Women's MTB Network

What role does storytelling play in who feels like they belong inmountain biking?In this episode, Mia sits down with Molly Hurford —cycling journalist, author, and founder of Strong Girl Publishing.They talk about the Shred Girls book series, building awomen-focused publishing company, podcasting as a tool for connection, and howearly representation can shape confidence and participation in sport.This episode explores writing, media, mountain biking, and what it reallytakes to build something that lasts in the cycling world.🎙️ Follow Women’s MTB Network for more conversations with women shaping thefuture of mountain biking. Follow Molly: Websitehttps://mollyhurford.comStrong Girl Publishinghttps://stronggirlpublishing.comPodcastsThe Strong Girl Talk Podcast – https://stronggirlpublishing.com/podcast/The Consummate Athlete Podcast – https://consummateathlete.com/category/podcast/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mollyjhurfordFollow us: www.womensmtbnetwork.comwww.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork

In this episode of the Women's MTB Network podcast, we interview Anneke Beerten, world renowned mountain biker and coach. Anneke shares her journey from elite racing to coaching in Bentonville, Arkansas, discussing the importance of community, mental strength, and overcoming fears in mountain biking. She reflects on her recovery from a traumatic brain injury and the impact it had on her life and career. Anneke also reveals her exciting new venture in launching a mountain bike apparel line, emphasizing the need for functional and stylish gear for riders. The conversation highlights the significance of having fun and trusting the process in the sport of mountain biking.Takeaways from this episode:• Anneke Beerten has a rich history in mountain biking, spanning multiple disciplines.• Bentonville offers a unique community and trail system that supports all levels of riders.• Coaching is about sharing special moments and helping riders overcome fears.• Mental barriers are common in mountain biking, especially among women.• Community engagement is vital for fostering a love for mountain biking.• Recovery from injuries requires patience and self-advocacy.• Anneke's accident in 2020 profoundly impacted her life and career.• The importance of mental strength and confidence in mountain biking cannot be overstated.• Anneke is launching her own mountain bike apparel line to address gaps in the market.• Trusting the process and having fun are key to longevity in mountain biking.Follow Anneke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annekebeerten/ Check out her clinics and coaching: https://www.crankitupmtb.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/00:00 Introduction to Anneke Beerton00:01 Annekaes Journey in Mountain Biking00:22 Introduction to Anneke Beerten03:20 Anneke's Journey to Bentonville06:19 The Mountain Biking Community in Bentonville09:15 Coaching Philosophy and Experiences12:32 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Riding15:24 Community Engagement and Group Rides18:18 Fear and Confidence in Riding21:25 Inspiring Stories of Recovery24:24 Legacy and Impact on Women's Mountain Biking32:59 Adrenaline and Resilience: A Race Against Time35:53 Finding Closure: A Journey Back to A-Line38:42 Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries42:33 The Importance of Patience in Recovery47:47 Mental Strength in Mountain Biking51:17 Innovating Mountain Bike Apparel55:12 Trusting the Process: A Message for Riders

In this episode of the Women’s MTB Network Podcast, Mia sits down with Sarah Bergstrom, Head of Operations at Togethxr — a media and commerce company dedicated to amplifying women’s sports and celebrating women athletes.Sarah shares her path into the sports industry, the mission behind Togethxr, and how storytelling plays a critical role in shifting perceptions around women’s sports. Together, they discuss the growth of women’s sports as a legitimate business opportunity, the importance of representation in decision-making, and the misconceptions that still exist today.This conversation is a reminder that supporting women’s sports doesn’t have to be complicated — it starts with watching, engaging, and investing.Key Takeaways:Togethxr exists to amplify women’s sports and celebrate women athletes“Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” began as a community-driven messageStorytelling is essential to changing how women’s sports are perceivedWomen’s sports should be viewed as a business opportunity, not charityRepresentation and diversity in leadership lead to better outcomesSupporting women’s sports can be as simple as watching, buying tickets, or purchasing merchThe next generation is growing up with a completely different perspective on women’s sportsWatch & Follow:Follow the Women’s MTB Network on Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify for more conversations with athletes, leaders, and change-makers in women’s sportsFollow Togethxr to support and stay connected with their work amplifying women’s sports🎧 Subscribe, share, and keep showing up for women’s sports.

In this episode, Mia interviews Janette Sherman, a longtime marketing leader in the outdoor + bike world who now heads bike marketing for the Americas at Continental.Janette shares her journey from journalism to Liv Cycling and Yeti Cycles, opening the door on what it’s like to build a career inside niche brands and global corporations. The conversation covers:Her path into the bike industryNavigating leadership as a woman in a male-dominated spaceThe evolution of women’s representation in cyclingWhy storytelling matters more than ever in outdoor marketingMentorship and developing future women leadersCurrent trends shaping the bike industryA memorable rattlesnake story you won’t forget 🐍This is an honest, thoughtful look at the realities of working in the bike industry — and what needs to happen next to make it more inclusive, community-driven, and representative.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🌐 Explore more stories at womensmtbnetwork.com

The Hard MTB League officially launched on October 25, and today we’re digging into the story behind it with its founder, Braydon Bringhurst.In this episode, we talk about the vision behind the Hard MTB League, why Braydon wanted to create a new competition format, and how inclusivity shaped the course design from day one. We also dive into athlete feedback from the pilot event, the importance of mental performance, and where the league is headed next — including building community, supporting athlete development, and elevating the women lining up for future Hard MTB events.If you want to understand the why behind Hard MTB and where this project is going, this conversation covers all of it.🌐 Learn more about Hard MTB:https://www.hardmtbleague.com/ 🌐 Learn more about Women's MTB Network:https://www.womensmtbnetwork.com Follow us: www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork

In this episode of the Women's MTB Network podcast, host Mia and co-host Candice sit down with photographer Dominique Powers, who has made significant contributions to the representation of women in cycling and outdoor sports.They discuss Dominique's journey into photography, her experiences in cycling, the challenges women face in media, and her work covering the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The conversation highlights the importance of storytellingin action sports and the barriers that still exist for women in the industry.In this engaging conversation, Dominique Powers shares her experiences as a sports photographer, focusing on the emotional intensity of racing moments, the camaraderie among women athletes, and the creative challenges she faces in different environments. She discusses the importance of safety in extreme sports photography and reflects on her future projects, emphasizing the need for storytelling that resonates with audiences. The dialogue highlights the unique aspects of women's sports and the powerful narratives that emerge from them.Connect with Dominique:Website: dominiquepowers.comInstagram: @dominiquepowersConnect with us:womensmtbnetwork.comInstagram: @womensmtbnetworkYouTube: Women’s MTB Network

Today I’m joined by Natasha Woodworth, founder and creative force behind Curious Creatures, the women-led outdoor apparel brand known for small-batch production, bold design, and a deep commitment to responsibility.Natasha created Curious Creatures because she wanted bike gear that felt fun, expressive, and true to the weird, wonderful humans who ride. In this episode, we talk about how the brand started, the realities of small-batch production, why transparency matters, how tariffs impact independent outdoor companies, and what it means to build a creative business with intention.We’re also featuring Natasha as part of our Women-Led Wednesday spotlight next week, highlighting women who are shaping the outdoor industry in powerful, thoughtful ways.In this episode:• How Curious Creatures began• The inspiration behind the brand’s playful, creative identity• What “responsibility” means to Natasha and how it guides production• The real impact of tariffs and supply-chain challenges on small outdoor brands• Staying true to small-batch values while growing• The importance of transparency and thoughtful sourcing• Building a women-led company in the outdoor space• Natasha’s favorite sports, creative hobbies, and outdoor rituals• Fun rapid-fire questionsConnect with Curious Creatures:wearecuriouscreatures.comInstagram: @wearecuriouscreaturesConnect with Women’s MTB Network:Instagram: @womensmtbnetworkwomensmtbnetwork.com

In this episode, we sit down with freeride powerhouse Hannah Bergemann — a rider, builder, and event organizer who continues to shape the future of women’s freeride on and off the bike.After breaking her ankle last year, Hannah spent months rebuilding her strength and confidence before returning to Red Bull Rampage, where she once again proved why she’s one of the sport’s most respected voices.We talk about her recovery, her approach to line-building and risk, and how she’s turning freeride into a more inclusive space through her event, Hangtime — now a cornerstone of women’s freeride progression.We also dig into the hidden work behind Hangtime, the emotional side of big-mountain riding, and what real support for women in freeride should look like.🎧 Topics covered:The mental and physical process of coming back from injuryChoosing lines and digging at Red Bull RampageBuilding Hangtime and supporting progression without pressureLeadership and visibility for women in freerideWhat’s next for Hannah in 2026Follow Hannah:Instagram: @hannahbergemannYouTube: Hannah BergemannFollow us:Instagram: @womensmtbnetworkYouTube: Women’s MTB NetworkWebsite: womensmtbnetwork.com

In this episode, Mia sits down with Eliot Jackson—World Cup downhill racer turned commentator, host, and changemaker.We talk about:Eliot’s motocross roots and his path into elite downhill MTB racingCareer highlights and lessons from years on the World Cup circuitThe origins of the Grow Cycling Foundation and how it’s building access and opportunity in cyclingHis current work as a Red Bull TV commentator—including covering and interviewing athletes at Red Bull Rampage 2025What it means to elevate women’s freeride and create space for new voices in the sportThe future of MTB media, storytelling, and representationEliot’s story reminds us that the biggest impact often happens off the bike—through action, access, and community.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.👉 Follow Eliot:Grow Cycling FoundationJust Ride PodcastYou Inspire Us Podcast👉 Follow Women’s MTB Network:InstagramYouTubeWebsite

Today on the Women’s MTB Network Podcast, we sit down with Syd Schulz — professional mountain-bike athlete, writer, and all round bad ass, who made history this year alongside Kait Boyle and Krysti McBride at one of the toughest single-day MTB races in the U.S., the Marji Gesick 100.Together, Syd, Kait, and Krysti became the first three women ever to finish under 12 hours — working together through 100 miles of rocky, rooty Michigan backcountry to shatter a long-standing barrier in endurance mountain biking.We talk about:The teamwork and mental strength behind their sub-12 finishWhat it takes to push through 100 miles of unpredictable terrainThe shift from racing to ultra endurance racingBuilding community through Syd and Macky on YouTubeConnect with Syd & Macky:YouTube: Syd and MackyInstagram: @sydandmackyWebsite: sydandmacky.comConnect with Women’s MTB Network:Instagram: @womensmtbnetworkYouTube: Women’s MTB NetworkWebsite: womensmtbnetwork.com🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

This week on the Women’s MTB Network Podcast, we talk with Annijke Wade — adaptive mountain biker, advocate, co-founder of DirtBound, and rider/filmmaker behind Mystic Rider.In 2021, Annijke’s life changed when she suffered a spinal cord injury during a downhill ride in Angel Fire, NM. Since then, she’s been rewriting her story, reshaping what adaptive MTB looks like, and building real space for riders who often get excluded.She launched Camp Dirt, a program for adaptive riders who are trans, non-binary, or cis women, to connect, learn, and ride. Her film Mystic Rider showcases her in flow trails in Santa Cruz — a visual statement on riding with intention and joy.We dig deep into what it takes to build access, the creative process behind Mystic Rider, and what’s next for adaptive MTB.Guest links• Instagram: @geodesicdome Instagram• DirtBound: dirtboundcycling.com (see Camp Dirt details) Your Site TitleFollow Women’s MTB Network• Instagram: @womensmtbnetwork• YouTube: Women’s MTB Network• Web: womensmtbnetwork.com🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

This week on the Women’s MTB Network Podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Lutze — content creator, strategist, and co-founder of Outdoor Brand Camp. From athlete marketing at Red Bull, to launching Super Rider TV on YouTube, co-hosting the Second Nature podcast, and helping creators and athletes grow their voice and vision through Outdoor Brand Camp, Aaron has built his career around authentic storytelling and representation.🎙️ In this episode:How Red Bull shaped his approach to athlete storytellingCreating inclusive content that actually centers womenLaunching Outdoor Brand Camp — what it is and why it mattersOpening up conversations around athlete health and visibilityWhat's next for Aaron across content, community, and creativity👇 Explore Aaron’s Work:🎧 Second Nature Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/second-nature/id1737242598📺 Super Rider TV (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/@SuperRiderTV🌐 Outdoor Brand Camp – https://electriccablecar.com/outdoor-brand-camp-launches/📬 Super Rider Substack – https://superrider.substack.com/p/the-worlds-best-bike-videos-96👇 Stay connected with us:🎧 Women’s MTB Network Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/5VzJeOvXAbgA2vUOVM9ET4📺 YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@WomensMTBNetwork📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/🌐 Website – https://www.womensmtbnetwork.com

Kelly Brush was a D1 ski racer with Olympic dreams—until a crash during a race left her with a spinal cord injury. What could have been the end of her story became the beginning of something far bigger.Kelly co-founded the Kelly Brush Foundation to make sure people with spinal cord injuries could still access the joy and freedom of sport. From awarding over 1,900 adaptive equipment grants to hosting inclusive events like the Kelly Brush Ride, she’s helping build a more active, independent, and empowered future for the disability community.In this episode, we talk about:Her injury and the early days of recoveryWhy sport was key to rebuilding her identityStarting a nonprofit from a personal missionAdaptive sports, inclusion, and accessibilityEvents like the Kelly Brush Ride and The Active ProjectHer work-life balance as a mom, nurse, athlete, and CEOWhat she wants newly injured people to knowThis is a conversation about resilience, rewriting the rules, and showing up—for yourself and your community.🔗 Learn more about the Foundation: kellybrushfoundation.org📱 Follow us on IG: @womensmtbnetwork

In today’s episode, Mia sits down with Sam Ryan from Roam Fest, the beloved women's mountain biking festival known for bringing riders of all backgrounds together. Sam dives into what makes Roam Fest special, their impactful scholarship program, and how inclusivity shapes every part of the event. Learn how you can get involved, support the community, and discover what exciting adventures Roam Fest has planned next. Stick around for the rapid-fire round where Sam shares her favorite trails, snacks, and must-have MTB accessories. It’s all about celebrating women, bikes, and community—let’s dive in!👉 Follow us on Instagram and YouTube @womensmtbnetwork, and check out our latest stories, news, reviews, and events at womensmtbnetwork.com.

Lindsey Richter, founder of Ladies AllRide, is back on the pod! In this episode, we catch up with Lindsey on everything happening now — from the expansion of her coaching camps to the launch of next-level retreats that go beyond technical skills and into real transformation.We talk about how Ladies AllRide continues to scale while staying rooted in community, what it takes to grow a mission-driven brand, and why coaching is just as much about mindset as it is about mountain biking. Whether you’ve attended a clinic or are just MTB-curious, this one’s all about growth, leadership, and building a life on two wheels — with purpose.👉 Follow us on Instagram: @womensmtbnetwork📺 Subscribe on YouTube: Women’s MTB Network📰 Stay up to date by subscribing on our website: www.womensmtbnetwork.comFor all things women on bikes — frominterviews to gear reviews to community events — head to womensmtbnetwork.com.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health, depression, PTSD, and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted resource for support.Can a bike ride change your mental health? Emily Greaves thinks so—and she’s proving it every day. In this episode, we sit down with Emily, a Trail Therapy Practitioner at Comrie Croft in Scotland, where she uses mountain biking as a tool for mental health support, resilience, and healing. From helping individuals struggling with anxiety and PTSD to leading her ‘Rise and Grind’ sunrise rides, Emily isreshaping how we see MTB—not just as a sport, but as a form of therapy.We discuss:🔹 How MTB can be a powerful tool for mentalwell-being🔹 The impact of trail therapy onanxiety, PTSD, and depression🔹 The role of community and connectionin healing🔹 Why more women need to experience the mental health benefits of MTB🔹 How YOU can use biking as a tool for stressrelief and self-careWhether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, this episode will inspire you to look at the mental health side of MTB in a whole new way.🎧 Listen now onSpotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.📺Watch the full episode on YouTube!🚵‍♀️ If mountain biking has helped you through tough times, we’d love to hear your story—DM us or leave a comment!Need Support?📞 U.S.: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)📞 UK: 116 123 (Samaritans)📞 Canada: 988 (Talk Suicide Canada)📞 Australia: 13 11 14 (Lifeline Australia)📞 International: Find a HelplineFollow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilyswildadventures/Follow Women’s MTB Network: https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/#mtb #mentalhealth #trailtherapy #womensmtb #mtblife #ridebikesbehappy #bikesheal#mtbcommunity #mtbpodcast #riseandgrind

Welcome back to the Women’s MTB Network podcast! I’m Mia, and today we have an incredibly exciting guest—someone who’s been helping riders level up their skills, gain confidence, and truly enjoy mountain biking to the fullest.Joining us today is Roxy, or coach Roxy as I call her-she’s a highly respected mountain bike coach known for her dynamic approach to skills training, mindset coaching, and making technical riding more approachable.Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, Roxy has a wealth of knowledge to share.In this episode, we’ll be diving into everything from overcoming fear on the bike to mastering technical skills and how to structure your training for real progress. Plus, we’ll get her take on the biggest mistakes riders make and how to fix them.So grab a coffee, hop on the trainer, or just kick back and get ready to be inspired! Let’s get into it.Roxy’s (Rafaella Roxy Wieschollek) Mission: To make professional training and ongoing coaching - typically reserved only for elite athletes - accessible to everyone, all around the globe, at an affordable rate.Where to find and follow Roxy:https://roxybikemallorca.com/mountain-bike-events-coaching-english/https://www.youtube.com/@Roxybike_Ride.and.Inspirehttps://www.instagram.com/roxybike_coaching/www.roxybike.podia.comlinktr.ee/roxybike Be sure to follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/And subscribe to our youtube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@womensmtbnetwork

Welcome to today’s podcast- we’re catching up with World Champion, Hall of Famer, Absolute legend, Leigh Donovan. Leigh isn’t just one of the most accomplished mountain bikers of all time—she’s one of the most influential figures the sport has ever seen. In 1995, she pulled off the Triple Crown, winning the national slalom championship, national downhill championship, and the world championship—an accomplishment that has never been repeated. Over her career, she racked up nine U.S. National Championships, proving her dominance across multiple disciplines. Leigh wasn’t just the rider to beat—she was the rider everyone wanted to be around. Her energy, her kindness, and her passion for the sport made her a legend both on and off the bike. She wasn’t just out there winning races; she was lifting others up, from her competitors to weekend warriors just getting into the sport. She is dedicated to working with charities and giving back to the community, always finding ways to help others, whether it was through mentorship, advocacy, or just leading by example. And, in a true testament to her character, she remains the only woman to ever win the Richard Long Sportsmanship Award from NORBA—a recognition of not just her talent, but the kind of person she is. Today we chat about her career, highs, lows, rapid-fire questions, advice to young riders, and more! Check it! Join Our RAD Community https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/ https://womensmtbnetwork.com/ https://womensmtbnetwork.bettermode.io/ What IS the Women's Mountain Bike Network? We aim to inspire and empower women* of all ages to get out and ride! Our mission is to deliver mountain bike content, news, and resources for women from a woman’s perspective! A one-stop shop for folx looking for info on bikes, gear, & community. Our goal is to shift the male-dominated narrative in MTB content.

Today, we’re stoked to have freeride mountain biker Vinny Armstrong joining us all the way from New Zealand. From sending stylish jaw-dropping lines at red bull rampage, to redefining what’s possible on two wheels, Vinny is pushing the boundaries in the sport. We’ll dig into her journey, what drives her to keep pushing limits, her training, and her vision for 2025! So, let’s jump in! Join Our RAD Community https://www.instagram.com/womensmtbnetwork/ https://womensmtbnetwork.com/ https://womensmtbnetwork.bettermode.io/ What IS the Women's Mountain Bike Network? We aim to inspire and empower women* of all ages to get out and ride! Our mission is to deliver mountain bike content, news, and resources for women from a woman’s perspective! A one-stop shop for folx looking for info on bikes, gear, & community. Our goal is to shift the male-dominated narrative in MTB content.

In today's podcast, Mia talks with pro freeride mountain biker Chelsea Kimball! They dive into Chelsea's experiences at Red Bull Rampage, offering an inside look at the intense planning and skill it takes to choose, dig, carve, and ride her line. They talk about her diggers who back her up and help bring her line and vision to life. Chelsea shares her future plans for the sport, along with valuable advice for riders looking to break into freeride. This episode captures her passion, insights, and determination to inspire more women to join the world of freeride mountain biking. Be sure to follow us on instagram/ instagram/womensmtbnetwork and subscribe to our youtube! youtube/@womensmtbnetwork And check out our website for all the latest news, resources and community!