The holidays have always been a time of reflection—of looking back at the trails we’ve traveled, the climbs that strengthened us, and the descents that tested us but made us braver. This year, as I look toward 2026, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for mountain biking, for our incredible MTB Girls community, and for the powerful stories shared by women around the world—and gratitude for finally being able to stand on stages and trails and present The 23 Principles of Mountain Biking, a book I once started writing nearly sixteen years ago when there were only seven principles scribbled in my notebook.
This December feels especially meaningful. I just celebrated my 50th birthday—a milestone that encouraged me to look back not only on the past year, but on the entire journey that brought me here.
And what a journey it has been.
A Year Shaped by Trails, Athletes, and Community
This past year reminded me exactly why MTB Girls Magazine exists.
We were fortunate enough to stand alongside some of the most inspiring athletes in the sport—women who define success not just by podiums, but by perseverance, purpose, and passion. From chasing race stories across the country to documenting quiet, powerful moments behind the scenes, we witnessed firsthand how mountain biking continues to shape lives far beyond finish lines.
Time and time again, I was reminded that mountain biking is more than a sport—it’s a teacher. It teaches balance. Courage. Focus. Resilience. And perhaps most importantly, it teaches us how to keep moving forward when the trail doesn’t go as planned.
Those lessons are the foundation of The 23 Principles of Mountain Biking.
From Seven Principles to Twenty-Three
The original seven principles were born years ago during a season of life that demanded clarity and strength. Over time, those ideas evolved—shaped by experience, reflection, and most meaningfully, by the women whose stories we’ve had the honor of telling through MTB Girls Magazine.
When I began interviewing our cover athletes and featured riders, I asked every woman the same question:
“What does success look like to you—on and off the bike?”
Their answers became the heartbeat of the 23 Principles.
Their grit, wisdom, vulnerability, and perspective validated what I had always believed: that the lessons learned on the trail are some of the most powerful tools we carry into everyday life.
One shining example of this community-driven impact is Wendy Engelberg, founder of Girlz Gone Riding (GGR)—a powerhouse women’s mountain biking organization proudly sponsored by Liv Cycling. Wendy has created opportunities for thousands of women to discover confidence, courage, and belonging on the trails. Her work building inclusive rides, clinics, and events embodies what MTB Girls Magazine stands for: showing up, lifting others, and creating space for women at every level. She is a powerful reminder of why community matters—and why Principle #8, Partner Well, is essential both on and off the bike.
Stories That Defined the Year
This year brought unforgettable moments and collaborations that will stay with me for a long time.
Our Katerina Nash Downieville cover was one of them—an iconic shoot that captured Katerina’s legendary strength, grace, and presence on some of the most rugged terrain in the Sierra. Working alongside photographer Nathan Powell, whose images perfectly reflected the spirit of the moment, reminded me of how powerful storytelling becomes when creative vision and trust come together.
Another defining experience came while following Melissa Rollins throughout the Lifetime Grand Prix season, including the Little Sugar MTB Championships in Bentonville, Arkansas. Watching Melissa crash, fall behind, and then fight her way back into podium contention was a masterclass in resilience.
Melissa told me something that stuck with me:
“You have to be in the right place at the right time.”
But being in the right place doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because you:
- keep moving forward
- fix your gear after the crash
- steady your breath
- surround yourself with the right people
- and refuse to quit
Her story was a living example of the principles we write about—and a reminder that success is rarely a straight line.
Building MTB Girls Magazine One Trail at a Time
MTB Girls Magazine itself had a rocky start—full of steep climbs, loose corners, and moments of doubt. But mountain biking teaches us that momentum builds with consistency, trust, and community.
This year, we were honored to attend world-class events, collaborate with elite athletes and creatives, and build relationships with women who believe in the power of this sport as deeply as we do. Today, MTB Girls Magazine reaches hundreds of thousands of readers and continues to grow as a platform where women’s voices, stories, and achievements take center stage.
None of this happens alone and none of it would exist without the incredible support of this community.
Grateful for the Ride Ahead
As we ride into 2026, my gratitude runs deep for:
- Publishing and presenting The 23 Principles of Mountain Biking
- The athletes who trusted us with their stories
- The events and trails that brought us together
- Creators and photographers like Ashley Stewart and Mack Lambert and their incredible coverage of Women’s Red Bull Rampage
- Leaders like Lindsey Richter and her Ladies AllRide community
- And our unstoppable MTB Girls Magazine family
A Final Word for the Holiday Season
If you’re reading this, remember:
No matter where your trail begins…
No matter how many obstacles you encounter…
No matter how technical the climb feels…
You can still write a powerful story.
You can get back up.
You can build your own toolkit.
And you can find real joy on the bike.
Mountain biking continues to shape my life in ways I never imagined—and my hope is that it gives you the same sense of strength, freedom, and connection as we ride into the new year.
Here’s to 2026.
Here’s to gratitude.
And here’s to enjoying the ride.
