Women on Bikes Series: Ashleigh Wiedman

In her own words-Optimistic Prime- I'm going to change the world.
I enjoy skating, mtn biking, dancing, and rockin out to Mike Ness.

Life's too short- hit the truck, jump the jump- and healings all part of the process if you fall. Either way- you succeeded all in yourself. 

Check out Ashliegh’s Dirty Jane profile and Instagram!

When did you first start riding a bike?
My first bike experience was terrifying, actually. I was 4 years old, and I was riding around my pool in my backyard and my older brother pushed me in!

What motivated you to ride as much as you have over the years?
A woman on a Mountain Bike these days is sparse- that's one aspect that motivates me. But above all I think it's all in all the thrill of adrenaline you get flying down that mountain. There's no better feeling.

What would be your favorite competitive biking event and why do you enjoy competing?
Have yet to compete- and I don't know that I ever will. I don't like to necessarily get into much of the politics of riding downhill (such as times, or whose jump was taller, etc) I just do it for fun; an escape from reality.

Do you remember how you felt on your first mountain bike ride?
TERRIFIED. I'll be the first to admit that the control and power I was granted behind those bars scared the living hell out of me.

If you had nervousness at all, what do you do or think to overcome it?
Revolution. Basically setting an example to show all females that we too can set forth on those dirt paths and raise hell off those rocks too. I just take a deep breath, turn my music on MAX and just let go.

Do you use clipless pedals? If yes, what are some tips/suggestions for beginners that you would share? If no, are you thinking of trying it out at all?
I do not use clips- I don't necessarily enjoy the restraint. I use my feet a lot too as I ride, only because in skating too, I break with my feet. So there are times when I'm going a relevant speed to set my foot down.

Have you had any biffs that were challenging for you on a physical/mental/emotional level? What did you do to heal and overcome?
Far too many biffs- but where's the challenge or thrill if you don't push yourself to limits you've never encountered? I'll cracked bones in my knuckles which was tough because I couldn't write for a few weeks, fallen on my spine, ankles, got rocks stuck in my eyes (due to the stupidity of not wearing goggles, genius) plenty of healing. But that's a whole aspect on its own why I love it; the challenge you face. You either want it or you don't, and you get there however you can.

When you started out riding, what were some handling skills that challenged you? Do you have any suggestions for what helped you grasp them?
Handling my brakes was probably the toughest thing for me. I was nervous of speed and I had to learn to trust myself. 

Are there still handling or technical riding aspects that you find tricky? How do you not let that drag you down when riding?
Not necessarily, I try to still control my mind to know the steps when I am hauling so much ass (excuse my language) but just reminding myself left to right front and back. 

What do you love about riding your bike?
The thrill. Hands down.

You also have another passion-skateboarding! What brought on your love for skateboarding and why do you enjoy it now?
I have been skating my whole life. My brother taught me very young, and it was my way of transportation way before I even knew what a permit was. Today it's just a passion, a hobby that won't ever leave my life. 

What’s your most favorite skateboard trick?
Carving. 

What would you like to share about skateboarding and how fun it can be?
Many people define skateboarding as such a criminal and absent minded sport- I love the fact that I can kick and push my way around a whole city and not worry about gas prices, or my car getting hit, or 15 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic. I love that I can wear a glove, and glide my way down a 40 ft hill. 

What clothing/bike accessories do you love? What would you recommend to your friends?
I love my Tommy Lee design jerseys; they are lightweight, and easy to wash. Accessories- I love my Oakley goggles, and full face helmet.

How did you hear about Dirty Jane and what inspired you to become a Dirty Jane Ambassador?
Dirty Jane is owned and operated by two of the most life filling, inspiring, and motivating people I have the honor of knowing from a good friend. Becoming an ambassador was an honor, I LOVE to promote female action sports.

What do you feel deters women from getting involved with cycling? Especially mountain biking?
Power. In all honesty, women tend to be more timid when it comes to speed, or the sense that they can and will fall. It has to be a mind set, a goal, to get down a mountain on a bike, and that's why we as Janes push females because we CAN do it, and falling is all part of life!

What do you feel could happen to make changes and/or encourage more women to ride?
Being a role model- friends showing friends, girls do what other girls do. They see their girlfriends riding down a hill in badass gear; I highly doubt the idea won't cross their mind to try it.

What inspires you to encourage women to ride?
All of us have times of stress, worry, (menstrual cramps) we all need an out. I encourage women to ride and or skate to use it as an out- an escape from reality. Out there you don't need to worry if you brushed your hair, or put mascara on, it's simply you and your bike. (Or deck) It’s a lot cheaper than therapy. :) 

Tell us a random fact about yourself!
I like turtles.. And I have a strange obsession with Star Wars...