39; Woman’s Brand Manager at Victory Bicycle Studio; Animal Rescue Volunteer
I LOVE CYCLING: Cycling is good for my mental health and makes me a much better mom. I lost my parents in a motorcycle accident, and while not the same two wheels, it gives me a sense of connection to them. I also love being able to share that passion with other women. There are always stories to tell that connect you with other cyclists, regardless of their fitness level.
BUCKET LIST: I want to grow our women’s rides and have them join me at Gravel Worlds next year!
UP NEXT: I’m doing Big Dam Bridge, an MS ride in October, and preparing for Gravel Worlds.
FAVORITE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hitting the 50-mile marker for the first time. It takes so much planning, prep, and great nutrition to ride that long. I also enjoy leading the women’s weekly rides. I would’ve never guessed I could do something like that two years ago.
SPEED BUMPS: After Jack and Back last year, I lost all feeling in my left arm. It took months to pinpoint I had nerve damage in my neck. I spent four months in physical therapy and did everything I could to ensure I got feeling back in my arm and avoided surgery. I was scared of taking six months off the bike, but I returned stronger and in much better shape.
MY GROUP: I lead the weekly Thursday evening women’s ride leaving Victory Bicycle Studio at 5:30 p.m.
FAVORITE JAMS: It depends on my mood, but I love any music with a quick beat. Sometimes it’s some old-school rap or rock, but deep down, my go-to is Avenged Sevenfold.
RECENT RACES: I participated in the Big Dam Bridge ride last fall, and I rode 150 miles in the Jack and Back ride, raising money for MS.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Jack and Back. I met so many people riding with MS, and they truly inspired me.
BINGE-WATCHING: I don’t watch much tv, but when I do, it’s usually a comedy. I’m currently watching Murderville on Netflix.
BEST EATS: Hog & Hominy. I am obsessed with their wedge salad and the Thunderbird pizza.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. She paved the way for girls to join STEM careers and write children’s books. I would love to know her whole story. She’s truly inspiring.
GO-TO GEAR: My Garmin GPS, because I love knowing where I’m going, how far I went, and being able to share my details on my social media. I also like my Shokz headphones so I can go on a solo ride, listen to my music, and still hear the traffic around me.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: My kids. I want them to see that anything is possible, and I want to live a long and healthy life to watch them grow and succeed in life.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
PET PEEVE: Rude cyclists!
FAV INDULGENCE: Dark chocolate
QUOTE: “Feminism [is the] notion that we should each be free to develop our own talents and not be held back by manmade barriers.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Photo by Tindall Stephens
