Elite mountain bike and gravel racer Haley Dumke's path to the top began with a simple love of riding Colorado's trails. Through persistence, self-belief, and a commitment to steady improvement, she transformed from a recreational cyclist into a competitor among the sport's elite. Her journey offers an inspiring reminder that confidence is built through action and growth comes from showing up every day.
Before her first Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Lauren Aggeler shares her journey from Durango Devo to elite road, gravel, and mountain bike racing in this exclusive MTB Girls Magazine cover story.
This MTB Girls Magazine cover story article follows Canadian twins Ava and Bella Holmgren from local trails to world champions, showing how their versatility, resilience, and humility are inspiring the next generation of women in cycling.
Adrienne Evans-Schneider is a mountain biking legend, known for World Cup downhill racing and leadership in the cycling industry. From representing top brands, including Santa Cruz, to breaking barriers for women in racing and sales, discover her story in MTB Girls Magazine’s Leaders & Legends September Issue, available next week in print and digital!
Rebecca Johnston wins the para downhill at her very first Sea Otter Classic, first rider down, a crash the day before, and still takes the top step, proving what’s possible when you go all in.
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.
California is home to some of the best cross-country mountain bike races for women and girls, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From the beginner-friendly Santa Cruz Shorty Series at DeLaveaga Park to the 30th Anniversary season of 3CX Racing, riders of all ages and skill levels can find welcoming events that build confidence, skills, and community. Discover why more women are lining up to race and explore the top XC opportunities across California.
Dani Johnson is redefining what it means to ride with confidence in modern mountain biking. In Unapologetically Sending It, she opens up about her fearless approach to racing, her commitment to progression, and the mindset that keeps her pushing through every climb, crash, and comeback. This feature captures the raw energy behind her riding and why she continues to stand out in the world of gravity sports.
The 2026 3CX Summer MTB Series returns to Fort Ord National Monument with the BLM Blaze XC on May 31, bringing fast cross-country racing, flowing singletrack, and a welcoming grassroots mountain bike community to Northern California riders of all levels.
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.
Known for its legendary fast and flowy singletrack, supportive atmosphere, and all-level categories, the series has become a favorite for everyone from beginner riders to elite racers looking for high-energy cross-country competition. But what truly makes the 3CX series special is the people.
Rebecca Johnston, downhill para mountain biker, won the women’s race at Sea Otter Classic on April 18, 2026. Discover her inspiring backstory and rise in adaptive mountain biking.















