How One Woman Learned to Conquer MTB Trails
Jane Andraka claims that as long as she’s on a bike, she’s having a great day. But her perspective wasn’t always so chirpy.
After having two kids, she found herself very out of shape. The first time her husband, Steve, managed to coax her onto the nine miles of mountain bike trails outside their Crownsville, Maryland, home, Jane became so frustrated with her lack of fitness that she gave up after a quarter mile and burst into tears.
Yet, the couple returned to the trails each day. Jane struggled to climb hills with uneven terrain and took her share of hard falls, but Steve encouraged her to get back in the saddle each time.
RELATED: This Is How We #GetSomeoneRiding
Steve’s patience and resolve sparked an obsession—Jane suddenly “needed” a new bike. Soon enough, she was able to knock out the entire local trail system and is now ready to start flying off jumps.
Jane grew to realize that fitness comes with time; the greatest progress comes from simply getting out there and enjoying the ride.
Jane and Steve now mountain bike all over the US, spreading their passion with friends and strangers as they travel.
Up for the challenge of introducing a newbie to cycling? Check here for tips and inspiration, and tell us about your own experience with the hashtag #GetSomeoneRiding.
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