Richmond Mountain Bike TEAM

I began mountain biking about 5 years ago when someone told me that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I took up the challenge and here I am! I was disappointed riding for local race shops because I felt as though it was just a big advertisement. I was very impressed with meeting the Boston Team LUNA Chix at PedrosFest in 2007 and decided to apply for a team. When I race and on rides I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not all about me and how fast I’m going or not going. It’s about being out there and representing something that you believe in. The past 4 years with Team LUNA Chix has been a truly amazing experience in all aspects, pushing myself to lead, build a community, and compete. I enjoy competing in Xterra events. My dog, Magic, is my faithful training partner and is present on some rides and my runs.

My name is Clare and this is my second season on the Richmond Team LUNA Chix. I truly enjoyed my experience on the team last year and I am looking forward to the 2013 season. I started mountain biking in college. I was looking for a way to tackle the Freshman 15 which morphed into the Junior 40 and recover from an ACL injury. I decided to buy a bike to start exercising and purchased a first generation mountain bike. I had a blast riding after class with my brother who was a freshman at the same college in the pre-suspension and double digit gear days. I kept riding after college. Eventually I met my husband Tim while mountain biking. Now we enjoy taking our dogs Laela and Vika along with us on rides. I have always loved riding and being outdoors along with the camaraderie that the sport offers. I really look forward to being part of the LUNA team again this year and sharing these experiences with others and those new to riding.

I have been active most of my life. Early on, I mostly played team sports, but as I matured I found enjoyment in the great outdoors. Camping, backpacking, sailing, snowboarding and cycling became mainstays in my repertoire of outdoor activities. About 10 years ago my husband and I became very involved with cycling, single track mtb and more recently, on the road. My husband is now my mechanic, and we spend most evenings trading off caring for our sons and putting some miles on our bikes! I am looking forward to starting a new season of cycyling, participating in races this year and trying my hand at some triathilons! Being a team member of LUNA Chix is great, the camaraderie is incredible and I very much enjoy being active in fundraising, local races, and women’s events. I look forward to an exciting a productive sixth year!

I start mountain biking five years ago after learning about Luna Chix and attending their local rides. I am certain that I would not have had such a positive experience learning to ride had it not been for the amazing women on the local team. I have always been an active person enjoying outdoor adventures and staying fit. For me it's about having fun, being outdoors, and getting a great workout at the same time. I look forward to being part of the team this year and helping out a terrific charity.

After an injury that took running out of the picture, I turned to mountain biking as another way to be mobile and loved it! I've been biking for four years, have enjoyed learning skills, and am enjoying the opportunity to help others learn. I love the challenge biking presents while I get to enjoy the outdoors. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails this summer.

This is my 5th season of mountain biking but my second year on a team. I fell head over heels for mountain biking 5 years ago under the nurturing guidance of the Richmond Team LUNA chix. I have gained so much confidence and so many wonderful friends by attending RLAG and I am so grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward this season as coleader.

I started exercising decades ago as a means to maintain my sanity. My job required that I sit in one spot for far too long and the excess energy had to go somewhere. Once I began, however, I got "the bug" and started to create goals for myself that would keep me training. These days, it's just part of my lifestyle and I can't imagine ever sitting still. I enjoy the variety of multisports as well as learning the technical skills involved in off road riding. The best part of it all is meeting new and like-minded people that take pleasure in working up an honest sweat while laughing the whole time!