Mike Henderson

Specialties: Beginning Road Cycling, Centuries, General Fitness

Home: San Diego, CA

Client levels accepted: Individual, SemiCustom, Custom, Consultation.

Available to take on all levels of recreational riders and athletes transitioning to racing.

Available for seminars, camps, clinics, and team direction on a contractual basis.

When it comes to recreational cycling, Coach Mike Henderson has "been there and done that". He has guided hundreds of riders to reach their goals through his passion for learning, giving and teaching. He's also a 14-year survivor of testicular cancer and lifetime athlete who has found fun in variety. 

At an early age Mike was involved with Hockey, Football, Baseball, Wrestling, Basketball, and Swimming.  After high school Mike entered the US Army as a Military Policeman, rising to the rank of Sgt E-5 and was selected to be part of special unit providing personal protection for high ranking officers and visiting dignitaries in Germany.  During his eight years in the Army Mike excelled in the required Physical Training (PT) by scoring 300, the highest score possible, on each of his 32 tests.  This consisted of a 2 mile run, push-ups and sit-ups.

While in the service Mike found a love for running and competed in 10K and half marathons as well as discovering triathlon. Mike also became a ski instructor while stationed at West Point in New York.   He took this skill with him as he traveled to Europe and then back to Alaska, where he specialized in instruction with children ages 3 and up.

In 1995 Mike was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  After several operations and 6 months of chemotherapy the cancer was gone but the scars remained as a reminder.  Mike decided to dedicate a portion of each year to helping others as payment for the life he had gained.

His first payment was as a participant in the Leukemia Society (LLS) Team in Training (TNT) program.  In exchange for raising $2500 he would receive training in preparation for a 111 mile Tour de Tucson ride.  Mike raised the funds and completed his first century in 6:20 minutes.  He was then asked to return to the program as a mentor and later as a coach.  Today, Mike has completed 13 programs with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society TNT program.

In 2005 Mike was asked to coach the LLS TNT High Intensity Training (HIT) program, which is focused on improving the finish time at the Tour de Tucson.  A coveted reward is to make the platinum group by completing the ride in under 5 hours for the men and 6 hours for the women.  In 2005, Mike coached a team with 12 people who made the platinum group, including 2 women who came in under 5 hours, one who is now a pro-cyclist (Janel Holcomb with the Webcor Builders team).

Since 2005 Mike has been coaching a Trek Century Training program with two events each year, the San Diego Century and the Tour de Poway.  The program has grown each year with more than 80 people completing the program and events.  Recently Mike took a group of over 180 people up Mount Palomar -- a 12 mile climb with over 5000 feet of elevation gain, which was part of the final stage in the Tour de California in 2009.  Everyone made it up and over safely.

In 2008 Mike added the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to his list of organizations to support.  Each Saturday he would work with the Trek program and then Sunday training with CAF in preparation for a 620 mile ride from San Francisco to San Diego.  Mike raised over $12,000 for CAF, won a radio contest for another additional $10,000, and completed the training and the ride.

He is always one to take on a challenge and learn from his own mistakes but also takes the time to learn from others.  He is constantly working on his knowledge by reading articles and books, attending seminars and gathering information on all aspects of cycling and other sports.  Mike incorporates into his knowledge nutrition, bike fit, mental attitude, cadence, cardio, weight training, power, altitude training, cross training, and other aspects of cycling and other athletic activities.

Mike's other hobbies include wood working, dog training, traveling and spending time with his wife Crystal.  Mike enjoys all seasons including the winter.  Having grown up in Minnesota and other parts of the mid-west he is used to spending time outdoors.  

To inquire about working with Mike please click here! >>>