Erin is a newer VMB member who recently started mountain biking and is already volunteering in the local riding community, competing in events and spreading positive vibes on the trails everywhere.
Tell us about yourself, especially what got you started riding:
I found mountain biking at the start of the pandemic while trying to find outdoor activities! I brought my daughters to Nox with our Walmart mountain bikes and we were immediately hooked. I ride for so many reasons. I love to challenge myself physically while also being somewhat of a thrill seeker. MTB is so physically challenging but only as much as you want it to be. I really pushed myself to be ready for the Steel City Enduro for 2021 and finishing that without dying was a huge accomplishment for me. I rode Mag7 in Moab just a few months ago and that has been the most challenging ride I've ever done and had to walk some sections. I volunteer as a coach for the Lehigh Valley Lightning- the Lehigh Valley's composite mountain biking team for middle and high schoolers.
How long have you been a VMB member?
I just joined this year.
What's your favorite part of the Lehigh Valley riding community?
I love the people. The number of people willing to ride with you, teach you something new, wait while you struggle up that climb, and give back to the local trails is one of the best things about this community.
What's your go-to local shop?
I find myself most often at Cutter's due to its proximity and wonderful owners, but also stop in Crown Bikes.
What's your favorite Lehigh Valley trail or trail system?
I love Trexler so much but Sals holds my heart.
Best place for post-ride refueling, and why
Talum is my favorite after-Sals meal. Their guac is amazing and vegetarian options are so good.
What's your best piece of advice for other members and riders.
Ride with people better than you. If you make people aware of your current riding level and your desire to improve, you'll definitely find folks to ride with. I've learned to not apologize for being slow while improving. If they didn't want to wait for you, they wouldn't offer to ride with you!
Describe your dream ride.
I'd love to go back to Moab. Challenging, rocky, technical terrain with amazing views for hours and hours sounds like a dream to me!!
What's your most memorable mountain bike accomplishment or achievement?
Finishing the Steel City Enduro in 2021 and getting through all of it cleanly! Those rock berms and Nacho were major goals for me.
What inspired you to join VMB?
Riding with the Cutter's ride and the VMB guys and seeing the trail work they do made me want to contribute in at least some small way.
