Been thinking about getting out on your bike? Next up in our series on Girls and Women who Swagger in the Outdoors and Sports is Willa Williford, mountain bike racer. Willa tells us why she loves to mountain bike and gives us some advice on how to get started.
Willa’s day job is Housing Division Director for Boulder County in Colorado. She has a three month old son, and a dog named Kona. She is 34, and began riding and racing bikes almost 15 years ago
Willa Williford -Mountain Bike Racer
Why I love my sport
I love the pure effort of pushing my physical limitations on a bike. I love mountain biking especially for the beautiful places it takes me. Mountain biking is the perfect mix of solitary and social. Everyone on the trail has her own experience and can go her own pace, but stopping for a snack or pictures of a great vista with friends makes the day that much more special.
How to get started
I got started with my love affair with bikes commuting to school in Portland OR. When I moved to Colorado, I joined a women’s team where I met great riding companions and got a taste of racing. Eventually, a few friends and I started our own team to accomplish our goals of having camaraderie, support, and the opportunity to push ourselves in competition.
Overcoming fears
On some days, I want to push myself and try new or challenging technical terrain. Other days, I don’t want to press those limits. Learning to listen to myself and trust my instincts has been a process over time. Things seem to work out best if you fully commit to pushing yourself, or fully commit to giving yourself a break. I always have the worst outcomes when I decide to bail halfway through a technical element. I appreciate that mountain biking is inherently “challenge by choice.” Also, riding with friends who are positive, encouraging, and just a little bit stronger or more experienced than me is usually when I make breakthroughs.
Basic equipment/clothing to get started
Unfortunately, mountain biking is somewhat gear intensive to get started. You can rent in most cities and towns with good trails, which is a nice way to give it a try without committing big dollars. I ride a 29 inch (size of the wheels) hard tail, which means suspension only in the front. This is a very capable bike that isn’t too heavy to ride up long climbs. Since I don’t do big downhill jumps and super technical descents, I don’t really need rear suspension. My bike also has disk brakes, which are great for quick stopping power. For you, a helmet and comfortable padded shorts are a must. I like a synthetic jersey that has pockets in the back for a snack, repair tools, and sometimes an extra water bottle. HeroKit makes a nice basic set of bike repair must-haves, and it comes with instructions. Clip-in shoes and pedals are a good upgrade once you are comfortable on the bike. Don’t forget sunblock, sunglasses, and a water bottle! For more advanced rides, a trail map and/or Garmin are also recommended.
Advice to girls and women who are interested in this sport
Find a friend to ride with! Research trails, clubs, and bike shops in your area. Become familiar with the gear, but don’t obsess about it. Start slowly, and add more time on the bike and more difficult trails a bit every few weeks.