MEET YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Gilles / President 

Joe & his wife Barb are originally from Durand, WI and moved to Bend in July 2020 after 30 years in the Portland area. They were long time members of the Portland Velo Cycle Club and have been riding since meeting in college back in 19... 

A road rider,  Joe helps lead the B & C Pace groups and occasionally attempts to hang on with the A’s. Prior to being elected President Joe was a prolific submitter of rides through the COW’s site (yes, it’s that easy!) and has been the Road Ride Coordinator since 2025.

In addition to the C.O. Wheelers, Joe blocks out December through April for Alpine ski season. He is a member of, and a Group Leader with the Bend Ski Club. As Joe likes to say, "folks who bike or ski just seem to be happier and enjoy life just a little more than the average person." You are our people!"

Dan Johnson / Vice President

Dan moved to Bend in April 2021 from the San Francisco Bay area but originally from Minnesota. He has been a Central Oregon Wheelers member for 4 years. Dan enjoys road, gravel, and occasional mountain bike riding. He has completed many triathlons including Ironman World Championship and ITU Age Group World Championship. Dan looks forward to a good 2025 Summer riding season.

Steve Klarquist / Treasurer

Steve moved to Bend with his wife Susan in 2015. Steve is a retired tax lawyer. An Oregon native, Steve lived in Central Oregon early in his professional life, and recreated here over many years before deciding the time was right to make it home. He enjoys all types of cycling, hiking, skiing, kayaking and fly fishing, and the easy access to these activities that Bend provides. Steve joined COWs in 2016, after seeing an article in the Bend Bulletin about a new cycling club. Steve and Susan have the COWs to thank for many wonderful friendships, not to mention a lot of great rides.

Tod Feuerman / Secretary

Tod moved to Bend in 2019 fulfilling a promise made to his wife 40 years ago that they would retire to Central Oregon. Living in Los Angeles and working as a Film & TV editor, Tod started riding a road bike a decade ago with the San Fernando Valley Bike Club. As a COWS member since 2022, Tod has led road and gravel rides and looks forward to continued friendships and explorations on all types of terrain in Oregon.

Carolyn Chow / Director At-Large 

Carolyn Chow is an avid road cyclist who has completed several epic events such as The Big Ride Across America, Alaska Aids Vaccine Ride, all passes of the Tour of the California Alps (the Death Ride), and the California Triple Crown 1000 Mile Club (5 or more double centuries in one year). She shares her passion for cycling with her husband Collin, whom she met on a charity bike ride. Carolyn recently retired from a career in public education as an Assistant Superintendent. She enjoys cycling, engaging in volunteer opportunities, traveling, and exploring the natural beauty and wildlife in Central Oregon.

Sean Chance /  Social Coordinator

Sean moved to Bend in 2022 from Boulder Colorado where he worked in the real estate business for 10 years. HIs wife Pam and Sean have really enjoyed the friends they’ve made since joining the COWS.

What a great group of people focused on cycling, community and staying fit.

Gloria DiSanto / At-Large

Gloria moved to Bend in 2017 with her husband, Frank, after years of visiting Central Oregon to ski and spend summers at Sunriver Resort. Her passion for cycling began while living in Seattle, and Frank soon joined in—making it a shared adventure they've enjoyed for over 30 years. Gloria originally joined COWs in 2018 to become more involved in the community she loves.

Sam Handelman / Founder (Non-Board member)

Sam moved to Bend in 2000, and had always wondered why Bend and Central Oregon lacked a recreational bike club. His answer was to start COWs in 2016. When Sam was 11 years old, he began riding with his mother and uncle in the Los Angeles Wheelman club. When he was 19, he rode across the US on a J.C. Penney sponsored ride. He now gravel, mountain or road rides with whoever is willing, including his wife Barb.