Our Team
Kyron Copeland
UCG Technology, Event Planning, & Cycling Logistics
15 years of IT, business and leadership; 13 years served working in the Healthcare industry.
Graduate of Norfolk State University (B.S. Computer Science - Information Systems) and Virginia Commonwealth University (M.S. Sports Leadership - Sports Management & M.S. Information Systems - IT Management).
As a husband and father of two kids, I initially started riding bikes to keep up with the kids and enjoy the outdoors as a family
Michael Wiggins
UCG Finance and Technology
Graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University
15 years of Sales, Corporate Marketing and Brand Development, 11 years of Entrepreneurship
Initially explored cycling to keep active while adhering to the stay at home mandate for VA. “Cycling has become my outlet to disconnect, decompress and focus on my mental and physical health”
Favorite Quote: “ The only constant in life is Change. Evolve!”
Rafeeq Akbar
Social Media (Yes i’m the one responding and posting all the awesome content), Marketing and Event Planning
Graduate of Virginia Union University 2005. Masters degree in having a good time.
The father of 2 beautiful young ladies.
An active member of the greatest fraternity and chapter on the planet, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated Zeta Chapter (Z-Squad)
I got into cycling b/c all my friends went and got bikes and said that's what we were doing now. When my mom asked me when I was a kid “if your friends were to jump off a bridge would you.” My answer was always “YES”
Priscilla Wright
UCG Public Relations,Communications and Marketing
Jack of all Trades, Masters Degree in One
Mother of Teens, Auntie of Boys and Wife of a Kappa
Cycling for over 6 years, truly grateful to be a part of the team that is cultivating urban cycling in RVA. I know that having a custom saddle can prevent custom injuries.
“Can’t decide if I am just one of the guys or the evil older sister in the group”
James Bennett
UCG Community engagement , Fundraising, and Marketing
Graduate of ODU , BS industrial technology, minor Business
Socially connected in RVA by providing exclusive annual events for the progressive elite.
Experience in Marketing and the promotional item printing industry
Passion to assist people by providing resources to improve their mental & physical health.
Family over everything, I love spending time with my wife & two daughters
Got into cycling because the gyms were closed due to COVID, I love basketball but cycling has taken over the #1 spot
Derrick Rippy
The Quiet Guy
UCG Membership/Social Ride Coordinator
Formally Educated and Socially Charged
Father of a Man in Training who attends NC A&T
Derrick started cycling to break out of the COVID funk.
Damon “Redd” Thompson
UCG Corporate Fundraising and Community Engagement
Educated, 2013 CIAA/NCAA Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and Community Driven VSU Trojan
Husband of one and Father of Two upcoming stars
Cycling started as exercise and bonding with my son while fellowshipping with friends. During COVID-19 this gave all of our families additional opportunities to get out and find a space to protect our mental and physical beings