Who We Are
Living Out Our Mission
Producing Confidence and Leadership In Upstate Youth
Mission
The mission of Momentum Bike Clubs is to support the lives of under-resourced young people through a comprehensive youth development program using the platform of cycling and mentoring relationships to promote health and well-being.
We believe families thrive in supportive communities. Strong youth flourish in healthy families supported by their communities. These adolescents will become leaders and agents of positive community change.
We live out our mission by investing in under-resourced youth. These adolescents don’t lack talent, just the opportunity and tools that many are privileged to receive. We offer them support, yet challenge them to maximize their potential and opportunity. This allows them to build both self-esteem and resiliency.
Our bike clubs are a place where all students experience unconditional positive regard and supportive relationships that transcend differences and empower them to overcome challenges—both on and off their bikes.
The History of Momentum Bike Clubs
In 2010, David Taylor was the director of a mentoring program called “Building Dreams”, which was an initiative of Clemson University’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life. At that time, Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative reached out to Taylor about a partnership that would focus on childhood obesity as well as a holistic approach to self-esteem and relationships. The seeds of that idea and partnership grew into Momentum Bike Clubs.
The idea started small—it was initially focused in the just Sterling community of Greenville, SC, and was simply a summer bike club with 10 youth participants. The summer program was so well received by the students that everyone agreed to keep riding and continue throughout the school year. Due to the success of this pilot program, Momentum Bike Clubs was approached to start clubs in other neighborhoods and eventually in area schools.
225,000+ miles later, there are 25 clubs in 10 schools and communities serving over 1,500+ students and 300+ trained mentors. The program is now an initiative within the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management Department at Clemson and receives state and national recognition. Now working with youth beginning in middle school, Momentum Bike Clubs develop students throughout high school and college enrollment by providing internships, youth seminars, and workforce development training.
The momentum continues!
A Message From Our Executive Director
Meet The Momentum Team
Tavaghn Monts
Executive Director
Tavaghn Monts serves as Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs, where he leads the organization’s strategy, programs, partnerships, and community engagement in support of young people through cycling and mentoring. Since joining Momentum in 2020, he has helped expand the organization’s reach, strengthen community partnerships, and deepen its focus on belonging, leadership, well-being, and positive youth development.
An avid road and gravel cyclist himself, Tavaghn believes the bicycle can be much more than a form of recreation. It can create opportunities for young people to explore their communities, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover a stronger sense of who they are and where they belong.
Tavaghn holds a bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management and a master’s degree in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University. His work blends research, practice, and lived experience to create environments where young people feel seen, supported, connected, and empowered to grow. His approach to belonging also informs his 3Cs framework, which he uses in his work with youth-serving professionals and organizations to help move belonging from an idea into intentional practice.
Beyond Momentum, Tavaghn is a national speaker, facilitator, and youth development advocate whose work explores belonging, leadership, equity, organizational development, and the role caring adults play in helping young people thrive. His contributions to the field have been recognized by Clemson University through the Graduate Student Award of Excellence and the Dean Lawrence R. Allen Professional Contributions to the Field of Youth Development Leadership Award.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Tavaghn is a devoted husband and proud father who values being present and intentional with his family. His faith plays an important role in how he approaches leadership, service, and community. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, traveling, and exploring new places.
Rob Cobb
Logistics, Mechanics Manager
Rob Cobb has been part of Momentum Bike Clubs since 2017 and plays a vital role in keeping the organization moving, both on and off the bike. As Logistics Coordinator, Rob supports club operations, equipment management, bike maintenance, ride preparation, and the many behind-the-scenes details that make safe and meaningful programming possible.
Rob is also a consistent and trusted presence with Momentum youth and mentors. His ability to build relationships, solve problems, and create welcoming environments reflects the heart of Momentum’s work. Whether he is preparing bikes, supporting a club, helping a young rider through a challenge, or making sure teams have what they need, Rob brings reliability, care, humor, and a deep commitment to the young people and communities Momentum serves.
Our Board
Friends of Momentum Bike Clubs
Board Chair
Justin Meade
Financial Planner
Plan First / Ron Blue
Megan Dodgens
Director, Diversity Leadership Strategies
The Riley Institute | Furman University
Corliss Outley
Professor
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Clemson University
Susan Weinke
Bike Racing Photographer
Public Relations
Sonia Fajardo
Spanish and ESOL Teacher at Greenville County Schools
Ty Houck
Manager of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources for Greenville County
Carl E. Anderson, MD
Retired Thoracic Surgeon
Gerardo Naundorf
Retired, Professor of Microbiology
University of Cauca, Colombia
Tavaghn Monts
Executive Director
Momentum Bike Clubs
PRTM | Clemson University