Stephanie Nychka
Bio
I am a Doctor/Mountain Biker and pursue both passions equally (except when its snowing or raining, or muddy- prima donna). All it means is I have to be better on my bike so I don't hurt myself or my practice. The same way I'm a Canadian citizen pretending to be United States'er, I'm a mountain biker pretending to be a chiropractor- except that I really am in this case.
Photos
Video
Stephanie's Blog
The Land of Awesomeness was Seattle this past weekend. Friday night, the debut of the first Women of Dirt videos was shown at the Northwest Film Forum downtown, and when the film started rolling, only standing room was left.
Awesomeland Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIPsY3oERsI&feature=player_embedded
Not only does the movie have an incredible collection of riders from all over North America, it also showcases each of their individual styles of riding and personalities, all to an unbeatable soundtrack provided by Portland's Hip Hop artist MY-G and his label Indamix Records.
The opportunity to film with Miles and Mark for this film was incredible. The film doesn't take for granted that women can ride bikes at high levels- it introduces the scene from a different gender perspective- one that still is relatively new and growing. It will strike a chord in new riders, women and men who want to be better riders, and anyone that understands the passion, dedication and excitement behind a sport they love.
Awesomeland Outtakes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_C4QWgwLmA&feature=player_embedded
The next day, those who were able to peel themselves off the kitchen floor and out of the back of stranger's vans, met once again for one of the biggest riding days I've ever been a part of at Duthie Hill.
Awesomeland T-shirts and DVD's are available on the Bones Over Metal website at: http://bonesovermetal.com/womenofdirt/
February 5 is the Women of Dirt "Awesomeland" premiere in Seattle, Washington! Whoop! Some of the best riders in North America are featured doing what they do best, and the best part is each one of us definitely have our own niche.
AND... February 20 & 21 is Ray's Angels Women's Weekend 2010, where a lot of those riders (in Awesomeland) will be helping coach women of all skill levels and disciplines, in the ugly dwellings of Cleveland, Ohio. Check it out here:
http://www.raysmtb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=46
Testimonial
My head is already pretty heavy, so when I land drops or jumps and go a little heavy on the front end, my helmet is light enough to prevent whiplash symptoms. Fritz is really on key with each of his riders too, so when I dent my lid after dive bombing off a wall ride or land between the take off and the tranny, he does his best to replace it immediately.
The kneepads are super comfy, and the reason I was able to stop wearing my way too bulky knee pad and shin pad combo. Or maybe its just because I'm a better rider now. But probably the former. Now if only they'd make long socks for the cold days...