Snacking up after a climb with an old friend, we joked about going pro. I remember saying how wild would that be if I went pro mountain biking and you went pro rock climbing? Not knowing two months later Mike Stanley of Niner Bikes would call me to let me know that if I wanted a spot on the Niner factory team, that it was all mine. Talk about heart stopping, when I caught wind of this news I immediately sat down. I have been given the chance of a life time. Prior to this I had been working relentlessly volunteering and studying to become an art educator. Trying to find my place in the world, I learned that healing through art was my calling. I was unsure of my athletic career after the 2010 season. Not knowing how I would afford such an expensive sport, I thought I would just do it recreationally. I took a month off riding. Seriously. Taking rock climbing trips every weekend, I climbed Seneca Rocks, Franklin Gorge, The New River Gorge, various climbs at Summersville WV and so on and so forth. I found a new part of myself, someone who loves to push herself. I forced myself to continue on when I thought I couldn't. I'm terribly afraid of exposure in terms of heights. I learned that being scared isn't a weakness but a drive and following my heart is what I do best. I'm not the best climber but I like being new to something and working up, however I won't ever make climbing a competitive endeavor. Climbing keeps my focus, it's a therapy that not only pushes my physical abilities but mental. Niner has open doors for me in so many ways. I have always been a 29-er enthusiastist and Niner is on top of the mountain bike industry solely manufacturing 29-ers. I couldn't be happier.
Still being coached by Matt Seagrave, he too opens doors for me on a regular basis. He supplies me with pro level workouts and training tips as well as introduces me to people that are very important in the industry. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful best friend and mentor.
Training has been hard. The East Coast was hit with one of the harshest winters I've ever seen. I'm not a fan of training in the cold so I have been pushed to do more trainer workouts. I think this will be good in the long run not only for my mental toughness but sustained, precise workouts. I also injured my knees and had to take two weeks off the bike to rest and recover. This base training has taught me the most important lesson that staying healthy is the hardest and most vital part of training. I have always considered myself a healthy eater but healthy at this level of competition not only means eating right, but training smart and staying uninjured. I'm learning more and more as time goes on, and I want to record as much of this time as possible. New year res for '11 is keep track of the upcoming process by writing to this blog once a week.
Thanks to all the people that made this happen. Matt Seagrave, Mike Stanley, Carla Hukee, Chris and Steve of Niner Bikes, Ergon, Stan's NoTubes, Doug Madara, RCWR, my awesome and supportive parents, friends and family of Carytown Bicycle Co. and all my riding buddies. You all ROCK!! Stay tuned to this blog for updates on my new life chapter.
Niner-Ergon-NoTubes Factory Team Here's a link to press release.
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