Coach Kim Meredith shares expert mountain bike coaching tips to help riders build confidence, master technical skills, and ride smarter on every trail.
High above 11,000 feet at Mammoth Mountain, a fearless 10-year-old rider shouted, "Don't get stuck in the kitty litter!" before disappearing down a winding trail—and reminded us that mountain biking is about so much more than riding. From the empowering Gravity Girls event to unforgettable rides with Mammoth's inspiring fourth and fifth grade girls team, MTB Girls Magazine discovered a community where confidence, friendship, and adventure thrive. Whether racing at altitude or sharing stories after the ride, Mammoth proved that the best trails don't just build better riders—they build lifelong memories.
Pedals are one of the most important yet overlooked upgrades on any mountain bike. From classic flat and clipless designs to lightweight composites, smart power-meter pedals, and the groundbreaking 8 Degree floating flat pedal, today's innovations are improving comfort, control, efficiency, and rider confidence on every trail. Discover eight pedal technologies that are changing the way mountain bikers ride.
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.
The Heart of a Champion
Fresh off an extraordinary third-place finish at the 2026 Unbound Gravel XL, Larissa Connors continues to prove that true greatness extends far beyond the podium. A two-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion, dedicated teacher, cycling advocate, and devoted mother, Connors inspires riders of all ages through her resilience, humility, and passion for the sport. In this cover story, MTB Girls Magazine celebrates a woman whose greatest legacy may not be her victories, but the countless lives she influences both on and off the bike.
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> **"The biggest surprise wasn’t the bike—it was me."** After a month aboard the Mullet Cycles Peacemaker, MTB Girls Magazine Editor-in-Chief Liz Donahey discovered how a purpose-built mullet bike can transform the riding experience. From the rocky climbs of Annadel’s Canyon Trail to the technical challenges of Refugio Trail, the Peacemaker delivered exceptional stability, confidence, and control. With its unique 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel setup, the bike felt less like a traditional trail bike and more like a dirt bike with pedals—encouraging bold line choices and expanding comfort zones on some of Northern California’s toughest terrain.
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> When Kelsey Wisinski entered her first downhill race in 2019, she wasn't intimidated by the course—she was struck by the absence of other women. That moment sparked an idea that would become Flow Riders, an all-women's gravity mountain biking community now more than 50 members strong. Through coaching, mentorship, racing, and advanced group rides, Kelsey is helping women build confidence on challenging trails and proving that community can be the key to unlocking potential. As her team motto reminds every rider: *"Jump, and we'll catch you."*
Experience the thrill of mountain bike racing at the Santa Cruz Shorty, where women and girls of all ages can build confidence, challenge themselves, and become part of a supportive riding community. Set among the legendary trails of DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz, California, this exciting short-track race series combines adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations.
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Join MTB Girls Ride Club on July 18 for the Wilder Ranch Coed Clinic, where California’s stunning Santa Cruz coastline becomes the backdrop for a day of mountain biking, skills development, and personal growth. Guided by coaches Kim Meredith and Liz Donahey, riders will build confidence on the trail, strengthen their mindset, and experience the beauty, history, and adventure of one of California’s most iconic riding destinations.
In the quiet Sierra mountain town of Avery, California, 26-year-old April transformed a dream into a thriving mountain bike community. What began as a vision to recreate the welcoming bike-shop culture she loved in Santa Cruz became Mountain Aloha MTB Co.—a rider-driven hub that now connects locals, visitors, and trail advocates alike. Despite industry skepticism, financial risks, and personal setbacks, April built more than a business; she created a place where riders gather, friendships form, and mountain biking continues to grow throughout the region. Her story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and believing in an idea before anyone else does.
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.
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.
