Edan Paggy is Long Island's Shred Girl, Helping to Get #MoreGirlsOnBikes

Edan Paggy is a cross-country double threat: she races on her mountain bike, and with her running spikes on the school's cross-country running team. When we were in Bentonville, AK, for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association coaches conference, I heard about Edan, a racer for the Long Island Hurricanes, one of NICA's youth development and scholastic cycling programs. And I knew I wanted to talk to her! The Hurricanes are super into supporting NICA's goal of getting #moregirlsonbikes, and Edan is definitely one of their major success stories. I'm super stoked to meet her in a couple weeks... and if you're in the area, you can too, since we're putting on a super fun ride in Cathedral Pine County Park in Middle Island, NY, on October 13. OK, let's meet Edan!

Why did you start riding bikes?

I've been riding since I was 5 years old. my first trail ride was because my dad was running trails in Bethpage and one of the times he went I wanted to come as well, and end up riding for 10 miles, and that was my first trail experience.

How did you get started with NICA?

My family found out that there is a youth mountain biking club in Long Island called LI Hurricanes we are sponsored by Brands Bicycle and CLIF, this team is part of NICA.

What was your favorite part? What was the hardest part?

My favorite part about mountain biking is going to all the races and events and riding with all of my friends/ teammates. The hardest part is probably getting the practice in and going out riding whether its cold or hot outside or early in the morning or in the afternoon.

What made you choose to focus on MTB, or have you totally focused?

I chose to focus on MTB because it is the only sport I really enjoy. I am also doing cross country, but I use that to help me with my MTB training.

What was the best tip or trick you've ever been told?

One cool trick I learn while riding is to always keep my eyes and head forward and not to overthink things.

Proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment was my first MTB race in Stillwell woods its called MACHO, that was the first race I ever did and I did it with my mom.

Goals in cycling?

Some goals that I have are, I want to improve my training practice, be more focused on my racing, and hopefully make it really far in MTB.

Advice for other younger girls interested in riding?

Some advice that I have for younger girls is always keep your head up and always have fun and enjoy.

Have you made friends through riding? Advice for talking to other girls/guys if someone is super shy?

Yes, I made friends with a girl from the Cranks her name is Louisa. She is very nice and a very good friend of mine, she had helped me during races even when we where going against each other. There is a kid on my team who is really shy. The way I got him to talk was by asking a couple of questions here and there, and every time he would only answer in single words. Now he answers in sentences. Just ask a few gentle questions.