I vividly remember trying out my bike without training wheels in the garage with my dad and brother. Balancing was not a strength of mine at the age of..(idk but I was lil). It was hard to stay up but the moments that I coasted, I sure felt like a superhero- obviously. I eventually became a pro at biking on two wheels that I ended up biking everywhere I went in town...That was actually because I had no other choice. Biking was the way to go in Irricana - walking took too long and we were not old enough to drive. One of my small town friends had a "chopper bike?" where the handle bars were way up by shoulder height... that was fun to rip on, we had some good times. Where would we bike to you ask? To pick up our friends and get some slurpies of course.

When I started becoming an awkward preteen I would bike for fitness. Mind you, I can easily describe the two small hills I would break a sweat on. I would bike on back roads outside of town, usually during sunset because I would generally sleep in till noon then play video games till dinner. I always had headphones playing pretty twisted electronic beats to distract me from my heavy breathing. My dad treated me to an orange Norco bike which was super kind but I ended up just sending it on his bike because I felt like I could go faster with his bigger frame (clearly couldn't size bikes properly back then). I would also bike to work which was either the local post office/movie rental joint, summer camp, or public works at the town of Irricana. I never thought more of bikes than a mode of transportation or just a better alternative to running. In all honesty, I do not live to run. I get the worst shin splits - my basketball coach told me that I either get them from poor quality shoes or that I am obese... not sure why he gave me two suggestions?

I know my audience wanted to read a rad mountain bike blog so I will begin with my first experience. Grade 8 field trip to COP. I was very nervous and almost had a few asthma attacks climbing the hills. The day was fun and I won't forget when my teacher acknowledged that I climbed the long hills in my seat (very good mtb skill & wasn't even informed to do so). I must have had killer thighs - always have, always will.

High school flew by. Zoey never went mountain biking. She practiced yoga, tried belly dancing, and volunteered at most clubs in school ( I promise I was decently popular. You know that doesn't even matter, I enjoyed what I did and I never cared what other people thought of me).

When I started ETOL I felt pressure that I needed to be involved in a particular outdoor activity, or part of a particular outdoor community. So I tried all the things. I paddled the boats and climbed up ropes. (my words not Dr. Seuss's). My first year was challenging as I was trying all these outdoor activities for the first time. At the end of my first year I went to Norway for a field school and one major highlight was the mountain bike day we had. We biked over 20 km of downhill with a lot of switch-backs. Initially the gravel threw me off and the switch-backs were quite challenging since my turning game was not on point. That day was so special because that was when I fell in love <3. with mountain bikes of course. I did kiss a Norwegian my last night there but no romance on that trip. Bikes, okay so I am biking and I just wanted to go faster. We went through a few tunnels and were blocked by some goats. I loved that day because I felt comfortable on the bike and was able to see so much landscape that day. I smiled a lot - I was happy. I may have found my thing?

In my second year of ETOL I was given a few choices for which type of expedition I wanted to complete. Kayaking, canoeing, or mountain biking? I was instantly drawn to the biking expedition. I chose it and I sent it. A week of biking on trails that did not seem bike-able redefined what a challenge means to me. This trip was last year and all I can recall from it is positive thoughts. During though... fuck. (sorry for swearing Ayra). but oh my, every day was so difficult and my butt huurttt soo baddd. Some hills felt like they were never going to end. One hill was called "hell hill" - hope I explained enough. Even the sun, it was so hot and kept starring at me!

I was so lucky to have been lent a Gaint Trance for the trip which was so epic! It wasn't until this year that I invested in my own bike. It is older and used but he is pretty and treats me well. (no red flags on my Santa Cruise which is a good sign). Okay, the breaks could be better. No one is perfect though am I right? maybe Miley but I am sure she has reconsidered that thought in recent years.

Since Norway I have dabbled in rentals and spent a few days out at West Bragg and Fernie. I am also lucky to have my friend Olivia who also enjoys mountain biking. She has shown me several trails, she is a wonderful human of a being. In recent times I have either gone on my own or ride when I am instructing courses.

That is right. A new hobby of mine has turned into a part time job! I run mountain bike camps during the summer and instruct women series programs to adults! Along the way I keep learning about bikes and I know there is still much to learn! Every night after I finish a course my heart is filled with joy. I love that I am encouraging others to be active and take part in such a wild experience. Mountain biking is way faster than hiking and thrilling just like skiing can feel to many people when they are sending it down.

There is an awareness that mountain biking is still predominately a male activity. I do see many women ride and I know of female clubs in Calgary exist but in general, there is still a lack of women! There is this notion that mountain biking is dangerous... well yes the risk is pretty high and I could have broken several bones but typically injury occurs when people push themselves past their abilities. It is also easy to avoid accidents when you learn the proper technique. I can sense when my speed is to fast for me to control, so I slow down. I will often decide to 'hike a bike' if I ever get too uncomfortable. I recognize that biking is not for everyone but I do think that it gets a bad rap for females. I do love the culture of biking - the vibes and vocabulary. But I do not like how exclusive it is. Bikes are ridiculously expensive and I feel like I need the bike jersey and long shorts on to feel bad ass. Still in need of both of those outfits and I may consider upgrading to fit in. This is the case for a lot of outdoor activities, to be wearing certain brands or colored shades but it is important to not get too caught up in it.

I am not fully sure what my future looks like but I want to keep mountain biking and I specifically want to encourage teenage girls to try mountain biking. You can learn so much about yourself: to be patient climbing and be courageous descending. Girls need more confidence and they should be challenged which mountain biking can provide. Over the years I have been viewed differently because I can skateboard or that I love to go fast on downhill mountain bike trails, but it shouldn't matter. Or at least girls should not care what other people think of them, as long as they are choosing positive things. I chose to skateboard at a young age to challenge myself, but I ended up representing girls in activities that were not known for girls to do.

I want girls to know and feel that they can mountain bike - because they want to & they can!

A perfect day spent is rippin' the trails, eating yummy snacks, and making time for yoga <3.

I love mountain biking and I care that everyone knows,

Zoey Fern. xoxxoo

enjoyed what I did and I never cared about what other people thought).