When did you first start riding and how did you get into it? 

I first started mountain biking on a hardtail in Ontario after taking a break from Ironman and triathlons in 2013. I joined in on my first beginner ride, or so I thought – I was the only “beginner” on the “beginner ride”. It was a long 2.5-hour ride where I continuously fell off the bike, despite my strength on a road bike. I had a big admiration for mountain bikers now. Despite not feeling as strong on a mountain bike as I did on a road bike, I kept getting out on my bike and rode the local trails. During my first summer of riding, I joined the local race series. Sure I rode with the kids at the back, but I was out there making myself better. When I moved to BC in 2014, my love for the dirt increased and I was hooked!

If you were to describe your riding style in one word, what would it be?  

FUN! I get out and have fun. I do like to challenge myself but I make it fun. If I can’t make the skill on first time, I set myself up to attain it each time. Making it fun and challenging. You can always see me smiling and singing on a ride. It didn’t start this way but I’m glad it’s got to this.

Who was/is your inspiration for riding and why? 

I have always been inspired by my sister when it comes to any sport. She started mountain biking to do off-road triathlons. She spoke of how much she loved it. It inspired me to try it and we were able to do it together. Nowadays, I’m inspired by adults, especially women, who want to start mountain biking later in life. I love their enthusiasm for a new sport and watching them learn is inspiring. It is fascinating to see how much they take it in and how much they want to be better. It’s infectious.

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

The way it makes me feel. It makes a bad day great. Being on dirt trails keeps me present in the moment, nothing else matters. Like many other people living with mental health, the outdoors can turn a bad day into a great day for me. Mountain biking has given me the ability to build my self-esteem and confidence. I started badly and continually improved bringing joy to my being. The negative self-talk is halted when I’m on my bike. I take the bad energy and turn it into good when on the trails.  Mountain biking gets me outside where I am happiest. It allows me to be in nature and just be!

What’s unique about your coaching style? 

I love to work with beginners. I like starting from the basics. Encouragement, laughter, high fives!!! With different learning styles, I find out how they learn and base it from there. Pictures and videos work great for feedback!

What makes you, you?

I have a hard time being serious in life. I like to joke around and be silly.

If I have to explain what makes me me, I’d say my family. They encourage me to live my best life and always support me with my crazy ideas, big or small. Seriously, who moves to BC at 40 not knowing a single person? And I haven’t regretted it at all!

Fun Fact about you or a short story? 

Have you ever wanted something for Christmas and you didn’t get it? One year in my 20s, I wanted an alarm clock for Xmas. Christmas day came and went and I didn’t get an alarm clock. I was sad. I was a waitress at the time, and I had mentioned to some coworkers and regular guests that I never got the alarm clock I wanted. My birthday is in January. I showed up to work on my bday and there was a gift for me.  No card, no tag. I opened it and it was an alarm clock. I was so excited but had no one to thank. I asked everyone. No one came forward. A week or so went by when I finally found it was one of my sweetest regular guests at the restaurant. I loved that alarm clock for almost 20 years.  It made it more special after the guest passed away as I was able to remember him, just like I am now.

Favourite trail? 

This is a hard one to pick.

• In Penticton – Eagle


• In Revelstoke – logging leftovers and the beavers to flow down


• Full Nelson is also a fav

Dream destination? 

Provenance, France – food, wine and cycling the countryside

Favourite trailside snack?

I love my Clif shot blocks and the occasional honey stinger waffle.  More importantly, I enjoy the apres!!

What do you want your students to gain from your coaching/teaching? 

Confidence, esteem, and how to change their tire lol!!  I want them to gain the experience of riding different trails and know they have what it takes to ride at the next level.  When I did my first bike camp, I made new friends, built my confidence in what I could do and pushed myself to learn I could do more. I want to allow my students to do the same.

What has been the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given or received in mountain biking or any other sport?

My most valuable advice was given to me by my Ironman coach – work outside your comfort zone.  Staying in your comfort zone doesn’t allow for growth in sports or personal life.  Make goals and achieve them.  Riding outside of my comfort zone allowed me to get stronger not just on hills, but allowed me to build my confidence that I could do more than I thought!  With his advice and guidance, I was able to swim, bike and run faster than I ever thought imaginable.  And I use his strategies still to this day!