When Heidi Yakowski acquired Moxie Cycling Company in 2020, she wasn’t just stepping into the world of women’s cycling apparel. She was stepping up to reshape it.
Known for her tenacity, bold vision, and no-nonsense attitude, Heidi has taken Moxie from a paused legacy brand to a full-force movement in performance-driven gear designed to fit real riders. Her approach blends grit, community, and unapologetic style, all sewn together in local U.S. factories. We sat down with Heidi to learn more about how she went from sewing jerseys before dawn to leading one of the boldest women-founded cycling brands in the sport.
I Didn’t Want to Dress Like a 13-Year-Old Boy.
Before Heidi ever owned Moxie, she was running her own small brand called Wicked Girl Jerseys. It was born from necessity and frustration. “Mountain bike apparel for women used to be terrible,” she said. “I didn’t want beer logos on my chest or baggy cuts that made me feel like I was cosplaying as a teenage boy.”
When the original Moxie brand went quiet, fate stepped in. A connection through her husband’s old race teammate led her to the opportunity to acquire Moxie. “I’d always admired the brand,” she said. “It had a following, it stood for something strong and feminine, and I knew I could build on it.”
So she did. Wicked Girl was folded in, and Moxie Cycling Company was reborn.
What Moxie Means Now
To Heidi, moxie is more than a name. It’s a way of life. “It’s about inner strength. Not giving up. That fire inside you,” she said. But under her leadership, the brand has also grown edgier and more performance-driven.
“I love feminine style,” she said, “but I also want to feel athletic and bold. We’ve added looser fits, modern lines, and pieces that work on the bike, not just for the look.” That includes everything from sleeveless jerseys to sleek hoodies, and even padded MTB pants that look good.
And yes, now there’s a men’s line too. “Anybody with moxie can wear Moxie,” she laughed.
Building a Brand in a Man’s World
It hasn’t all been smooth singletrack. In the early years, Heidi juggled a full-time job with early-morning sewing runs and evening trips to New York factories. Most of the factory floors were run by men, and not all of them were keen on taking instruction from a woman. “They told me I didn’t know what I was talking about,” she said. “But I did. And I proved it.”
Rather than sending production overseas, Heidi doubled down on local manufacturing. “I like being able to walk into a shop in Philly and touch the seams myself,” she said. “That’s how I know it’s good.”
Listening to Riders, Stitch by Stitch
Design at Moxie is rider-led and field-tested. New prototypes go through rounds of real-world riding by Heidi and her crew, with each iteration shaped by lived experience. “Where’s the pocket? Does it rub? How’s the crotch depth? These things matter,” she said.
She even weighed in on a major industry gripe: women’s shorts with tiny pockets. “Some brands put in front pockets that just get in the way when you pedal. We make sure ours are functional, like center-back pockets that fit your phone.”
A Community That Wears Their Joy
Heidi lights up when talking about the people who ride in Moxie gear. “Some of these women come up at festivals and say, ‘This is my favorite jersey.’ They’ll show me one they bought years ago and tell me how they still love it,” she said. “That means the world.”
One standout story is Lily Driver, a young rider Heidi met when Lily was just 16 at Nationals. “She wanted a pair of pants so bad, and we only had one extra-small. She got them, and she’s been riding in Moxie ever since,” said Heidi. “She embodies what this brand is about. Growing strong and staying kind.”
Game-Changer: The G-Form Collaboration
A defining moment for Moxie came with their G-Form partnership, a first-of-its-kind MTB apparel line that integrates SmartFlex G-Form protective padding. “Women would tell me they hated knee pads. Too bulky, too ugly. With the G-Form Collection, we made them wearable,” she said. “It was a shift. Suddenly riders were saying, ‘This changed my riding. I feel safer. I feel better. It doesn’t feel like I am wearing knee pads!’ That’s when I knew we were doing something bigger.”
Advice for Women Who Want to Start Something
“It’s hard. You’ve got to be a little crazy,” Heidi laughed. “But if you love it, if you’re passionate, do it anyway. Make a plan. Keep updating it. And when people say you can’t, don’t listen.”
She compared building a business to a tough climb on the trail. “The first time you walk it. Then you make it halfway. Then one day, you’re flying up it. That’s what perseverance does.”
What’s Next for Moxie?
Heidi isn’t slowing down. Moxie just launched a new custom apparel program for teams who want modern U.S.-made kits. They’ve partnered with Pennsylvania’s Interschoolastic Cycling League’s GRiT (Girls Riding Together) group to feature young riders and celebrate their love of dirt. And creating a unique custom jersey for the league. They’re also sponsoring events like Thunder Struck at Thunder Mountain women’s ride in Massachusetts
“We’re always working on something,” she said. “New designs. New collabs. New ways to lift up this community.”
Moxie Is More Than Gear
It’s a mindset. A movement. And a reminder that when women build something with heart, it can change the game for everyone.
Look for Moxie Cycling in our July Summer Gear Guide, catch Heidi’s upcoming campaign collabs across social and print, and don’t miss our team reviews of the latest Moxie x G-Form gear in action.
Shop the look at moxiecyclingcompany.com
Exclusive offer: Get 25% off with code MTBGIRLS25 this Fall.
Crankworx Whistler’s Deep Summer Photo Challenge isn’t just a visual thrill ride—it’s a powerful stage for bold, visionary women behind the camera. This year, two outstanding female photographers are stepping into the spotlight to tell stories that go beyond the berms and jumps. Their work brings depth, emotion, and a much-needed female perspective to one of the most iconic mountain biking festivals on the planet.
Natalie Carriere: Building Bike Culture from the Roots Up
Based in British Columbia, Natalie Carriere has been steadily rising as both a photographer and rider. Her camera captures more than action—it reveals community, vulnerability, and the beauty of connection in outdoor spaces. Natalie is a strong advocate for uplifting women and youth in mountain biking, and her lens is focused on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment on the trails.
Whether she’s documenting grassroots trail days or highlighting female freeriders breaking boundaries, Natalie’s work reminds us that mountain biking is more than sport—it’s a movement. Her Deep Summer submission is expected to reflect her signature blend of soulful storytelling and sharp visual artistry.
Taylen Louise: Storytelling with Soul
Taylen Louise doesn’t just shoot bikes—she crafts stories about people, places, and the deep pull of the outdoors. A creative powerhouse, Taylen’s photography has a magnetic quality, pulling viewers into the moment. Her work captures the quiet courage of riders, the fierce joy of big descents, and the unique spirit of women in cycling.
With a background in outdoor media and a passion for empowering female perspectives, Taylen is part of a new wave of creatives reshaping what it means to document mountain bike culture. Her inclusion in the Deep Summer lineup marks a major milestone for women’s visibility in MTB media.
Why This Matters
Deep Summer is known for its wild energy and creative risk-taking. But for too long, it’s been a mostly male-dominated platform. The presence of photographers like Natalie and Taylen changes that. They bring authenticity, diversity, and emotional intelligence to the challenge—elements that elevate not just their work, but the entire sport.
At MTB Girls Magazine, we believe every ride has a story, and every story deserves a lens that sees the full picture. These women aren’t just making images—they’re making history.
Let’s cheer them on. Share their work. Support their stories.
Because when more women tell the story of mountain biking, the whole world listens—and it looks a lot more like us.
As both a physician and an athlete, I often emphasize that protective gear is a critical part of your overall wellness strategy, especially when it comes to mountain biking. A well-fitted helmet isn’t just about comfort; it’s a non-negotiable for safety, confidence, and performance on the trail. Here’s how to know if your helmet is the right fit:
1. Start With the Right Size
Measure the circumference of your head using a soft measuring tape, wrapping it around the widest part, just above your eyebrows and ears. Compare your measurement to the sizing chart provided by the helmet manufacturer. Don’t guess, precision matters.
2. Snug, Not Tight
Your helmet should feel snug and evenly fitted around your entire head, without pinching or creating pressure points. You shouldn’t feel discomfort, but it also shouldn’t slide or shift when you move.
3. Position Is Everything
A correctly positioned helmet sits level on your head. The front rim should rest one to two finger widths above your eyebrows. If it’s tilted back or forward, you’re compromising protection, especially for your frontal lobe.
4. Adjust the Retention System
Use the rear adjustment dial or fit system to secure the helmet. It should cradle the back of your head and stay firmly in place with gentle pressure. If it wobbles or feels unstable, keep adjusting until it’s secure.
5. Secure the Chin Strap
Buckle the chin strap and tighten it until there’s only about one finger’s width of space under your chin. The side straps should form a clean “V” just beneath each ear. This isn’t just for fit, it’s a crucial safety check.
6. Test for Movement
Once everything is adjusted, gently shake your head side to side and up and down. Your helmet should remain stable. If it shifts noticeably, revisit the fit system and straps.
7. Consider Comfort Features
Pay attention to interior padding, breathability, and the weight of the helmet. Especially for long rides or technical trails, these factors can impact endurance and focus.
8. Test With Eyewear
If you use sunglasses or goggles, try them on with your helmet to ensure compatibility. There should be no interference, pressure points, or gaps in protection.
Final Thought
The right helmet does more than meet a checklist, it gives you the confidence to ride hard, take risks, and stay protected. Prioritize the fit as much as you do the ride. Your brain, and your future, depend on it.
When you think of menopause, what comes to mind? Hot flashes, mood swings, maybe a little weight gain? That’s what the media tends to focus on. But for active women, especially mountain bikers, menopause is not the end of strength or vitality. It’s a turning point, an evolution, and an opportunity to re-engage with your body in deeper, more conscious ways.
Menopause marks the close of your reproductive years, yes. But more importantly, it begins a chapter of independence, resilience, and self-knowing, qualities mountain bikers already embody. You’ve trained your body to climb steep grades, descend fast and focused, and recover from hard spills. You’re already the kind of woman who adapts and overcomes.
So let’s look at menopause not as a decline, but as a recalibration, one that can actually enhance your performance and longevity both on and off the bike.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 months without a period. Perimenopause, the lead-up, often begins in your 40s and begins your transition for about 10 years. During this time, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, triggering a cascade of physiological changes.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep
- Mood swings and brain fog
- Decreased muscle mass and increased belly fat
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Vaginal dryness and urinary urgency
- Dry eyes
- Loss of bone density
- Increased risk of heart disease
None of this means you’re broken or fragile, it simply means your body is shifting. And with the right tools, you can support this transition and come out stronger on the other side.
What to Ask Your Doctor: Labs That Matter
If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause it is great to get some baseline lab markers to monitor your health during this important transition. Talk to your healthcare provider about running a few key lab tests:
- Lipid panel – To assess cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
- Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1c – To monitor blood sugar and insulin resistance
- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3) – To rule out thyroid dysfunction, which can mimic menopause symptoms
- Vitamin D – Crucial for bone health and mood
- Estradiol, Progesterone, FSH, LH – To evaluate hormonal status
- DHEA-S and Testosterone – To assess androgen levels, important for libido, strength, and mood
- C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) – A marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk
Knowledge is power. These numbers give you a baseline for where you are and how to support your body moving forward. If your doctor isn’t well versed in menopause, find someone else! Women do not need to suffer through “the change”. Menopause can be a smooth ride.
“Menopause is a journey where you rediscover yourself and become the woman you were always meant to be.” — Dr. Christiane Northrup
Fuel the Fire: Bone- and Heart-Healthy Nutrition
During menopause, two body systems need your special attention: your bones and your heart.
Why Heart Health Matters More Than Ever
After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease rises significantly. Estrogen helps protect arterial walls and regulate cholesterol. Without it, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol often rises, HDL (“good”) cholesterol drops, and arteries become stiffer, increasing the likelihood of hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks.
But here’s the power play: aerobic activity, like mountain biking,is one of the most effective tools for maintaining cardiovascular health. It:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Strengthens the heart muscle
- Improves lipid profiles
Regular rides on the trail don’t just boost your mood, they’re protecting your heart for decades to come.
Fuel for Heart health
Heart-Supporting Foods
- Fiber: oats, chia seeds and psyllium seed husk: Lowers LDL cholesterol
- Avocados and olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats
- Berries: Antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory
- Beans and legumes: Full of fiber, protein, and phytonutrients
- Fatty fish (like mackerel, salmon, sardines): Provide omega-3s to lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation
Supplemental Boost
- Coenzyme Q10: Antioxidant fuel for your heart cells.
- Omega 3 Fats: Anti-inflammatory boost and raises HDL.
- Magnesium: Increases blood flow and can help maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Hormone Replacement: Supporting the declining hormones under physician supervision.
Pedaling towards strong Bones
Bones are constantly remodeling, building and breaking down to maintain strength. During menopause, estrogen levels decline dramatically causing a shift into more bone breakdown than building, potentially leading towards osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Perimenopause and the first year of menopause is the time to slow this progressive loss and focus on keeping bones strong.
Keep it Building
- Mix It Up: Mountain biking is fantastic but change it up and add other weight-bearing activities like hiking, jogging, or trail running for full spectrum bone building.
- Strength Train: Lift weights or use resistance bands two to three times per week to build bone density.
- Improve Balance & Posture: Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates help prevent falls and injuries.
- Balance Hormones: Estrogen & testosterone play a huge role in bone density. Supporting these hormones can help slow bone loss.
- Thyroid health matters: Excess thyroid hormone can break down bone, so make sure yours is in check.
Bone-Building Foods
- Leafy greens (kale, collards, bok choy): High in calcium and vitamin K
- Sardines and salmon: Rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Nuts and seeds (especially almonds and sesame): Great for calcium and magnesium
- Fortified plant milks: Easy way to get calcium and D without dairy
Supplemental Boost
- Trace Minerals: Finding a full spectrum blend with Boron and Manganese especially after those long sweaty rides.
- Vitamin D and K: Directs calcium into the bones.
The Menopausal Athlete – small tweaks big results
Menopause can create small but manageable challenges that affect performance, from dry eyes and urinary urgency to core instability and stiff joints. Fortunately, small daily habits can make a big difference.
1. Stretching and Mobility Work
As estrogen declines, joint tissues can become stiffer and less lubricated. Regular dynamic stretching, yoga, or foam rolling helps maintain mobility and reduce injury.
- Add a 5–10 minute warm-up stretch before riding.
- Post-ride, focus on hips, hamstrings, low back, and shoulders.
- Consider a weekly yoga class to improve flexibility and balance.
2. Core Strengthening
Hormonal changes often affect pelvic stability and abdominal tone. A strong core improves bike handling, posture, and lower back health.
- Planks (standard, side, reverse)
- Bird-dog exercises
- Pilates or functional core classes
- Stability ball workouts
3. Urinary Support
Declining estrogen can lead to urinary urgency, leakage, or frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom.
- Do daily pelvic floor exercises (Kegels).
- Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, spicy foods, or carbonated drinks.
- Stay well hydrated, but taper fluids before bed.
4. Eye Hydration
Dry eyes are common in menopause due to decreased tear production. This can be exacerbated by wind exposure on long rides.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears before and after biking.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect from dust, sun, and wind.
- Stay hydrated to support mucous membrane function.
Natural Hormone Support: Plants That Help You Thrive
While some women benefit from bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), others prefer a more natural route. Several herbs and foods can gently support hormone balance and ease symptoms:
- Vitex (chaste tree berry): Supports progesterone production, reduces PMS-like symptoms, and eases hormonal fluctuations.
- Maca root: An adaptogen known to increase energy, libido, and resilience to stress.
- Dong Quai: Traditional Chinese herb used to balance estrogen and alleviate hot flashes and mood swings.
- Green tea: Loaded with antioxidants and catechins that reduce inflammation, support metabolism, and protect cardiovascular health.
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re taking medications or have a medical condition.
The Mental Edge: Confidence After 40
There’s a quiet confidence that starts to grow in your 40s and 50s. You’ve lived. You’ve learned. And you’ve stopped caring about what others think. This shift is perhaps the most powerful part of menopause, the mental freedom.
“Menopause is not a ‘pause’ at all; it’s a ‘play.’ It’s your time to shine.” — Ellen Dolgen
Mountain biking fits beautifully into this phase. It’s not about being the fastest or fittest anymore, it’s about showing up for yourself. About feeling the wind on your face, the burn in your quads, and the thrill of the descent. It’s about staying connected to joy, movement, and self-trust.
Menopause doesn’t diminish your identity as an athlete, it deepens it.
Menopause Is a Trail: Ride It with Grace
Think of menopause like a long, technical trail. There are switchbacks you didn’t expect, steep climbs that demand grit, and breathtaking views waiting at the summit. Yes, your body is changing. But that doesn’t mean decline, it means adaptation.
You’re entering a phase that can be your strongest, clearest, and most powerful yet. You have experience on your side, intuition in your corner, and the trail beneath your tires. So gear up. This ride isn’t over, it’s just getting interesting.
Join us for the Whiskey Run Coastal MTB Retreat—an exclusive women’s mountain biking adventure on Oregon’s breathtaking southern coast. Hosted by Liz Donahey and the MTB Girls Magazine team, and proudly sponsored by the Coos Bay–North Bend–Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau and Travel Southern Oregon Coast, this unforgettable weekend features a 2.5-hour guided ride through the lush singletrack of Whiskey Run Trails.
After the ride, enjoy a gourmet dinner experience with special guests, including Hooked on Oregon radio host and author Liz Donahey. Limited to 40 participants, this retreat blends rugged adventure with elevated coastal charm.
First Aid Kit 101 for the Trail
Let’s face it—accidents happen. Whether you’re flying downhill on your bike, hiking remote trails, or brushing too close to a cactus, being prepared can make all the difference. That’s where your First Aid Kit comes in.
We believe in proactive care, and that includes having the essentials on hand to stabilize, soothe, and support until you can get proper help. Think portable, lightweight, and functional. Here’s what we recommend for your trail pack:
Trail Essentials – For the Pack:
- Tweezers – Because cacti and splinters are part of the adventure.
- Band-Aids – For blisters, small cuts, and when skin meets gravel.
- Sterile 4×4 Gauze – Essential for covering scrapes or controlling bleeding.
- Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen – To help manage pain or inflammation en route to care.
- Duct Tape or Medical Tape – Surprisingly useful for securing bandages, splints—or your gear.
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) – For unexpected allergic reactions or mild anaphylaxis (and a reminder: always carry…)
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector – If you have life-threatening allergies, don’t leave home without it.*
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment – To keep wounds clean and infection-free.
- Water Purification Tablets – A must if you’re far from clean water sources.
- Zip Ties – MacGyver-level magic for splinting, gear fixes, and beyond.
- Emergency Contact Info – On your person, not just in your phone.
- Mylar Emergency Blanket – Lightweight warmth if you get stuck in the cold.
- Whistle – Small, loud, and potentially life-saving.
- Mini Multi-tool with Chain Tool – For those inevitable mechanicals.
- Extra Chain Link + Tool – Because a broken chain shouldn’t mean the end of your ride.
- Bandana – Multi-use: sling, compress, cleaner, or sunshade.
- Glucose Gel or Emergency Sugar – Quick support for low blood sugar.
Trail Support – For the Car or Camp:
If you can’t carry it on your back, keep it in the car or basecamp. Think of this as your trail triage kit—tools for more serious injuries or recovery while waiting for help.
- Kerlix Rolls – For major wounds and bleeding control.
- ACE Bandage – Perfect for sprains, compression, or holding ice packs in place.
- Coban Wrap – Self-adhering and perfect for wound wraps or stabilizing injuries.
- 4×4 Bandages – A must for puncture wounds or abrasions.
- Medical Tape – Keeps gauze or splints secure.
- Sling – For shoulder dislocations or clavicle injuries.
- SAM Splint – Lightweight, moldable, and a must-have for fractures.
- Clean Water (BPA-free container) – For drinking, wound cleaning, or cooling down.
- Alcohol Pads – Quick disinfectant for small wounds or removing adhesives.
- Betadine or Chlorhexidine – Excellent antiseptics for wound care post-irrigation.
- Nitrile Gloves – Safety first when helping others or dealing with blood.
- Instant Ice Packs – Just snap and shake for quick relief.
- Trauma Shears – Cut through clothing or tape with ease.
- Matches or Lighter – Just in case you’re out later than planned.
- Compass – For emergencies or giving EMS your location.
- Electrolyte Packets – Hydration is healing.
- Flashlight + Extra Batteries – Darkness falls fast in the backcountry.
- Snacks or Gel Shots – Fuel for the journey or a blood sugar boost.
- Personal Medications – Always keep spares of essential prescriptions.
- Multipurpose Tool – Never hurts to have extra cutting/crimping power.
- Hand Sanitizer – Clean hands = clean wounds.
- Arnica Cream – For topical pain and bruising.
- Maps – Printed maps never run out of battery.
- Spare Car Key (Hidden Outside the Car) – For when the trail eats your keys.
- Extra Clothing Layers – Dry, warm clothes could be life-saving in an emergency.
We don’t expect injuries, but we do prepare for them. With a well-stocked kit, you’re not just treating injuries, you’re supporting your body’s healing process, naturally and intentionally.
Heal well, ride safe, and stay wild.
Can mountain biking improve your immune system?
Being on day 3 of taking care of a kiddo with the flu, my exhausted mind is pondering our immune system. A child can bounce back from a significant illness while older adults tend to get hit hard and fatigue lingers.
Can we, as adults, change this trajectory? Can we continue to build our immune systems as the years pass?
Mountain biking seems to be our answer!
A study published in Aging Cell evaluated the phenomena of immunosenescence as we age.
“Immunosenescence is the gradual deterioration of the immune system, brought on by natural age advancement.”
After we turn 40 our thymus gland begins to degrade which promotes inflammation, increases our changes of autoimmune conditions and weakens our immune system.
However, this exciting article saw that exercise and specifically high endurance cycling made a difference!
In this article, the immune profiles of three groups were compared.
- Adults ranging from 55-79, who had maintained a high level of cycling
- Age matched inactive older adults.
- Sedentary yet healthy young adults in their 20s.
The study found that the older adults engaged in high levels of cycling had a similar immune system response as the healthy young adults!
So is mountain biking the fountain of youth?
In my medical opinion, YES!
The aging body is complex however our ability to respond to, fight infections and bounce back from illness is a massive indicator of longevity. Illness happens, but how you fight and thereby recover from the illness affects your quality of life.
Although this study focused on cyclists rather than mountain bikers, the evidence is undeniable—hopping on your bike doesn’t just enhance your physique; it keeps your immune system resilient and youthful, functioning like that of a 20-year-old.
Keep pedaling!
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