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We all know riding a bike makes us feel better—but what does the research actually say is happening to our brains, our confidence, and our overall well-being?

This episode, Anna, Juli, and Janet (she’s back! 🙌) are joined by two incredible guests from Outride: Dr. Esther Walker, Executive Director of Outride and cognitive scientist, and returning guest Jimena Dozadelli, two-time MTB Olympian, lifelong cyclist, and former Outride Ambassador.

We dive into Outride’s mission to understand how riding a bike impacts how we think, feel, and behave and, more importantly, how they’re putting that research into action. We talk about the science behind cycling and brain health, Outride’s research partnerships, expanding access to bikes, grant opportunities, and Riding for Focus their school-based cycling program helping middle-school students build riding skills, confidence, focus, and well-being. 🚲💚 

And perfect timing: applications for the 2027 Riding for Focus grants are OPEN now through January 29, 2027! Eligible schools can receive bikes, helmets, curriculum, instructor training, and implementation support.

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, then check out Outride to explore their research, programs, grants, and ways to support their work.

Ride kind. Ride curious. Keep the stoke rolling. 🚵‍♀️💚

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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Ever wonder what actually goes into creating and maintaining the trails we love to ride?

This episode, Anna and Juli are joined by super special co-host and guest Carla Chandler to talk about what happens behind the trails—and why our local mountain bike organizations need all of us.

Carla shares her journey from mountain biker to serving on the board of her local trail organization, what she's learned along the way, and why you absolutely do not need to be an expert to get involved.

We’re talking trail building and maintenance, working with landowners, fundraising, advocacy, board life, and the countless things happening behind the scenes every time we roll onto a trail. Plus, we dig into why having women at the table matters and the unique perspectives we can bring to our local riding communities.

And here's the thing: getting involved doesn't have to mean joining a board or swinging a Pulaski. 🙌

📸 Take photos.
 📣 Help with social media.
 🍪 Bring snacks to a trail day.
 💰 Become a member.
 🌲 Show up for an event.
 💚 Simply ask, “How can I help?”

Our trails don't just happen. Someone advocated for them, funded them, built them, and continues to care for them.

Your trails need you and you might have more to offer than you think. 💪🚵‍♀️

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Ride kind. Ride curious. Keep the stoke rolling. ✨

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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Can you mountain bike while pregnant?

Well… it’s complicated. And it looks different for everyone.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by special guest Devan Tracy to talk about riding through pregnancy, the changes that come with each trimester, and the big conversation around risk vs. reward. 

We’re talking about:
 🤰 When to keep riding—and when to rethink the ride
 🚵‍♀️ How balance, body position and confidence change
 ⛰️ Choosing safer trails and knowing when to walk a feature
 💧 Fueling, hydration and listening to your body
 ⚡️ E-bikes, gear and adapting your bike setup
 🧠 The emotional side of stepping back from the riding you love
 ❤️ And redefining what a “good ride” looks like

Because pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean putting your bike away. Sometimes it means learning to ride differently.

Maybe the best ride isn't the fastest, longest or most technical. Sometimes it's simply:

“I got outside. I moved my body. I felt like myself.”

And that's worth celebrating. 💚

A quick reminder: every pregnancy is different. The experiences and conversations in this episode are personal and are not medical advice. Before riding, exercising, or making changes to your activity during pregnancy, talk with your medical provider about what’s appropriate and safe for you and your pregnancy. 

A special shout-out to The Mothership Collective—a community for moms who move, play + live wild. 🙌 

A community for moms who move, play, adventure, and refuse to believe that motherhood means losing the parts of yourself that make you you.

They bring moms together through biking, hiking, camping, outdoor adventures, and connection—creating a space where motherhood and adventure can coexist.

Because sometimes you don't need permission to keep doing what you love. You just need a community that says, “Yep. Us too. Come ride with us.” 🚲🤘

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Ride kind. Ride curious. Keep the stoke rolling. 🚵‍♀️✨

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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Think about the rider who first made you believe you could.

Maybe they waited patiently while you figured out that intimidating climb. Maybe they talked you through your first rock roll. Maybe they simply smiled at the trailhead and made you feel like you belonged. This episode is dedicated to those people.

We're sharing the mentors who shaped our riding journeys, the lessons we'll never forget, and why the best mentors aren't always the fastest riders—they're the ones who build confidence, celebrate small wins, and remind us that it's okay to walk a feature.

Because mentoring isn't about creating stronger riders...

It's about creating riders who stick with the sport, lift others up, and eventually become mentors themselves.

💚 This month's challenge: Mentor one rider.
🚲 Invite someone on a ride.
⛰️ Wait at intersections.
🙌 Celebrate progress over perfection.
✨ Be the rider someone remembers.

The trails aren't just built by trail crews, they're built by the people who help others fall in love with mountain biking.

A huge shout-out to every GLOW rider who encourages, supports, cheers, laughs, and shows up for one another. You are what makes this community so special.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and if someone helped you become the rider you are today, send them a message and say thank you.

Ride kind. Ride curious. Keep the stoke rolling. 💚🚵‍♀️

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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If you could change ONE thing about mountain biking, what would it be?

In this episode, we dream up a better MTB world and tackle everything from the cost of getting started to getting more girls on bikes, creating welcoming trail communities, and building the kinds of trail systems we all want to ride.

We chat about:
 💰 Lowering barriers to entry and making mountain biking more affordable
 👧 Getting more girls and women involved in the sport
 🤝 Eliminating gatekeeping and creating a more welcoming culture
 🌲 Trail stewardship, volunteerism, and giving back
 🚴 Building progression parks, adaptive trails, and better trail signage
 🌟 Recognizing community leaders, mentors, and volunteers alongside racers

Plus our latest ride highlights, lessons learned, and a reminder that many of these positive changes are already happening through local clubs and volunteers.

💡 The big takeaway? Mountain biking becomes better when we all take ownership of the culture we want to create.

📍 Trail System Shout-Out: Keene, NH
 From the flowy trails of Food Network and Stonewall Farm to the views at Beech Hill Preserve, Keene offers something for every rider. Add in a vibrant downtown, great food, bike paths, and a thriving cycling community, and it's easy to see why we keep coming back.

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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This week we’re joined by special guest Kelly Miltner a pharmacist, herbalist, mountain biker, mom, and founder of Upper Valley Herbals for a thoughtful conversation about recovery, stress, energy, and supporting active bodies naturally.

Kelly shares how her background in pharmacy, herbal training, and mountain biking led to the creation of The Edge Theory™ and her line of herbal teas designed for athletes and busy humans alike.

We talk about:
 ✨ Why “baseline first, botanicals second” matters
 💧 Hydration, minerals, sleep, recovery & nervous system support
 ⚡ Stress, cortisol, caffeine, and the “borrowing from tomorrow” effect
 🌱 Adaptogens and where herbs actually fit into performance
 🚵‍♀️ Building strength and resilience without burning yourself out

🌟 Women Shredders Shoutout: Upper Valley Herbals
Kelly’s small-batch herbal tea company creates blends inspired by real trail days, recovery needs, and active lifestyles. Favorites include:
🔥 Full Send – pre-workout tea
💧 Water + Witchcraft – hydration/electrolytes
🌙 Power Down – recovery tea

Plus beautiful laser engraved mugs and more at: www.UpperValleyHerbals.com 

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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Thinking about getting a new-to-you bike or passing yours on to its next rider? This episode is your go-to guide for navigating the used MTB market with confidence.

We cover:
 🔍 What to look for when buying a used bike (and red flags 🚩)
 💰 Budgeting beyond the sticker price (hello, tune-ups & upgrades)
 🛠️ Key checks: frame, suspension, drivetrain, brakes & more
 🚴‍♀️ Why test rides and bike fit matter more than fancy upgrades
 📦 Tips for selling your bike—pricing, listings, and making it shine

🌟 Women Shredders Shoutout:
Marley Blonsky — co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, working to make cycling more inclusive and welcoming for riders of all sizes and abilities. Her advocacy is helping reshape the bike industry and community for the better.

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts—and good luck out there in the bike market!

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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ver wonder how massage can help you ride stronger, recover faster, and prevent injuries? We’re joined by local massage therapist Julie Clemons to talk about how bodywork can support mountain bikers and other endurance athletes.

We cover:
 👐 Different types of massage and what they’re best for
 ⚡ Massage for injury recovery vs. maintenance
 📅 How often athletes should consider massage
 🔎 What to look for in a good massage therapist
 🧘 Simple self-care tools like foam rollers, massage balls, and recovery techniques

Julie shares insights from over 8 years as a massage therapist, with a focus on orthopedic-style bodywork, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Her approach helps clients restore balance in their muscles, improve alignment, and keep doing the activities they love, whether that’s riding, skiing, or staying active year-round.

🌟 Women Shredders Shout-Out: 

Julie Clemons Massage Therapy: https://julieclemonsmassagetherapy.com/
Julie practices in White River Junction, VT where she works with a wide range of clients—from athletes to folks just looking to move and feel better. Julie is known for having a thoughtful approach that combines relaxation with targeted therapeutic work.

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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Recorded on a frigid February 8, we’re talking about cold-weather riding and the growing role of heated gear: what works, what doesn’t, and how to use it safely.

We cover:

🧤 Why cyclists lose heat so fast (wind, sweat, metal contact points)
 🔥 Heated socks vs. heated gloves vs. liners: what actually helps on a bike
 ⚡ Battery strategy, moisture management, and failure planning
 🧠 The big safety truth: cold hands = slower reactions and less control
 ⚠️ When electronics help and when they can hide warning signs

🌟 Women Shredders Shout-Out:
Shelley Lutz — longtime trail builder, coach, mentor, and recipient of the IMBA Volunteer of the Year Award. Shelley’s decades of work at Pine Hill Park and beyond have shaped Vermont riding and inspired generations of riders.

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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In this episode, we dive into skincare for riders, because dirt, sweat, sun, and wind are part of the job. We cut through the noise of complicated routines and focus on what actually matters for active women.

💥 New 2026 segment: Trail Confessions
We share wipeouts, mechanical fails, and embarrassing moments plus what we learned (like always carrying a spare shifter battery).

🌟 Women Shredders Shout-Out:
Angi Weston of Radical Roots MTB Instruction—master coach, mentor, and longtime force for inclusion, skills, and confidence on bikes.

Check out our website: GLOW MTB
Follow us on Instagram: @glow_mtb
Join our Facebook Group: GLOW MTB
Send us an Email: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the  GLOW MTB Podcast! We are the Glorious Ladies on Wheels are here to share stories, tips and tricks all about mountain biking and keeping you informed of what is happening in our incredible community. GLOW is located in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and your hosts for the Podcast are Anna, Janet and Juli.  

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