About Us

Mission Statement

To educate and empower the lives of Richmond youth living in the heart of the East End by constantly pivoting towards relevant outreach.

Our Why

Richmond has the 6th highest concentration of public housing in the United States. The housing projects built from 1941 to 1964 were designated by race creating concentrated poverty in Richmond’s East End.

Richmond's Median Income is $45,117 while the census tracks of public housing projects in the East End are $11,625 to $15,126.

Fives Spokes of the RCC Wheel

Richmond Cycling Corps is beyond just the bicycle. Below are the five pillars that steer our mission:

Community — Constantly pivot toward relevant outreach to enrich the communities in the heart of public housing.

Education — Invest resources to educate the most marginalized high-school youth who are unable to succeed in a traditional education environment. The students who are chronically absent, failing, suspended, expelled, etc.

Employment — Provide employment opportunities to empower Richmond's youth through local businesses and through our own Kickstand.

Health & Wellness — Use cycling as a tool to create engagement as a means toward further development.

Individual Support — Provide structure and stability as an invested ally in the lives of those we serve.

Our Team

Staff

Matt Kuhn

Executive Director

kuhn@richmondcyclingcorps.org

Matt came on board in February 2015 as a full-time staff member, but has been a steadfast volunteer since virtually the first days of RCC. Starting out as Program Coordinator and moving up into a leadership role has allowed him to acquire a firm grasp on what is needed to guide the program to its best potential.

Matt is an Eagle Scout and Wilderness First Responder. In 2010, he rode his bike across the United States, and is a longtime volunteer with the World T.E.A.M. Sports adaptive cycling program. When not working with RCC, Matt enjoys racing and riding every type of bike known to man, playing the banjo, and taking his dogs Kona and Imogene on backpacking/canoeing/cycling adventures.

Education

BS Sociology — Virginia Commonwealth University

Ryan Hamlet

Programs Director and Alumni Relations

ryan@richmondcyclingcorps.org

Ryan has been with RCC since August 2018. He has taught English, Social Studies, Government, and Economics among other subjects. Prior to teaching as part of RCC, Ryan spent three years leading & managing out-of-school-time programs for Blue Sky Fund and 6 years teaching Middle School Social Studies at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Richmond.

He also spent three years in El Salvador during his time in the Peace Corps. Ryan and his wife have lived in the East End of Richmond since 2009 and now have two kids.

Education

MA Latin American Studies — University of Miami

BA History — University of Georgia

Emily Monroe

Director of Development

emily@richmondcyclingcorps.org

Emily started at RCC in March of 2024. A long-term Richmond resident, her experiences within the cycling community as a long distance rider, journeyman mechanic, event organizer, route builder, and fabricator check the boxes that help her wear so many hats during our day to day.

In addition to working with RCC, Emily serves on the rvaMORE board to promote trail advocacy and works as a committee member in development of PlanRVA’s Long Range Transportation Plan. Time spent not at work is time spent in the woods for Emily, find her on the trails in her downtime.

Education

Focus on Herpetology — Virginia Commonwealth University

Connect on LinkedIn

Board of Directors

Lakeshia Allen

Student Support Specialist, Richmond Public Schools

Lauren Kern

Former Head of School, Richmond Cycling Corps

Dr. Kate Hoof

Instructional Designer, Shepherd University

Natima Jones

Club Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond

Get Involved

RCC is always looking for people that are willing to volunteer and help support our mission. Whether that is riding with us, helping upgrade our facilities, or providing necessary snacks, we welcome your contributions.

Send us a note at info@richmondcyclingcorps.org

Partnerships

RCC is thankful to have amazing partners locally and around the globe. The following is a list of our 2021-2022 partners. For more info email us now.

Grand Tour

Shimano supports and encourages cyclists of all kinds by developing industry-leading bicycle products and equipment for a wide range of riding styles.

Established in 1921 in Japan, Shimano is a bicycling component manufacturer with sales that account for 70% to 80% of the global component market.

Shimano started a relationship with RCC in 2017.

In 2021, they sent a donation that included 10 bikes, helmets, new shoes, and equipment. Then they sent Anthill Films to make a short film about RCC.

Read about it from Shimano here.

And grab their gear here.

Endura has been selected consistently as clothing partner by the worlds top teams and riders on road, mtb and triathlon.

Endura was founded in Scotland in 1993 with a no-nonsense commitment to advancing the performance and function of cycle apparel for all.

In 2021, Endura became a significant partner to RCC. They have designed our racing kits, sent us gear, and invested into our program. RCC is grateful for their continued support.

Read about it from Endura here.

And grab their gear here.