The Bakery: For the Love of Independent Bike Shops

Six years ago I showed up on the doorstep of my local bike shop and sheepishly admitted that I had broken up with my boyfriend before I had learned to fix my own bike.

Six years later I probably spend a little too much time there. I have been known to show up at their Christmas parties and the coffee place next door gives me a staff discount. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name, or some variation of it. They hassle you and high-five you. They give you hugs and lectures about not taking better care of your ride. They are family.

They are so much my family that I have introduced boyfriends to my dad before I have taken them to my bike shop. True story.

Read more on bikemag.com. 

The Bakery: The Power of Not Giving a F*ck

Be more like a skateboarder–that’s the latest life advice I have been given. Apparently I need to take a page from skate culture and learn how to not give a fuck. Mountain bikers are just too caring.

In an attempt to embrace these new words of wisdom and learn how to not give a fuck, I recently asked a friend who works in the skate industry to teach me.

He didn’t show up, because, clearly, he doesn’t give a fuck.

Read more on bikemag.com 

Bike Mag: What I'd do for a Bike Hat

I’ve been lusting over a Bike hat for some time now. It seems that everyone in my life has one.

Everyone, except me.

While I was on the road with Sombrio, I quietly plotted how I was going to get myself this one crucial bit of schwag. I even managed to liberate one from its owner for a short time before sheepishly having to return it. No amount of eyelash batting or flattery would return it to me. In light of the fact that I clearly can’t flirt my way into this new bit of headgear, I’ve compiled this list of 100 things I would do for a Bike hat.

This goes out to the “higher-ups” at Bike who, apparently, hold onto these things as if they were made out of gold….

1. I would call your grandma a dick.
2. I would show you a boob, but just one.
3. I would show you both boobs.

Read more on bikemag.com

Rig Life: The Full Story

There comes a moment in everyone’s lives when you realize you are an adult. Calling home from a truck stop in Vegas because the bank has suspended your debit card for suspicious use (your use) at a strip club is not that moment.

This was how I started my last stint of rig life; winning.

Read more on bikemag.com:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Vid: Karla

In the final year of my photography program Karla was my muse. She inspired a project that I completed for graduation photographing scars and recording the stories behind them. The biggest question that I get in response to the project and all the bike related scars is “do these people still ride bikes?”. 

Read more and check out the video here 

Marx Conditioning

Monika Marx of Marx Conditioning asked me to do some photos with her clients in her temporary studio.  I was definitely inspired by these strong women and by Monika's ability to pursue her goals and help so many people to achieve theirs.

Pinkbike: Complete

Diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury following a crash at the Jeep King of the Mountain race in 2007, Tara Llanes has worked hard to build a complete life without limitations. After years of a successful professional BMX and downhill racing career, including 2 US national championships, 4 World Championship medals and 4 ESPN X-Games medals, Tara has developed a focus and drive that continues to serve her in every challenge she faces. Most recently Tara is preparing to get back on technical riding trails for the first time since her accident.

Read more on pinkbike.com