Real life Shred Girl Desiree Smith is one of the coolest girls shredding at Joyride 150 near Toronto, Ontario, so when we were both at the park for the Women’s Weekend in February (mark your calendar for next year’s event!), I knew I wanted to get a video of her rocking the jump line, and then get her best tips. She didn’t disappoint: check out her tips and the video of her ride and advice!

“If you’re intimidated by something, walk through it first so you don’t have any surprises when you ride. If possible, take your bike with you and push it through so you can see how it handles things (I found this really helpful when learning how to drop into a quarter, seeing that the bike could roll over the coping without anything hitting the coping was very reassuring). If you know someone who can ride it, ask them to try it slowly so you can watch. Once you’re ready, try it slowly so you can get comfortable. The most important thing that you’ll hear a million times is look where you want to go, this sounds obvious but so many people fail to do this when they’re learning (including myself). This is one of the most important things because it gives you your balance and keeps you going the right way and avoiding hitting things (another thing I do quite often). And lastly, wear pads!! No you won’t look lame for riding with pads on and they will give you so much more confidence.”

“If you like it, just do it! I rode by myself for almost the first 2 years of being on a bike. I’m not going to lie, it’s very difficult to progress and motivate yourself but I loved my bike so much that I kept going. If you’re shy like me, you will likely find it difficult to ride in front of people when you’re alone (especially when trying to learn new things!). I found it really helped to throw some music on, it blocks out the noise and distractions around you so you can really just focus on your riding (I try to pretend there is no one around). You will start meeting people the more you ride, the faster you can do this, the better. Having people to ride with helps SO much, it helps to keep you motivated, keep progressing and it’s just more fun. BUT, you have to start somewhere, so if you don’t have anyone to ride with, get on a bike and ride alone. Meeting people will come the more you ride, it’s worth it I promise!”

Read all about Desiree Smith here!

For all you Shred Girls out there: Have tips you want to pass on or a great story to share? Nominate yourself as a Real Life Shred Girl here!