SearchYour cart is currently empty!
NICA’s GRiT Girls Know How to Shred! Meet Madeline Clancy
by
This is the first of many interviews from the Pennsylvania MTB NICA League’s amazing GRiT (Girls Riding Together) camp that they hosted a few weeks ago in PA. I was lucky enough to go and got a chance to meet so many incredible girls with fantastic advice to share, so stay tuned for even more awesomeness… but for now, let’s get started by meeting 13-year-old Madeline Clancy!
How did you get started riding?
I’ve been riding for two years. My one friend was talking about it, and convinced me to go out for a ride on the trail. I liked it, so I joined a team!
Does your family ride?
They didn’t, but I got them into it and now, both my parents coach, and my five-year-old brother just went on his first singletrack ride.
What made you love it?
It was just so fun. The rush, especially going downhill, is amazing. You’re just free.
Favorite part?
I like climbs because you get to push yourself, and I’m really proud when I do make it up to the top. But I love downhill too!
Advice for climbing?
Practice A LOT. And try not to stop. A kid on my team kept telling me to just keep pushing because I would stall out in the middle of climbs because I’d stop pedaling, and that advice really helped.
Advice for downhills?
At first I was scared, so I would hold the brakes. Then I realized it was a lot more fun if I just let go!
Least favorite part?
There are some days when I’m not in the mood, my lungs hurt, I get tired… But there aren’t many of those!
Advice for making friends in cycling?
Just go up and talk to people, especially ones on your team. Ask the people you do know to introduce you to other people.
Best moment at GRiT Camp?
I learned how to wheelie! I’ve had people on my team try to teach me, but here, I finally figured it out. I just practiced for two hours in the field until I figured it out. I realized for me, I need to stand up as I push off, then sit on the saddle when I’ve gotten up to that balance point.
Proudest moment?
I got third at one of the races this year. It was really hard, there were all kinds of rocks and roots, but I just managed to stay strong. I want to get better at endurance and keeping up a pace so I can do longer races!
