Girlz Gone Riding athletes
Each and every one of the ladies on this page are very special to GGR. Not only are they amazing athletes,
they are very involved in their local mountain bike communities!
Each and every one of the ladies on this page are very special to GGR. Not only are they amazing athletes,
they are very involved in their local mountain bike communities!
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Wendy Engelberg
GGR Executive Director, LA Chapter Director, CO Founder, CORBA Board Member, Ride Leader, Motivator and Experience maker! Co Founder and Director of GGR: Girlz Gone Riding. GGR is the largest all female mountain bike club in the North America with 8 chapters in Southern California and AZ! GGR hosts skills clinics, workshops, road trips, guided rides, social nights, women's only weekends and more. Wendy also sits on the CORBA board, the local IMBA affiliate. She has been riding for 15 years and loves XC and Enduro. For a great story on how I got the 1st GGR bike, read the blog here: Project Engelbling Favorite bike: ibis mojo 4 Wendy is supported by these fine companies: IBIS and Kuat Racks www.ibiscycles.com/ https://www.kuatracks.com/ambassadors/wendy-engelberg/ |
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AJ Sura
AJ is owner and co-founder of G2 Bike in Aliso Viejo, California. She is an accomplished Cyclocross and Mountain Bike Racer. AJ also runs GirlsRide2, an all-female Mountain Bike and Road group in South Orange County California. GirlsRide2 offers clinics, coaching, rides and opportunities to race as an individual or as a team, first time or veteran. G2 Bike and GirlsRide2 offers coaching through affiliations and can easily find someone for you.
www.g2bike.com
www.facebook.com/g2bike
Instagram: ajg2bike
[email protected]
AJ is owner and co-founder of G2 Bike in Aliso Viejo, California. She is an accomplished Cyclocross and Mountain Bike Racer. AJ also runs GirlsRide2, an all-female Mountain Bike and Road group in South Orange County California. GirlsRide2 offers clinics, coaching, rides and opportunities to race as an individual or as a team, first time or veteran. G2 Bike and GirlsRide2 offers coaching through affiliations and can easily find someone for you.
www.g2bike.com
www.facebook.com/g2bike
Instagram: ajg2bike
[email protected]
Ali Hyde
GGR Big Bear Chapter Director
Racing: XC, XC Endurance, Enduro, DH
Riding Style: Cautious and methodical, getting the job done!
Favorite trail: The Tunnel of Love at Vail Lake
Hobbies: All types of cycling, Bicycle junk art, graphic design, playing with her kids, hiking, paddle boarding.
Ali studied Leisure and Recreational management in college with a specialty in outdoor activity leadership and has been teaching for over 10 years. Born and raised in England, She moved to the U.S. in 2006, settling in Big Bear, CA. After finding a job managing her local bike shop; Bear Valley Bikes, she quickly became obsessed with all types of cycling. She began racing XC and XC endurance but quickly branched off into enduro and downhill, but has most recently been back to racing XC on a single speed! Also passionate about road cycling, she can often be seen towing her kids in long distance events, or solo on rides like the Peak 2 Peak from Mammoth to Big Bear or the breathless Agony Century.
Her passion for teaching, patience as a mom of 3 and ‘shop Mom’, make her an ideal ride leader for Girlz Gone Riding. Her enthusiasm for education and community in women’s cycling is both undeniable and contagious and as Director of the GGR chapter in Big Bear, she will strive to support the women’s community and to continue to ‘Spread the Love’ of cycling!
GGR Big Bear Chapter Director
Racing: XC, XC Endurance, Enduro, DH
Riding Style: Cautious and methodical, getting the job done!
Favorite trail: The Tunnel of Love at Vail Lake
Hobbies: All types of cycling, Bicycle junk art, graphic design, playing with her kids, hiking, paddle boarding.
Ali studied Leisure and Recreational management in college with a specialty in outdoor activity leadership and has been teaching for over 10 years. Born and raised in England, She moved to the U.S. in 2006, settling in Big Bear, CA. After finding a job managing her local bike shop; Bear Valley Bikes, she quickly became obsessed with all types of cycling. She began racing XC and XC endurance but quickly branched off into enduro and downhill, but has most recently been back to racing XC on a single speed! Also passionate about road cycling, she can often be seen towing her kids in long distance events, or solo on rides like the Peak 2 Peak from Mammoth to Big Bear or the breathless Agony Century.
Her passion for teaching, patience as a mom of 3 and ‘shop Mom’, make her an ideal ride leader for Girlz Gone Riding. Her enthusiasm for education and community in women’s cycling is both undeniable and contagious and as Director of the GGR chapter in Big Bear, she will strive to support the women’s community and to continue to ‘Spread the Love’ of cycling!
Amy Rambacher
Director: GGR: Girlz Gone Riding Orange County Chapter
I started mountain biking in 2009 with my husband at the suggestion of a mutual friend based on the fact that we participated in numerous other extreme sports (snowboarding, white water kayaking, rock climbing, etc.). Before that, I think the last time I rode a bike was around the time I was 12. The learning curve was tough, figuring out many things (like shifting and braking) through trial and error until we found out about clinics. One of the first clinics I participated in was the Courageous Women of Dirt clinic with the Trail Angels at Irvine Lake, which was geared towards getting ladies racing at Over the Hump. The clinic motivated me to try racing so that year, 2012, I raced in my first mountain bike race at the OC OTH and I officially became hooked on mountain bike racing.
The following year I discovered Super D and enduro, although my start in those disciplines was slow, as I sustained a broken ankle during a training ride in February, which was the result of a combination bad cornering technique and clipless pedals, right after I had completed my first 3 Super D’s and my first enduro. I had no idea when or if I would be able to return to mountain biking, let alone racing, due to the severity of my injury (medial malleolus broken in 9 pieces, extensive ligamentous damage and a DVT that required treatment with blood thinners). But, by what I consider to be a miracle from God, I made an almost complete recovery, getting back on my bike in April, coaching for the first time at the CWOD event that May and racing in my second enduro in June. Two enduros later, I was beating some of the expert ladies’ times and one of them told me I should try racing in the expert category next year. So, in 2014, I moved up to the expert category.
2014 was a whirlwind of a year! 33 races total, the series win in the women’s open category at the Southridge KMC Winter Super D series, the women’s expert category in the Rim Nordic Enduro Series and the women’s expert category in the SoCal Enduro Series, 2nd place in the California Enduro Series in the women’s expert category, and 4th place in the Sport Women’s class in the OC OTH series. I also embarked on one of my most challenging feats in 2014: attempting to coach a high school mountain biking team. It was both a humbling and rewarding experience. I learned a lot about coaching from the other coaches in the NICA SoCal league and from the kids themselves. 2015 promises to be another crazy year with my move up to the professional class for enduro and Super D racing and returning to Tustin HS for a second season of coaching. I’m a bit nervous about taking my racing to the next level, but this year my focus will be on throwing down the best race I can, having fun while I’m doing it and having a positive attitude no matter what the results are. I’m super stoked to be racing on The Path Bike Shop’s team (on the sweet Santa Cruz Nomad they built for me) for the second year in a row with support from Fly Racing, Petal Power and Industry Nine, my sponsors for this year.
Director: GGR: Girlz Gone Riding Orange County Chapter
I started mountain biking in 2009 with my husband at the suggestion of a mutual friend based on the fact that we participated in numerous other extreme sports (snowboarding, white water kayaking, rock climbing, etc.). Before that, I think the last time I rode a bike was around the time I was 12. The learning curve was tough, figuring out many things (like shifting and braking) through trial and error until we found out about clinics. One of the first clinics I participated in was the Courageous Women of Dirt clinic with the Trail Angels at Irvine Lake, which was geared towards getting ladies racing at Over the Hump. The clinic motivated me to try racing so that year, 2012, I raced in my first mountain bike race at the OC OTH and I officially became hooked on mountain bike racing.
The following year I discovered Super D and enduro, although my start in those disciplines was slow, as I sustained a broken ankle during a training ride in February, which was the result of a combination bad cornering technique and clipless pedals, right after I had completed my first 3 Super D’s and my first enduro. I had no idea when or if I would be able to return to mountain biking, let alone racing, due to the severity of my injury (medial malleolus broken in 9 pieces, extensive ligamentous damage and a DVT that required treatment with blood thinners). But, by what I consider to be a miracle from God, I made an almost complete recovery, getting back on my bike in April, coaching for the first time at the CWOD event that May and racing in my second enduro in June. Two enduros later, I was beating some of the expert ladies’ times and one of them told me I should try racing in the expert category next year. So, in 2014, I moved up to the expert category.
2014 was a whirlwind of a year! 33 races total, the series win in the women’s open category at the Southridge KMC Winter Super D series, the women’s expert category in the Rim Nordic Enduro Series and the women’s expert category in the SoCal Enduro Series, 2nd place in the California Enduro Series in the women’s expert category, and 4th place in the Sport Women’s class in the OC OTH series. I also embarked on one of my most challenging feats in 2014: attempting to coach a high school mountain biking team. It was both a humbling and rewarding experience. I learned a lot about coaching from the other coaches in the NICA SoCal league and from the kids themselves. 2015 promises to be another crazy year with my move up to the professional class for enduro and Super D racing and returning to Tustin HS for a second season of coaching. I’m a bit nervous about taking my racing to the next level, but this year my focus will be on throwing down the best race I can, having fun while I’m doing it and having a positive attitude no matter what the results are. I’m super stoked to be racing on The Path Bike Shop’s team (on the sweet Santa Cruz Nomad they built for me) for the second year in a row with support from Fly Racing, Petal Power and Industry Nine, my sponsors for this year.
Angi Weston
Kona USA
Angi is certified through the International Mountain Bike Association’s Instructor Certification Program (IMBA-ICP), and has been teaching and coaching for over 15 years. She gets her kicks traveling around the country riding, competing in, and coaching many disciplines, including; downhill, enduro, dirt jumping, slopestyle, cross country, cyclocross, and coaster-brake klunkers.
After growing up in the suburbs of Tacoma, WA, Angi moved to Bellingham, WA to attend Western Washington University. It was during her time in college that she was bit by the mountain bike bug and started to really explore her backyard - the majestic Cascadia. Her zeal for cycling and being outside continued to grow, leading her to work at a local bike shop for a few years then eventually to a job with the Kona Bicycle Company. Her work as a regional sales rep for Kona and a certified mountain bike coach keep her living her dream of getting more people riding and loving bikes. In the off-season Angi can be found on her snowboard riding and instructing up at the Mt. Baker Ski Area in Washington. Teaching is a great passion of hers and it shows in her enthusiastic and patient approach.
Kona USA
Angi is certified through the International Mountain Bike Association’s Instructor Certification Program (IMBA-ICP), and has been teaching and coaching for over 15 years. She gets her kicks traveling around the country riding, competing in, and coaching many disciplines, including; downhill, enduro, dirt jumping, slopestyle, cross country, cyclocross, and coaster-brake klunkers.
After growing up in the suburbs of Tacoma, WA, Angi moved to Bellingham, WA to attend Western Washington University. It was during her time in college that she was bit by the mountain bike bug and started to really explore her backyard - the majestic Cascadia. Her zeal for cycling and being outside continued to grow, leading her to work at a local bike shop for a few years then eventually to a job with the Kona Bicycle Company. Her work as a regional sales rep for Kona and a certified mountain bike coach keep her living her dream of getting more people riding and loving bikes. In the off-season Angi can be found on her snowboard riding and instructing up at the Mt. Baker Ski Area in Washington. Teaching is a great passion of hers and it shows in her enthusiastic and patient approach.
Anka Raskin Hutchison
Founder, Dirty Jane (www.dirtyjane.com)
I moved from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia after university over 15 years ago and found myself living on the edge of the North Shore Mountains. Aside from my four-wheeling My Little Pony bicycle, my first "real" biking love affair began when I moved from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and saw a gang of girls blasting out of the trees past me on the North Shore Mountains. I remember thinking "what the hell was that? I want to do THAT!" I had never seen anything like it before and I wanted in. I joined a women’s local group ride for beginners and never looked back. Now every weekend trip I take involves my best buddies and bikes!
Dirty Jane was created while standing in a line up for the gondola at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on a sunny and very busy weekend. There were almost as many women in line as there were men! You could easily see that most women where wearing the exact same gear – not a ton of options at that time. I started to ask women about it and I heard over and over how frustrated they felt walking into a store to see, almost as an afterthought, one little rack of women’s gear in a sea of men’s products. I, like most other girls out there, want to look good when I ride. So Dirty Jane was born.
Dirty Jane focuses to provide functional and fashionable gear for women in cycling at any level. We offer over 30 brands that specifically cater to women and cycling - from jerseys, shorts, helmets, pads, and much more! The future for Dirty Jane in 2015 is to support all women who ride: the shredders, commuters, road riders, and everyone in-between. Dirty Jane is a proud supporter of female cyclists of all abilities and disciplines. From world class athletes to the weekend warrior, to those just getting started on the bike and everything in between, we are here to inspire each other to live a wildly adventurous and beautiful life. Our aim is to inspire more women to throw their leg over a bike...and look & feel great while doing it! We accomplish this through our online shop, as well as through a variety of sponsorship levels, including offering support for ambassadors, first-time racers, co-ed and women's only teams and events.
My husband and I now live part time in Arizona with our two dogs soaking up the winter sunshine and riding as much as we can.
Connect with Dirty Jane on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, and Instagram!
Founder, Dirty Jane (www.dirtyjane.com)
I moved from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia after university over 15 years ago and found myself living on the edge of the North Shore Mountains. Aside from my four-wheeling My Little Pony bicycle, my first "real" biking love affair began when I moved from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and saw a gang of girls blasting out of the trees past me on the North Shore Mountains. I remember thinking "what the hell was that? I want to do THAT!" I had never seen anything like it before and I wanted in. I joined a women’s local group ride for beginners and never looked back. Now every weekend trip I take involves my best buddies and bikes!
Dirty Jane was created while standing in a line up for the gondola at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on a sunny and very busy weekend. There were almost as many women in line as there were men! You could easily see that most women where wearing the exact same gear – not a ton of options at that time. I started to ask women about it and I heard over and over how frustrated they felt walking into a store to see, almost as an afterthought, one little rack of women’s gear in a sea of men’s products. I, like most other girls out there, want to look good when I ride. So Dirty Jane was born.
Dirty Jane focuses to provide functional and fashionable gear for women in cycling at any level. We offer over 30 brands that specifically cater to women and cycling - from jerseys, shorts, helmets, pads, and much more! The future for Dirty Jane in 2015 is to support all women who ride: the shredders, commuters, road riders, and everyone in-between. Dirty Jane is a proud supporter of female cyclists of all abilities and disciplines. From world class athletes to the weekend warrior, to those just getting started on the bike and everything in between, we are here to inspire each other to live a wildly adventurous and beautiful life. Our aim is to inspire more women to throw their leg over a bike...and look & feel great while doing it! We accomplish this through our online shop, as well as through a variety of sponsorship levels, including offering support for ambassadors, first-time racers, co-ed and women's only teams and events.
My husband and I now live part time in Arizona with our two dogs soaking up the winter sunshine and riding as much as we can.
Connect with Dirty Jane on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, and Instagram!
Anne M. Russell
GGR Ride Leader
I started riding when I was 10 years old, when my parents surprised me with a turquoise girls’ bike. It turned out to be a life-changing gift: I was able to join my neighborhood friends on excursions where we did exciting and daring things, like outpedal angry dogs, jump off dirt mounds and fall down in loose gravel. And because the bike was from Sears, it needed constant repair, so I learned early how to work on finicky shifters and brakes.
On a good day of cycling, I rediscover that childhood freedom and joy all over again. It doesn’t matter whether I’m riding on the trail, the road, the velodrome or racing on a cyclocross course; I love the adventure, athleticism, and camaraderie of cycling. GGR epitomizes all of that to me—it’s an organization that encourages and supports women riders and emphasizes both the fun and challenge of mountain biking. I want other women to experience that same delight in riding and leading or assisting on group rides is the best way I can think of help others to do that.
Even though it’s been a long time since I was 10, I still fall down in loose gravel, so my goal today and always is to work on my bike-handling skills.
GGR Ride Leader
I started riding when I was 10 years old, when my parents surprised me with a turquoise girls’ bike. It turned out to be a life-changing gift: I was able to join my neighborhood friends on excursions where we did exciting and daring things, like outpedal angry dogs, jump off dirt mounds and fall down in loose gravel. And because the bike was from Sears, it needed constant repair, so I learned early how to work on finicky shifters and brakes.
On a good day of cycling, I rediscover that childhood freedom and joy all over again. It doesn’t matter whether I’m riding on the trail, the road, the velodrome or racing on a cyclocross course; I love the adventure, athleticism, and camaraderie of cycling. GGR epitomizes all of that to me—it’s an organization that encourages and supports women riders and emphasizes both the fun and challenge of mountain biking. I want other women to experience that same delight in riding and leading or assisting on group rides is the best way I can think of help others to do that.
Even though it’s been a long time since I was 10, I still fall down in loose gravel, so my goal today and always is to work on my bike-handling skills.
Candace Mastel
Age: 46
Born: Pittsburgh, PA
Grew up in: Cleveland, Ohio
Moved to Montana: 1998 to snowboard
Degree: Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Current job: Project Manager for site construction and planning projects at Montana State University
Started mountain biking: For reals, about 2001
Started riding downhill: On a real DH bike, 2008
How I like to focus my time riding: Being with family and friends and experiencing the awesomeness of everything riding; building advocacy for trails and bike related facilities and programs; mentoring young people on just about everything from school to sports; leaving the wrenching up to my expert bike mechanic husband while I cook, haha.
Downhill is the most challenging and most rewarding thing I’ve done physically in many years. It makes me feel whole, happy and so stoked to be able to share it with family and friends. When I accomplish something difficult that’s been eluding me for awhile, it’s the best feeling in the world.
The Bozeman community has a strong, but disjointed riding scene. There are many active riders in every genre: Freeride, BMX, XC, downhill, cross racing, trials, road riding, etc. There are crossovers and its exciting to see more of the cross-pollination happening, but it has been a slow process. I have been involved for a few years now with a group called The Dirt Concern. This group was formed as a side-bar to the larger Gallatin Valley Bike Club. Where they are mostly a general biking organization involved in bike swaps, trail building and maintenance and events, The Dirt Concern was formed to represent and appeal to your less mainstream riding scene, namely downhill, Freeride and anything not traditional. The group has been instrumental at disseminating information about trail building and events, holding regular movie nights and social activities, building a sweet pump track, redesigning and rebuilding an eroded and non-sustainable XC trail loop, and more. The group is all volunteer and appeals to younger riders that are in their formative years, serving to provide de-facto mentorship for up and coming riders in the community.
I am also a mentor for the MSU Mountain Bike Club. This club was formed specifically as a break-away from the MSU Cycling Club, which mostly focused on road rides. It’s a new group and they have struggled to incorporate women into their activities. We have been working on how to improve their attendance at regular meetings as well as rides.
And, last but not least (hopefully there’s more to come), my professional position at the university affords me the ability to help influence bike and pedestrian and active transportation models through my planning work. I am currently involved in helping to plan for the university’s first parking garage, which is slated to feature a bike centric ground floor facility to include covered bike parking, lockers, a fix-it station and a vending machine in the least. We are very excited about linking transit and biking so that as our university and community grows, there will be other options for students, faculty and staff in the realm of getting to campus. In addition, I am part of a Bike Task Force, which is just starting the process of developing a comprehensive bike master plan for the campus.
Age: 46
Born: Pittsburgh, PA
Grew up in: Cleveland, Ohio
Moved to Montana: 1998 to snowboard
Degree: Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Current job: Project Manager for site construction and planning projects at Montana State University
Started mountain biking: For reals, about 2001
Started riding downhill: On a real DH bike, 2008
How I like to focus my time riding: Being with family and friends and experiencing the awesomeness of everything riding; building advocacy for trails and bike related facilities and programs; mentoring young people on just about everything from school to sports; leaving the wrenching up to my expert bike mechanic husband while I cook, haha.
Downhill is the most challenging and most rewarding thing I’ve done physically in many years. It makes me feel whole, happy and so stoked to be able to share it with family and friends. When I accomplish something difficult that’s been eluding me for awhile, it’s the best feeling in the world.
The Bozeman community has a strong, but disjointed riding scene. There are many active riders in every genre: Freeride, BMX, XC, downhill, cross racing, trials, road riding, etc. There are crossovers and its exciting to see more of the cross-pollination happening, but it has been a slow process. I have been involved for a few years now with a group called The Dirt Concern. This group was formed as a side-bar to the larger Gallatin Valley Bike Club. Where they are mostly a general biking organization involved in bike swaps, trail building and maintenance and events, The Dirt Concern was formed to represent and appeal to your less mainstream riding scene, namely downhill, Freeride and anything not traditional. The group has been instrumental at disseminating information about trail building and events, holding regular movie nights and social activities, building a sweet pump track, redesigning and rebuilding an eroded and non-sustainable XC trail loop, and more. The group is all volunteer and appeals to younger riders that are in their formative years, serving to provide de-facto mentorship for up and coming riders in the community.
I am also a mentor for the MSU Mountain Bike Club. This club was formed specifically as a break-away from the MSU Cycling Club, which mostly focused on road rides. It’s a new group and they have struggled to incorporate women into their activities. We have been working on how to improve their attendance at regular meetings as well as rides.
And, last but not least (hopefully there’s more to come), my professional position at the university affords me the ability to help influence bike and pedestrian and active transportation models through my planning work. I am currently involved in helping to plan for the university’s first parking garage, which is slated to feature a bike centric ground floor facility to include covered bike parking, lockers, a fix-it station and a vending machine in the least. We are very excited about linking transit and biking so that as our university and community grows, there will be other options for students, faculty and staff in the realm of getting to campus. In addition, I am part of a Bike Task Force, which is just starting the process of developing a comprehensive bike master plan for the campus.
Christine Hirst
I was introduced to cycling first through my ultra-athletic parents in high school, and again in college, because the cycling team at Humboldt State needed a female downhiller. Thus began my love affair with all things cycling. Fear dominated my time on the bike however, and although I raced in numerous states and series’, acquiring my first National title in 2005 and a second in 2009, I was terrified; I lacked a solid foundation of skills, which greatly affected my confidence on the bike. I took advice from every one that offered it, and ended up injured more than I rode. Following both baby and ACL repair number one, I finally invested in my riding and attended a three-day women’s downhill skills clinic; immediately, my confidence and skill set soared. I knew that I wanted to coach others through fear based riding to find the peace and confidence on the bike that I found. In 2010 I was chosen to become a Betterride certified coach with a handful of others, and was slightly derailed with baby and ACL number two. From 2007-2012 I formed and managed the only all women’s professional extreme sports team-Vixen Racing. During that time, the team dominated every local, regional and National gravity title, and established a place for women to be known for riding, not sex appeal.
Since 2010, I have been triple certified in coaching mountain bikes and have coached with World Champion Leigh Donovan. I am a lifelong educator, having directed a tutoring program and coached horseback riding and gymnastics throughout high school and college. I have also been a science teacher since 2007. I have a Master’s degree in Science Education, and will receive my second Master’s in Astronomy in 2016. I am passionate about using science and
space studies to reach every learner, to motivate them to find their own potential, and to instill the ability to critically evaluate scientific information in a science illiterate society. I am also a Christian, and love to experience the beauty of the Lord’s creation in every aspect of my life.
I was introduced to cycling first through my ultra-athletic parents in high school, and again in college, because the cycling team at Humboldt State needed a female downhiller. Thus began my love affair with all things cycling. Fear dominated my time on the bike however, and although I raced in numerous states and series’, acquiring my first National title in 2005 and a second in 2009, I was terrified; I lacked a solid foundation of skills, which greatly affected my confidence on the bike. I took advice from every one that offered it, and ended up injured more than I rode. Following both baby and ACL repair number one, I finally invested in my riding and attended a three-day women’s downhill skills clinic; immediately, my confidence and skill set soared. I knew that I wanted to coach others through fear based riding to find the peace and confidence on the bike that I found. In 2010 I was chosen to become a Betterride certified coach with a handful of others, and was slightly derailed with baby and ACL number two. From 2007-2012 I formed and managed the only all women’s professional extreme sports team-Vixen Racing. During that time, the team dominated every local, regional and National gravity title, and established a place for women to be known for riding, not sex appeal.
Since 2010, I have been triple certified in coaching mountain bikes and have coached with World Champion Leigh Donovan. I am a lifelong educator, having directed a tutoring program and coached horseback riding and gymnastics throughout high school and college. I have also been a science teacher since 2007. I have a Master’s degree in Science Education, and will receive my second Master’s in Astronomy in 2016. I am passionate about using science and
space studies to reach every learner, to motivate them to find their own potential, and to instill the ability to critically evaluate scientific information in a science illiterate society. I am also a Christian, and love to experience the beauty of the Lord’s creation in every aspect of my life.
Claire Buchar
Growing up amongst the beautiful mountains of South Western BC probably had something to do with Claire’s love for riding. That and her desire to be a champion, her drive to achieve, progress, compete, learn and grow.
To Claire, riding bikes is an outlet for expression, a challenge and an adventure every day. She also just likes being out in the forest.
Based out of Whistler, Claire is a World Championship Bronze Medalist, multiple Canadian National Champion, 12 time Canadian National Team Member and has been to all corners of the globe racing, riding and adventuring on her bike. Married to Aussie DH legend, Chris Kovarik, she gets to escape bits of the long cold winter to the tropical coast of Queensland.
In 2011, Claire and Chris began Kovarik Racing. It is an entity from which they can give back and offer all aspects of their trade: racing, coaching, rider development and brand ambassadorship.
Claire also keeps herself busy as a Graphic Designer and with her many other interests such as art, food and nutrition, tea, outdoors and friends.
Claire successfully represents herself and her sponsors through her talent, personality, media, coaching and results.
CURRENT SPONSORS
Intense Cycles, Magura USA, Maxxis, Fox Head, DT Swiss, Fox Racing Shox, Chromag, Smith Optics, Five Ten, e13, Evolution, Strand Training.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
-World Championships Bronze Medalist 2011
-Multiple Canadian National Champion
-12 time Canadian National Team member
-7th Overall World Cup Series 2010
-World Cup Podium, round 1 South Africa 2009
-Winner of Womenzworx and the Gala at Crankworx 2009
-Countless wins and podiums at all levels of the sport.
-PMBI Level 2 Certified Coach
-Coach with Kovarik Racing, Zep Techniques, Summer Gravity Camps, Fluidride, WORCA, RMOW and more.
-Dirt Diaries 2014 at Crankworx Whistler
-Featured in Strength In Numbers by Anthill Films
-Deep Summer Photo Challenge 2012 & 2013 at Crankworx Whistler
-Cover of Bicycling South Africa April 2009
-Cover of Mountain Bike Magazine USA June 2008
-Voted one of the “26 Most Influential People in Mountain Biking”, Decline Magazine January 2008
-Involved in Ad Campaigns for Intense Cycles, Fox Head, Magura USA, SombrioGirl, Maxxis, CrankBrothers, Evolution Whistler, Summer Gravity Camps, Solosports, Chain Reaction Cycles, ZEP Techniques
-Countless photos, articles, interviews and film parts in various media publications
Claire Buchar
Professional Athlete, Coach, Ambassador | Kovarik Racing
Inside Sales, Graphic Design, Rider | Chromag Bikes
Growing up amongst the beautiful mountains of South Western BC probably had something to do with Claire’s love for riding. That and her desire to be a champion, her drive to achieve, progress, compete, learn and grow.
To Claire, riding bikes is an outlet for expression, a challenge and an adventure every day. She also just likes being out in the forest.
Based out of Whistler, Claire is a World Championship Bronze Medalist, multiple Canadian National Champion, 12 time Canadian National Team Member and has been to all corners of the globe racing, riding and adventuring on her bike. Married to Aussie DH legend, Chris Kovarik, she gets to escape bits of the long cold winter to the tropical coast of Queensland.
In 2011, Claire and Chris began Kovarik Racing. It is an entity from which they can give back and offer all aspects of their trade: racing, coaching, rider development and brand ambassadorship.
Claire also keeps herself busy as a Graphic Designer and with her many other interests such as art, food and nutrition, tea, outdoors and friends.
Claire successfully represents herself and her sponsors through her talent, personality, media, coaching and results.
CURRENT SPONSORS
Intense Cycles, Magura USA, Maxxis, Fox Head, DT Swiss, Fox Racing Shox, Chromag, Smith Optics, Five Ten, e13, Evolution, Strand Training.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
-World Championships Bronze Medalist 2011
-Multiple Canadian National Champion
-12 time Canadian National Team member
-7th Overall World Cup Series 2010
-World Cup Podium, round 1 South Africa 2009
-Winner of Womenzworx and the Gala at Crankworx 2009
-Countless wins and podiums at all levels of the sport.
-PMBI Level 2 Certified Coach
-Coach with Kovarik Racing, Zep Techniques, Summer Gravity Camps, Fluidride, WORCA, RMOW and more.
-Dirt Diaries 2014 at Crankworx Whistler
-Featured in Strength In Numbers by Anthill Films
-Deep Summer Photo Challenge 2012 & 2013 at Crankworx Whistler
-Cover of Bicycling South Africa April 2009
-Cover of Mountain Bike Magazine USA June 2008
-Voted one of the “26 Most Influential People in Mountain Biking”, Decline Magazine January 2008
-Involved in Ad Campaigns for Intense Cycles, Fox Head, Magura USA, SombrioGirl, Maxxis, CrankBrothers, Evolution Whistler, Summer Gravity Camps, Solosports, Chain Reaction Cycles, ZEP Techniques
-Countless photos, articles, interviews and film parts in various media publications
Claire Buchar
Professional Athlete, Coach, Ambassador | Kovarik Racing
Inside Sales, Graphic Design, Rider | Chromag Bikes
Desi DeMesquita
GGR Ride Leader
I ride both road and mountain bikes. I raced cross-country in Beginner and Sport Class for three years (2000-02).
On the mountain bike my passion is cross-country endurance rides!
My personal mission as a ride leader is to give Intermediate riders an opportunity to ride trails and distances that are typically done by advanced riders but go at a non-pressure intermediate speed. I also take pride in helping to introduce road riders to mountain biking. Not all mountain biking has to be narly, there are trails out there for all skill levels. The true joy is to be out in the mountains enjoying the beauty that Mother Nature has provided!
GGR Ride Leader
I ride both road and mountain bikes. I raced cross-country in Beginner and Sport Class for three years (2000-02).
On the mountain bike my passion is cross-country endurance rides!
My personal mission as a ride leader is to give Intermediate riders an opportunity to ride trails and distances that are typically done by advanced riders but go at a non-pressure intermediate speed. I also take pride in helping to introduce road riders to mountain biking. Not all mountain biking has to be narly, there are trails out there for all skill levels. The true joy is to be out in the mountains enjoying the beauty that Mother Nature has provided!
Diane M. Parks
Diane was introduced to mountain biking by her husband Eric in 2000. An avid outdoors enthusiast she quickly traded her backpack for a bike and made the local Orange County trails her new home. After completing Vision Quest in 2007 (her first endurance race) she found her niche in endurance training and racing. Using the skills from her “day job” as a Corporate Learning and Development professional she now combines her love of riding and teaching others through partnering with G2 bikes developing and co-leading their Women’s riding program.
Palmares
Diane was introduced to mountain biking by her husband Eric in 2000. An avid outdoors enthusiast she quickly traded her backpack for a bike and made the local Orange County trails her new home. After completing Vision Quest in 2007 (her first endurance race) she found her niche in endurance training and racing. Using the skills from her “day job” as a Corporate Learning and Development professional she now combines her love of riding and teaching others through partnering with G2 bikes developing and co-leading their Women’s riding program.
Palmares
- 2006 24-hour team 4-person co-ed, 3rd place
- 2007 Vision Quest finisher
- 2008 Counting Coup finisher
- 2008 24-hour duo, 3rd place
- 2009 Vision Quest finisher
- 2009 24-hour duo, 3rd place
- 2009 12-hour solo sport, 2nd place
- 2010 Counting Coup finisher, first female to complete race on rigid single speed
- 2010 12-hour solo sport, 1st place
- 2010 12-hour solo sport, 1st place overall in series
- 2012 Mohican 100
- 2013 Big Frog 65 finisher
- Rwanda 50 finisher 4x
Jackie Swider
My name is Jackie Swider, and my home trails are in San Luis Obispo. I race professionally in Downhill and Enduro and am a member of the SLO Dirt !Girls based out of San Luis Obispo.
I began riding mountain bikes in 2009. The University bike club, Cal Poly Wheelmen, let me rent a bike for $10/week. It was a 26” Gary Fisher Marlin. One year later, they asked if I wanted to keep it, so I did. A number of friends in the bike community nurtured me in the sport, and soon, I grew an affinity for gravity competition through rider organized “blackmarket” races. In 2011, I began racing, borrowing bikes and carpooling to events with friends. I’ve competed for 4 seasons, and professionally since 2013. There are a number of winning plaques on the shelf and also too many second places to be resting comfortably. Racing is addicting, and I think the competitive nature runs in my family. They motivate me to excel, because they want for me to be the best I can be. That’s what I want to see happen for other riders too.
In my free time I check in with the SLO Dirt Girls, a Facebook group for female riders in San Luis Obispo. The group was started by Adrienne Hunt and nurtured into an amazing “hub” where lady riders can connect, organize rides, and share knowledge about trails. I’ve made a few friends there and have attended one of their fun group rides. I hope to see it grow even more this year.
I love the trails in San Luis Obispo (SLO), and call them home. There’s so much natural variety from flow, rock, dust and sand. I hope to see more riders organize road trips to SLO for fun rides by the beach, city trails, and backwoods mountain “grade.” As for the locals, I hope to see more organized trips to other meccas like Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Marin County.
This past winter 2014-15 was spent recovering from an injury to my elbow, and it might have been a blessing that gave me time to develop other strengths. Computraining and gym programs are helping to put me in a good position at the beginning of 2015 season. Hopefully, it encourages other riders to build upper body strength too.
Mountains are an endless playground and biking is simple. The only requirements are a bike and a rider. May many more people find happiness in the sport.
My name is Jackie Swider, and my home trails are in San Luis Obispo. I race professionally in Downhill and Enduro and am a member of the SLO Dirt !Girls based out of San Luis Obispo.
I began riding mountain bikes in 2009. The University bike club, Cal Poly Wheelmen, let me rent a bike for $10/week. It was a 26” Gary Fisher Marlin. One year later, they asked if I wanted to keep it, so I did. A number of friends in the bike community nurtured me in the sport, and soon, I grew an affinity for gravity competition through rider organized “blackmarket” races. In 2011, I began racing, borrowing bikes and carpooling to events with friends. I’ve competed for 4 seasons, and professionally since 2013. There are a number of winning plaques on the shelf and also too many second places to be resting comfortably. Racing is addicting, and I think the competitive nature runs in my family. They motivate me to excel, because they want for me to be the best I can be. That’s what I want to see happen for other riders too.
In my free time I check in with the SLO Dirt Girls, a Facebook group for female riders in San Luis Obispo. The group was started by Adrienne Hunt and nurtured into an amazing “hub” where lady riders can connect, organize rides, and share knowledge about trails. I’ve made a few friends there and have attended one of their fun group rides. I hope to see it grow even more this year.
I love the trails in San Luis Obispo (SLO), and call them home. There’s so much natural variety from flow, rock, dust and sand. I hope to see more riders organize road trips to SLO for fun rides by the beach, city trails, and backwoods mountain “grade.” As for the locals, I hope to see more organized trips to other meccas like Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Marin County.
This past winter 2014-15 was spent recovering from an injury to my elbow, and it might have been a blessing that gave me time to develop other strengths. Computraining and gym programs are helping to put me in a good position at the beginning of 2015 season. Hopefully, it encourages other riders to build upper body strength too.
Mountains are an endless playground and biking is simple. The only requirements are a bike and a rider. May many more people find happiness in the sport.
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Jeana Miller
Bio: Master of Science in Kinesiology, USA Cycling coach level 2 I’ve always enjoyed competing and being outdoors and after a successful collegiate soccer career, I quenched my desire for competition through triathlons and bike races. After completing my master’s degree in Kinesiology I coordinated two wellness programs at a local university for ten years. This experience gave me the opportunity to share my passion for health and well-being with people from the age of 20 to 100 years old. I believe that exercise and movement is the key to a happy and healthy life! While competing in every distance of triathlon including the Ironman and Xterra I was constantly approached by friends seeking my help with the various aspects of training and racing. My interest in working with friends and family continued to grow until I decided to join CTS and transition my passion with sports and wellness into a coaching career. In my free time I enjoy sharing the outdoors with my husband and sons. We enjoy surfing, snowboarding, riding bikes, and eating great food! www.trainright.com/coaches/jeana-miller www.www.facebook.com/Millercoaching |
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Jill Hamilton
- I have been riding MTB's since 1995; racing since 1997
- I was the #1 ranked amateur expert female downhiller in the USA in 2001
- I represented the USA at Master's Worlds two times (2001 and 2002) in downhill
- I held a pro license in 2002
- I have recently returned to the race scene after a little hiatus; I have been competing in Super D and XC events
- I have worked in the bicycle industry for 15 years in marketing, brand, and product management roles
- I am now self-employed; I launched Petal Power this past August
Joh Rathbun
Joh's been mountain biking since 1996, and has evolved alongside her passion. After years of racing, and a disastrous injury, she put herself through school to become a journalist.
“Initially, I fell into the journalism thing. I've always considered myself a writer, but wasn't published. Meeting an editor at a surf event in Capitola in 2009 was fate. Having a voice for women in the gravity side of cycling is important to me, and having the epiphany that half of my audience is male was joyous.”
"I realized that—over the years—the same core group of women who love the technical aspect of cycling were out racing and rioting. Their scars, and successes push both me, and our sport forward. I am overjoyed to join my sistas in creating the change that we want to see."
Humbly,
Joh Rathbun
RIDE ON! MTB Coach & Ride Guide
Action Sports Writer
831.824.7724
Joh's been mountain biking since 1996, and has evolved alongside her passion. After years of racing, and a disastrous injury, she put herself through school to become a journalist.
“Initially, I fell into the journalism thing. I've always considered myself a writer, but wasn't published. Meeting an editor at a surf event in Capitola in 2009 was fate. Having a voice for women in the gravity side of cycling is important to me, and having the epiphany that half of my audience is male was joyous.”
"I realized that—over the years—the same core group of women who love the technical aspect of cycling were out racing and rioting. Their scars, and successes push both me, and our sport forward. I am overjoyed to join my sistas in creating the change that we want to see."
Humbly,
Joh Rathbun
RIDE ON! MTB Coach & Ride Guide
Action Sports Writer
831.824.7724
Josie Smith
I started riding bikes in 2012 after purchasing a hybrid for commuting and recreational purposes. Little did I know that two wheels would be so life changing. Not only did I acquire freedom, but also a friend, riding partner, and life partner- and then he introduced me to mountain biking. We also work together- I'm store manager at his shop, Decorah Bicycles.
I also have a blog: Josie's Bike Life which features a compilation of interviews, personal stories, and product reviews. Writing and sharing stories is a passion of mine and being able to connect and share experiences with riders of all levels has been wonderful! My goal is to help and inspire others to find their bike life.
Mountain biking has become a passion of mine and my goal is to help facilitate a positive environment for women to come and explore dirt trails. Fearless Women of Dirt was born- a group that women can join to connect with like-minded individuals who either mountain bike already or are curious. There will be a designated FWD ride on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. which will focus on introducing women to off-road riding. It will be for those who have never ridden off-road before and will be an excellent way to meet other women and overcome concerns of riding dirt with a casual pace, no-drop format. FWD members are also welcome to join our weekly Co-Ed/Co-Led ride on Sundays at 5 p.m. still casual pace and no-drop, but focuses on more intermediate and above trails.
Connect with Josie's Bike Life on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
I started riding bikes in 2012 after purchasing a hybrid for commuting and recreational purposes. Little did I know that two wheels would be so life changing. Not only did I acquire freedom, but also a friend, riding partner, and life partner- and then he introduced me to mountain biking. We also work together- I'm store manager at his shop, Decorah Bicycles.
I also have a blog: Josie's Bike Life which features a compilation of interviews, personal stories, and product reviews. Writing and sharing stories is a passion of mine and being able to connect and share experiences with riders of all levels has been wonderful! My goal is to help and inspire others to find their bike life.
Mountain biking has become a passion of mine and my goal is to help facilitate a positive environment for women to come and explore dirt trails. Fearless Women of Dirt was born- a group that women can join to connect with like-minded individuals who either mountain bike already or are curious. There will be a designated FWD ride on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. which will focus on introducing women to off-road riding. It will be for those who have never ridden off-road before and will be an excellent way to meet other women and overcome concerns of riding dirt with a casual pace, no-drop format. FWD members are also welcome to join our weekly Co-Ed/Co-Led ride on Sundays at 5 p.m. still casual pace and no-drop, but focuses on more intermediate and above trails.
Connect with Josie's Bike Life on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Kamala Slight
Director San Diego Chapter
I was 53 when I was first introduced to mountain biking in 2015. Due to congenital hip defects, which had lead to a multitude of procedures and surgeries over the years, I had not ridden a bicycle since elementary school. However, physical challenges aside, I have always been an athlete at heart and thrive on being outdoors in nature. So, when corrective surgery in 2013 finally gifted me with enough mobility to mount and pedal a bike (with the intention of low impact aerobic exercise), it was not long before I discovered the joy of riding trails. And, ironically, the thrill of fast, technical downhill riding.
Because my hip defects and subsequent surgeries have left me with atrophied muscles and extremely limited range of motion, my learning curve and riding style had to be slightly different than that of most everyone else. After struggling through a few skills courses, I quickly realized that some things would need to be customized and that I would likely benefit more from individual instruction. That is when I discovered Richard LaChina and Ninja Mountain Bike Performance. His ability to break things down and provide me with a fundamental skill set from which I could grow and improve, set me on the right path. Since then, I have continued with individual instruction and attended numerous clinics. While I mainly ride our local San Diego trails, I have stepped out of my comfort zone to explore many different types of terrain in places like Bentonville, AR, Bend, OR, Sedona, AZ, Zion, UT, as well as gravity parks like Mount Bachelor, Mammoth Mountain, Skypark, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley. I am also CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certified, and eventually hope to get my own instructor certification. I doubt I will ever race or be the first one to the top of a hill climb, but my goals are high and I am ready to face the fun stuff on the way down.
Riding for me is also about camaraderie. As I was bumbling my way through Los Penasquitos Canyon, wondering if there were other women like myself out on the trails, a group of ladies in smart looking purple riding kits rode by and that’s when I met my GGR ‘family’. I was thrilled to find a women’s riding group that not only welcomes riders of all levels, but is dedicated to getting more ladies out on the trails, organizes fully supported no-drop rides, and encourages trail etiquette and trail advocacy. I am a people person and volunteer at heart, so it was not long before I became involved with all of the GGR Chapters as well as San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA), Trek Girls, and San Diego Bicycle Coalition. While I was completely surprised to be selected to take over for Susie Murphy as Director of the San Diego Chapter, I am honored and dedicated to carrying on the mission of Girlz Gone Riding – to get more women mountain biking and to ensure they have a great experience every ride !
Director San Diego Chapter
I was 53 when I was first introduced to mountain biking in 2015. Due to congenital hip defects, which had lead to a multitude of procedures and surgeries over the years, I had not ridden a bicycle since elementary school. However, physical challenges aside, I have always been an athlete at heart and thrive on being outdoors in nature. So, when corrective surgery in 2013 finally gifted me with enough mobility to mount and pedal a bike (with the intention of low impact aerobic exercise), it was not long before I discovered the joy of riding trails. And, ironically, the thrill of fast, technical downhill riding.
Because my hip defects and subsequent surgeries have left me with atrophied muscles and extremely limited range of motion, my learning curve and riding style had to be slightly different than that of most everyone else. After struggling through a few skills courses, I quickly realized that some things would need to be customized and that I would likely benefit more from individual instruction. That is when I discovered Richard LaChina and Ninja Mountain Bike Performance. His ability to break things down and provide me with a fundamental skill set from which I could grow and improve, set me on the right path. Since then, I have continued with individual instruction and attended numerous clinics. While I mainly ride our local San Diego trails, I have stepped out of my comfort zone to explore many different types of terrain in places like Bentonville, AR, Bend, OR, Sedona, AZ, Zion, UT, as well as gravity parks like Mount Bachelor, Mammoth Mountain, Skypark, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley. I am also CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certified, and eventually hope to get my own instructor certification. I doubt I will ever race or be the first one to the top of a hill climb, but my goals are high and I am ready to face the fun stuff on the way down.
Riding for me is also about camaraderie. As I was bumbling my way through Los Penasquitos Canyon, wondering if there were other women like myself out on the trails, a group of ladies in smart looking purple riding kits rode by and that’s when I met my GGR ‘family’. I was thrilled to find a women’s riding group that not only welcomes riders of all levels, but is dedicated to getting more ladies out on the trails, organizes fully supported no-drop rides, and encourages trail etiquette and trail advocacy. I am a people person and volunteer at heart, so it was not long before I became involved with all of the GGR Chapters as well as San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA), Trek Girls, and San Diego Bicycle Coalition. While I was completely surprised to be selected to take over for Susie Murphy as Director of the San Diego Chapter, I am honored and dedicated to carrying on the mission of Girlz Gone Riding – to get more women mountain biking and to ensure they have a great experience every ride !
Kathi Krause
Kathi started her cycling career on the velodrome and worked her way through criteriums, road, cyclocross and cross country before finding her way to the Pro Downhill circuit. She raced for various factory teams on the Pro DH circuit for 10 years and accumulated many laurels along the way, including winning the prestigious Kamikaze Downhill race in 2004. Since retiring from racing at the pro level, Kathi has participated in the Megavalanche Downhill in Alp d’Huez, France, and the occasional local cross country and downhill race.With three Masters World Downhill Championships, five Masters National Downhill Championships, and 25 years of racing behind her, Kathi acquired her instructor certification andstarted Dirt Rock n Root Training in 2011. Since then, Dirt Rock n root Training has been involved in clinics up and down the East Coast – including Mountain Creek Bike Park, HighlandMountain Bike Park, Snowshoe Mountain, Plattekill Bike Park, Whiteface Mountain and Cranx Indoor Bike Park. She runs a monthly Women’s Ride Day at Mountain Creek Bike Park, and teaches weekly Pump Track 101 classes at the Brooklyn NY Pump Track. Kathi has also taught volunteer mountain bike fundamental sessions at the NJ (JORBA) Jungle Jam fundraiser. One of DRRT’s main objectives is to help bring more women into mountain biking and to promote mountain biking as a lifetime sport. When not coaching, you can find Kathi riding the downhill at whatever mountain she is near at the time.
Kathi started her cycling career on the velodrome and worked her way through criteriums, road, cyclocross and cross country before finding her way to the Pro Downhill circuit. She raced for various factory teams on the Pro DH circuit for 10 years and accumulated many laurels along the way, including winning the prestigious Kamikaze Downhill race in 2004. Since retiring from racing at the pro level, Kathi has participated in the Megavalanche Downhill in Alp d’Huez, France, and the occasional local cross country and downhill race.With three Masters World Downhill Championships, five Masters National Downhill Championships, and 25 years of racing behind her, Kathi acquired her instructor certification andstarted Dirt Rock n Root Training in 2011. Since then, Dirt Rock n root Training has been involved in clinics up and down the East Coast – including Mountain Creek Bike Park, HighlandMountain Bike Park, Snowshoe Mountain, Plattekill Bike Park, Whiteface Mountain and Cranx Indoor Bike Park. She runs a monthly Women’s Ride Day at Mountain Creek Bike Park, and teaches weekly Pump Track 101 classes at the Brooklyn NY Pump Track. Kathi has also taught volunteer mountain bike fundamental sessions at the NJ (JORBA) Jungle Jam fundraiser. One of DRRT’s main objectives is to help bring more women into mountain biking and to promote mountain biking as a lifetime sport. When not coaching, you can find Kathi riding the downhill at whatever mountain she is near at the time.
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Kristen Gross
Bikes sure do take you places. I’m a Canuck in Cali, who relocated to Carlsbad in 2013 and, using some kind of magic alchemy, quickly turned a near-decade long career as a political speech writer into one where I get to walk and talk bikes all day long. I am a sales rep for Rocky Mountain Bicycles (the best bikes in the world!), mountain bike skills instructor, coach, and I also run my own freelance communications business, True North Communications, where my clients are just as passionate about the outdoors as I am. I’ve been delighted to use my 10 years experience as a racer, rider and writer to contribute to MTBR, Teton Gravity Research, Bike Magazine, and Road Bike Review with travel stories, product reviews, and other editorial. After a decade racing in the pro category, my latest adventure is to become a mountain biking mama. I can’t wait to have my little one join me on the trails. |
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Krista Park
Bio: Began riding in 2003, XC racer from 2003-2012 Community: Volunteer Skills Coach for various women's-only events and camps Durango Devo Volunteer Coach NICA (SoCal, Tucson, Durango) Certified Ride Leader and Volunteer Advocate, attending city planning meetings to help steer trail development in Durango, CO and Tucson, AZ Underground race volunteer/host/racer |
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Clinics:
Mountain bike skills clinics, maintenance clinics, race prep and tactics, nutrition, etc.
Body position, bike-body separation, relaxation, focus, weight transfer and distribution, bike and suspension setup are some of the basics that once explained and practiced can make a huge difference in confidence and ability. There is nothing better than seeing progression in a short amount of time which is the goal of all clinics.
XC Highlights:
2012 Olympic Long Team
2011 XC USA Worlds Championship Team
2011 full XC World Cup and USA ProXCT schedule (finished 5th in USA)
2010 Marathon USA Worlds Team
Enduro Racer Highlights 2013:
9th USA Enduro World Series Winter Park Race
2nd Big Mountain Enduro (BME) Series
tied for 2nd North American Enduro Tour (NAET)
(XC) Fastest Female lap 24hours of Old Pueblo, 1st place 4-person co-ed team
Injured 2014...
2015: Enduro Racer again :)
Mountain bike skills clinics, maintenance clinics, race prep and tactics, nutrition, etc.
Body position, bike-body separation, relaxation, focus, weight transfer and distribution, bike and suspension setup are some of the basics that once explained and practiced can make a huge difference in confidence and ability. There is nothing better than seeing progression in a short amount of time which is the goal of all clinics.
XC Highlights:
2012 Olympic Long Team
2011 XC USA Worlds Championship Team
2011 full XC World Cup and USA ProXCT schedule (finished 5th in USA)
2010 Marathon USA Worlds Team
Enduro Racer Highlights 2013:
9th USA Enduro World Series Winter Park Race
2nd Big Mountain Enduro (BME) Series
tied for 2nd North American Enduro Tour (NAET)
(XC) Fastest Female lap 24hours of Old Pueblo, 1st place 4-person co-ed team
Injured 2014...
2015: Enduro Racer again :)
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Kristine McCardle
GGR Ride Leader My very first mountain bike ride was a mere 15 miles; yeah, I couldn't walk for four days. The amount of challenges that I overcame in that one ride (determination, fear, exhaustion) hooked me. Next came the accomplishments; completion, endurance and friendships. Friendships which enjoy the scenery along the way and appreciate that I'm pretty much the slowest climber (for now!). If you're looking to ride safely, at a pace where you'll most likely notice the shape of the rocks beneath your tires, and with some laughs along the way then I look forward to meeting you. |
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Leah Dilbeck
Leah started mountain biking in her teen years and always loved the thrill of flying down a hill faster than she could ever run! Her passion & love of cycling comes from the pure peace and connection with nature found on the trail. It’s a time for adventure with friends, to enjoy the solitude of a solo ride, or just work off the indulgences of the weekend.
Leah joined GGR as a ride leader to help promote our sport, encourage others, meet like-minded friends, advocate for our freedom to ride, and give back to the MTB community. She lives in the SGV Foothills with her husband, two youngest children (two more are away at college) & her trail dogs. Leah has been a Realtor since 1998 & truly loves what she does. It’s like riding – it's an adventure & you are always making friends along the way.
Leah started mountain biking in her teen years and always loved the thrill of flying down a hill faster than she could ever run! Her passion & love of cycling comes from the pure peace and connection with nature found on the trail. It’s a time for adventure with friends, to enjoy the solitude of a solo ride, or just work off the indulgences of the weekend.
Leah joined GGR as a ride leader to help promote our sport, encourage others, meet like-minded friends, advocate for our freedom to ride, and give back to the MTB community. She lives in the SGV Foothills with her husband, two youngest children (two more are away at college) & her trail dogs. Leah has been a Realtor since 1998 & truly loves what she does. It’s like riding – it's an adventure & you are always making friends along the way.
Leigh Donovan
Experience highlights and some human ones:
Experience highlights and some human ones:
- 2014 – MTB Hall of Fame inductee
- 2013 – BMX Hall of Fame inductee
- 9X U.S. National Downhill Series & National Champion/Dual Slalom National Champion
- 1995 – UCI World Downhill Mountain Bike Champion (1 of only 3 U.S. women to win this title)
- 1995 – X GAMES Gold medalist, Dual Slalom
- 2001 – UCI World Cup Series , Dual World Cup Champion
- 10X - US National Downhill Team member
- 2001 – Winner of Richard Long sportsmanship award, only female to win
- 1997 – 2002 USA Cycling NORBA Board Member
- 1998 – Featured in Sports Illustrated “Swimsuit Edition” in a full page ad
- 2000 – Married longtime boyfriend, and still happily married today (-:
- 2002 – 2011 Owned & Operated successful upscale women's retail-clothing boutique
- 2005 – Became a mother to her daughter Grace
- 2011 – Consulted with Troy Lee Designs to open their Laguna Beach retail concept store
- 2012 to 2013- Account Executive for the Interbike trade show
- Launched ichoosebikes.com - with the goal to invite more women to get in the dirt!
Lindsay Currier
Lindsay has been riding mountain bikes since she was a very little girl, began working at her local bike shop at age 16, and has been leading rides and passing on bike knowledge for well over a decade. Lindsay founded Shine Riders Co in 2008 while recovering from a burst fractured vertebrae in her back. In later 2008, Lindsay was hired by Cambria Bicycle Outfitters in Santa Rosa, CA to lead rides in Sonoma County for the HillJillys. Lindsay also shared knowledge about equipment selection, maintenance, and repair.
In 2012, Lindsay was certified as a Mountain Bike Skills Coach by Shaums March, through his IMIC program (now IMBA ICP). She has since coached for the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival, Dixie Trix, Sweetlines Coaching, the Trek Dirt Series, the Midwest Women’s Clinic, and a multitude of women’s specific, co-ed, gravity, freeride, and all-mountain clinics and trips that she has produced for Shine (see her incredible coaching log below). Lindsay also coaches private lessons, which she says is her favorite because she gets to tailor her lessons specifically to the clients needs.
Additionally, Lindsay provides skills coaching and support for the Shine Race Team and volunteers whenever possible to provide free or affordable skills coaching for younger, or less fortunate riders. She enjoys racing at the expert level and being featured in photos and videos, to inspire more women to get into gravity racing and freeride mountain biking. Overall, Lindsay is all about having fun on the trails, being safe with skills, and progressing womens mountain biking through skills education and the sharing of experiences.
Certifications: IMIC, IMBA ICP, First Aid
Highlights: 2014 Bootleg Canyon Winter Series Super-D Champion Expert Women
Academic Degrees: 2012 Biology B.S. CSU Monterey Bay
Lindsay has been riding mountain bikes since she was a very little girl, began working at her local bike shop at age 16, and has been leading rides and passing on bike knowledge for well over a decade. Lindsay founded Shine Riders Co in 2008 while recovering from a burst fractured vertebrae in her back. In later 2008, Lindsay was hired by Cambria Bicycle Outfitters in Santa Rosa, CA to lead rides in Sonoma County for the HillJillys. Lindsay also shared knowledge about equipment selection, maintenance, and repair.
In 2012, Lindsay was certified as a Mountain Bike Skills Coach by Shaums March, through his IMIC program (now IMBA ICP). She has since coached for the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival, Dixie Trix, Sweetlines Coaching, the Trek Dirt Series, the Midwest Women’s Clinic, and a multitude of women’s specific, co-ed, gravity, freeride, and all-mountain clinics and trips that she has produced for Shine (see her incredible coaching log below). Lindsay also coaches private lessons, which she says is her favorite because she gets to tailor her lessons specifically to the clients needs.
Additionally, Lindsay provides skills coaching and support for the Shine Race Team and volunteers whenever possible to provide free or affordable skills coaching for younger, or less fortunate riders. She enjoys racing at the expert level and being featured in photos and videos, to inspire more women to get into gravity racing and freeride mountain biking. Overall, Lindsay is all about having fun on the trails, being safe with skills, and progressing womens mountain biking through skills education and the sharing of experiences.
Certifications: IMIC, IMBA ICP, First Aid
Highlights: 2014 Bootleg Canyon Winter Series Super-D Champion Expert Women
Academic Degrees: 2012 Biology B.S. CSU Monterey Bay
Lorraine Blancher
I love bikes. Bikes have been a huge part of my daily life since I was an 8 year old building dirt jumps with my big brother (at our local 'Duke Trails') to all day, and exploratory, cross-country road adventures I led my crew on when I was 10.
In 1994 I qualified for my first Pro World Cup Dual Slalom and in 2012 I was awarded 'best female' at the infamous Whip-Off World Champs during Crankworx - Whistler, BC.
To this day, I continue to ride technically stronger and explore even further into the remote places I love. I attribute my continuing progression to the detailed coaching and guiding I do.
Understanding and explaining a solid foundation to a complete beginner to figuring out how to refine the highly-advanced progresses my riding too. Giving back is something I naturally love to do too. It's created a BC Parks Provincial trail with my surname and allowed me to help design a youth skills building are with our National Parks. Two wheels have always moved my soul, enhanced my life and continue to take me to some amazing places around this planet.
Want more? Check lbbikes.com
I love bikes. Bikes have been a huge part of my daily life since I was an 8 year old building dirt jumps with my big brother (at our local 'Duke Trails') to all day, and exploratory, cross-country road adventures I led my crew on when I was 10.
In 1994 I qualified for my first Pro World Cup Dual Slalom and in 2012 I was awarded 'best female' at the infamous Whip-Off World Champs during Crankworx - Whistler, BC.
To this day, I continue to ride technically stronger and explore even further into the remote places I love. I attribute my continuing progression to the detailed coaching and guiding I do.
Understanding and explaining a solid foundation to a complete beginner to figuring out how to refine the highly-advanced progresses my riding too. Giving back is something I naturally love to do too. It's created a BC Parks Provincial trail with my surname and allowed me to help design a youth skills building are with our National Parks. Two wheels have always moved my soul, enhanced my life and continue to take me to some amazing places around this planet.
Want more? Check lbbikes.com
Michelle Friend
I have been mountain biking for past four years.
Four years ago I was reluctant to try the sport, but persuaded by a couple of friends to give a go. I couldn't made a better choice for myself than choosing to continue mountain biking. I fell in love with this sport. No persuasion needed now.
I rode regularly with North Ranch mountain bike club, then soon after that with GGR.
I have had the privilege of leading rides for the newbie/beginner mountain biker for GGR since its inception. I am always proud and happy to see women take hold of the sport, grow in their confidence and abilities and in turn become ride leaders themselves.
I've meet a lot of great women through mountain biking, most of which have been a great encouragement or mentor to me in the sport.. and at times in life itself.
I have been mountain biking for past four years.
Four years ago I was reluctant to try the sport, but persuaded by a couple of friends to give a go. I couldn't made a better choice for myself than choosing to continue mountain biking. I fell in love with this sport. No persuasion needed now.
I rode regularly with North Ranch mountain bike club, then soon after that with GGR.
I have had the privilege of leading rides for the newbie/beginner mountain biker for GGR since its inception. I am always proud and happy to see women take hold of the sport, grow in their confidence and abilities and in turn become ride leaders themselves.
I've meet a lot of great women through mountain biking, most of which have been a great encouragement or mentor to me in the sport.. and at times in life itself.
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Nancy Harris
a.k.a. Denmother
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Nikki Peterson
Prior to being a mountain biker, I ran cross country and track and field in college. I became interested in mountain biking in college when I used bicycles to cross train while injured but only rode low-end mountain bikes on paved roads or spin bikes. After college I moved to Lander, WY where I was co-owner of two coffee shops (OLD TOWN COFFEE). I was able to ride some local all-mountain trails but not often due to work. I started out on a large Santa Cruz bike in running shorts and shoes, screaming and crashing all the way down the mountain!
In 2011 and 2012, I was fortunate enough to attend Summer Gravity Camp in Whistler, Canada. Under the direction of Andrew Shandro, I was able to work with professional riders and coaches, such as Lorraine Blancher and Claire Buchar, learning the basics of downhill mountain biking skills. The most influential coach I had was Lorraine Blancher. The skills I learned from Lorraine have transferred over to cross country and have helped me tremendously. Plus, Lorraine and I shared a love for Organic, Direct Trade coffee and chocolate!
In November of 2014, I went for a cross country mountain bike ride in Sedona, AZ with Derek Hermon of Bear Valley Bikes. I was instantly hooked and decided to try racing. I entered the Expert category in my first race and finished mid-pack. I worked hard in my first season (learning as much as possible) and ended up winning the Cat 1 19-29 Women’s Kenda Cup West series. I also finished 2nd in Mammoth, CA at the USA Cycling National Championships in XC.
I decided to obtain my Pro license and am in the midst of my first season. I race on a Specialized WC Epic for Bear Valley Bikes. It has been a season of learning to say the least! Through many successes as well as set-backs I have had experiences that will help me in racing as well as in coaching. Have professional help as well as learning tips from friends along the way has made such a difference and I am looking forward to being able to ride with other women and pass on some of my tips!
When I am not on a bicycle, I am hanging out with my adorable dogs and cats, cooking, or studying the sport of Mountain Biking. I am also involved with the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, Open Air Big Bear, Grizzly 100, Big Bear Mountain Bike Fondo Board of Directors, and coach at the Team Ninja Mountain Bike Skills Clinics.
www.teambearvalleybikes.com
www.trailsfoundation.org
www.openairbigbear.com
www.bbvrace.com
Prior to being a mountain biker, I ran cross country and track and field in college. I became interested in mountain biking in college when I used bicycles to cross train while injured but only rode low-end mountain bikes on paved roads or spin bikes. After college I moved to Lander, WY where I was co-owner of two coffee shops (OLD TOWN COFFEE). I was able to ride some local all-mountain trails but not often due to work. I started out on a large Santa Cruz bike in running shorts and shoes, screaming and crashing all the way down the mountain!
In 2011 and 2012, I was fortunate enough to attend Summer Gravity Camp in Whistler, Canada. Under the direction of Andrew Shandro, I was able to work with professional riders and coaches, such as Lorraine Blancher and Claire Buchar, learning the basics of downhill mountain biking skills. The most influential coach I had was Lorraine Blancher. The skills I learned from Lorraine have transferred over to cross country and have helped me tremendously. Plus, Lorraine and I shared a love for Organic, Direct Trade coffee and chocolate!
In November of 2014, I went for a cross country mountain bike ride in Sedona, AZ with Derek Hermon of Bear Valley Bikes. I was instantly hooked and decided to try racing. I entered the Expert category in my first race and finished mid-pack. I worked hard in my first season (learning as much as possible) and ended up winning the Cat 1 19-29 Women’s Kenda Cup West series. I also finished 2nd in Mammoth, CA at the USA Cycling National Championships in XC.
I decided to obtain my Pro license and am in the midst of my first season. I race on a Specialized WC Epic for Bear Valley Bikes. It has been a season of learning to say the least! Through many successes as well as set-backs I have had experiences that will help me in racing as well as in coaching. Have professional help as well as learning tips from friends along the way has made such a difference and I am looking forward to being able to ride with other women and pass on some of my tips!
When I am not on a bicycle, I am hanging out with my adorable dogs and cats, cooking, or studying the sport of Mountain Biking. I am also involved with the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, Open Air Big Bear, Grizzly 100, Big Bear Mountain Bike Fondo Board of Directors, and coach at the Team Ninja Mountain Bike Skills Clinics.
www.teambearvalleybikes.com
www.trailsfoundation.org
www.openairbigbear.com
www.bbvrace.com
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Rachel Levy
Ride Leader GGR IE Chapter Rachel Levy has only been mountain biking about a year and has already started co-leading beginner rides for the GGR Inland Empire Chapter. Previous dance and circus arts experience have helped her biking skills progress. She has an ON-ONE hard tail that her husband built from all the pieces – the best valentine ever – and she is learning to maintain it herself. She also has a Liv Lust donated by Coates Cyclery as a demo bike for the women riders in her area. Rachel’s favorite trails have lots of large rocks as obstacles and small drops. She has been surprised to find that she likes climbing as much as descending. Now she just wants to get faster and stronger! Mountain biking has been a new way for her to appreciate SoCal after moving here from North Carolina. In her non-MTB life, Rachel teaches mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. Rachel is grateful to GGR for building community and finding ways for women riders of all levels to contribute. |
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Rachel Weaver
Rachel Weaver is the founder of Pin it Girls, an all-women gravity race team. She lives in Santa Fe, NM with her husband. Rachel is passionate about mountain biking, and Angel Fire Bike park is her home mountain. While she rides dirt jumps and trail, downhill is her true love, and her favorite discipline to race.
Rachel is currently racing Cat 1/Expert level Downhill and Dual Slalom. In 2016, her goals are to race as much as possible, strive towards upgrading to Pro and be an ambassador for the sport.
In 2014, Rachel decided to start her own team because she wanted to inspire and encourage women in downhill racing and gravity sports. One of her big disappointments was to show up at races and see only a few girls signed up, while there were hundreds of guys. Rachel has gained so very much life experience and joy from riding mountain bikes, and she wanted to share that with other women while bringing together an amazing group of racers.
Pin it Girls has a strong social media following, and many women have turned out for the team-sponsored Angel Fire Bike Park Women’s Ride Days. Team members are currently competing in Enduro, Dual Slalom and DH, as well as coaching and riding.
For 2016, Rachel is sponsored by Sombrio, Spy Optics, Leatt, and Angel Fire Bike Park.
Follow Rachel on Instagram- @rachelridesbikes
Check out our team Facebook page- www.facebook.com/pinitgirlsgravity
and our website- www.pinitgirls.org
Rachel Weaver is the founder of Pin it Girls, an all-women gravity race team. She lives in Santa Fe, NM with her husband. Rachel is passionate about mountain biking, and Angel Fire Bike park is her home mountain. While she rides dirt jumps and trail, downhill is her true love, and her favorite discipline to race.
Rachel is currently racing Cat 1/Expert level Downhill and Dual Slalom. In 2016, her goals are to race as much as possible, strive towards upgrading to Pro and be an ambassador for the sport.
In 2014, Rachel decided to start her own team because she wanted to inspire and encourage women in downhill racing and gravity sports. One of her big disappointments was to show up at races and see only a few girls signed up, while there were hundreds of guys. Rachel has gained so very much life experience and joy from riding mountain bikes, and she wanted to share that with other women while bringing together an amazing group of racers.
Pin it Girls has a strong social media following, and many women have turned out for the team-sponsored Angel Fire Bike Park Women’s Ride Days. Team members are currently competing in Enduro, Dual Slalom and DH, as well as coaching and riding.
For 2016, Rachel is sponsored by Sombrio, Spy Optics, Leatt, and Angel Fire Bike Park.
Follow Rachel on Instagram- @rachelridesbikes
Check out our team Facebook page- www.facebook.com/pinitgirlsgravity
and our website- www.pinitgirls.org
Regina Jefferies
Primary Discipline: DH/Enduro MTB
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
I race with Team Ninja and teach mountain bike skills as an IMBA Certified mountain bike instructor. I am also on the boards of the Arizona High School Cycling League and the Women's Cycling Association of Arizona (WoCAA) and run the awesome cycling event and resource site clippedin.bike to promote and grow the sport. When I'm not riding or racing, I do some lawyering.
Instagram @reginajefferies
Twitter @reginajefferies
Strava: http://www.strava.com/athletes/1962351
Primary Discipline: DH/Enduro MTB
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
I race with Team Ninja and teach mountain bike skills as an IMBA Certified mountain bike instructor. I am also on the boards of the Arizona High School Cycling League and the Women's Cycling Association of Arizona (WoCAA) and run the awesome cycling event and resource site clippedin.bike to promote and grow the sport. When I'm not riding or racing, I do some lawyering.
Instagram @reginajefferies
Twitter @reginajefferies
Strava: http://www.strava.com/athletes/1962351
Sarah Viggers
Sarah was thrown into the sport of downhill at the young age of 17 by her three older brothers. She learned very quickly (through many crashes) that technical riding skills are an imperative part what makes descending enjoyable!
Fast forward to present day, and you can find Sarah riding her bike all-over Southern California. She currently rides for Liv, Fullerton Bikes, and races downhill and enduro. However, nothing gets her more excited than a ride with good friends and La Croix.
Sarah was thrown into the sport of downhill at the young age of 17 by her three older brothers. She learned very quickly (through many crashes) that technical riding skills are an imperative part what makes descending enjoyable!
Fast forward to present day, and you can find Sarah riding her bike all-over Southern California. She currently rides for Liv, Fullerton Bikes, and races downhill and enduro. However, nothing gets her more excited than a ride with good friends and La Croix.
Shelly Rolandson
My adventures in biking started in 2008. I wanted to save time and money and commute to work via bike. So I bought a hybrid. Most of my life I’ve played soccer and I enjoyed the competitive aspect of it but my knees weren't liking it. So after a few years of commuting I decided that I wanted to race road bikes competitively and hang up the soccer shoes. I entered a few crits and was mildly entertained. I also attended all the group rides I could find and through the grapevine I heard about cyclocross which sounded like more fun then road. So I showed up to a race 2011, rented a bike and had a blast. I loved it. It is like a party on a bike… a painful suffer-fest of a party. lol.
Eventually I showed up to a few mountain bike demos and had a lot of fun playing in the dirt. My skills were horrendous but in Jan of 2013, I decided to buy a xc bike and started racing anyways. By the end of the season I upgraded to cat 1. Though I was decent at climbing I started to realize that the technical and dh sections of the courses was what I enjoyed most. So I decided to switch from cross-country to gravity events for the 2014 season (Super D, DH, Enduro, DS). Riding gravity has benefited me so much. My confidence on the bike has improved 10 fold, my love for the outdoors has increased a lot, and my whole life has made a shift that is bike & adventure focused. For example I recently purchased a Sprinter Van that I am building out to be an adventure van for mountain bike trips n races! Eventually I plan on taking my web/app design business on the road and eventually tour all of north american in search of epic trails and epic bike companies to design for! You can follow my adventures on my MTB blog below.
Twitter: @zippyzealous
Instagram: @zippyzealous
Website: www.zippyzealous.com
MTB Blog: www.shreddingthegnar.bike
My adventures in biking started in 2008. I wanted to save time and money and commute to work via bike. So I bought a hybrid. Most of my life I’ve played soccer and I enjoyed the competitive aspect of it but my knees weren't liking it. So after a few years of commuting I decided that I wanted to race road bikes competitively and hang up the soccer shoes. I entered a few crits and was mildly entertained. I also attended all the group rides I could find and through the grapevine I heard about cyclocross which sounded like more fun then road. So I showed up to a race 2011, rented a bike and had a blast. I loved it. It is like a party on a bike… a painful suffer-fest of a party. lol.
Eventually I showed up to a few mountain bike demos and had a lot of fun playing in the dirt. My skills were horrendous but in Jan of 2013, I decided to buy a xc bike and started racing anyways. By the end of the season I upgraded to cat 1. Though I was decent at climbing I started to realize that the technical and dh sections of the courses was what I enjoyed most. So I decided to switch from cross-country to gravity events for the 2014 season (Super D, DH, Enduro, DS). Riding gravity has benefited me so much. My confidence on the bike has improved 10 fold, my love for the outdoors has increased a lot, and my whole life has made a shift that is bike & adventure focused. For example I recently purchased a Sprinter Van that I am building out to be an adventure van for mountain bike trips n races! Eventually I plan on taking my web/app design business on the road and eventually tour all of north american in search of epic trails and epic bike companies to design for! You can follow my adventures on my MTB blog below.
Twitter: @zippyzealous
Instagram: @zippyzealous
Website: www.zippyzealous.com
MTB Blog: www.shreddingthegnar.bike
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Stephanie Wolf
Let me tell you a little story about the first time I rode a mountain bike... My sister and I lived in Mammoth Lakes, CA. We were snowboarders but what could we possibly do in the summer?!? A good friend of ours introduced us to mountain biking. We got some bikes and headed up to the mountain. The very first trail he took us on was Velocity.....if you know Velocity trail, you know it's not a beginner trail! (At the time we didn't know any better.) Here we go! We get to this wood roller and he says "just roll in slow and pull up when you get to the bottom where the wood meets the dirt". Ok, no problem, right? Wrong! My sister drops in first with me following behind. Before I know it she's on the ground rolling with her bike flying through the air. Turns out I have no idea what it meant to "pull up" and I go flying over the handlebars! When the dust settles my sister says she can't find her shoe...after looking around for a bit we find it....IN A TREE! We made it down the rest of the trail alive and were HOOKED to this sport called downhill mountain biking! Website: www.thewhybuilder.com Instagram: @swolfphoto |
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Susie Murphy
Executive Director San Diego Mountain Biking Association
I started riding mountain bikes in the early 1990’s in order to follow my husband who had started to ride with our young daughter in a backpack. I just needed to keep an eye on them, but we discovered a family pass time that took us all on many adventures. Some of our best times were camping at Sea Otter, or going to 24 Hour Races with all of our friends.
My first race was at 1995 at Callaway Vineyards in Temecula. I threw up in the first quarter mile, came in third, and won a Rock Shox hat! I did my last race in 2005 and won the Am Cup Series Super D State Championship for Women over 40 while my daughter won the same title for Women Under 18. In between, I entered a lot of sports division races in California, Arizona, and Baja California and occasionally brought home some hardware.
I have volunteered in the cycling community for many years and am so happy to have landed my dream job as the Executive Director of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association. Meeting and learning from all the dedicated volunteers has been amazing so far. I learn new things every day about San Diego that I never knew, and I was born here!
My goal for 2016 is to work everyday to create, enhance, and preserve great mountain biking experiences, not only our members, but all trail users of San Diego County. One of the best parts of this gig is that I can ride trails in San Diego County that I have never ridden before and investigate some places to get some new ones built! I get to ride with friends I have known for years and ride with brand new friends almost every week! What could be better!
The best advice I ever got about riding was to keep my chin up, literally and figuratively. When the going gets technical, this is best thing to get your eyes down the trail where you want to go! Your body and your bike will follow!
Executive Director San Diego Mountain Biking Association
I started riding mountain bikes in the early 1990’s in order to follow my husband who had started to ride with our young daughter in a backpack. I just needed to keep an eye on them, but we discovered a family pass time that took us all on many adventures. Some of our best times were camping at Sea Otter, or going to 24 Hour Races with all of our friends.
My first race was at 1995 at Callaway Vineyards in Temecula. I threw up in the first quarter mile, came in third, and won a Rock Shox hat! I did my last race in 2005 and won the Am Cup Series Super D State Championship for Women over 40 while my daughter won the same title for Women Under 18. In between, I entered a lot of sports division races in California, Arizona, and Baja California and occasionally brought home some hardware.
I have volunteered in the cycling community for many years and am so happy to have landed my dream job as the Executive Director of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association. Meeting and learning from all the dedicated volunteers has been amazing so far. I learn new things every day about San Diego that I never knew, and I was born here!
My goal for 2016 is to work everyday to create, enhance, and preserve great mountain biking experiences, not only our members, but all trail users of San Diego County. One of the best parts of this gig is that I can ride trails in San Diego County that I have never ridden before and investigate some places to get some new ones built! I get to ride with friends I have known for years and ride with brand new friends almost every week! What could be better!
The best advice I ever got about riding was to keep my chin up, literally and figuratively. When the going gets technical, this is best thing to get your eyes down the trail where you want to go! Your body and your bike will follow!
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Tamara Napier
GGR Ride Leader The first time I went for a mountain bike ride with North Ranch Mountain Bikers (NRMB) back in 1993 I knew I was hooked. Mountain biking soon became my passion! I started leading intermediate rides for NRMB back in 1995. Now I'm leading advanced rides for both NRMB and GGR. I get great joy out of taking someone on a new trail that they've never ridden before. Mountain biking has given me the opportunity to see many beautiful places on this planet and meet some incredible people along the way! I am truly grateful for all that mountain biking has brought my way and I'm looking forward to many new adventures yet to come! Simply put, "I live to RIDE!!!" |
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Tessa Treadway
I always enjoyed hiking and exploring new trails by foot, but mountain biking changed everything for me. It wasn’t until I was 34 when I grabbed my old, dusty, hand-me-down neglected bike from the garage and rode a flat “easy” trail with my husband. He was new to mountain biking as well and we both were terrible. It was hard, sooo hard, but we loved it and began riding every weekend.
Mountain biking changed the way I viewed the world, and more importantly, it changed the way I viewed myself. Conquering physically challenging goals gave me mental confidence that I carried off the bike and into my day-to-day life. It wasn’t long before riding the trails wasn’t enough and I was interested in a new challenge – I registered for my first race. I was terrified. I doubted everything and felt I didn’t belong there at all. Everyone was wearing matching team outfits and I didn’t know a sole. I ended up winning my category! However, the riddle of “I came in 1st AND second to last” started to resonate a lot over the next several races. It wasn’t difficult to find myself on the podium when women represented less than 10% of the field. Finding compatible riding/training partners became difficult as well. I used to call myself a tweener – my skill level was better than a beginner but not as good as someone who trains most days a week.
In 2012, I started the SoCal Endurance Ladies Team. In partnership with Jason Ranoa (6/12 Hours of Temecula and SoCal Enduro race series) we formed the largest all female mountain bike team in the country. In 2013, we had over 45 women racing some of the toughest races like Leadville, Counting Coup, Whiskey 50, Sea Otter Classic and BC Bike race to name a few. Since then, teammates have formed lifelong friendships, found compatible training partners, experienced incredible personal accomplishments and paved the way for more women to explore mountain bike racing for the first time.
Mountain bike racing has allowed me to achieve remarkable goals I never imagined possible. Personally I look forward every year to new challenges whether it be racing across frozen Alaska, bikepacking in the back country, or racing my favorite race - the 6/12 Hours of Temecula. However, my greatest goal is to share my passion and hope it encourages more women to experience the exhilaration mountain bike racing too.
I always enjoyed hiking and exploring new trails by foot, but mountain biking changed everything for me. It wasn’t until I was 34 when I grabbed my old, dusty, hand-me-down neglected bike from the garage and rode a flat “easy” trail with my husband. He was new to mountain biking as well and we both were terrible. It was hard, sooo hard, but we loved it and began riding every weekend.
Mountain biking changed the way I viewed the world, and more importantly, it changed the way I viewed myself. Conquering physically challenging goals gave me mental confidence that I carried off the bike and into my day-to-day life. It wasn’t long before riding the trails wasn’t enough and I was interested in a new challenge – I registered for my first race. I was terrified. I doubted everything and felt I didn’t belong there at all. Everyone was wearing matching team outfits and I didn’t know a sole. I ended up winning my category! However, the riddle of “I came in 1st AND second to last” started to resonate a lot over the next several races. It wasn’t difficult to find myself on the podium when women represented less than 10% of the field. Finding compatible riding/training partners became difficult as well. I used to call myself a tweener – my skill level was better than a beginner but not as good as someone who trains most days a week.
In 2012, I started the SoCal Endurance Ladies Team. In partnership with Jason Ranoa (6/12 Hours of Temecula and SoCal Enduro race series) we formed the largest all female mountain bike team in the country. In 2013, we had over 45 women racing some of the toughest races like Leadville, Counting Coup, Whiskey 50, Sea Otter Classic and BC Bike race to name a few. Since then, teammates have formed lifelong friendships, found compatible training partners, experienced incredible personal accomplishments and paved the way for more women to explore mountain bike racing for the first time.
Mountain bike racing has allowed me to achieve remarkable goals I never imagined possible. Personally I look forward every year to new challenges whether it be racing across frozen Alaska, bikepacking in the back country, or racing my favorite race - the 6/12 Hours of Temecula. However, my greatest goal is to share my passion and hope it encourages more women to experience the exhilaration mountain bike racing too.
Tracy Jones
My name is Tracy Jones and I just started mountain biking 2 years ago. During my first month of riding, I thought I could really ride and did some crazy things on the bike which resulted in me breaking my hip. After a long recovery period I finally was able to get back to riding.
Now I'm racing and actually winning. Moved up to sport division and hopefully keep improving to Expert.
My background is in horse racing. I used to exercise race horses. Professionally for about 15 years. Had many injuries in that sport, such as broken ribs, concussions and the one that ended my riding career was a severely broken arm which required the insertion of a titanium rod. In that profession, you must be very strong, and my arm never quite healed properly, so was not able to pursue my dream of becoming a jockey.
I've had several physical injuries that I am a miracle to be alive. About 12 years ago I had a brain hemorrhage. The doctor told me I should have died. However I am doing very well. Lost some control of speech, balance, and memory.
7 years ago doctors found a tumor in my brain. Not cancerous, thank goodness! Had radiation therapy on it and has not grown. Yeah!!
I've always been very shy. Since I started mountain biking I've made so many awesome friends and become part of a group that has made my life complete. Loving the sport and loving the community of fellow mountain bikers has changed my life. I can talk to people now and ... really.. am no longer shy!!
The women I've become friends with through mountain biking are life long!! I love them all!
Girlz Gone Riding has truly brought so many women into mountain biking that would never of even thought of trying it.
My name is Tracy Jones and I just started mountain biking 2 years ago. During my first month of riding, I thought I could really ride and did some crazy things on the bike which resulted in me breaking my hip. After a long recovery period I finally was able to get back to riding.
Now I'm racing and actually winning. Moved up to sport division and hopefully keep improving to Expert.
My background is in horse racing. I used to exercise race horses. Professionally for about 15 years. Had many injuries in that sport, such as broken ribs, concussions and the one that ended my riding career was a severely broken arm which required the insertion of a titanium rod. In that profession, you must be very strong, and my arm never quite healed properly, so was not able to pursue my dream of becoming a jockey.
I've had several physical injuries that I am a miracle to be alive. About 12 years ago I had a brain hemorrhage. The doctor told me I should have died. However I am doing very well. Lost some control of speech, balance, and memory.
7 years ago doctors found a tumor in my brain. Not cancerous, thank goodness! Had radiation therapy on it and has not grown. Yeah!!
I've always been very shy. Since I started mountain biking I've made so many awesome friends and become part of a group that has made my life complete. Loving the sport and loving the community of fellow mountain bikers has changed my life. I can talk to people now and ... really.. am no longer shy!!
The women I've become friends with through mountain biking are life long!! I love them all!
Girlz Gone Riding has truly brought so many women into mountain biking that would never of even thought of trying it.