One of my fondest memories on a bike is at Mammoth racing the Kamikaze (downhill) event and having the time of my life. The feeling of descending down the hill was thrilling, scary and freeing all in one. I was hooked. Bikes will always be a part of my life.
My dad introduced me to BMX with my brother at a young age and we had some good times at the track with all the other bobble heads. At that point in my life trying every kind of sport was something that my family encouraged us to do. Ballet, soccer, swimming, downhill skiing, and softball were all experiences, but I always came back to my bike. In college I joined the MTB club team as the only girl and continued riding after graduation.
Then I found something that changed my life that still included wheels, roller derby. I dedicated 9 seasons to the sport traveling the U.S. with a team that I call family. The thrill of making it through the pack without being taken out was right up my alley. I spent countless hours on my skates, but I still always came back to my bike to mix up training. Years of bumps, bruises and broken bones added up and I opted to “retire,” leaving a huge gap to fill. I decided to come back to the wheels I had grown up with.
Back to 2 wheels but still throwing elbows and dodging squirrels, I felt like I was home. I soon became addicted to racing road crits but discovered that it might be “better” to race with a team. Breakaway Women’s Racing would become my new family, full of experience to share with me, cheers to encourage my development and confidence to keep pursuing the chase.
Photo Credit: Bixxel
Photo Credit: Bixxel
Competing in some type of sport has been my life but the reason I race or compete has evolved over the years. I’ve done it for the pure joy of competition, to get out of my comfort zone, because my friends/teammates were doing it, exercise/health/stress relief; the list could go on. I am a believer that EVERYONE should try it at least once because racing holds you accountable, gives you a glimpse of what you’re capable of and can be all around FUN!
-Trinity Gleckler
Photo Credit: Bixxel