Q: Is there anything odd about your current bike setup?

A: Well I would say my suspension setup is a little different than the average rider. I’m 5’2” and as you all know they make these full sized bikes for people with very, very long legs. I was very determined to be able to do as much as anyone else on my bike without sacrificing handling and clearance, so I do have some mods to make it easier for me to touch. The bike has been lowered 2 inches all around and the guys over at Suspension Werx have done an incredible job with my setup. 

Q: A rad moment from the 2017/18 season?

A: Moving from a 4 stroke to a 2 stroke. I had been dreaming of that moment, so yeah, it was pretty exciting for me.

Q: Name a few of your favourite pro riders, or riders that have influenced you, past or present.

A: When I first started riding I really looked up to female riders like Vicki Golden and Tarah Geiger. I loved the fact Vicki was so ballsy from being one of the only females to race Supercross. From her insane wheelies to throwing whips (something I will never attempt, lol). Also, Tarah, who is not only a female motocross racer but she also competes in hard enduros and off-road GNCC style races. I love the fact she isn’t sticking to one form of riding but branching out and showing women it’s ok to do it all. Recently I have added many of my own friends to the list of riders that inspire me on the daily. Megan Griffiths is a brute on a bike. Always setting the bar higher and pushing her limits, proving it can be done with commitment and hard work no matter what – no excuses with that girl. She is the reason I got off the track and ventured off into the woods. Having someone very like minded to ride with is key.

Q: What would you say to any women looking to get into the sport? 

A:  Be patient, I’ve only been riding woods for a few years now and I can honestly say the key to being successful on the bike is focusing on the small stuff first. Work on your balance, clutch and throttle control, practice those figure 8 drills, start small and focus on technique and proper body position. It’s easy to watch videos online and want to learn how to wheelie or hop the biggest logs out there, but embrace the process and earn your way to the bigger stuff. Don’t quit when you get injured or have a bad day on the bike. Remind yourself this is a hard sport and it’s going to take a lot of dedicated hours to get fairly good. Stay committed and keep busting ass!

Q: Upcoming plans for this season?

A: I am not a racer but I have been riding enduro/woods for two full seasons and figured I should get out and try some local races. My first race will be the Odessa Desert100 race in Odessa WA. I will be doing the 50 mile this year so I am pretty excited to see if I can survive that to start the season off.

Q: What music have you been into lately?

A: Ariana Grande and Cardi B on repeat. I also listen to a lot of country, but I try to keep that on the DL.

Q: Name a movie you could watch on repeat.

A: The Heat – Melissa McCarthy is hilarious.

Q: What gets you stoked?

A: Accomplishing things I never thought I could. I will practice something over and over and when I finally figure it out the stoke is insane. That's the feeling we chase as riders!

Q: Do you have a regular trail side snack you bring riding?  

A:  "One" protein bars are my favourite. Also, a maple glazed doughnut (that sounds so Canadian!) I've recently been addicted to mini pepperoni sticks as well, pocket snacks.

Q: Favourite terrain to ride?

A: West coast is the best coast, so I will have to go with McNutt of course. That place punishes me every ride and I still come back for more.

Q: Tell us what you’re driving to your local riding spots.

A: Currently driving an 09 Dodge Ram 1500.

Q: If you could go back five or ten years and tell yourself one thing, what would it be?   

A:  Don’t sweat the small stuff, be proud of your accomplishments, big or small. I used to beat myself up over my failures but I soon realized those are what fueled my fire. All those failures made me want to get up and fight back until I accomplished whatever it is I set out to do.

Q: Favourite junk food?

A: M&M’s with peanuts

Q: Worst Injuries?

A: Broken foot, broken arm, a lot of sprains but nothing too severe.

Q: Most recent injury?

A: My broken foot was just over two years ago. I was casted for a few months after being taken out by a log on the side of a trail.

Q: What does “Built to Ride” mean to you?

A: When you wake up and the first thing that crosses your mind is "Dirtbikesssssss', you know the addiction is real. Anyone that gets on a bike whether it be dual sport, street, super moto or dirt, we all share the same passion for two wheels. I think something we all can relate to is the feeling of being free in that moment. Helmet on and all of your problems disappear, right?! There is something about this sport that really tests your mental toughness, your patience, and at times you will have to dig really deep to continue on – and you will because you are Built to Ride!!! I think Malcolm Hett sets the bar high with this one, I haven’t been around the sport long but I’ve witnessed someone with an insane amount of passion continue on despite serious injuries. Finishing the D100 with a broken leg while partially bleeding out takes BUILT TO RIDE to a whole other level! When you can push your body to its limits, that shows an insane amount of grit and determination, and that is something to admire in this sport. 

Q: Any last words?

A: I am thankful to be apart of a local company that does so much for the sport. These are the companies I want to see grow and be supported as they not only give back in so many ways, but stand by their slogan. Being new to enduro I have always been supported and cheered on by the Built to Ride crew and it’s refreshing to see how humble and encouraging this group of riders are on and off the course.