgraded big padded seat and a basket. I had no helmet, no gear, no water and NO CLUE. A minute in I was sure I was somehow on a hiking trail. "No way could this be a bike trail! No one can possible ride this trail!" I thought. And then a group of riders went by at sonic speed yelling something to me about going the wrong way. I turned around to ride the right direction feeling somewhat assured that I was on a mountain bike trail after all. I didn't get far before I was walking my bike down tiny lil hills that seemed enormous at the time. I slid down many hills on my butt while trying to walk my bike down hills.  It took me 2 hours to walk my bike (and occasionally try to ride) what is now a 15 minute short and super fun ride.

I tell people to this day I was the worst "newbie" mountain biker I ever met. Now 5 years later I am riding all the trails at Alafia. And not just riding two wheels on the ground either. I love big jumps and can send drops higher than my head! (For someone with extreme fear of heights and never wanting to get air, I'd say I'm doing better than expected.)

I'm passionate to set new goals and achieve them but it gives me the most pleasure to help others achieve new goals. Goals they haven't even imagined.  I'm honored to be your ride guide!