Ride Smarter, Race Stronger
Deep South Collective is a Southeast-based junior XC mountain bike program built on elite standards and race-focused development. We train male and female athletes with a professional approach—structured plans, data-driven coaching, and a culture that expects commitment, discipline, and results.
This is where young riders learn to think like racers, train with purpose, and compete with confidence.
Proudly sponsored by
Our Services
Junior Cross Country Mountain Bike Coaching and Racing Team.
Coaching
Personalized training plans created through Training Peaks using data from athlete's devices. Each training plan and schedule is individually created for the athlete and adjusted throughout the training period based on rider feedback, schedule, and competing life events. Our head coach is a life-long mountain biker, XC racer, and graduate of Milligan University with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science.
Team
Be part of the team. Race day support to include team tent, nutrition support, emergency bike repairs, feed zone support, and race course walkthroughs. Tentative races for 2026 pending official promoter schedule release:
USAC National Series Ride Rock Creek, NC
US Pro Cup Fayetteville, AR
USAC National Series Danville, VA
USAC National Championship Roanoke, VA
Select Gone Riding series races.
About us
Ricky Harper
Program Director
Ricky brings a balanced combination of leadership, coaching experience, and long-term development planning to Deep South Collective. He has coached with the Georgia Cycling Association for seven years and has individually coached his son Lucas through multiple championship seasons. Ricky focuses on building structured, sustainable training programs that support athlete readiness while protecting athlete wellbeing.
Along with his coaching background, Ricky is a registered nurse and a healthcare leader, overseeing complex teams, long-range planning, and data-driven operational strategy. He applies that same structured, evidence-informed approach to building a racing program: clear expectations, strong communication, and a culture that supports growth. His goal is simple—create a team environment where young riders feel supported, challenged, and proud of the work they put in.
Imogene Ragan
Head Coach
Imogene is a dedicated cycling coach with nearly eight years of racing experience, having first discovered her passion for the sport in the eighth grade. She holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and is currently pursuing her master’s degree, grounding her coaching approach in evidence-based training and a deep understanding of human performance.
Her background blends academic training with real-world insight from years of competitive racing. Imogene works with athletes of all levels to build strength, confidence, and sustainable progress on the bike. Outside of cycling, she enjoys running, hiking, and climbing—interests that reflect her broader love for endurance sport and human development.