All,

Please join us in welcoming Thom Merkle to The Summit Team as the Wheeled Sports Program Manager.

A little about Thom: Thom is a northern Minnesota native who has lived in the New River Gorge area for the last 12 years. Although originally moving here for rock climbing & whitewater, he brings years of guiding, cycling & management experience to the Wheels program.

Thom is a certified bike mechanic, BICP level 2 mountain bike instructor and senior member of the national ski patrol. He joined the Summit team in 2017 as the Lead Bike Mechanic, helping open the new Harvey Bike Shop for the 2017 National Jamboree.

Outdoor sports and all forms of cycling have been a major part of his life from the get go. He rode his first mountain bike before there was any suspension on them (that’s pre-90’s) & bought

his first skateboard at the age of 13. His work experience in outdoor education began in retail at a camping specialty shop which focused in backpacking & general camping knowledge. Over

the years Thom has worked as a bike messenger, mountain bike/hiking guide, local bike shop manager and was the general manager of a large climbing gym in Maryland for a few years.

As a raft guide on the New & Gauley rivers this past decade, he has gained an understanding & appreciation for the local and natural history of the New River Gorge. Teaching people to

explore new & challenging outdoor environments has been a goal and passion for Thom over the years & he is excited to continue that here at The Summit.