2023 Board of Directors
Marco Fantone and Velo Club La Grange came together in 1997 as the result of a skiing accident and group rides haven’t been the same since! A member of the La Grange Board of Directors since 2001, Marco served as club president from 2009-2012. Always one to sweat the details, Marco has consistently been involved in the design of club clothing and is the organizing force behind La Grange’s favorite in-club competition; The La Grange Cup. Through the years, Marco has also become the un-official club historian, maintaining years of photography and caring for decades of club jerseys.. When he’s not making contributions to his ad agency, you can find this ex-Cat 2 racer mixing it up on the weekly club rides.
Contact Marco
Marco Fantone, Director
I am a long time member of LaGrange who previously served on the board, has raced my son through our former, FlightSchool Jr. Race program and dabble in Cyclocross racing myself. Topics I think important for the board to consider is how to place the club on sure footing as the membership profile changes, member engagement (fun), and safety. While holding onto our race heritage, I believe we need to broaden the definition of that to be more supportive of goal oriented cycling to bring in those who may not be ready or interested in entering the traditional USCF competitions. This diversity as well as diversity of standard demographics will make LaGrange a better value for potential sponsors and stronger club. Contact Larry
Larry Goodman, Director
Dan Mitnick is a native California who besides a stent as a banana slug up in Santa Cruz has never lived more than a day's pedal from his place of birth in West LA. A current and lifelong cycling commuter there was a time in the early naughts when Dan did race for LA Grange. Having gotten that out of the system he still enjoys a long Saturday ride and a good climb in the Santa Monica's or the San Gabriels. Defying logic and common sense and despite now decades of traversing mountain roads not only has he gotten slower going up, as to be expected, his skill at descending has gotten correspondingly worse. Having join LaGrange almost a quarter century ago Dan has in the meantime conspired to raise two adult daughters and before year's end should have a granddaughter. What he lacks in skill on two wheels he makes up for enthusiasm. From his home in Venice Dan has bike to social events as far north as solvang and as far south to San Diego and even cycles to LAX. Essentially. As a commuter who rides to the rides a cell phone is always handy and you may notice this sporadically awkward rider taking photos Dan is of the mind that those who know how to ride well, do ,and those who can't take pictures. Contact Dan
Dan Mitnick, Director
Peter joined LaGrange in 2015, cycling has deeply ingrained in his life, profoundly influencing his personal journey and contributing to the definition of his present identity. His cycling narrative commences in the scenic backdrop of Hungary, where the sheer exhilaration of cycling cast its spell on him in the year 1987. As a young, enthusiastic rider, he discovered his true calling in the saddle, igniting an adventure that has since spanned continents and multiple decades. Contact Peter
Peter Dorantes, President
Lisa grew up in the greater New York City area...ok fine, 2 hours away in Allentown PA. Yes, like the Billy Joel song. She attended The School of Visual Arts in NYC and for 10 years called herself a New Yorker. She commuted everywhere by rollerblades and spent many evenings skating from one end of the city to the other with a bunch of hooligans from the Empire Skate Club.
Many many many weekends in her 20s she would return to Pennsylvania (via the Bieber bus) to go on 70-100 mile rides with her dad. Once a year they would do the Bike MS century ride together. He would ride his beloved super light Cannondale and would sadistically have her ride her mothers awkward heavy old bike in the 99% humidity without enough water or food but plenty of NoDoz. Luckily she didn't know any better and just thought her dad was super fast.
Half of her 30s were spent living in Southern Germany. She commuted everywhere everyday on a secondhand 60 euro bike with a dynamo pedal powered light. She rode that thing in the worst conditions but sometimes climbed some unbelievably gorgeous Alps. It was terrible and amazing at the same time!
It wasn't until she was ?*%$*&^!! years old living in Santa Monica that she realized a light carbon bike, structured training would actually make her faster, and she didn't need a man to change her tire. Finally she was liberated...
lisa.goldfarb@lagrange.org
Lisa Goldfarb, Director
Rob moved to LA from Canada in 2013 and joined La Grange the following day. He has enjoyed exploring the both the cities and canyons of SoCal on two wheels. Having got 'bit by the cycling bug' even more as of late, Rob also enjoys capturing and sharing cycling moments, from local rides and escapes, via video and photos. And fff the saddle, I enjoy marketing, data and events. Contact Rob
Rob Imrie, Director
Daniel joined LaGrange in 2007 so he would get timed on the Piuma Hill Climb. That has been an annual goal to test his fitness, but along the way he’s come to enjoy the fellowship of many a La Granger plus learn the joy of riding road, and in the past few years, dirt. In his mind the club and its many members are admirable advocates of cycling not only on the Westside but throughout SoCal and he’s proud to be of service as a Board member. Always feel free to reach out to him and join him for a ride!
Contact Daniel
Daniel Funk, Director
Born and raised in the sweltering heat of the San Fernando Valley, Bodie’s earliest memories of cycling took place at the impressionable age of 4, or thereabouts. Bodie’s passion for cycling carried into his early adolescence where he discovered the art of criterium racing at the age of 11. He quickly learned that overlapping wheels is a major hazard, the fast surges that have you gasping for air, drafting works, holding your line while speeding into a 90° turn is important. These were all part of this new found sport. Many years later, and some rock n roll drumming in between, Bodie has completed three Ironman and countless half’s to round out his love for cycling in many facets. Currently Bodie rides in Los Angeles while working with the Latino Film Institute when he’s not out enjoying the Santa Monica mountains on his bike with friends. Mainly for the coffee. Ride safe and have fun. Keep peddling. Contact Bodie
Bodie Olmos, Director
Meet Renée Fox, who discovered La Grange in 2018 through the World Famous Nichols Canyon Ride. She fell in love with LG spirit and its locally epic ride. Renée is honored to help envision the next phase of LG by serving to promote the voices of members. Renée started cycling in 2013. She enjoys the beauty of athleticism, the social aspect of competition and wants other members to experience how LG and our sponsors empower members to have a home for shared adventure. Renée is a full time artist, with well known public works in sites such as LAX and UCLA Olive View Restorative Care Village. She is founder and president of Inglewood Open Studios, and a painting and drawing professor at Otis College. She lives in Inglewood with her partner David Newcombe and her favorite ever, her terrier, John Fox.
Contact Renée
Renée Fox, Director