Girls Gone Gravel podcast

Our episode this week is brought to you live from Feisty Fest. Kathryn is joined by guest host and Marley Blonsky as they sit down with Shredley founder Ashley Rankin for a candid conversation about how a mountain bike clothing brand grew from a single ride idea into a women-centered apparel company. Shredley launched in 2012 through Kickstarter, and intentionally broke away from the standard black, baggy, pink-it-and-shrink-it mountain bike aesthetic with brighter prints and more expressive design.The discussion covers Ashley’s winding path from fashion dreams to outdoor gear, plus the product decisions behind fit, fabric, sizing, and the emotional side of getting dressed to ride. Ashley shares her perspective on what it takes to build a small, nimble apparel brand, how customer feedback shapes Shredley’s designs, and why features like pockets, drop-tail bibs, and size inclusion matter so much to riders.

Follow @shredly on Instagram.

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

On this week’s episode, Kathryn and Kristi are joined by Life Time Grand Prix U23 athlete Samanth Johnson. Samanth (yes, without the “a”) is from Louisville KY, and she tells us the unique story behind her name - although she’s happy to just be called Sam too. New to the U23 Grand Prix this year, Sam cut her teeth in the world of collegiate cycling. She discusses the ins and outs of the world of collegiate cycling in the US, and shares how she moved from crit racing into gravel and ultra-endurance, including results at Southern Cross, Leadville, and Unbound 100 with Lunch Box Racing.

Sam is an alumni of Milligan University, and her community was tragically affected by the death of two cyclists, and hospitalization of many others just weeks ago as a result of a motor vehicle collision with a group of Milligan cyclists while they were out on a ride. The tragedy happened just days before Gravel Worlds, and she discusses the difficulty in deciding whether to race or not in Nebraska, and why she decided to race in her Milligan cycling kit. Sam shares how the Milligan community responded after the crash, including overwhelming support for the injured students and their families.

Follow Sam on Instagram @_samantha_mis_prime

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

This week, Kathryn sits down with Kara Folkerts, a full time trail running guide and global bikepacker, to talk about the overlap between endurance sport, travel, and cultural curiosity. Growing up a runner in Canada, Kara moved into ultra-running during university while studying ecotourism and outdoor leadership which introduced her to guided trail running trips. They cover Kara’s path into guiding, the logistics of a nomadic life, solo bikepacking, bikepack racing, and how she’s navigated RED-S, fueling, and recovery while staying active. Kara and Kathryn also discuss the realities behind the glamorous outdoors lifestyle too, including the mental load of guiding, the challenge of consistent training, and why Kara keeps choosing adventures that require problem-solving instead of perfect plans.

Follow Kara on Instagram @karafolkerts

On our episode this week, Kathryn is live on the ground in Port Gamble WA, for the 5th annual Hangtime women’s freeride event. Created in 2021 by pro freeride athlete Hannah Bergemann, the event brought together 60 women from across the world to showcase the rapidly progressing level of women’s freeride. The weekend isn’t about competition, it centers development and progression, and encourages the riders to support each other to progress at their own pace. Kathryn chats with young, up-and-coming riders Mayumi Wakefield and Peyton Lee about what the events means to them, and where they hope to see women’s freeride go as their careers progress in the sport. We also hear from event organizer Hannah Bergemann about what inspired her to start the event, and the changes she has seen and continues to see in the sport.

Follow the event & riders on Instagram:

@hangtime.bike

@hannahbergemann

@peyton.lee22

@mayumi.wakefield

Find the event highlights on PinkBike at: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/hannah-bergemanns-5th-annual-hangtime-recap.html

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

On this week’s episode Kristi and Kathryn talk with internet sensation Laini Bones, about how a joking Instagram bit turned into a fast-growing cycling platform. Laini started running during college, and spent 10 years as a runner working in the world of corporate finance before cycling piqued her interest. She tells us about her path from running marathons to road racing, the viral segment-hunting reels that launched her account, and how she balances comedy, competition, and growing visibility in the cycling world. The conversation also digs into her racing plans with Lauren Stevens’ team, Aegis Next Step Racing where she has been a guest rider this year, and her plans for the future - which may just include some gravel racing

Aside from being a total bad-ass on a bike, Laini is also co-founder and CFO of Carbs Fuel with her husband Gabe. She tells us how the company got started, and what it was like making the leap from her full-time corporate gig to the life of an entrepreneur and influencer.

Follow Laini on instagram @lainibones

On this week’s episode Kathryn joins us from on the ground at Gavel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska. First we hear from fellow podcasters, the Bonk Babes who tell us a little bit about how their show got starters, as well as a few plans they are cooking up for the future. Then we hear from a number of athletes including Sofia Gomez-Villafane, Cécile LeJeune, Danni Shrosbree, and race winner Gee Schreurs. Tune in to get all of the on the ground details!

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

On our episode this week Kathryn catches up with friend of the podcast, and founder of All Bodies on Bikes, Marley Blonsky. With her recent move to the west coast Marley opens up about what prompted the move, and why Portland feels like home. This year Marley took a step back from running All Bodies on Bikes, and is now working on the sales floor at River City Bicycles in Portland. She gives her perspective on what she’s learning in the role, why she loves it, and some of the trends she is seeing in the bike industry from the sales side. Marley will be having a knee replacement in the fall, after a long journey with a knee injury that has affected her life for years. She gives us an honest look at the challenges that she has faced as a person in a larger body trying to seek treatment for her injury. Marley also discusses her decision to use a GLP-1, and how she has handled the use of this medication as an endurance cyclist.

Earlier this year Marley released a children' s book called Rag Tag Best Friends Bicycle Club. She tells us about where the inspiration for the story came from, as well as where you can buy the book.

Learn more about Marley on her website marleyblonsky.com

Check out Marley’s signature collection with Shredly at https://shredly.com/ and use the code GirlsGoneGravel at checkout to save 15%!

In this episode, Kathryn and Kristi are joined by Tilly Scholl, a trailblazing photographer and cyclist who has carved a unique niche in the gravel scene. Tilly shares her unconventional journey from a cycling novice to a professional photographer, discussing how her background in film photography influences her intimate and soulful approach to storytelling. The conversation explores the significance of community support among women in gravel and the unique perspectives they bring to both racing and media, emphasizing authenticity and inclusivity across diverse age groups and backgrounds. Tilly also reflects on the challenges women face in race environments and the positive impact of brands like Silca in fostering genuine engagement through education.

From her first experiences capturing the mud of Mid South to her transition into full-time professional photography, Tilly highlights the power of portraits in capturing the confidence and personal growth of riders. She provides a look behind the scenes at our Feisty Mechanic camps and discusses the importance of capturing lasting memories that empower women within the sport. Finally, the group looks ahead to the major events Tilly will be covering, including Leadville and Gravel Worlds, as she continues to advocate for a more visible and respected space for women in the cycling industry.

Follow Tilly on Instagram @thistilly and check out her YouTube channel Tilly Show.

Join us in Tuscon, AZ for our Feisty Women's Mechanic Camp and register at: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/women-s-bike-mechanic-camp-tucson-az-feisty-media-24985624#about-this-trip

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

In this episode, Kathryn and Kristi are joined by professional cyclist and advocate Austin Killips. They explore Austin’s journey from racing to community organizing, highlighting the vision behind her upcoming Grit Mountain Bike Festival. Austin shares her cycling origin story and discusses how community has shaped her career, offering deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating professional cycling as a trans athlete.

Throughout the conversation, Austin details her work with All Bikes Welcome, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the sport. The group discusses the vital importance of grassroots events like Gritfest, which emphasize connection, accessibility, and meeting participants where they are. Austin also reflects on how failure and vulnerability have been instrumental in her growth, and shares strategies for creating beginner-friendly, sustainable spaces that prioritize diversity and representation. The episode offers valuable lessons on how to build a cycling community where everyone can belong and thrive.

Find more information at All Bikes Welcome and the Gritfest page.

Follow Austin on Instagram @austintrace and visit her website.

Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://wahoofitness.pxf.io/6kn0Eb

Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com

Tifosi: Use the code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at tifosioptics.com

In this episode,Kathryn and Kristi are joined by Gretchen Powers, an influential filmmaker, photographer, and sports industry veteran. They explore Gretchen’s career journey, beginning with her roots in Vermont and her transition from an aspiring Olympic skier to a professional photographer and filmmaker. Gretchen shares insights into her work within the outdoor and cycling industries, including her experiences with the US ski team and how she discovered her unique niche in sports storytelling.

Throughout the conversation, the group discusses the crucial role of diversity and representation in sports media, especially for women. Gretchen highlights how major events, such as Unbound and the Olympics, provide powerful opportunities to share impactful narratives. She also pulls back the curtain on the reality of race day, detailing the logistics, the long mornings, and her commitment to capturing the authentic, human side of the athletes she covers.

Finally, Gretchen delves into the importance of community, kindness, and advocacy among media crews and athletes, explaining how building authentic relationships allows photographers to access pivotal moments. She also reflects on the challenges of her profession, sharing strategies for balancing race coverage with relationships and the necessity of self-care during long event days. Her journey offers a compelling look at the power of storytelling in the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

Follow Gretchen on Instagram @gpowersfilm.