By: Megan Duehring
Shimano is dedicated to female athletes at all levels; from weekend warriors to Olympians, roadies to downhillers, gravel grinders to enduro lady shredders. We support all women, including those within our own team. We sent the Shimano Ladies to attend our partner, VIDA MTB’s, clinic at the Sedona MTB Festival to show our support and appreciation for all they do.
We sat down with a few of the women and asked about their experience at the VIDA Clinic.
Liz Atchley is the graphic designer on the Marketing team at Team Shimano and is an avid cyclist, known for her love of riding centuries and tackling the steepest climbs around Orange County.
“I come from a BMX background so I’m very familiar with bikes but haven’t dedicated as much time to mountain biking. I own a hardtail and ride more mellow trails back home when I can, so I was stoked to hone my skills with the VIDA clinic and be able to ride with more confidence. Having this experience with my coworkers was awesome. We all learned together and bonded over such a rad experience in one of the most beautiful places.”
Jade Tully is a member of the Digital Business team at Team Shimano . Jade has competed in multiple IRONMAN events and is known around the office for her love of Christmas and celebrating birthdays.
“When I was riding Adobe Jack with Tracy and the VIDA ladies, I felt so included. Being that it was my second time EVER on a MTB, I didn’t know how people would react if I had to get off my bike and walk, or if I was too scared to do something. I was a little anxious that I would annoy people. At one point mid ride, I popped up over this little rock patch and just yelled with excitement and all the ladies were in a crowd cheering for me. That’s when I knew I could be one of these people. Not just the ladies, but all the mountain bikers. They share in your progress, talk you through fears and don’t judge what you can/can’t do. I hope to be able to bike Sedona again someday!”
Megan Duehring is the Bike Marketing & Event Specialist for E-bike. She is an avid mountain biker and spends her free time riding with friends and helping to organize trail build parties with the Shimano team around Southern California and beyond.
“I was so excited going into this weekend not only to improve certain skills, but be able to make memories with the Shimano ladies. We definitely learned a lot about one another and I’m thankful to work for a company that shows us support and provides us experiences like this one. Sedona was the perfect venue to kick off the VIDA MTB Series and I definitely took away some new skills and I look forward to improving them more on the home trails.”
Pre event yoga was offered to get everyone loose and ready for the weekend of riding.
Ladies lined up Saturday for the Shredona Clinic.
Once broken up into groups, the attendees began working on skills with the VIDA coaches.
Coach Dawn walks Megan through body position leading up to a wheel lift.
Thank you to the coaches and all the women in attendance who made this event such an amazing experience for all. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next event at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder on May 11th!
Natalie R Starr Photography // Follow @natalierstarr on Instagram