OC Women’s Spotlight – Donnette Wand
How long have you been in cycling?
50 years.
How did you get into cycling?
As a kid, my backyard, racing my hand me down 10 speed (from 4 other kids) around my self made oval. As an aging adult had to change sports because of deteriorating joints – discovered mountain biking 10 years ago. Entered my first race at my home town track and bought my very first new bike – a Liv Intrigue. I was hooked. Have done triathlons, woman’s only races, endurance races. My new passion is big drops and jumps. As a former gymnast, it feeds my thrill of flying through the air.
What is your favorite discipline?
Mountain Biking.
Who is your favorite cyclist?
There are too many to just name one: Roxy – ride and inspire with a close second, Liz Koch – leader in women’s mountain bike training and founder of the facebook page Ladies Mountain Biking – members of the MTB Exchange lead by Manda and of course Emily Batty. There are a tonne of women I also follow on social media that are avid mountain bikers including: Maya P , Jessthe Maker, Anneke Beerten, sen.der.ella, and so many more. And finally the inspirational North Shore Betty.
What has been your favorite event in 2024?
2024 Red Bull Rampage with Women.
What is something you want to see in the future of cycling?
More women joining mountain biking – promoting it to youth – starting them early – providing equipment so kids can learn to love the sport. Developing places like Bentonville Arkansas in Canada. More skills parks accessible to everyone. Promoting cycling as a way to get places instead of by cars – and developing infrastructure to help that process. Women coaching women. Too many more to mention!
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