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Izzy Weinberg is a NICA’s GRiT Girl—With Some Excellent Climbing Advice!
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This is the fourth of many interviews from the Pennsylvania MTB NICA League’s amazing GRiT (Girls Riding Together) camp that they hosted this summer in PA. I was lucky enough to go and got a chance to meet so many incredible girls with fantastic advice to share (like our first girl from the camp, Madeline Clancy!). Today, meet Izzy Weinberg, a 16 year old on the Great Valley Mountain Composite Team. 
How did you get started riding?
I’ve been riding since I was 13. My dad got into the sport and he introduced me to mountain biking when I was 12, but I didn’t start for a year. I remember going to watch my first race—I just thought it looked like so much fun.
What made you love it?
I loved the community and the people in the sport. I immediately thought, “Oh wow, these people are super cool.” I felt like I finally found my people. I didn’t love the riding at first though… But I kept showing up and then after a while, I realized how much fun it was. You can do tricks, you can session stuff to get better at it. That’s when it starts to get fun—so don’t give up after one ride!
Best part of riding?
The places I get to go when I’m racing or riding for fun. I’ve been to so many cool places like East Burke in Vermont or Pisgah in North Carolina where the riding is so fun, and it’s so beautiful in those places. It’s really cool to see places like that.
RELATED: NICA’s GRiT Girls Know How to Shred! Meet Sarah Howard
Hardest part of riding?
Honestly, climbing. I’m good at it, but it is So Much Work. But it is so worth it when you get to the top and it’s all downhill.
Best advice?
My best advice is from my coaches, they tell me to just count in my head while I’m climbing. I always will just do that and have a playlist of songs going in my head that I’m singing to myself when I’m climbing. Right now, Location by Khalid—I’m really into his music right now.
Advice for making friends in cycling?
Just put yourself out there. People in the biking community are super friendly and not judgmental at all. They’ll always be there for you. They’re super friendly and outgoing and easy to talk to.
RELATED: NICA’s GRiT Girls Know How to Shred! Meet Molly Weitzman
Best moment at GRiT Camp?
Meeting all these amazing people, who are female and into the sport. It’s so cool to see how many girls are into mountain biking!
Goals in cycling?
To just get faster at racing. I know right now my fastest time in a race is 54 minutes, so to beat that would be great. I’m focused on finishing and doing my best.
Know a Shred Girl IRL? Nominate her to be featured on the site here!
