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NICA’s GRiT Girls Know How to Shred! Meet Molly Weitzman
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This is the second 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 Molly, an 11 year old on the Downington MTB Team. (Her sister Lily also races—stay tuned for her story as well!)
How did you get started riding?
This is my first year on the team. But my sister Lily has been on it for two years, so it feel slike I’ve been riding for two or three years—I always used to ride around watching the teams before I started racing! At first, I didn’t know about it, when Lily started. My mom suggested I try it when I got to sixth grade, but I wasn’t sure. I was trying to figure out what I was interested in, find hobbies I liked. So I tried it, and I realized wow, I really love this. And now I love mountain biking so much.
What made you love it?
I love all of it. Everything. Except the uphills!
Best advice?
My first time riding, my mom gave me advice about bridges. You want to look down at the start, but just for a split second to check your line. Then, you want to look straight ahead and keep going. If you look down, you’ll start wobbling and not be able to go in a straight line, but if you look where you want to go, you’ll make it across.
Advice for making friends in cycling?
For me, It’s always been easy. For someone new to a team who’s shy, find someone who looks like you would want to be friends with them, go up and ask how they’re doing. Just start a conversation! In NICA, everyone is great!
Best moment at GRiT Camp?
Sleeping in a hammock and riding around with new friends!
Goals in cycling?
This season, I have three goals. Get faster, get in two laps in a race, and to get podium or first place in a race. [Molly finished second overall in her category in the season!]
Know a Shred Girl IRL? Nominate her to be featured on the site here!
