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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. :)
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...
I like turtles.. And I have a strange obsession with Star Wars...
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