Kennedy Goodall is a NICA-Racing MTB-ing Shred Girl IRL

BY KIRA ZAZZI

I met Kennedy when I was still in high school and participating in the North Carolina NICA league. She approached me in a Chipotle after one of the races, and has stayed in contact with me since then! Being diagnosed with high-functioning autism at a young age, Kennedy faces challenges… but cycling helps her overcome them every time she rides. Now 15, Kennedy rides her bike more than ever to train for NICA, and hopes that her participation in the league will help inspire other neuro-atypical kids to try it in the future!

How did you get into cycling?

My whole family is into mountain biking so they got me into it. I had tried other sports, rock climbing, swim team, and gymnastics, but I really struggled with them. I have high functioning autism but wasn’t diagnosed until I was older. My parents used mountain biking as a therapy for me to get stronger. It took me forever to learn how to ride a bike so it’s surprising that mountain biking became my sport.

What is your favorite part?

I love that it helps me calm down. Sometimes it takes over an hour in the trails but it always works!

What is the hardest part for you?

Learning how to be competitive. I would let other girls pass me just to be nice and I had to learn that it’s ok to be faster than some of my teammates. Also mountain biking can be really scary when it is technical, rooty or a scary downhill.

What is your favorite tip, trick, or quote that you apply to cycling?

Don’t judge a book by its cover. I am really skinny so some people might think I am weak but I am actually strong when I ride.

Where is your favorite place to ride?

RTP trails in Morrisville, NC. It is a good blend of flowy and technical trails. I learn something new every time I ride there.

What is your proudest accomplishment this far?

I flipped over and off my bike a few years ago on a gravel downhill and I was really scared to go fast again on a downhill. I am really proud that I am now pushing myself on downhills to go faster.

How has NICA impacted you?

NICA has kept me riding which has improved my grades. I definitely do better in school when I am riding my bike a lot.

Do you have a good luck charm?

My braid: I braid my hair like Kate Courtney does before I ride.

What are your goals in cycling?

Make more friends with other girls that ride. Long term goals are to ride for a college team.