John Raisch
I am a lifelong mountain biker based in the Philly area, where I’ve spent decades riding trails and sharing my passion for the outdoors. Me and my wife Glynis made it a priority to get our kids on bikes—and on snow—early, helping to build confidence and connection through outdoor adventure.
“My daughter, Maris, was the inspiration behind launching a PICL team during the league’s inaugural 2016 season.”
That team is SoMont, one of the founding teams in PICL.
As SoMont grew, the team and I recognized the opportunity to reach even more youth. We founded Independence Youth Cycling (IYC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing youth cycling in and around Philadelphia. Through IYC, I’ve helped develop inclusive programs in mountain biking, cyclocross, and trail stewardship, with a focus on accessibility, development pathways, and building strong local communities. IYC now supports multiple youth teams across the region, trains new coaches, and partners with local organizations to bring bikes and trails to more kids.
“In addition to being a member of PICL’s Event Crew, I currently serve as a Coach Trainer, helping to mentor and certify new coaches across the state.”
By day, I work in tech—focused on strategy, entrepreneurship, and product development. I now consult for a technology company that I co-founded, but I’ve also been increasingly channeling my energy into YJR Outdoors, a mission-driven organization I founded to inspire adventure, education, and connection through outdoor experiences.