Race Faster, Have More Fun: VNTRbirds Rider to Racer Program That Balances Speed and Play

To be honest, the first few years that I had mountain biked, I never thought about racing. I loved riding my bike for the pure fun and freedom, and I found joy in trying tough lines and playing on small drops and jumps. I started mountain biking when I stopped rock climbing and one of the biggest reasons I stopped climbing was this weird sense of pressure and competition. Thus, the initial disinterest in bike racing, but over the past year I had been feeling a bit stagnant and riding my bike wasn’t as fun as it used to be. I applied for a few scholarships with VNTRbird: the BIPOC scholarship, the mentorship scholarship, and the Rider to Racer scholarship. I was hoping to receive the BIPOC scholarship and improve my jumps and drops, but when I received an email congratulating me saying I had received the Rider to Racer scholarship I couldn’t say no. Trying something different was exactly what I needed, and it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve done in a while.

As the program kicked off, I wanted to keep an open mind about racing and focus on having fun. When I went to Snowmass for the R2R clinic, our coaches, Anne and Tori, broke my brain teaching us new ways to think about riding, particularly the fundamentals on how to ride fast. Everything I thought I knew about mountain biking was basically turned upside down… but it was still so fun. After the clinic, I took those skills home and focused on learning how to feel comfortable riding at a faster pace. It was super cool to see my times improve, especially on trails I’ve ridden time and time again.

Despite the fun I was finding in riding faster, I wasn’t initially planning to sign up for the Revolution Enduro race, which is the pinnacle of the R2R program. Before I knew I would be part of the program, I had made backpacking plans for the same weekend as the race. I was going to backpack Chicago Basin with some pals and I was really looking forward to riding the train and being in the high alpine. However, after some convincing from my R2R crew, who became some incredible friends that I still bike with, and participating in the VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro Race, I thought, what the hell and called up my backpacking pals and told them I’d catch them on the next adventure, and signed up for the Rev.

I had a blast at the Mini Enduro with the R2R crew and it was a lesson in not taking things too seriously. As the big Rev race came up, the nerves were definitely there, but I reminded myself that my main goals were to put everything I’d learned over the summer into practice, enjoy the experience, and have fun with my friends. Once I got on my bike, the nerves lessened and it was just a day riding (as fast as possible), with my R2R crew cheering me on as we all crushed through the different stages of the course. The race turned out to be more fulfilling than I could have imagined. Not only did I achieve my goals, I got to experience my first real/big race with the most amazing and supportive crew. And, I won my race!

Finishing first was pretty great, but the real victory was the new friends I made and my fresh perspective on riding and racing. Riding with the R2R crew pushed me to go faster and try harder (and look my best), all while having fun. I learned that competition doesn’t have to steal the joy from a sport and with the right mindset and a supportive community, racing can be an exciting way to challenge myself and grow. I can’t wait to continue riding and racing with these incredible ladies, pushing our limits and celebrating each other’s successes along the way. The Rider to Racer program reignited my love for biking and introduced me to a world of speed I never knew I would enjoy. Here’s to more trails, faster rides, and new friendships!

The Rider to Racer program is a dynamic 3-month summer initiative designed for women looking to make the leap from mountain biking to their first enduro race. Now in its eighth year, the program is brought to you by VIDA MTB Series and VNTRbirds, offering expert coaching, mentorship, and hands-on experience to ensure participants are fully prepared on race day. With a 2-day skills clinic, strength training, nutrition guidance, and the chance to race in both the VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro and the Revolution Enduro, this program provides an immersive and supportive experience.