Introductions
Hi! I'm Michelle, and I'm your local Liv Ambassador for 2018. I'm super excited to represent Liv Cycling and our local Liv retailer, Village Bike and Fitness this season. I have a lot of ideas for rides, events and skills clinic I'll be rolling out over the next year. Here's a little introduction and how I got into mountain biking.
I started cycling in 2015 after I lost my job. I needed an outlet, something I could do to relax. I knew zilch about bikes and didn't know anyone who rode, so I bought a men's mountain bike from the 90's four sizes too big with a wobbly wheel from Craig's list. I hadn't ridden since middle school (long enough ago that we didn't wear helmets and rode in the street) I heard about singletrack, and it sounded interesting. I started out solo at Luton Park. I beat the tar out of myself and scared myself stupid more than once that first ride. It was terrifying, exhilarating and challenging. I was hooked.
Getting into mountain biking was intimidating. Everyone else looked like they knew what they were doing (I know better now. You can look like it without knowing a thing). I fell down. A lot. I walked. A lot. I held my breath. I had a death grip on my bars. Everyone else looked put together, with shiny bikes and matching kits. I was wearing holey old sweats and a kids helmet from goodwill. I couldn't find the trail head. I couldn't read a trail map. I didn't know how to shift. I was a mess of bruises and scrapes. I got lapped by tiny kids.
I kept riding, and watched a ton of YouTube videos (mostly on how not to crash...) I rode my first race, and it poured and stormed like mad. I finished, head to toe mud, from falling too many times to count. Someone mentioned how bad ass I was to race that old bike (vintage, so it's cool). Bad ass? Clueless mostly, with a hint of desperation perhaps.
When I was able to buy my first new entry level mountain bike I randomly picked
Village Bike from a web search for local bike stores. They were so patient with all my questions, and explained the differences between all the bikes in my price range. I purchased my first brand new bike, a hardtail Liv Tempt. I loved that bike to the moon and back. Amazing how riding a bike that fits with geometry designed for women ups your game and confidence. The Tempt was definitely the gateway drug.
I attended a Liv Demo event that summer, and rode a full suspension Liv Lust. I was in LOVE. Everything about the bike was amazing. It climbed like a goat, corned and handled like a boss. The suspension was like a cloud. I had to have one. I also attended a Liv clinic at Village Bike, and learned a lot of great information about bike care and maintenance. The best part, I made a lot of great friends to ride with. Cycling friends are the best!
During the next spring, I found a killer deal on a Lust frame. I didn't know anything about building a bike, but hey, YouTube, right? Piece by piece I bought components after thorough research. It took the better part of the summer, but I finally rode my very own custom built Lust. It's my baby. Who knew when I bought that first CL bike I'd eventually build my own?
Cycling has changed my life in ways I never imagined. It has made me stronger, more confident and happier. It's empowering. Liv cycling has been an amazing part of my cycling journey. I have attended so many Liv sponsored events and clinics and learned so much from each one. The Liv website is full of all kinds of resources and I utilized most of them. They truly support women cycling. I'm so thrilled to be able to represent Liv and share my passion for cycling with other women. My goal is to welcome as many women into the sport as possible, and make cycling less intimidating for women just getting into the sport.
