I started mountain biking for one of the more common reasons that people start anything that’s new, unfamiliar, and kind of scary: to impress a boy. It was springtime, and I was 24 with a new boyfriend who talked about mountain biking the way that I talk about New Jersey pizza. That is to say, …
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I had not heard of the term “stretch role” until my mother told me that her employer had given her one. Although I’m usually a supporter of experiential learning, I was somewhat suspicious of her new stretch assignment. It sounded like a lot of extra work for very little reward. “Wait – they’re giving you …
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Clear your plans because She Ventures is hitting the road this fall with stops in Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and New York. They’re bringing together a tribe of female-founders, athletes, artists, activists, and changemakers in the outdoor and adventure worlds for an evening of interesting, challenging, inspiring TED-style talks. The line-up of speakers includes Jenny Brusso, founder of …
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It was around the time that I got my very own snowboard that I stopped snowboarding. Snowboarding gave me wings, the freedom to fly down a mountain and take risks I would have never attempted on skis. I took to snowboarding faster than any other attempted hobbies, and got good enough in only a few …
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This is a love story. Clack, clack, clackety clack, clack, pew, pop, POP, pop, pew PEW! Sounds that concerned almost everyone I rode with and cued laughter from the rest. Royal Enfield, making pop-corn since 1901. Apparently a totally normal orchestra of music for a well broken in Enfield to make — a unique sound …
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“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” Sara said while we walked. The sun beat on us, taking my sweat and making me red. I told her that the only Bible verse …
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This piece appears in our Winter 2016 print issue. To get more of the print-exclusive content, order a copy! When you think of an “exploring woman” what comes to mind? Is it a version of Lara Croft? A world traveler? The super-toned women on the covers of fitness magazines? In reality, any woman of any …
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As a woman, I’m often asked why I take solo hikes. Why be on your own? they say. Aren’t you afraid to go hiking alone? The answer is both simple and complex. I hike alone for the serenity and quiet of the journey. Being afraid doesn’t come into play. Being out in nature allows me the time to contemplate my …
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If you don’t know about She Ventures, you should. Founded by Georgina Miranda (the woman who brought us the outdoor online marketplace, Altitude Seven), She Ventures aims to connect women leaders in the outdoor industry with their communities. That confluence not only energizes the industry, but underscores the inequality of representation and lack of focus …
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It’s official: I have made it to the age where my social media feeds are full of engagement rings, weddings, and babies. Don’t get me wrong, I love celebrating all of these events…but at the same time, it often seems that society doesn’t see a woman as a whole human until she has checked off …
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Throughout my career, I have found myself in various regions of the world that are considered hostile environments — and they capture my imagination and my soul. I share this love of adventure and exploration with many women around the world and I am fascinated by why we feel alive and continue to return to these places. …
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In the backcountry of Alaska, I was once asked, “Couldn’t you just stay out here forever, live away from it all?” The scenery was beautiful, and the change of pace from life in the city was much welcomed, but my answer came quickly—“No.” My response wasn’t because I particularly longed for the concrete and crowds …
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