In the last two months, Annie, Megan, Nicole, and Abby have been diligently training and preparing for their selected races. All four women are registered–so prepare to see them at The Shed Enduro, ORAMM, The Shenandoah 100k, and the Slatyfork Enduro this summer!

Here are some short updates from each of them!

The Shed Enduro: Annie Chapelle

Training has been going great! I’m feeling strong, I’ve embraced everything I can and I’m stoked to race. I’m super focused on sessioning my favorite push trails and linking the flowy fast lines. During the strength training you’ve laid out, I’m envisioning this helping me to pedal absolutely anywhere possible on the downhill run and fight fatigue on the technical gardens. So stoked!

Follow Annie’s journey here.

Off-road Assault on Mount Mitchell (ORAMM): Megan Stainback

So far, so good! I’ve been loving getting out this spring, and it feels amazing to have that fresh air and sunshine on the trails. I swear I’m feeling as strong now as I normally do at the end of summer, which is a welcome (and unexpected) surprise!

Having a training plan has been a total game changer. It’s kept me focused and feeling confident—most days, at least. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in a bit of denial about the sheer magnitude of ORAMM. The doubts and trepidations can be loud, but I’m hoping that’s where the Skadi Sport Psychology sessions will help! Looking forward to diving into those and making sure my mind is as ready as my legs.

In the meantime, I’ve been having a blast biking with friends, exploring new trails and parks, and just enjoying the process. I’m also trying (keyword: trying) to listen to my body and rest when needed, and so far, I’ve managed to avoid any overuse injuries—fingers crossed it stays that way!

Follow Megan’s journey here.

Slatyfork Enduro: Abby Lent

I have been riding a lot more outside and in general recently because of the weather! This past week especially, I have felt progression in my riding and was able to get out a lot!

I just switched to clipless on my mountain bike and I LOVE it. I have had a few small spills getting used to clipping out, but the difference going down tech is so good because I have full control with my feet secure on the pedals. I was also able to clear a massive climb (Highway Trail at Mcdonald Hollow) without stopping for the first time this past week which I was stoked about!

I’ve been getting some PRs on some of the more challenging trails in my area and have felt lots of improvement with my bike-body separation which I’ve also been working on. I’m excited to get out there on some more tech and keep getting more comfortable with speed! 

Follow Abby’s journey here.

The Shenandoah 100k: Nicole Ilechie

The short version: Training has been going well! This is the most riding I’ve done since COVID, back when I had two months off work. So to be doing this much while working full-time and being a part-time student feels amazing. Abi’s plan has helped me stay structured and made it easier to stick with this long-term training. I’m learning a lot about MTB riding and how to be more efficient, and I’m really excited to keep growing.

The long version: I’m currently 5 weeks into training, and time seems to be flying! I’m seeing how pacing myself is helpful; riding in group rides usually puts me in a higher HR than I’d like but Abi let me know it’s good to do some training rides with more advanced riders to improve my skill level! Luckily I have a great women’s MTB community near me who are always welcoming. As the training weeks go on, I have been getting into the flow of things!

I have been learning a lot about cadence, nutrition, and cycling specific stretches/workouts. Before this experience with Abi and Ride Fierce Racing, I’d just ride for fun. I didn’t really pay attention to cadence (just got a sensor last week, so I’m excited to see how that can help me be more efficient). I’m still having fun as a ride but I’m learning how to be more efficient on my rides.

With each sponsor that came with being a scholarship recipient, I spent some time researching which of their products would suit my needs best. With the ESI grips I researched the importance of grip width for the kind of riding I plan to be doing. Before I thought grips were solely purchased based on if the rider thought they were cute or not haha! With Carborocket, I researched and read about some of Abi’s personal experience with nutrition both on and off the bike and am learning about carb intake per hour and things of that matter which will prove to be very vital during my race! As someone who was on a weight loss journey last year and still am, I would have in my head that eating less is best as I want to lose weight but during this training I’m seeing the major importance of fueling properly if I want proper energy and performance! I’m going to be experimenting with that a lot! 

I’m excited about continuing with training and seeing how much I improve, as well as the Skadi masterclass as I know just how important mental fortitude is in endurance sports. 

Major s/o to Abi! I know myself and there is no way I would have signed up for such a race and I doubt I’d stick to a training plan if not for her support and putting all of this together. I follow a lot of road cyclists on Instagram and they always talk about training, etc., but I never would have thought I’d be training for a major race like this. I didn’t used to know what a lot of the lingo they used meant either but I do now as I’m running into the same words on my training plan. So thank you to Abi and Ride Fierce Racing for even having the vision and drive to set all of this up!

Follow Nicole’s journey here.

Once again, thank you to the sponsors who have stepped up to help support these women, as well as the race directors who are a part of this scholarship:

The Shed Enduro / B Team
Skadi Sport Psychology 
Handup Gloves 
Black Ox Sealant 
CarboRocket 
ESI Grips
TakeAim Cycling
Blue Ridge Adventures
Poca Trails
Shenandoah Mountain Touring