Meet Bridgette
What got you into bikes?
I grew up watching my mom and oldest brother road race. I can still feel the moment I caught the bike bug: I was 12 and riding with one of my older brothers. We started a climb that he had always dropped me on, but this time, I was right with him and I felt so strong. After that, there was no turning back.
Proudest cycling accomplishment?
In a road race, I chased solo for 20 miles to catch a rider who made a really early and successful break. I caught her a mile or two before the finishing climb, passed her at the bottom of the climb, and took the win by a few seconds. It was such a rewarding result for the effort.
Favorite bike memory?
I completed my first century ride when I was 15 years old, two weekends before I began high school. When my friends and I were having our post-ride burgers, I took my baseball hat off and found some sweet forehead tan lines from my POC helmet--fresh and dark from the long day in the saddle. We laughed and I tried to even it out much as I could before the first day of school. I was embarrassed at the time but look back now and laugh.
What type of riding do you do?
I spend most of my time on a mountain bike these days. I have a long history on the road and dabbled in triathlon for a year but mountain biking stole my heart.
Tell us about your favorite ride.
I love to ride anything flowy with some tech mixed in-- a trail that makes you feel like a superhero but keeps you on your toes, too.
How many days a week are you currently riding?
Sometimes 1, sometimes 7. There was a time when I was training rigorously but now I focus on the fun and try to keep the pressure low.
Tell us about your bike quiver.
Currently , I have three bikes in my fleet. A Trek Crockett with more of a gravel setup for commuting and adventuring, a Juliana Wilder as my daily driver, and a Specialized Stumpy to try to kill the quiver some. The Juliana Wilder is my all-time favorite. It has an amazing mix of being light and fast on the climbs while remaining super confident on the descents. For most of my riding, it is the perfect bike.
Do you have a bike you let go of that you wish you’d kept?
I sold my Aethos to TPC and for the first time since I started riding, I don’t have a road bike. I am still up in the air about how I feel about it.
Are you a data geek?
Yes and no. I track my data to see quantifiable progress. I like the ability to see and feel my progress.
Solo rides or group rides?
Group rides for fun, solo rides for soul.
Go-To during ride nutrition/snack?
Gummy sharks, PB&J sandwiches, and mini chocolate chip pancakes.
Would you rather watch the Tour De France or Red Bull Rampage?
Red Bull Rampage! That riding is absolutely insane.