Melisa Rollins stormed to her second Chequamegon victory with a decisive attack on the Firetower climb, powering away to win by over four minutes. The result puts her within striking distance of the overall Life Time Grand Prix title heading into the Bentonville finale.
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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.
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.
Our MTB Girls Magazine Cover Girl, Vida Lopez De San Ramon, is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in international mountain biking. At just 19 years old, the Sebastopol, California–based racer delivered a breakout season on the UCI World Cup mountain bike circuit, proving that confidence, resilience, and a deep love for riding can take an athlete from local trails to the world stage.
Melisa Rollins Big Sugar Classic: With Two Races Left, the Life Time Grand Prix Title Is Within Reach
As the Big Sugar Classic approaches, Melisa Rollins arrives in Bentonville with the focus and confidence of a rider ready to make history. With just two pivotal races remaining in the Life Time Grand Prix series, Rollins stands on the brink of securing the overall championship, making this weekend’s events a defining moment in her remarkable season.
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.
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.
Melisa Rollins stormed to her second Chequamegon victory with a decisive attack on the Firetower climb, powering away to win by over four minutes. The result puts her within striking distance of the overall Life Time Grand Prix title heading into the Bentonville finale.
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the fierce strength, emotional depth, and unstoppable drive of mountain biking moms—starting with Anne-Lise Taine of the Hella Mello Racing Team.
MTB Girls Magazine’s interview with Vida Lopez De San Ramon, the youngest female Elite Cyclocross National Champion from Sonoma County, California.
Coach Kim Meredith shares expert mountain bike coaching tips to help riders build confidence, master technical skills, and ride smarter on every trail.
MTB Girls Magazine Issue 13, The Art of the Ascent, by editor Liz Donahey is a powerful reflection on women, mountain biking, leadership, resilience, and the shared climb toward strength, joy, and becoming more.















