Carys Reid Talks Self-Discipline, Growing Up on the MTB and How to Stay Motivated to Train

Ontario-based XC mountain biker Carys Reid has been riding since she was six years old, and as a teenager now, she’s looking at taking cycling a lot more seriously in the next few years. Canada produces some of the fastest female riders in the world, so Carys has a lot of role models and motivation to stick to her training schedule, log miles, and make sure she’s always having fun on the bike.

Why did you start riding bikes?

Every kid gets into sport because they idolize someone that’s active in it. for me that person was my dad! I grew up around bikes and started going out to our local trails with him when I was 6. whenever I ride, it’s almost a sense of therapy. Just to drop any stress and focus on yourself in that moment and have fun while doing it!

What was your favourite part?

My favourite part is simply being outdoors and riding with people that share a common interest. Some of my closest friends were met on the trails and I’m still friends with them to this day! I grew up riding with the boys and they’d always be pushing me to try new lines and challenge myself.

What was the hardest part?

I believe the hardest part for anyone is self discipline. motivation can fade, especially through the colder months, making it easy to put off training but i always think of what i want to accomplish in the following season, giving me that extra boost of motivation.

Have you picked which kind of riding your going to focus on primarily? How did you choose?

I’ve tried all aspects of cycling.. road, cyclocross, downhill, and xc, however the xc mountain biking community always pulls me back. I find the sport itself is a mix of all disciplines combined. the physical/ mental ability to punch up a hill, recover, and then descend down a rock garden is HARD, which makes it that much more fulfilling when you see yourself progress. I also came from figure skating and i found that although two completely different sports, my balance and coordination from such transferred over and made me the technical rider i am today. for example, the ability to absorb the vibrations in a rock garden and counter balance without losing speed or your line.

Best cycling advice you’ve gotten?

For girls in specific, I always remember “boobs to the tube” when climbing – a trick Haley Smith told me, haha! I get a laugh thinking about it in a race and it takes your mind off your screaming legs. However, as motivation, something that always stuck with me is to “show up with a purpose”. You won’t get anywhere in this sport or life if you don’t show up (to school, to training, to a race…). that’s the first step, show up. The second step is to have purpose. Self-purpose to be exact. Create your goals; dream about them, write them down, work towards them everyday and you’ll find yourself a lot better for it!

Proudest cycling accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment was definitely my 2017 season. almost a full XC season on top box, at Ontario/ Canada Cups, and then finishing it off with a third place overall in cyclocross. that fall i joined Team Hardwood NextWave, worked with Rob Holmgren, throughout the winter and got accepted to train in North Carolina with Team Ontario in the early spring. it was such an amazing experience with some of the best coaches!

What are your goals in cycling?

Next year I hope to make it on Team Ontario and represent at the Canada Cups and hopefully Nationals. Long term, I hope to travel overseas to Europe and represent on the National Team for Junior Worlds.

Advice for younger girls interested in riding?

Just go out and ride! Ride with the boys! Find a group of girls and ride with them! Have fun with it!  There’s so many opportunities for young girls in sport nowadays, why not give it a shot!

Advice for shy kids who don’t know how to make friends in cycling?

Just be yourself around others and like- hearted people will gravitate towards you! there are always experienced racers at events that love seeing young riders getting involved, never be afraid to ask! they were in the same shoes as you too!

Favourite piece of cycling gear?

I loveee getting a new helmet or pair of glasses! always makes me feel fresh and excited to get out on the trails. besides, who doesn’t like matching their bike?! 😉

Advice for team/ training camps/ coaching?

I would definitely start with finding what’s available in your area as far as teams go. I have the misfortune of not being around a very populated cyclist area and my team is based out of Hardwood Hills, 90 minutes from home, making it challenging to get up to team training days — but I try! Coaching: definitely ask around! See who’s close to you, which coaches are apart of which teams, and ask riders you look up too for advice, they have most likely gone through similar situations! For getting started: get out there!

Ask around, join your school bike team, ask your friends if they want to go out and ride one day, ask your local bike shop about any weekly race series. If you like it, make the jump to provincial races! the best place to start is to get out there and ride your heart out! odds are you’ll have a whole lot of fun in the process and you never know who you may inspire to do the same!😜

 

 

 

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