Tina Ooley from Every Pedal MTB

Tina Ooley is the founder and owner of Every Pedal MTB, an inclusion-based mountain bike program in Durango, CO that empowers both youth and adults by teaching life skills through bike skills. She is the woman you want your kids learning how to ride bikes from and the friend you want to giggle your way down the trail with. We want to catch up with her to find out how she's currently adapting Every Pedal due to circumstances surrounding the pandemic, what's on tap for late summer, and what her new favorite SHREDLY outfit is!

What inspired you to start Every Pedal?

My belief in the bike as a tool for self-discovery. I feel strongly that everyone should have access to an inclusive, kind, and empowering environment to show up, just as they are, and discover just what they CAN do.

What advice do you have for women and girls who are interested in getting started with mountain bikes but are intimidated by it?

The toughest part can be having the courage to just show up. I know I struggled with that. For a long time, I couldn’t get past all the stories in my head of why I couldn’t show up. “I’m not good enough. Everyone will have to wait for me. What if I have to walk.” It went on and on. If someone is inviting you, or you are considering a women’s clinic, do it! Be brave, show up! What you will find is that there are lots of us who felt that way. We really do want to ride with YOU and we don’t care if you walk, need time to rest, are scared, or whatever. You belong and you will discover the strength and courage that maybe you didn’t know you have. Not to mention you will have so much fun and make life long friends through the process.

What is your favorite part of your work with Every Pedal?

Witnessing the kids discover their power and fall in love with their bike in the process. Last year, one of the kindergarten girls had just discovered that she actually could get up the hill that scared her to even try. In an effort to encourage her teammates who were still a bit scared she said, “Think to yourself ‘I can, I will, I did, I’m good!” I will never forget that day. I now have dozens of those days logged in my head. I’m so proud of them. Their journey actually helps me with mine.

How can our community support your business in these times when you cannot operate?

We are all in this together and I think the best way to support my business and others is to support the communities that give us the opportunity to do what we do. Donate to your local food bank, donate to local emergency relief funds, donate your skills to supporting our healthcare workers, thank a grocery store employee, buy gift cards at your local bike shops, and if an event or service you signed up for has been canceled do your best to transfer that to another offering at a later date rather than a refund if possible. And most importantly, continue to spread kindness, compassion, and empathy. This is a difficult time for so many people.

Favorite trail/place to ride?

Riding in the high country of Colorado is a soul soother for me. There are so many incredible places to ride, but if I had to pick one it would be above tree line.

Favorite Shredly print?

Gahhh! Two tough questions in a row ;) I’m not sure I can pick just one. The TINA, the JONESY, and the new LAYLA are my current favorites.

What is the silver lining of social distancing for you?

The chance for all of us to slow down and connect with our loved ones. Everyone is always so “busy”. I do believe that this “distancing” is actually bringing us all closer together. And I think Mother Earth needed this slow down as well.

Favorite meal you have cooked at home in the last 2 weeks?

My son says chili "because it’s easy to make and it’s delicious”. My favorite was the Curry Chicken. What is helping you stay positive during this global pandemic? DJ DNice’s #clubquarantine Global dance parties on Insta, time with my boys (although that isn’t always positive), and seeing all the helpers out there.