Meet Bicycle Nova Scotia’s first ever Executive Director!
Mike Todd is the Executive Director at Bicycle Nova Scotia. Mike studied Kinesiology at Dalhousie University and went on to coach High Performance Sailing for many years. Some of his accomplishments were Sport NS Coach of the Year, obtaining a diploma from the National Coaching Institute, coaching an athlete that won 2 Youth World Championships and numerous athletes who won countless National and North American Youth and senior championships.
Over the years, Mike has also worked within both the non-profit and entrepreneur communities and the lessons learned in these experiences have helped shape his ability to work with BNS to help drive the organization forward.
In his free time, Mike enjoys family time with his wife and two kids, downhill skiing and biking on both the mountain bike and the road.
We asked Mike some questions about cycling to get to know him a little better.
Q: What kind of bike do you ride?
I have a few bikes. My road bike is a Felt, my hardtail mountain bike is a Rocky Mountain and my duel sus is a Canyon.
Q: What is your cycling origin story?
I started biking on the road and time trialing with triathlon. From there, I moved into pure road biking with my main stomping ground the Gaspereaux Valley enjoying the quiet roads and climbs. When I moved closer to the city, I moved away from the roads and onto the trainer and into the woods. Now, I mainly ride Wentworth Valley though I look forward to getting back on the road some more this year.
Q: What has been the biggest changes to cycling in Nova Scotia that you’ve seen or that you’ve been a part of over the past 2-3 years?
Covid brought everyone outside and it has been amazing for cycling. I have seen a large boom in the Freeride community with the development of more accessible trails and options. I hope to see this continue to grow as it is an amazing way to play on bikes.
Q: What is your favorite bike ride in NS?
Road- Gaspereaux Valley with at least three or four climbs. Up to Pete’s is always nice and Shredded Wheat for a grind.
Mountain- My main stomping ground these days, the beautiful Wentworth Valley. Up the Hostel, over to Yarmouth and up the climb trail to the old trails at the top. Big days make me smile.
Q: What excites you about Bicycle Nova Scotia’s work?
I am so excited about BNS working for all cyclists in Nova Scotia. From commuters to racers to freeriders to para cyclists, BNS is there. We work in communities to help make the roadways safer for cyclists and we advocate and support all aspects of cycling, whether you like to race, do some fun events or have a women’s only ride with our Women on Wheels chapters (WOW). There are so many great things happening in Nova Scotia.
Q: Aside from Cycling, what are you passionate about?
I am a family man first and foremost. I love hanging out with my kids whether on the bikes, on the slopes, on and in the water or learning about ancient societies or science or anything else that tickles our fancy. I enjoy long days in the saddle in nature or putting on the touring skis and finding a new line through the woods (when there’s enough snow) or sailing the idyllic NS coast line with the wind in my hair.