Sia Mehta is a Cyclocrossing, Mountain Biking Shred Girl IRL

I met Sia Mehta at Sea Otter Canada a couple of weekends ago, but her dad was telling me about her awesome cyclocross and mountain biking skills a few weeks ago when I ran into him at Hardwood Hills before the Fast & Female event. 

As soon as he showed me a few videos of her tackling some of the most technical obstacles at Hardwood (see the video below!), I knew I needed to get her onto the Shred Girls site to share her best tips.

Why did you start riding bikes? Why/when did you start racing?

I started biking because my brother was into mountain biking. I’ve been to races in my stroller! I started mountain bike racing at Hardwood Hills when l was four. I started cyclocross racing when l was eight.

What is your favorite part?

My favourite part of biking is single track.

 What is the hardest part?

Hills!

What makes you most excited about riding?

There is so much variety in the terrain, which makes it exciting.

Your dad showed me a bunch of videos of you on super technical trails at Hardwood: How do you deal with a new, scary obstacle?!

My dad says I can do it, so I know I can do it.

(Proof:)

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

Keep your weight back when going down hills.

Proudest accomplishment/favorite race moment?

When I kissed the goose at the Silver Goose CX race.

Cyclocross and MTB: how are they similar, how are they different, and which do you like best?

They both have uphills and downhills. MTB is more technically challenging and you don’t know what is coming next. CX is challenging because you need more endurance and strength. I love them both and can’t decide which I like more!

Advice for other young girls interested in riding?

Have fun and don’t be scared.

Favorite piece of gear?

My purple helmet with Shred Girls stickers on it.

Any tips for young girls who want to ride but maybe don’t have friends or family to ride with and don’t know where to start?

If you are interested in riding and have no one to ride with, I would suggest joining a bike team with other kids at your level.