New-Found Confidence and Joy While Mountain Biking Thanks to VNTRbirds

Biking and skiing have been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember. While growing up in the bike and ski industry through my parents’ shop, Castle Rock Bike & Ski, I quickly found my love of all things surrounding mountain biking and skiing. I am a person who is always wanting to push my boundaries when it comes to these sports and finding a group of people who are like-minded and fun to ride/ski with. When I found out about VNTRbirds, I instantly knew that I found what I have always been looking for. 

I originally learned about VNTRbirds through my friend who took one of their mountain bike clinics years ago. She could not stop raving about the organization, the people she met, and the coaching staff – and when we found a clinic that worked for both of us this year, we immediately signed up. 

High vibes in Buena Vista, CO for the VNTRbirds mountain bike skills clinic! P: @kaytii

While growing up in this industry and being an intermediate-advanced rider, I have always felt some sort of pressure within myself to perform a certain way on a bike – which has caused me to get too in my head a lot of the times out on the trail. So i figured I should head to Buena Vista for the VNTRbirds mountain bike skills clinic! VNTRbirds coaches immediately helped me address this and gain more confidence in just one day of riding with them – it was amazing. They broke us all up in smaller groups (5-6 people) and each group had 2 coaches. For the first half of the day, the coaches did an amazing job teaching us new techniques/skills, demoing them for us, and then coaching each of us through them. We then took these new learned skills and practiced them in real-time on trails that afternoon. 

Buena Vista clinic was the perfect way to start off bike season! My goal was to Improve my technical climbing. I accomplished that and more. The coaches had amazing feedback and tips for me. I have already seen a huge Improvement In my riding as I have been applying my new skills at home. It make me even more motivated and excited to get out and ride this summer! - Beth D.

Coaching through a technical corner

Coach Uri demonstrating a steep descent

A participant sending it

P: @kaytii

What made VNTRbirds different from other clinics that I have attending in the past was the culture and overall vibe that the organization brought. It was such a welcoming environment, and everyone was met with so much positive energy that it was contagious. Everyone was encouraging each other to try new things and would celebrate each person’s success throughout the day.  

VNTRbirds also helped me by providing a partial scholarship for this clinic. The admin team was so understanding and welcoming when it came to my situation and they made it possible for me to attend. I am forever grateful for not only the opportunity to join this community, but also to have partaking in something that brought me so much new-found confidence and joy in a sport that I love. 

This group just crushed through some new and hard features while cheering each other on! P: @kaytii

Participated in the clinic held in Buena Vista. The day was transformative! VNTRbirds' energy for the sport of mountain biking is unmatched, and the coaching is one you'll want to experience. I improved my knowledge and gained confidence in how to practice and get better. The group of women that participated were terrific, and hope to see some of you all out on the trails! - Laurie

I absolutely recommend attending one of these clinics or really any event that VNTRbirds does in the future! I know that I will be looking out for more events to attend myself, and I look forward to meeting amazing new people who share the same passions that I do. 

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Tess was born and raised in Colorado. She grew up working in the family business, Castle Rock Bike & Ski, since before she could see over the counter. Tess now serves as the General Manager of the shop and loves being surrounded by her passions of mountain biking and skiing every day. 

Whenever Tess is not at the shop, she is following her passion for theatre. For the last 6 years, Tess served as the Special Programs Manager for the DU Prison Arts Initiative, and now she is building out her own theatre company, Denver Theatre Ensemble.

Whenever a spare moment arises, she can be found on the slopes chasing powder or skiing in the trees, or on her bike with the wind at her back and the sun on her face.