Modern mountain bike pedals now go far beyond basic platforms, with options like flat, clipless, composite, and smart power-meter designs improving performance and control. A new innovation—floating flat pedals such as the 8 Degree system—adds controlled movement to better match natural foot motion, aiming to boost comfort and reduce joint strain.
JoinedNovember 29, 2024
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Liz Donahey is Northern California mountain biker focused on empowering personal and business growth through the transformative principles of mountain biking. She is also a member of Hella Mello Racing, the North Bay’s leading women’s cycling team. Liz is a professional coach and speaker who provides personal and business coaching, speaking engagements and collaboration opportunities. Liz inspires and engages her followers through her authentic and relatable content, focusing on travel, lifestyle, and personal growth.
The June 7 Toro Bravo XC race delivered thrilling competition and a milestone worth celebrating: women accounted for 20% of the field, including four racers in the Open Women’s category. As Antonio Torres and Lucia Walbeck claimed Open division victories, the event highlighted the continued growth of women’s participation in mountain bike racing and the strong, inclusive community driving the sport forward.
At just 14 years old, Emerson “Emmy” Ross is quickly becoming one of California’s rising junior mountain bike racers. From soaring over jumps to competing on national stages, Emmy’s journey is fueled by determination, resilience, and a love for pushing beyond her limits. Yet her story is about more than podium finishes, it’s about family, community, and the people who have helped her grow. As she continues to chase big dreams, Emmy remains grounded in the belief that success is strongest when it’s shared with others.
Discover why China Camp State Park is one of the Bay Area’s most inspiring mountain biking destinations. Join MTB Girls Ride Club for a unique adventure that blends scenic trails, breathtaking San Pablo Bay views, rich California history, skills development, and a welcoming community. Whether you're new to mountain biking or a seasoned rider, this unforgettable experience offers the perfect opportunity to build confidence, connect with others, and explore one of Marin County’s most iconic landscapes.
More than just a bike shop, Straight Wheel Cycling has become the heart of Half Moon Bay’s cycling community. Founded on a passion for riding, inclusivity, and genuine human connection, owners Amy Thompson and Bart Draper have created a welcoming gathering place where riders of all ages and abilities feel at home. Through community involvement, mentorship, and a shared love of cycling, Straight Wheel Cycling continues to inspire the next generation of riders while strengthening the bonds that make Half Moon Bay unique.
Haley Dumke never expected mountain biking to transform her life. What began as casual rides through Colorado’s mountains slowly became the place where she learned to trust herself, embrace discomfort, and believe she belonged among elite athletes. Despite rapidly rising into professional-level racing, Haley openly struggled with imposter syndrome, balancing self-doubt alongside remarkable success. Her story is not just about endurance racing, but about resilience, identity, and learning to accept the strength others already see within you.
At California’s largest Enduro race, Marinduro once again delivered a defining moment as Gabby Huffman secured her second straight victory in the eMTB Women’s Expert/Pro category. With nearly 500 racers filling the trails, the atmosphere was electric—built on grit, support, and pure love for the sport. Huffman’s calm, controlled, and confident ride stood out across every stage, marking not just a win, but the continuation of a rising legacy in mountain biking history.
From surviving a life-threatening childhood crash to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in women’s gravity racing, Dani Johnson is redefining what strength looks like in mountain biking. Her honesty about fear, injuries, mental health, and resilience has made her a powerful role model for the next generation. As she heads to the GoPro Mountain Games, Dani represents far more than fearless riding — she represents authenticity, perseverance, and the evolution of women’s mountain biking.
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Sonoma County with craft beer, live music, outdoor fun, and a community raffle at Old Caz Beer in Rohnert Park, all supporting trail restoration and programs at Trione-Annadel State Park.
The Moore Creek Park Clinic near St. Helena is about more than mountain biking — it’s about confidence, community, and progression. Riders come together to challenge themselves, work through fear, and experience the joy of riding some of Napa County’s most beautiful trails while supporting the future of Moore Creek through Redwood Trails Alliance’s Pay the Piper trail project.
There are moments in life when everything begins to shift. After heartbreak, healing, and major life changes, I found myself returning to the same lesson mountain biking has taught me for years: you fall, you recover, and eventually you ride again. As I prepare for my first enduro race alone, I’m learning what it truly means to become my own partner, trust my own strength, and keep moving forward through every switchback life throws my way.
At the 2025 Marinduro in Marin County, Gabby Huffman won the Pro E-Bike category while also highlighting a bigger shift in mountain biking culture. Beyond racing, she works with NICA and Marin Trail Stewards to grow the sport and improve access, especially for women riders.















