Author Description

This month’s issue of MTB Girls Magazine is a celebration of courage, community, and the fierce joy that riding brings at every stage of life. I’m thrilled to introduce you to six incredible women whose stories remind us that mountain biking is about far more than just podiums—it’s about passion, access, and the freedom of two wheels. Gracey Hemstreet, a young legend in the making, is redefining what’s possible in freeride. As a 2x Red Bull Hardline winner, she brings raw talent and bold energy to a course few women have dared to ride. Her grit and flow are not only raising the bar—they’re inspiring the next generation to follow her tracks. We also honor trailblazer Susie Murphy, Executive Director of SDMBA and a founding board member of CAMTB. Susie has spent decades fighting for trail access in San Diego and across California. Her leadership has opened doors for countless riders and ensured our wild places remain open, protected, and inclusive. Wendy Engelberg, the force behind Girlz Gone Riding, has built one of the most welcoming and empowering women’s mountain biking communities in the country. For Wendy, inclusion matters more than podiums—and her movement reminds us that the best rides are the ones we share. We also follow mechanic and writer Beth Permenter on a bike adventure from D.C. to the Philly Bike Expo on her restored Brompton. Her journey blends urban cycling, creativity, and community in a way that reminds us just how far bikes can take us—both literally and figuratively. Then there’s Susan Keys, who’s still riding strong at 76 years old. Her story is one of resilience and revival, proof that age is no barrier when the trails call. And Dr. Bridget Anderson returns this month with a must-read piece on how mountain biking may just be the fountain of youth. From mental clarity to physical strength, she breaks down the science behind why we feel so alive on two wheels. This issue is about more than just rides—it’s about the riders who change