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 I have enjoyed cycling from the time I was a kid to the present. My bicycle was my door to freedom. It allowed me to go where I wanted, when I wanted, whether it was a trip to the store for groceries, getting to a softball game, or cruising to beach on the Cape. I became interested in mountain biking in my late 30's when I developed a bad case of plantar fasciitis. I love the mental and physical challenge that the sport offers.
This is my seventh season as a member of Team LUNA Chix. I enjoy getting more women involved in the sport and helping them grow to be a stronger rider. It is such a rewarding experience when I see them overcome fear and conquer a difficult bike manuever.
My Bikes: Santa Cruz XC Blur, Rocky Mountain Slayer, Cannondale R1000
Favorite Riding Venues: Fort Rock, Harold Parker, Willowdale, PR, Lynn Woods, Moab, Breckenridge, Boulder
 I started biking in 2003 after a college swimming career and discovered that there's a lot more to see in the world than the bottom of a pool. Since then I've gotten involved in road, mountain, and cross riding - but don't ask me to pick a favorite! Cycling gives me a physical outlet, but more importantly a fun and supportive community as well. Being part of the LUNA Chix allows me to give back to that community that's given me so much.
 Making time to exercise can be one of the hardest things to do these days. I started mountain biking more seriously about 5 years ago and this changed everything. Instead of "making time," I was looking forward to it! Weekends, cutting out of work early for a Friday afternoon ride in the fall, counting the days until there's enough daylight to ride after work, challenging myself to ride year round, etc.
I'm proud to be a part of the LUNA Chix 2012 roster and I hope to encourage more ladies to find their love for this sport and to feel the way I do about mountain biking.
 Ah, the wonderful freedom of riding a bike! Life gets so crazy with family obligations; a chick can lose track of taking care of herself once in a while. That's why I love being part of being on Team LUNA Chix, which gives me the perfect opportunity to breathe fresh air and play with the girls for a while.
As a LUNA Chix I truly enjoy the camaraderie of riding with women, especially with women who are learning the ins and outs of riding a mountain bike. I love seeing that big smile at the end of a ride when somebody accomplishes something she never imagined she could. And since I haven't been on my bike as much as I like lately, I can truly relate!
My goals for the year are very simple. I going to just enjoy riding when I can. I will be also walking a lot this year getting in shape for the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. And if I can sneak in a triathlon or mountain bike race this year, so much the better!
My Bikes: A Gary Fisher HIFi GS named Pepto, an Intense Spider named Spidey, a Litespeed road bike named Mai Ti and a Cannondale cyclocross bike named Lady Cross. But there's always room in my heart for one more bike. : )
 I am happiest on my bicycle. I thrive on the challenge, unfettered freedom, weightlessness and serenity. It is an outlet for channeling frustrations, anxiety, and fear... and has been a major catalyst in transcending boundaries in my own life. Cycling has shown me the importance of pushing through the pain to experience the speed, exhilaration... and feel the wind in my face. It is also a stellar way to get a killer workout and have a blast!
 I love to be outdoors, preferably some place where cars are few and trees are many, and, while I am an awkward runner, I like to move at a speed faster than walking. Mountain biking is the perfect solution! I still have plenty to learn, but over the years my falling has decreased and my focus and technical skills have increased; this makes the experience not only uplifting and fun but meditative as well. When I trust myself and my bike, it tends to work out well. I feel that all forms of cycling, but particularly mountain biking, enrich my life enormously, and I very much enjoy sharing that experience with like-minded women. This will be my third year with LUNA and it is wonderful to be part of the team!
 "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." This quote from John Quincy Adams is why I am a part of the LUNA Chix. I spent many years of my life as an out-of-shape, overweight person who never thought she could run, bike, or do anything endurance based. It took me 13 years, but I went from being over 200 lbs to winning two national championships in mountain biking in 2007 and 2008. I used to be ashamed of old pictures of myself, but now I see them as a gift. A gift that proves to me every day that I am strong, courageous and disciplined. A gift that I choose to share with others who think they cannot achieve because of their size or their perceived ability level.
 Bikes: Seven Axiom SG, Trek XO 2, Peter Mooney (converted criterium frame into a single speed latte bike), a bamboo farmers market bike, a Redline frame transformed into a super commuter rig, and one of Georgia Gould's old mountain bikes - now known as "Georgia Not". Bikes currently on the wish list: Surly Pugsley, Seven Sola, and a cross bike with disc brakes.
Places I like to ride:
Mountain bike: The PR- aka the "Private Reserve" - it's close to my house and has fun trails.
Road bike: leave my house and head to Concord and decide where to go from there.
Travel: Any bike vacation.
Perfect day: Get up, drink coffee, eat, ride for 3 to 4 hours with friends, eat, have a latte, and repeat. Exceptions are for surfing and stand up paddle boarding which both make up perfect days as well.
Profile: I am a retired road racer who discovered cycling after participating in triathlons. I have tried many sports but cycling is what makes me happy. I have competed in road and MTB races, I have commuted the streets of Boston by bike, and cycled in many different countries but some of my favorite rides are with friends not racing but enjoying biking, being outside, and each other. My goal is to help someone else learn the joys of cycling. My hope is that being a member of the Luna team will help this happen. My wish is for women to experience the wonderful world of cycling. There is something fantastic about going fast on your bike, the wind in your hair, and the sun on your face, with nowhere to be.
 My Bikes: Seven Tsunami, Seven Elium, Santa Cruz Juliana, Soul Cycles Hooligan (single speed), Surly Cross-Check (winter trainer, pit bike)
Favorite Place to Mountain Bike Locally: The "PR" (a.k.a. The Private Reserve - it's a secret!)
Favorite Road Ride: any route that offers stops for lattes and cupcakes or ribs and beer
I love cycling and really enjoy introducing it to others. I find it incredibly gratifying to see someone breaking out in a huge grin after completing their first 20 mile road ride or whooping it up after clearing a particular technical section on a trail for the first time.
From the opposite view, I've recently been a beginner mountain bike rider and am so extremely thankful for women who've introduced me to trails and helped me build my skills. In fact, it was the awesome and enthusiastic welcome I received from the Luna Chix at the start line of my first ever mountain bike race (and one of my first ever mtb rides!) that encouraged and inspired me to keep coming back. That helped to lessen the fear and intimidation I felt starting a new sport at 45.And it culminated in winning a National XC Championship.
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