Real Life Shred Girl Mackenzie Myatt Talks Crushing Goals on the Mountain Bike

Mackenzie Myatt is a young cyclist on a mission. In 2018 alone, she raced 5 world cups and world championships for Canada as part of the Canadian National MTB Team. She also races for her collegiate team, SCAD Cycling, her706 Project p/b United Health Care club team, and Cyclesmith Racing. We rode together as part of NextGenMTB Canada’s winter endurance camp in California this January and I can safely say that this girl is FAST. From her hometown of Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia to Atlanta, Georgia, where she’s studying as a Creative Writing student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD-Atl) in her 3rd year, Mackenzie has tons of valuable advice to share.

Why did you start riding bikes?

My dad taught me how to ride a bike and for as long as I can remember, I was mountain biking with my dad and my brother and some close family friends. I remember we used to go to the trails almost every Thursday and sometimes they were night rides. That was Junior High.

What was your favorite part?

My favourite part about mountain biking is chasing wheels and realizing you can stay on them. Or slaying a new technical section you didn’t think you could. But it doesn’t always have to be slaying, sometimes it’s just making it through the first time… rolling like a turtle!

What was the hardest part?

The hardest part is facing new features and terrain and trusting myself. I’ve had to really be patient with myself when I get to a new World Cup course and there’s something there that scares me. I don’t like to jump into things, I have to warm up to them and I’ve learned that that’s okay. Just because I don’t do it right away doesn’t mean I’ll never do it, and that makes the eventual success so much sweeter.

What made you choose to focus on MTB?

I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before I chose to focus on mountain biking full time at 17. I loved gymnastics, but I was satisfied with the role it had in my life and I was ready to see what I could really do on the bike if I gave myself the opportunity.

What was the best tip or trick you’ve ever been told?

The best tip I’ve ever received was that even at the highest level of competition, I don’t need to be stronger and faster than I’ve ever been before to succeed. I need to follow my routine and normal preparations and be capable of having a normal performance on an extraordinary day.

Proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment so far I think was my top-20 performance this past summer at the World Cup in Andorra. I felt like everything finally came together and that I belonged on that stage, near the front of the race with the knowledge that I could do even better. I felt SO strong and motivated. Physically and mentally.

What are your major goals in cycling?

I want to be a professional cyclist and I want to go to the Olympics. I want to keep on traveling the world with Team Canada and meeting amazing people and athletes.

Advice for younger girls interested in riding?

For younger girls interested in riding… we always want more girls! Mountain bikers are pretty friendly and every female rider I’ve spent any time with was always encouraging. If you can’t find any near you, shoot any one of these Shred Girls a message on social media and any one of us would be happy to talk or answer any questions about cycling, even give some suggestions of how to get into riding for specific areas. Bike shops are key awesome for getting into the community as well.

Advice for making friends while riding — for me, that was the tough part and something I know is hard & intimidating for a lot of girls!

Making friends while riding… I’m pretty shy so I still struggle with this, but it’s easy to bond with people when you’ve having fun, so just go for a ride!

Follow along with Mackenzie’s adventures on Instagram and her website, mackenziemyatt.com