Whitney James
is a freelance marketing creative based in Boulder, Colorado. You can follow her adventures at @whitwithgrit.
Q&A
1. Tell us a little about the story that led you to mountain bikes, how did you get into riding?
Almost as soon as I moved to Colorado, I began mountain biking. I initially got a hardtail to ride from my apartment in South Boulder to work on Pearl Street, but within the week I was exploring Marshall Mesa. Ten years later, all of my closest Colorado girlfriends have been made through mountain biking, and I am engaged to the guy who taught me how to ride. It’s been a really important part of my life this past decade!
2. Do you have a favorite ride in Colorado?
The 401 is my #1. It’s not the most technically interesting of course, but I rode it when I was still using tennis shoes and my childhood helmet and it will always be such a special place for me. For my favorite local trail, I have to pick Hall Ranch. The ratio of fun for effort is just too good!Whitney James is a freelance marketing creative based in Boulder, Colorado. You can follow her adventures at @whitwithgrit.
Photos by @bryanrowephotoPivot Switchblade Pro XT/XTR – 29”I don’t overdo it. I know some people go year-round, bikes only, but I have to keep some variety in my life. In the winter I skate ski and in the summer I also ride horses as often as possible. That way every bike ride is novel and I don’t burn out.Biking has taught me to take risks that I’m naturally super averse to (just ask my friends, I’m definitely the most guarded rider in the group). It’s given me confidence that I don’t think I would’ve had otherwise. Plus, it teaches me to persevere when things get tough. Because when you’re 2/3 down Monarch Crest on the Rainbow Trail you are DEFINITELY going to have a total mental breakdown unless you keep your sh*t together!Literally everything at the Crested Butte Chainless World Championships is pretty hilarious. I’ve ridden that “race” twice and highly, highly recommend it!I’m looking forward to taking my first clinic to get back to the basics (and let’s be honest––finally figure out how to do step-ups and corners properly). I learned from cross-country skiing that there’s always a lot more to know, even if you think you’re a strong intermediate athlete. The smallest change to your technique can make such a huge difference and I’m excited to be humbled and improve!I’m a freelance marketing creative and I love the freedom it gives me to work with clients I love. I also put on a cross-country ski retreat every winter that takes me months to plan and is worth every minute. Camping and stand-up paddleboarding are my two other loves!Southern Rock is my favorite genre. But just to keep things interesting, let’s say Gangstagrass.Riding around muddy sections widens the trail and ruins singletrack trails. Photo BoCo Open Space. Photo: Nick Hanford, 303 Trail Monitor
5. Pick up after yourself – Leave No Trace
This one should be obvious, but the amount of wrappers and trash that we’ve seen left out on the trails this summer has blown our minds. Follow the simple rule: If you pack it in, pack it out.
If there’s any question as to what’s acceptable, check out the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethic’s principles here.
6. Mind the yield triangle.
It may hurt to swallow this one, but we must acknowledge that mountain bikers are the lowest members of the proverbial trail-use totem pole. It’s our responsibility to yield to all other trail users out there in order to keep the peace.
Yield to horses.
Yield to hikers.
Yield to trail runners.
Yup, just slow down and give way.
7. Use a Bell
While it may not be absolutely required, a bell is about the best way to lower tensions out on the trail. It’s the best ten bucks you’ll ever spend.
8. Obey All Trail Closures – Know Before You Go
There are days where Mother Nature speaks her mind and tells us to just stay home. On those days, it’s our responsibility to listen. Riding muddy trails can damage and permanently alter the terrain for years to come and it’s our duty to exercise a little self-control and wait it out when the trail just isn’t ready.
If you find yourself out on a ride and in a questionable scenario, consider turning back. Are your tires actively sinking into the mud? Is your rear tire slipping and sliding as you pedal? These are good indicators that the trail is too saucy to ride.
Thankfully, we have a ton of resources available to us to check on trail conditions to avoid showing up to a messy trail. If you feel as though conditions might be uncertain, check the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance Trail Conditions page for status updates before you head.
Another excellent online resource is 303 Trail Monitor on Facebook. This is an active online community with over 16,000 members constantly chattering about trail conditions in Colorado. If you’re looking for the status on a trail, odds are someone here knows!