Hannah Puttcamp Builds Trail, Then Shred On It!

Hannah Puttcamp doesn’t just ride bikes, she’s been one of the hardest working members of NICA’sTeen Trail Corps—she’s actually a captain now, as well as a fantastic mountain biker (and gravel grinder!). She has a ton of great advice whether you’re new to biking, wondering about trail-building, or just want to have more fun on bikes!

Why did you start riding bikes? How did you end up choosing to focus on MTB?

I started riding for fun when I was 4 yrs old. I started riding mountain bikes because there was a team forming in our area – Keystone Composite. I chose to focus on mountain biking because it was the first racing I did, it makes me stronger, and I like being out in the woods.

What is your favorite part?

I like being in the woods and having fun riding.

What is the hardest part?

Uphill racing climbs and finish line sprinting.

What makes you most excited about riding?

It is a unique sport, not a lot a people do it. Being with friends, pushing myself, long fun downhills.

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

It’s Ok to get off your seat. Slide forward on seat going uphill and get way back when going downhill. Use all of your pedal stroke when riding clipless pedals so you are using all your muscles.

Proudest accomplishment/favorite race moment?

My proudest accomplishment is getting Teen Trail Corps Captain and having the most trail work hours in the league (40.5 hrs). My favorite race moment was crossing the finish line for my first medal – second place.

What made you get interested in Teen Trail Corps? What’s that experience been like and has it changed how you look at riding?

I went to GRiT camp and we earned the build badge. After that I did more research on Teen Trail Corps and learned I had some of the requirements done. The experience has been hard with all the trail building and I now understand how hard it is to plan trails, build trails, and how hard it is to lead others building trails. It changed my look at riding by understanding the hard work that went into the trails I am riding on.

Advice for other young girls interested in riding?

Try your hardest … it is a hard sport and it is hard in the beginning. You will get better and it will feel easier. Don’t let how hard it is or where you finish in a race [if poor finish] discourage you from continuing to ride.

Favorite piece of gear?

My helmet! (serious … with a fun laugh). Riding Shorts. Saddle bag with tools, tube, and CO2 pump.

NICA is really pushing to get more girls on bikes—how has it been racing in the PA league?

Fun! The girls that race in PICL (Pennsylvania NICA) league are really close as friends and we are all real fast and very competitive. We love getting to see each other at race weekends and GRiT camp.

Stay tuned for interviews with her younger BMX-riding sister Leah and some photo tips from her photographer dad!