OUR BOARD
Saskatoon Trail Alliance is pleased to introduce our 2024 board members.
Ryan Graf - President
Hi! My name is Ryan Graf and I am the president and founder of the Saskatoon Trail Alliance. I was born and raised in Humboldt, SK. I moved to Saskatoon in 2012 to attend the University of Saskatchewan and recently moved back to Humboldt with my wife and two boys.
My focus is to continue to expand our reach and build a trail community. We are very lucky to have such an amazing trail system in our backyard, and I hope to see it thrive for the next generation to enjoy.
Stéphane Kiefer - Vice President
My journey with biking began at a young age, sparked by a desire to pursue something different from my brother’s interest in skateboarding. Growing up in Humboldt, I spent countless hours exploring the town on my bike, fueling my love for two wheels. Despite the lack of trails or skateparks, we got creative and built our own riding spots. Throughout elementary and high school, biking remained a central part of my life.
After high school, I embarked on a journey of travel and exploration, followed by university studies. It wasn’t until I rediscovered my passion while exploring the trails in Saskatoon that my love for biking was reignited. I found immense joy in hiking, running, and especially biking these trails, and it was through Ryan, a childhood friend and founder of the Saskatoon Trail Alliance, that I became involved with the organization.
Starting as a Member at Large on the board, I transitioned into the role of Vice President, eager to contribute to the development and maintenance of Saskatoon’s exceptional trail network. My vision is to see the trail alliance community continue to grow and represent all single-track trail users, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
With a deep-rooted passion for biking and a commitment to enhancing trail experiences for all, I am excited to play a role in shaping the future of the Saskatoon Trail Alliance.
Craig De Gier - Treasurer
Hi, I am Craig de Gier, and I am proud to serve as the STA Treasurer. I began mountain biking in 1998, and alongside my passion for outdoor adventures, I hold the title of Chartered Professional Accountant in Saskatchewan (shhh, I try to keep this secret). Originally from Halifax, NS, I’ve lived in various places, and since 2017, my family and I have called Saskatoon home.
I’ve been involved with the STA since its inception because I firmly believe in well-organized trail associations and sanctioned trails. Witnessing the evolution of trails from simple paths to purpose-built networks has been rewarding. I am particularly proud of contributing to the development of such trails and networks.
During my tenure on the board, I am pleased that the STA secured a trail maintenance agreement with the City of Saskatoon. Now, my hope is to replicate this success with other landowners or stakeholders as appropriate. Additionally, I aspire to collaborate with the city to transform underutilized park spaces into pump tracks and skills parks.
It’s my vision to ensure that our mountain biking and trail infrastructure offer a diverse range of trails and skill development areas. This way, users can progress and enjoy the outdoors according to their preferences.
Carly Graf - Secretary
Hi! I’m Carly Graf, and I’m thrilled to serve as the Secretary for the Saskatoon Trail Alliance this year. A born and raised Saskatonian, I now reside in Humboldt SK with Ryan, our two young boys – Beckett and Kaycen, and our three cats.
My journey into mountain biking began when I met Ryan, and it’s since become a significant part of my life. Before becoming a parent, we’d spend our evenings exploring Saskatoon’s trails. Thanks to Ryan, I discovered a hobby I never imagined I’d love, and I’m grateful to share this passion with my family.
As part of the Saskatoon Trail Alliance, I aim to contribute to event planning and organization, deepen my understanding of our trail system, expand my network, and enhance my biking skills. With the recent formal agreement with the City of Saskatoon and Meewasin, I’m excited to focus on organizing successful trail maintenance days, promoting our organization to a wider audience, and ensuring our trails are family-friendly and accessible to beginner mountain bikers like myself.
I’m eager to connect with more trail enthusiasts this year and work towards making it the most successful yea yet for Saskatoon’s trail users and community.
Hemant Naidu - Member at large
In my role, I oversee the association’s social media presence, combining my love for outdoor adventure with a focus on community engagement and trail advocacy. My journey with Saskatoon’s singletrack trails began six years ago when I stumbled upon them while exploring the riverbanks with an entry-level mountain bike and camera in hand. That chance encounter ignited a passion for trail riding that continues to shape my life today.
From those initial rides, I quickly became addicted to riding the trails, and soon, my entire family joined in on the adventure. Together, we’ve embraced the trails as a family pastime, bonding over shared experiences and making memories amidst nature’s beauty. What started as a leisurely pursuit evolved into a full-fledged passion for downhill mountain biking, fueling our desire to explore both local trails and mountainous terrains.
Throughout the changing seasons, whether navigating the singletrack on my enduro bike or fatbike, the trails remain a constant source of joy and challenge. When winter arrives, my family and I find solace and exhilaration on the snowy slopes, spending our days seeking out fresh tracks on our snowboards.
Beyond the trails in my professional career, I’m the Director of Engineering for a local tech company. Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, I moved to Saskatoon to pursue my Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Computer Science. Except for a brief stint in the Toronto area, I am proud to call Saskatoon home as I work alongside fellow trail enthusiasts to advocate for and nurture the growth of our awesome trail network.
With a commitment to community and a love for the great outdoors, I’m honoured to contribute my time and energy to the Saskatoon Trail Alliance, working hard to ensure that our trails remain accessible and enjoyable for all who seek adventure and a connection to nature.
JAmie Sisson - Member at large
Hey there, I’m Jamie Sisson, and I’m thrilled to be back on board with the Saskatoon Trail Alliance as a Member at Large for the next two years.
For the past seven years, I’ve been enjoying the river trails of Saskatoon, finding excitement in every twist and turn. Whether it’s the crunch of snow under my tires in the winter or the greenery of summer, you’ll often find me out there, enjoying nature on two wheels.
Last fall brought some exciting changes to our local trails, with two bridge replacements and a fresh trail segment on Slytherin. These enhancements, along with our recent agreement with the City of Saskatoon, have me anticipating what lies ahead.
See you on the trails!
Théo Dow - Member at large
Hey there, I’m Théo Dow, and I lace up my running shoes to explore Saskatoon’s trails day in and day out. As a dedicated trail runner and enthusiast, I’ve spent the past 13 years immersing myself in the natural beauty of our city’s single-track trail system. From the tranquil paths to the challenging terrain, these trails have become my sanctuary, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
My journey with the Saskatoon Trail Alliance began as a way to give back to the trails and the community that have given me so much joy and fulfillment. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Member at Large on the board, where I can contribute to the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance our trail network for runners, hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
With each stride along the trails, I’m reminded of the importance of maintaining these natural spaces for future generations to enjoy. I’m committed to working alongside fellow board members and trail advocates to ensure that our trails remain accessible, sustainable, and welcoming to all who seek solace and adventure in nature’s embrace.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Saskatoon Trail Alliance for their dedication and support. Together, let’s continue to nurture and grow our vibrant trail community, one step at a time.
James Fehr - Member at large
Hello there! I’m James Fehr, and I’m delighted to continue serving on the STA Board as a Member at Large for another year. A lifelong resident of Saskatoon and its surrounding areas, I’ve had the privilege of calling this community home.
While my journey with mountain biking spans less than a decade, it has quickly become my preferred form of cycling, capturing my enthusiasm and igniting a passion for adventure. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to contribute to the growth of our trail network by assisting in the construction and installation of several new wooden bridges and a fresh trail section. These experiences were both exciting and rewarding, fueling my eagerness to roll up my sleeves and dive into more trail work this year.
As I look ahead, I’m committed to lending a hand in enhancing Saskatoon’s singletrack trail network, ensuring that riders of all skill levels can enjoy safe, accessible, and exhilarating trails. See you out on the trails!
Drew Preston - Member at large
Greetings! My name is Drew Preston, and I’ve proudly called Saskatoon home for the past 28 years. As a member at large with the Saskatoon Trail Alliance for 2024, I’m thrilled to join this passionate community dedicated to enhancing our city’s trail network.
My journey with mountain biking began in my junior high school days, where I discovered the thrill of navigating single-track cross country trails. Upon moving to Saskatoon, I stumbled upon one of the city’s best-kept secrets: Chad and Joey’s trail near the U of S. Since then, I’ve been exploring and enjoying the city’s trails, fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse terrain and natural beauty they offer.
Approximately six years ago, a health issue prompted me to take up biking as a daily ritual, and it has since become an integral part of my life. Not only does it keep me physically fit, but it also provides a welcome escape and mental rejuvenation. My passion for downhill mountain biking has taken me on exhilarating adventures, from annual trips to Fernie BC to witness the thrill of shredding the bike park, to awe-inspiring experiences at the UCI World Cup DH racing in Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec.
Whether exploring the city trails, venturing out to Blackstrap or Buffalo Pound, or volunteering with the Saskatoon Trail Alliance, my love for biking and commitment to promoting our trail system run deep. This year, I decided to take the next step and join the board, eager to contribute to the continued progress and promotion of our beloved trail network.
I’m excited to collaborate with this fantastic group of trail enthusiasts to further showcase and elevate Saskatoon’s exceptional trail system. Together, let’s continue to spread the joy and adventure of biking throughout our community.
Ryan Booth - Member at large
Hey there, I’m Ryan Booth, and I’m thrilled to serve as a Member at Large with the STA.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Saskatoon home. But my roots stretch across the province, from Moose Jaw to Wakaw, Martensville to Melfort, and back to Saskatoon.
My journey with mountain biking began upon my return to Saskatoon, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Whether I’m navigating the city trails or exploring the exhilarating terrain of Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, or River Ridge, I find solace and excitement on two wheels. Venturing into the mountains is a cherished adventure, from tackling the bike park at Panorama to conquering the climb trail on Mount Swansea – every ride is a rewarding experience.
When I’m not shredding trails, you’ll likely find me hiking or walking, soaking in the beauty of nature with my family. From local city trails to scenic hikes in Alberta, we’ve embarked on unforgettable adventures, from chasing waterfalls to scaling mountain peaks like Mount Fernie and Bears Hump.
My decision to join the Trail Alliance stems from a desire to give back to the trails that have given me so much joy. I’ve been volunteering with maintenance days for several seasons, and now, as a board member, I’m committed to ensuring the trails continue to evolve and thrive for future generations.
If you spot me on the trails, don’t hesitate to say hello – I look forward to seeing you out there!
Steve Joorsity - Member at large
Live, Laugh, Ride.
Hey everyone, Steven Joorisity here, your local biking enthusiast and all-around trailblazer. I’m the kind of guy who lives for those moments of pure adrenaline and the sense of freedom that comes with tearing up the trails. Whether I’m racing, jumping, or building epic lines, you can bet I’m fully immersed in the biking scene.
My journey with biking started long ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. From the thrill of racing BMX at the Globe BMX track to the rush of crafting the perfect trail with the Spoke N Sport crew at Blackstrap, biking has always been my passion. But it’s not just about the ride—it’s about the community that comes with it. That’s why you’ll often find me volunteering at our local motocross tracks, lending a hand to build jump lines, and, of course, getting involved with the Saskatoon Trail Alliance.
When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll find me soaking up the beauty of nature and enjoying the great outdoors. I truly believe that biking has the power to bring people together, and I’m committed to spreading the stoke and growing our biking community here in Saskatchewan.
So whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, let’s hit the trails together and make some memories. See you out there!
