• How did your mountain biking journey begin?

Back in university I had a friend who was dating a mountain biker – she got hooked then she convinced me to buy a bike and ride with her! Eventually we joined the university cycling club and started getting in to social rides, 8 hour and 24 hour races, and eventually joining the university’s mountain bike racing team. It was a slippery slope from there!

• If you had to describe your riding style in one word, what would it be—and why?

Snacky. Literally and figuratively? I like to mentally break trails down in to sections with certain features or flow and work on skill/technique each ride – on any given ride there’s usually a feature that’s bested me in the past that I will session until I come away happy. I also really enjoy snacks.

• Who or what has inspired you the most in your mountain biking journey?

All of the women who I came up riding with at university and beyond, their passion is infectious and the hours we put in the saddle connecting are priceless. And Emily Batty of course! She was racing in the circuit when I started riding and watching her ride at the Canada Cups was super inspiring.

• What’s the best thing about mountain biking for you?

I love exploring new places and getting the views in – mountain biking creates access to some otherwise unreachable spots! It’s also my favourite tool for connecting with friends who I haven’t seen in a long time, so easy to DM or drop a strava comment – “let’s get together for a ride!”.

• Tell us about your teaching and coaching experience.

This year (2026) is my first year coaching with Shred Sisters! I have been volunteering with Shred Sisters for the past 2 years since getting my PMBIA Level 1 to gain exposure to different coaching styles and to help get more women in to mountain biking. I’ve previously taught spin classes, which gave me a solid foundation in reading a group’s energy, cueing technique under pressure, and keeping people motivated. I’ve also coached youth soccer, where I learned pretty quickly that the best results come from keeping things fun and age-appropriate while still building real skills.

MTB is where all of that comes together for me and I am looking forward to bringing that into a space specifically designed for women to progress at their own pace, build confidence on the trail, and have a fun time doing it!

• How would you describe your coaching style?

I’ve spent years riding with and informally coaching friends on the trail, and I’m now bringing that same approach to a more structured setting. I’m early in my formal coaching journey, but what I’ve learned is that the best breakthroughs happen when riders feel comfortable, not pressured. I focus on making sure every session is fun, safe, and leaves you with something concrete to take on your next ride – whether that’s a new skill, more confidence, or just a better understanding of your bike.

• What’s a fun fact or quirky trait that makes you, you?

I’m an avid wildlife biologist. A ride with me likely involves a running commentary on birds, poking scat on the trail, investigating tracks, and probably pitching our bikes off the trail to chase butterflies. I also… prefer uphills!!!

• What’s your all-time favorite trail—and what makes it special?

I love the Merlin/Bragging Rights loop at Bragg Creek – it’s one of the first popular loops I explored after moving to Alberta 5 years ago. It’s easy to rip around after work, or it makes for a chill wknd ride (add Kestrel for some kms) followed by beer and wings in town.

• If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?

New Zealand. I spent some time riding in Rotorua but I’d love to explore more! Local to Canada I am hoping to do some of the alpine routes soon – Lord of the Squirrels, Frisby Ridge, and Seven Summits.

• What’s your favourite snack while riding?

I know this is super overhyped right now… but it’s nerd gummy clusters. Literally all my carbs for rides are the candies I wasn’t allowed to have as a child. You will not catch me with anything healthy.

• What do you hope your students take away from your coaching?

I want my students to leave feeling like they belong on the trail. MTB can be an intimidating sport to break into, and I hope every session chips away at that a little – building skills, yes, but more importantly building the kind of confidence that comes from doing hard things with other women who get it.

• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received—either in mountain biking or life?

Wherever you are, be all there.

Time on your bike is time away from the rat race – new friends, new trails, chill vibes. The rest of the world will still be there when you get back. Feel the burn on the climb, let the trees blur past you on the descent, and just be in it.