Nature has always been my playground. Growing up, I have fond memories of family hikes, mountain biking with Dad, and skiing adventures. Outdoor sports were a constant in my life, shaping who I am today.
When I met my partner, another outdoor enthusiast, our shared passion took us further. We even competed in a few enduro races together, conquering technical terrain and feeling the rush of adrenaline.
The desire to share this love of the outdoors with a child of our own grew, and we decided to enlarge the family. Now, we’re on a new adventure -It’s all about finding ways to involve our little one in sports from the very early days, weaving motherhood and MTB into a beautiful journey together.
Pregnancy Sports Experience: Hiking Takes the Lead with MTB on Hold
Craving the thrill of rocky descents, traditional cycling paths didn’t hold much appeal during pregnancy. While I could have opted for a leisurely ride, that smooth, flat terrain just wasn’t my style. So, I embraced a temporary hiatus from mountain biking. But staying active was essential!
Hiking became my go-to, leading us to stunning new landscapes we wouldn’t have explored on bikes. I also cherished my daily 30-minute walks, a routine I loved for both the fresh air and the quiet time.
Motherhood brought a whirlwind of changes. In the first few months, my focus was entirely on caring for Edo. Early morning walks with him became a new routine, offering energizing fresh air and bonding time after sleepless nights. Weekends revolved around longer hikes, his long naps a bonus (mountain views always soothed him!).
I did manage a few solo MTB rides, but motherhood and MTB weren’t quite in sync. While I enjoyed them, it wasn’t quite the same. I found myself constantly thinking about Edo, unable to fully focus on the trail.
Family MTB Adventures: Enter the Trailer
Around 6 months old, when Edo could sit up independently, it was trailer time! This revolutionized motherhood and MTB. We could finally share our passion as a family, reaching beautiful destinations and creating lasting memories together. Honestly, the trailer was the best family investment ever!
Organizing meals for Edo (when he was 6-10 months old) on the trails was surprisingly easy. We carried a thermos with homemade soup, baby food pouches, and a mashed banana for morning snack.
The first rides could last longer than they do now – Edo’s boundless energy needs to be released now! However, even at almost 2 years old, we can still enjoy long rides together. We just need to factor in more stops so he can get out and explore. But the trailer remains his happy place! In fact, long car rides are still a nightmare for him, and sometimes we joke about attaching the trailer to the car! There’s no doubt about it, we’re a trailer-loving family!
Back to Racing as a Mom: E-MTB Challenge
Hauling the trailer downhill impacted my confidence on technical trails. I found myself walking sections I used to conquer. Was it motherhood changing me, or just a lack of training? This internal struggle, about motherhood and MTB, weighed on me.
My partner, ever supportive, pushed me to sign up for a e-MTB mass-start race in Riva del Garda. Initially, fear and doubt held me back. But then, I surprised myself! The uphill climb (my first ever on an e-MTB race) was challenging yet exhilarating. The rain-slicked descent replaced fear with focus. Navigating the trail with renewed confidence, I crossed the finish line filled with pure joy. It was a powerful reminder – my love for downhill riding hadn’t vanished!
Motherhood and MTB: Finding Balance
Motherhood has undeniably changed my approach to sports within motherhood and MTB. It’s about organization, flexibility for Edo’s needs, and carving out time for my own adventures. Sports are vital for my physical and mental well-being, and I want to instill that passion in Edo, showing him that with dedication, anything is possible.
Looking Ahead: The Next Gear Shift
Now that Edo is starting to explore the world on his balance bike, I’m excited to see how our motherhood and MTB adventures transform. Conquering trails together, perhaps? One thing’s for sure – our journey continues, filled with creating new memories with my little shredder on two wheels!
