Building Cassiopeia has been the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done—and we’re just getting started. But if I’m honest, pouring myself into the business has made it really hard to prioritize time on the bike. I kept thinking, once we’re through this launch… once this event is over… once things settle down... But “settling down” never quite came.
So I did something kind of wild: I signed up to race at Sea Otter.
I was already planning to be at the event for the trade show side of things—so I thought, maybe if I sign up for the race, it’ll force me to train. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. I even started working with an amazing coach, but had to let that go when life got in the way.
So here I am: not as fit as I’d hoped to be, definitely not “race ready,” but I’m doing it anyway. And honestly? I’m okay with that.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve finally started getting back on the bike. Little by little, ride by ride, I’m getting stronger. And I trust my body. I know that with adrenaline, determination, and a good playlist, I’ll find a way through. It’s 60 miles of beautiful California terrain—what’s the downside?
I’m excited to ride with my friend Amy, who signed up to race with me and has been cheering me on the whole way. I’m excited to ride somewhere new, to test myself, to be surrounded by people pushing their own limits. And I’m giving myself full permission to try hard, be proud, and—even if I don’t finish—to walk away feeling like I showed up for myself.
I do have nerves. I always do. The biggest one is around nutrition—because I’ve had weight loss surgery, managing fuel and hydration is a real concern. I know my tendency will be to rationalize myself out of continuing after the first lap, even if I could keep going. So I’m already having the pep talk with myself now.
What’s helping me most is the people around me.
I’ve been blown away by how supported I feel. Amy mapping out training routes. Friends showing up to ride with me, even when I’m slower than usual. Leah Van Der Linden organizing a gravel skills clinic so I can boost my confidence. Brian at Boulder Bicycle Works upgrading my drivetrain in time. And my team at Cassiopeia giving me grace and space to step away from the store to train.
No pressure. Just people who genuinely want to see me try, have fun, and see what’s possible. It’s the kind of community I feel lucky to be part of—and even luckier to help build.
And of course, when I’m not racing, I’ll be exploring all tha
t Sea Otter has to offer from an industry perspective. I’m excited to connect with our brand partners and scout for new ones—products and people that inspire us, help women ride more, and keep our curation feeling fresh and different. You know us—we’re not your average bike shop, and events like this are a great place to find what’s next.
I’ll also be debuting a new kit on race day—because yes, I might be rolling slow, but I’ll look fast and fly. And I’ll be wearing a necklace that means the world to me: a Chapman elevation profile from here in Boulder. That climb has been my training ground. If I can do Chapman, I can do this.
More soon—especially on the all-important kit decisions. But for now, I just wanted to share this part of the journey. Because sometimes the biggest thing is just saying yes—even when you're not ready. Maybe especially then.