Ambassador Profile
Whitney James is a freelance marketing creative based in Boulder, Colorado. You can follow her adventures at @whitwithgrit.
Photos by @bryanrowephoto
1. Tell us a little about the story that led you to mountain bikes, how did you get into riding?
Almost as soon as I moved to Colorado, I began mountain biking. I initially got a hardtail to ride from my apartment in South Boulder to work on Pearl Street, but within the week I was exploring Marshall Mesa. Ten years later, all of my closest Colorado girlfriends have been made through mountain biking, and I am engaged to the guy who taught me how to ride. It’s been a really important part of my life this past decade!
3. What’s your current bike setup?
Pivot Switchblade Pro XT/XTR – 29”
4. Who inspires you?
Stefanie McDaniel is my favorite rider to follow on the ‘gram, but the most inspiring riders are the girls I ride with every day. They’re constantly pushing me to get better and reminding me not to take life so seriously.
5. How do you keep riding fun?
I don’t overdo it. I know some people go year-round, bikes only, but I have to keep some variety in my life. In the winter I skate ski and in the summer I also ride horses as often as possible. That way every bike ride is novel and I don’t burn out.
6. How does riding the bike make you a better person in life?
Biking has taught me to take risks that I’m naturally super averse to (just ask my friends, I’m definitely the most guarded rider in the group). It’s given me confidence that I don’t think I would’ve had otherwise. Plus, it teaches me to persevere when things get tough. Because when you’re 2/3 down Monarch Crest on the Rainbow Trail you are DEFINITELY going to have a total mental breakdown unless you keep your sh*t together!
7. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on a bike?
Literally everything at the Crested Butte Chainless World Championships is pretty hilarious. I’ve ridden that “race” twice and highly, highly recommend it!
8. What are your riding goals for 2021?
I’m looking forward to taking my first clinic to get back to the basics (and let’s be honest––finally figure out how to do step-ups and corners properly). I learned from cross-country skiing that there’s always a lot more to know, even if you think you’re a strong intermediate athlete. The smallest change to your technique can make such a huge difference and I’m excited to be humbled and improve!
9. What do you like to do off the bike? What other hobbies do you have?
I’m a freelance marketing creative and I love the freedom it gives me to work with clients I love. I also put on a cross-country ski retreat every winter that takes me months to plan and is worth every minute. Camping and stand-up paddleboarding are my two other loves!
10. Favorite musical artist?
Southern Rock is my favorite genre. But just to keep things interesting, let’s say Gangstagrass.