Known throughout the cycling world as Gretna Bill, Bill Gentile is a defining figure in Pennsylvania cycling, and a longtime force around the Mount Gretna community. His journey took a decisive turn in 1991 — corporate life in the rearview mirror — when he founded Mount Gretna Mountain Bikes, a shop that quickly became a regional epicenter for innovation, competition, and cycling culture. Gentile went on to compete in over 250 bicycle races while garnering over 40+ podium appearances. USA National podium appearances in 1998, 1999, and 2004 earned him inclusion into the 2004 USA Cycling Masters MTB Team where he then competed in the 2004 World UCI Masters MTBÂ Championship in Bromont, Canada. Then in 2024 he returned to the National MTB Championships garnering a podium slot and medal.
Gentile’s influence expanded significantly through the cycling industry itself. For more than 25 years, he served as the sole North American importer and distributor of Lupine Lighting Systems, introducing elite German-engineered lighting technology to racers, endurance athletes, and safety-conscious riders across the continent. His commitment to the sport extended into team development as well-sponsoring the GS Lancaster cycling team for over two decades, providing sustained support that helped develop generations of competitive riders. Gentile also used his business platform for good, donating Lupine lights, time, and financial support to numerous charitable causes, including the annual Biking for Brittany ride and recurring events benefiting the Lebanon County Humane Society, reinforcing his belief that cycling should serve both performance and community.
His impact reaches far beyond his own results. In 1996, Gentile sponsored the Pinch Pond XC and Governor Dick Downhill races-events that proved instrumental in shaping future champions. These races helped produce three-time UCI Masters World Downhill Champion Lars Tribus and contributed to the early development of riders such as Ryan Dewald and Tour de France winner Floyd Landis. In 1997, Gretna Bill and fellow Team Gretna riders, including Jay De Jesus, traveled to Jamaica to explore the island’s terrain by mountain bike, inspiring the 45-minute cult film, Jamaica Soul Ride – To Air is You, Mon. A multi-sport competitor as well as a cyclist, Gentile helped promote and competed in the 2002 Mount Gretna Xterra Off-Road Triathlon, a qualifier for the Xterra World Championship held in Hawaii that year. The event featured a mountain bike course on Governor Dick, a swim in Gretna Lake, and a demanding run to the Governor Dick Tower via the Rail Trail.
During the COVID era, Gentile created and hosted The Gretna Bill Show, a weekly podcast and YouTube series dedicated to bike culture, racing, gear, and practical advice, further amplifying his role as a storyteller and connector within the sport. Alongside Jed Schober, he holds patents for the Gretna Bikes Rothrocker, a passively suspended mountain bike frame.
As an organizer, advocate, and mentor, Gretna Bill continues to shape the future of cycling. In 2009, he assembled remnants of Team Gretna and local champion riders to form the Lupine Factory Race Team, which went on to win the Seven Springs 24-Hour Corporate Challenge Cup. He served as organizer and sponsor of the 2016 Tour de Gretna, a marquee regional road race event, and in 2026 reassembled Lupine Factory Racing, focused on developing young riders while highlighting cycling’s role in wellness, longevity, and lifelong performance. Through racing, invention, philanthropy, media, and mentorship, Gretna Bill has helped define cycling not just as a sport, but as a sustainable and enriching way of life.
In 2026, Bill plans to compete in USA Cycling MTB and Gravel National Championships in the 70-74 age group. His goal is to qualify for the UCI World Gravel Masters Championships in Australia in 2026–and no left turn unstoned–France in 2027, and beyond.