Women on Bikes Series: Misty Mahoy

Hi, I'm Misty Mahoy from Florida. I run a ladies mountain bike club called the Muddbunnies, we are an international organization that gets women on bikes & be super badass in the dirt. We lead weekly rides all over central Florida even go out of state to ride other trails.

Also teach mountain bike skills through Grit Clinics, Ninja Clinic & my own business All About Balance MTB. I love when people fall in love with this sport like we all have :)

FaceBook: Misty Mahoy
Instagram: AllAboutBalanceMTB


Tell us about your introduction to mountain biking, what about it made you say "Yes! This is for me!"
The 1st ride I was on a technical trail that I walk every single hill. I wasn’t completely in love with it…… but I was going through a stressful part of life and I needed an escape. So I kept going back to it until I finally I was able to ride every single hill. That was my “This is for me” moment!

When you started out riding, what were some handling skills that challenged you? Do you have any suggestions for what helped you grasp them?
Body position was my game changer! Its helped in every single part of my riding!

Are there still handling or technical riding aspects that you find tricky? How do you not let that drag you down when riding?
Technical climbs are my weakness. Practice…..once a week I ride a trail that has a tricky climb that I struggle with!

Clips or flats? What do you use when and why?
I use both but I prefer flats. I went back to flats last year after being clipped in for 5 years, it was a HUGE learning curve, but it taught me the importance of body position. I still clip in but If I’m trying to do something new I prefer to be in my flats.

For folks who are nervous about giving mountain biking a shot, do you have any suggestions on how they can go about creating a positive experience?
Find a great group of positive people to start with! When I started the Muddbunnies I wanted to find a group of like-minded ladies who just wanted to ride bikes and have fun!

Also, set personal goals for yourself too. When I started I didn’t have anyone that was at my level to ride with, so I set goals. I would challenge myself with how many laps I could do or don’t quit until I climb that hill.
Tell us about the Mudbunnies mountain biking group and how women can join-
The Muddbunnies is about building a community of women who love to ride bikes on dirt. It is our mission to empower and encourage more women to ride bikes on dirt. By bringing a community of women together to offer a positive and encouraging environment to ride in and learn from, women’s mountain biking is beginning to gain momentum!

What inspired you to create your business All About Balance MTB-
My BADASS community is what inspired me to create my business! I started the Muddbunnies 5 years ago and we were just “winging it” with riding. Helping new riders with hints that helped me through my first year of riding.

Ladies All Ride came in and did a BADASS clinic ……we were all so pumped!! We all got so much out of the skills we learned through the clinic everyone wanted more. I shadowed one of the coaches Sally Collins and she was so encouraging to get certified to coach…… so I got certified! I’m so happy I did! I love seeing people thrive in this sport!

What do you love most about helping others learn mtb skills?
I love seeing the excitement when they finally get that “there it is” moment. I love seeing my students taking their riding to the next level!!
What is the best part about being involved in the cycling industry?
I love the people in our community! They are so supportive & stoked just to ride bikes!! I have met so many super AMAZING people though MTB, some of my best friends I met on the trail!

What do you love about riding your bike?
Freedom! I know that’s what everyone says but it’s so true! There is nothing like a bike ride after a crap day or great day!

Tell us about your bike(s), what they are like and why did you choose them?
Jamis Dragon Hardtail 29- this is the bike that made me fall with MTB! She’s my trusty around town gravel MTB. So lightweight so fast!

Trek Fuel EX- This is “Big Beefy” he is perfect for shredding trails here in Florida or out of state. I love this bike…..I can take him off some sketchy drops and he makes me look good…..lol

What do you feel deters women from getting involved with cycling? Especially mountain biking?
Intimidation factor…. this sport has all this crazy downhill & 5-foot gap jumps, plus super male-dominated.

What do you feel could change industry-wise or locally to encourage more women to be involved?
I feel that the industry is already making so much progress with ladies only clinics. Bike companies are doing ladies advocate/ambassador programs to empower women to get out and ride!! Bike shops are hosting ladies’ nights that teach ladies how the change tires, bike washing & simple trail side maintenance.

What inspires you to encourage women to ride?
It’s the confidence they build on & off the bike!! There is something about loading your bike, driving to the trail, overcoming your fears and feeling like a BADASS on your bike!

Tell us a random fact about yourself!
In my past life, I trained horses professionally…..from starting babies to the first time in the show ring. My teaching roots run deep ;)

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