I live in Irvine in the middle of all these great trails in Orange County ! I started mountain biking in college on a hybrid bike quickly learning I needed a little more traction and stability. Within that time I was also a competitive triathlete for the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Triathlon Team. I came from a running background so at the time riding was new to me and I fell in love with it. After college I still mountain biked from time to time along with competing in triathlons. I met Mike my husband when I moved back to OC, we had our children (7 and 4) and I had not mountain biked again until 2 years ago when both my kids were in school…..believe me I milk every minute!! I was riding an old Trek hard tail and found I wanted to go faster on the descents than my bike was capable of; my vision would become blurry because my brain was rattling in my head from all of the vibration! At that point I used the excuse to buy a new bike as a “safety issue”. Funny how one purchase can change so many things; I met Tracie at Rock and Road and she sold me my Specialized Stumpjumper. At that time she told me about the Trail Angels and that rides are posted practically everyday and how fun the group is. I came out on my first ride just over a year ago and the very first person I met was Chris Taylor, she is one of my main riding buddies to this day and I really love how she inspires all of us to ride hard and to always have a great attitude. Recently I completed an off road triathlon, 4 Trail Angels competed that day and we had a blast. I really love this group and the friendships I have gained, what a true privilege to be a part of all of you.

Traci Maynard

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